Common Link

Dr. Mike 2022 , ,

Colossians 1:26-27

…the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (ESV)

Our Common Link

Jesus Christ is the common link that eventually will unite all mankind.

Today there is division between those who acknowledge HIM and those who distain HIM. There are those who have now accepted HIS authority in their life and have come to realize HE is alive and living in Spirit with them. On the other hand, there are those who look upon the man as a religious do-gooder without any relevancy or practicality for current world affairs. And therefore, refrain from living under HIS domain.

More has been written and discussed about Jesus Christ than any other person who has every lived. His impact on the people of HIS day resulted over time in a drastic cultural change in human affairs. Those who have come to believe in this sole person’s claim have witnessed a change with their own heart, mind, and soul. When they meet others who have likewise experience similar transformation, they rejoice and acknowledge their King and God.

To become a follower of Christ is sacrilegious in countries whose nationalistic faith is atheistic or political. Yet many choose to follow HIM at the price of their own life. What makes HIM so attractive?

He never wrote a book, held public office, led an army, nor built a historic empire. Yet HE is held in esteem and acknowledged to be a King and Savior of mankind! Kings of nations, presidents, and leaders of vastly different institutions and organizations have acknowledged HIS influence and leadership in their lives.

His teachings have led to the flourishment and development of the western world in areas of human rights, education, and governmental structure. His ways have also led to the building up of social structures, hospitals, and family roles within society.

Historians have taught the evilness of what happens when people disregard HIM and pursue their carnal desires at the destructive expense of the masses. More people have died fighting to destroy HIS teachings rather than live out HIS Kingdom way. People always want the benefit of HIS ways without answerable to HIM. They can’t acknowledge that the source of everything good is because of HIM.

Yet one day that will all change, and humanity will finally witness how ONE person will operate a Kingdom where everyone will have the opportunity to flourish in freedom and find fulfillment serving each other. I long for HIS Kingdom to fully function on earth as in heaven. But till then, I rejoice that there are little colonies throughout this planet where HIS Kingdom is active. Wherever you and I stand, we have the honor and privilege of sharing God’s way of life with others. At home, among friends, and in the marketplace, we are fortunate to share HIS Good News with others; and at times we may even use words.  

When you are rooted in Jesus Christ, you stand on solid ground. You are linked with HIS Father and Spirit and a host of other angelical beings. And you are connected and belong with other saints who likewise share in the life of the God-Man who makes all these things possible. One day everyone alive will also personally come to know HIM – for HE is our common link.

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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Godly Living?

Dr. Mike 2022 , , ,

1 Timothy 4:8

for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ESV

How rewarding is it to live a godly life? What is my return on time and effort to pursue godliness? How does one incrementally grow in godliness? And what is godliness?

There have probably been more books written and sermons given on godliness than I could count. Yet I still struggle with a good, concise definition to share with others. The best I have come up with is this: Godliness is the outer expression of a God-Centered life.

When one’s life is built on the foundation of the Incarnate Triune God, with Jesus Christ being the cornerstone, one’s beliefs, thoughts, and actions are motivated from a heart of glorifying the Creator God.

The desire is to please HIM – to make HIM known – and to reflect his glory with everyone you meet. One’s attitude and behavior begin to resemble the values and priorities of the Biblical God more and more.

As one hangs out with the Triune God, one begins to put on HIS characteristics. The fruit of the Spirit becomes more evident. The heart of God slowly melts away the rough, carnal ridges and replace them with HIS divine attributes. The child begins to grow into the image and likeness of HIS Dad.

Yes, training in godliness benefits one today and leads to a richer life tomorrow. And yes, pain and suffering still attacks even the godly one. But the response follows the lead of Jesus. He suffered and so will we. But through the process, God is glorified. And godliness is centered and focused on that principle. To walk, speak, and commune with our God on a regular, natural basis where HIS divine nature becomes more and more expressive through us is godliness paying tribute to God Almighty.

The glory, honor, and power are always HIS. We are now only the conduits who are given the privilege to share HIM with everyone else. Tomorrow, we will be like HIM because we will see HIM as HE truly IS. But today, this is the best I can do to express what godliness means to me. Yet, however you define godliness, I only hope you experience the same, if not more, of HIS attributes to share with others and live a more, productive, and meaningful life while showering under HIS Divine Nature.

Godliness is HIS expression through you.   

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!

Be Shrewd

Dr. Mike 2022 , , , , ,

Matthew 10:16

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (NIV)

Yes, it is a dangerous place to be when you are a sheep surrounded by wolves. Jesus acknowledges this in today’s Scripture passage. People can be ravaging animals seeking you as their game for the day. But HE doesn’t leave us defenseless. He instructs us to remain purely innocent but also to be shrewd in our dealings with them.

In today’s politically correct cancel culture, one needs to use caution and prudence when communicating and dealing with others. Until you come to know the person you are dealing with, your personal antenna and radar needs to operate on high alert.

Per the various translations, to be shrewd is to be wise, prudent, clever, smart, cunning, sly, and intelligent. To be innocent is to be harmless, guileless, faultless, simple, and gentle. All are characteristics to help one succeed in dealing with others when your heart is built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ.  He has given you the Holy Spirit who is an excellent counselor on this subject. Lean on HIM and allow HIS Spirit to influence you throughout the day.

Also, if you are young or inexperience with dealing with others from this position, the Book of Proverbs is a good place to start acquiring the knowledge on how to manage life’s situations. The Book outlines difference scenarios which repeatedly occur in life and how best to handle the situation.

Whether on the ministry trail, the business boardroom, or the community park, you and I always have opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others; and sometimes we may even use words. But more times than not, we all find ourselves in those awkward and sometimes troubling situations unsure how best to proceed. At times like this, we ask God to intervene; trusting HIM to workout the mess we are currently in. HE has a way to use the situation as a teaching moment for them & us, plus a trust relationship building moment for our soul.

So, as HE develops your leadership ability, learning how to best maneuver around those difficult people you encounter, take the time to prepare and equip yourself with the tools necessary to be cunning but harmless. Read the BOOK and LEAN on HIM!

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!