30 is the Number

Dr. Mike Life Tools , ,

Proverbs 5:18 (NASB)

Let your fountain be blessed and rejoice in the wife of your youth.

thirty 1

From the Bible we find examples of the number thirty. Rabbi Dr. Hillel ben David in his article “The Significance of the Number Thirty” demonstrates the significance and ways “thirty” is showcased in the Bible. They include:

  • Thirty represents reconciliation at a higher level
  • Thirty was the age of strength
  • Thirty was the age one began their mission
  • Thirty days is a period of mourning for someone special
  • Thirty days is the totality of the moon’s lunar cycle
  • Thirty is a time of transition

Whatever the significance of thirty may or may not represent, the lesson for us married men is to invest in our relationship each and every day. In today’s, fast paced, convenient culture, time to buildup each other and strengthen relationships are sometimes (if not most the time) given second fiddle in our orchestra. So, one good game plan to implement each and every day is take the number ‘thirty’ to a whole higher level.

What if we would invest at least thirty-minutes of prayer time with our Lord in the morning, plus a thirty-minute one-on-one talk with our spouse, followed with a thirty-second hug with her each day? What impact would that employ to keep your marriage alive and strong for the long term?

We all get busy at times and usually our relationships suffer. This may be a simple method for those of us who are super active and need the discipline to make time for the real important people in life. It has worked wonders for over thirty-five years with my marriage. And I’m sure it will for you.

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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Copyright 2013-2018 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Which is the More Prudent Choice?

Dr. Mike Life Tools , , ,

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ESV.

values decision 1

What is the basis of your decision? When you have a choice to make, how much weight do you focus on the outcome? Is the basis of your decision dollars or righteousness? Do you involved God in the beginning of the process or simply ask Him to bless your final choice?

When confronted with multiple choices which is the best one?

Decisions are typically based on the values you consider most important. For most of us, our values are formed early in our childhood. We didn’t put a request of which values we wanted. They simple all arrived one day in a bundled package within you (after years of being formed in you without your consent). Then begins a lifelong process of evaluating and modifying your values. However, how do you know the values you choose are the best ones for you?

Now you may have discovered a different reason for studying the Bible. Within the pages of this Book, are gems of long standing proven values which generate positive and negative results. The Book is a historic compilation of defining what is good for humanity and what produces pain for the long term.

Sin may be a Biblical term. But sin simply outlines which values destroy relationships and prevents people from flourishing. God’s character on the other hand, demonstrates what values produce Shalom. Human flourishing, blessedness, and Shalom are key outcomes from making choices built on the eternal values of the Creator God.

When you begin to acquire this knowledge, gain understanding of its implications, and then apply these treasures in your life, you find God’s grace and generosity wherever you go. You begin to act from a position of confidence. You discover the real values which life fruitfully grows from in abundance.

These values are the seeds of choice. When decisions are built upon the eternal values of God, you are walking in alignment with the universal laws of the Creator. You are living life within HIS intrinsic character strength. You begin to view life and outcomes for the long term for the benefit of the entire community and not just one individual. Your choices and decisions become godlike.

It all begins by acknowledging and accepting and yielding to HIS involvement in your life. Ask HIM.

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 2013-2018 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Perception

Dr. Mike Life Tools , ,

Matthew 13:15 (NASB)

For the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes, otherwise they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them.’

perception

The other day there was money to be made trading the futures market. The volatility was lively and volume at extreme highs. Yet at the end of the day I didn’t even make one entry. After reviewing the day’s activity, the realization of my perceived blindness shocked me.

I spent the time seeking out one setup that has been very good for me during times of volatility. The setup this day never happened. However, in review I notice five other types of entries that I have successful profited in the past. Yet this day, I was blind to these opportunities.

Lesson learned.

How often do we walk through the day focused on one specific outcome and ignore all other opportunities?

Our perception is not reality. While trading, there was real money being made by those who were open to different possibilities. My perception never occurred; therefore, I didn’t monetarily benefit that day. Yet the fact is money was made by many others. Their perception aligned with what was truly happening that day.

When it comes to God, our perception is either align with Him or not. Ignorance blinds us from seeing or hearing what is actually happening. A narrow mind focused on a perceived idea may limit one from what is actually happening. A misunderstood word may blind one from what is actually happening. A dull ear may also limit one from fully knowing what is actually happening.

However, an open mind, heart, eye, and ear seeks the truth from all sources. Instead of viewing the situation from one single view, we entertain multiple perceptions for confirmation of reality.

Whether trading the futures market or walking with our heavenly Father, our perception is limited. However, when we are open-minded and realize there is more before us than we see and hear, then maybe we can begin to discover what is really happening before us.

Perception is not reality, but only one person’s opinion. Don’t confuse opinion with reality.

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 2013-2018 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved