A Mirror Image of Jesus

20142020 Dr. Mike Journey in Christ apprentice of Jesus, christ-follower, Christianity, christlike, enjoy life in christ, Journey in christ, Kingdom of God, KINGDOM REALITY, radical for christ, radical in christ

In Jesus’ time, people knew you were a Jew because you kept the law. A visible part of that law was the keeping of the seventh day Sabbath. As a Christ-follower, our sign to the world is not how well we keep the law but how well is Christ formed in us.

What advertises us to the world is a way of life rooted and built on the foundation of Jesus Christ and expressed through the power and love of the Holy Spirit. When people see something different in us, that difference is the heart, mind, and soul of God. In our relationship with our Heavenly Dad, iron sharpens iron. Our Triune God’s influence in our life is changing us to reflect His glory, love, and nature before others. If we are an authentic disciple of Jesus, than isn’t Jesus living in us and expressing Himself through us?

When Jesus sees us, isn’t our hope and vision that He sees a mirror image of Himself? Though most of us would have to admit that is not always true of us. Aren’t there many times a day when the mirror becomes gray, cloudy, and difficult to see? Like many of the saints before us, isn’t it a daily discipline to keep the mirror clean? What we find though that works best for many of us is simply to keep our focus on strengthening the relationship between the Triune God and ourselves.

One of the best analogies is the relationship with our spouse. From the day we were infatuated with her to the day we married, and from the day we married till today, our love has grown deeper and our relationship stronger. It didn’t happen via fiat. It has happen because we both focused on exercising the necessary disciplines in our relationship to make it happen. It is important for us and we therefore invest the time in nurturing and enjoying each other’s companionship.

Isn’t it likewise with God? Ever since our Heavenly Dad grabbed our attention, led us to our Lord Jesus, and introduced us to the Holy Spirit, life has been one infatuated, passionate journey of discovery and relationship-building. Just like we will not do anything deliberately to harm our relationship with our spouse, don’t we likewise not want to harm the relationship that has been built with our Eternal Partners? In fact, just like we work to strengthen our marriage relationship, don’t we likewise work to improve our relationship with our Eternal Partners? Just like it takes time and priority to build a strong marriage, it likewise takes time and priority (even more so) to build a strong relationship with our Invisible God.

Our daily goal is that nothing comes before or between our relationship with each other. When Jesus returns, doesn’t our heart, mind, and ears deeply desire to hear His words, “Well done my faithful servant?” Until then, we gladly lift our banner as high as we are capable each and every day. For our banner is Jesus Christ fully expressing Himself in us each and every day. Like Paul wrote in the book of Galatians, ”I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” And with that we say Amen.

OUR PRAYER

Our Heavenly, Awesome Dad, thank you for everything you are and everything you represent and everything you do for us.

Now we only ask that you continue to create and complete within us your divine nature. That you bestow upon us your great favor and compassion. That you always shower upon us your mercy and love. In return, help us to live a life that glorifies you.

We have tried everything that this life has to offer. You know our heart. The only passion that we have left is living the spirit led life rooted in Jesus for your glory.

Help us to live it with your honor and glory always first. Thank you for making everything possible. Thank you, Jesus. As we always pray in your name and authority. Amen.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Consultant, Coach, and Encourager

Author of Great Business Emulates a Good God

Does God Really, Really, Really Loves Us?

20142022 Dr. Mike Journey in Christ apprentice of Jesus, christ-follower, christlike, DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST, KINGDOM REALITY, radical for christ, radical in christ

Adam and Eve were naked and not ashamed (Gen.2:25). Have you ever wondered why? Was it because they lived in a world apart from sin until they placed their selfish desires before obedience to their Creator? Wasn’t it only after they sinned did they realize that they were naked and ashamed of it? Then they tried hiding from God(Gen.3:8). Hasn’t mankind been trying to hide from God ever since?

Generally speaking. don’t we hide from God because we feel no worth to Him? Don’t we hide from God because we cannot live up to His expectations? Don’t we hide from God because we are ashamed of what we truly are?

Could we argue that shame comes because of our fears, guilt, and pride? Or in other words, isn’t shame the result of sin? Sin, in this case, being defined as living life without faithful trust in our Lord (Rm.14:23) and/or without love.

As a disciple of His we are thankful that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ cleans us of our sins. That through His life, sacrifice and resurrection, we have been given a new life built on godly hope. faith and love (I Cor 13: 13). We have no more fear of punishment because perfect love replaces fear (I Jn 4: 18). We have no more guilt because the blood of Jesus removes the eternal penalty of sin. And we have no more pride of life, because we have been made empty and refilled with Him.

