in christ

Only Because of Jesus

Dr. Mike 2026 , , ,

“who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,” 2 Timothy 1:9

The older I become, the words from those early days become Deja vu. The older gents back then would smile when one of us younger guys asked those life metaphysical questions. Today, it is my turn to smile.

It happens when you realize your walk with Jesus is all you need. This is when the adventurous journey of faith begins to fall into place. You come to the place you truly know only because of Jesus. You move past the starting gate and now the marathon run with Jesus is getting closer to the winning circle.

You realize all that you believe is not as important as knowing Jesus. Only HE keeps you on the correct path.

You realize all your efforts mean nothing by themselves. But only because of Jesus you are loved and cherished by the Triune God.

You realize all your good works mean nothing by themselves. But only because of Jesus you are known and recognized by God.

You have come to the place of knowing and understanding HE is the central character of your story. Only because of Jesus do you have a part in God’s eternal plan.

You see how fleeting the vapor of life passes you by. Then only because of Jesus do you realize your eternal future is secured.

The longer you walk in the faith, the more everything else becomes insignificant. Only because of Jesus is God’s grace poured out upon you.

You find purpose and meaning in life, only because of Jesus. You can kick yourself for not being more open-minded in your youth to HIS story.

Only because of Jesus does the Holy Spirit diligently work to transform you into HIS image.

Only because of Jesus is there hope for a future.

Only because of Jesus do I find rest and comfort in my soul each night before sleep.

Only because of Jesus is life so good.

You could add more items to this list. I only scratched the surface. For me, only because of Jesus, is my new meme for the year.

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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Be Holy

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , ,


“but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.””  1 Peter 1:15-16

What makes you holy?

The question recently came up in our morning men’s group. As usual, different sides of the same perspective presented many answers. Yet, what does the Bible teach us about holiness?

Yes God is holy. HE is separate and distinct from all creation. HE is perfect in character. HE is worthy of worship. HE is the ideal for us to reflect.

To be holy is to be set apart.

Who sets us apart?

Jesus Christ includes us with himself in HIS relationship with Papa God and the Holy Spirit. HE makes us holy. HE established the universal church for us to take part with HIM. HE opens the door for us to have fellowship with each other. HE lives in us and shares HIS life with us.

Since we are holy because of HIM, Peter instructs us to imitate HIM is our thoughts, words, and actions. We are to reflect HIS character in all the circumstances of life. We allow HIM to express HIS love and joy through us and for the sake of those around us. Our actions and attitude reflect HIS standard for human relations. We study the disciplines, principles, and teachings of Scripture.  This allows us to be more aware of HIS character in life situations.

To be holy is to mimic Jesus in your current surroundings. We act like Jesus because we allow HIM to live out HIS life in us and through us. We don’t behave because we have a certain idea of Jesus. We act out our behavior from the heart of Jesus allowing HIM to express HIMSELF through us.

This is what it means to be holy. Jesus sets us apart. We allow HIM to live out HIS life in us via the Spirit HE has given us. At the end of day, we reflect HIS holiness. The circle is complete. Holiness begins with Jesus. Lived out with Jesus. Reflects Jesus. Brings all glory and honor back to Jesus. This is the way to be holy – one with Jesus.    

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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Christ in You

Dr. Mike 2024 , , ,

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. Colossians 1:27

If you are in Christ, then Christ is in you!

What does that mean?

It means HE is alive and living out HIS life in and through you. If you allow HIM.

It means HE goes before you.

HE has your back.

HE walks along with you through the good times and the bad.

HE is present with you.

HE is available to directly communicate with you for wisdom and strategy. To share your pain and pleasure.

HE is rooting for you.

When you accept Jesus as your Lord and King, HE makes HIS entire domain available to you. HIS entire Kingdom is at your disposal.

As a child of God, HE is your elder brother. As HIS sibling, HE works with Father God and the Holy Spirit to help you grow and prepare for eternity.

You walk under the umbrella of HIS Kingdom. As you work along with HIM, you provide the effort and HE provides the grace.

You may give your best effort and fail. But HIS grace will support you through the process.

You will share your life with HIM and HE will share HIS life with you.

HE who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (I Jn. 4:4). You will defeat your demons. You will learn from the ordeal. You will mature through the process.

Yes, if Christ is in you, you have the riches relationship available to any human. You have humanity’s savior and king as your personal friend and teacher.

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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