Jesus wants me to speak strongly!
Jesus wants me to speak strongly. Jesus has a good news message He wants heard and acted on. When I …
Author Archives: Μιχαήλ (Michael) | Jesus is King
Second Coming – What does Jesus the Messiah say about it?
I think many followers of Jesus avoid discussing the second coming of Jesus and the rapture. I know I have …
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name.” ~Mary, Mother of Jesus
Mary, who carried Jesus in her womb and gave birth to Him, breaks out into an amazing song as she visits …
Joy – Is it because of the believers’ love and concern?
Joy is something that I must work at. It is a fruit, needs cultivation, water, fertilizer and more. Neglect can …
Truth — Is it reality and is it found in Jesus?
The new covenant encompasses the Greek idea of truth as reality, as well as the Hebraic concepts of faithfulness and …
“You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door.” ~Jesus
The Apostle Peter rightly declares the Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one from God. Anointed to be King in …
Covet — Is it linked with other sins like idolatry and pride?
I covet. It is not very pretty. I do it. I see something and I want it, even though it …
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles. ” ~King Solomon
I don’t like to get in trouble. I do even though I don’t like it. Usually it is something I’ve …
Grace — How do I find grace and mercy in my life?
I don’t deserve God’s grace. In fact, that is what it means. It is a gift to me from Jesus …
“Get ready for trouble.” ~Jesus
There is a time to get prepared. That time is when trouble is on the way. I must listen and …
Fasting — What kind of attitude do I need?
The purpose of fasting should be to take my eyes off the things of this world to focus completely …
“I can do nothing on My own initiative.” ~Jesus
Jesus is completely obedient to the will of His Father. 24/7 it is all about what does God want right …
Discipleship — Is peace is a result for the disciple?
I am to be a disciple. That is the goal that Jesus has for me. Making disciples is important because …
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” ~Jesus
What am I working for? Jesus wants to know. Jesus has some commands for me on this. I must act …
Materialism — Will possessions and riches make it difficult to enter God’s country?
I have to be careful. Materialistic seduction can happen. I live in America and that is clear. If materialism was …
“I have not come to call the righteous but those who miss God’s goal to radically change their thinking.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me to radically change my way of thinking. Repentance (the original Greek means radically changing my thinking) is of central …
Unity — Is the called-out assembly of disciples (aka church) unified?
Jesus is pretty clear. Jesus wants His followers and disciples to be unified and one. Jesus wants us perfected in …
31 Questions that Jesus Asks in the Good News According to Luke
It is stunning how masterfully our Master Jesus, the Messiah, uses questions (read more here) to teach vital spiritual truths. …
Slave — Whose slave are you? God’s? Sin’s?
It is hard to get the issue of being a slave in my mind. In the Greek-speaking world of the first …
“Lots of people claim to be loyal and loving, but where on earth can you find one?” ~King Solomon
Where is the loyalty? Where is the love? Doesn’t anyone care? God is loyal and God is loving. I can …
New Covenant — What are the superior blessings of the new covenant?
Under the New Covenant (or New Agreement), I am given the opportunity to receive salvation as a free gift. “For by grace …
“The Master is full of compassion and is merciful.” ~James
Nothing moves me to forgive like the stunning knowledge that I have myself been forgiven. Nothing proves more clearly that I …
Immaturity — Is that the cause of backsliding?
I started out strong. I imagine you did too. And then … Something happened. Or several things. We went off …
“Keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.” ~Apostle Paul
They are smooth. They are slick. They flatter me. What’s the problem? I need to be discerning. There are those who …
Heaven – Are you on the train? Will you take it all the way to its destination?
What should we learn from the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16? Let’s think about the …
Law — Is there a conflict between grace and the law?
The purpose of the Law was, basically, to bring us to the Messiah. It is essential to start here. Once …
“But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” ~Apostle John
Jesus is clear. His apostle John is clear. My heart testifies to me what I ought to do. There …
Insight — Do we have insight into the truth about Jesus the Messiah?
Insight is the spiritual quality that enables me to appreciate God’s mind and will. I will know about matters of …
“Courage! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” ~Jesus
In the Bible, courage is also called “good cheer” as in Mark 6:50 when Jesus gave the command to the disciples who …
Woe — What does it mean and why does Jesus use it so much?
When we see the word WOE in the scripture, particularly when Jesus uses it, we know we better pay attention. …
“God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.” ~Apostle Paul
So here we go. Let’s check off the list. I am not wise. I am not mighty. I am not …
Listening — Will I listen to God’s word and his spokesmen?
What does Jesus want from me? Jesus wants me to listen. Jesus wants me to be a good and faithful servant. …
“Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn’t there. You’re about to be given new grounds for believing.” ~Jesus
Here I see the care and compassion of my Master. It appeared somewhat callous to begin with. Lazarus is sick. …
Speech — Can it bring ruin or joy to the speaker?
What my tongue produces has eternal implications, for it reveals what is in my heart. Jesus said that “the good …
“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” ~Apostle Paul
I shouldn’t let my faith go on cruise control. The Apostle Paul urges disciples of Jesus to examine themselves. I …
Self-Denial — Is it a requirement of following Jesus the Messiah?
There is much to be said about self denial and the scripture repeats this theme over and over. Jesus is …
Translation — What about the Christian Standard Bible?
I love the online world. It gives me tons of choices of translations. I’ve begun to use the Christian Standard …
Despite all the love … refusing to know God
This sad. It breaks God’s heart. There are a lot of people who simply refuse to know God. Despite all …
Victory — Is it complete in Jesus as He defeated Sin?
Jesus the Messiah triumphs over and disarms all the powers of evil arrayed against him. Believers are able to share …
Joy – Is it evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work? Does it prompt believers to rejoice?
When the Holy Spirit moves, it is a stunning thing to behold. It makes me want to glorify God. I …
“My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” ~Jesus
Is justice a quality displayed in Jesus the Messiah’s life? Absolutely. God is God. God has given Jesus, His Son, the …
Good News (Gospel) — What does it mean?
I love it that God sent His Son Jesus to bring us good news. God is in a good mood …
“Jesus the Messiah might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example.” ~Apostle Paul
God is very, very patient with me. Jesus the Messiah is perfectly patient. I am so thankful for that. Where …
Happiness — Who is it for?
I am happy. Jesus promises me that I will be. A state of pleasure or joy experienced both by people …
“Celebrate God. Sing together—everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof!” ~King David
I serve an amazing God. I celebrate His goodness, righteousness and holiness. God is good. God is good all the …
Persecution — Are religious authorities and elites an agency of it? Does this include the Religion of Secular Humanism and Atheists?
There is no doubt that persecution is a stark reality of living for a disciple of Jesus. For a disciple …
“I have a dream today.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr. | August 28, 1963
Originally posted on Thoughts on culture, politics and more:
Today is the 55th anniversary of the “I have a Dream” speech. I was 9 years…
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants me to love. Jesus wants me to do good. Jesus wants me to not expect anything in return …
Obedience — What is the example of Jesus the Messiah?
I admit it is tough to always be obedient. I have a rebellious streak in me. The Bible has much …
“Frauds!” ~Jesus
Jesus has the number of the religious elites. They are constantly trying to trap him. They are constantly trying to …
Prayer — What does God expect when I talk with Him?
So what is prayer? The most basic definition of prayer is “talking with God.” Prayer is not meditation or passive reflection; …
“Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” ~Apostle Paul
Can I be gentle in caring for the weak? Every person is powerful. I can speak words that influence others. …
“Praise Him” – Bishop Clarence McClendon
Love this by Bishop Clarence McClendon. We need to shout out the praise of King Jesus. Psalm 150 The Message (MSG) Hallelujah! …
Poverty — The treatment of the poor — Are they to be neglected?
In both the Old and New Testaments, we see God’s desire for His children to show compassion to the poor …
“Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out.” ~Jesus
What does Jesus say? I know what He says. I can read His words. I can study them. I can …
It isn’t an issue of legality. It is an issue of morality. It makes me sad!
Originally posted on Thoughts on culture, politics and more:
I’m not naming names here. John the Baptizer might. Jesus might. I’ll just saying it isn’t…
Master — Who is the ruler over all?
Lord (Master) is a title that signifies Jesus the Messiah’s absolute authority and the basis on which people may know …
“Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, the Messiah.” ~Jesus
Jesus isn’t enamored with my being a leader who serves. Jesus calls on me to be a servant or a …
Eternal Life — What can I do to earn it?
When the Bible speaks of eternal life, it refers to a gift of God that comes only “through Jesus the …
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” ~Jesus
Jesus is my Master. As my Master, Jesus has some commands for me. They are not optional if I follow …
Church — What is God’s purpose for the called out assembly of disciples?
I’m concerned about the use of the word church. I think to believers and unbelievers it either connotes a building …
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” ~Jesus
Jesus has just finished talking about not judging and hypocrisy in the Jesus Manifesto. At first sight and hearing, this is …
Compassion — Is it shown in actions?
Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, exemplified all of the Father’s attributes, including His compassion. When Jesus saw His …
“Whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” ~Apostle John
Jesus tells me I “cannot serve both God and money.” (Luke 16:13) I must seek to be content with what …
Friends — Will I find unity in the love and fear of the Master Jesus?
The Master Jesus the Messiah gave us the definition of a true friend: “Greater love has no one than this, …
“Don’t listen to them; just trust me.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants to perform a miracle in my life. There are many competing voices telling me it won’t happen. Who …
Jesus — Is Jesus the Messiah?
“Christ” means “Messiah” or “anointed one”. As the Messiah, Jesus is the one who fulfills all old testament expectations. I …
“For your husband is your Maker, whose name is the Master of hosts; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, who is called the God of all the earth.” ~Isaiah
Without faithfulness to God there can be no discipleship life. Following Jesus is based first on faith that God is, …
Denial of Jesus the Messiah — Will Jesus will deny us?
I can’t deny Jesus. It is very, very dangerous. I have been warned by Jesus. I don’t want Jesus to …
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary.” ~Jesus
King David knew that our Master (Lord) is our shepherd. We all love Psalm 23. Jesus is the good shepherd. …
The Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah — Is it foretold by Jesus Himself?
I believe that Jesus, the anointed Messiah of God, was crucified in my place, to pay my penalty for missing …
“Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” ~Jesus
Glory of Jesus Jesus the Messiah’s beauty, radiance and splendor reflects the glory of the Father. It is both revealed to and …
I AM — “I am the Bread of Life” ~ Jesus
“I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35) is one of the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus. Jesus used …
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Apostle Paul
Joy and happiness is essential in the Kingdom of God. The Beatitudes (aka The Jesus Manifesto) traditionally use the word “blessed”. …
Reconciliation — Does God take the initiative in bringing about reconciliation?
I miss God’s goal (aka sin) for my life. That separates me from God. I need reconciliation to God. When …
“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.” ~Matthew about Jesus
This is striking. The first thing to note here is that Jesus saw the people. He didn’t look past them. …
301 ‘Predator Priests’ Named In Pa. Grand Jury Sex Abuse Report: ‘They Were Raping Little Boys & Girls’
Originally posted on Thoughts on culture, politics and more:
This is stunning and sick. I want to throw up. Jesus is weeping and has been…
Betrayal — Why does it carry such acute feelings for its victims?
Betrayal is very, very painful. Sometimes it seems like I just can’t let it go. It haunts me. Other days, …
What is God’s response to those who reject Him and His Son Jesus?
The godless have abandoned God. They have rejected God. I see it everywhere. You see it as well. It seems …
Hope — What is the outcome of hoping in God? Will it bring security and confidence?
Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in “I hope something will happen.” I have been guilty of thinking …
“So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” ~James
James warns me about the danger. What I say can ignite a fire. I have seen it. It isn’t pretty. …
Rest — Do I need it? Can Jesus provide it?
I need rest. I get tired. There is good news. Jesus gives me rest. I find it in Him. Jesus, …
Are you ready to be a farmer?
Originally posted on Thoughts on culture, politics and more:
When I was in college, I had an opportunity to be a farmer. I learned a…
“Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” ~Jesus
The five thousand had just been feed. It was a stunning day. God had been shown, through His son Jesus, …
Miracles of Jesus — How does Jesus heal the sick?
There are so many amazing and supernatural acts of Jesus, revealing and confirming his Messianic credentials, and the coming of …
“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Master Jesus the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
Can I do good? I want to but there is this evil nature that can get in the way. God shows …
God is Good — How is it shown?
Ultimately, God’s goodness is seen in His plan to redeem me from missing His goal (aka sin). The gospel is …
“All hail the power of Jesus’ name, let angels prostrate fall!” ~ Edward Perronet
I love this song. I think it is my all time favorite. I grew up hearing it in church and …
“Watch out for the religion scholars.” ~Jesus
Jesus is constantly challenging the religious elites and leaders of His time here on earth. He still does today. This …
Hypocrisy — What happens when my deeds do not match my words?
Jesus is clear. Jesus detests hypocrites. Jesus calls it out all the time. My contempt allows me to ignore its …
“Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness.” ~Apostle Paul
Obedience is a willingness to submit myself to the will of God and to put it into effect. Scripture emphasizes the …
Did some religious elite appoint me as a spokesperson for Jesus?
I am astounded at how many companions in faith I have. Due to the power of the world wide web, …
“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” ~Apostle Paul
The joy of deliverance is amazing. When God sets me free, rejoicing is in order. I was tied up missing God’s …
Toleration — It should be exercised for the benefit of those whose faith is weak
How toleration of other believers should I be? Even when disputing/dialoguing over prominent doctrines, a disciple of Jesus should exercise …
“Happy are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad!” ~Jesus
How did Jesus expect me to react under persecution? Rejoice and be glad! That is right. I’m jump up and down for …
False Doctrine — It may be of demonic origin
Doctrine is “a set of ideas or beliefs that are taught or believed to be true.” Biblical doctrine refers to …
“I who speak to you am the Messiah.” ~Jesus
Jesus is the anointed King. Jesus is the anointed Priest. Jesus is the anointed Prophet. Jesus is anointed by the …
Peacemakers — The Importance of Pursuing Peace
I can’t make peace if I don’t have peace myself. That is the first task, find peace in Jesus. Then, …
“You’re looking for someone to blame.” ~Jesus
I’m not asking the right question. I’m looking to blame someone. I know this is directed at me. A judging …
Contempt — God has chosen those of us who are treated with contempt
God has a purpose. God knows what He is doing. God knows who He is choosing to bring the good …
