2024

Bear Your Gifts

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.  Romans 12:6-8

Here Paul lists a few of the gifts God has given to people. This short list includes: prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, and acts of mercy. There are more, but these are known in the Christian circle as motivational gifts. Every person you meet will possess and be dominate in at least one of these characteristics. The process of life is to discover which gift(s) you possess. Then exercise that gift for the benefit of others. And there lies the challenge.

It takes godly character to bear your gifts.

What often happens is one becomes prideful over their giftedness. We begin to compare our self with others or try to be something we are not. Or we may become envious of others for their giftedness. At times we may boast of our gifts. Or we may think our gift is more important than others and try to manipulate others for our cause. At times we may get irritated or depressed over others. The battle to walk in Christ-likeness with the heart of a humbled servant is forgotten. Our inward bent heart is running amuck.

Yes, it takes godly character to bear your gifts.

But when you use your gifts for your personal ego trip, you have loss the way. Your giftedness has taken over your soul. Instead of a spirit of godliness shining through, selfish ambition reigns. Your character is broken and you don’t realize the consequences until it’s too late.

Yep, it takes godly character to bear one’s gifts.

Jesus knows.

This is why HE made HIS kingdom available for all people. When one submits their kingdom under the authority of HIS Lordship, life takes on a new approach. HE empowers you with HIS Spirit. HE opens your eyes to a new worldview. You begin to see the world and its people through HIS eyes. You begin to hang out more with HIM. As you do you learn to follow HIS lead. HE begins to work with you to shape your character after HIS. Over time, you become more and more like HIM. You begin to taste eternal life now.

You find the trials and challenges of life shape your character after HIS. Life takes on new meaning and purpose. Everything you do becomes a moment of sharing time and space with HIM. HE shows you how to use your giftedness for HIS glory and for the sake of others. In the process you benefit. But overall, you live a life that reflects God’s way. You become a witness of HIS kingdom. As you exercise your gifts for the sake of others, you lift up Jesus as your Rabbi, Lord, and Friend. You gladly introduce others to the Jesus you have come to know.

Yes, it takes godly character to bear one’s gifts. That is one reason why we all need a relationship with Jesus.    

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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Why Grateful?

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,   Hebrews 12:28

Of all the things you are grateful for, where is God’s Kingdom on your list?

This thanksgiving season, I started to make my list. Most of the items were the same as last year. But one new one emerged. God’s Kingdom.

His kingdom was always there. In some sense, wherever Jesus IS, so is HIS kingdom. But I never really appreciated God’s kingdom until this year.

I just took it for granted.

Why am I grateful for God’s kingdom?

Many reason, but here are a few:

HIS kingdom reflects HIS way of governing HIS people.

HIS kingdom includes all the resources of heaven and earth. 

HIS kingdom puts productive and meaningful order into the lives of its citizens.

HIS kingdom allows freedom, flourishment, and fulfillment to abound.

HIS kingdom respects life.

HIS kingdom is God’s family business.

HIS kingdom is home for HIS children.

HIS kingdom is eternal.

HIS kingdom is non-political.

HIS kingdom reflects God’s character in all HIS subjects.

HIS kingdom is open for anyone who is willing to submit themselves under the authority of Jesus.

HIS kingdom is now available for you and I to serve under and enjoy its domain.

Yes, all this plus more is a reason to be at awe and reverence our Triune God. HE has given us a dwelling to live out HIS master plan for humanity. But without belief, one rarely experiences the fruitful riches of HIS glory. Yet when one does pursue HIM, one will discover HIM. Then the adventurous journey of transformation begins. One learns the in and outs of being a citizen of HIS kingdom. HIS kingdom becomes more and more real as your relationship with our Lord deepens. Then you want others to share in HIS blessings. Yes, God’s Kingdom is now on my grateful list too.  

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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Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Do Right Beliefs Really Matter?

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don’t impose it on others. You’re fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you’re not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—then you know that you’re out of line. If the way you live isn’t consistent with what you believe, then it’s wrong.   Romans 14:22-23 (MSG)

Your beliefs don’t save you. Only the grace of Jesus Christ through faith does that (Eph. 2:8). But your beliefs will determine your effectiveness in living life.

As your beliefs come closer to the truth, you come closer to reality. And as you face reality, you come to know and better interact with the God who created reality.

So beliefs will either move you closer to know God or further way from having a deeper relationship with HIM.

This is why I don’t get bent out of shape when people’s beliefs don’t agree with what I have proven to myself to be. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe they know something I don’t know. But then like an effective scientist, we test the hypothesis of the belief. If it is built on good logic and reason, then we will experiment with the matter. We will put it to the test. 

Of course, I will continue to keep my present beliefs in place until proven otherwise. Why? Because they have been tested over time. So there must be something else in the equation before I even begin to even consider the option to deconstruct or reconstruct them.

Beliefs are less important than the Faith you have in God. Belief typically has to do with truth in dealing with life. Faith though is trusting the God of reality that HE loves us, wants what is good for us, and will act on our behalf so HIS goodness may be manifested for all to witness. My faith is a gift from HIM and built on the evidence of Scripture, others, and my walk with Jesus.

So if someone doesn’t agree with your beliefs, that is OK. State your position and why. If he or she is a sibling in the family of God and walks with Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they are in good hands. God will eventually show them or you which belief is more real than not. Until then, love them as God has loved you. Remember when we were ignorant and our beliefs were totally out of sync with God’s truth?

Life is a learning process preparing you for eternity. The hunt to determine which beliefs are pertinent and important and which are not may take a lifetime. But meanwhile, we are leaning on our God and building an intimate, interactive relationship with HIM. Which is of greater value? Having the right belief or having a strong relationship with our eternal Father? It is always your 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)

Books By Dr. Mike:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved