meaning

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 your 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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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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