“We saw it, we heard it, and now we’re telling you so you can experience it along with us.” ~Apostle John

Tags

1 John 1, Apostle John Sayings, Communion, Jesus, Messiah, Sync

John was one motivated man of God. He saw first hand the unique relationship Jesus had with God.

• Jesus and God were perfectly in sync. Never ever out of touch at all. Jesus always hit the mark, doing what He saw His Father doing, saying what He heard His Father saying. Union and communion of the highest order.
• The promise is that I can enjoy the same relationship with God as well. Jesus has made it all possible. I can enjoy that same communion too.
• This is God’s goal for us. Unity with Him and those who love Him. The fruit of communion with Jesus is joy. Wow!

“We saw it, we heard it, and now we’re telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus the Messiah. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy!” ~Apostle John

Source: 1 John 1:3-4

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“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself!” ~King Solomon

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, King Solomon, Money, Wealth, Wise Sayings

I have a goal. I have a plan. I have dreams. They involve money.

What does wisdom say about that?

• What is my goal for wealth? I am overwhelmed with messages about wealth and retirement. They are everywhere I turn. Jesus says “Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can’t go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bankrobbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” (Luke 12:33-34)
• Am I willing to wear myself out to get it? Trying to get wealthy will wear me out. There just enough hours in the day and there is always more to do.
• Do I understand that wealth is fleeting? Jesus says “Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
• What is God’s goal? God’s goal for me is focus on Jesus and being a good citizen of the Kingdom of God. God wants me to love. God wants me to use my money to be generous to others.

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich;
    restrain yourself!
Riches disappear in the blink of an eye;
    wealth sprouts wings
    and flies off into the wild blue yonder.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 23:4-5

Money

“All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!” ~Jesus

Tags

Giving, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 21, Money

Jesus is looking. Jesus is going to challenge me. Am I ready?

• What will I give? Jesus is looking. Jesus knows what is going on. His message to me will be on target. No general suppositions on his part.
• Will I give a little? It isn’t that difficult to give. In America, in particular, we have a culture of philanthropy and giving. It is safe to assume it will only be a little of what I can afford. I could do more. I could do a lot more!
• Will I give it all? Will I give when I can’t afford it? That is the question today. Jesus has something he wants me to do. Will I do it?

Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!”

Source: Luke 21:1-4

“It is hard to get it across to you since you’ve picked up this bad habit of not listening.” ~Author of Hebrews

Tags

Habit, Hebrews 5, Jesus, Listen, Mature

Am I mature in God’s ways? Am I eating solid food? Can I teach others what God is saying and doing today?

• Am I being intentionally difficult? Do I have a bad habit? Will I choose to be mature?
• I can teach others if I cultivate the habit of listening to God. I can be of help if I learn from what I am hearing.
• Being able to distinguish what is right is something I must practice. It doesn’t come easy but it produces growth for me and my family.
• God’s goal for us is to be mature. We should be wise enough to be able to teach others. Will we have the discipline to learn what God is doing in our lives and to learn the lesson God has in mind for us? Will we break the bad habit of not listening.
• My mantra should be “Listen to God and learn”.

I want to be mature. May I listen and learn.

“I have a lot more to say about this, but it is hard to get it across to you since you’ve picked up this bad habit of not listening. By this time you ought to be teachers yourselves, yet here I find you need someone to sit down with you and go over the basics on God again, starting from square one—baby’s milk, when you should have been on solid food long ago! Milk is for beginners, inexperienced in God’s ways; solid food is for the mature, who have some practice in telling right from wrong.”

Source: Hebrews 5:11-14

“So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith.” ~Apostle Peter

Tags

2 Peter 1, Affection, Character, Discipline, Faith, Jesus, Knowledge, Love, Patience, Wonder

In God’s world, He wants me to be mature in my faith. I must focus on building not standing still and admiring what has already been built.

• There are certain building blocks, where the focus leads from one to another. Am I building on them every day?
• My time and attention needs to be on God’s goal for me. Jesus has given me a list of goal areas to plan around. Jesus challenges me to grow and not stagnate.
• Jesus has also empowered me with the Holy Spirit to help me become mature. I can’t do it on my own. It is all about Jesus.
• Faith alone isn’t enough. I  must build on the foundation of faith daily. Faith, on its on, isn’t enough for maturity.

“So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can’t see what’s right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.” ~Apostle Peter

Source: 2 Peter 1:5-8 (The Message)

Here is the list of the seven to focus on, building on our foundation of faith:

1. Good character, virtue and excellence
2. Knowledge and spiritual understanding
3. Discipline and self-control
4. Passionate patience and steadfastness
5. Reverent wonder and godliness
6. Brotherly affection and friendliness
7. Generous love

 

“Moral character makes for smooth traveling; an evil life is a hard life.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Character, Jesus, King Solomon, Moral, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

My dad was a very wise man.

• My dad always said it is easier to tell the truth than to lie. His logic was that a liar has to remember who he said what to and that is tough to do. Eventually you will get caught. He had a point. He was a wise man.
• We can choose a hard life where we completely miss God’s goal for our life. It is in fact an evil life. It is a hard life. If is not the life God has in mind for us.
• The easiest life to live is the right life, the moral life. God gives us the power as a part of His new plan for us. Jesus shows us the way. God’s goal for us is that we are pure, just like Jesus is pure. We are to be holy.
• What is God’s goal for me? Jesus challenges me to live a moral life. Anything else is an evil life. It is easier to live the moral life. It is uncomplicated and very simple in its approach. My goal is to love. That is it!

“Moral character makes for smooth traveling; an evil life is a hard life.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:5)

Is it an interruption? Or is it God? Am I focused on the plan or the planner Jesus?

Tags

Interruption, Jesus, Plan, Planner

Is it an interruption? Or is it God?

• Is it an interruption? I live in in a world where I see much of what happens as an interruption. Why do I think that way? I have a plan. That is plain and simple.
• Whose plan is it? I have plans for my time. Life is scheduled out very precisely. It is clearly my plan and not God’s. I didn’t even ask him much less listen.
• An “interruption” comes. But is it? God has a goal for me. I need to be focused on what Jesus wants me to do right now. Forget the plan, God has action he wants me to take today.
• What if it is God wanting me to show His love to an employee in need? What if God wants us to spend some time with our family? What if God wants us to give some money to the homeless person?

Have I been too focused on the PLAN and not the PLANNER Jesus?

Different question with an amazingly different answer.

May God help me see Him in the moment.

“Don’t think that you can be wise merely by being up-to-date with the times. Be God’s fool—that’s the path to true wisdom.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

1 Corinthians 3, Apostle Paul Sayings, Fool, Jesus, Smart, Wisdom

Do I think I am wise by being up-to-date with the times?  If I do, I am being very foolish. That doesn’t mean anything to God.

• Am I fooling myself? It is highly likely I am. Being up to date doesn’t make me wise. I am being lulled into thinking otherwise.
• Is this a good thing? I really enjoy my “news reader” on the internet. I keep up with 100’s of stuff (feeds) a day. I am on Facebook, Twitter, Yammer, LinkedIn, email, etc. I am hyper-connected.
• Does this make us wise? Others follow the news on TV or radio all the time. We all have our versions of how we keep up. We can be up to date in real time. “Breaking news”!! We can know so much. If we think that makes us wise, we are in for a rude awakening. Such thinking is actually foolish. God’s ways are different.
• What is God’s goal for me? God wants me to be his fool. Seriously. How much time do I spend connected to Jesus and what Jesus is thinking? Really, compared to my connections to this world, how much time do I  spend connected to His world? God’s goal for us is that we should be wise. His wisdom, manifest through us, is all that matters.

“Don’t fool yourself. Don’t think that you can be wise merely by being up-to-date with the times. Be God’s fool—that’s the path to true wisdom. What the world calls smart, God calls stupid. It’s written in Scripture, He exposes the chicanery of the chic.  The Master sees through the smoke screens of the know-it-alls.” ~Apostle Paul

Source: 1 Corinthians 3:18-20

 May I connect with Him and know what He is thinking.

“Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.” ~King David

Tags

Insight, King David, Peace, Psalm 34, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

We are asked to stand in awe of our mighty God. He is God. And there is a promise.

• Why is this important? If we stand in awe of God, we will lack nothing. Now this also requires that I go after Jesus. He is available to me but I have to go after Jesus. No sitting around and waiting. Jesus would go off and spend time by himself hearing and seeing what His Father was up to. Hearing and seeing what God wanted to happen. I need to seek Jesus out. He is good. He wants to be found.
• What is God’s goal? We can also be taught how to stand in awe of Him. There are those people of God around us that have insight for us. They have prophetic words for me. They have words of wisdom for me. They see the way and can guide me. God has a goal for me. It starts with standing in awe of Him. He is God. He then wants us to seek Him. Then it moves to us teaching our family about God. We must speak the truth about God and we must seek peace.
• What should I do? I need to tell the truth about the Messiah Jesus and His ways. Opportunities abound. The harvest of souls is ready. The worst lie is the unspoken truth about God being God, good and great. Opportunities abound!!! I should seek peace. It is mine if I pursue it. 

Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 

~~Psalm 34:9-14

 

“Do you think you’re about to be promoted to heaven? Think again. You’re on a mudslide to hell.” ~~Jesus

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Listen, Luke 10

Jesus spent a lot of time in the town of Capernaum. In speaking of them, He is direct in letting them know what is going on.

• I think the message is to be careful. Being the center of healings and a spiritual movement doesn’t guarantee anything. It is all about our relationship with God and with others.
• What is our goal? The goal is to follow Jesus, love God and love everyone else we meet or know. That is it.
• Our first order of business is to make sure we are listening to God and focused on His goal for our life. This is about obedience to God’s goal for our life. God is God. God is in control. It is only about Jesus and what he wants.

“Do you think you’re about to be promoted to heaven? Think again. You’re on a mudslide to hell. 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

(Luke 10:15 The Message)

 

“God not only knows what he’s thinking, but he lets us in on it.” ~~Apostle Paul

Tags

1 Corinthians 2, Apostle Paul Sayings, Jesus, Thoughts

We know what we are thinking. We do it every minute of our waking hours. A steady stream of thoughts.

• Most of the time no one else has a clue what we are thinking. We are mystery to others including those we are closest to.
• That is the same with God with one huge difference. God knows what He is thinking BUT He lets us in on it. He doesn’t hide what He is thinking from us.  We have Good News from Him all the time if we listen. He has a plan. He is revealing it to us every day. 
• How amazing that God loves us so much that He lets us in on what He is thinking, what He wants to do and how He wants to do it. Jesus, the Messiah, has a goal for us. God is going to let us in on it.

May we know it and do it.

Who ever knows what you’re thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he’s thinking, but he lets us in on it.” ~~Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 2)

“Don’t hang out with angry people; don’t keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious— don’t get infected.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Anger, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 22, Temper, Wise Sayings

Wisdom is challenging. It sounds great but it isn’t easy to do. This advice about anger and bad tempers is important. God has a goal for me. It is to pleasant, meek and to encourage others.

• I get to chose who I hang out with. It is important to ignore angry people. I will get infected. It’s a fact!
• Do I have a “bad temper”? We all get angry and have a temper. How frequent is it? Do I have a bad temper? Am I always angry? Something to think about.
• What is the consequence? A bad temper is contagious. Others around us, our family and friends, all can get infected.

“Don’t hang out with angry people;
don’t keep company with hotheads.
Bad temper is contagious—
don’t get infected” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 22:25

Anger

“Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Forget, Forgiveness, God Thoughts, God's Goal, Jesus, Proverbs 11, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Man, this is tough. Now Solomon was an amazingly wise man. So this is good advice.

Here are three steps. It is interesting in that Solomon links not reacting with forgiving and forgetting.

• Don’t react and say it. Just “hold my tongue”.
• BU. Whether what they say is true or not, I can forgive what they say.
• Forget. It is much easier to not react if it is the “first time” someone says something we don’t like. Forgetting makes that happen.

“Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.” ~King Solomon

Source: Solomon (Proverbs 11)

May I hold my tongue. Really Lord.

Help me. Make me smart. Amen.

“Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, Encouragement, Ephesians 6, God's Word, Jesus, Prayer, Spiritual Weapons

The Apostle Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Ephesians. There are many things we need to do. He has a good summary for me.

• Use every weapon Jesus has given us. We have a lot at our disposal. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation must be applied in my life.
• God’s word is a great weapon. This is his living word and his written word. I can use it against my enemy, the evil one.
• Prayer is not to be ignored. When I am faced with evil, I can talk with God and he will hear me.
• Finally, I am to encourage my brothers and sisters in the Master Jesus. I am to help keep their spirits up.

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Source: Ephesians 6:13-18

“I don’t suffer fools gladly—and you’ve acted the fool!” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 19, Standards, Trust, Wisdom

Uh oh! This isn’t good. Jesus tells a great story about different gifts given to different servants. One utterly failed. What can I learn from this?

• Jesus has trusted me with a little or a lot. Jesus has given me a gift and expects me to make the most of it.
• Jesus has high standards. Jesus doesn’t change his expectations for me because I didn’t get as much as others. Jesus expects me to be responsible.
• I can choose to be wise. It is my choice what I do with what Jesus has given me. I am not a victim.

“You put us in charge of your handcrafted world.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, God's Goal, Jesus, King David, Psalm 8, Wise Sayings

King David has some great insight into God’s goal for us.

• God is God and God made this world. This isn’t our world, it is God’s. Everything starts with God.
• God put us in charge of the world he has created. We don’t automatically “inherit” things. It is God’s gift to us. It is my job to be responsible.
• Our job is to act on God’s goal for us. God has a plan for us. I must follow up on what God wants me to do.

“You put us in charge of your handcrafted world,
    repeated to us your Genesis-charge,
Made us lords of sheep and cattle,
    even animals out in the wild,
Birds flying and fish swimming,
    whales singing in the ocean deeps.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 8:5-8

“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

God is Good, God Thoughts, God's Goal, Jesus, Purpose, Romans 8

The Apostle Paul challenges to know a few things.

• God is at work in my life. He is in control. He is in charge. And everything He does for us, as a result of our love for Him, is for our good.
• God is in a great mood. He is always in a great mood. He is good to the core and has my best interests at the core of His heart.
• God has a purpose for me. It is my assignment not to question what is happening but to see God in it. What is His purpose for this circumstance right now? His heart is good. His love is pure. He is in a great mood.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” ~Apostle Paul

Source: Romans 8:28

 May we bask in God’s love and receive His purpose for our lives!

Francis Chan | Why I Left The Megachurch I Created! How will people recognize we are the disciples of Jesus?

Tags

Francis Chan, Jesus, Love, Mega-Church

Great story from Francis Chan on creating a mega-church and what led him to leave.

• Many times Jesus challenges us to leave it all behind. God bless those who listen and obey.
• Is it all really about the numbers and money? I think we know what Jesus thinks. It is really only about love.
• What is “the church” really all about? What difference does it make in our communities? God has a plan for the church. It isn’t about the numbers. The church is about love. Here is what Jesus says! “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” ~Jesus

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Luke 6, Obedience

Why? The words of Jesus haunt me. Why do I pretend that he is my Master and then not obey him?

As parents, we know the frustration of asking our children to do something, only to discover they have completely ignored us.

• Listen and do: You can almost hear the frustration in Jesus voice over the issue of listening and doing. This is key. It is useless to listen only. Obedience must follow.
• My mission is to love. That is it, plain and simple. I really don’t have any other job. That is God’s goal for me.
• Love lays a solid foundation for everything else in life. It will stand the test of time. It will earn my God’s favor.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.”

Source: Luke 6:46, 49

May I have a well built house. May I put into practice what Jesus says. God has a goal for me. My job is to believe, be obedient and have faith.

“Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” ~Jesus

Tags

Boldness, Courage, Fear, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 14

If Peter was anything, he was nothing but bold. But it seems that he was also always asking for more.

• When I have my eyes on our Master Jesus that is the way it is. Jesus wasn’t the only one to walk on water. Peter did too. He asked Jesus and Jesus said YES.
• Jesus had supernatural courage. He didn’t do anything but what he saw His Father doing. He had His eyes focused on God.
• AND we serve a bold God. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, everything was alright. It was only when he looked away from Jesus, saw the waves, did he get in trouble.

God has a goal for us.  Let’s be Bold, Fear not, Have Courage, and don’t be Anxious.

May I have more boldness and fearless confidence.

Water longs to be walked on again!

As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night. Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. 

At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus.

But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, ‘This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!’

Source: Matthew 14

“Talk to Wisdom as to a sister. Treat Insight as your companion.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Insight, King Solomon, Proverbs 7, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Here is the deal about wisdom. God has a goal for me. God wants me to be wise.

• I need to be on speaking terms with wisdom. Wisdom needs to be as close to me as family, like a sister to me.
• Insight, in addition to wisdom, is critical to my well being. Insight should be my closest friend, always with me.
• Wisdom and insight together should be my close companions. They go hand in hand like trusted friends and family. They compliment each other.

Talk to Wisdom as to a sister.
    Treat Insight as your companion.

Source: Proverbs 7:4

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” ~Jesus

Tags

God is Good, God's Plan, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 12, Obedience

What does it take to be a part of God’s family?

The answer is very straight forward. Jesus doesn’t hold anything back from me. His challenge to me is to do what God wants. Obedience is the core of everything in God’s world.

It is not about my plan. It is all about God’s plan. He has one. Will I obey it? Jesus challenges me to do so.

Now here is some VERY good news. God’s plan is simple and straightforward.

In this day of complicated programs and books, simplicity rocks. The kids even have it on a bracelet. WWJD. “What would Jesus do”?

God’s plan is for me to do what He has in mind for me. All the time. That puts me in the family of God. Good news for sure.

For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.  (Matthew 12:50)

“If you’re honest in small things, you’ll be honest in big things.” ~Jesus

Tags

Honesty, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 16

Jesus challenges me. I must pay attention to the small things in my life. They are important and they are the precursor to the big things.

I must be honest. That starts with the small things. I build up credibility and confidence by moving from the small things to bigger things.

I can’t get to home by skipping first base. 

“So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed?” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, Lazy, Proverbs 6, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Wisdom is very practical. Nothing is going to happy by lazing around. We all know it but are a few who actually do it. Amazing what they can get done.

Everything starts by first getting out of bed and up and running.

I’m trying to remember all those stories about Jesus sleeping in. Hmm … none come to mind.

“So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing?
    How long before you get out of bed?”

Source: Proverbs 6:9

“Death is the reward of an undisciplined life; your foolish decisions trap you in a dead end.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Discipline, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 5, Reap, Sow, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Jesus challenges me to be careful about the decisions I make. I must be disciplined in my approach to following Jesus.

I will reap what I sow. There is no way around that.

Jesus makes that clear to me. God’s goal for me is to be disciplined in my love. I must reject the foolish way.

“Death is the reward of an undisciplined life;
    your foolish decisions trap you in a dead end.” 

Source: Proverbs 5:23

“Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Heart, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 4, Vigilant, Wise Sayings

Heart’s Focus

Jesus challenges me to be vigilant. If I don’t pay attention, I will drift. Jesus has given me the way of wisdom. May I pay attention and not reject him.

I must watch over my heart. The main thing to pay attention to is my heart. From my heart comes what I think, what I say and what I do. It starts with my heart.

Life starts with my heart. It is easy to believe my heart isn’t important but it is the key. David knew it. Solomon knew it. Jesus focused on it and challenges me to pay attention.

David was known as a man after God’s own heart. May I learn enough to have that said of me. Now that is a real goal to have.

Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 4:23

"Invest yourself in everything you do. There’s fun in being serious." ~~John Coltrane

Tags

Fun, Jesus, John Coltrane, Serious

Jesus wants us to invest ourselves. I am to be “more than committed” to him and his way. I need supernatural courage and boldness. I must invest myself in Jesus.

It is always serious but it is also fun. It is pure joy to see what God can do. It makes me sing and dance. I laugh out loud.

Invest yourself in everything you do. There’s fun in being serious. ~~John Coltrane

“Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within. ” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 20, River, Strenght, Wise Sayings

A man after God’s heart

God’s goal for me is to know what is right and to store it up in my heart.

