apprentice of Jesus

Jesus, Merciful Judge

Dr. Mike Jesus Christ , , , , ,
 And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” John 8:11 ESV

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A woman caught in the act of adultery was brought before Jesus. The people wanted Jesus to agree with the Law which stated that such a person should be stoned to death. Jesus refrained from speaking. Instead, he began to write on the ground. What he wrote we will not know this side of heaven. But as he wrote, each person from the eldest to the youngest ran away until no one was left to accuse the woman. Jesus likewise did not condemn the person. Instead he gave her a warning and a personal mission; freedom and encouragement to change her ways.

When I read the last several chapters of the Book of Revelation which showcases Jesus as the person who will judge us on our walk in this life, I am very thankful.  We have a judge that has proven himself to be very merciful.  And I need more mercy than most. Yet, I am also very apprehensive.  Though he lives in us, leads us, and encourages us on a daily basis, we don’t always respond to him as quickly or enthusiastically as one fully empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Each season in life, we discover another area of self that is imperfect compared to our Savior.

Yes, sin is very deceptive.  Most of our human difficulties are buried under the disguise of sin. We need food, clothing, and shelter to survive. So rather than trust our Maker with the solution and seek-out work that is beneficial for all stakeholders, we turn to crime, prostitution, or free loafing.  We want intimacy, respect, and recognition from others. So instead of having Christ fill our inner desires, we manipulate, control, and bend people toward our way of thinking and goals.

Jesus knows how strong the inner desires of an unconverted heart can become. He also knows the solution.  He allows trials and tests in this life so we may mature in virtue, godliness, and Kingdom living.  We can be thankful that He is our judge and jury. He knows our frame. He knows our inadequacies. He knows our fears and doubts. Yet He also knows what it is going to take to prepare us for eternity. To be a vessel that will glorify God and productive toward others.

We may be guilty for a ton of stuff that has enslaved us to this world. Yet Jesus showers us with his grace and opens the door for us to change and follow Him in His Kingdom. So like Paul before us, we don’t even judge ourselves (I Corinthians 4:3). We place our trust and faith in our Merciful Judge, Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. How about you?

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.

Who Are You?

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , , , , ,

“…you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:6-7 (ESV)

who 1

Whenever we meet someone new, the conversation eventually reaches the question, “what do you do?” Typically the reply is the job we have or the number #1 responsibility currently in our life like being a full time mom or a volunteer for a nonprofit. From this reply we quickly summarize a person’s identity and whether or not we have something in common to discuss. Yet what we do and who we are may not fit into the standard cultural box of the time. That sometimes leads to an awkward conversation with the new person in our world.

One of the challenges that many people face travelling through time and space is separating the roles in their life from their identity. We typically see this with people who identify themselves though their roles. If they have a great day at work, they feel good about themselves. If they have a bad day at work, they feel less worthy. If the current fad is to be a celebrity or entrepreneur , they will pursue it as the answer for their life. The struggle is realizing that the roles we choose will only temporarily fill our identity cup but will never sustain it.

One of life’s big questions is to answer “who am I?” What are my strengths, weaknesses? What is my purpose in life? Where do I fit in this world? The answer, as you may already be aware, is Jesus Christ. He is life’s reason. He is the central character of the Bible. All of life is built around Him. When we come to that realization, than and only then, will we discover our identity.

We will realize that He is the beginning of a new creation; a creation that includes you. You have an identity that is permanently engraved in heaven and in your heart through the Holy Spirit. No role can match it. Nothing in this world will complete you and fulfill you like He will.

Whatever role you may pursue is simply something you do, not who you are. In your role you can learn new skills and improve your performance. Who you are is not measured by performance, but by the grace of God. Who you be is expressed by who you follow and serve.

Performances may measure outcome, but grace identifies the heart. Both are needed to survive in today’s world. Yet, who you be will always survive your roles. Your role as a husband, wife, father, mother, executive, teacher, scientist, musician, athlete, actor, or whatever, will come to an end. However, who you are and be, will continue into eternity. God is more concern of who you are than the role you perform. His purpose is to prepare you for eternity, not necessarily for you to climb the corporate ladder, win the super bowl, or marry your childhood sweetheart.

Let’s not confuse our roles in life with our identity. It only leads to more frustration and heartache. However, when you accept and live life in Christ nothing will take away your identity. You are already included in the work Christ has accomplished. Therefore, enjoy your life in Christ and be thankful for the various roles you are able to perform for the glory of God.

 

Remember, we are always rooting for you!

 

Yours 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.

 

 

Follow The Money

Dr. Mike Business & Faith , , , , , ,

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”  Luke 12:34

follow the money

Want to know where your heart truly stands? Just follow the money. Whether we are speaking about a business or a personal life, the principle is still the same. You can determine your values by how you spend your money.

Take the example of a business that boasts that their people are their most important asset. If you want confirmation, just find out how much of their operating expenses are spent for and toward their team. I can’t tell you the number of financial statements that I have analyzed which contradicted senior management beliefs on the subject. For a family, the income after the basic necessity of food, clothing, and shelter will give you a good snapshot of a person’s heart; what they value and consider important.

Jesus’ statement is still revealing today. What you value is where you will spend your time and money. However, when the Triune God is the center of your soul, He is also redeeming your time and money. It is a process, but over one’s life-time one learns that God owns it all and is simply sharing it with us all. That as stewards, we are accountable to Him. We thank Him for everything including the opportunity to express our hearts through the physical activities of life. Like Him, we open our resources to others. Our values begin to change as the Holy Spirit changes our hearts to reflect Him more and more. We become more Christ-like.

We all truly express ourselves from our inner being. It takes a spiritual rebirth to have one’s heart reshaped and molded into the image of the living God. When that happens, one then can say what the Bible states about King David. “He is a man after my (God’s) own heart.”

So if you are seeking a new adventure for life, ask God to reveal the condition of your heart. But more so, ask Him to change your heart to reflect His in everything you say, think, and do. Remember, He is rooting for you!

Yours 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.