Christ-centered

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

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Christ-Centered Character

Dr. Mike 2021 , ,

Galatians 4:19

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you…

The nucleus of a Christian life is Jesus Christ. He is the central core for all of life. When we acknowledge HIM as who he is, only then do we discover a path which leads toward fulfilling our human potential.

In business, we are trained to start with the end result in mind and then work backwards filling in all the steps necessary for its attainment. The same can be said about your life and mine.

In the above Scripture, the apostle Paul states the goal for each believer is to be made in the image of Jesus Christ from the inside-out. A process of having yours and mine attitude and character shaped into the very carbon copy of Jesus. Later in Chapter five he emphasizes the building material being the character attributes of the Holy Spirit being fully expressed through us. Paul compared the entire character-building process to childbirth.

C.S. Lewis in his writings like to define Christians as “little Christs”; like children being molded after their parents. A life-long process over time which ends with the son or daughter grown up with similar characteristics of their parent. The same is true of us believers.

When you start with the end of life, you will quickly acknowledge that we came with nothing into this world and we shall leave with no material possessions at the end. However, there is something we will take with us into the next phase of our lives – our soul.

The soul, which includes the entire bastion of one’s emotional attitudes, mental bank, and characteristic willpower, will one day be resurrected into a new body. Until then, like the new born child awaits in the womb of their mother being prepared for life outside of the womb, we likewise are being prepared in this life for a new adventure in the world tomorrow when we will be resurrected into eternity. The last chapters of the Bible showcase the new resurrected life we are currently being prepared to enter.

So, what does all this mean?

As a mother nurtures her begotten child, being careful to eat and drink healthy items which will assist in her child’s positive development, so must we the Church, nourish and feed believers until they mature into the image of Christ being formed in each one of us. Just as a responsible mother makes her primary purpose for nine laborious months doing everything in her power to give birth to a healthy baby, likewise the Church needs to do the same.

Yet, just as there are mothers who have failed to fulfill their responsibility, there are also believers who have failed to participate in the process. The end result are children of the faith who may be mature in the eyes of the world, but are yet babes in the eyes of God. One Pew research study showed that most Christians understanding of their faith stopped when they quick going to Sunday school in the 8th grade. In other words, their growth and understanding of God’s work stopped at the same time. Physically, they grew up, but spiritually they are still babies drinking milk.

If you are unsatisfied with your spiritual walk with the Lord, maybe its time to join a small group of believers who understand the importance of sharing life and growing together in preparation for eternity. More Jesus and less me is a motto used by one of the small groups I had the privilege to participate for a number of years. Like iron sharpens iron, so one believer sharpens another. Of all the church activities I have participated in, the small group is where I believe the work of the church comes more alive in helping Christ be formed in 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

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Comparison Trap

Dr. Mike 2020, Traps , , ,

2 Corinthians 10:12

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

Who do you compare yourself with?  Your neighbors?  Work associates? Family members? Your peers?

How does that make you feel? Superior? Proud? Or Cast down? Disappointed?

Comparing yourself one to another only leads to frustration and self-pity or if you are one of the select few, pompous and arrogant. It may take time or may occur immediately, but the end result is realizing we all don’t have it. Someone will always be #1 in your industry, your peer group, and your family. But eventually #1 takes a back seat to someone else in due time.

However, when you truly realize you are included in Jesus Christ which means your identity is found solely in HIM, you can breathe a sense of fresh air knowing you are worth more than you believe, and possibly if you hold a high opinion of yourself, less than what you believe. Jesus Christ evens out the playing field.

In Christ, we all have what God designed us for. He designed us for good work and equip us with the necessary abilities for successful fulfilling His desires for us. When you realize each of us are uniquely empowered to glorify God in our work, relationships, and conduct, the praise goes to Him and not ourselves. Only God truly knows the effort we have employed to take our natural abilities and align them with Him in support of His kingdom.

For example, John the Baptist’s public ministry preceded Jesus and was very short term – approximately one year. Yet he even realized that his service was secondary to Jesus and even commented that his ministry must decline so Jesus’ may increase. He didn’t get caught up with the comparison trap but instead fulfilled his unorthodox mission and gladly stood aside for God’s glory. Jesus’ own reply paid greater homage to John stating that no prophet was greater than him.

So, when you view the pages of your Facebook friends, or your associate gets the promotion you sincerely desired, or your neighbor drives home with a brand-new sports car that you always wanted, thank God. Thank God for your friends, associates, and neighbors, For, without them, you wouldn’t recognize how God’s Spirit of love was lacking in your heart without these events occurring. Thank God to make you aware so you can draw closer to Him until He becomes your prime joy and measurement of comparison. Then you will learn to walk humbly with your Lord, and serve Him, without expecting anything in return but to experience the love, joy, and generosity of your Creator. 

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
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 2013-2020 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved