Without Failure

Dr. Mike Business & Faith, Life in Christ , , , , ,
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain”. 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV
“Life keeps throwing me lemons because I make the best lemonade.” – King James Gadsden

failure 2

Failure is the road to success.
Without failure, we wouldn’t know which is the better road to take.
Without failure, we would produce inferior products and service.
Without failure, we wouldn’t know what changes to make.
Without failure, we would take everything for granted.
Without failure, pride would rule.
Without failure, humility wouldn’t shine.
Without failure, love would be cheapen.
Without failure, the best wouldn’t climb to the top.
Without failure, the reward-to-risk return wouldn’t be appreciated.
Without failure, lemonade would never come from lemons.
Without failure, light bulbs wouldn’t exist.
Without failure, victory would be shallow.
Without failure, second chances wouldn’t be necessary.
Without failure, grace wouldn’t be needed.
Without failure, evil would overcome good.
Without failure, boredom would be the number one complaint from people.
Without failure, there is no need for a Savior.
Without failure, hope is lost.
Without failure, courage wouldn’t be noticed.
Without failure, faith would be dead.
Without failure, truth would never be realized.
Without failure, life would be empty.
Without failure, opportunities wouldn’t exist.
Without failure, godly character wouldn’t bloom.
Without failure, talent wouldn’t be noticed.
Without failure, life would simply be taken for granted.

Isn’t life awesome when you can take failure, learn from it, make changes, and continue to move forward toward your life’s purpose and goals?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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Pride Speaks

Dr. Mike Life in Christ
“Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.” Psalm 31:23 ESV

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Pride speaks blindly. When pride covers our true identity, we forget who we are and act accordingly: stupidly. Our words may sparkle, but they carry empty rhetoric. (Witness the political arena and you get a taste of it.) Whenever I feel a touch of pride-me-o-us coming, I turn to Scripture for grounding.

Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23
One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

Obadiah 1:3
The pride of your heart has deceived you…

Mark 7:21-23
For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

The Bible has much more for you to read and discover about pride. For now though, those of us who have truly surrendered to Lord Jesus, we are most grateful for Him releasing pride’s grip on us.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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Perfectionism

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms
“Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh”? Gal. 3:3 ESV

 perfectionism3

Human perfectionism is an illusion. Those who strive to be perfect through their own efforts typically are covering up some fear, shame or hidden lie about themselves. Chasing perfection gives them a sense of control and makes them feel good about themselves. The truth be told though, the cost far exceeds the return of time and effort in the process. Like religion, perfectionism only covers the surface to make one feel good about themselves but never gets to the root of the problem.

If you or someone you know seeks perfection, pray for them to see, learn, and integrate what Paul writes about in Galatians. Through human effort, perfection only covers the problem. It never solves the internal hole that binds the person within perfection’s grip. The only long lasting solution is allowing the Holy Spirit to complete His work in you.

Yet Jesus did say that we should strive for perfection (Matt. 5:48). He stated that we should become perfect like our heavenly Father is perfect. However, the perfection he spoke about is built on the foundation of the Holy Spirit. It involves a renovation of the heart. A change of heart and mind focused on His work. He didn’t expect us to become perfect apart from the help he promised us.

His desire is that our character become like His. That by abiding in him he morphs his character into us. We become perfect not by our personal efforts, but by walking and living with him.

If you struggle with perfectionism, start by asking God to change your thinking of how perfection looks like and its fruitlessness. Then, instead of pursuing perfection, chase after excellence. You will find that perfection robs you of time, money, and relationships. On the other hand, excellence is about being effective. Perfection is expecting more than your best. Excellence is giving your best. Perfection is denying your humanity. Excellence is about taking your limitations and resources into consideration. Perfectionism seeks to glorify the self. Excellence glorifies God. Perfectionism leads to relational failure. Excellence leads to success.

Wherever you are in your journey with Jesus, stay focused in him, with him, and through him. He will via the Holy Spirit lead you to experience the freedom we have in him. Remember, perfectionism is slavery to a lie; instead let’s always pursue excellence in Christ.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!