Author: Dr. Mike

Christmas: God’s Government Arrives 

Dr. Mike 2021, Christmas, Jesus Christ , ,

Isaiah 9:6-7

6 For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon[a] his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called[b]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

As I age, the more aware this man becomes of the repeated theme of government between the pages of the Bible. From the Book of Genesis where God gives Adam & Eve domain of the earth to the last chapter of the Book of Revelations where the City of God merges heaven and earth together into one final chapter of mankind’s experience, how the theme of government shouts out throughout the pages of the best-selling Book.

Christmas reminds us of this purpose. Jesus Christ entered the world prophesied to become the long-awaited final King of Israel. And yes, we are still in the middle of that prophesy as we all await the return of the God-Man to fully establish HIS world ruling government. Yet there is much that must happen first.

Prior to HIS physical departure from planet earth, HE invested time and energy preparing and training HIS students for world change. His teachings, principles, and story are covered throughout the writings of the Bible. His eyes and purpose were focused not only on events during his stay on earth but for the eventual culmination of all history when HE returns to complete HIS Father’s mission for mankind.

Christmas is only a very small blip of events to remind us of HIS continual work throughout history. As a reflection of HIS Father, HE revealed and demonstrated what GOD is like. HE outlined the eternal mission and purpose of humanity. HE recruited a team to venture a new start-up, the Church. And every season under earth, HE continues to recruit, train, and lead fallible people to work alongside HIM preparing HIS children for their eternal assignment. He is preparing a people to govern and serve in the family business – the Kingdom of God.

Along with the Holy Spirit who inspires, encourages, and comforts us through our daily assignments, we are embryos being developed through the trials and tests of everyday life as we await our delivery into the hands of our eternal home. Yes, mankind is so much more than a cousin of the animal kingdom. You and I have been given the privilege of life as a gift. From life, we experience human trauma, but also the divine fruit of our heavenly Triune God. We have a small taste of eternity today, but live under its shadow waiting for the sun to fully arise.

Yes, Christmas is a reminder that God cares for you and I. He has a macro purpose for all humanity. The real joy is aligning our micro purpose with HIS macro purpose to live out each day colonizing our corner of the world for HIS glory.

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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Christmas: Our King Arrives

Dr. Mike 2021, Christmas, Jesus Christ , ,

Luke 1:30-33

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (ESV)

Christmas memories. We all have them. Hopefully more enjoyable ones than not.

For many it’s a time when family and friends gather together to celebrate the season of giving and good cheer. Gifts are exchanged, meals are served, and the traditional visit to a church x-mas service are some of the activities one may expect. Yet, I wonder how many step-back and truly reflect on the meaning of the season?

Of all the people born from woman, has anyone influenced the world more than Jesus Christ?

A man who lived some two thousand years ago in an age of mason stone and political tyranny; who died in his early thirties, never held public office, nor wrote a book; who was homeschooled, grew up in a small village, and mis-labelled a bastard his entire life.  

He never married, nor had children, and died financially broke.

He is known as a man who never sinned. (Even the Koran identifies this accomplishment); whose God worked mightily through him; and whose life impacted more people throughout the generations than anyone else who ever since lived.

Most people who die soon depart from the memories of the living. But a few make such an impression that their teachings continue. In HIS case, they flourished. Today we recognize Jesus Christ not only as a man, but as a God-Man. The promised Messiah. The King of Heaven and Earth. The Second Person of the God-Head. Mankind’s connection to the eternal world of God Almighty.

Yes, Jesus is Lord of Lords as outlined in the Book of Revelations. World kings, princes, and presidents have recognized HIM as such. Those who believe await the return of HIS physical presence and the establishment of HIS world government. A non-tyrannical, freedom flourishing culture where everyone has the opportunity to exercise their God-given gifts for the service of others and the fulfillment of life as God created you and I to be.

Yes, this is what every Christmas season reminds me. What about 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!

To Listen is to Love

Dr. Mike 2021, Life Tools , ,

The right word at the right time

    is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,

And a wise friend’s timely reprimand

    is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.

Proverbs 25:12 (The Message)

God speaks to us through various means. As we hear or read HIS Word, the Holy Spirit may illuminate a portion of Scripture which becomes applicable to our recent prayer request. At other times, while in conversation with a family member or friends, words are spoken which likewise pertains to something that has been troubling us. As I grow older, I find myself more and more listening to others as they speak. Why? Because God may be speaking through them.

Knowing this, I find myself caring more for the person who is speaking. And by caring, I am listening intently to the person’s words, attitude, and actions. I find myself actually forgetting the self for a moment, and turning full attention toward the person. In hindsight, the person becomes my one-minute love interest.

The person could be a close friend or a total stranger. But as I listen, the person unconsciously becomes aware that someone else cares for them. In that minute, they experience the love of being a child of God and capture the value and worth of simply being human. Not because of their societal position, economic status, or public fame, but only because someone without selfish intent truly wants to hear and understand the person.

When someone in conversation hears the right word at the right time is like receiving a piece of fine jewelry as a gift. It comes as a total surprise. Yet its impact is a memory that lasts forever.

You may be that person who God speaks through for another. Or you may be the person who receives a needed word in a time of distress. Either way, when you learn to truly listen from a heart of love, you are sharing God’s love in the process. Just as God listens in love to our prayers, HE allows us to share in the same experience with others. To listen with love is a good way of sharing God’s heart with others.  

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!

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