Born to Reign

 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”    Gn. 1:28

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For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.   Romans 5:17

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 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.   Revelations 20:6

Dallas Willard often spoke about Christ-followers being trained to reign. He would refer to the top two Scriptures. I added the third. All three take into account that humans are responsible to manage earth’s resources. This includes the environment as well as the inhabitants. The biggest challenge is us humans. Dallas loved to remind us that each of us has a kingdom. The question is whether our kingdom will surrender to Jesus’ Kingdom.

God’s vision to share HIS universe with each of us having a leadership role is breathtaking. HE is preparing a people to rule in HIS government HIS way. We start by surrendering our will in allegiance to HIS. We submit our willpower under HIS. We accept HIS authority in our life. As HIS subject, we become ambassadors of HIS Kingdom. We learn to serve others HIS way. We learn to integrate our faith with our personality into work which glorifies HIM. And HIS ways also benefits those around us.

We welcome HIS Spirit into ours. We become more like HIM in character and attitude. Yet we add our uniqueness into HIS story. Jesus always remains the main character. We support HIM and HIS government in the process. HE gives us greater meaning and purpose for our daily routines. As more and more people capture the vision and partake in HIS story, the more HIS Spirit emanates around us.

Our daily activities are training us to reign. As Christ-followers, we first learn to follow our Rabbi. As HIS apprentice, we learn to govern ourselves. We build boundaries and habits of Christlike leadership. As spouses, we learn to submit with one another like the Trinity does. As parents, we learn to govern our family. We practice the dictates of HIS Kingdom to prepare our children for adulthood. In the marketplace, we accept responsibility and accountability for the work we do. Our mutual mission is to work with others toward satisfying customer desires. We do so from a Christlike perspective. We serve them. We add value in their life. Those with organizational leadership skills may take on greater responsibilities. They may learn to govern the entire organization. Again, we learn to govern like Jesus. We are being prepared to reign with HIM for eternity.

Our desire today is to become more and more like HIM. Wherever we are placed, we teach the Jesus Way. We get to evangelize without speaking a word. Our actions align with God’s Kingdom.

This is the practical side of Christianity. Learning to lead like Jesus. Learning to govern one self and others like Jesus. As we do our regular every day work, HE is preparing you and I for greater service in HIS Kingdom. To govern today and forever.

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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Life Is Hard

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.   Romans 12:12

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…through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.   Acts 14:22

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I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”   John 16:33

Why are we shocked when distress times arise? When we are caught in a web of suffering? When the affliction seems so overbearing? Yes, life is hard.

I recall having a heated discussion with my mother around my mid-thirties over the way she raised me. Don’t get me wrong, I had a very good upbringing. Educated in private schools. Raised with character traits which later produced future successes. Foundational values which gave me a head start in life.

But yet, I was naïve about the world around me. I thought life was a formula. Work hard and you will succeed. But as you enter the world, you realize its chaotic with unforgiving ways to swallow up new victims. It’s an ever-changing jungle. It can be brutal. Survival is job one. Trust is hard to find. Truth is a misnomer. Only results matter. Everything else is noise. You are the target of someone else’s fear or greed. There are days you feel like you are being squeezed by a large finger.

Failure is inevitable. If one doesn’t learn how to turn lemons into lemonade, one becomes dinner for a large pig. The large hogs chew up their little piggies. There is no mercy in the jungle of life. If one enters the marketplace without a defense armor, one is dismantled and thrown away. No pity for the weak.

Yes, life is hard. But Jesus gives us the equipment not only to survive in the jungle of life, but to thrive.

No, you will still face strong tribulations. You will still be persecuted. You will still have emotional roller coaster rides. But you will find faith and hope through the process. For your foundation is built on the rock of Jesus. You know HE has your behind. HE also walks along with you through the ordeal. In fact, HE has already gone before you so you know following HIM will lead you through a better path.

You know each trial allows you to invest more time with HIM. To watch HIM battle for you through the process. To learn more about HIS ways. And as you come out on the other end, you look back and notice the change in your character. You are more patient. Your trust in HIM grows. Your assurance of the relationship with HIM becomes stronger. You soon learn that the jungle of life is designed to bring you closer to HIM. To allow HIS Kingdom ways to become more implanted into your Being.

As much as you hated the pain and thrashing you went through, you are thankful. You realize it was probably the most merciful way for you to develop the willpower pattern after HIM. You soon acknowledge your ordeal only made you stronger in HIM. Though you don’t ever want to go through that trial again, you are thankful you did it with HIM.

Yes, life is hard. Deliberately hard for our sake and for the sake of others. How else can a loving God best prepare HIS children for the eternal role HE has for them in HIS Kingdom?

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

Show Me God

“ For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.”   Romans 1:19-20

The Universe shows the genius of God.

The Law shows the wisdom of God.

Grace shows the heart of God.

The Incarnation shows the love of God.

The Cross shows the way of God.

The Resurrection shows the power of God.

Life shows the glory of God.

God’s workmanship is all around us. If you can’t see, maybe you just don’t want 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:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!


Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved