“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Love, Luke 6, Matthew 28, Matthew 7, Obedience

Jesus continues His Manifesto (aka The Sermon on the Mount). Jesus is getting close to wrapping it up. Jesus doesn’t let up. There are some big deal things left to say. Jesus is going to say them. I need to hear them and obey them.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ | Matthew 7:21-23

Many evangelistic churches make a big deal about the “profession of faith” and it is not to be diminished. That is only the beginning. When all we hear, Sunday after Sunday, is about the profession, we need to find a new church to spend time in. We are not learning as disciples should. 

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“And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Questions, Jesus Sayings, King Jesus, Mark 8, Master Jesus, Matthew 13, Messiah

Jesus asks me lots of questions. This one gets to the core of the issue.

Who is Jesus?

Jesus and his disciples headed out for the villages around Caesarea Philippi. As they walked, he asked, “Who do the people say I am?”

“Some say ‘John the Baptizer,’” they said. “Others say ‘Elijah.’ Still others say ‘one of the prophets.’”

He then asked, “And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?”

Peter gave the answer: “You are the Messiah.” | Mark 8:27-29

“You cannot serve God and wealth.” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 6, Money, Treasure, Wealth

The Jesus Manifest continues (Matthew 5-7). This is a critical teaching of Jesus. What should I think about money and wealth? I need to get clear on this. Jesus is!

Who will I serve? It is a stunning question. Jesus now explains that behind the choice between two treasures (where I lay them up) and two visions (where I fix my eyes) there lies the still more basic choice between two masters (whom I am going to serve).

It is a choice between God and mammon, that is between the living Creator himself and any object of our my creation I term ‘money’ (‘mammon’ being the transliteration of an Aramaic word for wealth). For I cannot serve both.

“What a generation! No sense of God! No focus to your lives! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this?” ~Jesus

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Frustration, Hebrews 12, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 17, Joy, Luke 9

Jesus sounds upset. The day before he went through an amazing experience. We call it the transfiguration.  “While He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” God spoke to Him saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” To top things off, Peter, James and John had no clue what was going on. 

When Jesus said “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you?”, Jesus knew exactly how much longer He would be here. It would not be much longer. Jesus is going to complete every task His Heavenly Father has given. But still, there isn’t much time left. Tick tock, tick tock!

“Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit.” ~Apostle Paul

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2 Corinthians 2:17, Apostle Paul, False Prophets, Jesus, Prosperity Ministry, Religious Leaders

This is very common. I don’t think of it that way naturally but it is when you start looking below the covers. The first thing the Apostle Paul suggests is that there are many religious leaders in it for the money. 

My reaction is … Really? Yes, really. Paul warns us in Romans 16:18 “For such people are not serving our Lord the Messiah, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” I know I am naive. I like to believe the best about people.

“Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in the Messiah we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” | 2 Corinthians 2:17  (NIV) For more, see here.

“If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I’m leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you’ll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God” ~Jesus

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Angels, Ashamed, Devil, Embarrassed, Hell, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 8, Matthew 23, Matthew 25, Self Assessment

So now we are down to the real issue. Jesus has laid out the case for what it takes to follow Him (Mark 8:34-37 The Message). It is all about Jesus and not about me. I have to sacrifice my selfish ways and submit to Jesus as my Master.

Am I proud of my relationship with Jesus and who He is? Am I ashamed and embarrassed?

“If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I’m leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you’ll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels.” ~Jesus | Source: Mark 8:38

“Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.” ~King David

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Glory, Jesus, King, King David, Psalm 24, Wise Sayings

Who is the King of Glory? King David is a warrior King. He spent much of his life fighting to secure Israel and establish God’s rule there. David, while an earthly King, knows who the real King is. Jesus is the King of Glory! Now that is some good news!

Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. | Psalm 24:7-8

News alert!

We serve a beautiful, majestic, and amazing King!

Good news. Jesus is the King of Glory!

“Peace to you.” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 19, Peace

Did you lock the doors? That was the compelling question the morning Jesus rose from the dead in an incorruptible body. I am thinking to myself, I think so but let me check again. Yup, it is locked. What about the windows? They’re locked too. Alarm on? Yes! OK. I know I am careful, too careful, as well. Jesus is talking with me, telling me what is about to happen and I don’t listen or understand.

Later on that day [of Jesus’ resurrection], the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side. | John 20:19-20 (The Message)

Good news alert!

I now have real peace with God.

God is in a good mood.

“Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air; common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.” ~~King Solomon

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Abuse, Family, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

There is right and there is wrong. We all know the difference. I must remember to stand up for the abused and keep up the good fight for justice.

“Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air [inherit the wind]; common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:29)

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” ~Jesus | Matthew 5:21-22

“Happy are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” ~Jesus

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Gentleness, Humble, Inheritance, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 5, Meek

Jesus is a kind, loving King. Jesus is not angry with me. Jesus wants me to be kind and gentle. His goal for me is for me to love.

“Happy (aka Blessed) are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” ~Jesus | Source: Matthew 5:5

What sort of gentleness is it, on account of those who have it, are pronounced happy? It seems important to note that in the manifesto ‘the meek’ come between those who mourn over sin and those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. The particular form of meekness which the Messiah requires in his disciples will surely have something to do with this sequence. This meekness denotes a humble and gentle attitude to others which is determined by a true estimate of ourselves. It is comparatively easy to be honest with ourselves before God and acknowledge ourselves to be sinners in his sight. Remember the “Jesus Prayer” — “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”

“How is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt?” ~Jesus

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Contempt, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 9, Mercy, Sinner

Am I treating Jesus with contempt? Now that is a tough question. I don’t really want to think about it. Yet, if I am nullifying what Jesus wants to be happening, is that not contempt? If I don’t help the poor or those in prison, is that not contempt? Jesus is clear that if I don’t help them, I am evil and going to spend my eternal life in “fiery hell”.

And Jesus said to them, “Elijah does first come and restore all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt? (Mar 9:12 NASB)

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” ~Jesus

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Holy Saturday, Holy Week, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 23

There is a break from the horror of Good Friday! Jesus is carrying out the plan of His Father. His disciples are huddled up trying to figure it all out. No matter how many times Jesus had told them, they didn’t get it. I don’t either many days. Jesus is talking to me. Jesus has things He wants me to do. I am scared and I am hiding. Yikes!

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!

Holy Saturday is the name given to the day between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. Some theories exist about what is going on from the time of the death of Jesus to His resurrection on Sunday morning. Some have a good case for Jesus visiting Hell or Sheol (the place of the dead). Here is one.

From the scriptures, it is clear Jesus did visit Sheol. After His crucifixion, Jesus was laid in a nearby tomb, and His body remained there the entirety of Holy Saturday (Matthew 27:59-60; Mark 15:46; Luke 23:53-54; John 19:39-42). Saturday turned into Sunday!“‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last” (Luke 23:46)

Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. (Mark 15:46)

Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. And so, because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne, he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay. (Acts 2:29-31)

What can I do about my bitterness?

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Bitterness, John Piper, Romans 12, Vengeance

Great message (and short) from John Piper on bitterness. When I harbor feelings of vengeance I show that I don’t have faith in what God has promised.

Vengeance belongs to the Lord. He will repay.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. | Romans 12:18-20 (NASB)

“Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” ~Jesus to Peter

Judas betrays Jesus. Peter and the others deny they know Jesus. Nobody is with Jesus at the end. I am not either. I would have been no different. I have to ask would it have been by betrayal or denial. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. | Source: Matthew 26:31-35

“Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” ~Jesus

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Authority, Holy Week, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 20, Religious Leaders

Holy Tuesday is 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 one of the core issues. By what authority does Jesus the Messiah do the things He does?

On one of the days while He was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the good news, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders confronted Him, and they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?” Jesus answered and said to them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell Me: Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?” They reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it came from. And Jesus said to them, “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” | Luke 20:1-8

“Religious leaders talk a good line, but they don’t live it.” ~Jesus

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Action, Doing, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 23, Religious Leaders

“Now Jesus turned to address his disciples, along with the crowd that had gathered with them. “The religion scholars [Scribes and Pharisees] are competent teachers in God’s Law. You won’t go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following them. They talk a good line, but they don’t live it. They don’t take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It’s all spit-and-polish veneer.” ~Jesus | Matthew 23:1-3 (The Message)

Jesus has a real thing about hypocrisy. His frequent target are the religious leaders. In Matthew 23 he goes on a real rant about the frauds. He introduces 8 “woes” on them. “Woe to you!” Jesus says over and over. Even more, “Your lives are roadblocks to God’s kingdom. You refuse to enter, and won’t let anyone else in either.”

“So don’t waste your time on a scoffer; all you’ll get for your pains is abuse. But if you correct those who care about life, that’s different—they’ll love you for it!” ~King Solomon

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Arrogance, Cynic, Jesus, Judge, King Solomon, Proverbs 9, Scoffer, Wise Sayings

“If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you’ll get slapped in the face; confront bad behavior and get a kick in the shins. So don’t waste your time on a scoffer; all you’ll get for your pains is abuse. But if you correct those who care about life, that’s different—they’ll love you for it!” ~King Solomon | Proverbs 9:7-12 (The Message)

News flash!

The wise will love us.

God is in a good mood.

Jesus challenges me “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” King Solomon and Jesus know more than a thing or two.

“We’re not keeping secrets; we’re telling them. We’re not hiding things; we’re bringing everything out into the open.” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom of God, Light, Luke 8, Transparent

“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way. We’re not keeping secrets; we’re telling them. We’re not hiding things; we’re bringing everything out into the open. So be careful that you don’t become misers of what you hear. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.” | Luke 8:16-18 (The Message)

Good news alert!

Jesus doesn’t have any secrets.

God is in a good mood.

Jesus sets up a principle of the Kingdom of God. We live in a Kingdom (aka country) that has complete transparency. There is no hiding. There are no secrets. Everything is out in the open. Jesus is not on a mission to make you feel good about yourself. When I read what Jesus says I often say “Yikes”, “Uh Oh”, “Oh No”, “Really?” and a few things I can’t repeat in polite company. Jesus isn’t hiding anything. Jesus is telling the truth and He is saying it with the full authority of God. That is good news. We can count on Jesus.

“My kingdom, doesn’t consist of what you see around you.” ~Jesus

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1 Corinthians 15, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 18, Kingdom of God, Matthew 7

Pilate said, “Do I look like a Jew? Your people and your high priests turned you over to me. What did you do?” “My kingdom,” said Jesus, “doesn’t consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But I’m not that kind of king, not the world’s kind of king.” | Source: John 18:35-36 (The Message)

Breaking news!

Jesus is in charge of God’s Kingdom.

God is in a good mood.

I’m looking out my window. I see lots of stuff. The yard, the house across the street, a tree in the front yard, our daughter’s car …. Lots of stuff for sure. If I turn around, more stuff. Computers, books, clocks, desk and much more. More stuff.

“Those are your words, not mine.” ~Jesus

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Crucifixion, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 23, Pilate

Then they all took Jesus to Pilate and began to bring up charges against him. They said, “We found this man undermining our law and order, forbidding taxes to be paid to Caesar, setting himself up as Messiah-King.” Pilate asked him, “Is this true that you’re ‘King of the Jews’?” “Those are your words, not mine,” Jesus replied. | Source: Luke 23:1-2 (The Message)

God’s plan was moving along on schedule. Jesus had been arrested and was now on trial. It was a little confusing. First to Pilate, then to Herod and then back to Pilate. Jesus was going to die and shed his blood for us. That was God’s plan and it was going to happen. Nothing could stop it.

“What could you ever trade your soul for?” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Questions, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom of God, Mark 8, Soul

“Calling the crowd to join his disciples, Jesus said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?” ~Jesus  | Mark 8:34-37 (The Message)

Jesus is building his Father’s Kingdom and lays out for us the core requirements. Jesus is the leader. I have to sacrifice what I want and let Him lead. That is it. The is the core.

What could you ever trade your soul for? The answer is I could trade it for a lot of different things. There are lots of “gods” to choose from. There is materialism, secularism, politics, myself, and on and on the goes the list. I have a choice.

“God has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around.” ~King David

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King David, Psalm 22, Trust, Wise Sayings, Worship

“Here’s the story I’ll tell my friends when they come to worship, and punctuate it with Hallelujahs: God has never let you down, never looked the other way when we were being kicked around. God has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there, listening.” ~King David | Source: Psalm 22:22-24 (The Message)

David has just spent 20 verses talking about how he feels abandoned by God. Seriously, he goes on and on about it. David is depressed and in despair. It is worth reading to put this in context. He starts out by saying “God, God . . . my God! Why did you dump me miles from nowhere? Doubled up with pain, I call to God all the day long. No answer. Nothing. I keep at it all night, tossing and turning.” Not only is he depressed, he is whining about it to God.

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Questions, Jesus Sayings, Listen, Mark 4, Understand

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”

When they were off by themselves, those who were close to him, along with the Twelve, asked about the stories. He told them, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works. But to those who can’t see it yet, everything comes in stories, creating readiness, nudging them toward receptive insight.”

Source: Mark 4:9-12 (The Message)

Jesus asks really loaded questions. They get to the heart of the issue. Jesus isn’t going to ignore what I am up to. Jesus is going to confront me. Jesus is going to let me in on the Kingdom. Now that is a big deal.

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites.” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 6, Prayer

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” ~Jesus | Source: Matthew 6:5-6 (ESV)

Read more on Hypocrisy – What it is, why it is evil and hated by Jesus here.

Prayer essential in our relationship with God. One of the pillars in the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7) is prayer.  Prayer is not what we think. Jesus lays out what prayer is all about in the Kingdom of God where Jesus is in charge. Jesus draws a distinction between hypocrites who love to pray and those who pray because they love.

“Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up.” ~Angels about Jesus

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Angels, Crucifixion, Jesus, Luke 24, Resurrection

“They were puzzled, wondering what to make of this. Then, out of nowhere it seemed, two men, light cascading over them, stood there. The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship. The men said, “Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?” Then they remembered Jesus’ words.” | Source: Luke 24:4-8

Why didn’t the repetition help? Over and over again, Jesus told those closest to him, that He would be crucified, buried and rise again in three days. Jesus didn’t hide this at all. Jesus is  clear. Jesus is specific. I guess, on face value, it was (and is) hard to believe. Who in their right mind would say such things? Well … Jesus did and it happened. Jesus is the truth!

“I glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail what you assigned me to do.” ~Jesus

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God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 17, Mission, Obsession, Plan, Prayer

“Then, raising his eyes in prayer, Jesus said: … I glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail what you assigned me to do.” ~Jesus | Source: John 17:1-5 (The Message)

Jesus was on a mission. Jesus had as his focus only doing what God, His Father, wanted him to do. God is God and has a plan all laid out for me. My mission is to do what Jesus has in mind for me. That is how I glorify God.

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” ~Jesus

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Evil, Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 6, Temptation

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” ~Jesus Source: Matthew 6:13 (ESV)

Jesus taught us to pray. Jesus gave us the template. The prayer is a part of the Jesus Manifesto. This is the core of what I need to say to God. One of the pillars is to ask God to deliver us from evil (or as most translators agree) the evil one.

“Show your strength, God, so no one can miss it. We are out singing the good news!” ~King David

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God is God, King David, Psalm 21, Wise Sayings

“Show your strength, God, so no one can miss it. We are out singing the good news!” ~King David  Source: Psalm 21:13 (The Message)

Is Jesus happy or sad with my prayers? I think Jesus may be sad sometimes. I pray and cry out to God about something I want or feel like I need. I am thinking this happens way too often. It is me, me, me all the way. I don’t think Jesus is amused. This isn’t how Jesus taught me. Jesus teaches me to pray: “Your Kingdom come, your will be done.”

“These are some of the signs that will accompany believers.” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 16, Miracles, Signs

Still later, as the Eleven were eating supper, he appeared and took them to task most severely for their stubborn unbelief, refusing to believe those who had seen him raised up. … “These are some of the signs that will accompany believers: They will throw out demons in my name, they will speak in new tongues, they will take snakes in their hands, they will drink poison and not be hurt, they will lay hands on the sick and make them well.”

Source: Mark 16:14-18

Jesus has risen from the grave. Jesus is now letting his disciples know what they can expect moving forward. The gist of it is: “Fasten your seatbelts, it is going to be a  bumpy night.” The Holy Spirit is coming. That, my friends, is a big deal.

“And haven’t you read in God’s Word, ‘From the mouths of children and babies I’ll furnish a place of praise’?” ~Jesus

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Anger, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 21, Miracles, Religious Leaders

When the religious leaders saw the outrageous things he was doing, and heard all the children running and shouting through the Temple, “Hosanna to David’s Son!” they were up in arms and took him to task. “Do you hear what these children are saying?”

Jesus said, “Yes, I hear them. And haven’t you read in God’s Word, ‘From the mouths of children and babies I’ll furnish a place of praise’?

Source: Matthew 21:15-16 (The Message)

Jesus, in the eyes of the religious leaders, was doing some outrageous things. If Jesus came into a church today, would he do something similar? Maybe. Probably.

In some churches, I find book stores, food courts, coffee bars and kiosks of every kind. After they have tried to extract every penny out my bank account, eventually a place to worship, if you can call it that.

“Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. ” ~Jesus

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Ask, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 16, Joy, Will of God

“This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks” 

Source: John 16:23-24 (The Message)

Jesus is wrapping things up. They’ve had the last supper and Jesus has laid out the new contract (aka covenant, testament or agreement). He is giving them a series of last insights before the crucifixion, burial, resurrection and ascension occur. Every thing is going to move very fast from here but this is very important.

“I have something hard but important to say to you.” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 13, John 6, Mark 14, New Covenant

After sunset he came with the Twelve. As they were at the supper table eating, Jesus said, “I have something hard but important to say to you: One of you is going to hand me over to the conspirators, one who at this moment is eating with me.” Stunned, they started asking, one after another, “It isn’t me, is it?”

He said, “It’s one of the Twelve, one who eats with me out of the same bowl. In one sense, it turns out that the Son of Man is entering into a way of treachery well-marked by the Scriptures—no surprises here. In another sense, the man who turns him in, turns traitor to the Son of Man—better never to have been born than do this!”

Source: Mark 14:17-21 (The Message)

When Jesus says he has something hard but important to say I am guessing it is time to pay attention. Something is going on here. I’m not sure I see it all but I can’t ignore this important message “from our sponsor”. Jesus doesn’t pull any punches. Breaking news!

“I also know your insides are maggoty with greed and secret evil.” ~Jesus

Tags

Evil, Greed, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 11, Religious Leaders

When he finished that talk, a Pharisee asked him to dinner. He entered his house and sat right down at the table. The Pharisee was shocked and somewhat offended when he saw that Jesus didn’t wash up before the meal. But the Master said to him, “I know you Pharisees burnish the surface of your cups and plates so they sparkle in the sun, but I also know your insides are maggoty with greed and secret evil. Stupid Pharisees! Didn’t the One who made the outside also make the inside? Turn both your pockets and your hearts inside out and give generously to the poor; then your lives will be clean, not just your dishes and your hands.

Source: Luke 11:37-41 (The Message)

This all came about because Jesus didn’t wash his hands before he ate. Seriously. This was a huge Jewish ritual from the old covenant. Jesus was focused on the new covenant and the Kingdom of God that he was ushering in. Jesus was already moving on.

Jesus knows my heart. Jesus knows what motivates me. Jesus came to get me right with God, His Father. Jesus does this by speaking the truth to us. One day, Jesus called Peter Satan. When I follow Jesus, I don’t get a break. I get challenged.

“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.” ~Jesus

Tags

Evil, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Jude 1, Matthew 13, Matthew 9, Murder

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.” ~Jesus

Source: Matthew 15:19 (NASB)

Evil is real. Evil leads to murder. Jesus is the only solution for evil. Jesus taught us to pray “deliver us from evil.” Jesus did not ask us to petition the government for better laws. Nothing wrong with that but I need to be on my knees praying for deliverance.

“The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, Jesus, King David, Psalm 19, Wise Sayings

The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.
God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 19 NASB;MSG

I need to get this in my heart and soul. God has his plan together for me. Now that is some very good news.

Here is the deal. God is God. God is in control. God sees the big picture from beginning to end. The totality of God’s plan for me pulls my whole life together. It is my job to let God play that out in my life. I struggle with this because I want to be in control. God will let me but that isn’t in my best interests.

“False Messiahs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.” ~Jesus

Tags

Good News, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 13, Miracles, Poor, Religious Leaders

 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Messiah’; or, ‘Behold, He is there’; do not believe him;  for false Messiahs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.  But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance. ~Jesus

Source: Mark 13:21-23 (NASB)

Who should we worry about? We live in a time where there are many impressive religious leaders. The power of radio, TV and the internet bring them into our world any time we want. Miracles abound including prosperity around every corner. Apparently the poor will be no more in the Kingdom of Mammon (aka money) promoted by the modern church.

What is God’s goal? Jesus challenges us, here and in other places, to be careful. It is possible for religious leaders to pull the wool over our eyes. We should know better. Jesus has warned us.

Jesus warns us in advance. Several things to think about are:

• How much do our religious leaders talk about Jesus and what Jesus had to say to us in the four gospels (aka Good News)?
• Do they often proclaim, proudly, that Jesus has already come, in the flesh, and died for us, was resurrected and sits at the right hand of God?
• Do they talk about God’s country (aka Kingdom) and Jesus being in control?
• Do they understand the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant?

It is not so much about being able to pack an auditorium and perform miracles. Miracles are important but the evil one can do them as well. It is about proclaiming the good news of Jesus. Jesus came with a mission. This passage suggests some additional criteria to evaluate a ministry. How much do you hear about the items underlined?

“And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Jesus. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set free those who are oppressed,
To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

“There’s no telling who will hate you because of me.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 21, Open Doors, Persecution

You’ll even be turned in by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. Some of you will be killed. There’s no telling who will hate you because of me. Even so, every detail of your body and soul—even the hairs of your head!—is in my care; nothing of you will be lost. Staying with it—that’s what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry; you’ll be saved.” ~Jesus

Source: Luke 21:16-19 (The Message)

Jesus tells us of a principle of how his Kingdom works. Persecution will be real because of our following Jesus. It might even be deadly. That is true even to today. Today someone died for Jesus and His mission.

Who will hate me? Jesus warns me that it could be anyone. It could be the closest member of my family. It could be everyone. If I don’t have any enemies, I am probably not living out the mission of Jesus. The clarity of the good news of Jesus brings out the anger in the Evil One.

Will I live to tell the story? In fact, I may be killed. It is happening today all over the world. Persecution of the followers of Jesus is very real. If I am living out the mission of Jesus, it could happen to me. I must be prepared for this.

Who will look out for me? Jesus will look out for me. Everything is in the care of Jesus. That, my friends, is good news.

What is required of me? I must persevere. I must stick with Jesus. Jesus will save me no matter what. That is the real deal. I can’t get discouraged. No matter what, I will get eternal live. Trillions and trillions of years is a might long time.

Consider this about what is happening today. “215 million Christians experience high levels of persecution” around the world, according to Open Doors, a human rights organization. On its recently released World Watch List 2018, which ranks the world’s 50 worst nations wherein to be Christian, 3,066 Christians were killed, 1,252 abducted, and 1,020 raped or sexually harassed on account of their faith; and 793 churches were attacked or destroyed.” Search the news here on any given day to see the latest.

 

“Follow me and I’ll show you how.” ~Jesus

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom of God, Mark 8

Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Source: Mark 8:34-37 (The Message)

Jesus ushers in the Kingdom of God, explaining to the crowds, not just the disciples, how it works. I don’t think there was an “alter call” afterward. Jesus delivered the message and moved on. Chapters, in the New Testament, can be tricky. I suggest always peaking to see if it is “over” or continues on. In this case, it wasn’t over. In Mark 9, Jesus continues. “This isn’t pie in the sky by and by. Some of you who are standing here are going to see it happen, see the kingdom of God arrive in full force. Six days later, three of them did see it. Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain.” So … think about it, the Kingdom of God has arrived and only 3 were there to see it.

Who can show me how? Jesus is the one. That is the clear message of the New Testament everywhere we read. Jesus is in charge. That must be dealt with in my life. Jesus is clear.

What is my goal? My goal is to follow Jesus. Every minute of every day. That is the job. It doesn’t change. The good news is that Jesus shows me how. I don’t have to figure it out on my own (like I really could).

The why and the how – Jesus tells me why and Jesus shows me how. I cry out, I don’t know how. Jesus says “I’ll show you.” And Jesus does.

 

“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 14, Spirit of God

If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!

Source: John 14:15-17 (The Message)

Jesus was ushering in the new covenant (aka testament, agreement or contract). His death, resurrection and ascension was right around the corner. One final piece of the puzzle is also about to be revealed. After his ascension, Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to be with us in the place of the physical Jesus. Without the Spirit we can’t enter the Kingdom of God.

What is the main thing Jesus wants? Jesus wants me to love Him by being obedient to what he has said. That is the big deal. Love is not in isolation from obedience. Love is obedience. Jesus is God and Jesus is in control. God has given Jesus all authority, both in heaven and here on earth. Jesus makes it clear his goal for me is to love.

What is the promise of God? Jesus promised me the Spirit of God. The Spirit is a friend, helper, comforter, and advocate for me to God. Jesus also said (John 3:5) “I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” The Spirit is essential to living in God’s country. I can’t enter with out the Spirit.

How will I know the Spirit of God? The Spirit of God has been with me. The Spirit of God is not a stranger. The Spirit of God is my helper and that is how I will know him. The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Truth. If what is sense is a lie and attempts to deceive me, it is not the Spirit of God.

 

“You’re way off base, and here’s why: One, you don’t know your Bibles; two, you don’t know how God works.” ~Jesus

Tags

Bible, God is God, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 12, Scripture

Am I clever? I like to think I am some days. So did the Sadducess (Religious Leaders). They thought they had Jesus in a conundrum. Of course they didn’t. I don’t either although some days I try. I like to infer some great logic or theology from the Bible that just isn’t true. Jesus didn’t come to earth to establish a theology. Jesus came to usher in the new covenant and the Kingdom (aka country) of God. His death, resurrection and ascension accomplished what God’s goal was for Jesus.

Do I know the Bible (Scripture)? Not as well as I should or want to that is clear. Also, the more I immerse myself in what Jesus said, the more spiritual relativism I see. Is it okay to like what the Bible says until it says something I don’t like? Can I then manipulate what it says to my own satisfaction? Or worse, perhaps I should just disagree and move on with what I want it to do regardless. Yikes! This is dangerous.

What is more important, Theology or what Jesus says? In this case, the Sadducees were focused on the theology of the resurrection, which they didn’t believe in. Jesus knows the truth because he is the truth and he knows what it is like in heaven. Jesus also knew the Old Testament. So when you are the Son of God and you know the scripture, that is known as the trump card.

Do I know how God works? Not well enough. Several things have become clearer about how God works. I am focusing more and more on:

• God is God – God is in control. I am not.
• God is Good – God is in a good mood. God sent Jesus because he loves me.
• God is Great – Nothing is impossible with God.
• God has a goal for me – I need to focus, exclusively, on what God wants me to do.

Some Sadducees, the party that denies any possibility of resurrection, came up and asked, “Teacher, Moses wrote that if a man dies and leaves a wife but no child, his brother is obligated to marry the widow and have children. Well, there once were seven brothers. The first took a wife. He died childless. The second married her. He died, and still no child. The same with the third. All seven took their turn, but no child. Finally the wife died. When they are raised at the resurrection, whose wife is she? All seven were her husband.”

Jesus said, “You’re way off base, and here’s why: One, you don’t know your Bibles; two, you don’t know how God works. After the dead are raised up, we’re past the marriage business. As it is with angels now, all our ecstasies and intimacies then will be with God. And regarding the dead, whether or not they are raised, don’t you ever read the Bible? How God at the bush said to Moses, ‘I am—not was—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? The living God is God of the living, not the dead. You’re way, way off base.”

Source: Mark 12:18-27 (The Message)

Bible – The Holy Scripture

“Don’t just go shopping for a god. Gods are not for sale.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, King David, Psalm 16, Wise Sayings

Don’t just go shopping for a god.
Gods are not for sale.
I swear I’ll never treat god-names
like brand-names.

Source: Psalm 16:4 (The Message)

God is God. There is only one God. That God is Yahweh, the heavenly Father of Jesus, our Messiah. Consider this. In Psalm 100:3 David says “Know this: God is God, and God, God. He made us; we didn’t make him. We’re his people, his well-tended sheep.” This is a big deal and one of the major themes of our life with Jesus. It all starts with “Our Father, who is in Heaven, Holy is your name”. It continues with “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

If I don’t like God, can I just go shop for another God? Our culture seems to be moving in that direction. All God’s are the same aren’t they? Shouldn’t we respect Allah after all? Jesus said “Don’t you ever read the Bible? How God at the bush said to Moses, ‘I am—not was—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? The living God is God of the living, not the dead.” (Mark 12)

Gods are not for sale. God is God. Don’t like the one I have, can’t I just switch like I would switch from one brand of phone to another? Can I upgrade? Isn’t there a newer version ready yet? No I can’t.

 

“If your hand or your foot gets in the way of God, chop it off and throw it away.” ~Jesus

Tags

Children, Hell, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 18, Sacrifice

How far must I go in following Jesus? I need to do whatever it takes. Nothing is more important than the child-like faith in Jesus. Nothing. Not a thing.

Isn’t what Jesus is saying extreme? No, Jesus means it. Nothing can get in the way of honestly following Jesus. I may have to sacrifice a lot to be the servant of Jesus. Jesus challenges me to get rid of anything that gets in the way. This is one of the great themes of Jesus and his manifesto. God is God. Period.

What is the consequence of not taking Jesus seriously? This isn’t pleasant, but Jesus is clear. My lack of sacrifice will lead me to the fire of Hell. I don’t think Jesus is using a metaphor here. Jesus is clear and Jesus is serious. Am I?

At about the same time, the disciples came to Jesus asking, “Who gets the highest rank in God’s kingdom?”

For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.

“But if you give them a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you’ll soon wish you hadn’t. You’d be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck. Doom to the world for giving these God-believing children a hard time! Hard times are inevitable, but you don’t have to make it worse—and it’s doomsday to you if you do.

“If your hand or your foot gets in the way of God, chop it off and throw it away. You’re better off maimed or lame and alive than the proud owners of two hands and two feet, godless in a furnace of eternal fire. And if your eye distracts you from God, pull it out and throw it away. You’re better off one-eyed and alive than exercising your twenty-twenty vision from inside the fire of hell.

“Watch that you don’t treat a single one of these childlike believers arrogantly. You realize, don’t you, that their personal angels are constantly in touch with my Father in heaven?

Source: Matthew 18:1-4 (The Message)

“Why, then, do you think this was written?” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 20, Religious Leaders

Jesus was constantly getting under the skin of the religious leaders and scholars. At the conclusion of the story Jesus tells, they wanted to stone him.

Why this level of hate of Jesus by the religious leaders? Jesus saw what was in their heart, pointed it out clearly, and wouldn’t back down. They were constantly being embarrassed and the people loved Jesus.

What does this mean for me? I must be careful not to have the heart of the religious leaders. God is God. He will give his kingdom (country) to whomever he wants to. My commitment to Jesus, regardless of the consequences to me, must be unwavering. I can’t be saying, Jesus would never do that. Jesus is in complete control and will do what he sees is necessary for justice.

“What do you think the owner of the vineyard will do? Jesus is clear he is going to take the vineyard away (from the religious leaders) and give it to someone else. This is serious stuff. Have our churches today become complacent? Will Jesus give his vineyard to someone else? It can happen.

Jesus asks “Why, then, do you think this was written?” I must be prepared to answer. Jesus wants an answer. It isn’t sufficient to say Jesus isn’t serious. Jesus is dead serious. I must be careful in what I listen to from the religious leaders. Jesus is the source of all truth. Jesus is the way to God, not the church.

Jesus told another story to the people: “A man planted a vineyard. He handed it over to farmhands and went off on a trip. He was gone a long time. In time he sent a servant back to the farmhands to collect the profits, but they beat him up and sent him off empty-handed. He decided to try again and sent another servant. That one they beat black-and-blue, and sent him off empty-handed. He tried a third time. They worked that servant over from head to foot and dumped him in the street.

“Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘I know what I’ll do: I’ll send my beloved son. They’re bound to respect my son.’

“But when the farmhands saw him coming, they quickly put their heads together. ‘This is our chance—this is the heir! Let’s kill him and have it all to ourselves.’ They killed him and threw him over the fence.

“What do you think the owner of the vineyard will do? Right. He’ll come and clean house. Then he’ll assign the care of the vineyard to others.”

Those who were listening said, “Oh, no! He’d never do that!”

 But Jesus didn’t back down. “Why, then, do you think this was written:

That stone the masons threw out—
It’s now the cornerstone!?

“Anyone falling over that stone will break every bone in his body; if the stone falls on anyone, it will be a total smashup.”

The religion scholars and high priests wanted to lynch him on the spot, but they were intimidated by public opinion. They knew the story was about them.

Source: Luke 20:9-19 (The Message)

“I’m not trying to get my way in the world’s way. I’m trying to get your way, your Word’s way.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, God is Great, Jesus, King David, Persistence, Psalm 17, Wise Sayings

Who’s way should I seek? King David knows it is God’s way and not his way. Jesus challenges me to put Jesus in charge. God has made Jesus the ruler of God’s country (aka Kingdom). My goal is to do what Jesus wants me to. Some days I just don’t want to. Some days that isn’t my priority. God is gracious and kind to me. Jesus has sent the Power of the Holy Spirit to help me. Now that is some good news.

