tests

Test Me

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , , , ,

“but test everything; hold fast what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

In elementary and high school, I hated tests. For a student unmotivated to learn, test revealed my inadequacies. I would rather be outside playing sports or earning money. These were the things I was good at and continued to build up my confidence. Education was not then for me.

But things changed in college. I had purpose and motivation. Taking tests help discover my strengths and weaknesses. Tests help me adjust focus in those areas that needed improvement. Tests also revealed those areas that open my mind to greater possibilities.

My heart for tests became even more ingrain after studying the Bible on the subject. I came across Scriptures like these below:  

“Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind.” Psalm 26:2

“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” Jeremiah 17:10

I then struggle with the Scriptures where Jesus refuted those who put God to the test.

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Matthew 4:7

Or where Peter condemned a person for testing God.

 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”  Acts 5:9

Yet, God tests people.

“you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 13:3

“And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.” Luke 8:13

And we are told to test ourselves.

“But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.” Galatians 6:4

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” 2 Corinthians 13:5

We are also told to test outside influences.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

We are told to test God. And we are also instructed not to test God. How do we know when to test and when not to test?

The answer has to do with your attitude and motive. It is an issue from your heart. If your heart is pure and intentionally longing to serve our God, you are open to test everything. Yet, if your testing is with the intent of proving HIM wrong and you right, you may have a heart problem.

Scientist test everything with the intention of discovering the truth. They go where the facts and results prove true. There heart is not to make someone look bad or to destroy someone. But to grow in knowledge that will benefit others. They first make a hypothesis. They then randomly test the process, and compare the results with their original hypothesis. They continue to repeat the process until the same results appear. Then they know their hypothesis is true.

Tests are good when you are open to the results. God is not fearful that you will discover him a phony or a failure. HE knows reality because HIS character is reflected in reality. HE is encouraged and rooting for you to discover the truth of the matter. Put HIM to the test. But be sure your heart is willing to repent and change if the truth is more than you initially believed.

We have all been there. Truth gets you closer to God. And God gets you closer to reality.

So, test God’s practices in your family and business. Learn HIS ways and see the fruit. Be willing to ride out the trials you are currently experiencing with the heart to see God at work.

Tests are good. They reveal you, your relationship with God and others, and the foundation of your life. So, test everything with the attitude of learning how to practice God’s best. Where you fail, make changes to improve. Where you are successful, learn to add greater value in the lives of others. When unsure, lean on HIM. HE will direct your steps and support you as you lean on HIM. Meanwhile, test everything and hold unto that which is good.

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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A Test of Your Joy

Dr. Mike 2025 , ,

And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.  Luke 8:13

Often I heard Dallas Willard respond with the following words to someone in a difficult period in their life. He would reply with the phrase, “this will definitely test your joy.” In many ways, it was his way of acknowledging a difficult situation. A place in life where pain and suffering leads to an unknown outcome. A time where one’s faith is being tested. Where God’s intervention is necessary to fix the problem.

In the above Scripture, Jesus was explaining a parable to his disciples. One of the challenges for those who hear God’s Word is when testing comes along. Initially, one is excited to learn new truth that helps transform one’s life. But when a difficult situation arises, one is being tested. One then is confronted by the truth. A choice needs to be made. God’s Word meets your desire. Truth confronts your willpower. Does your willpower win the test? Or does your desire quiet truth?

Jesus faced a similar test prior to HIS public ministry (Lk. 4:1-12). HE was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to face Satan. Satan attacked Jesus with doubt of HIS identity. He offered Jesus the convenience of satisfying HIS kingly role immediately. Why fulfill Scripture per HIS Father’s will when you can have it now? This was Jesus’ temptation. The result is HE passed the test. 

Every one of us will face similar tests throughout our life. We will pass them and we will fail them. When passed, it will energize and assure us in our walk with Jesus. When we fail the test, God’s grace will be upon us. HE will reveal something about us that needs transformation. It will keep us humble. It will keep us leaning on HIM. It will give us a ringside seat to see how the Spirit works in us and through us.

When one is committed for the long haul, one views each test as a building block. We keep plowing ahead making adjustments toward the high call of Christ. If we are in this only for immediate gratification, we risk quitting right before the goal line.

The fruit of the Spirit includes joy. As we learn to walk empowered by the Spirit, we will be tested. Each test will reveal more about our character. Each test may temporarily rob us of our joy. Yet, as we make the effort in our life to align with the Triune God, the Spirit will give us the power to walk in Christ.

Tests are God’s way of allowing us to evaluate our true selves. Under the empowerment of HIS grace, we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us after the likeness of Jesus. Each failed test, is a course adjustment. More time to reflect on God’s character and lean on HIM.

Each passing test, is a grateful praise for the work of the Spirit in our lives. We are humbled by Christ’s work in us. For HIS joy is our constant reminder. Whether we pass or fail the test, it is better to walk with HIM then not. For when you are committed for the long haul, HE has a way of bringing out HIS joy in you through all the tests.  

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)

Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats: (* indicates audio version now available)

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JOBITIS

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , , , , ,

“There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil…this man was the greatest of all the people of the east.” JOB 1:1-3

job 2

Woe is me! You are welcome to come to my self-pity party. No one understands me. Life stinks. Why doesn’t God hear my prayers? I quit. These are words that I and many others have said someplace, somewhere, sometime in our journey through life. Especially when circumstances didn’t meet our expectations.

At times like this, I like to reread the Book of Job in the Old Testament. Theologians believe this is the first book written in the Bible. It is a story of a very successful businessman, family man, and philanthropist who ran into destructive circumstances beyond his control. God even stated that Job was blameless in his walk with Him.

Yet in a manner of days, he lost everything; all his wealth, his entire family except for his wife who even doubted him, and his physical health. His friends came to comfort him only to bombard him with religious formula’s and concepts blaming him for his downfall. Most remarkably though, through the entire ordeal he remained blameless before God. His main request through this painful trial was the desire to have a conference with God so he could debate his position. And God did grant him his request. In the end of his story, God confronted him and began to question Job. It was then that Job realized his insignificance before God, acknowledged His authority, and appreciated coming to know Him more intimately than ever before.

Being human, we all suffer at times with what I call “JOB-I-TIS.” A condition where our entire world seems to fall apart. Where we stand totally naked in mind, heart, and will before God. Where everything is beyond our capacity to manage or change. What good can come out of all this? How does one grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ? How does our relationship with the Triune God becomes more intimate?

Is it not the more challenging times when our world is collapsing that we draw closer to God? Isn’t this the moment of truth when we find out where we stand before God? If our expectations are not met, we either turn away from God and return to our own ways, or we trust God that He will bring about a better solution. It is at moments like this where we are stretched beyond our self-imposed capacity. If we hang in there long enough, we are reminded that God is doing a wonderful work in us. He is creating a new you in Christ. It isn’t easy. Yet it is highly eternally rewarding. Our reward may not come at this time or in this life (many martyrs of the faith have displayed this fact). Yet our reward now is a more intimate, growing relationship with God as a byproduct through the trials and tests that life produces. To have a mutual relationship with the Creator God is more joy than one can ever imagine. And yes, even our faith is strengthen when God pulls us through the trial through the other end.

So the next time you experience that JOBITIS condition, remember Job’s story. Yes he suffered through a painful event. Yet in the end, he came out more blessed than ever before. That is the hand of God who is always with you and for you as we walk through the trials and tests of this life.

 

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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