Suffering. Endurance. Character. Hope.

Dr. Mike 2025 , , , 
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:2-5

Why is suffering a problem for many people who blame God for its existence? The question arose again this week at our weekly small group meeting. The man has a friend who is a “good person.” But now he is going through medical challenges. This is causing hardship and pain within the family. Why does God allow it he asks.

Some of us have the illusion that suffering is the exception. When in reality, it is the norm. Being free from suffering is the exception.

Suffering is the event that God uses to bring about his spiritual masterpiece in you and I. No one wants to suffer. But a broken world with broken people produces a broken society. In due time, we all will suffer pain.

It may be physical, emotional, relational, or financial. It may cause us to lose our freedom, our dreams, and our well-being. Yes, even good people will suffer. Ask Jesus.

A perfect, sinless man who confronted the masses and political machines of his day. His contribution to society led him to a most torturous death. Yes, even HE could not escape the human clothe of suffering.

Suffering is part of the human condition. One can either wallow in it or accept it. One either moves on or allow its teeth to mull you into oblivion. Yet as the apostle Paul writes, Christ-followers rejoice in their suffering. For believers know God’s Spirit lives in them. HE is doing a work through the pain that will produce a spiritual masterpiece. For suffering produces endurance to lean more and more on Christ. As we lean on HIM, HIS Spirit is remaking our inner heart after HIS image. As we look at the fruit, our hope grows more and more on our relationship with HIM. We see HIS involvement in our life.

Yes, we may not like the process. It hurts. It produces hardships. Yet we have learned to trust HIM. Our focus in on eternity. Our desire is to yield ourselves into HIS arms. To allow HIS Spirit to produce the character needed to serve HIM and others in HIS Kingdom forever.

Yes, suffering produces endurance, character, and hope with the Spirit that lives in us. The sad truth though, without the Spirit, suffering is a waste of energy and resources. A painful trip without meaning and purpose. Thus, lean on Jesus and allow HIS Spirit free reign in shaping you for HIS purpose and plans. 

It is not the story I planned in my youth, but it is the narrative I have chosen to follow. This is HIS story and HE has allowed us to participate with HIM through it. It includes suffering from poor decisions on my part. It involves suffering from the acts and decisions of others. It is the narrative that confronts us on a daily basis. How we respond and follow through is the story-line we write. Through the painful process our heart and character will be shaped. Hopefully, as we trust our Maker, yield to the Spirit’s influence, the final image we reflect will honor HIM.

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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What Does Holiness Look Like?

Dr. Mike 2025 , ,

…but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”   1 Peter 1:15-16

To be holy is to be different from the culture around you. To be holy is to be separated from the world’s definitions of good and evil. For when one is holy, one is unlike the world and more like their heavenly Father. Holiness is the byproduct of being connected with Jesus via the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus is the central core of your life, you begin to express life HIS way. You seek to mimic HIM in your relationships and tasks. You put on the character of God. You allow HIS presence in you and around you to lead you.

To be holy is a byproduct of your desire to be like Jesus. Your heart is not to please those around you but how can you please HIM. You seek to bring honor and glory in HIS name. Wherever you go, you walk without religious bias. You include others in your decision-making. Your desire is for all to come to know HIM who you represent.

To be holy is more than doing the right thing at the right time. To be holy is to express the character of God at each moment. To allow HIS love, joy, and peace express itself through you. To celebrate life around you. To do good for others. To practice self-control at all times; not for fanfare, but because you are holy. You have been set apart by HIM for your sake and for the sake of others.

To be holy is to be set apart from the sinful actions around you. You know there is a penalty to be paid for such acts. Instead, you are being navigated by HIS Spirit to live a life rich in moral wealth. To experience life without the penalties of sin. Even when the sin virus lures you into an act of self-destruction, you quickly refocus your heart and mind to HIM. For HE is always there to shower you with HIS grace. You are thus grateful for HIS presence and involvement in your life.

To be holy is not a religious thing. To be holy is a way of life that mimics the God of the universe. The same God who created humanity for a purpose. The same Being who knows how to enjoy life to the fullest. The same heavenly Father who wants what is best for HIS children. To be holy is the culture of eternity.

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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Which God Do You Most Entertain?

Dr. Mike 2025 , , , ,

“‘You shall have no other gods before me.”   Deut. 5:7

Tell me your god and I will know more about you in the quickest amount of time. Whichever god you focus your attention on is a reflection of how you view life. Your beliefs, values, and practices are a byproduct of the god you entertain.

There are many gods in the world. They may be spirits, images, or even other people. They may be movements, religions or political affiliations. They probably represent something good in life. Faith, family, and country affiliation are some examples. Health, education, and career are some others.

You worship what your heart desires and longs for. For life is a constant process of making decisions on who you are going to serve.  Whatever becomes the center core of your life is the god you eventually entertain.

If money is your god, your values and practices will reflect your actions. You will pursue your god without ever finding full inner satisfaction. If your god is family, again your values and practices will reflect your actions. Family is a good thing. But you will likewise still find that inner hole empty and unsatisfied over the long haul if they are your central means of worship.

The list is endless. There are many gods seeking your attention and allegiance. But there is only one who will truly satisfy the thirst of your inner soul. The God-Man Jesus Christ. HE is the Incarnate Triune God.

When you come to know HIM, you come to the place where you realize your story has always included HIM. But you ignorantly never realized HE was always there.

As you refocus your heart, mind, and will toward HIM, you come to the place of inner peace, love, and joy. You realize when HE is first in your life, everything else falls into its proper priority. HE is the culmination of all the other good gods. HIS ways and purpose put to shame all the evil gods.

When HE gave this commandment to Moses, HE did so for our sake. HE knew what a mess we would become by pursuing all the other gods in this world. But HE also knew when you and I abide in HIM, life is much better.

So, take a hard look at the gods you entertain and serve. Which one has been good for you? Which one has robbed you of your freedom? Which one has enslaved you? Which one steals most of your time away from being the person God has made you to be?

After your evaluation period, compare your god with Jesus Christ. Read the Gospel of John in the Bible for yourself. Discover more about HIM and how HE wants what is best for you. Set aside the rumors and gossips of ignorant folks. They most likely are people who never stopped to investigate the real Jesus. Instead, accept HIS invitation to engage HIM in your daily life. Make HIM the core of your life and watch what a difference HE makes.

Yes, keep HIM before all the others and HE will help you keep all the other gods in their place of priority. In fact, when HE is your central command center, all other gods are aligned and eventually bow down their presence in serving HIM. HE brings out the best in all of us.        

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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