“And Jesus was amazed at their unbelief.” ~Mark
I am astonished. I read and listen to Jesus. Where did He come up with all that He has to …
Category Archives: God is Good
“The two apostles were there a long time, speaking freely, openly, and confidently as they presented the clear evidence of God’s gifts, God corroborating their work with miracles and wonders.” ~Luke
I can always benefit from the habit of going to the place where believers meet. It was the habit of …
“This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome” ~Apostle John
Jesus the Messiah accepted the authority of the OT law and saw himself as coming to fulfil its purpose. God’s …
“I am not ashamed of the good news, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” ~Apostle Paul
The good news of Jesus and His Heavenly Father are absolutely complete. I am aware that many want to add …
“Dignify those who are down on their luck; you’ll feel good — that’s what God does.” ~King David
God has given me a job. It is straightforward. There are lots of people down on their luck. My job …
“Happy are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” ~Jesus
In the United States, our declaration of independence has three core principles. One is life. The second is liberty and …
“A woman of gentle grace gets respect, but men of rough violence grab for loot.” ~King Solomon
I am called to gentle and humble. Jesus is clear with me that I should meek. I should look to …
“He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me, declares the MASTER?” ~Jeremiah
Jesus is clear. I am to give directly to the poor. If they ask, I am to give. If they …
“And we’re here today bringing you good news: the Message that what God promised the fathers has come true for the children—for us! He raised Jesus.” ~Apostle Paul
The Apostle Paul lays out the core message of good news for me. Jesus died for me and was raised …
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus the Messiah, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” ~Apostle Paul
So what is grace? It is the gift of God that brings joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, and loveliness into our life. I …
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” ~Apostle John
Jesus is the Son of God. I have a witness that Jesus gives me eternal life. That life is found …
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” ~King David
Those whose commitment from the heart is shown in practical, often sacrificial, care, love and service. They are a source …
“Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.” ~Jesus
Am I listening to Jesus? Do I hear what He is saying? Do I have ears to hear? Of course, …
“That’s when King Herod got it into his head to go after some of the church members. He murdered James, John’s brother.” ~Luke
I live in a world where popularity ratings mean so much. Consider politics. All about polling. Social media? How many …
“He anointed Me to preach good news to the poor.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear that we are to help the poor. We are to give to them directly. I am not …
“And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Master Jesus the Messiah, through whom we have now received this reconciliation.”
In Christian thought, the act by which God and man are brought together in personal relationship. The term is derived …
“And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” ~Apostle Paul
I want more hope in my life. It supercharges my faith. It is the energizer bunny to me. It takes …
“Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on?” ~Lady Wisdom
The call here is for the confused, the simple and ignorant to have dinner with Lady Wisdom. It is easy …
“They brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them.” ~Apostle Matthew
Here is good news. Jesus heals the sick. Jesus does it all the time. Jesus is in the healing business. …
“No one is good — except God alone” ~Jesus
God gives us wonderful gifts, just like any father would do. If I ask for bread, will God give me …
“Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word.” ~Apostle Peter
There is a really big deal here. Deceit is defined as “the action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing …
“Stretch out your hand.” ~Jesus
I don’t want Jesus looking at me in anger. That is not a good thing. I don’t want to be …
“It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites!” ~Apostle Peter
There is good news. I hear it directly from Peter. It is the truth. Jesus came for all of us, …
“Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.” ~Author of Hebrews
Now this is some great news. I have people watching over my soul. How cool is that? It is way …
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in the Messiah Jesus.” ~Apostle Paul
God has a plan for me. Now that is some very good news. I am shouting for joy over that. …
“Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” ~Jesus
Nicodemus doesn’t get what Jesus is saying. I am the same way some days. I hear Him but I don’t …
“Generous in love — God, give grace! Huge in mercy — wipe out my bad record. Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in your laundry. I know how bad I’ve been; my sins are staring me down.” ~King David
David has committed a terrible sin with Bathsheba in committing adultery and then having her husband killed in battle. David …
“To the degree that you share the sufferings of the Messiah, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.” ~Apostle Peter
Literally, Peter wrote, “Be constantly rejoicing!” In fact, he mentioned joy in one form or another four times in these …
“Dear friend, do what I tell you; treasure my careful instructions. Do what I say and you’ll live well. My teaching is as precious as your eyesight—guard it!” ~King Solomon
Wisdom is useless unless I act on it. Wisdom is about knowing, understanding and doing. Acting on wisdom leads to …
“When a woman is in labor, she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world.” ~Jesus
What joy there is in bringing children into this world. Consider this from Jesus: When a woman is in labor, …
“He saved them for the sake of His name, that He might make His power known.” ~King David
God is God. God is to be honored and His name is to be revered. This is a shock to …
“Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” ~Jesus