What is wrong with my way? God is God. God is the only one who knows the plan from start to finish. God is Great. Nothing is impossible with God. Out of nothing God created the universe. I am in no position to questions God’s plan.

What about failure? I must stay on God’s trail. I must not give up. God is in a good mood and His plan will all come together. There is a plan. God is the planner. My job is to stay on the trail and not wander off.

I’m not trying to get my way
    in the world’s way.
I’m trying to get your way,
    your Word’s way.
I’m staying on your trail;
    I’m putting one foot
In front of the other.
    I’m not giving up.

Source: Psalm 17:4-5 (The Message)

“This happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 9, Miracle, Sin

Who missed God’s goal? Somebody did something to cause this and it will help me if i can blame them. That can be the assumption. I am wounded. I am hurt. I suffer. I want to blame someone. Surely someone messed up. Who, we ask?

God has something He wants to do. But Jesus doesn’t allow this kind of thinking about who caused something or who’s fault it is. He brought healing and salvation into our fallen world. He loves us. He is good. He doesn’t do evil.

God clearly wants to demonstrate His power. Jesus made it clear that God wants to do that through us. Will we accept the challenge?

When Jesus and the disciples were on the road one day, they came upon a man who had been blind since birth. “Rabbi, who missed God’s goal [sinned], this man or his parents?” they asked him. “Neither this man nor his parents messed up,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” And with that, Jesus spat on the ground, made some mud to place on the man’s eyes, and healed him. (John 9:1-7)

Here are the key ideas:

• God wants to demonstrate His power through us
• God is in a good mood and wants to do amazing things for our benefit
• Sickness is not a result of our missing God’s goal (sinning

“Don’t you know anything? Can’t you see that it’s to our advantage that one man dies for the people rather than the whole nation be destroyed?” ~Caiaphas, the Chief Priest

Tags

Caiaphas, God is God, God's Goal, Jesus, John 11, Messiah

God is God. God can do anything he wants. The religious leaders were trying to figure out how to do Jesus in. The Chief Priest that year, Caiaphas, brought them up short.

God had a plan. Caiaphas didn’t want to say what he said. Caiaphas didn’t know he was going to say that. God chose him and used him to help complete his plan. Jesus would die. That was God’s plan. The religious leaders would now carry it out because of what God had Caiaphas say. It all fit together.

“This isn’t pie in the sky by and by.” ~Jesus

Tags

God is God, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom, Mark 9, Today

How many times have I thought, this is all about heaven? A lot I am thinking. I am reminded of how my dad would point out about someone that “they were so heavenly minded they were no earthly good”. The only day I have is today. I may not see tomorrow.

God is God. Today is the day I have a chance to demonstrate Jesus is in control. As Jesus said “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Jesus challenges me think about the here and now. This is not pie in the sky by and by. Jesus is in control now. His death, resurrection, ascension and deliver of the Holy Spirit in power has established the Kingdom. His teaching us how to pray confirmed that “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” It is all about what God wants right now. 

The Country of God (aka the Kingdom) is a reality now. Jesus said ““The kingdom of God doesn’t come by counting the days on the calendar. Nor when someone says, ‘Look here!’ or, ‘There it is!’ And why? Because God’s kingdom is already among you.” (Luke 17)

Then he drove it home by saying, “This isn’t pie in the sky by and by. Some of you who are standing here are going to see it happen, see the kingdom of God arrive in full force.”

Source: Mark 9:1

“Then I won’t answer your question either.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 11, Question

Jesus is clear. Jesus doesn’t have to answer my questions. That is shocking to me. I deserve to have my questions answered. How dare Jesus not answer them. Even more clear is that Jesus knows who is in charge and is confident that He is about doing the work of God. That rattles us all, I think.

Jesus gets to ask the questions of me. I must answer them. I don’t get to be the know it all lecturing Jesus. If I think I am a “religious leader” I am off to a bad start. I am not in control. Jesus has been given all authority by His heavenly Father. Jesus is in control. That is the starting point for everything.

Is “I don’t know” a good answer? Not in the world of Jesus it isn’t. Jesus knows I know the answer. My job is to be honest and “fess up”. Jesus is waiting for an answer.

Then when they were back in Jerusalem once again, as they were walking through the Temple, the high priests, religion scholars, and leaders came up and demanded, “Show us your credentials. Who authorized you to speak and act like this?”

Jesus responded, “First let me ask you a question. Answer my question and then I’ll present my credentials. About the baptism of John—who authorized it: heaven or humans? Tell me.”

They were on the spot, and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, “If we say ‘heaven,’ he’ll ask us why we didn’t believe John; if we say ‘humans,’ we’ll be up against it with the people because they all hold John up as a prophet.” They decided to concede that round to Jesus. “We don’t know,” they said.

Jesus replied, “Then I won’t answer your question either.”

Source: Mark 11:27-33 (The Message)

Jesus asks a question

“You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.” ~Jesus

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 8, Pray, Thankful

There is a realization I need to come to daily and it is a tough one.

I am not in control. I am not in the drivers seat and I really like the control that comes by driving. Having acted on letting Jesus be in control yesterday and not today isn’t very helpful. Every day I have to know it and live it.

God is God. God has given over control of everything to Jesus. I am to be a faithful servant, finding out what Jesus wants me to do and then doing it.

God has a goal for me. I may not know what God’s goal for me is for a year from now. That is a problem because I love to plan. I can know for today, for right now. If nothing else, I can talk with God (aka pray) and thank him for the long list of things he is doing for me, my family and my country.

I can find out how Jesus wants me to love my boss. We are in a meeting and he is droning on about the same old same old. What does love look like in that meeting?

There is a long list of people I will interact with today. Jesus is in the drivers seat. What should I do to support his message of love? While it became a little overused in some circles, it still is all about “What would Jesus do?”

“You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.” ~Jesus

Source: Mark 8:34-37 (The Message)

“What am I going to say? ‘Father, get me out of this’? No, this is why I came in the first place. I’ll say, ‘Father, put your glory on display.” ~Jesus

Tags

Glorify, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 12

Jesus was on a mission. It would be a painful and horrible death. Jesus knew what would happen. Jesus was going to see it through all the way to the end. God had given Jesus a goal.

Jesus was joyful for what God was going to do through him. Jesus asked to go through the pain and suffering for our salvation. Jesus was intent.

Did God stay silent? Not at all. God spoke. God is God and God has the final word. God has glorified Jesus through his obedient act of sacrifice. God raised him from the dead and Jesus, living eternally, now sits at God’s right hand.

“Right now I am storm-tossed. What am I going to say? ‘Father, get me out of this’? No, this is why I came in the first place. I’ll say, ‘Father, put your glory on display.’”

A voice came out of the sky: “I have glorified it, and I’ll glorify it again.”

Source: John 12:27-28

Glorify Jesus

“Judge not, that you be not judged.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Judge, Judgement, Matthew 7

Should I judge others? Jesus is clear. I have plenty of my own issues. I should look in the mirror and focus on how I miss God’s goal (aka sin). And, there is plenty to focus on there. The list is quite long.

How about if I just judge less? The issue isn’t about judging less. The issue is not assuming a role that isn’t mine. Jesus challenges me to not judge at all. I clearly have a problem with this. I think I know a lot. I see “right and wrong”. Why not judge? I have been given some level of authority in life.

Who is the Judge? Jesus has been given the role of Judge by his Heavenly Father. I can serve other roles but Judge is not one of them. Jesus said “For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father.” God is God. God is in charge. Jesus has given me the standards of how I should live. There is plenty there to focus on starting with Judge not.

7 “Judge not, that you be not judged. ² For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. ³ Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? ⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Source: Matthew 7:1-5 (ESV)

“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead.” ~Jesus

Tags

God is God, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Leadership, Mark 8, Sacrifice

Jesus is clear about what it takes to follow him (i.e. be a Christian). There is no ambiguity here at all. I have to do it.

I have to change my mind (aka repent) about who is in charge. Jesus is in charge. A follower of Jesus commits to letting Jesus lead. God is God. I am not. This is the “main thing about the main thing”. Everything starts here.

So where is Jesus going to lead me? Jesus leads me to the cross. Suffering is ahead of me. I have to sacrifice what I think God would do to let Jesus be in control. This is not easy stuff for me. I don’t want to suffer. I really don’t.

Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead.” ~Jesus

Source: Mark 8:34-37 (The Message)

Jesus on Leadership

I am compelled, by Jesus our Master, to drop everything that takes me away from talking and writing about the good news of life of salvation

Tags

God is God, Good News, Jesus, Lie, Messiah

I am compelled, by Jesus our Master, to drop everything that takes me away from talking and writing about the good news of life of salvation. We share this in common. We live it together.

It is such an amazing gift from Jesus. I don’t deserve it but I have to fight for it. There are those, and they are many, who don’t believe it is a gift. They have slyly infiltrated the ranks of the followers of Jesus, pretending to be Christians but putting Jesus in charge is not what they are about. Not by any means.

They believe a lie that is an insidious spiritual relativism. They seek, through kindness to all kinds of Christians and churches, to lead us astray.

Do they tell us that Jesus is the Messiah, the Master, the one who is in control? Is that the message? Is that the filter that is used for life? No, many times it is not.

God is God. God has put Jesus in charge. We must follow, faithfully follow, the radical way of Jesus. His manifesto is our life blood. We are obsessed by it. We must commit to it in a radical way. It will offend others but our intent is out of pure love for Jesus. Jesus warns us we will be persecuted for proclaiming his pure message.

Jesus is in charge and that is the truth that sets us all free. That is the test for the good news message.

I am compelled to drop everything that takes me away from that good news.

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 6

How much of what I do “for Jesus” is done to be seen by others? Probably too much. Jesus is clear that will get me nowhere. It could be a simple thing but they tend to be insidious. What about that gift to charity and I check the box to list my name? What about our public offering time in church designed to shame the non-givers?

Where will that get me? Nowhere.

Should I practice righteousness? Yes, Jesus says “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6) It is a question of motivation. Is my righteousness to be right with God or right in front of others? There is a huge distinction here that Jesus draws for me. It is important and I need to pay attention to it. My reward in heaven is contingent on it.

6 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

² “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Source: Matthew 6:1-4 (ESV)

Matthew 6:1 – Righteousness

“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead.” ~~Jesus

Tags

Follow, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Lead, Luke 9

What does it mean to be a part of God’s country (aka the Kingdom of God)? It is hard for us to understand the role of a King. It means that Jesus is in complete charge. It means what He says goes. This is tough. We need to get it.

We live in a world where all we hear is that we should be leaders. In business, that is all the rage. I don’t see much about following. Wonder why? Where are all the articles and books on how to be a great follower.

The cross is a cruel way to die but Jesus wants us take up our death daily and live His resurrection life.

God’s goal for us is to submit to Him and learn how to live  His way. Jesus demands that we let Him lead the way. Jesus is in charge of God’s country. No if and or buts about that. It is done. God has made it happen. I have to get over myself and what I want.

This is core. Jesus leads. I follow.

Jesus challenges me to know and act like he is in charge. Why? Because Jesus, the Messiah, is in charge.

Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead.” ~~Jesus (Luke 9:23 The Message) 

OR “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” (NASB)

Here are the key ideas:

• Jesus want us to follow Him and let Him lead the way
• We must deny what is important to us
• We should die to ourselves daily and live His resurrected life

“Put aside for a moment what you hear me say about myself and just take the evidence of the actions that are right before your eyes.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 10, Miracle

Jesus performs amazing miracles. The power of God is in him in a mighty way. Right before this, he raised Lazarus from the dead. The blind see, the lame walk, the demon possessed are made whole. On and on it goes.

Jesus challenges me to not just listen to what he says about himself but to balance that with the evidence of what he does. The lame still walk. The blind still see. The power of Jesus through the Holy Spirit in us creates the evidence.

Jesus is the Son of God. That is the point here. Jesus is in charge of God’s country (aka Kingdom). Jesus not only said it but he proved it. The final act of his Resurrection and Ascension to heaven are our ultimate proof.

Jesus said, “I’m only quoting your inspired Scriptures, where God said, ‘I tell you—you are gods.’ If God called your ancestors ‘gods’—and Scripture doesn’t lie—why do you yell, ‘Blasphemer! Blasphemer!’ at the unique One the Father consecrated and sent into the world, just because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I don’t do the things my Father does, well and good; don’t believe me. But if I am doing them, put aside for a moment what you hear me say about myself and just take the evidence of the actions that are right before your eyes. Then perhaps things will come together for you, and you’ll see that not only are we doing the same thing, we are the same—Father and Son. He is in me; I am in him.”

Source: John 10:34-38

“You make me want to vomit.” ~Jesus

Tags

Discipline, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Revelation 3

Jesus is always clear and direct. I can count on that. Jesus isn’t going to sugar coat the message he has for me.

In the book of Revelation, Jesus confronts the 7 churches. Jesus also confronts me. Is what he finds to his liking? Jesus will be direct. There isn’t time for messing around.

Jesus challenges me to be hot or cold for him. I’m guessing the right approach is to be hot. Am I stagnant or am I on fire for Jesus?

This is telling. Jesus demonstrates his love by prodding and correcting. Jesus knows what is at stake. Jesus corrects me so that I will become a conqueror and be able to sit with him at the head table.

Write to Laodicea, to the Angel of the church. God’s Yes, the Faithful and Accurate Witness, the First of God’s creation, says:

“I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.

“Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see.

“The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!

“Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That’s my gift to the conquerors!

“Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.”

Source: Revelation 3:14-22

“Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” ~Herod

Tags

Christmas, Herod, Jesus, Matthew 2, Messiah, Wise Men

Follow this.

This is not what we envision on Christmas. Christmas has become all about “what did I get for Christmas?” Notice how no one asks “What did you give for Christmas?”

What will I give to Jesus, the Messiah?

The wise and the rich saw His star and were overjoyed.

They sought Him out.

When they found Him, they were overwhelmed. They fell to the ground and worshiped Him. They recognized that this child was their master. They saw that God was with us.

They opened their treasure and gave Him gifts.

He was just a child. He had done “nothing” yet. What is up with that? Well … they were truly wise.

Wise men still seek Him.

May I follow they steps of the wise men!!

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”

When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

They told him, “Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly:

It’s you, Bethlehem, in Judah’s land,
    no longer bringing up the rear.
From you will come the leader
    who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel.”

Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared. Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, “Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I’ll join you at once in your worship.”

Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!

They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh. Matthew 2:1-11 (The Message Bible)

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.'” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Psalm 14, Wise Sayings

It may not be said out loud but a mark of a foolish person is that in their heart, they feel like there is no God. There are very few people who say out loud there is no God. There are a lot of us who in our heart of hearts doubts that God is and our ruin comes from that core belief.

God is God. God is. God exists. Knowing that makes all the difference in that I have established the core of faith that leads me forward. It is the start and in this case it is a binary decision we need to make in our heart. God is and God is God OR “There is no God”. Which is it?

Once I know that God is and God is God, I now know God (and his son Jesus) is in charge. God is AND God is in charge. I am not.

From those foundations of faith, I can now believe that God is Great and nothing is impossible with God.

Much more comes but the main thing is the main thing and knowing in my heart that God is the start of everything.

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
    They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;
    there is none who does good.

Source: Psalm 14:1

God is God

“What’s this I hear about you? You’re fired.” ~Jesus

Tags

Adversity, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 16

Jesus tells the story of the unethical manager. He gets fired for his misdeeds. He is a schemer and figures out a way to get back into every ones good graces. Whether you are ethical or unethical, getting fired is no fun.

Jesus challenges me. “I want you to be smart in the same way—but for what is right—using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival, to concentrate your attention on the bare essentials, so you’ll live, really live, and not complacently just get by on good behavior.”

Jesus wants me to really live. Jesus wants me to learn that adversity can be used in a creative way for survival. Now this is tough. It is hard for me. Adversity really sucks. But adversity is God’s way.

I need to embrace adversity. Adversity is my friend. Adversity teaches me how to really trust God. When I don’t see a way out, that is my challenge, not God’s. Nothing is impossible with God.

Jesus makes it clear that I can’t serve God and money. And that is that! And that is clear. Jesus leaves no room for me to wiggle.

Jesus said to his disciples, “There was once a rich man who had a manager. He got reports that the manager had been taking advantage of his position by running up huge personal expenses. So he called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? You’re fired. And I want a complete audit of your books.

“The manager said to himself, ‘What am I going to do? I’ve lost my job as manager. I’m not strong enough for a laboring job, and I’m too proud to beg. . . . Ah, I’ve got a plan. Here’s what I’ll do . . . then when I’m turned out into the street, people will take me into their houses.’

“Then he went at it. One after another, he called in the people who were in debt to his master. He said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ “He replied, ‘A hundred jugs of olive oil.’ “The manager said, ‘Here, take your bill, sit down here—quick now—write fifty.’ “To the next he said, ‘And you, what do you owe?’ “He answered, ‘A hundred sacks of wheat.’ “He said, ‘Take your bill, write in eighty.’

“Now here’s a surprise: The master praised the crooked manager! And why? Because he knew how to look after himself. Streetwise people are smarter in this regard than law-abiding citizens. They are on constant alert, looking for angles, surviving by their wits. I want you to be smart in the same way—but for what is right—using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival, to concentrate your attention on the bare essentials, so you’ll live, really live, and not complacently just get by on good behavior.”

Source: Luke 16:1-9

“Hold out your hand.” ~~Jesus

Quotes, thoughts and musings

Heartfelt experience with Jesus

What will Jesus do? One day Jesus went church where he found a man with a crippled hand. The religious leaders had their eyes on Jesus to see if he would heal him, hoping to catch him go against the tradition of the church. As with most churches, they didn’t pray for people to be healed. Not in public and not in the church.

Jesus said to the man with the crippled hand, “Stand here where we can see you.” You can see it coming now. Jesus is going to openly challenge them all. He is going to do it publicly and clearly.

Jesus wants to know something. So He asked everyone in the church: “What kind of action suits Sunday the best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?”

What kind of answer did He get? No one said a word…

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“I told you, but you don’t believe.” ~Jesus

Tags

Actions, Jerusalem, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 10, Messiah

Jesus is very clear and very direct. Jesus doesn’t leave me guessing. Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one of God and God’s very son. Jesus is straight with me.

Jesus actions are clear. In addition to what Jesus has said, his actions support who Jesus is. The life of Jesus, the miracles, his death, resurrection and ascension to sit at the right hand of God … they all point to Jesus being the Messiah. God is God. Jesus is the son of God. All of that is clear.

I have to own my believe or un-believe. I can’t blame Jesus or God for anything. They have been clear in what they have said and what they have done. I choose to believe Jesus. Jesus has told me and I believe.

They were celebrating Hanukkah just then in Jerusalem. It was winter. Jesus was strolling in the Temple across Solomon’s Porch. The Jews, circling him, said, “How long are you going to keep us guessing? If you’re the Messiah, tell us straight out.”

Jesus answered, “I told you, but you don’t believe. Everything I have done has been authorized by my Father, actions that speak louder than words. You don’t believe because you’re not my sheep. My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand. The Father who put them under my care is so much greater than the Destroyer and Thief. No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind.”

Source: John 10:22-30

“The book of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” ~Matthew

Tags

Abraham, Jesus, King David, Matthew 1, Messiah

This Jewish man turns to Jesus the Messiah and explains why in a way you never heard before! 

The book of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham. ~Matthew

Learn what this means to this Jewish man and his father.

So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah fourteen generations. ~Matthew

Jesus Messiah

“Listen. What do you make of this?” ~Jesus

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Hear, Insight, Jesus, Jesus Questions, Jesus Sayings, Listen, Mark 4

Jesus has lots of questions for me. Jesus wants to know what I think and where I am on my journey.

My answers to Jesus’ questions show me (and Him) a lot. I must be open to the feedback Jesus gives me. God’s goal for me is to listen to Jesus.

So … what do I make of this story he told? The key is am I listening? Have I opened my ears to hear?

It starts with Jesus giving me insight. It has nothing to do with my intelligence or wit. It isn’t about my wisdom. It is all about what Jesus reveals to me. Starting there allows me to hear.

“Listen. What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn’t put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled among the weeds and nothing came of it. Some fell on good earth and came up with a flourish, producing a harvest exceeding his wildest dreams.”

 “Are you listening to this? Really listening?”

Source: Mark 4:3-9

Listen to God

“You’re looking for proof, but you’re looking for the wrong kind.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Jonah, Judgement, Justice, King Solomon, Matthew 12, Miracle, Wisdom

I want proof but I am not prepared to believe it. Jesus gives me proof.

I get to decide whether to accept the proof or not. God is not going to force me. It is my decision to believe or not. I have to curb my lust for miracles and accept that God is God.

The religious leaders are bold in demanding proof from the Son of God. Jesus is wise in responding. Jesus knows who is in charge and what kind of proof will be given. Jesus is at peace where this is all heading. Jesus is focused on God’s goal.

Jesus challenges me to focus as well. Jesus knows that justice is going to prevail. There will be a day of judgement.

Later a few religion scholars and Pharisees got on him. “Teacher, we want to see your credentials. Give us some hard evidence that God is in this. How about a miracle?”

Jesus said, “You’re looking for proof, but you’re looking for the wrong kind. All you want is something to titillate your curiosity, satisfy your lust for miracles. The only proof you’re going to get is what looks like the absence of proof: Jonah-evidence. Like Jonah, three days and nights in the fish’s belly, the Son of Man will be gone three days and nights in a deep grave.

“On Judgment Day, the Ninevites will stand up and give evidence that will condemn this generation, because when Jonah preached to them they changed their lives. A far greater preacher than Jonah is here, and you squabble about ‘proofs.’ On Judgment Day, the Queen of Sheba will come forward and bring evidence that will condemn this generation, because she traveled from a far corner of the earth to listen to wise Solomon. Wisdom far greater than Solomon’s is right in front of you, and you quibble over ‘evidence.’

Source: Matthew 12:38-42

“In his Son, Jesus, he personally took on the human condition, entered the disordered mess of struggling humanity in order to set it right once and for all.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, Gift, Jesus, Lamb, Messiah, Redemption, Romans 8, Sin

It was God’s plan not to mess around any longer. God decided he would end the “I’ve missed God’s goal for my life” (aka sinning) problem once and for all. The law was never intended to make us whole. God is God. God made the decision on how this had to be handled. My opinion matters not a bit in any of this.

Jesus personally made a huge sacrifice, in so many different ways. Jesus entered our messy world. Jesus decided to deal directly with us as we are struggling. Jesus agreed with his Father to become the living sacrifice that solved the “sin problem” once and for all.

Jesus challenges me to accept that my redemption is a gift. There is nothing I can do to be made right with God. Jesus has done it all. Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one of God, sent to sacrifice himself like a lamb in the Old Covenant (aka Testament).

God went for the jugular when he sent his own Son. He didn’t deal with the problem as something remote and unimportant. In his Son, Jesus, he personally took on the human condition, entered the disordered mess of struggling humanity in order to set it right once and for all. The law code, weakened as it always was by fractured human nature, could never have done that.

The law always ended up being used as a Band-Aid on sin instead of a deep healing of it. And now what the law code asked for but we couldn’t deliver is accomplished as we, instead of redoubling our own efforts, simply embrace what the Spirit is doing in us.

Source: Romans 8:3-4

“I’ve had enough; I’m on my way to heal the ache in the heart of the wretched.” ~God

Tags

God is God, Homeless, Kind David, Poor, Psalm 12, Wise Sayings

God loves the poor and homeless. Of course, I am one of those. I am poor. I am homeless. The good news is that God is God. God is above it all. God is in a good mood … always.

God knows what I need and sends comfort into my soul. God himself speaks. God didn’t delegate this to anyone. God has had enough. God is tired of it.

Jesus heals my heart. Jesus restores me to right standing with God. Jesus makes me a child of God and a full heir into God’s inheritance. Jesus has given me his riches. Jesus brings me in from being homeless. Jesus has arrived.

Into the hovels of the poor,
Into the dark streets where the homeless groan, God speaks:
“I’ve had enough; I’m on my way
To heal the ache in the heart of the wretched.”

Source: Psalm 12:5

Jesus and the poor

“There is nothing left in your memory of God’s Message because you do not take his Messenger seriously.” ~Jesus

Tags

Act, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 5, Listen, Serious

There are many ways we hear about God. As a child in vacation bible school. The few times we actually read the Bible.

But we may have no real memory of God because we don’t listen to Jesus, His Messenger. We don’t take Him seriously.

Jesus challenges, even demands of me, that I take what He says seriously. That is the way to God and the only way to God. God is God. God is in control. Jesus will be taken seriously.

It is God’s goal for me that I listen to Jesus and act on what he says. There is no other way to God. My relationship with Jesus will give me the message of God.

May I  hear His voice. May I do what He says.

“There is nothing left in your memory of God’s Message because you do not take his Messenger seriously.” ~~Jesus

John 5:34-38 (The Message Bible)

Here are the key ideas:

• Have a strong relationship with Jesus, the resurrected Master of the universe.
• Listen to Jesus.
• Take what Jesus says seriously and act on what he tells us to do.

“For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, there’ll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it’ll be too late to help them.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Discipline, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 29, Wise Sayings

Discipline is very tough and at the time it is tough to appreciate. My heavenly Father disciplines me because he loves me. God is God. He knows what is in my best interest. I don’t have that luxury.

I can accept the discipline or I resist it and be stubborn. Defiance is not a great road to travel down. It leads me to a place that eventually breaks me. It is not pleasant to see. It is not the road I want to travel on at all.

I want the road of love which includes discipline intended to help me. God is in a very good mood. He wants to see me mature. His gentle discipline leads me to a complete and whole life in Jesus, the Messiah.

“For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, there’ll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it’ll be too late to help them.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 29:1

“Tell me your name.” ~Jesus

Tags

Evil, Evil One, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 5

Jesus is not afraid to confront evil. Jesus does it time and time again. Jesus knows there is evil and an evil one.

Evil and the Evil One know who Jesus is. They know he has the authority of God. God is God and evil has not nor will not win out. God is in control. Jesus has won the victory.

Evil tries to bargain with Jesus. Jesus knows to confront evil personally, by name.

Evil obeys Jesus commands.  There is no other choice.

Jesus has given us authority over evil and the evil one.

Now that is some very good news.

When he saw Jesus a long way off, he ran and bowed in worship before him—then bellowed in protest, “What business do you have, Jesus, Son of the High God, messing with me? I swear to God, don’t give me a hard time!” (Jesus had just commanded the tormenting evil spirit, “Out! Get out of the man!”)

Jesus asked him, “Tell me your name.”

He replied, “My name is Mob. I’m a rioting mob.” Then he desperately begged Jesus not to banish them from the country.

Source: Mark 5:6-10

“Thank you, Father. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 11, Ordinary, Sophisticates

Who gets to know about God, Lord of heaven and earth? Who is God revealing himself to?

It is the ordinary folks. It is the simple. It is the children. I must change my mind (i.e., repent) and accept that Jesus is in charge. I can’t be stubborn and think I know best.

It is not the sophisticates, those who think they know it all or those who make things complicated. God is God. God chooses who to reveal himself to. It is not my job to question any of that.

This is something to think about.

Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.”

Source: Matthew 11:25-26

“Let’s give it another year.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 13, Patience

Many times I am stunned by what Jesus says and does. I am challenged to learn his ways and not mine or what “conventional wisdom” would dictate.

Jesus is very patient. “Let’s give it another year” he suggests to the Master. Jesus knows that there is more work that can be done. Jesus is willing to do it.

Jesus advocates for time to fertilize the tree. Jesus knows you can’t just plant a tree and ignore it.

Jesus came to seek out those who are missing God’s goal (i.e. sinning) and cultivate them into a real relationship with God. It is my job to align with that mission.

Then he told them a story: “A man had an apple tree planted in his front yard. He came to it expecting to find apples, but there weren’t any. He said to his gardener, ‘What’s going on here? For three years now I’ve come to this tree expecting apples and not one apple have I found. Chop it down! Why waste good ground with it any longer?’

“The gardener said, ‘Let’s give it another year. I’ll dig around it and fertilize, and maybe it will produce next year; if it doesn’t, then chop it down.’”

Source: Luke 13:6-9

“God’s business is putting things right; he loves getting the lines straight, setting us straight.” ~King David

Tags

Justice, King David Sayings, Love, Psalm 11, Wise Sayings

God is a God of love and God is a God of justice. I must remember both of those things but not ignore the justice part.

God is in business. God’s business is putting things right. It is clearly not my job. It clearly is God’s job. God has put Jesus in charge of his business.

God sets me straight; I don’t set God straight. God is God. God is great. God’s will is going to be done. My focus is to understand and act on what God wants to happen today.

God’s business is putting things right;
    he loves getting the lines straight,
Setting us straight. Once we’re standing tall,
    we can look him straight in the eye.

Source: Psalm 11:7

God’s love and justice

“I didn’t make this up.” ~Jesus

Tags

Facts, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 7, Reality

How often do I just make something up? I’m pressed to answer, haven’t thought it  through well and spew something out. Occasionally, but very rarely it works.

Most of the time it is just recognized for what it is, an ad libed effort to look good. Is what I am saying making me look good or reflecting what God wants?

Jesus knows what God is up to. Jesus doesn’t make things up. Jesus knows the truth. Jesus knows reality.

Amazingly enough, we can test what is being said to know if it is from God or not.

The facts matter. Reality matters. Jesus challenges me to judge things through that filter.

With the Feast already half over, Jesus showed up in the Temple, teaching. The Jews were impressed, but puzzled: “How does he know so much without being schooled?”

Jesus said, “I didn’t make this up. What I teach comes from the One who sent me. Anyone who wants to do his will can test this teaching and know whether it’s from God or whether I’m making it up. A person making things up tries to make himself look good. But someone trying to honor the one who sent him sticks to the facts and doesn’t tamper with reality. It was Moses, wasn’t it, who gave you God’s Law? But none of you are living it. So why are you trying to kill me?”

The crowd said, “You’re crazy! Who’s trying to kill you? You’re demon-possessed.”

Source: John 7:14-20

“Justice makes no sense to the evilminded; those who seek God know it inside and out.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Evil, God is Good, Justice, King Solomon, Proverbs 28, Wise Sayings

Justice is a tricky thing. For many it is befuddling and confusing. They are seeking justice here in our country. Justice is truly found in God’s country (aka Kingdom) where Jesus has been given all authority.

There is evil in this world. There is an evil one (Satan or the Devil) and some people are clearly evil minded. The daily news reveals it constantly. God gives us a choice whether to choose God (and good) or evil.

We know Jesus and we know justice. We know justice will be served. It may not occur until the day of judgement but justice will be served. God is God.

Jesus taught us to pray that God’s rule and will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. We know what justice looks like. We are ushering it in here in earths countries.

“Justice makes no sense to the evilminded; those who seek God know it inside and out.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 28:5

“Why are you thinking these things?” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Questions, Jesus Sayings, Mark 2, Messiah, Miracle, Son of God

Jesus knows what I am thinking in my heart. I may not have said it but he knows.

Jesus has a question for me. It is one I must confront.

Jesus wants to know “Why am I thinking these things?”

So why am I?

“God’s grace and order wins; godlessness loses.” ~King David

Tags

Godlessness, Grace, King David, Order, Psalm 10, Wise Sayings

King David knows a lot. King David has seen a lot.

What does David know?

• God will show grace on all who obey and follow him. God is in a good mood. God is love.
• God has an order to things. God’s order will prevail. Justice will rule the day.
• In the end, godlessness loses out. It may not look like it today but God is God. Jesus has won the battle. Jesus will judge at the last day.

“God’s grace and order wins; godlessness loses.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 10:16

The Grace of God

“Where can we buy bread to feed these people?” ~Jesus

Tags

Faith, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 6, Miracle, Question

Jesus is clear and purposeful. Jesus has questions. Do I have answers? Some interesting lessons here for me.

• Jesus loves to ask questions. The question here isn’t the real question. Jesus had no intent to buy food for everyone.
• Jesus knows the answers. The answers given weren’t on target. Jesus knows he is the Son of God. Jesus knows the power of God. Jesus knows a miracle will happen. I am challenged not to answer the question but to see what the power of God can do and what is the will of God in this circumstance.
• Jesus wants to stretch my faith. Clearly I don’t have enough faith. It needs to be stretched. I must be open to how God wants to do that today. Jesus is asking me a question. What is the “God is in control” answer?

After this, Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee (some call it Tiberias). A huge crowd followed him, attracted by the miracles they had seen him do among the sick. When he got to the other side, he climbed a hill and sat down, surrounded by his disciples. It was nearly time for the Feast of Passover, kept annually by the Jews.

When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread to feed these people?” He said this to stretch Philip’s faith. He already knew what he was going to do.

Source: John 6:1-4

“Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Apostle James, Apostle Paul, Apostle Peter, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 27, Wise Sayings

This is a very common theme that leads to wisdom. So follow the thread from Solomon to Jesus to Paul to James to Peter.

In addition to King Solomon, Jesus challenged us to “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Jesus taught us to pray for “our daily bread”. 

Paul (2 Corinthians 4:16) shows us that “The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”

James (4:15) said the same thing; “You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.”

Peter challenges us “Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival.” 

