Grace-Paced Living

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.   Hebrews 4:16

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And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.   2 Corinthians 9:8

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The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.   Philemon 1:25

Immature Christ-followers are often challenged by the concept of grace. They associate grace only with sin. They fail to realize the full potential God has given them under the authority of their Lord Jesus. Their worldview constrains them.

Yes, God’s grace mercifully covers the eternal penalties caused by sin. But grace is so much more than a sin solution. Grace is the unmerited favor God bestows upon us each moment of our life.

As apprentices of Lord Jesus’ Kingdom, HE bestows HIS grace upon us as needed. Whenever we put forth the effort to walk in agreement with HIM, HE bestows HIS favor upon us. Whatever we may lack, HE supplies. Whatever we may need, HE provides. HE in many ways is like the parent raising teenagers. HE gives HIS child room to make choices. But is always available to help navigate them through life’s consequences. Like a parent preparing their child for adulthood, so does our Rabbi do for us in preparing us for eternity.

If we fail, HE is near to help clean up and restore our confidence. Like the responsible parent, HIS goal is to make us ready to live life independent of HIM but always in agreement with HIM. In many ways, the adult child will respond in ways as taught by their parents. As Christ-followers don’t we do the same? Don’t we want to act like Jesus in the situation we currently face?

When we begin to understand grace is God’s favor upon us, doesn’t that open the doors for a more proactive life? If God be for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

Our challenge is to repent from our orientation for the expectation of specific results. Instead our heart and mind needs to be always trustful of God’s best for us and others.

Why do most of us suffer from anxiety, worry, and destructive stress? Could it be we hold unto our expectations instead of trusting God for the best outcome?

Grace-paced living is about trusting God for the outcome. It is casting your bread in many different directions. Then trusting God for the outcome. It is practicing the ASK method of prayer. First we ask HIM. Then we seek the answer from the opportunities around us. When something appears to be the answer, we knock on the door to see if the opportunity is for us. It is being open to all possibilities. We don’t limit our life anymore based on personal ambitions. Instead, we focus on building our relationship with the Triune God.

We go to our heavenly Father and ask Papa for a favor. Perhaps HE may grant you your request. Or HE may provide something else which is more of what you need in preparing you for your eternal home. Remember, it is not just about you. HIS answer will take into consideration other people who have a stake in the manner. HIS concern is for you and all the other family members under HIS tutelage.

Yes, at first living under a grace-paced approach is scary when one has been a control freak most of their life. But as God continues to intervene, HE will show you HIS love, HIS grace, and HIS blessings in your life. Then you will learn that HIS grace is enough for you. You will find under HIS grace, to be more free. To experience real flourishment without its trappings. You will find real fulfillment without costly penalties.

Yes you may be disappointed at times. You will suffer at times. You may even be deeply hurt at times. But over the long haul, you will discover the love, peace, and joy life gives you through God’s Spirit. All this while walking with your heavenly Father under the tutelage of your Lord. When you discover the full impact of HIS grace, you will pace your life accordingly. It is the best approach for day-to-day living on planet earth today. Ask any mature Christ-follower and they will tell you so with a large, glowing smile on their face. Grace-paced living is where it’s at.

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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Bear Your Gifts

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.  Romans 12:6-8

Here Paul lists a few of the gifts God has given to people. This short list includes: prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, and acts of mercy. There are more, but these are known in the Christian circle as motivational gifts. Every person you meet will possess and be dominate in at least one of these characteristics. The process of life is to discover which gift(s) you possess. Then exercise that gift for the benefit of others. And there lies the challenge.

It takes godly character to bear your gifts.

What often happens is one becomes prideful over their giftedness. We begin to compare our self with others or try to be something we are not. Or we may become envious of others for their giftedness. At times we may boast of our gifts. Or we may think our gift is more important than others and try to manipulate others for our cause. At times we may get irritated or depressed over others. The battle to walk in Christ-likeness with the heart of a humbled servant is forgotten. Our inward bent heart is running amuck.

Yes, it takes godly character to bear your gifts.

But when you use your gifts for your personal ego trip, you have loss the way. Your giftedness has taken over your soul. Instead of a spirit of godliness shining through, selfish ambition reigns. Your character is broken and you don’t realize the consequences until it’s too late.

Yep, it takes godly character to bear one’s gifts.

Jesus knows.

This is why HE made HIS kingdom available for all people. When one submits their kingdom under the authority of HIS Lordship, life takes on a new approach. HE empowers you with HIS Spirit. HE opens your eyes to a new worldview. You begin to see the world and its people through HIS eyes. You begin to hang out more with HIM. As you do you learn to follow HIS lead. HE begins to work with you to shape your character after HIS. Over time, you become more and more like HIM. You begin to taste eternal life now.

You find the trials and challenges of life shape your character after HIS. Life takes on new meaning and purpose. Everything you do becomes a moment of sharing time and space with HIM. HE shows you how to use your giftedness for HIS glory and for the sake of others. In the process you benefit. But overall, you live a life that reflects God’s way. You become a witness of HIS kingdom. As you exercise your gifts for the sake of others, you lift up Jesus as your Rabbi, Lord, and Friend. You gladly introduce others to the Jesus you have come to know.

Yes, it takes godly character to bear one’s gifts. That is one reason why we all need a relationship with Jesus.    

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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Why Grateful?

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,   Hebrews 12:28

Of all the things you are grateful for, where is God’s Kingdom on your list?

This thanksgiving season, I started to make my list. Most of the items were the same as last year. But one new one emerged. God’s Kingdom.

His kingdom was always there. In some sense, wherever Jesus IS, so is HIS kingdom. But I never really appreciated God’s kingdom until this year.

I just took it for granted.

Why am I grateful for God’s kingdom?

Many reason, but here are a few:

HIS kingdom reflects HIS way of governing HIS people.

HIS kingdom includes all the resources of heaven and earth. 

HIS kingdom puts productive and meaningful order into the lives of its citizens.

HIS kingdom allows freedom, flourishment, and fulfillment to abound.

HIS kingdom respects life.

HIS kingdom is God’s family business.

HIS kingdom is home for HIS children.

HIS kingdom is eternal.

HIS kingdom is non-political.

HIS kingdom reflects God’s character in all HIS subjects.

HIS kingdom is open for anyone who is willing to submit themselves under the authority of Jesus.

HIS kingdom is now available for you and I to serve under and enjoy its domain.

Yes, all this plus more is a reason to be at awe and reverence our Triune God. HE has given us a dwelling to live out HIS master plan for humanity. But without belief, one rarely experiences the fruitful riches of HIS glory. Yet when one does pursue HIM, one will discover HIM. Then the adventurous journey of transformation begins. One learns the in and outs of being a citizen of HIS kingdom. HIS kingdom becomes more and more real as your relationship with our Lord deepens. Then you want others to share in HIS blessings. Yes, God’s Kingdom is now on my grateful list too.  

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)

Books By Dr. Mike:

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Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved