Location, Location, Location

20132021 Dr. Mike Journey in Christ apprentice of Jesus, christ-follower, Christianity, christlike, DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST, discipleship, Kingdom of God, life in christ, radical in christ, transformation

“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:3

What is your definition of heaven? Is it a place from where God rules the universe? Is it where the angels reside with God? Is it the place where our souls go after our physical death? Is it another dimension? Is it located near the north star?

Jesus spoke about the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God. Are they different places or the same? He described heaven as having many rooms as a mansion. In the Book of Revelation, heaven is described merged together and residing on the new earth. One recent song describes heaven on earth is Jesus Christ. Some feel that heaven is only having a relationship with God. Others feel that heaven is a figment of one’s superstitious mind. There are many other concepts of heaven. What is yours?

The best description of heaven that we have, of course, is found in the Word. We may not know anyone personally who has gone to heaven and returned to describe it to us with the exception of Jesus and the inspired writers of the Word. Yet, as a Christ-follower, it is the end result of our life. It is the focus of our energy and the belief of our trust in Jesus that makes us pursue it with our whole being. As a Christ-follower, we have come to learn that faith not only moves mountains but also crystallizes hope in God; a hope in a generous God still creating His masterpiece. Not a physical masterpiece, but a spiritual masterpiece; a spiritual, eternal home for all His children to rule and minister with Him the work that He has planned from the foundation of creation.

Heaven is God’s home from where He conducts His business of running the universe. Whatever description we have come up with is limited based on our physical senses and understanding. We know based on the Word that one must be born with a spiritual body to reside there. That of course means a body that is built to last for all eternity. We know that we will see Jesus as He currently is in all power and majesty as described in The Book of Revelation.

As a disciple of His, our goal is to be with Him. It doesn’t matter where or when. Our only concern is that it will be. Some of our brothers make a strong issue of when. They argue that immediately after death one’s soul goes directly to heaven. Others feel that at death one’s soul sleeps until the resurrection. Both arguments can be substantiated through scripture. Which is the correct answer though will only be resolve after our physical life is over. Until then, does it really matter? Again, our only desire is to be with Him now and for all eternity. The little details will take care of themselves through time. Heaven is the goal.

OUR PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Dad, thank you for giving us a reason, a purpose, a destination to live for. Apart from you there is nothing of value worth pursuing in this life. We long and wait for our time with you in our new body and eternal habitat.
Help us to continually capture the vision and peace of your heavenly domain. Let it reside in us today. We live in the midst of eternity today. Help us to live each day in your kingdom as Jesus lived while serving you on earth.
We await our time when we may see you as you are; without physical limitations. Keep us in your arms. Keep us on track. Keep us focused. Thank you, Jesus.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Coach, Consultant, and Speaker

Author of Great Business Emulates a Good God

Our Coach Has Designed a Personal, Winning Training Program For You

20132022 Dr. Mike Journey in Christ apprentice, christ-follower, christlike, disciple of his, DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST, discipleship, God speaks to Us today, Kingdom of God, life in christ, radical in christ, transformation

As we write this, a documentary of the Olympics is taking place. The thought occurred that many of the athletes practice for this moment since the completion of the previous Olympics. Their steady diet of exercise, eating, and rehearsing their movements has been with them every day since they made up their minds to compete. Their daily routine to prepare for the games has been a long but rewarding time for many of them. Though not everyone will win a medal, just the opportunity to have the chance to compete is all they ask.

Likewise, as disciples of His, we are also involved on a daily diet of exercises to prepare ourselves for that day when our turn comes to enter the greatest event of all time. We prepare for the return of God’s Kingdom on earth in all its totality. When we will be changed into spiritual beings and live for eternity. The greatest competition is not against one another, but against Satan, against this world’s system, and against our self. We all run and we will all receive the prize. Our pace may differ. Our paths may differ. Our obstacles and challenges may differ. But our final prize will be shared with many.

Paul wrote in first Corinthians, chapter nine, starting in verse twenty-four that we need to be in the race to win. That everyone who competes also disciplines and trains their body for victory. Likewise in Hebrews, chapter twelve, verse one, Paul writes instructing us to run the race with perseverance removing every obstacle that comes in our way.

Our daily routine is built around seeking the kingdom of God. Our priorities are established not to seek fortune, fame, power, or whatever in this life. Instead, our priorities are set to pursue the kingdom of God. It is with our relationships family members, co-workers, neighbors, and everyone we come in contact with during the day. Some days we may become lazy and our Coach has to remind us of our commitment. Other days, our Coach has to remind us to slow down and not become frustrated for not establishing the kingdom today in every corner of the universe. He has set the course. We only have to run it at the speed that God knows is best suited for us. Isn’t it great to have a Coach and support staff that has guaranteed us victory as long as we follow the program?

OUR PRAYER

Our Great Coach and Heavenly Dad, thank you for entering us into the greatest “game” of life – your kingdom. Your kingdom is the solution for all worldwide, governmental problems. It is the answer for all peoples everywhere. It is your method of governing mankind.

Help us to learn more of your government, your kingdom, and your ways. Teach us your love and faith and help us practice it each and every day in all circumstances. Train us in all your ways. Discipline us to be one of the best in your kingdom. Let us make you pleased with all our work, thoughts, and actions.

Your government is our preferred one. Let your rule exemplify itself through our life. Let us be a living ambassador for your government while we walk on earth. Answer this prayer and all our prayers according to your will. Amen.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Coach, Consultant, and Speaker

Author of Great Business Emulates a Good God

Our Power is in Jesus

20132023 Dr. Mike Journey in Christ christ-follower, christlike, DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST, life in christ, radical in christ

Like Paul stated, so can we. “I can do everything through Him (Jesus Christ) who strengthens me” (Phil4:3).
Where does your strength come from? Does it come from that special diet you eat? Or is it the exercise you put yourself through each day? Maybe, it is the special vitamins you take daily? Or is it possibly the books and tapes you read and listen to each day? Whatever and wherever you receive your strength, we are assured that it is only a token of what we have available through Him who manages the universe.
Isn’t it through Jesus that we receive the Holy Spirit? Isn’t it through Jesus that we have a Mediator with the Creator? Isn’t it through Jesus that we have promises yet to be fulfilled? Isn’t it through Jesus that we receive answers to our prayers? Isn’t it through Jesus that our labor is not in vain? Isn’t it through Jesus that we have hope for eternity? Isn’t it through Jesus that we have the central core “measuring stick” where all people can become united? Isn’t it through Jesus that our sins are forgiven? Isn’t it through Jesus that inner peace starts and worldwide peace will arrive? Isn’t it through Jesus that our pain is lessen and burdens made light? Isn’t it through Jesus that we receive strength to carry our cross to completion? Isn’t it through Jesus that grace makes its debut?
Prior to Jesus, didn’t we try to do it all our self? We worked at climbing the ladder of self-improvement. We focused on the legalistic approach to life. We were the source of our personal strength. When we ran out of gas, we stopped. When we hit the wall, we stopped. When we ran out of answers, we stopped. We spent more time stopping then living. Whichever way we went, our strength slowly left us. It was only after we answered the door that Jesus was knocking that our life spiritually changed. Until then, we reached a plateau but didn’t go any further. It was Jesus that made us stretch to another level and experience real power, real joy, real love, and real life.
As a disciple of His, our work has value. Our instructions come from Him. Our rewards come from Him. Our benefits come from Him. Our value comes from Him. Our assignments come through Him. Our focus is on Him. He was there in the beginning when Power was created, and He knows how Power is best used. We rely on His Power and thank Him for allowing us to have access to it. Again, thank you God!

OUR PRAYER

Our Powerful and Gracious Dad, thank you for your gift of life. For creating the entire universe, laying out a plan for all mankind, and sharing with us your life through Jesus.
Everything of value that we have is only because of you and what Jesus has done for us. We thank you! Praise you! Honor you! Glorify you! Magnify you! Shout to the heavens for you!
Each day is a journey of discovery. Each day is a building process with Jesus being our cornerstone. Each day is a learning experience of living the abundant life in Jesus.
Everything of value comes from you. Thank you and thank you Jesus. Let your strength be revealed through us in all that we do. Let us have your source of energy to display your works before others. Again, the glory is all yours. Thank you for giving us the privilege of being your child and your disciple. Amen.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Coach, Consultant, and Speaker

Author of Great Business Emulates a Good God