Good news! It is Holy Friday. It is a stunning day to remember what Jesus accomplished for us.
Good Friday, also known as “Holy Friday,” is the Friday immediately preceding Resurrection Sunday. It is celebrated traditionally as the day …
Category Archives: God Thoughts
God-deniers and God-haters show that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation.
There are many people today who know about the moral code (law of God) established by God in the Old …
It is a great day of remembrance for Holy Thursday.
It is Holy Thursday. Spending time today reflecting on that day and evening before the Crucifixion of our Master Jesus, …
“But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves.” ~Jesus
We have a great promise from Jesus the Messiah. It is joy and happiness. Jesus wants me to have joy. …
What is “Spy Wednesday”?
According to the traditional interpretation of the Bible, Holy Wednesday is the day on which Jesus was anointed with spikenard during a …
“Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images . . .” ~Apostle Paul
I want wisdom. It is important to my daily walk with Jesus. I am called to be a learner (aka …
Holy Tuesday is a busy day
Holy Tuesday is a busy day. Many chapters of the Gospels are devoted to it.(Matthew 21:23—23:39; Mark 11:27—12:44; Luke 20:1—21:4). Here is …
“Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” ~Jesus
Jesus has something He wants me to know. Jesus wants me to approach His kingdom with simplicity. Jesus wants me …
Here we go — It’s Holy Monday
In the timeline of Passion week, it is a little unclear where to place the story of the Greeks seeking …
“So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is — not trying to be privileged insiders but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus.” ~Author of Hebrews
Jesus died outside the city of Jerusalem. I am called to go where Jesus is and die with Him on …
“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in God’s name! Yes! The King of Israel!” ~The Jerusalem crowds
Jesus was performing many signs and wonders. The raising of Lazarus from the dead capped it off. Six days before …
“For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus is first in my life. Jesus is preeminent. Jesus comes before anything else. Let it be so! So, I …
Is marriage a part of God’s plan for the human race from creation?
I am married. That is good news. It is a part of God’s plan for me. I have been able …
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Master and of His Messiah; and He will reign forever and ever.” ~Seventh Angel and Chorus from Heaven
Kings came and went. Kings died. Someone else became King. It could have been a son. It could have been …
Do others affirm Jesus the Messiah is God’s Son?
Jesus is the very Son of God. Like all of us who follow Jesus, I must confess that. It is …
“Carelessness kills; complacency is murder.” ~King Solomon
I have to guard against being content. Being self-satisfied is dangerous. Neglecting wisdom in my life leads to the destruction …
What are the Good Shepherd’s roles and routines?
I want to understand Jesus. I want to fully know Him. I can know more by understanding the roles and …
“The fruit of the Spirit is self-control.” ~Apostle Paul
The last characteristic listed in Galatians 5:22-23 as a fruit of the Spirit is self-control. The fruit of the Spirit …
Does Jesus the Messiah bring glory to his Father?
Jesus brings glory to His Father. Jesus shows me how stunning and amazing God is. There is no one like …
“I’ve sinned. I’ve betrayed an innocent man.” ~Judas
Jesus has been arrested. He has been tried by the religious elites. Judas changes his mind and tries to undo …
What are examples of Jesus as a prophet who speaks with authority?
I must recognize that Jesus is the Messiah and the prophet of God. Jesus speaks to me with authority. The …
“My loving kindness will not be removed from you, and My agreement of peace will not be shaken.” ~God through Isaiah
Somehow, we have this image of God, from the Old Testament, as an angry old man. Grumpy to the core. …
Why do atheists refuse to believe in God?
It isn’t that atheists, agnostics and unbelievers don’t know God exists. They do. There is plenty of evidence that they …
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private.” ~Jesus
There was a pastor who became involved immorally with a married woman in his congregation. They each divorced their respective …
Can we have courage in our prayers?
Am I ready to be bold and have confidence when I approach Jesus in prayer? Jesus is my great high …
“Are you serious?” ~Disciples to Jesus
Jesus asks me to do something. It seems outrageous. It seems impossible. Are you serious, I ask? Seriously, you want …
Why was Jesus the Messiah exalted on the cross?
I see Jesus. He is lifted up on the cross. It is not a pleasant thing to see. He is …
“Looking away from all that will distract us and focusing our eyes on Jesus, the One who brings our faith to maturity, who for the joy of accomplishing the goal set before Him endured the cross.” ~Author of Hebrews
I want joy in my life. I can have it by focusing on Jesus. Jesus brings my faith to completion …
Can we experience a future ecstasy in response to God’s coming kingdom?
We seem a little reluctant to talk about the ecstatic experience. Is that for mystics and weirdo’s, I think? I …
“You’re not listening. Let me say it again.” ~Jesus
I am like Nicodemus. Jesus wants me to understand something but I’m not quite getting it. Jesus is patient. Jesus …
As a slave, am I above my Master Jesus?
Am I a servant or am I a slave? I am both. It isn’t an “either/or” issue. I am afraid; …
“For their sakes I sanctify (set apart) Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified (set apart) in truth.” ~Jesus
I avoid some things because they sound very geeky and smack of theology. Jesus talks about sanctification. Maybe I need …
Is Jesus the Lamb worthy?
I must say with a loud voice, worthy is the lamb Jesus who was slain for me. I must sing …
“Jesus gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” ~Apostle Paul
What is the good news message that Paul has for me? Jesus the Messiah gave himself for my missing God’s …
What was the baptism by John all about? How does it differ from baptism today?
I came to Jesus and decided to follow Him at the age of 12. I was immediately baptized in water. …
“Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father.” ~Apostle Paul
Old age is generally held in honor and the aged in society are to be respected. Because of the wisdom …
How should we deal with those who deserve blame?
We all miss God’s goal for our lives. I certainly do. Sometimes that is obvious to other brothers and sisters …
“We didn’t fight for this land; we didn’t work for it — it was a gift! You gave it, smiling as you gave it, delighting as you gave it.” ~ Unknown Psalmist
Jesus is smiling. He takes great pleasure in giving me freedom. My life is a gift from God. I didn’t earn …
Is God patient with the unrepentant?
I am so thankful that God is patient with me. God gives me every opportunity to radically change my mind …
“Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts.” ~Apostle Paul
I am so glad that God has adopted me. Jesus has broken the bondage of slavery and given my His …
If I continue missing God’s goal willfully, will I go to hell?
I need to be very careful. God loves me but God has expectations. What can I expect if I know …
I had to quit being a “rule man” to become God’s man.
I’ve tried to please God by keeping the rules and working my head off. Really, I’ve tried hard. Rule keeping …
How should we exercise patience in communicating the good news message of Jesus?
It is easy to get frustrated some days. I believe I am proclaiming the message of Jesus. Not everyone is …
“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” ~Apostle Peter
I want grace in my life. I imagine you do as well. Peter gives us the key. The road to …
Does Jesus get angry with petty legalism in religious observance?
I need to be careful. It is way too easy to fall into the religious rule and legalism trap. The …
“Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him.” ~Jesus
There is a dual message here. I am not to lead astray the little ones in the Way of discipleship. …
Should we be surprised at the coming of the Holy Spirit?
Some days I am just flat out surprise at what God does through His Holy Spirit. I don’t see it …
“The kindness of God leads you to radically change how you think (aka repentance).” ~Apostle Paul
When I exhibit the kindness of God, I am tender, benevolent, and useful to others. Every action, every word will …
Is gentleness a strength esteemed by God?
Gentleness is a strength. It is highly desirable, and Jesus shows us the way by His own gentleness. Jesus challenges …
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.” ~Author of Hebrews
It is time for me to get on with it. I have a race to run. I need to be …
What is the purity of God all about?
God is pure and holy. There is nothing about God that is false at all. There is no evil in …
“Leaders can’t afford to make fools of themselves, gulping wine and swilling beer.” ~King Lemuel
Here is great advice. Don’t get drunk. There is no good that comes from it. Leaders need a clear and …
Was Jesus the Messiah’s obedience necessary for God’s salvation plan?
I have a lot to learn about obedience. I have a great teacher in Jesus the Messiah. As a disciple, …
“The worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word.” ~Jesus
I have no need to worry about anything. This is tough for me some days. I am a worrier for …
How does the salvation of the sinner (those who miss God’s goal) occur?
I am always looking for trustworthy statements. They get my attention. I have missed God’s goal for my life (aka …
“You can be sure that wherever in the whole world the Message is preached, what she has just done is going to be remembered and admired.” ~Jesus
Why do I give others a hard time? Why do I get furious with them? What have they done to …
What does the bible say about the end times (aka eschatology)?
Theology around “the end times” can be confusing. The Bible has a lot to say about the end times. Nearly …
“I do not seek 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 …
Why are Christians described as believers?
I am a person who believes in God and the work of His Son Jesus. We are a people of …
“What business do you have, Jesus, Son of the High God, messing with me?” ~Demons to Jesus
Jesus is the Son of God. Everyone knows it including the demons Jesus encounters. Satan himself knows it. I know …
Is it by God’s mercy that we can persevere?
I have received the very mercy of God. Mercifulness is an attitude of compassion and care, grounded in the nature …
“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” ~Jesus
Even in adversity, I should know the joy of Jesus the Messiah. Jesus shows up. I need to be ecstatic. …
Do our hearts desire holiness?
I want to have a pure heart. If my heart is pure, I will see God. I want a heart …
“Whatever he tells you, do it.” ~Mary, mother of Jesus
Mary gives the servants at the wedding some good advise. I must listen as well. Notice that is is unqualified …
Have divine preparations been made for believers in heaven?