We are the unashamed because we are the children of the Living God. We do not live in shame anymore, but live in the glory of our Creator. We do not play with sin anymore, instead we repent of it. We do not hide from our sins anymore, but instead we confess them. Sin is not our master anymore; instead we are bond-servants and slaves of Jesus Christ. And as servants of Jesus, we are free from the eternal penalty that sin produces. We are not ashamed anymore of who or what we are. We have been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. Our heavenly Dad has invested the entire universe with its spiritual powers to protect and provide for our safe journey through this life until we meet Him in His Heavenly Domain. We have been given a new life now and will receive a spiritual life for all eternity. What do we have to be ashamed of?

OUR PRAYER

Our Heavenly Dad, we can never repay you for all that you have done for us. You have given us the tools to live life with real abundance. You have taught us and are teaching us how to live in active faith with love our central focus. You have changed us. You have surrounded us with your arms of compassion. You have expressed your love to us each and every day. Though circumstances and events may occur that causes pain and suffering, we know that you are there to strengthen us and to help us walk victorious. Help us to eradicate the sins that so easily befall us. Help us see the evil and pain of what sin does in our life and the life of those around us. Help us be a light to those who don’t know you; someone who you can be pleased with each and every day. Thank you for sharing your plan of salvation with us. Help us share it effectively with others when the time comes. Everything we are and have that is good and of value has come from you. Thank you. And thank you Jesus for your awesome love and sacrifice. For in your name and authority we ask and pray this. Amen.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Consultant,Coach, and Encourager

Author of Great Business Emulates a Good God

Wear Your Servant Crown Daily

20142021 Dr. Mike Journey in Christ apprentice of Jesus, christ-follower, christlike, DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST, Kingdom of God, KINGDOM REALITY, life in christ, radical for christ, radical in christ

When we study the life of Jesus, one of the characteristics that many find fascinating is His approach to dealing with Satan and sin. He always proactively pushed sin away from Himself. He never played with it. He never entertained himself with it. He never dwelled long on its “benefits.” He simply dismissed it out of His life by quoting the Word which refocused His attention to the source of all His power and energy -His Heavenly Dad.

Maybe He had the experience of knowing the effects of Satan’s ways throughout history and knew the outcome of his craftiness. One reason history so often repeats itself may be the characteristic of Satan doesn’t change. His approach with dealing with mankind has been universally victorious the majority of the time so why change. It worked back in the time of the Garden of Eden and it works now the same way. He is the devil or adversary in our relationship with God.

Yet we always need to remind ourselves that strength as a people is found in Christ. It is not found in keeping laws, principles, or rituals. It is not necessary us knowing scriptures. It is our desire and passion to keep focused on Jesus, on the work of the Holy Spirit, and the Source of everything good and perfect, our Heavenly Dad. Jesus defeated Satan at Calvary. He didn’t defeat Satan with deceit or cunning. He didn’t defeat Satan with lustful power, prestige, or wealth. He humbly sacrificed Himself in love for all people.

When confronted by our adversary, we are to draw near to God and He will draw near to us. We are to flee from sin, not visit it. We are to remind ourselves through scripture; Who is in control? Who is our faith in? Where does our hope lay? and Where does our allegiance belong? We are not to drag our feet, shuffle our toes, or gaze into the sky looking for an excuse to sin. We are to nip it at the bud. Fling it away. Run away. Keep it away.

Remember Job’s life. It’s possible that Satan could make your physical world miserable. He specializes in it. He could even destroy our body. But he can’t destroy our soul. We have a crown. Wear it daily. We are brothers and sisters of the King of Kings. Satan knows that and wants us to forget it and live our life separate from our King. But no matter what the Rebellious one does to us, he only does with permission from our heavenly Dad. Satan is limited in His authority. And God has a special plan for us in His project of redemption. If He allows Satan to work us over for a time, it’s only for our good. Trust Him. Ask Him for the strength and endurance to survive whatever Satan throws our way. Our Lord will protect us as long as we walk with Him. Listen to Him in our prayers. Watch His work in the people around us. Enjoy His creation. And pray for daily deliverance from temptation and sin. He always provides a way of escape for us.

As a disciple of His, we will encounter Satan in our life. But Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Satan may be a rebellious character, but God knows how to handle Him. We simply need to put our faith and trust in the living God. Don’t hesitate when confronted by evil, sin, or our adversary. Be proactive in the faith. Be vigilant in our relationship with God. Remember, we are children of the living God. Act accordingly.

OUR PRAYER

Our Righteous Dad, thank you for victory. It is difficult at times to deal with the problems and inconveniences that this life has to offer. But it is encouraging to know that Jesus lived His life victoriously for us. Help us to live a proactive life in the faith against sin and against Satan. Help us to focus our energy in service for others. Help us live a life as an extremely passionate disciple of Christ. Bless those who bless you with all your abundance. Bless those who don’t know you with your Truth. Bless us all.

Yours In Christ,