“Come, Follow Me”

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , ,

Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” John 21:22

When Jesus makes the statement, “follow me”, what does all that mean?

In my younger days, I associated this as a student following his rabbi. Later, it meant addressing HIM as Lord and King under the rule of HIS Kingdom. But now, just a few days ago, the meaning even has gotten deeper.

I was listening to a person explain his life story to a group of us. This was like the fourth or fifth time I heard it. But this time coming to know him better, I listened deeper. Not just for the words but his psychological state of mind. It was like listening to a tape recorder. He had his story down pat. He believed it. It was his viewpoint of the situation. Who was I to disagree with him.

Yet, the story left a sad mark on me. The story made him the center of all life’s problems. He was the victim. There was no hope. No future. Just yesterday’s pain rolled up into today’s victimhood. Then it dawned on me. Jesus statement to follow HIM is more than a spiritual invitation. It is the invitation to write a new story. A life story where we join HIM in HIS story. We forgo our story. Instead of being the central character in our story, we accept the supporting role. Jesus is the central character. We join HIM in HIS story.

In our story, we are the hero or the victim. In Jesus story, HE is the hero and savior. We repent. We forgo our central position of the story. We refocus on Jesus. We join HIM. We support HIM as HIS follower. HE takes top billings. We accept the role which makes HIM look best. We become engaged with HIM in HIS story. We look forward to making all things new with HIM. We practice the art of Kingdom living with HIM. We do our work and play with HIM. We acknowledge HIM as the lead partner in our dance around life’s floor.

When now asked to share our story, Jesus is the central character, we are the supporting cast. We no longer are the prisoner of our story. We are no longer the villain. We are no longer the hero, savior, or ruler. We are but HIS servant joining HIM in our role at work, home, and community. We gladly deny ourselves. We maturely take up our responsibilities. We now follow HIM as HE completes HIS story in us, with us, and through us.

As Jesus states in this Scripture to Peter, don’t be concern with John’s part in HIS story, but yours. For both of them have a role to share in HIS story. The same is true with us. So let go and let Jesus be the central person in your story. When we do, watch as our part in HIS story becomes more real and rewarding. For HIS story becomes alive and we receive the benefits of HIS Kingdom for ourself, and for the sake of others.

History is HIS story. Current events are unfolding to reveal more of HIS story. The future waits for HIS story to be completed. The Bible gives us a general outline of what to expect. The details are happening as time moves forward. One’s faith only grows when one sees Jesus as Lord, King, and Savior for all humanity. The sad part is when one fails to see HIM as HE truly IS. HE is the hope for all humanity. Hopefully more may come to know HIM, HIS story, and our role with HIM.           

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Captain of Your Soul

Dr. Mike 2026

Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die. Ezekiel 18:4

Who is the captain of your ship? The one responsible to maintain its operations and lead the ship to its destination? The metaphor of course is comparing our body to a ship. Who is in charge?

There are those who desire to be the captain of their ship. They want the title, the perks, and the benefits of being in charge. But they neglect the responsibilities and duties of a captain.

They want the people to respect them. To honor them. To even worship them. They want the power and glamour but not the work associated with it.

There are those who think the captain is in charge. Accountable to no one but themselves. They liken themselves as a god, but do not say so.

I was recently speaking with a believer whose mental map made God their captain of their ship. They were only an employee. They would wait around for their captain to tell them what to do, and how to do it. If they weren’t given any instructions, they would just hang around. You would find them doing nothing productive but play and watch videos all day.

I also spoke with another believer. His mental map showed themselves as the captain of their ship and God the owner of their soul. The fruit in their life was the opposite. They were rich to the people around them and more rich to the God they served. They learned how to govern their soul for the betterment of those around them.

Which one are you?

What happens when we acknowledge God owns our soul? Does it not make us accountable to HIM? Does it not keep us humbled and productive? As the captain of our ship, we acknowledge HIS authority in our life. We accept the fact we are responsible to serve HIM in a fiduciary role. As the captain of HIS ship, we act and carry ourselves representing HIM, not ourselves.

Are we not made in HIS image? This of course means more than sharing some of HIS attributes. It also means HE has given us the responsibility to care for HIS earth. HIS instructions to the first humans were to have dominion and be fruitful over all HIS creation. Yes, HE owns it all. But HE gives us the role of being HIS captains.

Our role is to accept the responsibility to make this a better world for humanity to live in. Not for our sake alone. But for the sake of others and for God’s glory.

Every owner I knew was generous but firm in dealing with their employees. They rewarded those who made the company successful. At the same time, disciplined those who failed in their role.

Yes, you and I are captains of our soul. We are accountable to the owner, the Triune God. As we learn to lead by serving others as ambassadors of HIS Kingdom, we allow the light of God’s ways shine. We introduce others to HIM. We live with a purpose greater than ourselves. It all starts when we accept our role as the captain of our ship and sail under the identity of the owner. HIS brand is magnified. HIS ways are introduced to others. And we reap the benefits of a captain’s life.

Yes, God owns our soul. But HE allows us to be its captain. So, take charge. Always keep HIM in the loop. When unsure, confirm your actions with ownership beforehand. Know what HE wants. Act as you know HE would if HE was there with you. For HE is. And when our final review takes place, don’t we all want to hear the words of Matthew 5:21. “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Coming Soon: The Shape of a Faithful Life

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Spiritual Silence

Dr. Mike 2026

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. Psalm 62:5

How often do we pray asking God for guidance or direction, but there is only silence on the other end?

We ask again, and again, and again. But still no word. No response. Just quiet. What then?

Do we begin to doubt God? Do we take control of the steering wheel and move ahead without HIM? Or do we begin to ask, what is HE trying to teach me at this moment?

Silence shuts out the noise for the moment. It removes all distractions from the playing field at that time. It helps one settle down and focus on the issue at hand.

Silence also helps one to recharge. Instead of expressing one’s opinion or feelings, it stops the chatter. It forces one to listen. To actually look around and see what one may be missing around them. It makes one stop, get off the noise machine, and reflect on the now moment.

Many of the saints over the years have practiced the discipline of silence. It is one of many means of grace that helps us to refocus our eyes to Papa God.

In a twenty-four/seven culture, it is necessary at times to get off the train and sit for a while. To review one’s life, one’s purpose, and one’s relationships. Are we living the life as God made us to be? Are we heading in the direction with Jesus or have we left HIM behind somewhere? What is God showing me now that I am missing?

Silence is a tool that allows us to pullback and stop contributing our noise into the situation. It is a practical way to proactively seek what God is teaching us at the moment. It allows us to realign ourselves with the Holy Spirit. It helps us to focus on the Kingdom work being done in us, through us, and for us for the sake of others.

The prophet Elijah learned the same lesson. He found himself despondent from the problems around him (1 Kings 19:9-14). God eventually spoke to him in a small quiet voice. As we wait in silence, we also learn to listen for the quiet voice of God rather than the loud echoes of culture.

HE is always with us. We only need to learn how best to communicate with HIM. HE always answers. Most of the time though, we are either too busy, hard of hearing, or don’t recognize the answer. Practicing the way of silence may be one way for us to better hear our Triune God.

So, let silence become your friend. Invest time with her and see how God becomes more alive in your corner of the world.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:
* indicates audio version available at Apple Books

Coming Soon: The Shape of a Faithful Life

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved