Life’s goal

God’s Vision For Humanity

Dr. Mike 2024 , , ,

Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. 

Revelation 20:6

Whenever I hear someone ask what is the purpose of life, the empathy overtakes me. I’ve been there. Most of us somewhere in life have stopped to ask the same question. We either arrived to a satisfactory answer or not. If we did, and are in the twilight end of our life, we are either smiling or more depressed than before. If we haven’t found the answer yet, read on.

This question hit me as a seventeen year old. It was a surreal moment when my entire future life flashed before me. Born. Schooled. Married. Worked. Died. Is that all this life offers?

If so, we might as will quit now instead of exerting any more energy. The end result doesn’t justify the means. But if there is more to life than eat, sleep, and work, what is it?

It all begins with God. If there is no Creator, then life is a happen-chance. A random, thoughtless, process of pleasurable and painful moments. But if there is a God, then HE must have purpose behind HIS creation.

I chose to believe there is a God. I followed Blaise Pascal’s wager to accept the Christian faith. My search led me to read the Bible. First like a fiction book. Then as a manual handbook. Lastly as a bibliography of God’s relationship with humanity through Jesus Christ. The entire Book is a history lesson of the spiritual world and humanity. You find principles for successful living. But more importantly, you gain a glimpse of our Creator’s purpose. A future event when God will bring all things to a culmination. In some ways, it will be the largest graduation and marriage celebration of all time.

Here are ten Scriptures besides the one on top which outlines God’s macro vision for you and me.

— Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” John 18:37


— but he (Jesus) said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”   Luke 4:43

— In him (Jesus) we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.   Ephesians 1:11

— And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.   Romans 8:23

— To the one who conquers I (Jesus) will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ Revelations 2:7

— He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’ Revelations 2:11

— Behold, I (Jesus) stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelations 3:20-21

— The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I (Jesus) will give authority over the nations, and he (you & I) will rule (shepherd) them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.   Revelations 3: 26-27.

— And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”   Revelations 21:3-4

— So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

Yes, life is a learning process preparing you for eternity as children of the Creator God. Jesus is our elder brother who is preparing a place for you in the family business – The Kingdom of God. Each day your character, mind, and heart is being developed in Christ. All these activities of this life are preparing you for work under the new heaven and earth. This is why God cares for your soul. Your soul is the central command center you take with you when you crossover into the new age.

In some way, this life is like the embryo within the womb of a mother. As a baby grows fed through the umbilical cord, so is the child of God. As we abide in Christ, the Holy Spirit feeds us. One day the mother gives birth to a new life, so will it be when we are resurrected. Today, in the womb of the church, we are being fed, nourished, and protected. All until we reach Christlike maturity (Eph 4:13). Then at death, we are birth into our eternal home. Held in the arms of Jesus until our resurrection into the new age.

This life with its tribulations, pain, and suffering is not where utopia exists. Instead, it is the training ground to prepare you and I for eternity. That is why failure is never permanent. But the learning process of becoming more like Christ. God’s grace overshadows life’s misery. His mercies extend beyond time and space. When you walk and dance with the Triune God, you learn to appreciate the ups and downs of life. For you know the reason and HIS long-term purpose for you. Everything until then is only short-term pain for eternal glory.

Yes, God wants a family. HE wants to share HIS kingdom work with HIS children. HE also wants to include you. But HE doesn’t want rebellious children. He wants children who desire to share life with HIM. Our life today is a way for HIM to separate those who want too from those who do not. It’s you call. You are already included. The only question is whether you are going to engage yourself with HIM or not.  

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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Our Micro Plans

Dr. Mike 2023 , , ,

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Last week I highlighted God’s macro plan. Today, we are going to review how our plans work along with God’s goal for us.

One of the major challenges we all face is to determine how our dreams aligned with God’s plan. When one initially surrenders to God, the attitude normally is you are willing to commit to anything. Until you realize afterward what you are sacrificing.

Are you willing to become a missionary in a foreign hostile nation? Are you willing to deny yourself marriage, family, and physical comforts? What about your desires for financial success? These and many other issues confronted me. The question before me was how does one’s personal desires and life goals align with God’s plan?

Yes, I wanted to serve God. But I also desired to experience all life’s good things. Can a person do both?

I searched the Scriptures. I read theological works beyond my understanding at the time. Plus I cried and pondered in prayer. The answer over time became clearer. Yes, when one aligns mind, body, and soul to serve the living God, one does so wherever one is, and whatever one does. (As long as our work is not immoral.)

First one must understand God’s plan is to morph you and me after the image of Jesus Christ. As we worship HIM through our thoughts and actions, we begin to reflect HIM in our daily walk before others.

Then after you realize which of your God given natural talents and abilities are your strongest, you sharpen them. You acquire further knowledge and develop matching skills which when employed serve others.

As your heart becomes more like Jesus, HE will also lead you toward a community of people who you can best serve.

