eternal values

Aim Up

Dr. Mike 2025 , , ,

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed.   Isaiah 51:6

Whenever there is a tough decision to make, what are some guidelines you use?

Like most of us, do you look at cost, time-restraints, and sacrificial requirements? Or are you willing to accept those only as part of the package and focus on the eternal outcome?

Over the years, you will be confronted with difficult decisions. Some of these moments you may not take the godlier route. Sometimes the cost will be more than you can endure. Other times the convenience of having it now will win out. Most times, you will not want to give up anything in exchange. Looking back, you will realize the faith living in you was expressing itself through your choices.

Yet over the years, God’s grace is constantly pored upon us. We learn that aiming up rather than down may hurt in the short term, but the long-term benefits far out weight them. It took a while for me to understand this. But focusing on the eternal aspects under God’s Kingdom has proven to be the better outcome.

Now when in doubt, I trust more. When I am being taken advantage of, I learn to bless more. When someone asks a little from me, I give them more. When someone needs a shoulder to cry on, I give them that and more. When God’s peace is being stolen from me, I give more away.

My aim is to please Jesus more than myself and others. When I get distracted, iniquity seems to show up. Thus, I want to know what Jesus is doing wherever I go. Sometimes HE lets me know. Most of the time, I don’t see or hear HIM. But other times, I see the impact the Spirit is having with someone and ask for discernment to join them. Other times, HE doesn’t let me know, but HE may get others involve. Life is not solely about me. But what the Triune God is doing in preparing eternity for his children. HE knows what is best. My aim is to trust HIM, follow HIM, and support HIM wherever I go.

So, aim up. Keep your focus on Jesus. Make your decisions knowing HE is always with you. Let HIM lead you around the dance floor of life.

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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The Ungodly vs. Godly Life

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , , ,

2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Want a description what life is like without accepting God’s authority in one’s world?

2 Timothy 3:1-5 outlines the characteristics one will exhibit when the power of God is absent in a person’s life. It is not pretty yet does describe many areas of our current political and university communities today. When God is thrown out of the equation, His values for peaceful cohabitation and social flourishing is buried beneath the ugliness of human nature. It takes the execution of real wisdom to navigate through the lies and hypocrisy which blind people to behave in such ungodly fashion. They are trapped in their ignorance of history, solid facts, and human nature to do Satan’s bidding for destruction of families, communities, and nations. There is nothing new under the sun which has already happened and will happen again by people being pawns in a global war to destroy what is good.     

I’ve rewrote 2 Timothy for myself taking into consideration the opposite perspective – what a godly life is like. Dr. Mike’s reverse translation:

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.

Yet Christ followers will continue to be lovers of God, generous with money, humble, meek, respectful, honoring their parents, grateful, godly, caring, satisfiable, commendatory, exercising self-restraint, hospitable, passionate for good, trustworthy, cautious for the sake of others, focused on factual reality, lover of God before pleasure, emphasizing substance of character rather than outward form of godliness, and allowing the power of the Holy Spirit into their lives. Associate with such people.”

Wouldn’t you want neighbors with such attributes living in your community?  That is what Jesus Christ offers us in living out His Kingdom on earth today.

So, whatever “ISM” you may think is better, please review your facts and history. Those of us living in America have been privileged to live in a nation with freedoms unknown by most previous countries throughout human history. Yet freedom comes with a steep price. And many people are turning away from it. Real freedom comes from the Triune God. When we ignore His authority in our life, hell moves closer to the neighborhood. 

The outcome of a godless life is what Paul describes in 2 Timothy. As we see a nation focus more on race, gender, and Marxist values rather than the God of grace and His proven ways of flourishing for all, the more a nation will fit into the description of 2 Timothy.

Yet people can change. Nations can change. But are you willing to pay the price for freedom? Ask your heavenly Father what you can do to help build His kingdom in your little world today. And be ready for some adventure. It’s how we grow and how God is glorified. And how you and I and those around us benefit the most.

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

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