2025

Magnify Jesus

Dr. Mike 2025 , , ,

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;  always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 2 Corinthians 4:7-11

Christianity is more than a list of dos and don’ts. That is the religious side. What makes a Christ-follower unique is the relationship they have with Jesus. When you accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, you have HIS blessings to ask for the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:10, 13). HE will then live in you (John 14:16-17). And wherever the Spirit is, so is Father God and Jesus. They are always seen together (Acts 7:55; 10:38).

Jesus reminded the disciples of HIS presence with them more than once. Before HIS ascension into heaven, HE reassured us HE will be with us until the new age (Matt. 28:20).

So, how do we manifest Jesus in our lives? The apostle John narrates that one way we are assured we know HIM is by keeping HIS commandments (1 John 2:4). Also, our lives will mimic HIS (1 John 2:6). As we abide in Jesus, HIS eternal riches will be produced in our lives (John 15:4-16). HIS love will grow in us and be reflected in our actions. His joy and peace will abound with us. The fruit of God’s Spirit will manifest in your inner being and reflect a light for others to see (Matt. 5:16).

When Jesus died, HE redeemed humanity’s divorce from God in the Garden of Eden. HE restored open communications between God and ourselves. We now have direct contact with our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. For Jesus gathered all humanity unto himself when HE took on skin. HE lived a vicarious life for our behalf. HE defeated Satan at the cross. He then became the only God-Man to ascend into heaven. HE now sits at HIS Father’s right hand in all power over heaven and earth.

As we surrender our individual kingdom to HIS, we join him. As we join HIM under HIS Kingdom to serve in HIS work, we are being trained for eternity. We are now learning how to live like Jesus. We do so as the Church prepares for her marriage with the groom, also known as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Now, we are also crucifying our carnal desires and allowing God’s Spirit to influence our spirit. As disciples, we are putting into practice the teachings of our Rabbi, Jesus the Messiah. As children of the living God, we are being placed into positions of responsibilities. Whatever role we accept, our goal is to best serve others like Jesus. HE is shaping our character and attitude to become of greater value in HIS service. We are learning the ways to govern under the authority of HIS Kingdom.

As our personal ego decreases, HIS glory is being manifested through the process. We learn like the apostle Paul, it is no longer I who live but Jesus who lives in me (Gal. 2:20). Through the years, as we abide in Christ, we learn to partner with HIM in our choices, decisions, actions, and deeds. We develop a meaningful relationship and trust. Yes, HE is my Lord and Savior. But over time HE becomes more of a friend and elder brother. The world doesn’t need another me. The world needs to know about Jesus and live life giving HIM the respect and honor only HE deserves.

Focus on magnifying Jesus in your life and you than have the essence of what it means to be a Christian.

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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I Can Change, If I Want To

Dr. Mike 2025 , , , ,

You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” After saying this, he remained in Galilee.  But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private.   John 7:8-9

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And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went.  Matt. 21:29

There was a Canadian television comedy show back in the 90’s that I would occasionally catch. The show would end with men gathered together at a lodge reciting what they called the Man’s Prayer. It would go something like this: “I’m a man, I can change, if I have to, I guess.” Then the lights would go out and the show was over.

It would make me chuckle. For there lied the challenge we all face. We all have the potential to change. Yet whether we do or not is dependent on our internal motivation and desire. Yes, you could make me do something against my natural disposition. But the end result is going to be minimal compliance. Compare that with the internal desire and commitment coming from your soul. We have all seen an idea in the heart and mind when planted grow into a passionate force. Of the two, which action is going to produce the greatest impact?

The other day I witness a couple of my associates battling over a similar situation. They both gave their word to fulfill a promise. They grew up where their word was their bond and they would do all in their power to live it out. Yet circumstances surrounding what they agreed to had change. Rather than renegotiate new terms, they felt obliged to honor their original agreement. In some sense, they wanted to act like God.

God can bring about whatever results HE desires. It does not matter what circumstances or events have changed. Whereas us mere mortals, don’t have the power to make events workout the way we want all the time. Thus, us humans must work through the circumstances as they are.

We have a situation in John’s gospel where Jesus changes HIS mind. His brothers asked him whether HE planned to attend the Feast in Jerusalem. At that time, Jesus said he was not going. But, afterwards Jesus changed his mind. He went. We don’t know what changed, but Jesus reversed HIS original statement and went.

In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus gave a parable of two sons. The father asks the first one to help him in the vineyard. He answered that he will not go. But afterwards went. Dad also asked the second son for his help. The son said yes. But afterwards did not go. Jesus then asks the question, which one did the father’s will?

They both changed their mind. But what changed? What was the outcome?

At the end of the day, actions speak louder than words. Also circumstances change. You may have agreed to something in the beginning under specific conditions. But later discovered more information that wasn’t understood at the time. Or the goal or support changed from your original premise. In other words, the original agreement was built on certain parameters. If those parameters changed, you don’t have to play God. Let God be God, and us humans be human. God doesn’t change because HE is already perfect. Us humans though are still a work in process. We can all change our mind and plans. If we want to. If we have to. If God’s will is what we truly seek.

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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Spiritual Gym Rat

Dr. Mike 2025 , , ,

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So, I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.  I Corinthians 9:24-27

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 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.   I Timothy 4:7-8

My father laughed when I joined a local gym in my mid-thirties. At the time, upon the birth of our daughter, I couldn’t walk up four flights of stairs without gasping for air. Something needed to change or I’ll never see my daughter grow up. So, I joined the gym.

He laughed because his work kept him in physical shape. He was always active. There is a family picture of him doing pushups with his three children sitting on his back. He didn’t have to join a gym. He was a rough carpenter building homes for a living. His eight hours a day made him exert physical muscles that I discovered only at the gym.

But the gym then was a life savior for me. The first day the female trainer took me around and showed how to use all the equipment. The embarrassing time came when she would lift the 65-pound bar with ease and I couldn’t lift it once. That is how far this youthful athlete fell into despair.

But over time and effort the body came back into shape. Climbing four flights of stairs was afterwards a piece of cake. Lifting 65-pound weights in any arm was child’s play. The gym help jump start this body to once again appreciate God’s creation. The preparedness gave me confidence to face any physical challenge that came along.

The apostle Paul often compared athletic training with the Christian practice. When one exercises daily disciplines, one trains the body and soul to face life’s adventures. As the athlete focuses on the prize, the Christ-follower aims at becoming more like Jesus. There is purpose and discipline behind every action. Paul’s conclusion is one who pursues and trains in godliness will benefit in this life as well as for eternity.

I have not been in a gym for a long time. But when I did, it was to jump start this body unto a path of both physical and spiritual discipline. Since then, I have included in my daily morning routine activities to build the body and soul. No more gym required. But the discipline is to continue the importance of training the body and soul. To be ready for the challenges of facing everyday life. Both physical and spiritual health requires a game plan. It just doesn’t happen. Poor health most often happens because of negligence. The same with spiritual health.

So, if you don’t have a daily routine scheduled in your day for both, start. Otherwise, when it comes time to climb those stairs or face evil, you may fail the test. The worst part is all could have been avoided if you took the time to prepare your body and soul beforehand.

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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