Intentionally Focused

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , , ,

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

When you first wake up in the morning, are you prep to go with a game plan or simply hang about until something happens?

Do you have a structured priority list of objectives you aim toward or simply go with the flow of others?

Do you already know how you will invest your time for the day or will respond subject to the care of others?

Either you are pursuing your dreams or living the dreams of others is how one writer stated the obvious. Now you may be focused on your dreams while also living out the dreams of others. This is the best way. But if you are solely living out their dream and not yours, you will find yourself one day disappointed.

Paul writes to remind us that as Christ-followers we are to be intentional knowing what the will of the Lord is. That without intentional purpose, evil may win the day. That the best way is to be wise how you invest the time you are responsible for today.

This doesn’t mean you need to deprive yourself of your daily joys. But it does mean you need to understand God’s will for the moment you are living. God wants you to be the person you are wired to be. HE created you to be so. But HE gives us boundaries to practice our ways within the space of HIS character.

This is why we invite HIM to participate in our daily work and play for the day. HE adds that unique Spirit into the mix. HIS wisdom is second to none. HIS attitude, creativity, and joy spark a room. The more you lean on HIM, the more you come to know HIM. The more you seek HIS advice and recommendations, the stronger your relationship becomes. Plus, the outcome adds love and adventure into the mix.

Yes, we all have 1,440 minutes per day. HE allows us to live our dreams and enjoys sharing HIS presence with us. As we learn to be intentional each day with HIM, HIS character rubs off on us. The more we reflect HIM before others, the more our witness of HIS ways shine before others. Before long, others will want what you have. That gives you another opportunity to share the good news of Jesus. Yes, we first share the gospel in our actions. Then when necessary, we use words.

It all starts when we are intentionally focused on our relationship with Father-Son-Spirit.

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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Test Me

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , , , ,

“but test everything; hold fast what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

In elementary and high school, I hated tests. For a student unmotivated to learn, test revealed my inadequacies. I would rather be outside playing sports or earning money. These were the things I was good at and continued to build up my confidence. Education was not then for me.

But things changed in college. I had purpose and motivation. Taking tests help discover my strengths and weaknesses. Tests help me adjust focus in those areas that needed improvement. Tests also revealed those areas that open my mind to greater possibilities.

My heart for tests became even more ingrain after studying the Bible on the subject. I came across Scriptures like these below:  

“Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind.” Psalm 26:2

“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” Jeremiah 17:10

I then struggle with the Scriptures where Jesus refuted those who put God to the test.

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Matthew 4:7

Or where Peter condemned a person for testing God.

 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”  Acts 5:9

Yet, God tests people.

“you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 13:3

“And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.” Luke 8:13

And we are told to test ourselves.

“But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.” Galatians 6:4

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” 2 Corinthians 13:5

We are also told to test outside influences.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

We are told to test God. And we are also instructed not to test God. How do we know when to test and when not to test?

The answer has to do with your attitude and motive. It is an issue from your heart. If your heart is pure and intentionally longing to serve our God, you are open to test everything. Yet, if your testing is with the intent of proving HIM wrong and you right, you may have a heart problem.

Scientist test everything with the intention of discovering the truth. They go where the facts and results prove true. There heart is not to make someone look bad or to destroy someone. But to grow in knowledge that will benefit others. They first make a hypothesis. They then randomly test the process, and compare the results with their original hypothesis. They continue to repeat the process until the same results appear. Then they know their hypothesis is true.

Tests are good when you are open to the results. God is not fearful that you will discover him a phony or a failure. HE knows reality because HIS character is reflected in reality. HE is encouraged and rooting for you to discover the truth of the matter. Put HIM to the test. But be sure your heart is willing to repent and change if the truth is more than you initially believed.

We have all been there. Truth gets you closer to God. And God gets you closer to reality.

So, test God’s practices in your family and business. Learn HIS ways and see the fruit. Be willing to ride out the trials you are currently experiencing with the heart to see God at work.

Tests are good. They reveal you, your relationship with God and others, and the foundation of your life. So, test everything with the attitude of learning how to practice God’s best. Where you fail, make changes to improve. Where you are successful, learn to add greater value in the lives of others. When unsure, lean on HIM. HE will direct your steps and support you as you lean on HIM. Meanwhile, test everything and hold unto that which is good.

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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Focus. Filter. Execute.

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , , ,

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”  Philippians 4:8

It begins with desire filtered through the mind. When our heart aligns with God’s character, it is a good place to be. When our aim agrees with the reality of God’s Kingdom, we know heaven’s resources are at our disposal. And when our focus allows Jesus to live HIS life through us, we eagerly execute our willpower with HIM. The outcome is a taste of godliness for all to share.

The apostle Paul lists a few godly values we need to focus our hearts on and learn to practice in our everyday life. He emphasizes whatever circumstances we face, we need to learn to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. The acronym I use is “THE J PPLC” approach. (You may want to create your own).

What if every situation you find yourself in, your mind automatically went through this checklist. And you align your heart with your willpower to habitually respond. Like all good habits, it starts with intentional focus. As we practice each step, our mind becomes wired to immediately respond. Then our willpower is trained to follow.

Let’s take the example of social media.

You are flipping through your influencer list and stop when the emotional words hit a cord in your heart. As you listen and investigate further, you are becoming angry. If not equip to handle emotional issues, you immediately comment with an angry reply. The battle begins. But what if instead you followed Paul’s criteria.

Before jumping to conclusions and immediately responding, you did your homework. First, how would you verify what you heard is actually the truth? Is it all true or only a part of it?

Next, what would be the most honorable outcome of such an event? If this be true, how can I best reply in an honorable fashion?

What would Biblical justice look like? Do I have a few Bible examples I can share? How would Jesus handle such a situation? What would an innocent person with a clean heart see here?

How can love lead here? What would be the loving act to perform? How do I reply with love?

Can anyone be commended for there actions here? What can I acknowledge was properly done? How can I commend them?

Was anything achieved beyond the normal? Can I recognize any excellence in the situation? What can I praise here?

These are only a few questions that come to mind. But they are a starting point to filter your mind with a response that is built on godly virtue. At first, it may take a while to sort through the entire list. But this will allow you to gain control of your emotions and seek a healthy response to choose.

The object is to train your mind to filter your desires and the facts before responding. As this over time becomes a habit, you will learn when to respond immediately and when best to wait. As always, you will lean on Jesus in prayer during the process. HE will also open your heart and mind to questions and concerns you haven’t even knew existed.

The bottom-line is to learn how to filter your desires with godly virtue before taking any action.

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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