Divine Perspective

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms

Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.ESV.

 

 

 

In hindsight, I was fortunate to find a mentor who demonstrated through their life and words what a successful business life was all about. Now in the autumn of life, I still appreciate the support and wisdom of those who have gone before me. Why re-create the wheel? Life’s lesson have taught us it is easier, more economical, and more effective to build upon the work of others rather than venture into an unknown path. The arrow scars from my youth are still there as a reminder that some ways are better than others.

The same with life in general. When one has a choice to follow either the latest guru or the divine designer of the universe, who would you choose? Would you rather study the book of an author who writes one or two #1 best sellers or the One who has repeatedly, year after year lead all books as the #1 seller?

Each of us maintains a perspective of the events that unfold before our eyes. For example, three people viewing the same accident may see differently depending on their angle of the situation. The same with us. We typically view a situation from a historical perspective rather than a future outcome. The only One who grasps the future is the One who simultaneously views the future, present, and past. He is Lord, Creator, and Sustainer. The Bible reveals who he is. More importantly, He wants you to know He is available to be your mentor. You only have to ask Him. So why not take advantage of such a relationship?

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 2017 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Hurricane IRMA After Impact

Dr. Mike Other
Psalm 40:5
You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.ESV.

 

God is good all the time. Even when hurricanes hit land.

We sometimes like to think that God’s business is to protect us from all harm. That we should never experience pain nor discomfort. That every day should be a party without any negative events. Yet when hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, volcanoes, and lighting storms come, don’t they reveal our helplessness at the moment? In fact when these overbearing events occur, how do we respond?

Do we blame God for our discomfort? Do we immediately seek ways to control the uncontrollable circumstances? Or do we acknowledge our helplessness before God and seek His immediate leadership of the situation?

Questions arise: When some people lose everything and others escape without any inconvenience, is one group of people more holier than the other? Why does good things happen to bad people and bad things to good people? If God is always good, why does natural disasters occur? Why do people have to suffer, lose their entire belongings, and experience the pain of homelessness?

During times like this I have to remind myself God is in control. Many humans may not believe so because God operates with a greater purpose than the personal satisfaction of one person. We typically see events from our limited perspective rather than God’s eternal, universal view. From the same event, we may suffer while another may be blessed. Could it be there is a greater purpose being worked out here that we just haven’t grasped yet?

In addition, ever notice how life is designed with natural phenomena built into the equation? My meteorologists friends remind me constantly that humanity has not yet learned how to control the weather. We can forecast patterns but we cannot yet manipulate these natural laws in a large scale for our benefit. So the thought of being dependant on a God for our weather is difficult for some people to manage. For a Being to be so powerful to diminish the power of a category five hurricane at will makes one feel very small indeed.

Also God’s plan for mankind is not a human utopia in this age, but a trial run preparing people today for an eternal home tomorrow. When natural disasters occur, God’s love goes into action through the hands and feet of people who understand the need to serve the less fortunate with their blessings. God’s Kingdom moves into action through the various institutions and services designed to lend a helping hand restoring life back to “normality.” If it wasn’t for God’s goodness, disasters would lead to a continual downward spiral of destruction rather than the restoration of humanity.

I am thankful and relieved that IRMA didn’t destroy everything in its path. Yet for those who lost everything, I pray that God leads them to see His abundance and direct their steps to restore all things. For those who were fortunate to escape serious harm, I pray that we find ways to help our neighbors rebuild their lives. For we are in this all together; sharing life’s hardships and challenges, while gaining knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ who is preparing you and I for greater service now and into all eternity.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Discipleship 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 2017 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Hurricane IRMA Before Impact 

Dr. Mike Kingdom Actions

Psalm 107:43
Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord. ESV.

Today we get to meet IRMA. Initially, IRMA was scheduled to visit the other side of the state. However, as usual the majority of the forecasters were incorrect and IRMA decided to flex her muscles. Therefore, two days ago we started our preparation. Besides hanging the metal storm shutters over all the windows, loading up with food and supplies, and making sure our neighbors were likewise prepared, we did a short Bible Study on storms.

Yes Jesus stilled a storm a couple of times, and God even spoke to Job through a storm. Yet it was Psalm 107 that I stopped and reread several times. This Psalm wasn’t about any physical storm per say. Instead, the writer gave several examples of life where God intervene in the storms of people’s lives. When the people acknowledged their hopelessness and cried out for HIS help, God intervened.

These were not righteous people, but sinners who have come to the end of their rope. People who were wandering lost in the desert, chained in prison, caught in the folly of their personal sin, and battered at sea by storm waves. The common thread is God heard their repentant spirit and redeemed them.

HE turned their world from desert to pools of water. He took them from where they were and blessed them right where they stood. Like He has done so many times over, He raises the needy out of affliction and makes their life to flourish. From these actual situations, we see the love of God in action.

Today we again get to see the love of God in action as we bunker down and hold on to HIM facing the wrath of IRMA.  Our prayer is simply for human life be spared and let God magnify HIS name through all the earth from this destructive act of nature. Until then, we have prepared ourselves as best as we can and now lean on HIM.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Discipleship 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 2017 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved