“A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.” ~King Solomon
Jesus warns us constantly and consistently about the dangers not focusing on God and focusing on wealth. It is a …
Category Archives: God’s Goal
“The Messiah also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth.” ~Apostle Peter
Peter challenges me to follow the example of Jesus. Peter knows. Peter learned directly from our Master Jesus. Jesus has …
“You’re not yet taking God seriously!” ~Jesus
How am I doing with my faith and belief in God and Jesus? Am I taking God seriously? Confidence in …
“Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the religious elites, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” ~Jesus
Jesus continues His manifesto. I have a lot to learn here. Jesus is being clear, as He always is. This …
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” ~Jesus
The Jesus Manifesto continues with Jesus laying out for me what I need to be like in this world. I …
“If any of you wants to serve me, then accompany me.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants me to accompany him. Jesus wants me to go where He has gone and is going. Jesus wants …
“This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” ~God
What does God want from me? Listen to His Son Jesus. It is a simple and straightforward challenge. God didn’t …
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles. ” ~King Solomon
I don’t like to get in trouble. I do even though I don’t like it. Usually it is something I’ve …
“Get ready for trouble.” ~Jesus
There is a time to get prepared. That time is when trouble is on the way. I must listen and …
“I have not come to call the righteous but those who miss God’s goal to radically change their thinking.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me to radically change my way of thinking. Repentance (the original Greek means radically changing my thinking) is of central …
“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” ~Apostle Paul
I shouldn’t let my faith go on cruise control. The Apostle Paul urges disciples of Jesus to examine themselves. I …
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” ~Jesus
Jesus has just finished talking about not judging and hypocrisy in the Jesus Manifesto. At first sight and hearing, this is …
“So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” ~James
James warns me about the danger. What I say can ignite a fire. I have seen it. It isn’t pretty. …
“I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” ~Apostle Paul
Self-control is an issue of my heart. I must not be wishy-washy in my resolve. I must excerpt control of my …
“What do you make of this?” ~Jesus
Jesus wants to know. Jesus has a question. What do I make of this? Do I understand? Am I listening? …
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.” ~Jesus
God has a goal in mind for me. It could bring me into conflict with those I love most. Betrayal …
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” ~Apostle Paul
Should I renounce anger? Yes! Jesus does not exhort me to get angry, as if anger were a good motivator or energy for …
“Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse.” ~King Solomon
There is a natural set of consequences for angry people. There is a backlash. Something very real is going to …
“Then there’s only one thing left to do: Sell everything you own and give it away to the poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ~Jesus
Where is my treasure? What is important to me? Is Jesus my Master? Jesus told us to “store up for …
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life.” ~Jesus
There are a lot of details to life. What to eat. What to wear. Which way to drive to work. …
“Do you understand what you are reading?” ~Philip
I need wisdom. I need understanding. Wisdom and understanding is a God-given perception. God’s goal for me is to be wise …
“Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.” ~King Solomon
Scripture portrays fools as those who have rejected God and/or his ways and are unable or unwilling to appreciate the …
“You have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness.” ~Jesus
How is God’s justice declared? Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” Justice is …
“My time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune.” ~Jesus
Jesus the Messiah’s life was lived under the shadow of the cross. He was concerned that people should understand his …
“Woe to you … ” ~Jesus
Jesus is upset. Jesus is upset with the elite religious leaders of the day. Jesus hasn’t gotten over it. I …
“We don’t want the crowds up in arms” ~Religious Leaders
The religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus. They would. The religious elites just didn’t want people to be upset about …
“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and — good-bye, friend!” ~King Solomon
Friendship is an amazing experience. It also can be a fragile relationship. Am I looking at the good in my …
“A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” ~Jesus
Jesus is beginning to wrap up His manifesto. Jesus changed his brief metaphor from sheep and wolves to trees and …
“No one is going to eat fruit from you again—ever!” ~Jesus
Why in the world would Jesus curse the fig tree? What was He up to? This happened during the week …
“Whether few or many is none of your business. Put your mind on your life with God.” ~Jesus
It is none of my business. That is the stunning message from Jesus that He wants me to know. I …
“Make sure I’m fit inside and out so I never lose sight of your love, but keep in step with you, never missing a beat.” ~King David
God has given me a goal. I need to keep in step with Jesus. Jesus kept on track. Jesus does …
“A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.” ~King Solomon
Here is something for me to assess. Am I being pretentious? Am I pretending and showing off what I have …
“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.” ~Jesus
I am thinking this part of the Jesus Manifesto has been ripped out of most Evangelical and Protestant bibles. I …
“Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.” ~Jesus
Greed is very insidious. It creeps into my life and I don’t recognize it at all some days. I have …
“Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why?” ~Jesus
Jesus has some goals in mind for me. Jesus is clear what they are. Jesus warns me that there will …
“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” ~Jesus
The backdrop to this is the feeding of the five thousand. It is a truly stunning miracle. Jesus was moved …
“Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again.” ~Jesus
Jesus is very clear and straightforward. I don’t know why it stumps so many “Christians”, the government and homeless nonprofits, …