According to Jesus, heaven is a real place. It is not a product of religious imagination or the result of …
“But a man must examine himself.” ~Apostle Paul
I need to be careful. I need to examine myself and not look at others as missing God’s goal. I …
Does God reward faithfulness?
Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people. It is seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects …
“In righteousness He judges.” ~Apostle John
I want justice. I think we all do deep down inside. Am I ready for the justice that Jesus …
Is Jesus the Messiah’s kingdom a heavenly kingdom? Is it of this world?
Jesus is King. I have to confess my loyalty to King Jesus. This is the main thing about the main …
“He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.” ~King David
It is not about me. Of course I get down. I start crying the blues. I’m throwing a big pity …
Do fools lack knowledge of God? Am I too absorbed in an evil culture?
God has a plan for my life. I need to focus on what that plan is and doing it. Anything …
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” ~Jesus
Everywhere Jesus went and whenever He would minister to His disciples or the people, He brought calm and peace to …
How could John, an uneducated fisherman, have written such a literate and theologically rich gospel account?
This is an excellent question. How could John, an uneducated fisherman, have written such a literate and theologically rich gospel …
Are the religious elites always faithful to the Way of Jesus?
We love our religious pedigrees. I’m a Baptist. I’m an evangelical. I’m a Catholic. I’m Lutheran. The list goes on …
Why is Jesus the Messiah called Savior?
God’s work of salvation is accomplished supremely through the cross and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. Because of Jesus, I …
“You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day.” ~King David
I am constantly on the lookout for tornadoes. I live in tornado alley. I used to live in the northeast …
Does Jesus show His Preeminence by His exaltation to the Father’s right hand?
Here are things I believe and know to be true. Jesus is the Son of God He came to earth …
“The rich man also died and was buried. In hell and in torment, he looked up.” ~Jesus
Do the rich automatically go to hell when they die? What about the story of Jesus about the rich man …
Can we have self-control in response to persecution?
When I was a young man, we used the phrase “just suck it up”. We used it a lot. We …
“Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” ~Apostle Paul
When I see Jesus, I see God the Father. Now that is VERY good news. That is in fact … …
How do we show love for God?
Is love optional? Yes, I get to decide whether to love or not. So do you. We all do. I …
“In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him.” ~Author of Hebrews
God has spoken to us. It is through His Son Jesus. God did not leave us in the dark. God …
Does church discipline vindicate publicly God’s honor and holiness?
The assembly of disciples (aka church) is not a fellowship of perfect people. We are a fellowship of the forgiven …
“This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me.” ~Jesus
I need to be careful. It is one thing to be a hypocrite. It is another to be pretentious. Pretense …
Why should we respect our parents?
I have a job. It is to be obedient to my parents. There was a point in time where that …
“If you then, being evil …” ~Jesus
I need to know about evil. I need to know how to recognize it. Jesus challenges me to recognize …
Do God’s children have a sure inheritance?
Now here is some very good news. I am a child of God. All of us who follow Jesus are …
“He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” ~Religious elites about Jesus
Who does Jesus want to hang out with? It is definitely not the religious elites (although He does). Jesus has …
What does Jesus teach about humility?
When I come to the Messiah as someone who misses God’s goal (aka sinner), I must come in humility. I …
“The skeptic swore, “There is no God! No God! — I can do anything I want!” ~Agur
This chapter in Proverbs is not written by King Solomon. It is written by Agur, the son of Jakeh. We …
What is the point in being kind?
God’s goal for me is to be kind, thoughtful and caring. I am to love. That is the main thing …
“Resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, the Messiah Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” ~Apostle Paul
I start with Jesus. I must. That is where wisdom starts. King Solomon teaches me that “The fear of the …
Is worry a lack of confidence in God?
It is way too easy to let my heart to be troubled. Most days are a challenge. Some are not. …
“I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” ~Jesus
I get angry. I say things I shouldn’t and clearly regret later on. I say them though. It isn’t pretty. …
Should my goal be to please God?
I have a goal. It is given to me by God. I must focus on pleasing God. Jesus leads the …
Should Pastors Preach about Political Policies?
It is always an interesting issue. How should we and our leaders approach the issue of politics and faith? Here …
“For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” ~James
I must believe. I must also act on my believe. I don’t get to say “Jesus has saved me” and …
Why is self-examination so difficult? Is it because of humanity’s fallen nature?
It is very difficult for me to see what is in my heart. I’ve hidden my faults from myself. …
“They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross.” ~Apostle John
Jesus paid it all for me. Jesus died a horrible death on the cross. Jesus calls on me to join …
Is Jesus just and impartial in his dealings with people?
I can count on Jesus to be just and treat me fairly. That is way He is. Jesus is loving …
