2021

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

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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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Thankful Heart

Dr. Mike 2021, grace, Kingdom Paradigms, Living the Psalms , ,

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
    before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple
    and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
    for you have exalted above all things
    your name and your word.[a]
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
    my strength of soul you increased.[b]

4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,
    for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
    for great is the glory of the Lord.
6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,
    but the haughty he knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
    you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
    and your right hand delivers me.
8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Psalm 138: 1-8 (ESV)

A thankful heart is the expressive attitude of a follower of Jesus Christ. When one comes to understand who HE IS and what HE has done, and what HE plans to accomplish with you and me, one can only drop to their knees with a grateful heart and thank HIM.

A thankful heart is the byproduct of gratitude which also leads to a more outgoing concern for the needs of others; and the heartfelt compassion and generosity are also balanced with truth and justice.

A thankful heart acknowledges God has given you and me boundaries to operate with for our good and the good of others. Instead of ruling over others, we serve them. Instead of showering others with empty rhetoric and fortitude, the thankful heart understands the value of the individual human spirit facing challenges and encourages them to grow and mature.

A thankful heart is not swayed by pompous living and make-believe-utopias, but by the simple, natural understanding of human needs and the marvelous creation given to us to explore and experience.

A thankful heart bestows blessings on others without expectation of any returns.

A thankful heart knows when to lead and when to follow; and who not to follow.

A thankful heart loves to share their blessings with others.

A thankful heart sees the best in others.

A thankful heart also sees the lies, hypocrisies, and false impressions of others and avoids their delusional imprisonments.

A thankful heart is a repentant soul understanding their need for a Savior.

These are just a few of the thoughts that came across my mind this morning. For those who want to bathe their mind with more thankful thoughts, click on the links below to read past blogs:

Thanksgiving is All I Have

Thankfulness is Repentance in Action

Thank You Lord

Thank You Jesus Christ

Gratitude

Gratitude 101

Today I Get To…

PS: May You Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.

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!