“Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” ~Religious elites to Jesus
Am I like the religious elites, constantly challenging Jesus? Am I a know it all trying to catch him breaking …
Category Archives: God is God
“Son though he was, Jesus learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” ~Author of Hebrews
Obedience to the will of God demonstrates the reality of a person’s faith in Jesus the Messiah. I must learn …
“As soon as he got out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came out of the tombs and met him” ~Mark
Jesus is on the move. He takes a boat to the other side of the sea. Am I on the …
“And we’re here today bringing you good news: the Message that what God promised the fathers has come true for the children—for us! He raised Jesus.” ~Apostle Paul
The Apostle Paul lays out the core message of good news for me. Jesus died for me and was raised …
“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” ~Jesus
The Jesus manifesto continues. Jesus takes on oaths and swearing. Jesus is clear on this. I am to say yes …
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” ~Apostle Paul
Creation matters. Atheists reject God and reject God as the creator. If they don’t, their whole worldview collapses. In reality, …
“We call Jesus Master by the Spirit of God.” ~Apostle Paul
Master (Lord) is a title that signifies Jesus the Messiah’s absolute authority and the basis on which people may know …
“Are you a teacher of Israel and don’t know these things?” ~Jesus
I can get confused. Nicodemus did for sure. His whole world was the bible and theology. He is a member …
“For this reason, we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away.” ~Author of Hebrews
I must pay attention. It is easy to lose focus. I drift away some days. Yikes. It is sad. I …
“Jesus often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.” ~Luke
Jesus was constantly ministering to the people. He had a stunning level of compassion and stamina. It was a lot. …
“Who do people say that I am?” ~Jesus
Jesus’ reluctance to be known as the Messiah is probably due to Jewish misunderstandings of the Messiah’s true role. One …
“Liars secretly hoard hatred; fools openly spread slander.” ~King Solomon
This puts an interesting twist on the motivation of liars and slanderers. I must pay attention here. When I lie, …
“The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who rejects the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.” ~Jesus
There is apostasy and there is atheism (and its nephew agnosticism). Apostasy, from the Greek word apostasia, means “a defiance …
“Because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus gave the apostles great power. It was stunning. The sick were being healed. What was their message, based on …
“Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” ~Apostle John
Here is the wise warning from the Apostle John. I must pay attention. God doesn’t tolerate worship of anything but …
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” ~Jesus
I need to get on board with what God wants. It is never about me. It is always about God. …
Who is Jesus? Is Jesus God?
I want to know who Jesus is. It is a burning question for many of us. This isn’t anything new. …
“The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” ~Jesus
I get how difficult it is to predict where the wind is going to blow. I live in Texas and …
The fool says in his heart, “There’s no God.” ~King David
There is a lot to be said about atheism and skepticism in general. I am very active on social media …
“When God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, and let all God’s angels worship him.” ~Author of Hebrews
Jesus is the Son of God. That has been established. I must always start there. God brought Him into the …
“Man must not live on bread alone.” ~Jesus
As Jesus begins His ministry, He is full of the Holy Spirit. That is a huge thing because He is …
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Master, make me to dwell in safety.” ~King David
I can count on peace. I can count on sleep. I can count on rest. I don’t need a “My …
“In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.” ~Apostle Paul
You have a passion for Jesus. You want to do the right thing for His disciples. You believe in a …
“Immediately the religious elites went out and started plotting with the political elites against him, how they might kill him.” ~Mark
Conspiracy theories are interesting. People get intrigued by them. This one really existed. The religious and political elites of the …
“They brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them.” ~Apostle Matthew
Here is good news. Jesus heals the sick. Jesus does it all the time. Jesus is in the healing business. …
“Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” ~John the Baptizer
John the baptizer is speaking the truth. I must be careful to align myself with Jesus and not the religious …
“Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” ~Disciples of Jesus
The authority of Jesus is stunning. Since He created everything, everything obeys Him. I am in awe. I am amazed. …
“How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher?” ~Apostle Paul
There is much controversy in our culture today surrounding followers of Jesus who own businesses being forced to photograph gay …
“Why do you brag of evil, “Big Man”? God’s mercy carries the day.” ~King David
I must be very careful. Am I bragging about evil? Of course not! Really? Do I think I am a …
“Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Highest God. “Melchizedek” means “King of Righteousness.” “Salem” means “Peace.” So, he is also “King of Peace.” ~Author of Hebrews
I serve a righteous King. Jesus is also the King of Peace. As my King, Jesus reigns over peace, not …
“Since I am afflicted and needy, let the Master be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.” ~King David
Humility is the correct way to come into God’s presence. Someone who knows Jesus and follows Him will be growing …
“Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore produce fruit consistent with changing your mind and actions.” ~John the baptizer
John the baptizer isn’t pulling any punches with me. God is serious. God is God. I can’t flee. That is …
Does God need our permission or approval?
God is God. His character and His attributes have always existed. God is eternal. God IS! God does things that …
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. Jesus gives us power and authority. We are the ambassadors of Jesus here on earth. We speak …
“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: … strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, and anything similar. I am warning you that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” ~Apostle Paul
I get jealous. I get angry. One can lead to the other. The parable of the prodigal son is a …
“Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” ~The crowds about Jesus casting out a demon
When we are delivered from demonic possession, we become whole and are healed. The stunning power of Jesus makes it …
“Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” ~Religious elites
Is Jesus the Messiah? We struggle with that and the ones who struggle the most are religious elites. I must …
“Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire.” ~James
Wealth and money is very elusive. Eventually all that will matter is eternity with God. We all know we can’t …
“God made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
The message of the Messiah’s sacrifice for missing God’s goal (aka sin) and His resurrection (the message that Paul refers …
“The Fear-of-God means hating Evil, whose ways I hate with a passion — pride and arrogance and crooked talk.” ~King Solomon
It is an interesting question. Do I hate evil? Should I hate evil? Am I passionate in my hate for …
“And the government will rest on His shoulders.” ~Isaiah
Consider this as we start. I know I must adjust my thinking but that is what Jesus always challenges me …
“Stretch out your hand.” ~Jesus
I don’t want Jesus looking at me in anger. That is not a good thing. I don’t want to be …
“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and all it contains.” ~King David
There are many reasons to be thankful about the wonderful world around us. God is good and in a good …
“You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people.” ~Moses
We honor and respect our governing authorities because they exist by the very will of God. Such respect must be …
“I, the Master, am your healer.” ~God
God heals. Jesus heals. The word of God teaches us that God is in the healing business. Sometimes we pray …
“Now John had a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.” ~Apostle Matthew
John calls on the religious and the religious elites to confess missing God’s goal (aka sin) and to be baptized. …
“The great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God’s authority over you and presence with you.” ~Jesus
Some days I get excited about the wrong thing. What matters is God’s complete rule in my life. What matters …
“May the name of our Master Jesus be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Master Jesus the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
Now here is some good news. I can magnify God by glorifying Him. So how does that happen? What is …
“And everyone who has this hope fixed on Jesus purifies himself, just as Jesus is pure.” ~Apostle John
Holiness comes from God and specifically the sacrificial death of Jesus for our having missed God’s goal for our lives. …
“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God.” ~Apostle Paul
I have to be careful to not fall into the trap that anything I have is the result of something …
“You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” ~God
Jesus is the Son of God. That is the main thing about the main thing. There are many messengers of …
“I am Jesus, the One you’re hunting down. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you’ll be told what to do next.” ~Jesus to Saul
Saul is on a mission. It is not a mission for God though. The religious elites were out to destroy …
“He saved them for the sake of His name, that He might make His power known.” ~King David
God is God. God is to be honored and His name is to be revered. This is a shock to …
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” ~Jesus
Jesus warns us in the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7) where we hear Him say “Beware of the false prophets, who come …
“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” ~Jesus
Resurrection of my body, after death, will happen. So is the eternal life I have right now as a follower …
“The God of gods — it’s God! — speaks out, shouts, “Earth!” welcomes the sun in the east, farewells the disappearing sun in the west.” ~Asaph
We have an amazing God. God is God. God is God of gods. God reigns supreme. I must get that …
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” ~Author of Hebrews
There is a big thing I need to start with. It is always the central point. Jesus is the Son …
“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders?” ~Religious elites to Jesus
Things are getting dicey. The fact that the religious elites (scribes and Pharisees) united in this attack and came all …
“Saul was right there, congratulating the killers.” ~Luke
The religious elites (members of the Sanhedrin) had Stephen killed for following Jesus. Saul (later to become the Apostle Paul) …
“Give, then, to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” ~Jesus
God is clear. I must recognize that authority comes from God. This is a foundational principle. I am challenged by …
“God’s word came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.” ~Luke
Something important is going on here that I need to get a handle on. John the baptizer (son of Zechariah) …
“But Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works.” ~Apostle Paul
I fall into the trap of thinking that if I just follow the rules, I will be seen as good …
“In order to accuse him, they were watching him closely to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath.” ~Mark
Am I scrutinizing Jesus? Am I watching Him carefully to see if He will mess things up? Am I ready …
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in the Messiah, God forgave you.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus is all about forgiveness. That is the reason God sent him to us. I need forgiveness and the good …
“Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!” ~John the Baptizer
Radically changing my mind and how I think/act (aka repent) is called for by John. Jesus will call for it …
“The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Master, even the demons submit to us in your name.” ~Disciples of Jesus
