enjoy life in christ

God, Family, Character

Dr. Mike Life in Christ ,
“You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.” Psalms 128:2

life liberty 1

Thanksgiving is one of the national holidays that I supremely enjoy. A time to give thanks to our Awesome Benefactor for the bountifulness of this great country.

To reflect on this unique country and its history makes one realize how blessed as a nation we truly are. From the pilgrims first settlement, to my parents immigrating after World War II, to the illegal aliens willing to risk their own lives to come to this country, makes one realize how special this nation truly has become. Yet we also cry inside as we watch this country throw out the baby with the bath water.

When you read the writings of many early American historians, you note at least three common characteristics most often expressed that made this country great: God, Family, and Character. This God of our early history wasn’t an idealistic idea, but a Providential Ruler. Thomas Jefferson, a deist, was even inspired to acknowledge that America’s independence from England was a right bestowed by this Creator when he framed the Declaration of Independence. This God was allowed to be involved in early governmental affairs. Today however, we disavow His involvement in public affairs and the price paid is becoming more costly each year.

In the early years of American life, family was the backbone of community success. Families would need labor to operate farms and therefore having one dozen children was not unusual but a necessity to assist with the chores. Families learned to depend on each other for survival and entertainment. Children learned practical survival skills that included hunting, farming, and Biblical common sense. Today, we don’t depend on family for such necessities of life. As a result the nuclear family is disappearing and the favorable fruit it produced is likewise dying. Instead of learning how to work-out problems between two people, we now exit the situation. We have placed our individual needs before others. Wonder why today’s younger generation has been labeled as the most narcissistic generation since the keeping of records?

Of course, it took work and sacrifice to build America into the economic powerhouse under the Providential Benefactor’s blessings within an idealistic land and climate. It wasn’t about seeking easy street. It was about discipline, hard work, sacrifice, and willing to risk everything for a better life. Why is it that families coming into this country with nothing leave an estate for their children that rivals wealthy people around the world? They know the sacrifice and hard work that is required to live a dream. Today we have raised a generation where many want the American dream, but lack the character to make it happen.

Jesus came so we may participate with Him in His new creation. A life of abundance. A life that is a transformation from the Old Human to a New Human. That new Human involves the development of godly character. The same character that God employs in His eternal travels through the universe. His goal is for you and I to fully realize what it means to be human in this life and the life to come. Apart from Him though, it cannot be done. So when you accept His authority in your life, allow His Spirit to lead you and influence you in your decisions and choices, you participate in a journey of transformation in Christ that leads to an enjoyable life now and for eternity.

That is why I am truly Thankful this time of year. It always reminds me that no matter what is going on around, God is Good. Family is Good. Godly Character is Good. And I enjoy the Good in Life.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving 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.

 

Twenty Minutes, Twenty Days, Twenty Years

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , , , , ,

“What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14 ESV

 

 vapor 1

One of our small group member’s Mom passed away this week. This past year along, his father and sister likewise died.  The loss of three of your family members in one year is more grief than most of us sustain in any year. Yet, for us still alive and dealing with the challenges of life, death is sobering and allows us to pause for the moment to reflect on what is most important in our world.

This is when I most often think of the 20/20/20 concept. If you knew you only had twenty more minutes to live, what would you do?  If you knew you only had twenty more days to live, what would you do? And what if you knew you only had twenty more years left to live, what would you do? At least once a year I ask myself these questions to be sure we are intentionally redeeming the time in our life.

By asking the twenty minute question, I focus on those people who are most important in my life and let them know I love them, appreciate them, and am rooting for them. I don’t like to say good-byes. Instead, I let them know good tidings until we meet again.

The twenty day question helps me focus on those important items that need to be completed. If I knew I had only twenty more days left, would I be doing this? If it is important for someone in my world that I truly care about, I would probably do it. Otherwise, if we only had twenty more days left, what are those items that I always wanted to do, but always postponed them with the lazy excuse. If it is not important, admit it. If it is important, do it.

Then there is the twenty year question. If you knew you had twenty more years to accomplish something in this life, what would you do? This question helps you focus on your career or mission in life.  Instead of trying to accomplish everything overnight, you could easily start today and slowly work towards your personal worthwhile goal. As long as you are realizing your goal, you are being successful in your pursuit. It adds flavor to life, allows you to fully express your talents, and you can take on other temporary assignments knowing this is only a temporary obstacle and you will eventually accomplish your goal over time. It helps you to keep focused on the important aspects of life. You may occasionally deviate from you plan, but always return to it knowing that in twenty years you can look back and appreciate the people and events that God has allowed you to experience and share in preparing you for eternity.

So why not take the time today and ask yourself: twenty minutes? twenty days? twenty years? You may be pleasantly surprised by your answers.

 

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.