life in christ

Three Times

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , , ,
“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said,“ My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

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How do you know when you have prayed and received confirmation from God?

There are scriptures that state we should continue to pray and ask and never quit (Matthew 7:7). This is true. Persistence and patience is rewarded by our Lord. Yet when you receive the same specific reply three different times, maybe it’s time to accept the answer.

For example, we don’t know the specifics of Paul’s request (2 Corinthians 12:8) except that it was a pain to his flesh. Some think it may have something to do with his eyes. Others feel it may have been a demon assigned to agitate him. It could have been some chronic ailment that he received as a byproduct of all the shipwrecks and beatings he received during his ministry. What it was doesn’t really matter.

He asked and received the same reply three times. Rather than continue to make requests unto the Lord, he contentedly accepted God’s answer in obedience and faithfully moved forward.

Another example is Jesus Christ himself. On the night he was betrayed (Matthew 26), he spent three hours making three requests with His Father to find another way to fulfill the mission. Yet after the third prayer, He accepted His Father’s answer and the rest is history.

After his resurrection, Jesus met with Peter (John 21) and asked him three times whether or not “He loved Him.” Though this was for Peter’s sake, who previously denied Jesus, now Peter confirms that he loves him.

Peter witnessed the same vision three times (Acts 10) which confirmed the Lord’s decree that all men are included in His work of salvation.

Three identical replies seems to be the number for confirmation. So if you are looking for confirmation from the Lord, you now know when to stop praying and start obeying.

 

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Consultant, Coach, 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

The Resurrection

Dr. Mike Jesus Christ ,
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,…” 1 Peter 1:3

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What are the three “R’s” that came from Christ’s resurrection?

The first “R” is Reconciliation (Col. 1:19-20). Humanity may have divorced God when Adam & Eve rebelled against Him, but He initiated the first steps and completed the process of reconciling the divide between mankind and himself through the work of Jesus Christ.

The second “R” is Renewal (Titus 3:5). After Jesus’ resurrection, he fulfilled his promise of providing us with a Comforter and Counselor who will not only direct us into all truth, but will renew our hearts into the image of our Creator.

The third “R” is Restoration (I Peter 5:10). Throughout Israel’s history and even Jesus’ ministry, God demonstrated his purpose to restore life back to his original intent. Ever notice when Israel collapsed into darkness, God pulled them back. When people came to Jesus for healing, he would restore their health and life back again. God has been and is in the restoration business.

This Easter, you may want to take time out and read chapter fifteen of Corinthians. Paul writes in greater detail what the resurrection means to us. He summarizes the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection and describes its impact into our personal lives. My suggestion is prayerfully read it asking God to open your mind and heart to capture the vision and meaning in your life today.

And yes, there is an unofficial fourth “R”. It is a Reminder that God created us to enjoy life in Him, with Him, and for Him. Happy Easter!

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Consultant, Coach, 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

The Cross

Dr. Mike Jesus Christ , ,
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” I Corinthians 1:18 ESV

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What happened on the Cross the day Jesus died?

The sacrificial system stopped.

The broken relationship between God and humanity was restored.

The guilt and shame of the fall was replaced with freedom and liberty.

The war of good over evil was won.

The human race was redeemed from Satan.

Just a simple reminder for those of us that sometimes forget or take for granted the impact of Jesus’ life & sacrifice.

 

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Consultant, Coach, 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