Author: Dr. Mike

Awe & Wonder

Dr. Mike 2022 , , ,

Psalm 9:1

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all your wonderful deeds. (ESV)

When was the last time you stopped and looked at God in awe?

I remember the first time looking over the Grand Canyon in awesome wonder of the vastness of beauty and mammoth sculpture of natural earth.

I remember meeting my wife for the first time realizing she was the complete answer to a recent prayer and description of the woman I would like to marry.

I remember holding my infant daughter close to my chest immediately after the doctor cut the umbilical cord and eyeing her mom’s large smile of approval while I stared at her tiny fingers and toes. 

I also remember standing in the basement of a church member’s house after being baptized as a teenager shaking my head in unbelieving amazement from where I was one year ago and what I just went through – totally amazed at what God can do in a person’s life to change their direction and focus.

And what I remember each day when I meet others and see answers to prayer – God’s handiwork as HE occasionally reveals to me what HE IS doing in the world around us.

Scripture likewise constantly presents situations where people stood back and expressed awe & wonder in what God is doing or has just done.

On that Pentecost when the Holy Spirit made HIS public appearance to start the Church and over 3,000 fellow Jews converted to Christianity.

Moses leading the people out of Egypt after God performs ten miraculous wonders before Pharaoh and the people.

Jesus himself performed miracles and healing and resurrections of life which made all the people wonder at God who was working through HIS ministry. Yes, even when HE was resurrected and changed HIS Jewish followers into committed believers.

If you carefully took the time and reviewed your own life, you would likewise find moments of wonder at the outcome. If young, you may have one or two instances like King David as a seventeen-year-old already killing a bear and lion in defense of his animals and ready to take on Goliath.

And if you have already lived a full life, I’m sure you have subsequently looked back and counted all the dots of how an invisible hand guided you from through the most difficult times till today where you acknowledge your Creator’s graceful commitment to you in full adoration, awe, and wonder.

Isn’t our Incarnate Triune God an awesome and wonderful example of a life to imitate? Thankfully, HE has the patience and mercy to lead and direct rebellious students like me. What about you? What brings awe and wonder into your life?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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Common Link

Dr. Mike 2022 , ,

Colossians 1:26-27

…the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (ESV)

Our Common Link

Jesus Christ is the common link that eventually will unite all mankind.

Today there is division between those who acknowledge HIM and those who distain HIM. There are those who have now accepted HIS authority in their life and have come to realize HE is alive and living in Spirit with them. On the other hand, there are those who look upon the man as a religious do-gooder without any relevancy or practicality for current world affairs. And therefore, refrain from living under HIS domain.

More has been written and discussed about Jesus Christ than any other person who has every lived. His impact on the people of HIS day resulted over time in a drastic cultural change in human affairs. Those who have come to believe in this sole person’s claim have witnessed a change with their own heart, mind, and soul. When they meet others who have likewise experience similar transformation, they rejoice and acknowledge their King and God.

To become a follower of Christ is sacrilegious in countries whose nationalistic faith is atheistic or political. Yet many choose to follow HIM at the price of their own life. What makes HIM so attractive?

He never wrote a book, held public office, led an army, nor built a historic empire. Yet HE is held in esteem and acknowledged to be a King and Savior of mankind! Kings of nations, presidents, and leaders of vastly different institutions and organizations have acknowledged HIS influence and leadership in their lives.

His teachings have led to the flourishment and development of the western world in areas of human rights, education, and governmental structure. His ways have also led to the building up of social structures, hospitals, and family roles within society.

Historians have taught the evilness of what happens when people disregard HIM and pursue their carnal desires at the destructive expense of the masses. More people have died fighting to destroy HIS teachings rather than live out HIS Kingdom way. People always want the benefit of HIS ways without answerable to HIM. They can’t acknowledge that the source of everything good is because of HIM.

Yet one day that will all change, and humanity will finally witness how ONE person will operate a Kingdom where everyone will have the opportunity to flourish in freedom and find fulfillment serving each other. I long for HIS Kingdom to fully function on earth as in heaven. But till then, I rejoice that there are little colonies throughout this planet where HIS Kingdom is active. Wherever you and I stand, we have the honor and privilege of sharing God’s way of life with others. At home, among friends, and in the marketplace, we are fortunate to share HIS Good News with others; and at times we may even use words.  

When you are rooted in Jesus Christ, you stand on solid ground. You are linked with HIS Father and Spirit and a host of other angelical beings. And you are connected and belong with other saints who likewise share in the life of the God-Man who makes all these things possible. One day everyone alive will also personally come to know HIM – for HE is our common link.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Godly Living?

Dr. Mike 2022 , , ,

1 Timothy 4:8

for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ESV

How rewarding is it to live a godly life? What is my return on time and effort to pursue godliness? How does one incrementally grow in godliness? And what is godliness?

There have probably been more books written and sermons given on godliness than I could count. Yet I still struggle with a good, concise definition to share with others. The best I have come up with is this: Godliness is the outer expression of a God-Centered life.

When one’s life is built on the foundation of the Incarnate Triune God, with Jesus Christ being the cornerstone, one’s beliefs, thoughts, and actions are motivated from a heart of glorifying the Creator God.

The desire is to please HIM – to make HIM known – and to reflect his glory with everyone you meet. One’s attitude and behavior begin to resemble the values and priorities of the Biblical God more and more.

As one hangs out with the Triune God, one begins to put on HIS characteristics. The fruit of the Spirit becomes more evident. The heart of God slowly melts away the rough, carnal ridges and replace them with HIS divine attributes. The child begins to grow into the image and likeness of HIS Dad.

Yes, training in godliness benefits one today and leads to a richer life tomorrow. And yes, pain and suffering still attacks even the godly one. But the response follows the lead of Jesus. He suffered and so will we. But through the process, God is glorified. And godliness is centered and focused on that principle. To walk, speak, and commune with our God on a regular, natural basis where HIS divine nature becomes more and more expressive through us is godliness paying tribute to God Almighty.

The glory, honor, and power are always HIS. We are now only the conduits who are given the privilege to share HIM with everyone else. Tomorrow, we will be like HIM because we will see HIM as HE truly IS. But today, this is the best I can do to express what godliness means to me. Yet, however you define godliness, I only hope you experience the same, if not more, of HIS attributes to share with others and live a more, productive, and meaningful life while showering under HIS Divine Nature.

Godliness is HIS expression through you.   

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!