discipleship

Location, Location, Location

Dr. Mike Journey in Christ , , , , , , , , ,

heaven 2“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

PRAY 9

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

Dr. Mike Journey in Christ , , , , , , , , , ,

Olympics 1As 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

PRAYER 1

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

 

Jesus Knows Who We Are

Dr. Mike Journey in Christ , , , ,

 service 1

Why do we serve?  Do we want to let the world know how good of a person we are?  Does it make us feel important?  Or is it just a part of our nature?  Do we truly believe it is more blessed to give than receive?

We just finished reading an old Discipleship Journal magazine which had an article entitled “Secret Service.”  The article outlined how a few Christ-followers are serving others incognito.  They practice the scripture of not letting your right-hand know what your other hand is doing in serving others.  When they help others they do it either through a third party or in secret.  At the end of the day, all glory goes to God and the act itself.  They just receive the personal satisfaction of helping others without the fanfare.  We love the act.

When Jesus served, was his primary attitude to draw attention to Himself or to help others for their sake with as little fanfare as possible?  Did Jesus die for us because He wanted to achieve personal glory or because He Loves us?  When He walked the earth, who did He give the glory to?  As His disciple, we have learned that the glory and honor belongs to Jesus, our Heavenly Dad, and the Holy Spirit.  All the glory and praise is God’s.  We have come to realize that everything we accomplish, whether in service or for personal gain, we achieve only because of God’s grace.  For starters, He gives us life itself.  He gives us the air to breathe, makes our heart tick, and mind to operate effectively (unless we damage it).  He gives us His Spirit of compassion and love.  He allows us to work and earn an income.  He allowed us to be born in America, the land of physical wealth and personal freedom.  He blesses us so we can bless others.  He provides us the opportunities to serve.  He teaches us the joy and privilege of serving.  No wonder all the praises and glory go to Him.  Everything begins and ends with Him.

We don’t need the recognition anymore.  Our recognition comes from Him.  We are His disciples and He takes exceptionally good care of us.  All recognition goes to Him.

OUR PRAYER

PRAY 8

Dear Wonderful Dad, you are our success, joy, and recognition in everything we do.  You surround us with your Grace and Presence each and every day.  You give us more than we deserve.  You make our cup overflow with your abundant riches.  Everything we own is a loan from you.  You created everything for us to share in and we likewise share it with others.  Without you there is nothing worth owning, possessing, or having.  You add value to everything because you created value.  We can never express our gratitude and thankfulness for your involvement in our life.  Everything is because of you.

If we have not express our thanks to you today, let us say thank you again and again.  If we have already expressed our thanks to you today, we express it again.  There is not enough time in a day to thank you for your Grace, your Gifts, but more importantly just knowing you.  We humbly thank you and express our gratitude.  Amen.

Consultant & Coach for Christ-Centered
Business Owners & Executives

Dr. Mike

Author of Great Business Emulates a Good God
Website: EnjoyLifeInChrist.com