You do not have to enter full time vocational ministry to serve God, unless called. HE has given us the honor and privilege to serve Him in whatever profession, service, career, or opportunity we enter. His only caveat is that what you do reflects His character.

Remember: God is a builder, operator, teacher, strategist, and researcher. He is into business, health, education, and government. He is the author of science, mathematics, and communications. He exhibits fatherhood, motherhood, and family-hood. The list is endless.

The time will come when you realize He is preparing you for eternity. That He walks with you through your daily routines. You then become more assured in your relationship with Him. You appreciate His Presence. As HE shares His life with you, you enjoy sharing your life with Him. He created you and knows what your character needs most to thrive for eternity. And no matter what your situation or circumstance surround you, He is constantly morphing you into the image of Jesus Christ. If you allow Him.

In my early twenties, some friends selected the pastoral route. I chose business. Throughout my career, He blessed me with His presence. He surrounded me with mentors. He challenged me with opportunities to grow. And yes, He disciplined me many times when stupidity struck. Yet His grace always was enough. I chose business because at the time money was attractive to me. God didn’t refrain me. Instead, he took the daily roles, events, and challenges which laid before me and changed my heart to more reflect Him. Business became my ministry to love, serve, and govern others God’s way.

When you realize your role for eternity will involve governing and serving others, then you find more meaning in your daily routine. You find being trained to lead and serve is part of God’s plan for you. You realize He wants you to learn how to generously love and prudently judge others in your everyday life.

God is even involved in your personal roles. You find marriage trains you to submit and serve each other like God Himself. You find parenting trains you to govern a household. You find family is the best social structure to teach and train others in preparation for greater responsibility.

Everything you do under the tutelage of God Almighty prepares you for more and more responsibility. As you gain more expertise, your platform grows. As your heart/mind/soul is molded into the image of Jesus, you begin to reflect Him in your life. Your words, actions, and attitude bring greater glory to your Creator and heavenly Father.

In most cases, God is not going to tell you what to do with your life. He wants you to exercise your God-given gifts and bring glory to Him. He is not a helicopter parent. He wants you to develop character that reflects Him.

Yes, life is a learning process. We try. We fail. We try again. We fail. And we keep trying until one day we succeed. Then we take the next challenge and repeat. Whether you choose the upper road, mid-road, or lower road, God is always with you. By choosing what you desire, you will be more motivated to follow through. He will continue to chisel away and allow His new creation to come alive in you no matter which way you choose.

Many Christians struggle for answers in decision making while seeking God’s Will. When the real issue is the fear within them. They want someone to tell them which way to go so they don’t fail. But failure is what teaches you how to succeed. God knows what we lack in character. He knows what your strengths are. And He knows what will bring out the best in you.

So, pursue your goals. Dream dreams. Create a bucket list. Constantly communicate with Him through the entire journey. He is with you and rooting for you. You may have your sight set on the outcome. But His aim is to prune your character in the process. When both are done, be grateful. If the outcome of your goal fails, that is OK. What did you learn? Be grateful. If you succeed, be thankful for your accomplishment.  And always be appreciative for God’s involvement in your life.

When you abide in Christ, everything you do Monday through Friday and weekends are to glorify your heavenly Father. Yes, you can do godly work within a Christian ministry. But you can also minister outside the four walls of a faith community through your vocation. They both will have their challenges and rewards. It’s your choice.

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)

Books By Dr. Mike:

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Victorious Reward

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms , ,

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

victory2

 

We all need motivation at times. When those dark days make their appearance, the quicker we recognize them, the faster we can move onward. Typically, these are the days where the sun is covered by clouds, the dampness of the air blows through my bones, and everything I touch seems to turn into another problem to resolve. In days like this, I sometimes like to read the two chapters in the Book of Revelations which the apostle John wrote while exiled on the island of Patmos.

These two chapters highlights the victorious reward that awaits you and I at the end of our journey in this age of humanity. The verses remind me there is effort on our part to pursue the victorious life and the reward awaits us as long as we finish. Whether we run the fastest marathon ever or simply come in last, we win. But without Jesus Christ there is no victory. He has gone before us and laid out the table and throne room for us to share with him.

That is one party I look forward to celebrate with everyone.

Take a moment, read these scriptures, and meditate on each one. They highlight the reward awaiting us for all our efforts here on earth at this time in this place.

 

To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Rev. 2:7

The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. Rev. 2:11

To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. Rev.2:17

To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over

the nations—that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’—just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give that one the morning star. Rev. 2:26-28

The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Rev 3:5

The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 3:12

To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Rev. 3:21

So, whenever you find yourself wallowing in a self-pity party of one, stop and remind yourself what awaits you for all the struggle, decisions, and effort you make each day for the kingdom of God. Yes, there are many days where the Spirit is rejoicing within you. But on those days where you simply feel tired, defeated, and unfocused, why don’t you remind yourself that the best still awaits us.

In those days when the motivation is gone, I am also reminded of Jesus’ words,

“He who endures to the end shall be saved.”

 And likewise, Paul’s words, “But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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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