Abundant Living

Overflowing Life

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

John 10:10

 “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

What does the abundant life look like in your worldview?

When you dream of a life overflowing with milk and honey, like the early Israelite (Lev. 20:24) entering into their promise land, what picture enters your mind?

How would you describe the abundant life in your world?

Jesus stated that humanity does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Mt. 4:4). Paul writes as we share in Christ’s suffering, we likewise share in his comfort (2 Cor 1:5). The Psalmist (37:11) reminds us that the meek shall find delight in abundant peace. David in repentance seeks God’s abundant mercy (Ps. 51:1). In Job (37:23) we are reminded of HIS abundant righteousness. In Deuteronomy (30:9) we see how God promises to bless HIS people with abundant prosperity. This includes the work of their hands, many children, and much cattle and agriculture. All these are staples of a then flourishing society.

Jesus also reminds us that the flesh is useless without the Spirit (Jn 6:68). That it is good to be rich toward God and self (Lk 12:21). But be on guard against covetousness as real life isn’t about plenty of possessions (Lk 12:15). The apostle Paul also writes about the awesome privilege of God living within us and expressing HIS richness of love and power through us (Eph 3:16-19).

Yet most of us struggle and wonder why our life is so far removed from the abundant life the Bible teaches. Maybe its because our priorities are upside down. I know in my early walk the erroneous emphasis was how could God bless me with the physical treasures rather than HIS spiritual riches. Only after God allowed me to struggle through life did things begin to slowly change. I learned to enjoy HIS presence. I also allowed Christ to be the core foundation in every area of life. No, I am not a millionaire, but live comfortably with all my needs and a few luxury pleasures to enjoy. The real wealth I have come to gratefully appreciate is knowing and sharing life with the Almighty Triune God.

The more I focus on HIM and HIS work and HIS ways, the more I enjoy a life full of adventure, love, and meaning. The abundant life is simply knowing HIM, having a meaningful relationship with HIM, and sharing HIM with others.

In conclusion, the overflowing life includes both physical and spiritual wealth. The emphasis thought is first believing and following Jesus Christ in every area of life. When you dance with HIM through the uncharted venue of life, HE will lead you. Yes, HE will also discipline you. But HE will also bring others into your world where you and they can share your walk in community. The rest of life are details which naturally find their way into your world (Lk. 12:31) because you are highly valued by God and HE truly loves you.  

Bottom-line: the overflowing life is rooted in Jesus Christ.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

Learn & Grow with these eBooks:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Fear Not

Dr. Mike 2021, Life Tools, Think About That... ,

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Hebrews 13:6

So, we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

2 Timothy 1:7

…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Ever notice throughout the Bible whenever angels appeared before humans, their first words are a strong command not to be afraid. Or when Jesus spoke with His disciples or someone approached him, he would reiterate “fear not” and then explain why.

Fear is a strong emotional spirit that is wired in us to protect us from potential harm. Those of us who have a strong creative imagination probably are more challenged to keep fear to a healthy manageable display, but everyone of us deals with the matter throughout our lives. Yet there are those who better manage the response of fear than others.

I have worked for business owners whose level of monetary risk was substantially greater than mine. As one explained to me, after you lost a few million, gone through bankruptcy, and still survive, your level of risk tolerance grows. The same is true of whatever we may fear. The more we face our fear and survive, the stronger we become.

Jesus would often imperatively command his listeners not to be afraid. The reason: because God cares for you and will help you walk through the ordeal. He would point to God as the one we should fear because he can destroy both body and soul; whereas people can only kill the body. In other places, HE chastises doubt away, and points toward God as the solution to overcome fear and anxiety.

Elsewhere in Scripture, the apostle Paul and John and the writer of Hebrews likewise poo-poo fear away by reminding us that God has given us through HIS Spirit the power and love and self-control to debunk the fear in our lives.

John highlights that God’s love is greater than any fear. As we allow HIS presence to live in us and transform us, we slowly see the fear dissipate from our lives. As we come to know HIM more and more each day, we become witnesses of HIS power to work in our life and the life of others.

The intensity of the fears we face each day are correlated with the presence of God in our life. As HE becomes more and more central in our life, the relationship grows and HIS attributes and worldview begin to dominate in our world. Whatever problem we see or ordeal we are living through is soon recognized as only a hiccup in HIS path.

Fear is a very powerful emotion God gave us to protect us from danger. Yet fear, unless bridled can cause greater harm than the trigger point of fear itself. Like all emotions, fear needs to be managed properly under the circumstances one finds themselves. The beginning of a healthy system to manage fear is with God who created the emotion for our protection. When HE becomes the central core of our emotions, the challenge and response become more controlled, healthy, and productive. So, fear not, and let God be your guide.

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!

Copyright 2013-2021 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved