“And if anyone misses God’s goal, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus the Messiah the righteous.” ~Apostle John
Special praise goes to Jesus for vindicating the penitent and the needy who have no human champions. Ultimately, all God’s …
Category Archives: God Thoughts
“A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.” ~King Solomon
Jesus warns us constantly and consistently about the dangers not focusing on God and focusing on wealth. It is a …
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” ~Apostle John
Jesus is my Master. Jesus is the Word of God. Jesus has always been with God. Jesus is the Son …
“And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their religious elitist leaders.” ~Apostle Matthew
Jesus wrapped up His Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). The teaching is over. What He has said is amazing. The …
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
I really don’t have an excuse for not having more faith. I have heard Jesus clearly. That is the first …
“No one can use my name to do something good and powerful, and in the next breath cut me down. If he’s not an enemy, he’s an ally.” ~Jesus
We love to form groups. Even early on, the disciples had figured out who was in and who was out. …
I said, ‘I am the Son of God’ ~Jesus
I believe that Jesus, God’s anointed King (aka Messiah) is God’s Holy Son. Jesus is God’s Son in that He …
“You don’t understand now what I’m doing, but it will be clear enough to you later.” ~Jesus
There are days I just don’t understand what Jesus is doing or saying. I like to think I do. I …
“For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me.” ~Jesus
I know what I know about Jesus because Jesus is His own spokesperson. Prophets are spokesmen for God. When the …
“I live and breathe God; if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy: join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out.” ~King David
King David knows what it is like to be in some tough places. He spent much of his life in …
“The Messiah also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth.” ~Apostle Peter
Peter challenges me to follow the example of Jesus. Peter knows. Peter learned directly from our Master Jesus. Jesus has …
“And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of the beauty of God (glory).” ~Apostle Peter
Peter knows about Jesus and goes over the top in love for him. Jesus stood by him after Peter abandoned …
“You’re not yet taking God seriously!” ~Jesus
How am I doing with my faith and belief in God and Jesus? Am I taking God seriously? Confidence in …
“He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true.” ~Jesus
Consider this: Truth is not what makes people feel good. Jesus knows this. Jesus knows truth because He knows the Father …
“Behold, the Lamb of God!” ~John the Baptizer
This is hard to understand since there is no sacrificial system in religious life today. The jewish, christian and islamic …
“He’s a dangerous man, endangering the peace.” ~Religious elites about Jesus
Jesus is being tried. He has been arrested. When it was morning, the religious elites and the high priests and …
“Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the religious elites, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” ~Jesus
Jesus continues His manifesto. I have a lot to learn here. Jesus is being clear, as He always is. This …
“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” ~Jesus
In some circles, the end game is to be saved. Now that is important but it is not the end …
“This cup which is poured out for you is the new agreement in My blood.” ~Jesus
In the scriptures, a covenant (agreement) is between God and His people or certain specific individuals, like myself. The fulfilment …
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” ~Jesus
The Jesus Manifesto continues with Jesus laying out for me what I need to be like in this world. I …
“Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” ~Jesus
Paul tells the church that the spiritual blindness of Israel is a “mystery” that had not previously been revealed (Romans …
“Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; He directs it to whatever ends He chooses.” ~King Solomon
God is God. God is in control. I don’t get that some days. What about that jerk that is …
“We must obey God rather than men.” ~Peter
Jesus is clear. Peter heard Him and took it to heart. Jesus said “Render to the government (aka Caesar) the things …
“Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” ~Jesus
Jesus the Messiah was baptized by John: Jesus sets the example for us and was baptized by John. God is …
“Are You the Son of God, then?” And He said to them, “Yes, I am.” ~Jesus
Here is the good news! Jesus is the Son of God. Everyone who encounters Him comes away knowing it. It moves …
“Jesus died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus is my substitute for having to pay a penalty for having missed God’s goal. Jesus tasted death for me …
“If any of you wants to serve me, then accompany me.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants me to accompany him. Jesus wants me to go where He has gone and is going. Jesus wants …
“This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” ~God
What does God want from me? Listen to His Son Jesus. It is a simple and straightforward challenge. God didn’t …
“God’s plan for the world stands up, all his designs are made to last.” ~King David
David knows a lot about God’s plan for countries and kingdoms. We can plan and scheme all we want. …
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me to do the tough thing. There is a narrow way to life. Will I choose it or …
“When the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us.” ~Apostle Paul
God showed His infinite kindness to me. God sent His Son Jesus to die for me. Surely I can, by …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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. …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“I have a dream today.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr. | August 28, 1963
Originally posted on Jesus and the culture alternative:
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 …
“Frauds!” ~Jesus
Jesus has the number of the religious elites. They are constantly trying to trap him. They are constantly trying to …
“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! …
“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 Jesus and the culture alternative:
I’m not naming names here. John the Baptizer might. Jesus might. I’ll just saying it isn’t…
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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, …
“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. …
“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 …
“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”. …
“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 Jesus and the culture alternative:
This is stunning and sick. I want to throw up. Jesus is weeping and has been…
“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. …
Are you ready to be a farmer?
Originally posted on Jesus and the culture alternative:
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, …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” ~Apostle Paul
Self-control is an issue of my heart. I must not be wishy-washy in my resolve. I must excerpt control of my …
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.” ~Jesus
It starts with faith. I need to get clear with my faith in Jesus. When peace leaves me, I need to …
“How can we picture God’s kingdom?” ~Jesus
Jesus invites me to picture what God’s kingdom is like. Jesus wants me to understand Him as King of the …
“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 change your mind?” ~Apostle Paul
I should be patient, even as Jesus is patient. Naturally, in and of myself, I am not. God’s kindness is …
“What do you make of this?” ~Jesus
Jesus wants to know. Jesus has a question. What do I make of this? Do I understand? Am I listening? …
What is the prescription for happiness? Here are the 9 steps!
Originally posted on Jesus and the culture alternative:
Think Happy I am happy. Jesus promises me that I will be. True happiness derives from…
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.” ~Jesus
God has a goal in mind for me. It could bring me into conflict with those I love most. Betrayal …
“Even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.” ~Jesus
Jesus rules in every case, over everything and everyone. He is the Master. PERIOD! I am His slave. Jesus is …
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” ~Apostle Paul
Should I renounce anger? Yes! Jesus does not exhort me to get angry, as if anger were a good motivator or energy for …
“My house is a house of prayer; You have turned it into a religious bazaar.” ~Jesus
Jesus is upset. Jesus let’s the religious elites know it. It just isn’t right turning God’s holy temple into the …
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” ~Jesus
What does the gentleness of Jesus the Messiah look like? Jesus gave us the perfect picture of gentleness: “See, your …
The Danger Inherent in the Most Liberal of Christian Beliefs
Originally posted on Christian Apologist:
I came upon an article by Dorothy Cummings McLean from earlier this year in which a…
“Happy are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” ~Jesus
Is my heart pure? That is an essential issue to address. Jesus lays it out in His manifesto (Matthew 5 — …
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” ~Jesus
Grace is a gift. God gives me grace when I am humble. There is no peace if I am proud …
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” ~Jesus
Jesus clearly calls me to do good works! The purpose of my good works is to glorify the amazing and …
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” ~Apostle John
Love isn’t about me. Love is about God and Jesus. I don’t know the first thing about love. Anything I …
“The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me. Am I “sinless“? If so, I get to throw the first stone. Jesus challenged the elite religious …
“Don’t be afraid. I know you’re looking for Jesus the Nazarene, the One they nailed on the cross. He’s been raised up; he’s here no longer.” ~An Angel
I am looking for Jesus in all the wrong places. I think “he was”. My language and my attitude is …
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.“ ~Jesus
Am I a Christian or a disciple of Jesus? I need to think this through. It is an important question. …
“Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse.” ~King Solomon
There is a natural set of consequences for angry people. There is a backlash. Something very real is going to …
“Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.” ~Jesus
I am called to be faithful and trustworthy. I am challenged by this some days. When I think about it and …
“Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” ~Jesus
Jesus has a requirement for me as I stand before Him, confessing I have missed God’s goal, I am a …