“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” ~Jesus
Jesus warns us in Matthew 7 where we hear Him say “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s …
“The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words.” ~King Solomon
We all know people who have something to say about everything. Is this me? Is this you? Think about it. …
“The one who listens to you, listens to me. The one who rejects you, rejects me. And rejecting me is the same as rejecting God, who sent me.” ~Jesus
What am I to do? It all starts with listening. From there, as a follower of Jesus, I am to …
“Who here qualifies for the job of overseeing the kitchen? A person the Master can depend on to feed the workers on time each day.” ~Jesus
Can Jesus depend on me? There have been many times where He couldn’t. I didn’t step up to the plate, …
“Happy are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” ~Jesus
“Happy (aka Blessed) are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” ~Jesus Source: Matthew 5:9 (NASB) Jesus continues on with his …
“Jesus told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt.” ~Luke
Jesus told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: “Two men went up …
“Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion.” ~King Solomon
Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, …
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” ~Jesus
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Enter …
“These are some of the signs that will accompany believers.” ~Jesus
Still later, as the Eleven were eating supper, he appeared and took them to task most severely for their stubborn …
“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.” ~Jesus
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and …
“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” ~Jesus
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a …
“But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full.” ~Jesus
Then Jesus looked up at his disciples and said: “Happy are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom …
“Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self.” ~Jesus
Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me …
“It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.” ~Jesus
“When the ten others heard about this, they lost their tempers, thoroughly disgusted with the two brothers. So Jesus got …
“Self-help is no help at all.” ~Jesus
Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me …
“Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career.” ~King Solomon
Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career. For Wisdom is better than all the …
“Why be exploited by those who care nothing for you?” ~King Solomon
It is helpful to know that some people really don’t care for me. In fact, they care nothing at all. …
“Haven’t you read in your Bible that the Creator originally made man and woman for each other, male and female?” ~Jesus
Jesus is put out with the Pharisees. Jesus points them and us to the Bible. I’m afraid our church leaders …
“Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” ~Jesus
Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. | Matthew 5:4 (ESV) Jesus is ushering in the Kingdom of …
“God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start.” ~King David
What is my role in all this? God doesn’t invade my body and make me change my mind. That isn’t …
“For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” ~Jesus
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. “Enter …
“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
Am I clever? I like to think I am some days. So did the Sadducess (Religious Leaders). They thought they …
“This cup is the new covenant written in my blood, blood poured out for you.” ~Jesus
Jesus did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant written in my blood, …
“Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible.” ~Apostle John
John nails it, as always. John knows it is all about love. How many times does he remind me? Constantly. …
“Don’t run from suffering; embrace it.” ~Jesus
Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me …
“If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a happy (blessed) life.” ~Jesus
What is God’s goal for me? My job is to be a servant of God. That is it. There is …
“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
Who’s way should I seek? King David knows it is God’s way and not his way. Jesus challenges me to …
“Keep a sharp eye out for the yeast of Religious Leaders.” ~Jesus
It is only one slight difference in an ingredient in breads. A tortilla or cracker is remarkable different from San …
“The kingdom of God doesn’t come by counting the days on the calendar.” ~Jesus
When will God’s country (aka the kingdom) come? That was and is the big question. The Messiah (the Anointed One) …
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” ~Martin Luther King, Jr. It is all …
“But don’t resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.” ~King Solomon
God has a goal for me. Primarily God wants me to grow up and not be a child my whole …
“What a generation! No sense of God! No focus to your lives! How many times do I have to go over these things?” ~Jesus
Jesus is teaching us. He has given us the power of his Holy Spirit. What a gift. What a God …
“Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear about what is important. It is not about being a leader. It is not about who sits …
“Listen carefully.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me to listen. Frequently he commands that if I have ears then I should be able to hear. …
‘TWEEN GOD AND ME – Coat
Originally posted on Sweet aroma:
“Ooh, she looks cold,” I thought as I drove past the girl sitting on the bus…
“God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list?” ~King David
King David asks God a great question. David talks with God all the time and he asks God a lot …
“Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” ~Jesus
It is a challenge. I see the homeless. Do I give them some money? Won’t they just use it to …
“Are you being willfully stupid?” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. Jesus doesn’t pull any punches. Yet, I say “I don’t get it.” Really? I don’t get it? …
New Year’s Resolution: I will live the radical life Jesus called me to live
I have made lots of New Year’s resolutions in the past. Most of them, in hindsight, seem pretty frivolous and …
“Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother’s knee.” ~King Solomon
It seems basic but I know grown adults who don’t pay a bit of attention said growing up or have …
Panic over money is greed’s cousin. Am I content with what I have?
Panic over money is greed’s cousin. I have panicked. I don’t know what to do. Am I content with what …
“Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!” ~King Lemuel
Jesus challenges me to speak up for others. There are those who have no voice. There are those who are …
“You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn’t been given to them.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants me to hear his message of good news (aka the gospel). Jesus does everything he can to create …
“If you’re dumb enough to call attention to yourself by offending people and making rude gestures, don’t be surprised if someone bloodies your nose.” ~Agur Ben Yakeh
There is wisdom and there is stupidity. God is kind enough to alert me to both. Putting others down and …
“Listen. What do you make of this?” ~Jesus
Jesus has lots of questions for me. Jesus wants to know what I think and where I am on my …
“Is it permitted to heal on the Sabbath? Yes or no?” ~Jesus
We have to keep the rules (law). That is what religious leaders believe. I believe it way to much myself. …
“Whether it’s right in God’s eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. As for us, there’s no question—we can’t keep quiet about what we’ve seen and heard.” ~Apostle Peter
Jesus has ascended to sit at the right hand of God. The power of the Holy Spirit has descended on …
“You took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague.” ~~Jesus
You have suffered a condition of hemorrhaging for twelve years—a long succession of physicians have treated you. Your treatment hasn’t …
“No one can escape the weather—it’s there. And no one can escape from God.” ~Elihu to Job
Elihu has been on a rant for several chapters now. Job’s friends take turns (and delight) in berating Job. He …
“I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. There will be a day of judgement. We may prefer to believe it isn’t true but it …
“These very tasks, as I go about completing them, confirm that the Father, in fact, sent me.” ~Jesus
Jesus is on a mission. His Father has given Him very specific tasks to complete as a part of God’s …
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” ~Jesus
Jesus experienced the ultimate. Jesus took on the penalty for our missing God’s goal (i.e. sin). Jesus died for our …
“Don’t respond to the stupidity of a fool; you’ll only look foolish yourself.” ~King Solomon
We all know foolish people. We see them every day on TV or at work. Everyone really knows they are …
“Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear with his directions to me. I must take them seriously. I don’t think Jesus wants to be …
“Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.” ~King Solomon
This is a very common theme that leads to wisdom. So follow the thread from Solomon to Jesus to Paul …
“Bad work gets paid with a bad check; good work gets solid pay.” ~King Solomon
Our focus for work in God’s world is to work as if we are working for God. That is good …
“Here’s what I’m saying: Ask and you’ll get; seek and you’ll find; knock and the door will open.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear about the need for persistence. On many occasions, he teaches us and challenges us. Jesus wants me …
“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
Relax, God is in control. I keep hearing that from our Father. He promised a rest. That is His goal …
“But if anyone does miss God’s goal (sins), we have a Priest-Friend in the presence of the Father: Jesus the Messiah, righteous Jesus.” ~Apostle John
God has a goal for me and for you. He has one today. Will I hit the mark? Will I …
“Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life.” ~Jesus
Jesus had one last thing to say before he ascended into heaven to be in charge of God’s country. Jesus …
“I sent you to harvest a field you never worked.” ~Jesus
Jesus knows how to bring the harvest in. He gives me some clear guidelines on how it is going to …
“In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.” ~Henry Wadsworth
Jesus challenges me live a simple life. Today is the day to focus on what God wants me to do. …
“Whoever makes deals with strangers is sure to get burned; if you keep a cool head, you’ll avoid rash bargains.” ~~King Solomon
Now here is some good advice. King Solomon knows about wisdom. Before doing business, we ought to take some time …
