Jesus Christ

Because I Can

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms , , , , , , , , ,

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13 ESV

This morning I biked approximately twenty miles. When asked why I do it, my reply is simply, “because I can.” My wife mowed the lawn this past week. When our neighbors asked how come I don’t do it or hire it out, my reply is simply, “because she can.” When you asked my friend Frank, a paraplegic, why he rides his motorized wheel chair from his apartment to the local tavern (approximately 1 mile) for a beer, his reply is simply “because I can.”
Now someone else asked me the other day how come I don’t play professional racquetball. My reply, because I can’t. Time has passed up the season when I would have been able. Today, I simply play for pleasure; “because I can.”
A couple of weeks ago, a friend was involved in an auto accident. He was riding a motorbike perfectly following traffic regulations, wearing a helmet, and only one mile from his home when a person drove her car through an intersection and turned right into him. She claimed she didn’t see him. After multiple surgeries, the medical team believes he will walk again. However, the physical rehab is going to be long and strenuous. There is much he will miss this year – and in many cases his “because I can” opportunities will be limited. Yet as he states, there are things he will continue to do “because he can.”
As Christ-followers, we are blessed with the living God residing in us. As we desist and He increases, our faith, trust, and hope in Him is strengthen. We find ourselves listening more to his instructions and directions. We develop confidence in Him and look forward to the opportunities of living life for His glory. Every time we express a godly attribute, we recognize him more and more. Every time we accept a new challenge or take another adventurous journey with Him, our confidence and trust in Him becomes a force that breaks down fears, lies, and human pride. We find ourselves doing activities that are outside our normal sphere. When asked why, our reply is simply “because I can.”

OUR PRAYER

prayer 5

Holy Father, Lord, and Spirit: thank you for calling us and giving us eternal life in Christ. Thank you for filling us with your Spirit. Thank you for giving us an attitude of “I can do all things in Christ.” Help us face the opportunities and challenges that life throws at us with a “because I can” attitude. But let it not be our pride or lust or desires that lead us. Instead, help us to desist and allow you to fully express yourself in us. Let your glory shine in us. Let your Spirit lead us. Let your fruit abide and grow in us. Wherever we go and whatever we do help us face life’s obstacles and roadblocks in Christ. Help us to come to know you and your life and your purposes. Let our expectations be your expectations. Help us not fool ourselves and blind ourselves. Instead help us always focus on you and your work in us. For it is only in you and through you and by you that we can say, “because I can.”

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Consultant, Coach, Encourager
Author of Great Business Emulates A Good God

Happy Birthday!

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms , , , , , , , , , ,

When the day of your birth rolls around another year, how do you celebrate it? Do you throw yourself a party? Do you invite a few friends over for dinner? Or are you fortunate to have friends or family members that throw a party on your behalf? However you celebrate your birthday, you may want to consider this: you didn’t give birth, but your mother did. So on your next birthday, why not take an intentional moment and celebrate your birth with the person who gave birth – your mother. In other words, technically it is not your birthday, but your Mother’s.
The other person you want to thank and celebrate the day with is the Author of life, the Triune God. Without Him, you and I would not be here today. In fact, He gives us life, breath, and purpose. We are not accidents, but planned living souls designed for His pleasure for all eternity. It all begins on the day your Mother gave birth and continues with His divine intervention on a daily basis.
So when your day comes, stop, thank your Mother, and celebrate your adventurous journey rooted in Jesus Christ with the Author of Life. What other way is better than this to celebrate and rejoice on your Birthday?

OUR PRAYER

PRAY 8
Heavenly Father, Lord, and Spirit: thank you for sharing your life with us. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to experience life. Thank you for your intervention into our life. Thank you for just knowing you.
Help us to celebrate this life with you; to rejoice with you; and to offer this life for your service. We pray for our Mothers; shower them with your Almighty love and grace. Bless them for their sacrifice and nurturing intentions in raising us and giving us the opportunities we now have. Though they are not perfect and didn’t raise us perfectly, they did the best they could under the circumstances of their life. Simply bless them and let us celebrate you and them throughout this day. Amen

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Consultant, Coach, Encourager
Author of Great Business Emulates A Good God

If You Are Seeking a Devotional Study, Check Out My New Book Be Radical…Follow Christ.

Is Your Jesus Dead or Alive?

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms , , , , , , , ,

RESURRECTION 5

Easter is the time that traditional Christianity comes together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We in the faith may argue whether or not He died and was buried for a full three days or three nights as He prophesied, or whether they were portions of three days and nights. We in the faith may argue among ourselves in regards to the symbolism of the bread and wine; whether the bread is actually His body or simply a reminder of His human sacrifice. We in the faith may also debate whether or not communion is an institutional doctrine of the church to be taken only in a “Church Service” or more of simply Jesus’ method to remind us at each meal (Middle-eastern culture)when we break bread and drink wine to acknowledge what Jesus did and a reminder that He shall return.

No matter the discussions and disagreements, there is one universal truth among believers: Jesus arose from the grave and lives today!

He didn’t arise and simply disappear into heaven for His sake. He is now at the right hand of God the Father; intervening for humanity before our great God. He is working through the hands and feet of His body, the universal Church, preparing a people for His return. A time where the Bible describes a one-thousand year reign where Christ’ Kingdom will be visible; a time that will prepare the way for a new heaven and a new earth to finally merge together as one with God’s throne among all people visible for all to see.

How many people do you know live their life with a living Christ rather than a dead Christ? As we live each day in faith, trusting the Spirit to lead us into a deeper relationship with the living God, isn’t that where Christ becomes more real and alive in us?  However, if we try to do it all along, thinking that Christ is dead and is not coming back, doesn’t that leave one struggling with a dead faith?  Easter is a time to reflect on what Christ did, is doing, and will be doing as He moves history toward the restoration of all things. My prayer is that all may come to know and allow Christ to express Himself freely through us all.

OUR PRAYER

life1

Holy Father, Holy Lord, and Holy Spirit – Thank you for revealing yourself through creation, the Bible, and your involvement in our life. Help me every day to listen for your words of encouragement, love, and mission. Help me to come and know you more and more each day. Help me to hang out with you more and more each day. Let your resurrection power be expressed through me and toward others so they may also experience the great life you have to share with your children. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Consultant, Coach, Encourager
Author of Great Business Emulates A Good God

If You Are Seeking a Devotional Study, Check Out My New Book Be Radical…Follow Christ.