“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 …
Category Archives: God Thoughts
“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 Thoughts on culture, politics and more:
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 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, …
“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 Thoughts on culture, politics and more:
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 …
America has a huge problem with kids being separated from their parents. There are 437,465 children in foster care!
Originally posted on Thoughts on culture, politics and more:
We have all been moved by the parents who have been separated from their children after…
“For their sakes I sanctify (set apart as holy) Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified (set apart as holy) in truth.” ~Jesus
I avoid some things because they sound very geeky and smack of theology. Jesus talks about sanctification. Maybe I need …
“There is far more at stake here than religion.” ~Jesus
Jesus is not a fan of organized religion and the elite attitudes that go with it. Jesus is in favor …
“I’ll be a preacher, I’ll be a teacher, a helper of mankind. I’ll be a walker, I’ll be a talker, I’ll keep the mountain people on my mind.” ~Chelle Rose about Rufus Morgan
Originally posted on Thoughts on culture, politics and more:
45 years ago I had the privilege to learn how to hike from Rufus Morgan. He…
“Before you know it, his justice will triumph; the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.” ~Isaiah about Jesus
I need to find more hope. God is good and in a good mood. Justice, while lacking here some days, will be done. …
“Then there’s only one thing left to do: Sell everything you own and give it away to the poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ~Jesus
Where is my treasure? What is important to me? Is Jesus my Master? Jesus told us to “store up for …
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life.” ~Jesus
There are a lot of details to life. What to eat. What to wear. Which way to drive to work. …
“For we are slaves; yet in our bondage our God has not forsaken us, but has extended lovingkindness to us.” ~Ezra
I want the quality of compassion and generosity in my life. I need to learn how God loves the weak and poor. It is …
“Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.” ~King David
Now here is some good news. God is going to take care of me. My job is to love God. …
“Behold, your mother!” ~Jesus
Consider the tenderness of Jesus the Messiah. Everywhere we turn, Jesus is moved and full of compassion. Jesus shows the goodness of …
A tribute to my dad, a defender of freedom and independence. Born on the fourth of July 1919.
Originally posted on Thoughts on culture, politics and more:
? Everett Wiley Wilson – WWII Veteran My dad, Everett Wiley Wilson, was born on Independence…
“Do you understand what you are reading?” ~Philip
I need wisdom. I need understanding. Wisdom and understanding is a God-given perception. God’s goal for me is to be wise …
“The world is against me because I expose the evil behind its pretensions.” ~Jesus
Jesus stands firm against evil. Jesus challenges me to do the same. As God’s child, I walk according to this …
“Jesus came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near.” ~Apostle Paul
Prophecies of peace are fulfilled in the coming of Jesus the Messiah. Peace is real. Jesus wants me to experience peace. …
“Be very careful. Keep a sharp eye out for the contaminating yeast of the Baptist, Methodist, Episcopals, Lutherans or the Catholics. Also the yeast of Obama, Cruz, Sanders, Clinton or Trump.” ~Jesus
This is a special message for our current toxic political and religious environment. Jesus has something to say about all …
“Keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.” ~Apostle Peter
The Holy Spirit brings joy to believers, giving us an inner contentment and happiness which is not dependent upon external …
“This has to be the Son of God!” ~Roman Captain at the Crucifixion
A crucifixion is a most painful, cruel and protracted form of execution which involved the victim being roped or nailed …
“Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.” ~King Solomon
Scripture portrays fools as those who have rejected God and/or his ways and are unable or unwilling to appreciate the …
“Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” ~Disciples to Jesus
How important is rest? God needed it and got it. Jesus needed it and got it. Even in the middle of a …
“You have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness.” ~Jesus
How is God’s justice declared? Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” Justice is …
“The fear of the Master is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” ~King Solomon
Proverbs 1:7 declares, “The fear of the Master is the beginning of knowledge.” Until I understand who God is and develop …
“My time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune.” ~Jesus
Jesus the Messiah’s life was lived under the shadow of the cross. He was concerned that people should understand his …
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.” ~Jesus
Jesus is my Master. Jesus owns me. I am His slave. I should be happy with that being enough. This …
“The people have been like spoiled children whining to their parents.” ~Jesus
Am I to be a child in my understanding of Jesus? We all know what whining children are like. I …
“Woe to you … ” ~Jesus
Jesus is upset. Jesus is upset with the elite religious leaders of the day. Jesus hasn’t gotten over it. I …
“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 you mind?” ~Apostle Paul
What is my attitude? How should I act? What do I think God has in store for me? Jesus calls …
“Hard trials and temptations are bound to come, but woe to him for whoever brings them on!” ~Jesus
Life is tough. Jesus knows that. He really knows that. Jesus has a warning. Am I ready to hear it? …
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” ~Jesus the Messiah
Is there Good News? There is good news. The Word of God and Jesus offers an understanding of the source, character, …
“Happy are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” ~Jesus
The Jesus Manifesto continues. It may seem strange that Jesus should pass from peacemaking to persecution, from the work of reconciliation …
“It is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” ~Jesus
According to the Bible, though, hell is just as real as heaven. The Bible clearly and explicitly teaches that hell …
“God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together.” ~King David
God answers prayer. Mighty King David knows this in his heart. He has seen lots of trouble. God comes through. …
“Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides.” ~Jesus
Jesus is going to declare something. It is going to be bold. It is being set up by this conversation. …
“We don’t want the crowds up in arms” ~Religious Leaders
The religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus. They would. The religious elites just didn’t want people to be upset about …
“When you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’ ”
I am a slave of Jesus. Jesus is my Master (aka Lord). Jesus owns me. I have to be clear about …
What does Jesus think of being a “servant leader”? Hint: Can you say “Argle Bargle”?
There is a lot being said, by “leaders”, about being servant leaders. I have a friend that has written a …
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” ~Jesus
Jesus is about to wrap His Manifesto. There is one final parable to lay it all out. There is a contrast …
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” ~Jesus
God is God. No one else is. God alone is in control. God is Great and God is Good. I …
“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and — good-bye, friend!” ~King Solomon
Friendship is an amazing experience. It also can be a fragile relationship. Am I looking at the good in my …
“Jesus rejoiced, exuberant in the Holy Spirit!” ~Luke
Jesus rejoiced. Jesus is exuberant in the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to usher in the Kingdom of God in the …
“Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start.” ~Jesus
The continuation of Jesus the Messiah’s mission is through his followers. Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit and sent …
Speech — It has the Power of Death and Life
My speech has an enormous influence for good or ill and is a sure guide to my character. The power …
The Disastrous Message from the Lupton Center on Poverty and Homelessness
Originally posted on Thoughts on culture, politics and more:
There is a disastrous message being promoted to churches and people of faith. It is destructive…
“What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” ~Disciples of Jesus
God is God and God is great. God empowered his son Jesus. There are so many amazing and supernatural acts …
“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” ~Author of Hebrews
I want to please God, my heavenly Father. That is my heart’s desire. It takes sacrifice on my part. It …
“A slave of the Messiah Jesus …” ~Apostle Paul
How did Paul see himself? Paul saw himself as a slave of Jesus. This is not a fluke. Paul also …
“You are masters at making yourselves look good in front of others, but God knows what’s behind the appearance.” ~Jesus
Am I a master at making myself look good? What Jesus has to say to the religious elites (aka Pharisees) …
“A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” ~Jesus
Jesus is beginning to wrap up His manifesto. Jesus changed his brief metaphor from sheep and wolves to trees and …
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude.” ~Apostle Paul
God is good — We see it in his work of creation I have good news. God is God and perfect. …
“In Jesus you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.” ~Apostle Paul
What gives Jesus the right to speak and act on his Father’s behalf in forgiving sin, pronouncing judgment and promising …
“Bravo, God, bravo!” ~King David
Where is my enthusiasm for God and His marvelous works? Why don’t I shout it out? Do I long for …
“Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” ~Apostle Paul
Am I wrong to hope? Now this is amazing. I am not disappointed when I hope. In my hope, I …
“Do you want to get well?” ~Jesus
Do I want to get well? Jesus is in the healing business. Jesus can heal me physically and Jesus can heal …
“You’re impressed by this grandiose architecture? There’s not a stone in the whole works that is not going to end up in a heap of rubble.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants to know. Am I impressed with what man can build? Really? That impresses me? As he walked away …
“Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good.” ~King Solomon
God acts from the highest, purest motives. God expects me to do the same. Humans are satisfied with whatever looks …
Goodness – Good Works are a Characteristic of God
Goodness and good works are acts designed specifically to benefit others, which are characteristic of God. I can be good …
“Why this gossipy whispering?” ~Jesus
Jesus decides to return to His hometown. When He got there, some men carried a paraplegic on a stretcher and …
“This is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he’s alive!” ~Jesus
There is good news, for all of us. Jesus has a heart for the lost and those who have missed …
“If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” ~Jesus
Jesus continues the Manifesto. Jesus is teaching me how to pray. After the model prayer, Jesus emphasizes the importance of …
“Blessed be God — He heard me praying.” ~King David
I need to see how much God cares. It is just who He is. I don’t need to look around. …
“Jesus sets out the evidence of what he saw and heard in heaven.” ~John the Baptizer
I am not immune to competing for my spiritual faction (aka denomination). I think it is best. I think Jesus …
