meaning

How Does God View Humanity?

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , , , , ,

“what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?  Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.”  Psalm 8:4-8

made in the image of God  

adopted within the Triune God circle

bond-servants of heaven and earth’s King

ambassadors of God’s Kingdom

engaged to marry Jesus

disciples of HIS

What is God’s view of humanity? And what is humanity’s view of God?

When God created the human species, He stated it was very good. He gave both the man and woman the responsibility to govern the land and make their world flourish. He also stated that HE created man and woman after His image.

Per Dr. Michael Heiser, this wasn’t solely about copying God’s attributes. But more along the way of their status in relationship to the entire creation. Humans are God’s prized creation. They were created to represent God Almighty on earth.

They are to reflect HIS character and ways in their relationships and judgements. So when we read from the Bible that we are to worship no other gods but the one true God, there must be a good reason. My non-believing friends would say God is a self-indulging Being who wants to be glorified for HIS ego. But the truth of the matter is just the opposite. Us humans need to worship God to refresh how we were created. For us humans reflect what we worship.

Worship money, you will reflect money. Worship the dark side of life, you will reflect it in your actions and demeanor. Worship love and truth, you will also reflect those attributes in your daily life. We humans were created to reflect the Creator God. But to properly do so requires our heart and soul to stay focused and centered on HIM.

When Jesus arrived, HE reflected HIS Father God throughout HIS actions. His short ministry included the announcement of God’s Kingdom is now open. He taught what life under HIS government looked life. HIS actions reflected the with-God life. He bore the fruit of freedom, flourishment, and fulfillment wherever HE went. HE demonstrated how much God loved all humanity. So much so, HE (the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Messiah) gave HIS life as a ransom to give freedom for all people through HIM and in HIM.

Salvation from the clutches of Satan, death and evil desires is now available through HIM. All because of HIS atoning sacrifice. He is not our gatekeeper, but now a step-brother who is also King of Heaven and Earth. Through HIM, we have been adopted into the inner circle of the Triune God. The question now hanging in the balance is whether we are going to accept our new identity? Are we going to learn and emulate HIM as little children growing up onto maturity? Are we going to accept HIS family culture?

In other places in the Bible, humanity is identified as being engaged to marry Jesus. But likewise, are we going to accept HIS hand in a marriage covenant? Are we going to be reconciled with HIM? HE wants to share HIS life with us. The question now is do we want to share our life with HIM?

In Jesus’ earthly ministry, he looked for disciples or learners to come and follow HIM. HE continues to make the same offer to his human brethren. Being HIS student, means hanging around HIM. The Bible calls it abiding. We learn how HE deals with the everyday circumstances of life by allowing HIS Spirit to live in us and through us.

The apostle Paul reminds us in many of his letters that we are now bond-servants of Christ. Jesus paid the price to ransom us and we are now indebted to HIM with our lives. As a bond-servant to the King of Heaven and Earth, we have a close relationship with the Power of the universe. Paul also stated that we are ambassadors of God’s Kingdom on earth today. We represent God’s Kingdom to the people around us.

God wants a family. Faithful and loyal siblings that will serve and reign in the family business – The Kingdom of God. The purpose of the entire universe is to prepare humanity for eternity. HE has gone out of HIS way to pursue each of us until we catch HIM. The entire Bible is a history of HIS involvement with humanity. From beginning to the end HE is working with people leading to the culmination of a new heaven and new earth. HE wants his children to be ready to take the mantle of serving and governing with HIM for all eternity. HE wants people to reflect HIM. HIS Spirit is now training and preparing them for a new future beyond the grave. Life is precious. HE wants to share HIS life with us forever. Life with HIM is the essence of a wholesome, blessed life.

Salvation is for all. But it requires being reconciled in relationship with the King. If one doesn’t want that relationship, your desire will be honored. But for those who want a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus, let HIM know you are committed. Ask HIM how HE wants you to share your life with HIM and HIM with you. As you find ways to support HIM, HE will support you. As you lean on HIM, HE will walk with you and assure you of your relationship with HIM.

We are being prepared for eternity by being trained through the Holy Spirit how God operates. We are learning to view life through HIS eyes. We are learning how to serve others in love and truth. We are sharing the good news of Jesus with others. Our view of God has changed. HE is no longer a stern dictator. HE is the benevolent Papa God who wants to share HIS life with you and others.

When you realize who the enemy is that prevents you from seeing the God who loves you, your life changes. Your surrender to God’s Kingdom is the most peaceful and rewarding act one can do for self and others. To be reconciled with Father-Son-Spirit is where the blessed life begins. When you begin to see eye-to-eye with your Maker, you are aligned and at peace with yourself and others. Heaven is with you. His name is Jesus.

