Savior, Messiah, King

Dr. Mike Christmas, Jesus Christ , , ,
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
“We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ)” John 1:41
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:32-33

xmas 1

What is Christmas all about?

Is it simply a national holiday?
Is it a religious holy day?
Is it a birthday celebration?

What does the exchange of presents have to do with Christmas?
Is it a day we give ourselves a license to buy the things we always wanted but could never justify? Is it group mentality gone array?

Big business manipulates the airwaves with advertisement. Nonprofits increase their fund development campaigns. The western world gives itself an excuse to party hard. Is it all really about Jesus or something else? What is the reason for the season?

I use too and still do become angry at the commercialism and self-indulgence showcasing itself each year at this time. I also laugh at times realizing that historically this season of the year was once a pagan celebration, but Christians redeemed it for Christ. (I think we are still trying to figure out how to live-out the redemption part.) Yet, I am glad that Jesus is given some recognition in the public media and national channels. I only wish it was more.

I find it interesting that Jesus never asked us to celebrate his birth. We don’t even know the date of His birth. But we do know that He is no longer a baby. He sits on a throne in heaven intervening for you and me. He is humanity’s Savior, Israel’s Messiah, and Heaven & Earth’s King. He is the reason for this and every season!

So this Christmas, and every Christmas, and every day in between, let’s Celebrate Him! Let’s thank Him for what He has done, is doing, and will do. For He is the reason for all our seasons.

My prayer is that you and your love ones have a most enjoyable Christmas!

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
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

Learn. Integrate. Grow.

Feelings

Dr. Mike Jesus Apprentice, Life in Christ, Shaped By The WORD , , , ,
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” Proverbs 29:11 ESV

feeling 3

I don’t feel like it!

How often have we expressed the same?

What did we do with that feeling?

Did we follow through as a victim of our feelings?

Or did we balance the feelings with God’s Character?

Did we weigh the feelings with His Word?

What is the truth when you compare your feelings with His Word?

Yes, there are times when our feelings will be correct. Other times your feelings will blind you to the truth.

Be a wise person. Stop, pull back, and evaluate the situation. Don’t let your feelings lead you unless you already know they are built upon the foundation of God’s love, grace, and truth.

 

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
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

Learn. Integrate. Grow.

 

 

“You Are Invited”

Dr. Mike Jesus Apprentice, Journey in Christ, Life in Christ , ,
 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said,.. Mark 1:7 NIV

 invitation 4

It all begins with God. He created the world which included humanity. He not only planned, designed, and executed a God-size strategy, but He also opened the door for His creation to join Him in His journey.

He invited Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to join Him. He invited the entire nation of Israel to join Him. Through Jesus, he invited the entire remaining human race to join Him.

He doesn’t force, coerce, or manipulate you to join Him. He doesn’t threaten you, remove His common grace, or strike you with lighting if you don’t join Him.

He has given you the free choice to follow Him or not. He respects you as a person. He doesn’t interfere with your plans unless he is invited. This is why I appreciate the prayers of my parents, family members, friends, and fellow saints on my behalf. Their prayers invites God to intervene in my life to the point where I am able to willingly and joyfully accept His invitation into my personal space.

Isn’t it interested how the mature invites the immature to participate in something that they will benefit in the long run? The mentor who invites the mentee to learn from her. The trader who invites others to join him and learn how to trade the markets more successfully. The teacher who invites the student into a specific field of study that builds upon their strengths and desires. The carpenter who hires an apprentice to learn the business more effectively. We see it all around us.

Isn’t evangelism simply inviting others into a relationship with the living God?  They can choose to join or not. It is their choice. The best we can do is invite them, pray for them, and love them on behalf of Jesus Christ. He invites us into a personal relationship with Him. Can’t we do the same for others?

 

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
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

Learn. Integrate. Grow.