So, this is important to God.

God is God. Jesus is in control. My planning horizon is pretty much limited to right now and today.

The only thing certain about tomorrow is that God will still be God and Jesus will still be in control of God’s country (aka Kingdom). The only ones who know anything about tomorrow are God and Jesus.

“Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 27:1

“You will have the poor with you every day for the rest of your lives. Whenever you feel like it, you can do something for them.” ~Jesus

Tags

Anointed, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 14, Messiah, Poor

A woman anoints Jesus with a very expensive perfume, worth a years salary. She does it as an act of love. Jesus knows what it means. She has pre-anointed him for his soon to be burial. No one else really gets it.

In fact, some of them get offended and indignant. The money should have been given to the poor, they say.

Were they really that concerned about the poor? Am I that concerned about the poor? Or is just for a show? Jesus knows.

While he makes a statement about the poor always being with us, it sounds more like an indictment. Why haven’t they done something already? The poor are all around us. We can help. We can help today.

The more important point is that they missed the opportunity to honor Jesus. The woman who anointed him knows who Jesus is and honors him.

Will I honor Jesus? The question rings out. Am I more interested in being religious (helping the poor) or doing something significant for Jesus? Have I asked Jesus what to do today?

Jesus was at Bethany, a guest of Simon the Leper. While he was eating dinner, a woman came up carrying a bottle of very expensive perfume. Opening the bottle, she poured it on his head. Some of the guests became furious among themselves. “That’s criminal! A sheer waste! This perfume could have been sold for well over a year’s wages and handed out to the poor.” They swelled up in anger, nearly bursting with indignation over her.

But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why are you giving her a hard time? She has just done something wonderfully significant for me. You will have the poor with you every day for the rest of your lives. Whenever you feel like it, you can do something for them. Not so with me. She did what she could when she could—she pre-anointed my body for burial. And you can be sure that wherever in the whole world the Message is preached, what she just did is going to be talked about admiringly.”

Source: Mark 14:3-9

“Cheer up, son. I forgive your sins.” ~Jesus

Tags

Blasphemy, Faith, Forgiveness, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 9, Miracle

Jesus is very focused on what brings about miracles. Jesus knows a thing or two about that. Miracles are his everyday life.

What impresses Jesus? It is always bold belief.

What does Jesus do as a result? First Jesus forgives the paraplegic. This drive the religious leaders nuts. Then he heals the man. The paraplegic gets up and walks. This drives the crowd into amazement.

Jesus is in control. He has the authority to forgive and he does. He has the authority to heal and he does. Nothing is impossible in the world that Jesus is in charge of. His God is God.

 Back in the boat, Jesus and the disciples recrossed the sea to Jesus’ hometown. They were hardly out of the boat when some men carried a paraplegic on a stretcher and set him down in front of them. Jesus, impressed by their bold belief, said to the paraplegic, “Cheer up, son. I forgive your sins.”

Some religion scholars whispered, “Why, that’s blasphemy!”

Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why this gossipy whispering? Which do you think is simpler: to say, ‘I forgive your sins,’ or, ‘Get up and walk’? Well, just so it’s clear that I’m the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both. . . .” At this he turned to the paraplegic and said, “Get up. Take your bed and go home.” And the man did it. The crowd was awestruck, amazed and pleased that God had authorized Jesus to work among them this way.

Source: Matthew 9:1-6

“For as long, then, as that promise of resting in him pulls us on to God’s goal for us, we need to be careful that we’re not disqualified.” ~Author of Hebrews

Tags

Believe, Faith, Hebrews 4, Peace, Rest

Relax, God is in control. I keep hearing that from our Father. He promised a rest. That is His goal for us. This rest requires that we have faith in Him.

If I believe that nothing is impossible for God, that he loves me and has a great plan for me, I can be “at rest”. His peace isn’t easily understood but it is real. His rest is like no other.

There is only one requirement. I must believe. If I don’t believe, I exasperate God. Now that is the truth.

May I believe and enter into rest.

For as long, then, as that promise of resting in him pulls us on to God’s goal for us, we need to be careful that we’re not disqualified. We received the same promises as those people in the wilderness, but the promises didn’t do them a bit of good because they didn’t receive the promises with faith. If we believe, though, we’ll experience that state of resting. But not if we don’t have faith. Remember that God said, Exasperated, I vowed, “They’ll never get where they’re going, never be able to sit down and rest.”

Source: Hebrews 4:1-3

“But an independent witness confirms me, the most reliable Witness of all.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 5, Obedience, Witness

Jesus is very clear in what he is saying to his disciples.

Jesus knows it is not about Jesus. It is only about God. Jesus knows he doesn’t do anything on his own accord. God is God. There is no way around it. God is in charge.

The main focus of Jesus is to listen to God, to make a decision and then act by carrying out orders. Jesus knows it is not enough to just listen. A big part of obedience is to decide to act on what you’ve heard.

We don’t have to take the word of Jesus on its own. Jesus has witnesses. They are God, the Holy Spirit and John the Baptist. When Jesus was baptized, the moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.”

“I can’t do a solitary thing on my own: I listen, then I decide. You can trust my decision because I’m not out to get my own way but only to carry out orders. If I were simply speaking on my own account, it would be an empty, self-serving witness. But an independent witness confirms me, the most reliable Witness of all. Furthermore, you all saw and heard John, and he gave expert and reliable testimony about me, didn’t he?”  ~~Jesus

Source: John 5:30-33

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, Armor, Devil, Ephesians 6, Faith, Good News, Peace, Righteousness, Salvation, Spirit, Truth, War

Paul reminds me. I am at war. It is an ongoing war. It doesn’t stop.

Who is the enemy? The enemy is the Devil, the evil one. His mission, as described by Jesus, is to kill, steal and destroy.

The good news is that God has given me weapons. I have to learn how to use them. They each serve a different purpose.

• The belt of truth buckled around your waist.
• The breastplate of righteousness in place.
• Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the good news of peace.
• The shield of faith,with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
• The helmet of salvation.
• The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

“Watch out for doomsday deceivers.” ~Jesus

Tags

God is God, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 13, Panic

Jesus knows we will have lots of leaders who deceive us about the end of the world. It happened again just recently. The day came and went. Nothing happened. Nada. Zip.

Jesus challenges me to not panic when I hear about wars, famines, earthquakes, etc. Jesus reminds me this normal and routine.

Jesus is calm. Jesus doesn’t get rattled and is at peace. Jesus leaves the timing up to God.

God is God and his timetable will prevail. Jesus knows that God is in control. Everything will work out according to his plan.

Jesus began, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When you hear of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history, and no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. But these things are nothing compared to what’s coming.

Source: Mark 13:5-8

“In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.” ~Henry Wadsworth

Tags

Challenge, God is God, Henry Wadsworth, Jesus, Love

Jesus challenges me live a simple life.

Today is the day to focus on what God wants me to do. That is the simplest way forward.

Complex, multi-year plans are useless. God is God. Jesus is in control. I don’t know anything about what God wants beyond today.

Jesus has challenged me to love today. That is pretty simple. When I look at it, that is what Jesus will want me to do tomorrow as well. The people may be different. The circumstances will be different. The challenge and goal will be the same.

Simple!

“In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.”  ~Henry Wadsworth

“What do you think the owner of the vineyard will do? Right. He’ll come and clean house.” ~Jesus

Tags

Control, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom, Mark 12

Jesus is on a mission from God. God sent him to redeem us and make us right with God. Jesus knew the right response is for us to change our mind and respect Jesus.

That isn’t happening.

I have a choice to make today. Will I change my mind (repent) about Jesus or not? Jesus has options about who will be in control with him in God’s world (country or Kingdom).

Jesus will choose based on what I decide and do. Jesus will clean house. Jesus is clear.

“Finally there was only one left: a beloved son. In a last-ditch effort, he sent him, thinking, ‘Surely they will respect my son.’

“But those farmhands saw their chance. They rubbed their hands together in greed and said, ‘This is the heir! Let’s kill him and have it all for ourselves.’ They grabbed him, killed him, and threw him over the fence.

“What do you think the owner of the vineyard will do? Right. He’ll come and clean house. Then he’ll assign the care of the vineyard to others. Read it for yourselves in Scripture:

That stone the masons threw out
    is now the cornerstone!
This is God’s work;
    we rub our eyes—we can hardly believe it!”

Source: Mark 12: 6-11

“If you say so.” ~Jesus

Tags

Crucifixion, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 27, Messiah

Pilate had heard the “accusations” from the Jewish leaders. He was trying to figure out what to do with Jesus. Jesus isn’t helping him one bit. Jesus knows what needs to happen here and what will happen. Jesus is going to the cross.

Jesus knows that it is not about what Jesus believes. Jesus knows that he is the Messiah and Son of God. What does Pilate know and believe. More importantly, what do I know and believe about Jesus?

So … what do I say?

Jesus was placed before Pilate, the governor, who questioned him: “Are you the ‘King of the Jews’?”

Jesus said, “If you say so.”

Source: Matthew 27:11

“Tear down this Temple and in three days I’ll put it back together.” ~Jesus

Tags

God is God, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 2, Prophecy, Resurrection, Temple

Jesus had just chased the merchants out of the temple. He was furious at what was going on.

How dare he, thought the Jews. So … they confronted him. They wanted to know what authority gave him permission to tear up the temple.

Of course, Jesus knew. God had sent Jesus on a mission. Jesus was going to complete it. Jesus was acting under God’s authority. The ultimate proof would be his death and resurrection.

I challenge God and Jesus. I want to answers to certain questions. Jesus answers in a way I don’t expect. God is God. God has a plan. None of what God is doing is contingent on my approval.

But the Jews were upset. They asked, “What credentials can you present to justify this?” Jesus answered, “Tear down this Temple and in three days I’ll put it back together.”

They were indignant: “It took forty-six years to build this Temple, and you’re going to rebuild it in three days?” But Jesus was talking about his body as the Temple. Later, after he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this. They then put two and two together and believed both what was written in Scripture and what Jesus had said.

During the time he was in Jerusalem, those days of the Passover Feast, many people noticed the signs he was displaying and, seeing they pointed straight to God, entrusted their lives to him. But Jesus didn’t entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn’t need any help in seeing right through them.

John 2:18-25

“So who is this that I keep hearing about?” ~Herod

Tags

Herod, Jesus, John the Baptist, Matthew 9

Herod bore the title of tetrarch (“ruler of a quarter”) and is referred to as both “Herod the Tetrarch” and “King Herod”. Herod had a “Jesus problem”. Herod was confused. It showed.

Herod asked a reasonable question. Who is Jesus? He wanted to see Jesus in action. How do I answer the question of who Jesus is? Can I be clear about that?

Am I presenting Jesus in such a way that others want to know who Jesus is? Do they want to see Jesus in action?

Herod, the ruler, heard of these goings on and didn’t know what to think. There were people saying John had come back from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, still others that some prophet of long ago had shown up. Herod said, “But I killed John—took off his head. So who is this that I keep hearing about?” Curious, he looked for a chance to see him in action.

Source: Matthew 9:7-9

“Don’t jump to conclusions — there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Assumptions, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 25, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Uh oh! Here we go.

How often do I jump to conclusions about what I saw or heard? Way too often. More than I like to admit. Probably much more than I actually know.

It is wise advise to not assume and take time to discover what is really going on. Maybe it is what I thought. It is entirely possible that it isn’t what I thought.

God is God. He is the only one who knows for sure. It will be up to Jesus to be the final judge and clearly not up to me.

“Don’t jump to conclusions—there may be
    a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 25:8

“Enjoy the simple, the natural and the plain. Along with that comes the ability to do things spontaneously and have them work.” ~~Benjamin Hoff

Tags

Benjamin Hoff, God is God, Plan

Jesus is very clear that not everything is going to be “planned out”.

God has a plan. God knows what the plan is. God is God. I am not. It is essential to keep that in mind.

Jesus knows that our mission is seek God daily. What does Jesus want me to do right now? That is the central question.

“Enjoy the simple, the natural and the plain. Along with that comes the ability to do things spontaneously and have them work.” ~~Benjamin Hoff

“Those who have lived the wrong way, will walk into a resurrection Judgment.” ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 5, Judgement, Life, Resurrection

Jesus is always clear. There will be a resurrection.

There will also be a  judgement. Those who have lived the right way are going to walk into life. Those who haven’t won’t will walk into judgement.

No confusion here at all. I acknowledge that I am clear about this.

God is God. Jesus is the only Judge. God has also given all judgement over to His son, Jesus the Messiah.

I am clear about that as well. There is a resurrection of life. In Him, we live that kind of life.

May I stay clear about what is before me and live the resurrection life.

“Those who have lived the wrong way, will walk into a resurrection Judgment.” ~~Jesus John 5:28-29 (The Message)

“And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 9, Messiah

Jesus knows how to get to the heart of the matter.

It is a simple question.

Jesus wants to know who I think he is.

Will I answer like Peter? Is that what I believe?

Jesus wants to know if I know that he is “the Messiah” (the anointed one who is King).

One time when Jesus was off praying by himself, his disciples nearby, he asked them, “What are the crowds saying about me, about who I am?”

They said, “John the Baptizer. Others say Elijah. Still others say that one of the prophets from long ago has come back.”

He then asked, “And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?”

Peter answered, “the Messiah of God.” Jesus then warned them to keep it quiet. They were to tell no one what Peter had said.

Source: Luke 9:18-21

“Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who ‘have it all’ to enter God’s kingdom?” ~Jesus

Tags

God is God, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 10, Wealth

We know the story of the rich man who came to Jesus. Eventually, as the story unfolded, Jesus challenged him to “Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.”  

Some very important points:

• Jesus challenges me to understand that because I “have it all” (which I do) that it will be difficult for me to enter God’s Country (aka the Kingdom of God). I am hard wired to work hard so I can make more money. Jesus is not focused on earthly wealth. His only concern is “heavenly wealth”.
• Like the disciples, I find that difficult to believe. I know lots of rich people who are Christians. Is this an indictment of us all? Others will have to answer for themselves.
• Jesus is clear and doesn’t drop it with me or with others. Jesus challenges me to understand how very difficult it is.
• This stuns the disciples. It stuns me too. Perhaps I should just give up then. What is the point? Seriously!
• Jesus gives me the secret and provides good news. I can’t do it myself. God, through Jesus, is the only one who can do it. I must embrace Jesus and persevere. God can do it. Nothing is impossible with God. God is God and God is great.

Looking at his disciples, Jesus said, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who ‘have it all’ to enter God’s kingdom?” The disciples couldn’t believe what they were hearing, but Jesus kept on: “You can’t imagine how difficult. I’d say it’s easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for the rich to get into God’s kingdom.”

That set the disciples back on their heels. “Then who has any chance at all?” they asked.

Jesus was blunt: “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it.”

Source: Mark 10:23-27

Money

“Why do you weep? Who are you looking for?” ~Jesus

Tags

Good News, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 20, Resurrection

Jesus died for us. Jesus was buried for 3 days.

• What now? Jesus triumphantly rises from the dead in a resurrected body. Eventually he will ascend into heaven to sit at the right hand of God. Jesus is now in charge of God’s country.
• Jesus is always full of compassion with us. When Mary was upset, Jesus wants to know, from her, why she is weeping. When Jesus says her name, Mary knows who he is.
• That is good news for me. Jesus cares.
• Jesus knows my name. Jesus will call me. I recognize his voice.

But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she knelt to look into the tomb and saw two angels sitting there, dressed in white, one at the head, the other at the foot of where Jesus’ body had been laid. They said to her, “Woman, why do you weep?”

“They took my Master,” she said, “and I don’t know where they put him.” After she said this, she turned away and saw Jesus standing there. But she didn’t recognize him.

Jesus spoke to her, “Woman, why do you weep? Who are you looking for?”

She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, “Mister, if you took him, tell me where you put him so I can care for him.”

Jesus said, “Mary.”

Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” meaning “Teacher!”

Jesus said, “Don’t cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I ascend to my Father and your Father, my God and your God.’”

Mary Magdalene went, telling the news to the disciples: “I saw the Master!” And she told them everything he said to her.

Source: John 20:11-18

“What a generation! No sense of God! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this?” ~Jesus

Tags

Faith, God is God, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 9, Prayer

Jesus is direct with me. When Jesus speaks, I better listen. Jesus has something to say.

There are times I have no sense of God. Nothing is impossible with God. I write it and I say it. I believe it but not all the time. I have no sense of God. That is just plain. Jesus points it out to me, if I am willing to listen.

Jesus is challenging me. How many times does he have to tell me? How many times does he have to perform miracles to convince me? How many?

The good news is that Jesus comes through in spite of what I believe. That is real good news because it is a gift and not anything I earned.

God is God. God’s will is going to be done.

When they came back down the mountain to the other disciples, they saw a huge crowd around them, and the religion scholars cross-examining them. As soon as the people in the crowd saw Jesus, admiring excitement stirred them. They ran and greeted him. He asked, “What’s going on? What’s all the commotion?”

A man out of the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought my mute son, made speechless by a demon, to you. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and goes stiff as a board. I told your disciples, hoping they could deliver him, but they couldn’t.”

Jesus said, “What a generation! No sense of God! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy here.” They brought him. When the demon saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a seizure, causing him to writhe on the ground and foam at the mouth.

He asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been going on?”

“Ever since he was a little boy. Many times it pitches him into fire or the river to do away with him. If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help us!”

Source: Mark 9:14-22

“You haven’t a shred of authority over me except what has been given you from heaven.” ~Jesus

Tags

Authority, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 19, Pilate, Priest

Pontius Pilate was the fifth prefect of the Roman province of Judaea from AD 26–36. He served under Emperor Tiberius. Essentially he was a Governor in the Roman empire. He is the highest political authority in Jerusalem at the time.

Jesus is standing before him. It is a life or death conversation. The Jewish high Priests want him crucified and out of the way. Pilate is trying to find a way out. He is hoping Jesus will help him out of this dilemma.

Pilate told them he couldn’t find anything wrong with him. The Jews answered, “We have a law, and by that law he must die because he claimed to be the Son of God.”

So there Jesus stood. Pilate seeks to interrogate him again. Jesus doesn’t answer. Imaging that. No answer. Just stands there.

Jesus will not be interrogated. Is it then unusual that when I cry out “Why God” I hear birds chirping. Jesus is the Son of God. I need to understand that. If I am not getting an answer then maybe I need to focus on who is in charge. It isn’t me! Who am I to question Jesus? I am to pray, May your will be done.

Pilate tries another approach. He now pulls out the “authority card”.

How did that work?

Jesus lets Pilate know that Pilate has no authority over Jesus. None. Not a bit. The only authority Pilate has is given him by God. (Note: a lesson for our partisan politics).

When Pilate heard this, he became even more scared. He went back into the palace and said to Jesus, “Where did you come from?”

Jesus gave no answer.

Pilate said, “You won’t talk? Don’t you know that I have the authority to pardon you, and the authority to—crucify you?”

Jesus said, “You haven’t a shred of authority over me except what has been given you from heaven. That’s why the one who betrayed me to you has committed a far greater fault.”

Source: John 19:8-11

“Do you still not get it?” ~Jesus

Tags

God is God, God is Great, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 8, Miracles

There is something Jesus knows about me and I am thinking he knows it about you as well. The disciples were all in the same boat in thinking they were in trouble. No dissenters to be found.

• The conclusion is that despite all the miracles, I just don’t get it some days. It isn’t easy to face, but it is true. Jesus knows it. I must face it as well. I can fool myself but I can’t fool Jesus.
• I can grow by learning. I can change my mind (aka as repenting) about Jesus and what he does, all the time.
• Jesus is in charge. He is always in charge. Is there something that Jesus can’t do? Nothing is impossible with Jesus. God is God and God is great.
• I need to focus on what Jesus is doing right now. Of course, Jesus is clear with me. Jesus wants me to learn and grow.

He then left them, got back in the boat, and headed for the other side. But the disciples forgot to pack a lunch. Except for a single loaf of bread, there wasn’t a crumb in the boat. Jesus warned, “Be very careful. Keep a sharp eye out for the contaminating yeast of Pharisees and the followers of Herod.”

Meanwhile, the disciples were finding fault with each other because they had forgotten to bring bread. Jesus overheard and said, “Why are you fussing because you forgot bread? Don’t you see the point of all this? Don’t you get it at all? Remember the five loaves I broke for the five thousand? How many baskets of leftovers did you pick up?”

They said, “Twelve.”

 “And the seven loaves for the four thousand—how many bags full of leftovers did you get?”

“Seven.”

He said, “Do you still not get it?”

Source: Mark 8:13-21

“Who are you after?” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Jesus the Nazarene, John 18, Judas Iscariot, Pharisees

Jesus is on a mission. There are a lot of details to work out so that he can complete that God has sent him to do. He knew where he needed to go and he knew what he needed to say. He knew everything. Off he went … on a mission for God.

• First things first … Jesus prayed. Jesus is always anchored in listening to his holy Father in Heaven.
• Where would Jesus go? Jesus would go where he went so often. This wouldn’t surprise anyone. Judas would be able to find him. Jesus was going to make this easy for Judas.
• Who would betray him? Judas would. Jesus knew it. Jesus knew it when he chose Judas as a disciple. Jesus chose him anyway.
• What is the question? Jesus again made it easy. Twice he asked them who they were after. He answered their question.
• Who am I after? Is it Jesus and only Jesus?
• Who would Jesus protect? Jesus would protect the 12 disciples, including Judas.
• Why is this important? Jesus was on a mission. Jesus had come to die for us all and then be resurrected to be in charge of God’s country (aka the Kingdom of God).

Jesus, having prayed this prayer, left with his disciples and crossed over the brook Kidron at a place where there was a garden. He and his disciples entered it.

Judas, his betrayer, knew the place because Jesus and his disciples went there often. So Judas led the way to the garden, and the Roman soldiers and police sent by the high priests and Pharisees followed. They arrived there with lanterns and torches and swords. Jesus, knowing by now everything that was coming down on him, went out and met them. He said, “Who are you after?”

They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

He said, “That’s me.” The soldiers recoiled, totally taken aback. Judas, his betrayer, stood out like a sore thumb.

Jesus asked again, “Who are you after?”

They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

“I told you,” said Jesus, “that’s me. I’m the one. So if it’s me you’re after, let these others go.” (This validated the words in his prayer, “I didn’t lose one of those you gave.”)

Source: John 18:1-9