Author: Dr. Mike

The Way of Love

Dr. Mike 2024 , , , ,

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,   Ephesians 4:15

The good life is a simple life built upon the foundation of love. Many people will acknowledge this, but only a few live it out. Many books have been written on the subject. Many poets have expressed love’s benefits. Songs have captured many hearts. Movies have impacted many visions of love in action. Yet most people say it is impractical in their world.

We live in a culture where dog eats dog. Everyone around us wants to take from us and not give anything of value in return. If one lives long enough, one could easily become a skeptic. Yes, love is the exception rather than the rule. Sad, but this is how many feel today.

But what would happen if love became the rule?

What if, you and I formed a new committee? Included would be you, Jesus, and anyone else who wants to join us. Our purpose would be to live out the Love Way of Jesus.

Love, not as the world practices it. But as Jesus demonstrated love to his disciples (Jn. 13:34). Not a romantic, emotional, what-is-in-it-for-me attitude. But how can I add real value into the other person’s world? What can I say or do which will bring out the potential of the other person? How can I better uplift the other person? How can I serve them? Enrich them? Bring joy into their life?

Love is sharing a little of yourself for another. Giving a small portion of who you are without expecting anything in return. Giving like God gives. At first, it may be hard. But over time, practice makes love a way of life.

The more you live out the Love Way, the more you see and experience God’s grace. The more you mimic God’s character, the more you experience real, abundant living.

Yes, the Love Way enriches those around you. Draws you closer to the Creator of Love. And helps you grow up to become more and more like Jesus himself. The way of love really makes the world go around.

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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A Spiritual Birth Metaphor

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  2 Corinthians 4:16

Metaphors help us better understand complex ideas. Jesus used them along with parables and open-end questions to make us think deeper unto a subject.

Take for example the new birth of a Christ-follower. What if we compare our walk with God with the entire human pregnancy process?

As humans, we are spiritual beings encased in a body governed by a soul. As believers, are we not being nourished through the umbilical cord of faith by the Holy Spirit?

Jesus stated to Nicodemus that us humans need to be born again by the Spirit (Jn. 3:3). The Spirit gives life (Jn. 6:63). As our human spirit is impregnated by the Holy Spirit, the new life begins. Physically, science breaks the pregnancy growth process into stages. The initial stage is called zygote. Then the baby-to-be progresses as an embryo, fetus, and finally, baby.

In many ways, these stages outline the process of the new birth. It begins with the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior. Then the inception by the Holy Spirit. From there, we are fed by the Church through the acquisition of Godly knowledge – HIS Word. We learn to live under the authority of HIS Kingdom. As we put into practice HIS ways, the Holy Spirit renews our heart and mind. Over time, our attitude and viewpoint develops more Christlike. Our willpower and character follow suit. This practice forms the inner person. Upon our death, our spirit is then birth into a new dimension unto the arms of Jesus.

Like all metaphors, there are limits. But it does make one stop and think. As we age, we admit the outer body is decaying. Yet the inner person becomes more noticeable. We look back and realize how life is a growing process preparing one for eternity. Like the child in the womb of their mother, we don’t compare ourselves with other unborn children. We wait for our new birth. Meanwhile, we are being nourished. We are being cared for. We are being prepared for a heavenly experience.

As parents, we accept responsibility to protect and give birth to a healthy child. Don’t you think God places the same emphasis on the Church (you & me) to birth a healthy child into HIS family? Just another thought to think about as God does HIS work in you and me.

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:

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Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Sexual Immorality

Dr. Mike 2024 , , ,

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.   1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

Sex on my left. Sex on my right. Sex in front of me and behind. Sex through my eyes, and through my ears. Whichever way I look or hear, sex is shoved into my mind.

What was once sacred between two people is now irresponsibly available for anyone to enjoy. The life-long benefits of a committed two-person relationship are being destroyed. The victims include families, children, and society at large.

What God designed as an intimate, private matter between a married couple is now mass distributed via the airwaves. What God intended to bind two people together into one flesh has become an overindulged, cheapen commodity sold in the marketplace.

God created sex for the marriage bed (Heb.13:4). Humanity though, like most of God’s gifts from creation, has overly satiated their carnal desires into a destructive addiction. Rather than bath in the holiness of God, carnal nature tramples itself into a lustful state of passionate extreme. The result is a soul darken without joyous love and restful peace.

God wants what is best for humanity. He designed the human spirit for purpose and meaning. HE created life to be enjoyed. But humanity does not want to believe the Triune God. The carnal heart is spoiled with self-aggrandizement. Human nature wants to decide for themselves what is good and evil apart from God. The fruit identifies the health of a tree. And God’s design for sex when exercised within HIS boundaries leads to a healthy relationship between two people who are committed to a life-long marriage.

Your sexual habits are a strong indicator of your heart with God.

When the Acts 15 conference was settled, sexual immorality was one of the four foundations the Gentiles were to follow rather than the Jewish law. Those who practice sexual immorality are placing themselves outside of God’s sanctuary city (Rev. 22:14-15). They are excluded from inheriting God’s Kingdom (Eph 5:5). Rather than bath themselves in holiness, they saturate their carnal desire. Their soul lies empty. Rather than fill the hole with God’s Spirit, they seek out worldly gods to please them. The result only produces transient relationships. An artificial facade which quickly cracks and breaks. The pain is real. The soul again cries for help. But the heart is stubborn. Rather than change their perspective about God, they indulge themselves into another carnal passion. Sex makes them feel good for a few moments. But soon the emptiness grows. The soul again cries for godliness, but the pride fights the call for repentance.   

Sex without lifelong commitment and faithfulness to one person is idolatry in God’s eye.  God made a commitment to you. He wants the same in return. When we do, we experience life the way God intended one to live. When another god comes between you and HIM, we lose out of fully experiencing the love and joy HE provides. God created sex for procreation. He wants to resurrect humanity into a heavenly family. But HE also designed it for mutual pleasure between a husband and wife. Two people learning to love and care for one another while raising a family. Healthy families lead to healthy societies. When sex is used outside the marriage bed, it depletes and cheapens marriage. When marriage is destroyed, so is the family structure. All this leads to more turmoil and the unbinding of social structures. Eventually you have a world in chaos where transgressions grow and evil abounds. Not a pleasant place to live.

Flee sexual immorality are wise words ( 1 Corinthians 6:18). Both for yourself. The other person. And for society. Instead, let God’s Spirit fill you. Since we are HIS temple the church, let’s make holiness the aim. For holiness opens the door to experience the fruit of HIS Spirit and the righteousness of Jesus Christ. This is the life God created for us to enjoy. And with sex reserved within marriage, the life-long bond between two people with a Christ-centered focus makes life even more enriching!   

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