Author: Dr. Mike

When Goodness Shows Up

Dr. Mike 2024, Christmas , ,

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, HE saved us… And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”   Titus 3:4, 8

What is good?

How do you determine something as good?

Is it your opinion? Or if something impacts you as harmful, then does the opposite identify good for you?

Is goodness a human construct or a prior existing condition?

Some two thousand years ago, when Caesar Augustus reign the Roman empire, a baby was born. There were many babies birth at this time, but no other who was to fulfill the Jewish Messiah prophecy. For goodness entered the world in the most humblest way. His name given to HIM via a vision from an angel was Jesus. He grew in wisdom and in stature in favor of God and man until around the age of thirty (Luke 2:52, 3:23). He then made his public appearance.

Goodness full of grace, truth, and light (Jn.1:1-18). Yes, goodness came into the world but the world didn’t recognize HIM. HE manifested his goodness with everyone HE met. HE healed the sick. HE elevated the Law. HE emphasized its purpose for everyday living and not for religious appearance. HE taught truth with authority. HE revealed HIS Father God to others. HE introduced and made available HIS kingdom to the masses. HE lived out HIS life fulfilling Messianic prophecies. He crossed all the “T’s” and dotted all the “I’s” to fulfill the written Word.

Then goodness made the ultimate sacrifice. HE gave HIMSELF as the Lamb of God. HE joined humanity and then brought humanity into the divine fold. HIS life, death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven paved the way. All for you and I to enjoy HIS goodness now and forever.

Yes, goodness is the character of God. HE bestows goodness wherever HE goes. HE imparts goodness in whatever HE does. HE created humanity and said it was very good. HE created the world and said it was very good (Gn. 1:31). HE implemented HIS macro-plan for you and I and like everything HE does, it is good.

If you want to enjoy the good things in life, align yourself with goodness. HIS name is Jesus. HE will educate you, train you, and bring you into your promise land. It will be the most adventurous and romantic story of your life.

For Goodness wants to share HIMSELF with you and others. Until then, you are only grabbing at imaginary straws. Trying to find the good life without a proven compass makes the journey unproductive.

HE is the real McCoy. HE is goodness. HE exemplifies goodness. He shares goodness. He trains others in goodness. HE is the source of all goodness. Yes, the X-mas season is a reminder of the goodness of God.

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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Grace-Paced Living

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.   Hebrews 4:16

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And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.   2 Corinthians 9:8

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The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   Philemon 1:25

Immature Christ-followers are often challenged by the concept of grace. They associate grace only with sin. They fail to realize the full potential God has given them under the authority of their Lord Jesus. Their worldview constrains them.

Yes, God’s grace mercifully covers the eternal penalties caused by sin. But grace is so much more than a sin solution. Grace is the unmerited favor God bestows upon us each moment of our life.

As apprentices of Lord Jesus’ Kingdom, HE bestows HIS grace upon us as needed. Whenever we put forth the effort to walk in agreement with HIM, HE bestows HIS favor upon us. Whatever we may lack, HE supplies. Whatever we may need, HE provides. HE in many ways is like the parent raising teenagers. HE gives HIS child room to make choices. But is always available to help navigate them through life’s consequences. Like a parent preparing their child for adulthood, so does our Rabbi do for us in preparing us for eternity.

If we fail, HE is near to help clean up and restore our confidence. Like the responsible parent, HIS goal is to make us ready to live life independent of HIM but always in agreement with HIM. In many ways, the adult child will respond in ways as taught by their parents. As Christ-followers don’t we do the same? Don’t we want to act like Jesus in the situation we currently face?

When we begin to understand grace is God’s favor upon us, doesn’t that open the doors for a more proactive life? If God be for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

Our challenge is to repent from our orientation for the expectation of specific results. Instead our heart and mind needs to be always trustful of God’s best for us and others.

Why do most of us suffer from anxiety, worry, and destructive stress? Could it be we hold unto our expectations instead of trusting God for the best outcome?

Grace-paced living is about trusting God for the outcome. It is casting your bread in many different directions. Then trusting God for the outcome. It is practicing the ASK method of prayer. First we ask HIM. Then we seek the answer from the opportunities around us. When something appears to be the answer, we knock on the door to see if the opportunity is for us. It is being open to all possibilities. We don’t limit our life anymore based on personal ambitions. Instead, we focus on building our relationship with the Triune God.

We go to our heavenly Father and ask Papa for a favor. Perhaps HE may grant you your request. Or HE may provide something else which is more of what you need in preparing you for your eternal home. Remember, it is not just about you. HIS answer will take into consideration other people who have a stake in the manner. HIS concern is for you and all the other family members under HIS tutelage.

Yes, at first living under a grace-paced approach is scary when one has been a control freak most of their life. But as God continues to intervene, HE will show you HIS love, HIS grace, and HIS blessings in your life. Then you will learn that HIS grace is enough for you. You will find under HIS grace, to be more free. To experience real flourishment without its trappings. You will find real fulfillment without costly penalties.

Yes you may be disappointed at times. You will suffer at times. You may even be deeply hurt at times. But over the long haul, you will discover the love, peace, and joy life gives you through God’s Spirit. All this while walking with your heavenly Father under the tutelage of your Lord. When you discover the full impact of HIS grace, you will pace your life accordingly. It is the best approach for day-to-day living on planet earth today. Ask any mature Christ-follower and they will tell you so with a large, glowing smile on their face. Grace-paced living is where it’s at.

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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Bear Your Gifts

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.  Romans 12:6-8

Here Paul lists a few of the gifts God has given to people. This short list includes: prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, and acts of mercy. There are more, but these are known in the Christian circle as motivational gifts. Every person you meet will possess and be dominate in at least one of these characteristics. The process of life is to discover which gift(s) you possess. Then exercise that gift for the benefit of others. And there lies the challenge.

It takes godly character to bear your gifts.

What often happens is one becomes prideful over their giftedness. We begin to compare our self with others or try to be something we are not. Or we may become envious of others for their giftedness. At times we may boast of our gifts. Or we may think our gift is more important than others and try to manipulate others for our cause. At times we may get irritated or depressed over others. The battle to walk in Christ-likeness with the heart of a humbled servant is forgotten. Our inward bent heart is running amuck.

Yes, it takes godly character to bear your gifts.

But when you use your gifts for your personal ego trip, you have loss the way. Your giftedness has taken over your soul. Instead of a spirit of godliness shining through, selfish ambition reigns. Your character is broken and you don’t realize the consequences until it’s too late.

Yep, it takes godly character to bear one’s gifts.

Jesus knows.

This is why HE made HIS kingdom available for all people. When one submits their kingdom under the authority of HIS Lordship, life takes on a new approach. HE empowers you with HIS Spirit. HE opens your eyes to a new worldview. You begin to see the world and its people through HIS eyes. You begin to hang out more with HIM. As you do you learn to follow HIS lead. HE begins to work with you to shape your character after HIS. Over time, you become more and more like HIM. You begin to taste eternal life now.

You find the trials and challenges of life shape your character after HIS. Life takes on new meaning and purpose. Everything you do becomes a moment of sharing time and space with HIM. HE shows you how to use your giftedness for HIS glory and for the sake of others. In the process you benefit. But overall, you live a life that reflects God’s way. You become a witness of HIS kingdom. As you exercise your gifts for the sake of others, you lift up Jesus as your Rabbi, Lord, and Friend. You gladly introduce others to the Jesus you have come to know.

Yes, it takes godly character to bear one’s gifts. That is one reason why we all need a relationship with Jesus.    

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)

Books By Dr. Mike:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved