joy

A Gift from God for You        

Dr. Mike 2022 , , ,

Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. Eccl. 5:18-20

How fast does time move?

It took less than three seconds to type this line. Another minute has gone by as I think what to write next.

Though time has moved past me just now, it doesn’t bother me as much as it did in my younger days. Why? Because God has put His joy into my heart which allows me to experience HIS presence as time moves on. He lives in me.

In my younger apprentice days, HE resided in me, and I didn’t allow him full access into my inner chambers. Today, that has changed.

Today, HE has full access into any room of my heart, mind, and soul. HE has my permission (even though HE doesn’t need it) to engage me wherever HE knows what is best for me in the long term. Though I may initially complain and get angry for HIS interference, I slowly calm down and remember the work HE has started and committed to finish in me. For that I am thankful.

In reading the above Scripture, I am reminded that you and I may have accumulated wealth, possessions, and other favorable toys, but unless God places HIS joy in us, all is lost in frustration, worry, and fear. God’s gift for you and I is the power to enjoy them.

In doing so, we not only accept our social status and class position; but enjoy them along with the work of our hands. This is God’s gift for you and I.

The fact is, because HE has gifted us to enjoy what we do, the time of life seems to move so fast that before we know it, we have lived a full life with fond memories. Yes, there were probably a few challenges in between, but they seem so far removed from the joy set before us.

God is good. He is a Giver of goodness. His goodness includes HIS Spirit of joy. Again, I can only thank HIM for HIS love and sharing this precious gift to me.

For those who care, there are 86,400 seconds per day. Each second is either accompanied with or without joy. If you haven’t done so yet and want to experience the same with the Creator of the universe, ask HIM. Today. Now. Put HIM to the test.

Ask HIM to lead you into work that is fulfilling for you. But more importantly, ask HIM to fully live in you. There may be some initial pain in the beginning as every change brings, but the long-term impact is well worth the trials and tests that shape your inner character. Otherwise, when you look back at your entire life, what will you be thankful for?

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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Celebrate Life

Dr. Mike Life Tools , , , , ,

 

 

Ecclesiastes 9:4

For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion.

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As long as you are alive, you have hope for the future. No matter your circumstances, God’s grace abounds everywhere. Nothing is hidden from Him; nothing escapes Him, nothing limits Him. He created you to live life to the fullest; to experience His love, and fulfill your potential.

Our challenge most often is to get out of the way. We think our plans and solutions are the best ones not realizing there just may be a better way. Our pride and insecurity often prevent us from yielding ourselves to His instructions. We falsely believe no one knows us better than ourselves. What we fail to realize so often is how blind and ignorant the self so easily becomes. We all need a mentor; someone who has gone before us and can show us how it is done.

Life is for the living, not for the dead. As long as we are alive, we can celebrate the life given to us by our Creator. We may not enjoy our current situation and circumstances may temporarily be in stink mode, but we have hope in a Savior – His name is Jesus.

He lived life to the fullest. He introduced us to His Father. He taught us the reality of life in His Kingdom. He intervenes for us. He shares His life with us. He gives us purpose and meaning to celebrate life the way our Creator initially designed the world to be.

Yes, there will be disappointments. Yes, expectations fail. Yes, circumstances change. But through everything, the Triune God cares for you and wants you to share in their life. As we lean on Him, His character, divine nature, and attributes rubs unto you. You become more of a “little Christ.” The joy & peace He instills in you begins to uncontrollably overflow unto others. Your love for others is more fully expressed in your desire to help them succeed. Life becomes more than just about survival. Life becomes a celebration of what God has done, is doing, and will yet do.

Always remember, as long as you are alive, you have hope for the future because God’s Love is greater than anything this world throws your way!   This is our reason for celebrating life each and everyday.

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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Enjoyment with Purpose

Dr. Mike Essays , , , , , , , ,

truth 7

Someone asked me this question other day; “isn’t enjoying life in Christ just being narcissistic?” I had to smile and then refrain from going into a one hour sermon on the blessings of life in Christ. However, I could understand his/her dilemma. In our culture today, which is very probably more self-absorbent than our forefathers, being joyous is sometimes associated with having everything we want, when we want it, and how we want it. However, life in Christ is just the opposite when compared to the up-side down world we live in.

Enjoyment is learning to live with God in the center of everything we do. It is enjoying His creation and realizing the purpose behind it. It is being a faithful steward. It is realizing that God created everything in this world to be enjoyed and shared with others. He inspired Solomon to write that what is enjoyable for humanity is to experience gladness with the basic routines of life that includes eating, drinking, and working. The one who finds a good mate likewise receives a gift from God. That everything made under the sun was created for mankind’s enjoyment. The problem of course is the sinful nature that leads us to rebel against God’s ways. Because of sin and its effect upon a broken world, much of what God created for good becomes perverted and harmful against oneself and others.

Now we are not condoning harming others for our joy.  Real joy harms no one. Real joy uplifts the spirit and inspires everyone around. Real joy reminds us that God is good, loving, and full of radiant life himself. That He created everything to share with us. That everything He made was very good and for our good. Joy is one of the attributes of the Spirit. As the Spirit lives in us, His character, attitude, and divine nature rubs off against us, and like a contagious virus that fights against bacteria, His Spirit influences and impacts us along the way.

My apology for those who I may have offended by enjoying the life God has made for me.  My prayer is that our Triune God may likewise create a new heart in you so that your joy may likewise be full.

Enjoying Life in Christ,

Dr. Mike