Me-ology

Dr. Mike 2024 , , ,

Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I’m leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn’t, you realize, pie in the sky by and by. Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of God.”  Luke 9:23-27 (MSG)

Me-ology is the inverse of theology. Theology is the study of God. Me-ology is the study of me. In our current culture, it’s all about “ME”. It is about how I feel, I want, and I deserve. It is about self-help, self-image, and self-attainment. The world evolves around me, myself, and I.

When one becomes a Christ-follower, one unknowingly carries over this same mindset. That is until God’s Spirit turns on the light of Christ. Then the struggle becomes who is Lord – Jesus or me.

Jesus own words to us all is, “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me(Lk. 9:23-24 ESV). The me here is Jesus, not self. He is Lord. We need to surrender our kingdom under HIS domain. As we do, HE begins to transform our spirit. Our heart and will begins the journey of learning how to live HIS way.

Instead of pride leading, humility rules. Instead of self-aggrandizement, we gladly sacrifice to serve others. Instead of running away from suffering, we embrace it. We are slowly being transformed into a new creation.

We discover our God-given strengths in HIM. He knows us and is preparing an eternal home for us. HE knows how we can best serve HIM and HIS people within HIS Kingdom. The onion is peeled away to reveal the Christ-centered being you were born to become.

So the way to get there, is not by focusing on yourself, but by surrendering yourself to Jesus. Let HIM lead you through the dance floor of life. HE will take you places you would never consider. HE will go along with you to pursue your dreams, but show you HIS way of accomplishing them. You will become more and more like HIM in character and attitude. What you once considered of value, you now shrug your shoulders. You have discovered the joy of studying HIM and HIS ways.

You come to the place in life where its no longer about me, but about HIM. HE becomes your story. Your narrative. Your life. And you rejoice in the process.   

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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Golden Rule Day

Dr. Mike 2024 , , , ,

 
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”   Matthew 7:12

God is brilliant. Here Jesus gives us a proactive approach to Kingdom Living. Another way to guide us in our relationship with one another. Instead of making God, or the Law, or a Teacher the point of reference, HE makes our self the measuring stick.

Do for others what you would like to have done for you. In other words, treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Imagine if you took this approach today. How would your day go? Why not give it a try?

You may have a full day already planned, but others always have a way to interrupt you. So instead of quickly getting rid of them so you can complete your task, stop and focus on their situation. Ask yourself, or better yet, ask them how can you help them at the moment.

If driving to work and that car next to you wants to get in front of you, you know how that feels. How about deliberately slowing down? Wouldn’t you want someone to give you an easier opportunity to get over in a similar situation?

What if your co-worker enjoys a good cup of coffee like you do? Why not buy one of her favorites while you are pumping gas at the local convenience store?

Remember those early days when you were afraid to speak up in a meeting? What if at today’s meeting you noticed one of your quiet associates fidgeting? You know they have something to add but is always interrupted by more aggressive persons? Why not step in and directly ask him if he has anything to add to the conversation?

Someone may ask a favor from you today. Instead of weighting all the consequences and getting back with them, why not just jump in this time?

If you notice someone standing along and looking confused, don’t rush by them. Instead, take a minute and ask if they need any help.

If an elderly person enters the room and there are no more seats available, how about offering yours?

So why not make today a test day of practicing the golden rule? See how you can add value in another person’s life. It may be awkward at first. But with practice you will find yourself becoming more attune to the needs of others. You will learn the art of serving the Kingdom Way.

And who knows? You may even start a movement which impacts everyone in your corner of the world. Jesus did. And it is still going on.

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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Keep On Keeping On…and On and On and On…

Dr. Mike 2024 , , ,

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. …who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body”   Philippians 3:14,21

The apostle Paul wrote these words at a time when his circumstances looked bleak. He was in prison. He wasn’t sure of the outcome. He reviewed his life’s achievements and counted them as dung. He considered the prize before him worth the cost paid. His focus was on Jesus. He looked forward to the return of Jesus and the resurrection from the dead.

History doesn’t give us an exact date when or how Paul died. But it is believed he was released from prison shortly after these writings. He was later beheaded around 64-65 AD per Eusebius’ historical records.

Paul’s mindset though was always focused forward. He didn’t dwell on the pain and suffering of the past. He wasn’t bitter. His head and heart was on Jesus. He was willing to forgo all the trappings of worldly success for life in Christ. What kept him going was the promises of God.

He personally had a strong relationship with Jesus. He has seen the life of Jesus in his daily walk. His pain and sufferings reminded him of Jesus. Whatever Jesus went through he wanted to experience the same.

He found his meaning and purpose in Jesus.

Every hurdle, every obstacle, every nuance, was a stepping stone toward his goal. He knew his mission, and lived it.

No matter where he found himself. No matter the situation. No matter the outcome. He kept preaching the good news to everyone around him. When isolated from people, he wrote the good news. When held under house arrest, he invited people to visit him. When held in chains, he spoke the good news with his captures. Whether before governors or daughters of slaves, he kept on living out his purpose.

Yes, Paul is an example for all. He was zealous for God before meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus. Then after being knock down from his high horse, he continued to be zealous. This time equipped with the good news of Jesus.

My bet is even on his last day when he was most likely beheaded, he was preaching the good news to those around him. In fact, some two-thousand years later, we are still reading what he preached. Yes, he is one of our faithful examples of a life that keeps on keeping on for the glory of God.

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