time management

Intentionally Focused

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , , ,

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

When you first wake up in the morning, are you prep to go with a game plan or simply hang about until something happens?

Do you have a structured priority list of objectives you aim toward or simply go with the flow of others?

Do you already know how you will invest your time for the day or will respond subject to the care of others?

Either you are pursuing your dreams or living the dreams of others is how one writer stated the obvious. Now you may be focused on your dreams while also living out the dreams of others. This is the best way. But if you are solely living out their dream and not yours, you will find yourself one day disappointed.

Paul writes to remind us that as Christ-followers we are to be intentional knowing what the will of the Lord is. That without intentional purpose, evil may win the day. That the best way is to be wise how you invest the time you are responsible for today.

This doesn’t mean you need to deprive yourself of your daily joys. But it does mean you need to understand God’s will for the moment you are living. God wants you to be the person you are wired to be. HE created you to be so. But HE gives us boundaries to practice our ways within the space of HIS character.

This is why we invite HIM to participate in our daily work and play for the day. HE adds that unique Spirit into the mix. HIS wisdom is second to none. HIS attitude, creativity, and joy spark a room. The more you lean on HIM, the more you come to know HIM. The more you seek HIS advice and recommendations, the stronger your relationship becomes. Plus, the outcome adds love and adventure into the mix.

Yes, we all have 1,440 minutes per day. HE allows us to live our dreams and enjoys sharing HIS presence with us. As we learn to be intentional each day with HIM, HIS character rubs off on us. The more we reflect HIM before others, the more our witness of HIS ways shine before others. Before long, others will want what you have. That gives you another opportunity to share the good news of Jesus. Yes, we first share the gospel in our actions. Then when necessary, we use words.

It all starts when we are intentionally focused on our relationship with Father-Son-Spirit.

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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No

Dr. Mike 2021 , , , 
Galatians 5:24

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

A simple two letter word that most of us have great difficulty executing when needed.

                                                                        NO

How often, when we are tempted, do we immediately put on the breaks and give ourselves a quick, determined “NO?” How many times this past week did our carnal desires win out?

What is the problem with saying NO to ourselves? Are we afraid of missing out on something? Afraid to hurt someone else’s feelings? Fearful of what others may think of us? Or are we such a narcissist that we believe we are God’s best gift to mankind?

Sometimes I even shock myself to discover how little self-control I exercise in my daily walk. I want; I expect; I deserve; I don’t care; me, me, me – It’s all about me.

Whew! When the ugliness comes alive, and this old man fumigates the room, everyone needs to disappear. Otherwise, my two-year old nature surfaces and he has a very strong self-centered ego which gets him into trouble at times.

Yes, those were the younger days when I didn’t even realize I had a problem with self-control. “No” was only a word in the dictionary and reserved for two-year old children. It took a few years plus God’s Spirit to open my eyes and see the ugliness of a life without self-control.

For example, I could eat a gallon of ice cream or a large bag of chips in one sitting without any known ramifications. I could work 24 hours without sleep for days and not talk with family members or friends; just be strictly focused on what I was doing.

I did whatever I wanted without considering the consequences to myself and others. My sole purpose was to satisfy me, myself, and I.

Thankfully, the Spirit would slap some sense into me. Realizing my self-narcissistic tendency, I started a repentance process that even continues to this day. With the assistance of the Holy Spirit and His fruit of self-control, I may still struggle at times, but have learned the great joy of saying “No” to the self.

The short-term struggle now most often leads to a long-term satisfaction found only in Jesus Christ. Those of us born in the United States definitely struggle with an over-abundance of material and choices which make being a Christ-follower more challenging at times then our brothers and sisters in third-world development countries.

Yet the battle is the same for both of us. We learn to deny ourselves and allow the Spirit to work in us and through us for the glory of God. The end result is always best for you and I for the long term. “No” may be a short two-letter word, but the impact of a properly placed “No” is the beginning of allowing our Triune God to complete His purpose of producing a spiritual masterpiece in you and I. Therefore, use wisely.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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