truth

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)

Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:
* indicates audio version only available at Apple Books

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved.

Very Little…Very Much

Dr. Mike 2024 , , ,

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”   Luke 16:10

It’s those little things in life that either makes you or breaks you.

One of my early mentors strongly believed in speaking the truth. He had difficulty remembering anything that occurred more than 24 hours earlier. To offset his weakness, he built on his strength. He always told the truth. If you asked him a question on something that happened yesteryear, he would reply with a question. He would ask what would be the right thing to do? Being a man of integrity, he knew that is what he would have done.

The same principle applies with our faith. People with integrity will display the same behavior no matter the situation.

Ask yourself, what would it take for you to change your mind on a personal high value position?

You say you would never do (add your behavior). Pick your poison. Eat liver (my poison). Sex with a stranger. Kill your neighbor. Doesn’t matter the act. The question is how much money would you accept to change your mind? If you were guaranteed one million dollars, would you do it? Not enough you say? How about One hundred million dollars? If that is not enough, then what is your price?

We either stand on principle or not. We either are true to our beliefs, or not. Most of us are not aware what we would do until we are actually confronted with the situation. But if we are honest with ourselves, we can identify those areas where we would die for our beliefs. If we are not willing to die for something, than we having yet discovered something worth living for.

Jesus statement hits the heart of the matter. Your character confirms your beliefs. Your actions when true display your beliefs. But if your character doesn’t uphold your beliefs, do you actually believe it?

If you are faithful in the little things, your character muscle is being exercised into a habit. When the larger challenges appear, your character is already programmed to respond. The same when you are dishonest in the little things. Your character muscle is being exercised into a habit. So lying is being built into your character. When faced with a larger obstacle, your natural inclination is now programmed to lie.

Life is in the details. Build your life on solid values. In this case, let faithfulness and honesty support you in the larger challenges. Those little things in life will make you or break you. Yes, your character is the backbone of your life. This is one reason why Jesus is your best mentor.

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)

Books By Dr. Mike:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Thriving Under Grace

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

“… because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel,which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth,” Colossians 1:5-6

Sin condemns. Grace regenerates.

We live in a society quick to condemn others for their behavior. We see the ugliness of evil and seek someone to blame. We feel guilty for our privileged surroundings. So we virtue signal to relieve the condemnation. Our culture standards of self-righteousness separate the moral elitists from the castaways.

But enter Jesus Christ.

No worldly status. No governmental power. No monetary influence. But someone speaking the truth in love. His message of divine grace empowered the individual. Yet many of us fail to practice grace according to God’s manner.

Grace is God’s unmerited favor. Humanity tries to duplicate God’s grace, but falls short. They emphasize half the formula while ignoring the other side. They speak of grace, but ignore the truth. For grace without truth leads to chaos. But truth with grace leads to regeneration.

Truth produces consequences. Grace without consequences leads to abuse. Consequences teaches accountability and responsibility. Both are the foundation for character development. To thrive in life requires healthy character. The ability to exercise will power for the sake of preserving the self and others. That is why:

When an evil act goes unpunished, corruption increases.

When an evil act is condemned, truth is preserved.

When an evil act is rectified, justice prevails.

When an evil act is forgiven, grace abounds.

When grace abounds, the soul regenerates. But grace without truth destroys. Truth aligns with reality. Reality demonstrates consequences for one’s actions. When one lives within the boundaries of Godly morality, love and respect for each other is shown. Truth understands the importance of wholesome character. Truth sees past the color of one’s skin and focuses on the content of one’s character. Since humanity is made in the image of God, God’s character is the standard to imitate.

Grace is the means to motivate one to continue picking up one’s life after each failure. Grace is the license to repeatedly fail until the lesson is learned. The lesson is to build the virtuous character patterned after our heavenly Father. To thrive under grace is to know God loves you and is rooting for you.

Your failures are only the building blocks toward becoming the person you are wired to be. As you mature, you understand grace is God’s love poured out for you to walk in the truth. To share HIS life with others. To prepare you for eternity. To enrich you in HIS way of life.

I am always encouraged to read the last sentence in the Bible.   

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” (Rev. 22:21)

It reminds me of our privilege to live under God’s grace. To not only live, but thrive. To thrive and allow HIS grace to regenerate our soul.

In summary: to thrive and endure to the end under HIS grace is the best place to be under the sun.

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)

Books By Dr. Mike:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved