“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” ~Jesus
Love is not something God does. Love is something God is. Greater love has no one than this, that one …
Category Archives: Book
“The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” ~Apostle James
What kind of legacy do I want to leave my children? What is the most important thing I can do? …
“Do you want to be healed?” ~Jesus
Jesus can ask us direct and stunning questions. Imagine you have been an invalid and crippled for 38 years. Now …
“These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” ~Jesus
Does Jesus get angry and upset? Jesus the Messiah shows controlled emotion arising from his unswerving opposition to evil and …
“Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.” ~Apostle Peter
Why this is important: The surprises along the way are God’s surprises. He is never caught off guard or unprepared. …
“Have I been with you for so long a time, and yet you have not come to know Me?” ~Jesus
Jesus has a question for Philip. Jesus called Philip to be a disciple as he (Jesus) was leaving Bethany after being baptized …
“I will; be clean from your leprosy” ~Jesus
Why this is important: We have a lot to learn from Jesus. Jesus is gentle and shows compassion. Jesus has …
“I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.” ~Apostle Paul
There is boundless joy when our brothers and sisters walk in the truth of the Master Jesus. I want to …
“As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” ~Jesus
Family is extremely important in the Bible, both in a physical sense and in a spiritual sense. The foundation of …
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” ~An Angel
Jesus the anointed King and Messiah’s ministry of forgiveness was foretold. God has a plan. God executes it in His …
“Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ~Apostle James
Clearly, I am to be pure. It is a matter of the heart. Purity means to be “clean, blameless, unstained …
“You of little faith, why did you doubt?” ~Jesus
Why worry? God has a plan. God is working his plan. We can trust in Him. He is in an …
“The precepts of Yahweh [the Lord] are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of Yahweh [the Lord] is pure, enlightening the eyes.” ~King David
Joy is something we all long for but that often seems difficult to grab hold of. Experiencing joy should be …
“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit.” ~Apostle Peter
Jesus shows me how to love and be kind. Jesus commands me to love. God wants me to be kind, …
“I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end.” ~Jesus
Jesus, the Messiah, and my Master, walks over to me. He reaches out His hand. Slowly He wipes away my …
“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” ~Apostle James
God challenges us to see what He is doing. It is a choice. If I look around, I can see …
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in the Messiah Jesus.” ~Apostle Paul
True love is forgiving: God loves me so He forgives me for missing His goal (aka sin) for my life. …
“So thick-headed! So slow-hearted!” ~Jesus
Jesus is resurrected to an incorruptible body after having been crucified. It is three days after His death. He is …
“Rejoice, favored one; the Master is with you!” ~Angel Gabriel
Mary did not know it yet, but she needed encouragement. God has a wonderful way of building us up before …
“May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.” ~King David
Special praise goes to Jesus for vindicating the penitent and the needy who have no human champions. All God’s ways …
“Therefore, let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall.” ~Apostle Paul
Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people; seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects God’s own …
“Since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us …” ~Author of Hebrews
God has been talking to me a long time. I can go back. Dr. Pirtle spoke the word of God …
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus is my Master. Jesus is the Word of God. Jesus has always been with God. Jesus is the Son …
“Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.” ~Jesus
We have a great promise from Jesus the Messiah. It is joy and happiness. Jesus wants us to have joy. …
“Whoever does the will of God abides forever.” ~Apostle John
It is hard to remember some days that this life is noticeably short. Then other days it comes home to …
“Give me such love for God and men, as will blot out all hatred and bitterness.” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Our heavenly Father is magnificent. There are no boundaries to His greatness. I stand in awe of His great power. …
“There is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me.” ~Jesus
We love to form groups. Even early on, the disciples had figured out who was in and who was out. …
“When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus is first in my life. Jesus is preeminent. Jesus comes before anything else. Let it be so! The word preeminence is …
“This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” ~God
I believe that Jesus, God’s anointed King (aka Messiah) is God’s Holy Son. Jesus is God’s Son in that He …
“This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.” ~Jesus
Do you like hints? They can be a little frustrating, but they can also be fun. They can also be …
“I am one of those who would rather sink with faith than swim without it.” ~Stanley Baldwin
God is talking to us. Just like Jesus did with Peter when Jesus was walking on the water in the …
“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things.” ~Apostle Paul
I am a case study in what God can do. I had turned my back on Jesus. I had rebellious …
“Because you’re tepid and neither hot nor cold, I’m about to vomit you out of my mouth.” ~Jesus
This is not pretty. Jesus is serious. Jesus is speaking to the church. In this case it was Laodicea. Is …
“Be rejoicing in the Lord always. Again I’ll say, be rejoicing.” ~Apostle Paul
Our God is in an amazing mood. We must celebrate that all day long, every single day. Jesus, the Messiah, …
Is there good news for the wicked God-haters and God-deniers?
There are ungodly and unrighteous people. They are evil. They have rejected God and His Son Jesus, the anointed King …
“You are in the Messiah Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” ~Apostle Paul
Why this is important: I avoid some things because they sound very geeky and smack of theology. Jesus talks about …
“You greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of the beauty of God.” ~Apostle Peter
Why this is important: Peter knows about Jesus and goes over the top in love for him. Jesus stood by …
“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” ~King Solomon
Old age is generally held in honor and the aged in society are to be respected. Because of the wisdom …
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 And He said …
“The man who cannot control himself becomes absurd when he wants to rule over others.” ~Isaac Arama
I don’t like to get in trouble. I do get in trouble even though I don’t like it. Usually, it …
“It is for freedom that the Messiah has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” ~Apostle Paul
Why this is important: This spirit of slavery was rampant within the Jewish culture when Jesus came to earth. He …
“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!” ~King David
It is one thing to start on the journey with God, but it is completely another to finish and stay …
“In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” ~St. Augustine
News flash. God can handle things with out my help!! God doesn’t need me to correct believers. This can be very …
“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.” ~Apostle Paul
We have lost this incredibly important concept of Jesus as Master and we as His slaves. We have a man-centered …
“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance.” ~Apostle Paul
Why this is important: When we exhibit the kindness of God, we are tender, benevolent, and useful to others. Every …
“I find nothing wrong here. He seems harmless enough to me.” ~Pilate
Why this is important: Jesus is being tried. He has been arrested. When it was morning, the religious elites and …
“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
In some circles, the end game is to be saved. Now that is important, but it is not the end …
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~Jesus
Why this is important: Jesus teaches His disciples that we are not to worry. Jesus encourages me to avoid worrying …
“In fact, the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the agreement of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new agreement is established on better promises.” ~Author of Hebrews
In the scriptures, a covenant (agreement) is between God and His people or certain specific individuals, like me. The fulfilment …
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” ~Jesus
Jesus has a real focus. Jesus is going to do what God wants Him to. I need to get the …
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.” ~Angel of God
Why this is important: The disciples of Jesus are to rejoice in the salvation brought about by the Messiah’s faithful …
“Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” ~Jesus
The main thing: Paul tells the church that the spiritual blindness of Israel is a “mystery” that had not previously …
“But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?” ~Apostle Paul
The main thing about the main thing: There was a problem among the early group of disciples in Corinth. It …
“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities.” ~Apostle Paul
The main thing: God is God. God is in control. I don’t get that some days. What about that jerk …
“The pearl of justice is found in the heart of mercy.” ~St Catherine of Siena
Why this is important: Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” Justice is …
“Every revelation of God is a demand, and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience.” ~William Temple
Jesus is clear. Peter heard Him and took it to heart. Jesus said, “Render to the government (aka Caesar) the things …
“Baptism points back to the work of God, and forward to the life of faith.” ~J. Alec Motyer
Jesus the Messiah was baptized by John: Jesus sets the example for us and was baptized by John. God is …
“You say that I am.” ~Jesus
Here is the good news! Jesus is the Son of God. Everyone who encounters Him comes away knowing it. It moves …
“These words are trustworthy and true.” ~Jesus
Why this is important: King Jesus, the Messiah, has already won the victory. He is seated on the throne. It is …
Do we have a passion for the teaching of Jesus?
How do we get wisdom? From the world? From reading books? By watching TED? Wisdom comes from God, and it …
“I’m desperate for you. I’m lost without you.” ~Michael W. Smith
Am I desperate for God? Fortunate [Blessed] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. …
Do we believe Jesus is in charge (the Master) and act on it?
Why this is important: God had an old plan before the new one. It was the plan based on following …
“Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” ~Jesus
Why this is important: Jesus wants us to accompany him. Jesus wants us to go where He has gone and …
What gives Jesus the right to speak and act on his Father’s behalf in forgiving sin?
Why this is important: What gives Jesus the right to speak and act on his Father’s behalf in forgiving sin, …
Can we out dream God?
Can we out dream God? I can’t even come close to out-dreaming God. My mind can’t imagine what He can. …
Is it normal to question our relationship with God?
It is normal to question our relationship with God. Just think of Thomas. Jesus loved him and chose him as …
How does wisdom start?
I start with Jesus. I must. That is where wisdom starts. This verse teaches that the fear of God is …
“The counsel of Yahweh [the Lord] stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.” ~King David
Why this is important: David knows a lot about God’s plan for countries and kingdoms. We can plan and scheme …
“In it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith.” ~Apostle Paul
Why this is important: There are some things to be embarrassed by. There are some things to be proud of. …
Are we working for “the man”?
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Master [Lord], knowing that in …
“Then what becomes of our boasting?” ~Apostle Paul
Being “religious” carries some weight with God, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, not a bit. Not even a little. Being Jewish or …
“To do so no more is the truest repentance.” ~Martin Luther
To do so no more is the truest repentance. ~Martin Luther It is so very easy to fall into …
“The way to be saved is not to delay, but to come and take.” ~Dwight Lyman (D.L.) Moody
Are we seeing the parade of God’s salvation and deliverance? Seriously. Can we see it? Can we see King Jesus, the Messiah, out …
“Cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” ~Jesus
One of the themes I hear about almost everywhere I turn is about how good God is and what a …
“For this is the will of my Father …” ~Jesus
I love bread. I love all kinds of breads. I love bread with butter. I love bread with oil. OK, …
“The Son gives life to whom he will.” ~Jesus
Jesus makes it clear he has authority, even to give life. King Jesus, the Messiah, challenges us to understand this. It is …
“I am the truth” ~Jesus
Why this is important: The new covenant encompasses the Greek idea of truth as reality, as well as the Hebraic …
“You are the Messiah [Christ], the Son of the living God.” ~Apostle Peter
Why this is important: The Apostle Peter rightly declares the Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one from God. Anointed …
“You shall not covet …” ~God
Why this is important: We covet. It is not very pretty. We do it. We see something and we want …
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.” ~Apostle Paul
The main thing: I don’t deserve God’s grace. In fact, that is what it means. It is a gift to …
“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” ~Jesus
There is a time to get prepared. That time is when trouble is on the way. I must listen and …
“It came about when Ahab heard these words, that he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and fasted.” ~Elijah
Why this is important: The purpose of fasting should be to take our eyes off the things of this world …
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” ~Jesus
Why this is important: Jesus is completely obedient to the will of His Father. 24/7 it is all about what …
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing.” ~Jesus
I am to be a disciple. That is the goal that Jesus has for me. Making disciples is important because it …
“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income” ~King Solomon
The main thing: We must be careful. Materialistic seduction can happen. We live in America and that is clear. If …
“You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” ~John the baptizer
Jesus challenges us to radically change our way of thinking. Repentance (the original Greek means radically changing our thinking and acting differently) …
“Having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.” ~Apostle Paul
Will I throw up my hands and walk off the job? No way. I have to be clear about that. …
“With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.” ~King David
God wants us to say it. Say it aloud. Say it to ourselves. Say it to others. God, through King …
“The only significance of life consists in helping to establish the kingdom of God.” ~Count Leo Tolstoy
Why it matters: What is Jesus’ favorite thing to talk about? Knowing he would be present with the disciples for …
Does Jesus know what we lack in our lives?
And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, …
Will we have compassion? Will we show mercy?
Why this is important: Nothing moves me to forgive like the stunning knowledge that I have myself been forgiven. Nothing proves …
How hard is it to be a disciple of Jesus?
Why this is important: I started out strong. I imagine you did too. And then …Something happens. Or several things. …
“Watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid 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 …
“If you board the train of unbelief, you will have to take it all the way to its destination.” ~Anonymous Pastor
Let’s think about the account told by Jesus of a very rich man who lived a life of extreme luxury. …
“The law was our guardian until the Messiah came, in order that we might be justified by faith.” ~Apostle Paul
The purpose of the Law was to bring us to the Messiah. It is essential to start here. Once I …
“God is greater than our heart and knows all things.” ~Apostle John
Jesus is clear. His apostle John is clear. My heart testifies to me what I ought to do. There is …
“I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” ~God
I see it! I lean in. God holds His hand out to me. My name is carved into the palm of …
How will we defend ourselves before God?
Has the problem of missing God’s goal for our life been solved for good? Yes, it has. Our Messiah and …
“For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing.” ~Jesus
As mothers and fathers, we understand the love that we have for our children. Magnify that by a factor of …
Is God the same today as He was yesterday?
God is not over the hill. God is not past His prime. He is God. He is great. He is good. …
Jesus Quotes and God Thoughts 