spiritual adaptation

Trust Papa’s Process

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , , , , ,

“for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13

God is at work. HE is a master designer. HE is a master planner. HE is a master operator. HE makes university-level genius’ look stupid.

HE started the plan of salvation from the foundation of creation. HE wants to have a human family join HIM in HIS Triune circle. HE didn’t want preprogrammed walking robots. But independent thinking people who choose to love and share life with HIM. So HE created time, space, and matter. HE then added life. All sorts of life. From plants, fish, and insects to crawling lizards, flying birds, and over-size elephants. And of course people.

People made in HIS image. To represent HIM on earth. To govern and serve HIS creation. People with attributes patterned after their Creator but limited in physical form. Children given a taste of adulthood. They may not be ready for full responsibilities to manage the universe. But they can now play the game as if eternally real.

Most importantly, HE gives the option to choose between joining HIM in HIS way of life or not. If we choose to follow HIM, HE provides personal help and training for eternal adulthood. If we decide to live outside HIS will, HE will not force you to join HIM. In fact, HE will accept your decision. HE loves you more than you realize. HE doesn’t force HIS Will upon you, but honors your decision.

But if you do decide to join HIM on HIS adventurous training program to eternal adulthood, HE will work with you. HE created you and knows how you are wired. HE knows how you may add the most value to HIS Kingdom. HE will share HIS advice and coach you into becoming the best person possible. HE will mirror your worldview, attitude, and character after Himself. History knows HIM as Jesus.

HE started the process at the foundation of the world. HE continued the process through HIS life, death, and ascension from earth to heaven. HE now intervenes on behalf of humanity before our Father God. HE now leads HIS siblings toward the restoration of everything HE planned from the start.

The process hasn’t changed, but the relationship has. HE has formally adopted us into HIS family. We are now heirs of an eternal home with HIM. Yet we are not ready. The training has only begun. As HIS disciples, we are learning to lead, govern, and serve others with Jesus. We are being prepared for eternal responsibilities. We are being morphed into a new creation. A new human. Where the divine nature smooths out human nature. Where a divine heart replaces a stony heart. Where Kingdom values replace self-centered values. Where sacrificial love replaces fleshy desires. The process is the divine work of a supernatural being in cooperation with the recipient.

We may not understand how HE manages the entire process. How HE gives us the free will to choose and yet is sovereign to fulfill HIS plan. Yet we experience the fruit. We over time see the outcome. But in between, there is the pain. The struggle. The disappointments. The hurt. The failures. The dreams that die. The hope that is stretched to the max. Our relationship with Father/Son/Spirit is put to the test.

We understand the process. We know diamonds are made from coal through the pressure. We know gold is refined through the heat. We understand the test and trials are necessary to prepare us for eternity. But man, can a guy get a break. This may be our current mindset, but as we pray and lean on HIM, HE restores are heart. HIS peace comes upon us. HIS joy returns. We acknowledge HIS love for us and our love for HIM.

HE is the master designer. HE is the master planner. HE is the master operator. HE knows how to best manage the process. HE is also the Best PAPA any earthling can have. You can always trust HIM.

Thank you Daddy for caring and preparing us for eternity with 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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Spiritual Adaptation

Dr. Mike 2025 , , , ,

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.   Romans 13:14

There are more people today who have improved their health going from a high-carb diet to a fat adaptation model. There are also medical studies that show the benefits of such a health regimen. Whether one follows the Keto plan or a carnivore diet, it is agreed that both are a change to the body.

As one who has experienced the weight loss under each plan, they do work. The challenge though is to whether accept either plan as a long-term lifestyle. Do the benefits outperform the sacrifice?

Since each person is unique, the answer depends on your biological makeup. Now though, I want to only look from a spiritual viewpoint. And we will start by asking this question. What is the comparison of our spiritual walk with Jesus and following a keto lifestyle?

First, let’s look at the keto lifestyle. The plan involves reducing carbohydrates one eats while increasing the fat one consumes. This strategy is based on realizing that the body’s energy comes from either burning glucose or fat. The body can produce glucose without ever eating any carbohydrates. Whereas over eating carbohydrates can produce harmful health conditions. For example, insulin resistance which leads to diabetes and other metabolic issues.

Fat, unlike carbs, more quickly satiates the hunger. When one eats carbs, one can easily overeat unnecessary calories. Then again repeat a couple of hours later for more unneeded calories. Whereas fat fills one up quicker for a longer period of time.

What does all this have to do with spiritual adaptation?

Well, the challenges are similar. For the keto diet to effectively work, one has to become fat adapted. For the Christ-follower to be effective, one needs to become spiritual adapted. The keto lifestyle requires the severe reduction of carbohydrates from the diet. The Christ-follower needs to limit sin’s influence in one’s life. Both plans need not only the elimination of something but also the addition of a new way of life.

Some people have attempted a part of the keto plan. They may reduce their intake of carbs with some benefit of weight loss. But they may still be in a pre-diabetic state because they haven’t become fat adapted. They want to hold on to the past while stretching toward the future. They are not ready to deny themselves from the pleasure of carbs.

So is the case with Christ-followers. They want to experience the new creation with Jesus. But they have great difficulty letting go of their past.

If the person wants the full keto benefit, they must become fat adapted. If a Christ-follower wants the full gospel benefit, they must become Spirit adapted.

There is no way around it. If one holds unto the past while grasping for the future, neither approach will succeed. Both will fail.

Jesus gave the same warning to the church in Laodicea. “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth (Revelations 3:15-16).”

So, like the writer of Romans stated. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit to influence your attitude, decisions, and worldview. Learn to see the world through the eyes of Father-Son-Spirit. Let go of the past. Let go of the self. Let go and let Jesus lead you around earth’s dance floor.

Be fully committed. Read the Book. Focus on eternity. Let HIS kingdom come alive in your world. Instead of seeking how to please your personal desires, seek how you can best serve those around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes. To discern how you can best support Father-Son-Spirit in your corner of the world.

It all starts when you allow Jesus to clothe you with HIMSELF. When you abide with HIM, HE will abide with you. When you focus on HIS plans for you, HE will direct your steps and bring people into your world. HE will fill you with the spiritual riches via the Holy Spirit. The fruit of HIS Spirit will abound with you. As you follow HIM, you will become more and more spiritually adapted.

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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