Knowledge Trap

Dr. Mike 2022 , ,

1 Corinthians 13:2,8

And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing…love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away…

What values are important to God?

The Bible outlines many good and outstanding qualities to possess. Some are better than others depending on the situation and circumstances of life you are presently navigating through. Here the apostle Paul outlines a few that are dear to him and close to heart for others and puts them in their right place.

His list includes the gift of prophecy, understanding mysteries, faith, languages, and knowledge. His conclusion was that they shall all pass away except for one – Love.

The knowledge trap is thinking your I.Q. and the accumulation of all you know of God, the Bible, and any other subject is the utopia of life. Yes, knowledge may be your number one strength, but compared to God’s love, it leaves you empty.

He wrote in 1 Corinthians 8:1 that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” In Ephesians 3:19, “to know the love of Christ surpasses knowledge…”, and today’s Scripture he reminds us that “without love, I am nothing.” Yes, knowledge is one of the great gifts to possess, but it’s not the most important.

Knowledge is the foundation of any field of study. When you acquire knowledge on a subject, and then begin to understand all the interrelationships and applications, you slowly acquire the wisdom to make the knowledge beneficial in its use among yourself and others. Without knowledge, not much would ever get done.

Yet in comparison with God’s love, it is secondary. When the love of God enters your soul, and you can express that love to others, every other gift you possess, including knowledge, becomes more effective and alive as it touches the lives of others.

By itself, apart from love, knowledge stands alone, morbid, and empty, waiting for life to enter. But when color is added, along with enthusiasm, beauty, and meaningfulness unto the subject, not to impress others but for their true benefit, then knowledge becomes alive and valuable.  

Therefore, don’t throw away your thirst for knowledge. But instead, make love your number one treasure to pursue and acquire and share with others. Let knowledge be your gift for others standing on the foundation of love. Or as others have said before, let them know how much you care for them rather than how much you know. Let love lead your knowledge base for the sake of others and for the glory of God.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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How Real Is God in Your Life?

Dr. Mike 2022 , , ,

Colossians 1:27

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Just like Peter and John in Acts 4:13, Jesus is also with YOU!

Imagine living life where God was visibly and actively present in your world?

Wherever you went and whatever you chose to do, you acted and behaved knowing God was walking right next to you. How would that change your decision-making and choices?

How would you act towards all the people you meet? How much confidence and sureness would you speak with others knowing HE stood next to you?

Yes, HE is nearer to us than we most often realize. Yet, because HE is invisible and unnoticed, we naturally move about our day ignoring HIS presence.

But what if we could live-out each minute under the umbrella of absolutely acknowledging HIS presence every single minute of our lives?  What difference would that make in your life?

The mystery of the Christian faith as the apostle Paul writes, is “Christ in YOU.”

I recall reading a book written by a missionary in the early twentieth century (sorry I don’t recall the name), who tried living every minute with the mental awareness God was with him every minute. He stated that he could do it for a short time and then his mind would waiver. When I tried one day to live out the day with a mental focus of God’s presence, I likewise could only do it minutes at a time. The daily routine and events kept diverting my attention away. However, the result did make me more aware of God’s grace and assured of HIS immediate availability when needed.

Maybe you would be different and able to capture HIS presence for longer periods of time. Either way, the important matter is being aware that HE lives in us, is doing a work in us, and through us. The more we lean on HIM and become aware of HIS presence in our world, the greater the joy we experience acknowledging HIS love for us and knowing HE holds us in HIS grip.

So why don’t you give it a try this week and see what impact it makes with you in your walk with our Incarnate Triune God. You may do better than I did, and whatever the outcome, I assure you will come to realize how much more you become of HIS awareness in your life by the practice.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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Awe & Wonder

Dr. Mike 2022 , , ,

Psalm 9:1

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all your wonderful deeds. (ESV)

When was the last time you stopped and looked at God in awe?

I remember the first time looking over the Grand Canyon in awesome wonder of the vastness of beauty and mammoth sculpture of natural earth.

I remember meeting my wife for the first time realizing she was the complete answer to a recent prayer and description of the woman I would like to marry.

I remember holding my infant daughter close to my chest immediately after the doctor cut the umbilical cord and eyeing her mom’s large smile of approval while I stared at her tiny fingers and toes. 

I also remember standing in the basement of a church member’s house after being baptized as a teenager shaking my head in unbelieving amazement from where I was one year ago and what I just went through – totally amazed at what God can do in a person’s life to change their direction and focus.

And what I remember each day when I meet others and see answers to prayer – God’s handiwork as HE occasionally reveals to me what HE IS doing in the world around us.

Scripture likewise constantly presents situations where people stood back and expressed awe & wonder in what God is doing or has just done.

On that Pentecost when the Holy Spirit made HIS public appearance to start the Church and over 3,000 fellow Jews converted to Christianity.

Moses leading the people out of Egypt after God performs ten miraculous wonders before Pharaoh and the people.

Jesus himself performed miracles and healing and resurrections of life which made all the people wonder at God who was working through HIS ministry. Yes, even when HE was resurrected and changed HIS Jewish followers into committed believers.

If you carefully took the time and reviewed your own life, you would likewise find moments of wonder at the outcome. If young, you may have one or two instances like King David as a seventeen-year-old already killing a bear and lion in defense of his animals and ready to take on Goliath.

And if you have already lived a full life, I’m sure you have subsequently looked back and counted all the dots of how an invisible hand guided you from through the most difficult times till today where you acknowledge your Creator’s graceful commitment to you in full adoration, awe, and wonder.

Isn’t our Incarnate Triune God an awesome and wonderful example of a life to imitate? Thankfully, HE has the patience and mercy to lead and direct rebellious students like me. What about you? What brings awe and wonder into your life?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!