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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Your Personal Mission

Dr. Mike 2025 , , , ,

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.   Ephesians 2:10

You were created with a purpose. The challenge for many believers is discovering that purpose. Most of us ask God and then still go and do our thing outside HIS will. So we ask HIM to bless our work because this is what we want. However, we keep tripping over our feet and then blame God for our incompetency.

Others ask God and then fumble their way trying different things. They never end up finding fulfillment in what they do.

Or we have a dream and passion for something, but become frustrated. We soon realize our abilities don’t carry us through the activities to live out our desire.

The purpose-driven life begins with Jesus. It is when one realizes they are being prepared for eternity to serve their King. Then their approach becomes more focused. They realize they are called to be part of an executive training program to serve in the Kingdom of God. Their life activities are to prepare them to lead and serve others. The only question then becomes how.

Each of us are uniquely wired with specific DNA. Approximately 50% of us are already condition to be a certain type of person. The basis of our personality and abilities is already programmed in us. But we have input into the remaining 50%. We get to choose how the remaining 50% is built upon the giftedness given to us by our Creator.

First, we need to gain valuable skills built upon our natural abilities. Then we need to seek how we can best support Jesus and serve others around us for HIS sake. When we do, we will find that sweet spot which becomes our mission.

In some cases, it will be obvious. But in most cases, it will be a search and discovery process. During this process, one learns to abide in Christ. One learns to trust HIS Spirit to lead and direct their steps to the outcome HE desires. This is how one’s faith grows.

In the process, one sharpens their skills. Then one become more proficient in their service for others. One’s platform grows. One’s relationship with their God becomes more real and attuned. One finds themselves in the service of their King.

In many cases, our service will be our vocation. Our mission will be to serve others in the career field one chooses. We will be introducing Jesus and HIS Kingdom to others. All this while providing a product or service that will benefit others. We will through HIS Spirit become a light for others to see the power and magnificence of HIS Way of life.

For others, our giftedness may be to raise a family. To invest our time and resources into the lives of others who will grow and make a contribution into society and HIS Kingdom. There is no one mission as long as Jesus is your partner. HE will direct you if you allow HIM too. In fact, you may have multiple missions. The common denominator is Jesus being the core of them all.   

And yes, some will find it threatening. But your service will reward you both spiritually and financially. You will learn to walk with your King and serve HIS people while growing your faith in HIS Ways. In hindsight, you will find this was your personal mission through 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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Born to Reign

Dr. Mike 2024 , , , , ,

 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”    Gn. 1:28

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For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.   Romans 5:17

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 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.   Revelations 20:6

Dallas Willard often spoke and wrote about Christ-followers being trained to reign. He would refer to the top two Scriptures. I added the third. All three take into account that humans are responsible to manage earth’s resources. This includes the environment as well as the inhabitants. The biggest challenge is us humans. Dallas loved to remind us that each of us has a kingdom. The question is whether our kingdom will surrender to Jesus’ Kingdom.

God’s vision to share HIS universe with each of us having a leadership role is breathtaking. HE is preparing a people to rule in HIS government HIS way. We start by surrendering our will in allegiance to HIS. We submit our willpower under HIS. We accept HIS authority in our life. As HIS subject, we become ambassadors of HIS Kingdom. We learn to serve others HIS way. We learn to integrate our faith with our personality into work which glorifies HIM. And HIS ways also benefit those around us.

We welcome HIS Spirit into ours. We become more like HIM in character and attitude. Yet we add our uniqueness into HIS story. Jesus always remains the main character. We support HIM and HIS government in the process. HE gives us greater meaning and purpose for our daily routines. As more and more people capture the vision and partake in HIS story, the more HIS Spirit emanates around us.

Our daily activities are training us to reign. As Christ-followers, we first learn to follow our Rabbi. As HIS apprentice, we learn to govern ourselves. We build boundaries and habits of Christlike leadership. As spouses, we learn to submit with one another like the Trinity does. As parents, we learn to govern our family. We practice the dictates of HIS Kingdom to prepare our children for adulthood. In the marketplace, we accept responsibility and accountability for the work we do. Our mutual mission is to work with others toward satisfying customer desires. We do so from a Christlike perspective. We serve them. We add value in their life. Those with organizational leadership skills may take on greater responsibilities. They may learn to govern the entire organization. Again, we learn to govern like Jesus. We are being prepared to reign with HIM for eternity.

Our desire today is to become more and more like HIM. Wherever we are placed, we teach the Jesus Way. We get to evangelize without speaking a word. Our actions align with God’s Kingdom.

This is the practical side of Christianity. Learning to lead like Jesus. Learning to govern one self and others like Jesus. As we do our regular every day work, HE is preparing you and I for greater service in HIS Kingdom. To govern today and forever.

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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