2024

O Lord…

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”  Rev. 15:4

Recently, I noticed a new prayer appearing on my lips. It is the shortest one in my arsenal. But I am finding it to be the most effective. It only contains five letters and two words. But the impact and meaning goes deep into my soul. And the outcome lays at the feet of our God.

The prayer is “O Lord…”

I find myself praying these two words at times of heartfelt pain and also moments of celebration. These two extremes of the human emotion are wrapped around these five letters.

In my brief lifetime, I find myself many times without the proper words to express to God what I feel. But I am encouraged to know that Jesus and the Spirit intercedes on my behalf (Heb. 7:25, Rom. 8:26-27).

Therefore when I am confronted with a difficult traumatic event, the only words out of my mouth is “O Lord.” The remaining thoughts, feelings, and request for a solution I lay down at the feet of my Christ. HE knows what is best to do at that time and place.

When I rejoice at a time of victory and not sure what to say, “O Lord” expresses my gratitude and joy of the moment. I know the Spirit is always at work. HE may even have been involved in the event. But I just want to express my thanks for HIS blessings.

These two words leave the outcome in God’s hands. They recognize HIS authority and power. HIS righteous works are being displayed.

Yes, there are times a few more words may come out in petition to our great King. But every petition that begins with these two words acknowledges our Triune God. We look for HIM to intervene and empower the people with a good resolution. HE knows I am always available to assist. But we are watching and trusting HIM to take the lead.

In summary, the “O Lord” prayer is a heavy emphasis on our Lord’s authority, intercession, and workmanship. You may find yourself using these same five letters as a quick prayer of need or thanks. The bottom-line: isn’t it awesome we serve a heavenly Father God whose so responsive?

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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Cause and Effect

Dr. Mike 2024 , , , ,

“For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.” Proverbs 30.33

Every action produces a reaction. There are consequences for your actions. Every decision, every choice, and every response causes an outcome. Either you move toward a more favorable outcome or another dilemma to overcome. Doesn’t that make life more exciting or more scarier dependent on your worldview?

As the Proverb writer explained, if you want butter, you churn milk. If you strike the noise, blood is going to result. And if you want to find yourself in the middle of a quarrel, rile up the emotions. Yes, there is a cause for the effect you desire. When you know the outcome, you can put in place the process to produce the result.

But your worldview will determine the hierarchy of values to select from.

If your worldview is centered around you, than your choice will be solely to please you. If your view is to first please others, than your decision will be all about them. If your view is centered in Jesus Christ, than your choice will support HIS Will.

If you are a miserable and angry person, trouble will probably follow you wherever you go. You will have the natural inclination to press people with your temperament. Don’t be surprised if the outcome is strife, quarrels, and fights.

Yet if you are a person full of joy and peace, most people will find you pleasant to be with. You will bring happiness and calmness to every situation.

If you are insecure and indecisive of who you are, than others may bully you into submission to serve them. You will find yourself being used by others for their benefit. They will care less about your considerations.

Yes, your worldview and values will lead you down a selected path. You will either find freedom & flourishment or enslavement & poverty along the way. So the action steps you take today will determine the long-term outcome you desire. They begin with knowing HIM who is the central core of all life.

HE provides the road map to follow. HE set the example and standard. HE grants us access into HIS domain. HE shares HIS vision of a better world and invites us to take part with HIM. HE lays out the goal, process, and means. HE gives you the support you need. HE is the purpose and meaning for life.

Yes, Jesus Christ is the cause and effect of a better world for you. Get to know HIM and HIS ways will lead you to experience the richness of Kingdom living today. Whatever garbage is thrown your way, HE will provide you the support and strength. HE will hold you in HIS grip while you sort through the mess. HE will inspire you with solutions. HE will help you build the character you need to overcome the hurdles placed before you. HE wants what is best for you. Learn to trust HIM. HE may push your buttons harder than you want. But HE knows what you are capable of doing.

HE is the cause of the goodness in your life. His effect will come through you. You will also become HIS light to an upside-down world. One God-Man. One Worldview. One Choice.

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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Who Determines Justice?

Dr. Mike 2024 , , ,

“But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice”  Psalm 9:7

Who determines what is just? What basis measures fair play? How important is justice for the social world to function? Why does it matter?

What is government’s role? Is it not their role to establish safety and order in the land? To provide the inhabitants a place to flourish. To allow people to reflect the glory of God throughout the countryside.

When arguments and disagreements arise causing harm to others, is not the justice system to intercede? The governing party needs to exercise wise judgement. Otherwise, its people will rise up and overthrow those in power. This has been history’s lessons since records have been kept.

Scripture has much to say about government powers producing justice in the land. When wise decisions are made, the land prospers. When poor policies are implemented, the country suffers. But what determines wise and poor choices?

Most decisions involve moral principles. The argument is who determines what is good or evil. In the western developed countries, Judeo-Christian ethics has prevailed. The historical outcome demonstrates the success and failures of Biblical teachings.

Whenever a nation removes God’s truths from the daily practices of life, Pandora’s box is emptied. The ugliness of sin runs rampant. People become slaves to the state rather than free representatives of God’s domain.

The real issue of justice is whether one believes in the Judeo-Christian God or not. When HIS ways are practiced, the land lives secure. When HE is removed from the public square, carnal nature is free to roam. The outcome is unholy.

The battle for justice is a daily event. When God’s righteousness is the standard, people rejoice. When people govern without HIS wisdom and ways, oppression usually becomes the norm. The people suffer. The nation suffers. And those in power become more inhuman as they hang onto their grip over the people.

But God sees and knows. Justice is HIS to dispense. HE may seem to move slow to intervene. But HE knows how best to discipline those who are blinded in their pride and ignorance. Justice is HIS domain. I for one do not want to face the God of Righteousness without Jesus. When HE makes up HIS mind to correct the practices of injustice, it more than hurts.

Below are a few other Scriptures highlighting the importance of justice in the land. Read responsibly.

  ”He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

“…but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:24)

“Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.” (Jeremiah 22:3)

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” (Isaiah 1:17)

“But the Lord of hosts is exalted in justice, and the Holy God shows himself holy in righteousness.” (Isaiah 5:16)

“Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter.” (Isaiah 59:14)

“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (Proverbs 21:3)

“Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on his throne as king for the Lord your God! Because your God loved Israel and would establish them forever, he has made you king over them, that you may execute justice and righteousness.” (2 Chronicles 9:8)

“You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.” (Deuteronomy 16:19)

“He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.” (Psalm 33:5)

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” (Psalm 89:14)

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.” (Matthew 12:18)

“Shall one who hates justice govern?”  (Job 34:17)

“So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.” (Hosea 12:6)

Yes, justice is God’s domain. Follow HIM and you will learn what is just and good for yourself, others, and society.

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)

Books By Dr. Mike:

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Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved