meaning

How is the Hole in Your Soul?

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

Psalm 107:9

For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

Blaise Pascal was a mathematician and Christian philosopher alive in the mid seventeen century France. His book Pensées outline his thinking on how  accepting God’s existence is a highly probable event. He also wrote about the hole in every person’s soul. In my observation of human behavior, I have to agree with him on His soul metaphor.

We are all born with an emptiness in our soul. A yearning or desire which needs to be satisfied. A part which completes and fulfills our deepest passion. I believe the hole was deliberately created by God for God himself. HE wired each of us to have a relationship with HIM. Yet HE doesn’t force Himself upon us.

Like mutual, satisfying sex within the marriage bond, so is the act of allowing God to fill our soul hole. But not for a one-night stand. HE is looking for a long-term, permanent intimate relationship.

Our souls also need purpose. Literature, history and even current movies show how us humans have a strong need for romance and adventure. Without either, we shrivel into a wimp like state. But when we are mutually attracted to another person, life becomes exciting. Our emotional cup becomes more satisfied.  

Likewise, having an adventure helps one grow in responsibility and maturity. Competition with an adversary allows one to develop stronger character. And accomplishing a worthwhile mission builds faith and confidence. Life becomes more alive as you grow from the ordeal. And growth adds greater value of self and community.

But when our soul hole is full of false illusions, empty lies, and half-truths, we come out angry, frustrated, and unfulfilled. Only when the real God becomes one with a person does life become worth living. Until then, the ugliness and pain of life destroys the soul’s influence on the person’s spirit and body.

Jesus came so you and I may experience the abundant life (Jn. 10:10). When you seek the Truth, your road is built upon solid ground (Jn 4:24). Freedom. Flourishment. Fulfillment. These are outcomes of HIS lifestyle. His ways empowers all people. We gladly join Him on HIS quest to restore creation. He doesn’t use power to oppress others. Instead HE serves others to build them up into the people they were born to be.

But it all goes back to how you and I are going to fill up our soul hole. Are we going to allow HIM full entrance? Or are we going to keep HIM out?  Adam and Eve could have filled their cup from the tree of life (Gen. 3:22).  But instead took upon themselves to decide what is good and evil.

History is the lesson of choosing who, what, and how one fills up their soul. I chose the Triune God. How about you?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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Humanity’s One Duty

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

Ecclesiastes 12:13

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

The Book of Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon near the end of his life. The book is an overview of his search for life’s meaning and purpose. Yes, the book was written some three thousand years ago. But his observations and conclusions are still practical today as they were back then.

He answers such questions as: What is there to gain in this lifetime? Where does one best invest their time and energy? How does one live a more productive life? Who are the most important people you need to listen too? When is the best time to pursue your goals? Why life matters?

One of the most important topics he discusses is God’s involvement in your life. He answers from a life time of living with God and also rebelling against HIM. He leaves you with a greater insight into your own story. He doesn’t mince words.

His views are like a scientist analyzing the results of a sixty-year study on human behavior. From birth to death, he sorts through God’s relationship with humanity and humanity’s relationship with God. His research takes him viewing how God and time and chance are both occurring throughout life. He views and explains the unfair outcome of people’s lives. From birth to the grave, he states his case and leaves the reader with the conclusion of the matter.

Man’s main responsibility to fulfill in this life is to fear God and observe HIS commandments. To fear God means to acknowledge HIS authority and final word on any matter. That our allegiance places HIM first on all matters. HE is King above Kings and rules everyone. HE deserves are utmost respect and worship.

Because of who HE is, we acknowledge HIS superior wisdom. Thus, we practice HIS decrees for how to best maintain relationships with each other. His ten commandments highlight the means to have a healthy relationship with HIM and others. A society that practices such behavior will only need a small governing structure to handle legal matters. There would be greater trust and security in the land.

Solomon’s final conclusion as king wasn’t for more government involvement to produce fear into the people. Instead, his recommendation is for each person accepted personal responsibility. To respect the authority of God Almighty and follow HIS teachings. When done, life for themselves and the society around them would flourish in freedom and prosperity. Along the way, you would also find meaning and fulfillment.  

Nothing has changed since then in regards to human behavior. But today, we have the knowledge and a greater relationship with God Almighty through Jesus Christ. We have the Holy Spirit residing in us. We have a greater understanding and insight of HIS Word along with historical lessons. How much greater is the time we live now than then? What happens when one combines the teaching of this book with Jesus’s gospel message and purpose? One gains a greater perspective of the physical and spiritual dynamics at work.

Fear God may be an old-fashion expression. But like many old-fashion disciplines, maybe it is time to be again reintroduce into the world.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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What Is Truly Important?

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , , ,

Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

How does one best maximize leverage of time and resources to live a full and enriching life?

When one understands the wisdom of building your life on the foundation of eternal values, you have an advantage over most people. Many of us awake one day to realize our efforts over the last umpteen years hasn’t given us the results we anticipated. We have climb the worldly ladder of success only to find the view disappointingly unappealing on the wrong wall.  So, we move the ladder to another wall and climb again. Only to find over the years the same unfulfilled result.

Shocking to most, the issue is not which wall we climb, but the ladder we use for the climb. When you consider each step of the ladder as values, the ladder with eternal values will lead to a more abundant life than a ladder with humanistic ideals.

Most of us start climbing with ladders built by sincere people with great intentions but without a clue of the types of ladders available for our use. If a stool is all you need to reach the top of the shelf, than use a stool. But if you have to climb multiple floors, than a stronger, well-built proven ladder is required. The same is true when leveraging life’s goals.

Jesus provides us with critical values which when employed allows one to climb the walls placed before us with the certainty of the end result. The ladder HE provides is one built for eternal purposes because for HIM this life is only a learning process preparing one for leadership and service in HIS Kingdom.

When one places her foot on each step of HIS ladder, each movement has the assurance and confidence of when reaching the top, the view will be better than anticipated. No matter how strong the wind blows, or when the ground shakes, we simply look at the foot of the ladder and see Jesus holding the ladder in place rooting us upward toward HIS view and purpose of life.

If you need a review what Jesus values, reread the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew’s gospel chapter six. The prayer identifies the hierarchy of values from God and HIS kingdom to personal needs and human relations. Each value is the foundational step you and I need to live a full and enriching life today while being prepared for eternity tomorrow.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager, Faith-Integrator, Scribbler

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