Jesus teaches us the great joy that there is in victory and deliverance. We can well understand the joy of …
“We aren’t immortal. We don’t last long. Like our dogs, we age and weaken. And die.” ~Sons of Korah
My dad would say very frequently “There are two things certain in life …. death and taxes”. I think for …
“Let the senior among you become like the junior; let the leader act the part of the servant.” ~Jesus
It starts with an argument. Who is going to be the greatest. They were sincere. They all thought they would …
“But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you.” ~Apostle Peter
We start with justice. God has chosen His Son Jesus to deliver justice to us all. This will not be …
“Jesus’ priestly work far surpasses what these other priests do, since he’s working from a far better plan.” ~Author of Hebrews
What Jesus inaugurates is superior to anything that came before it. I can be confident that it is a perfect …
“The Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” ~Moses
There are many misconceptions about the identity of the Holy Spirit. Some view the Holy Spirit as a mystical force. …
“Mark well that God doesn’t miss a move you make; he’s aware of every step you take.” ~King Solomon
I need to understand God. God has His eyes on me. I may think I am out of sight but …
“Friends, fathers, and brothers, the God of glory appeared to our father Abraham … ” ~Stephen
It is important that I learn from Stephen. He is very important to a disciple of Jesus as he is …
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” ~Jesus
Where should I put my faith? In God? In Jesus? In the Holy Spirit? Yes! Yes! And Yes! “Do not …
“Jesus himself knew what was in man.” ~Apostle John
Jesus knows me. Jesus knows my heart. Jesus knows my secrets and my longings. Jesus knows everything about me. it …
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” ~God
This is stunning. God Himself spoke. And the message? God is very well pleased with His Son. I can count …
“Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy.” ~Jesus
I have a Father in heaven. That is some very good news. I am ecstatic over that. I need to …
“My house was designated a house of prayer for the nations; You’ve turned it into a hangout for thieves.” ~Jesus
Jesus has a message for me. The house of God is a place of prayer, for everyone. It is not …
“Why are you trying to kill me?” ~Jesus
Jesus is in the confounding business. Jesus knows what He is talking about and that is disconcerting to many. Some …
“In whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the good news of the glory of the Messiah, who is the image of God.” ~Apostle Paul
The glory of God is the beauty of His spirit. It is not an aesthetic beauty or a material beauty, …
“Watch out for the doomsday deceivers.” ~Jesus
I need to watch out. I can be deceived. I can be led astray. Faith can falter and waiver. I …
“This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” ~The People
The Messiah is anticipated by the Jewish people as the Prophet of God. Jesus is that Prophet. Jesus the Messiah …
“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.” ~Apostle Peter
It is possible to submit outwardly and yet not be humbled inwardly. God hates the sin of pride, and He …
“You are the man!” ~Nathan
God gives strength to his people. He enables them to be courageous through his gift of faith. God proves himself …
“First things first. Your business is life, not death. Follow me. Pursue life.” ~Jesus
I think I am making a reasonable request of Jesus. It seems logical to me. Surely Jesus will understand. Jesus …
“Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of hope, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” ~Author of Hebrews
I must prepare myself spiritually to fellowship with God. The Old Testament priest had to go through various washings and …
“Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” ~Jesus
I want to be a part of the country where Jesus is King (aka the Kingdom of God). I really …
“Don’t bicker among yourselves over me. You’re not in charge here.” ~Jesus
The Jewish people were arguing over Jesus: “Isn’t this the son of Joseph? Don’t we know his father? Don’t we know …
“Remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first.” ~Jesus
Repentance (radically changing my mind) is of central importance because missing God’s goal (sin) brings God’s judgment. Fellowship with God …
“Applause, everyone. Bravo, bravissimo! Shout God-songs at the top of your lungs! God Most High is stunning, astride land and ocean.” ~Sons of Korah
Now here is a good word. God, our most High God, is stunning. So is His Son Jesus. So is …
“First, let me ask you a question.” ~Jesus
Jesus likes to ask questions. Jesus wants an answer. Jesus doesn’t answer to me. I answer to Jesus. I need …
Is God’s country here already? What should I do?
We keep looking. We think, someday we will go to heaven. We hold out hope. We trust in lots of …
“Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you; take to heart my commands. They’ll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well.” ~King Solomon
I want to live long. I want to live well. I want to live long. There is very good news. …
“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” ~Jesus
Does Jesus get angry and upset? Jesus the Messiah shows controlled emotion arising from his unswerving opposition to evil and …
“You’re holding on to me for dear life! Don’t be frightened like that.” ~Jesus
And then Jesus met them. Imagine. They had witnessed Jesus being cruelly murdered. They had seen entombed. They came to …
“Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you.” ~Apostle John
The surprises along the way are God’s surprises. He is never caught off guard or unprepared. He calls me to …
“There is no way to get rid of this kind of demon except by prayer.” ~Jesus
Jesus has to step in to solve a very real problem. That is the way of Jesus. He just doesn’t …
“I’m telling you this straight. The Son can’t independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father doing.” ~Jesus
Jesus has just completed a stunning miracle. A man had been disabled for 38 years, unable to walk. Jesus healed …
“Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” ~God
Family is extremely important in the Bible, both in a physical sense and in a spiritual sense. The foundation of …
“By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see.” ~Author of Hebrews
God is God. God created the universe and everything we know of. God did it through His word. God just …
