“Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” ~Jesus
I want to believe. I need to believe. I do believe. Master Jesus, help my unbelief. Jesus is the King …
Category Archives: God’s Goal
“The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind — just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us.” ~Jesus
God has a goal for all of us who are disciples of Jesus. Jesus wants us to live in unity. …
“Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.” ~Apostle Paul
As a disciple of Jesus, I have accepted Truth, not just as a concept, but as a Person. Jesus said, “I …
“My house was designated a house of prayer; you have made it a hangout for thieves.” ~Jesus
Jesus went to the temple after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on palm Sunday. The ecstacy of that moment to …
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus has a goal for me. It is to be a peacemaker. Peacemaking is a big goal given to us …
“If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions.” ~Apostle Paul
It is a good thing to want to be a leader in the assembly (church) that is called out of …
“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and meekness.” ~Apostle Paul
God has a goal for me. Jesus calls on me to be gentle and meek. I am to be humble. …
“The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, and a wise friend’s timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.” ~King Solomon
We need friends but we need wise friends that we can count on to say the right thing at the …
“You’re almost there, right on the border of God’s kingdom.” ~Jesus
The religious elites of the Jewish faith were constantly trying to trap Jesus. One asked “Which is most important of all …
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus does not exhort me to get angry, as if this is anger were a good motivator or energy for positive action. …
“Get insurance with God and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last. Keep company with God, get in on the best.” ~King David
It is a wise thing to “do good”. I know that “good works” won’t save me. Only the redemptive act …
“Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.” ~Jesus
Jesus is challenging me. This is tough. Am I willing to give up everything, including my life for King Jesus? …
“It’s better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day.” ~King Solomon
There is a better way. What? Yes, God shows us. It is a God thing. It is called wisdom. It …
“You are the light of the world.” ~Jesus
Jesus makes a declaration about His followers in the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). We are the light of …
“Have an attitude of humility being neither arrogant nor self-righteous regard others as more important than yourselves.” ~Apostle Paul
God calls on me to respect others, placing them as more important than I am. Jesus is very clear about …
“You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken.” ~Jesus
Jesus is the true source of everything I am or have. Jesus is the real vine. My role is to …
“Do you have any idea how difficult it is for the rich to enter God’s kingdom?” ~Jesus
Jesus, as always, asks a very penetrating question. The “rich young ruler” had just turned and left. He was very …
“Silence!” ~Jesus
One word. Jesus rebukes the storm. Jesus is in the power of the Holy Spirit, as the Son of God. …
“If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey you.” ~Jesus
Faith is not something I conjure up on my own, nor is it something I am born with. Faith is …
“In all things God may be glorified through Jesus the Messiah, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever.” ~Apostle Peter
God’s glory is to be my highest motive. God wants me to know that He sees what no one else …
Purity – Are God’s people to live pure lives?
Jesus challenges me. “Happy are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Clearly, I am to be pure. …
“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.” ~Jesus
I am concerned and worry about lots of things. One of them is how am I doing compared to others. …
“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 …
“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 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 …
