Think About That…

Gifts from God

Dr. Mike Think About That... , ,


James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

There is an old classic hymn entitled “Count Your Blessings” that comes to mind when I read this sentence from the Book of James. The repeated refrain reminds us to count our blessings and name them one by one which reminds us with what God has done in our life.

As some of my long-time readers will know, I love to read the Book of Ecclesiastes from the Old Testament Bible on a regular basis. It helps keep me grounded whenever this world’s cultural system begins to pull me away from the Solid center of life. Lately when I read the twelve chapters, I happen to notice more than before the gifts God has bestowed upon us mere humans. Sometimes, if not most of the time, it is good to be reminded.

Chapter one is the prelude which sets the stage for life’s end result before one even begins living. But in chapter two we start to capture God’s design for mankind, “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?(2:24-25)” Then again in chapter three the writer states, “I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil – this is God’s gift to man(3:12-13,22).

In chapter 5, “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 (5:19-20).

Through the remaining chapters the writer emphasizes actions which lead to a more joyful and favorable life. Such as diligence is better than slothfulness (10:18); money is a solution to many physical outcomes (10:19); be generous (11:1-2); work your plan even though circumstances look bleak (11:4,6); invest time to pursue your goals and to rejoice every day in what you do, but remember you are being held accountable by God (11:9); don’t worry and maintain good health (11:10); and don’t over study a matter (12:12). These are only a few of the tidbits you find are golden nuggets for living an enjoyable and full life.

The bottom-line: Life is a gift. Enjoy your work, share life with others, and walk with your God. He designed life for you to enjoy His creation within the boundaries of His love – His good and perfect gift to us.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
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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Jesus Paid Taxes

Dr. Mike Think About That... ,

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Matthew 17: 24-27
When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”

When Peter was approached and asked by collectors of the temple tax whether or not Jesus paid the tax, he replied yes. However, as Peter usually did then, he quickly replied the affirmative without really knowing the truth. (The temple tax was for the maintenance of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem by order of Julius Caesar and required for all Jews throughout the Roman empire).

So, when Jesus and Peter went into the house (scripture is unclear whose house – possible Jesus own a house?), Jesus took the initiative and raised a tax question to Peter (another teaching moment). Instead of focusing on the religious institution, He emphasized royal taxation by a king over his subjects. “Does the king collect taxes from his sons or from others?”

Peter replied correctly “from others.” Jesus point was the sons don’t pay taxes. And being the Son of the Owner of everything, He is not required to pay taxes. Yet, He didn’t want to offend anyone and again took the moment to demonstrate to Peter who He IS.

He told Peter to go fishing. The first fish he caught would have enough money in its mouth to pay the tax for Peter and Jesus.

The apostle Paul later writes in Romans 13:6-7 instructing believers to pay their taxes to the government. The government is an institution established by God for the benefit of mankind and believers need to monetarily support its operations. No where in the Bible does it say to withhold the payment of taxes.

Even Jesus who didn’t have to pay the tax because of His status as the Son of God, did so as an example for others to follow. So be it.    

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
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!

Copyright 2013-2019 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Thank You Jesus Christ

Dr. Mike Journey in Christ, Life in Christ, Think About That... , ,

1 Thessalonians 5:18

…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

When times are good, how often do we thank God? Probably not as often as we can.

But when times are tough, do we also thank Him?

Those of us more mature have learned to thank God in good and bad times; in times of prosperity and times of poverty, in times of jubilant victory and also in times of sorrowful defeat. For we have learn that God is in work for our good through all circumstances.

We may not like the current circumstances, but trust that no matter the outcome, God is glorified and He will take care of all matters. Other time, we have also learned that maybe my suffering is not all about me, but also those around me.

Maybe God is using our situation to sharpen the love between others. Maybe His plan involves those not even born today, but the next generation. He may just be preparing a place for them through us. Maybe the wealth you are creating today is not for your children, but for the disenfranchised you haven’t even met yet. You may have plans you have been passionate about for years. And God is opening doors for you to favorably walk through. You may accomplish your dreams, but God has other plans with the results.

To give thanks in all circumstances is not for the faint-hearten. When you begin from the heart to make it so, then you know you care more for God’s glory then the achievement of your plans. You begin to know you trust God with the results no matter the outcome. If you have to suffer for a while, so be it. If you have to sacrifice everything, so be it. If you have to change life plans, so be it.

You give thanks to God because everything is His to give, share, and take back. You are simply thankful that you can live in His presence, share life with Him, and await for your completion into His eternal Home when the real fun begins.

Thank you Jesus Christ!

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
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!

Copyright 2013-2019 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved