2022

A Gift from God for You        

Dr. Mike 2022 , , ,

Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. Eccl. 5:18-20

How fast does time move?

It took less than three seconds to type this line. Another minute has gone by as I think what to write next.

Though time has moved past me just now, it doesn’t bother me as much as it did in my younger days. Why? Because God has put His joy into my heart which allows me to experience HIS presence as time moves on. He lives in me.

In my younger apprentice days, HE resided in me, and I didn’t allow him full access into my inner chambers. Today, that has changed.

Today, HE has full access into any room of my heart, mind, and soul. HE has my permission (even though HE doesn’t need it) to engage me wherever HE knows what is best for me in the long term. Though I may initially complain and get angry for HIS interference, I slowly calm down and remember the work HE has started and committed to finish in me. For that I am thankful.

In reading the above Scripture, I am reminded that you and I may have accumulated wealth, possessions, and other favorable toys, but unless God places HIS joy in us, all is lost in frustration, worry, and fear. God’s gift for you and I is the power to enjoy them.

In doing so, we not only accept our social status and class position; but enjoy them along with the work of our hands. This is God’s gift for you and I.

The fact is, because HE has gifted us to enjoy what we do, the time of life seems to move so fast that before we know it, we have lived a full life with fond memories. Yes, there were probably a few challenges in between, but they seem so far removed from the joy set before us.

God is good. He is a Giver of goodness. His goodness includes HIS Spirit of joy. Again, I can only thank HIM for HIS love and sharing this precious gift to me.

For those who care, there are 86,400 seconds per day. Each second is either accompanied with or without joy. If you haven’t done so yet and want to experience the same with the Creator of the universe, ask HIM. Today. Now. Put HIM to the test.

Ask HIM to lead you into work that is fulfilling for you. But more importantly, ask HIM to fully live in you. There may be some initial pain in the beginning as every change brings, but the long-term impact is well worth the trials and tests that shape your inner character. Otherwise, when you look back at your entire life, what will you be thankful for?

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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What is God Like?

Dr. Mike 2022, Jesus Christ , ,

Colossians 1:15 (AMP)

15 He (Jesus) is the exact living image [the essential manifestation] of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible], the firstborn [the preeminent one, the sovereign, and the originator] of all creation. 

Yep, if you want to know what the invisible God is like, then study the life and person of Jesus Christ. Like the apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Colossians, Jesus is the full representative of God Almighty.

Paul writes emphasizing Jesus’ status from the beginning of creation through now being the life-source of the body of believers, and his position and purpose over heaven and earth.

Jesus’ is the total representation of who and what and how God relates, moves, thinks, and acts between people and events. When you study Jesus’ attitude, beliefs, and actions we capture a deeper glimpse into the heart and mind of God Himself.

I remember once waking up at 2:00am upset over conditions in the world and praying God would send someone to intervene. Then it occurred to me HE already did and will return to straighten out the mess us humans have the habit of continually creating in our ignorance and stupidity.

So, if you haven’t done yet, why not make it a goal this year to read and reread the New Testament and discover more for yourself who God is like through the words, teachings, and life of Jesus Christ.

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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What You Believe Matters 

Dr. Mike 2022, Kingdom Paradigms, Life Tools , ,

2 Peter 3:17-18 (AMP)

Therefore, [let me warn you] beloved, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men [who distort doctrine] and fall from your own steadfastness [of mind, knowledge, truth, and faith], but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Why does what you believe matter?

Because you make decisions and act from your center of belief. If you believe it, you will act accordingly. If you have no belief nor opinion, you will simply be swayed by others who have a stronger belief system. So, you better know what you believe and why or otherwise you are not being true to yourself. You are then only like a slave following the beliefs of others.

Peter writes in his second letter to those who follow Christ and have accepted HIS spiritual influence in their life, a reminder to remain steadfast in their belief of God and Jesus Christ. His recommendation is for us to continue learning and growing in our walk with our Lord.

That is intentionally studying and living our lives as an apprentice of Jesus Christ. When we come to the realization who HE IS, what HE has accomplished for us, and what HIS macro purpose and plan is for all humanity, then everything you do each and everyday in your micro world begins to fall into a narrative which HE leads and fulfills. Your belief system becomes stronger as you grow your relationship with HIM. You eventually learn to dance with HIM around the dance floor of earth. You develop a holy swagger in your actions, thoughts, and deeds. Instead of being swayed by every fad culture throws your way, you become a representative of HIS Kingdom and a way of life that may lead through suffering and pain, but yet reflects genuine love and joy and peace that will make you stand-out-of-a-crowd. You are special and unique because HE has made you so.

Therefore, confirm your beliefs agree with HIS Word. And then follow through on those beliefs with action.  Why? Because your beliefs matter on who you are becoming; and you become by what you believe and how you act on those beliefs.

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!