Legalistic rule following can cause me to miss God’s goal for my life. Jesus warns me against it. it is …
“And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.” ~Luke
Jesus is amazing. I am constantly stunned at what He did for me and how He teaches me. Jesus is …
“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.” ~Nicodemus
One of the religious elites is curious about Jesus. He comes to Jesus at night. It can be a private …
“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” ~Jesus
Resurrection of my body, after death, will happen. So is the eternal life I have right now as a follower …
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” ~Jesus
I don’t understand completely why Jesus would die for me. That is mighty powerful love. And He did it because …
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy.” ~Apostle Paul
There is a whole lot of joy in knowing Jesus. God is good and always in a good mood. So …
“And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible.” ~Apostle Peter
Yes, joy is most certainly is experienced in my relationship with Jesus! I have good news. I want to shout …
“For since Jesus Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” ~Author of Hebrews
I struggle with temptation. I know all followers of our Master Jesus do. I start with the good news that …
“Having confidence in you all that my joy would be the joy of you all.” ~Apostle Paul
There is something I’ve noticed about followers of Jesus and His disciples. They are just plain happy folks. They are …
“I am the good shepherd.” ~Jesus
It should be understood that Jesus is “the” good shepherd, not simply “a” good shepherd, as others may be, but …
“And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” ~Luke
The joy I have, in Jesus my Master, is a gift from God. I don’t screw my courage and become …
“We pondered your love-in-action … ” ~Sons of Korah
I need to think about God. That is the main thing. More important though, I need to think about God’s …
“Through the Spirit, the Messiah offered himself as an unblemished sacrifice, freeing us from all those dead-end efforts to make ourselves respectable, so that we can live all out for God.” ~Author of Hebrews
Jesus shattered the old way of doing things. I love that. I need to hear that message over and over …
“Always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the good news from the first day until now.” ~Apostle Paul
Am I offering prayers filled with joy? Am I a partner in the joy of the good news? Am I …
“I’m writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way, I’m drawing a map to Righteous Road.” ~King Solomon
I want wisdom. I am on a journey. If I am careful, I might get lost. There are lots of …
“During this time, the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds.” ~Luke
Good things are happening. People are choosing to follow Jesus every day. The numbers are exploding. The Apostles are proclaiming …
“And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” ~Luke
We seem a little reluctant to talk about the ecstatic experience. Is that for mystics and weirdo’s I think? Maybe …
“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” ~Author of Hebrews
I have missed God’s goal for my life (aka sin). A penalty must be paid. Jesus, the innocent lamb of …
“There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” ~Jesus
What a treasure we have in the joy that Jesus brings into our lives. God has a country. Jesus is …
“May your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Master Jesus the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
I need to focus more on being blameless. The Apostle Paul shows that being blameless is a result of my …
“Rejoice in the Master always; again I will say, rejoice!” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus wants me to glad, joyful and happy. Jesus paid the price for my missing God’s goal (aka sin). I …
“So, friends, we can now — without hesitation — walk right up to God, into “the Holy Place.” ~Author of Hebrews
This is so encouraging. I, because of what Jesus has done, can go right up to God. I don’t need …
“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” ~Apostle Paul
We love to eat fruit. We love the fruit and the juice. It gives us nourishment and refreshes us. May …
God is good and in a good mood. Laura’s story proves it!
The Background I am fortunate to meet some amazing people on Twitter. I recently met Laura in a very protracted …
“Those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both.” ~Luke
Have I trusted in the Master Jesus? What a change occurred to the early disciples of Jesus. The power of …
“I am willing; be cleansed.” ~Jesus
I have a lot to learn from Jesus. Jesus is gentle and shows compassion. Jesus has compassion for those in …
“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” ~Apostle John
There is great joy when our brothers and sisters walk in the truth of the Master Jesus. I want to …
“God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.” ~Sons of Korah
I can trust God. God provides me a safe place. Some days we all need a refuge or even a …
“Today is salvation day in this home!” ~Jesus
Jesus says that today is salvation day. Imagine hearing those words from the Master Jesus. You would have to pick …
“The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.” ~King David
Joy is something we all long for but that often seems difficult to grab hold of. Experiencing joy should be …
“God gives out wisdom free, is plain spoken in knowledge and understanding.” ~King Solomon
God is ready, willing and able to give me wisdom. God makes it clear and is plain spoken. There is …
“For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.” ~James
Can I pass the test? Let’s call it the mercy test. Jesus orders me to be merciful. Am I? Jesus …
“For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man.” ~Apostle Paul
The believer has an old nature that wants to keep him in bondage; “I will get free from these old …
“Give me a drink.” ~Jesus
Jesus is tired and thirsty. That is it. That is how the conversation started. Of course, our Master’s request was …
“God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” ~Apostle Paul
Now here is some good news. God is faithful. I can count on God and Jesus, His Son. God is …
“But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves.” ~Jesus
We have a great promise from Jesus the Messiah. It is joy and happiness. Jesus wants me to have joy. …
“Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” ~Jesus
Jesus has something He wants me to know. Jesus wants me to approach His kingdom with simplicity. Jesus wants me …
“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in God’s name! Yes! The King of Israel!” ~The Jerusalem crowds
Jesus was performing many signs and wonders. The raising of Lazarus from the dead capped it off. Six days before …
“My loving kindness will not be removed from you, and My agreement of peace will not be shaken.” ~God through Isaiah
Somehow, we have this image of God, from the Old Testament, as an angry old man. Grumpy to the core. …
“Are you serious?” ~Disciples to Jesus
Jesus asks me to do something. It seems outrageous. It seems impossible. Are you serious, I ask? Seriously, you want …
“For their sakes I sanctify (set apart) Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified (set apart) in truth.” ~Jesus
I avoid some things because they sound very geeky and smack of theology. Jesus talks about sanctification. Maybe I need …
“Jesus gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” ~Apostle Paul
What is the good news message that Paul has for me? Jesus the Messiah gave himself for my missing God’s …
“We didn’t fight for this land; we didn’t work for it — it was a gift! You gave it, smiling as you gave it, delighting as you gave it.” ~ Unknown Psalmist
Jesus is smiling. He takes great pleasure in giving me freedom. My life is a gift from God. I didn’t earn …
“Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts.” ~Apostle Paul
I am so glad that God has adopted me. Jesus has broken the bondage of slavery and given my His …
“The kindness of God leads you to radically change how you think (aka repentance).” ~Apostle Paul
When I exhibit the kindness of God, I am tender, benevolent, and useful to others. Every action, every word will …
“The worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word.” ~Jesus
I have no need to worry about anything. This is tough for me some days. I am a worrier for …
“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” ~Jesus
Even in adversity, I should know the joy of Jesus the Messiah. Jesus shows up. I need to be ecstatic. …
“He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.” ~King David
It is not about me. Of course I get down. I start crying the blues. I’m throwing a big pity …
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” ~Jesus
Everywhere Jesus went and whenever He would minister to His disciples or the people, He brought calm and peace to …
“He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” ~Religious elites about Jesus
Who does Jesus want to hang out with? It is definitely not the religious elites (although He does). Jesus has …
“Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?” ~King David
Why am I down in the dumps? King David has lots of good reasons to ask. So do I. I …
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.” ~Apostle Paul
Grace is the undeserved kindness of God. I am so grateful for what God has done for me. It is …
“For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” ~Apostle Paul
Joy is something that I must work at. It is a fruit, needs cultivation, water, fertilizer and more. Neglect can …
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.” ~Jesus
One of the benefits of being a disciple is that obedience brings peace. If I’m not at peace, I need …
“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
The Jesus Manifesto continues as Jesus teaches me how to pray. It is not about how much I say. It …
“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” ~Apostle Paul
I belong to the body of the Messiah. Now that is stunning. I must be transparent and speak the truth. …
“Who will roll back the stone from the tomb for us?” ~The 2 Marys
It is a real and practical question from the 2 Marys. Great, they are thinking, here we are and how …
“Woman, why do you weep?” ~Angel to Mary
Alone. Depressed. Confused. I am all those things some days. I am weeping. I feel abandoned. Where is my Jesus? …
“And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” ~Author of Hebrews
Jesus has given us an agreement. It is a new one, not the same one from the time of Moses. …
“For we are His workmanship — spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used for good works, which God prepared for us beforehand.” ~Apostle Paul
I am a part of God’s “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17), and God continues to work in me to make …
“Attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, the Messiah Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” ~Apostle Paul
God wants me to have knowledge of Him and what He expects of me. In order to obey Him, I …
Why Doesn’t God Answer Some Prayers for Healing?
Why doesn’t God answer all prayers for healing? Does His seeming silence call His goodness or existence into question? Sean …
“Jesus is able also to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” ~Author of Hebrews
Jesus is my High Priest, interceding for me before God. Jesus is able to save me altogether, perfectly, so that nothing …
“How happy is the man who has made the Master his trust.” ~King David
I am happy. Jesus promises me that I will be. A state of pleasure or joy experienced both by people …
“Ignore what the world worships; the world’s a huge stockpile of God-wonders and God-thoughts.” ~King David
The world isn’t worshiping God, our Master. They don’t know Him and his wonderful love. Jesus brings me great joy …
“What’s the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right?” ~Jesus
God cares about me. This is practical talk from Jesus. If God cares for canaries, how much does He care …
“Don’t be harsh or impatient with an older man.” ~Apostle Paul
Okay, I’m older now. Much older. It is easy to get impatient with me. There are many things I do …
I gave her a $20 bill. I owed her $2.32. She gave me my change and I walked away.
I gave her a $20 bill. I owed her $2.32. She gave me my change and I walked away. Later …
“For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” ~Apostle Paul
It is possible to study the mere letter of Scripture while ignoring coming to its focus, Jesus the Messiah. Can …
