Very Little…Very Much

Dr. Mike 2024 , , ,

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”   Luke 16:10

It’s those little things in life that either makes you or breaks you.

One of my early mentors strongly believed in speaking the truth. He had difficulty remembering anything that occurred more than 24 hours earlier. To offset his weakness, he built on his strength. He always told the truth. If you asked him a question on something that happened yesteryear, he would reply with a question. He would ask what would be the right thing to do? Being a man of integrity, he knew that is what he would have done.

The same principle applies with our faith. People with integrity will display the same behavior no matter the situation.

Ask yourself, what would it take for you to change your mind on a personal high value position?

You say you would never do (add your behavior). Pick your poison. Eat liver (my poison). Sex with a stranger. Kill your neighbor. Doesn’t matter the act. The question is how much money would you accept to change your mind? If you were guaranteed one million dollars, would you do it? Not enough you say? How about One hundred million dollars? If that is not enough, then what is your price?

We either stand on principle or not. We either are true to our beliefs, or not. Most of us are not aware what we would do until we are actually confronted with the situation. But if we are honest with ourselves, we can identify those areas where we would die for our beliefs. If we are not willing to die for something, than we having yet discovered something worth living for.

Jesus statement hits the heart of the matter. Your character confirms your beliefs. Your actions when true display your beliefs. But if your character doesn’t uphold your beliefs, do you actually believe it?

If you are faithful in the little things, your character muscle is being exercised into a habit. When the larger challenges appear, your character is already programmed to respond. The same when you are dishonest in the little things. Your character muscle is being exercised into a habit. So lying is being built into your character. When faced with a larger obstacle, your natural inclination is now programmed to lie.

Life is in the details. Build your life on solid values. In this case, let faithfulness and honesty support you in the larger challenges. Those little things in life will make you or break you. Yes, your character is the backbone of your life. This is one reason why Jesus is your best mentor.

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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O Lord…

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”  Rev. 15:4

Recently, I noticed a new prayer appearing on my lips. It is the shortest one in my arsenal. But I am finding it to be the most effective. It only contains five letters and two words. But the impact and meaning goes deep into my soul. And the outcome lays at the feet of our God.

The prayer is “O Lord…”

I find myself praying these two words at times of heartfelt pain and also moments of celebration. These two extremes of the human emotion are wrapped around these five letters.

In my brief lifetime, I find myself many times without the proper words to express to God what I feel. But I am encouraged to know that Jesus and the Spirit intercedes on my behalf (Heb. 7:25, Rom. 8:26-27).

Therefore when I am confronted with a difficult traumatic event, the only words out of my mouth is “O Lord.” The remaining thoughts, feelings, and request for a solution I lay down at the feet of my Christ. HE knows what is best to do at that time and place.

When I rejoice at a time of victory and not sure what to say, “O Lord” expresses my gratitude and joy of the moment. I know the Spirit is always at work. HE may even have been involved in the event. But I just want to express my thanks for HIS blessings.

These two words leave the outcome in God’s hands. They recognize HIS authority and power. HIS righteous works are being displayed.

Yes, there are times a few more words may come out in petition to our great King. But every petition that begins with these two words acknowledges our Triune God. We look for HIM to intervene and empower the people with a good resolution. HE knows I am always available to assist. But we are watching and trusting HIM to take the lead.

In summary, the “O Lord” prayer is a heavy emphasis on our Lord’s authority, intercession, and workmanship. You may find yourself using these same five letters as a quick prayer of need or thanks. The bottom-line: isn’t it awesome we serve a heavenly Father God whose so responsive?

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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Cause and Effect

Dr. Mike 2024 , , , ,

“For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.” Proverbs 30.33

Every action produces a reaction. There are consequences for your actions. Every decision, every choice, and every response causes an outcome. Either you move toward a more favorable outcome or another dilemma to overcome. Doesn’t that make life more exciting or more scarier dependent on your worldview?

As the Proverb writer explained, if you want butter, you churn milk. If you strike the noise, blood is going to result. And if you want to find yourself in the middle of a quarrel, rile up the emotions. Yes, there is a cause for the effect you desire. When you know the outcome, you can put in place the process to produce the result.

But your worldview will determine the hierarchy of values to select from.

If your worldview is centered around you, than your choice will be solely to please you. If your view is to first please others, than your decision will be all about them. If your view is centered in Jesus Christ, than your choice will support HIS Will.

If you are a miserable and angry person, trouble will probably follow you wherever you go. You will have the natural inclination to press people with your temperament. Don’t be surprised if the outcome is strife, quarrels, and fights.

Yet if you are a person full of joy and peace, most people will find you pleasant to be with. You will bring happiness and calmness to every situation.

If you are insecure and indecisive of who you are, than others may bully you into submission to serve them. You will find yourself being used by others for their benefit. They will care less about your considerations.

Yes, your worldview and values will lead you down a selected path. You will either find freedom & flourishment or enslavement & poverty along the way. So the action steps you take today will determine the long-term outcome you desire. They begin with knowing HIM who is the central core of all life.

HE provides the road map to follow. HE set the example and standard. HE grants us access into HIS domain. HE shares HIS vision of a better world and invites us to take part with HIM. HE lays out the goal, process, and means. HE gives you the support you need. HE is the purpose and meaning for life.

Yes, Jesus Christ is the cause and effect of a better world for you. Get to know HIM and HIS ways will lead you to experience the richness of Kingdom living today. Whatever garbage is thrown your way, HE will provide you the support and strength. HE will hold you in HIS grip while you sort through the mess. HE will inspire you with solutions. HE will help you build the character you need to overcome the hurdles placed before you. HE wants what is best for you. Learn to trust HIM. HE may push your buttons harder than you want. But HE knows what you are capable of doing.

HE is the cause of the goodness in your life. His effect will come through you. You will also become HIS light to an upside-down world. One God-Man. One Worldview. One Choice.

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