Author: Dr. Mike

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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Stay Connected

Dr. Mike 2026 , , ,

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.””   John 15:1-5

Stay Connected

Five verses. Vine and branches need to remain together for fruit. Much fruit. Not dry, sour grapes. But rich, tasteful, yummy fruit.

What happens when the branch is not connected? It shrivels. It loses moisture. Becomes dry. Eventually the wind forces the branch to break off from the main trunk. It dies.

But when the branch remains connected. It receives nourishment from the vine. It continues to grow. It produces quality fruit.

Stay connected. A simple analogy with powerful implications.

If very little or no spiritual fruit is being showcased through your being, what does that tell you?

Are you intentionally connected with Jesus? Is HE the center of your life? Do you communicate regularly with HIM? Do you invest your time and energy to develop and maintain a relationship with HIM?

Think of the closes friend or family member you know and have a healthy relationship with. How did you get there? How have you maintained that relationship over the years?

It takes times to nourish and build healthy, trustful connections with others.  Jesus states life is fruitless apart from HIM. His Father God prunes the lives of those who are not producing quality fruit. As long as we stay connected with HIM; fruit will be produced.

Godly fruit is a byproduct of receiving the proper nutrition. Through Jesus you do. Thus, focus on HIM. We pursue truth, so we can come to know HIM better. We intentionally learn HIS ways, so we can capture the lifestyle that leads to a more productive life. We stay connected with HIM and others who are connected with HIM so we may all flourish like HIM.

HE is the reason there is life. It’s not how much you know, but who you know. The Bible points you to Father-Son-Spirit. You may know Scripture, but do you know HIM who inspired the words. You may know right from wrong, good from evil, and light from darkness. But do you know HIM whose character is reflected throughout all creation? 

You may know something about someone because others told you or you read it somewhere. But you only come to know someone when you spend time sharing life together.

So, ask God you want a greater connection with HIM. You want to share your life with HIM as HE shares HIS life with you. Learn to walk in HIS presence daily in everything you do. Stay connected with HIM by whatever means it takes. Be intentional. Be purposeful. Stay connected.

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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Be Holy

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , ,


“but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.””  1 Peter 1:15-16

What makes you holy?

The question recently came up in our morning men’s group. As usual, different sides of the same perspective presented many answers. Yet, what does the Bible teach us about holiness?

Yes God is holy. HE is separate and distinct from all creation. HE is perfect in character. HE is worthy of worship. HE is the ideal for us to reflect.

To be holy is to be set apart.

Who sets us apart?

Jesus Christ includes us with himself in HIS relationship with Papa God and the Holy Spirit. HE makes us holy. HE established the universal church for us to take part with HIM. HE opens the door for us to have fellowship with each other. HE lives in us and shares HIS life with us.

Since we are holy because of HIM, Peter instructs us to imitate HIM is our thoughts, words, and actions. We are to reflect HIS character in all the circumstances of life. We allow HIM to express HIS love and joy through us and for the sake of those around us. Our actions and attitude reflect HIS standard for human relations. We study the disciplines, principles, and teachings of Scripture.  This allows us to be more aware of HIS character in life situations.

To be holy is to mimic Jesus in your current surroundings. We act like Jesus because we allow HIM to live out HIS life in us and through us. We don’t behave because we have a certain idea of Jesus. We act out our behavior from the heart of Jesus allowing HIM to express HIMSELF through us.

This is what it means to be holy. Jesus sets us apart. We allow HIM to live out HIS life in us via the Spirit HE has given us. At the end of day, we reflect HIS holiness. The circle is complete. Holiness begins with Jesus. Lived out with Jesus. Reflects Jesus. Brings all glory and honor back to Jesus. This is the way to be holy – one 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)

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

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Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved