focus

Where Did You See Jesus This Week?

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , ,

Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receives their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”  Matthew 11:2-6

In our morning life group, the question we start each week is the above. Where did you see Jesus this week? It is always enjoyable to see the replies from each of the men. Some men focus on the physical blessings that occurred. Others on the spiritual essence at the time. Yet a few are still looking for HIM.

At times, we may rephrase the question. Instead of using Jesus’ name, we list his characteristics.  For example, the fruit of the Holy Spirit includes love and joy. And since Jesus was fully empowered by the Spirit, the fruit would always be displayed. So we also ask, “where did you see love? Joy? Peace? Patience? Kindness? Goodness? Gentleness? Self-control?” We often receive more replies from others.

Then there are times we ask, “when you looked into the mirror this morning, did you see Jesus.” This one makes each man realize that Jesus is alive and lives in each man. But are you allowing HIM to express HIMSELF through you?

The real reason behind these questions is to provoke one to focus more on Jesus. We all get busy and distracted. So it’s comforting to know that through it all that one question over time becomes a repeated mantra in our minds. So when times get tough, or an event occurs in front of you, stop and look. You may be witnessing Jesus in action.   

In today’s Scripture, John the baptizer was in prison. He needed confirmation that Jesus was the Messiah. So he sent his disciples to Jesus with the question. Jesus replied to tell John what they saw and heard about HIM in action. In other words, what did you see Jesus do this week? HIS reply focused on the healing miracles and the good words they heard spoken by HIM.

When we start looking for Jesus in our small corner of the world, HE will reveal HIMSELF. We will see HIM through the Spirit’s work. We will see spiritual fruit blooming in the lives of others. We will see improbable events occur. We will hear voices from heaven. Encouraging words in time of need. We will see a helping hand in a time of trouble. Sunshine in a place of darkness. The world may be in turmoil, yet peace rests upon you. At the fork road of a major decision, wisdom appears. While waiting for a solution, answers come. Not too many to choose from, only one. The one which propels you to your promise land.

Even when times are hard, you realize you may be broken, busted and beaten, but still hopeful. You know your redeemer lives. HE is holding you together. HE is transforming you into the mold you were wired to become. You accept the short-term pain knowing the long-term gain is truly worth it. Even though you see yourself as a total wreck, a voice within you reassures you that HE is with you. Hang in there. This part of the transition is almost over. You will come out stronger. More trustful. More assured. More on fire for the God you serve.

Yes, it starts when you focus your day on what Jesus is doing in your world now. Afterwards, you know Jesus better than ever before.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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“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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Intentionally Focused

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , , ,

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

When you first wake up in the morning, are you prep to go with a game plan or simply hang about until something happens?

Do you have a structured priority list of objectives you aim toward or simply go with the flow of others?

Do you already know how you will invest your time for the day or will respond subject to the care of others?

Either you are pursuing your dreams or living the dreams of others is how one writer stated the obvious. Now you may be focused on your dreams while also living out the dreams of others. This is the best way. But if you are solely living out their dream and not yours, you will find yourself one day disappointed.

Paul writes to remind us that as Christ-followers we are to be intentional knowing what the will of the Lord is. That without intentional purpose, evil may win the day. That the best way is to be wise how you invest the time you are responsible for today.

This doesn’t mean you need to deprive yourself of your daily joys. But it does mean you need to understand God’s will for the moment you are living. God wants you to be the person you are wired to be. HE created you to be so. But HE gives us boundaries to practice our ways within the space of HIS character.

This is why we invite HIM to participate in our daily work and play for the day. HE adds that unique Spirit into the mix. HIS wisdom is second to none. HIS attitude, creativity, and joy spark a room. The more you lean on HIM, the more you come to know HIM. The more you seek HIS advice and recommendations, the stronger your relationship becomes. Plus, the outcome adds love and adventure into the mix.

Yes, we all have 1,440 minutes per day. HE allows us to live our dreams and enjoys sharing HIS presence with us. As we learn to be intentional each day with HIM, HIS character rubs off on us. The more we reflect HIM before others, the more our witness of HIS ways shine before others. Before long, others will want what you have. That gives you another opportunity to share the good news of Jesus. Yes, we first share the gospel in our actions. Then when necessary, we use words.

It all starts when we are intentionally focused on our relationship with Father-Son-Spirit.

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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God is Always at Work

Dr. Mike 2025 , , , , ,

But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working…”  So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. John 5:17, 19-20
 

Jesus just healed an invalid man on the Sabbath. The man was incapacitated for thirty-eight years. Instead of celebrating the healing of the man, the Jews focused their anger on Jesus. They were angry because Jesus spoke about his familial relationship with HIS Father God. To them this was blaspheme. Their understanding of Scripture did not equate how Jesus could be related to Father God.

Along with their uneasiness, Jesus also took the time to explain HIS heart behind HIS actions. HE shared the process of how HE chose what to focus on.

HIS mind, heart, and soul were focused on the work HIS Father was doing around HIM. HE was so attuned to HIS Father’s Will; HE acted and did as HIS Father did.

The relationship between Jesus and HIS Father was very close. They mutually agreed and acted in similar fashion. Jesus knew HIS Father loved him so much that HE would reveal all HIS doing to HIM.

IS this not the type of relationship we want with Jesus and Father God? To have a ring-side seat to participate in the work of God?

Imagine walking into a room of strangers and participating with the Spirit’s work in front of you? Is this not the Christian journey in Christ? To participate with Jesus in HIS work? To share our life in Christ with others?

Instead of walking into a room with a planned agenda of what you are going to do for Jesus, how about a new approach? What if you asked Jesus how you can join HIM and work with HIM? No expectations. No planned purpose? Only our heart, mind, and soul focused on the work our Triune God is doing in the present.

God is always at work. Ask HIM how you can join HIM. HE loves to share HIS plans with others. Especially HIS children as HE prepares them for eternity with HIM.        

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)

Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:
* indicates audio version available at Apple Books

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved