“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” ~Jesus
The Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5-7) continues with Jesus teaching us how to pray. I must learn how to forgive. How …
Category Archives: God’s Goal
“We have a great deal to say about this, and it is difficult to explain, since you have become too lazy to understand.” ~Author of Hebrews
Uh oh! Am I too lazy to learn? This is something to take seriously. Learning is a lot of work. …
“It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’ ” ~Jesus
I want life. It is important. I know it is. How will I get life? Our Master’s experience of temptation …
“And many others who were supporting them (Jesus and the disciples) from their possessions.” ~Luke
I have an obligation to support ministries that are spreading the good news of Jesus and making disciples. I don’t …
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him.” ~Jesus
I will admit it. I have evil desires. There is evil in my heart. Evil is a lack of goodness. …
“Intelligent children listen to their parents; foolish children do their own thing.” ~King Solomon
I learned this the hard way with my dad. There was a period of time I thought he was an …
“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus calls on me to love. That requires that I do good deeds. We not only share God’s grace, but …
“Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders?” ~Religious elites
I think I underestimate how much of a legalist I am. Let’s add to that a pious religious elitist. It …
“Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have.” ~Author of Hebrews
We live in a extremely materialist culture. Money has become an idol and much is measured by how much of …
“Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear in that He says, “whenever you fast …” It seems like Jesus expected we would. Scripture does …
“Since the promise to enter God’s rest remains, let us beware that none of you be found to have fallen short.” ~Author of Hebrews
I don’t want to fall short. I have received the good news. I have received a promise from Jesus that …
“Hard times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, … lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people.” ~Apostle Paul
I have to be careful. Materialistic seduction can happen. I live in America and that is clear. If materialism was …
“Better to be poor and honest than a rich person no one can trust.” ~King Solomon
The pursuit of possessions and wealth and a preoccupation with physical things is futile and dissatisfying. Materialism is defined as “the …
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” ~Apostle Paul
The secret to unity begins with how I view myself within the body of Jesus and how I view others. …
“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 …
“Then Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” ~Luke
Insight is the spiritual quality that enables a person to appreciate God’s mind and will in matters of behavior, truth …
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” ~Apostle Paul
My speech has an enormous influence for good or ill and is a sure guide to character. The power of …
“How can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elements? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?” Apostle Paul
Will I turn my back on grace and return to religious rules, regulations and a legalistic culture? What will happen …
“Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. I am to ask. He says, ask and you will receive. I am to ask in His …
“About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way.” ~Luke
Am I a follower of the Way of Jesus? Do I see myself as a follower of the Way, a …
“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” ~Apostle John
The simple answer is because God says so. That is it. It is that simple. Jesus commands that I must …
“The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” ~Jesus
I get how difficult it is to predict where the wind is going to blow. I live in Texas and …
“Pray for those who persecute you.” ~Jesus
I can trust God. While others may betray me, God will not. God is to be trusted. Now that is …
“Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” ~Jesus
The Bible acknowledges the fact of homelessness and instructs us to help those who are poor and needy, including those …
“There are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the good news of the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
I must be careful. It is easy to get confused and stumble around. I have been brought out of slavery …
“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: … strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, and anything similar. I am warning you that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” ~Apostle Paul
I get jealous. I get angry. One can lead to the other. The parable of the prodigal son is a …
“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” ~Jeremiah
Jesus challenges me to be faithful. Loyalty and commitment within human relationships is important in the life of God’s people. …
“John the Baptizer went into all the vicinity of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of changing our mind for the forgiveness of missing God’s goal” ~Luke
John is on the move. He is covering all the territory. John has a message for me. I need to …
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” ~Jesus
Jesus warns us in the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7) where we hear Him say “Beware of the false prophets, who come …
“We also exult in God through our Master Jesus the Messiah, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” ~Apostle Paul
When we accept Jesus as our Master and commit to be a disciple, we are ecstatic. Joy is ours beyond …
“Their perverse minds are always cooking up something nasty, always stirring up trouble.” ~King Solomon
I deal with a lot of atheists and skeptics online. I see this play out daily. There is a duplicitousness …
Do friends help restore believers when they miss God’s goal for their lives?
Our friends in Jesus are amazing. We are to look out for our brothers and sisters. Paul presents a hypothetical …
What does the scripture say about giving directly to the needy?
There is no doubt that poverty’s reach is both widespread and devastating. God’s people cannot be indifferent toward those in …
“Let the senior among you become like the junior; let the leader act the part of the servant.” ~Jesus
It starts with an argument. Who is going to be the greatest. They were sincere. They all thought they would …
“Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” ~Apostle Paul
God is patient with sinners. Jesus perfectly models that for me. Jesus is my example. Jesus shows me the way. …
“To the pure, all things are pure.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus challenges me. “Happy are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” To the pure, all things are …
“I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” ~Jesus
Full disclosure. I have been divorced and have remarried. Jesus has some very clear instructions on marriage and divorce. This …
“Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images . . .” ~Apostle Paul
I want wisdom. It is important to my daily walk with Jesus. I am called to be a learner (aka …
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private.” ~Jesus
There was a pastor who became involved immorally with a married woman in his congregation. They each divorced their respective …
“Looking away from all that will distract us and focusing our eyes on Jesus, the One who brings our faith to maturity, who for the joy of accomplishing the goal set before Him endured the cross.” ~Author of Hebrews
I want joy in my life. I can have it by focusing on Jesus. Jesus brings my faith to completion …
“You’re not listening. Let me say it again.” ~Jesus
I am like Nicodemus. Jesus wants me to understand something but I’m not quite getting it. Jesus is patient. Jesus …
“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 …
“Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father.” ~Apostle Paul
Old age is generally held in honor and the aged in society are to be respected. Because of the wisdom …
“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” ~Apostle Peter
I want grace in my life. I imagine you do as well. Peter gives us the key. The road to …
“Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him.” ~Jesus
There is a dual message here. I am not to lead astray the little ones in the Way of discipleship. …
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.” ~Author of Hebrews
It is time for me to get on with it. I have a race to run. I need to be …
“Leaders can’t afford to make fools of themselves, gulping wine and swilling beer.” ~King Lemuel
Here is great advice. Don’t get drunk. There is no good that comes from it. Leaders need a clear and …
“You can be sure that wherever in the whole world the Message is preached, what she has just done is going to be remembered and admired.” ~Jesus
Why do I give others a hard time? Why do I get furious with them? What have they done to …
“I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” ~Jesus
Jesus has a real focus. Jesus is going to do what God wants Him to. I need to get the …
“Whatever he tells you, do it.” ~Mary, mother of Jesus
Mary gives the servants at the wedding some good advise. I must listen as well. Notice that is is unqualified …
“You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day.” ~King David
I am constantly on the lookout for tornadoes. I live in tornado alley. I used to live in the northeast …
“The rich man also died and was buried. In hell and in torment, he looked up.” ~Jesus
Do the rich automatically go to hell when they die? What about the story of Jesus about the rich man …
How do we show love for God?
Is love optional? Yes, I get to decide whether to love or not. So do you. We all do. I …
“I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” ~Jesus
I get angry. I say things I shouldn’t and clearly regret later on. I say them though. It isn’t pretty. …
“For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” ~James
I must believe. I must also act on my believe. I don’t get to say “Jesus has saved me” and …
“They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross.” ~Apostle John
Jesus paid it all for me. Jesus died a horrible death on the cross. Jesus calls on me to join …
“My lovingkindness I will keep for him forever, and My covenant shall be confirmed to him.” ~King David
God is loyal. God is faithful. That is just who God is. It is His very nature. When God says …
“When I wept in my soul with fasting, It became my reproach.” ~King David
The purpose of fasting should be to take my eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on …
“For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and God.” ~Apostle Paul
I covet what other people have like their house or their car, their job or anything that a neighbor has. …
“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 …
“When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans.” ~King Solomon
The issue here, relative to “good people”, is one of righteousness. Do we have righteous people in charge? The contrast …
“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches.” ~Apostle Paul
I must come to a basic understanding about wealth. Jesus is challenging me. So is the Apostle Paul. Riches are …
“Speak, for Your servant is listening.” ~Samuel to God
What does Jesus want from me? Jesus wants me to listen. Jesus wants me to be a good and faithful servant. …
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
There is much to be said about self denial and the scripture repeats this theme over and over. Jesus is clear. The Apostles …
“The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” ~Apostle John
Now this is stunning news. If I practice missing God’s goal (aka sin) then I am of the devil. Jesus …
“Then what do you want me to do with the one you call the King of the Jews?”” ~Pilate
It is a stunning question. How will I answer? It could be asked of me. I am in the crowd. …
“Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to all creation.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. Jesus has a mission for me and for all of us who are disciples. We are to …
“And now, Master, take note of their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your word with all confidence.” ~Apostle Peter
There is no doubt that persecution is a stark reality of living for a disciple of Jesus. For a disciple …
“I do exactly as the Father commanded Me.” ~Jesus
Jesus commands me to love. Jesus owns me. I am His slave. My job is to do what I am …
“Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. I am to be a servant. Jesus shows me the way. Jesus made himself a slave of …
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” ~Jesus
Jesus continues His manifesto. I have a lot to learn here. Jesus is being clear, as He always is. …
“Please, not what I want — what do you want?” ~Jesus to God
Jesus knows what is coming. Jesus knows the the agony, not only of the crucifixion, but also the burden of …
“Mum’s the word!” ~King David
David knows. God has given him wisdom. Being quiet and not saying what I am thinking is a good course …
“We no more give honors to fools than pray for snow in summer or rain during harvest.” ~King Solomon
God wants me to be wise. God wants me to understand that He is God. I am not. God is …
“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 …
“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 …