I must constantly contemplate on what Jesus tells me. I must store up the words of Jesus like deep water. The drought will come. The river in my heart will help me through the days and weeks.

When there is trouble, where does my strength come from? It comes deep with the treasure of Jesus’ words, hid deep in my heart.

Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within. ” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 20:5)

“So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper.” ~James

Tags

Devil, God's Will, Inner life, James 4

Do I want God to have His way in my life?

Of course I do. As I follow Jesus, that is what I want the most.

But it’s not like I don’t have a choice. I have a choice. God has a goal for me. I must seek it out and do it no matter what.

The Devil is presenting alternatives to me all the time. So before I can say yes to God, I have to forcefully close the door on the evil alternative by saying no to the Devil.

This is about my  inner life. There is a struggle. I need to make the choice. I need to make it now.

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. James 4:10 MSG

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.” ~James

Tags

Faith, Gift, James 1, Jesus, Joy

Really James? A gift?

Somehow I think he is serious. This isn’t the way I normally think.

Tests and challenges don’t usually feel like a gift from God. But James is onto something for sure. He knows what the goal is.

So what is the goal?

The goal is to be mature and well developed. God has something in mind for me. It doesn’t involve being a child the rest of my life. He wants me to grow up. He wants my faith to grow.

Without challenges it won’t.

Period.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-3 MSG

“Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Fools, Jesus, King Solomon, Listen, Proverbs 18, Wise Sayings

Fools

I am a fool. Many times I run off at the mouth. I think what I have to say is important and I don’t care what others have to say.

Discourse involves asking questions (wise ones) and listening.

The best conversations are where I ask lots of relevant questions and really listen. God’s goal for me is to be wise. That requires “wise” listening.

That is wisdom.

Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse;
all they do is run off at the mouth. ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 18:2

“We’re not keeping secrets; we’re telling them. “ ~~Jesus

Tags

Disclosure, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 8, Messiah, Mystery, Secrets

Jesus is Life

Jesus was into full disclosure and transparency. What He saw His Father doing is what He did. No cover ups. No secrets.

In fact, Jesus came to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom (Government) of God. His Message is all about revealing secrets. He calls on me to do the same.

God’s goal for me is to make known what God is up to. Let everyone in on the secret. I am to be a light for Jesus. Jesus is life!

We’re not keeping secrets; we’re telling them. “ –Jesus (Luke 8)

“It’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.” ~Author of Hebrews

Tags

Discipline, Hebrews 12, Jesus, Training

Jesus challenges us

Training isn’t fun. I may look forward to it in a certain perverse way but it isn’t really fun. I endured training, in sports, because it was the only way I could play the game, which was the point of the training. I couldn’t get to the game without going through the training.

It could be cruel and what we endured is unusual. It is the training that makes us “mature players”. God’s goal for me is maturity. I need to grow up.

So it is with Jesus. I don’t get in the game unless I  go through the training that Jesus has in mind for me.

But the training pays off. That is God’s way.

I must look for the training opportunities so I can learn ways of Jesus.

At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God. (Hebrews 12:11 The Message)

 

"I would rather be accused of breaking precedents than breaking promises." ~~John F. Kennedy

Tags

Contract, Gift, Honesty, Jesus, John F. Kennedy, Promises

God’s Promise

Jesus challenges us to make sure our yes is yes and our no is no.

When we say yes we need to follow through. That is the core of character and the goal that God has in mind for us.

God is faithful to his word. Jesus wants us to be the same way.

God doesn’t enter into a contract with us, written by a crafty lawyer. A contract drawn up by a hard-nosed lawyer and with plenty of fine print only makes sure that you will never be able to collect. But if there is no contract in the first place, simply a promise—and God’s promise at that—you can’t break it.

This is why the fulfillment of God’s promise depends entirely on trusting God and his way, and then simply embracing him and what he does. God’s promise arrives as pure gift. That’s the only way everyone can be sure to get in on it, those who keep the religious traditions and those who have never heard of them.

I would rather be accused of breaking precedents than breaking promises. ~John F. Kennedy

 

I will live for God. Even if no one else does, I will.

Tags

God's Plan, Jesus

I will live for God. Even if no one else does, I will.

That is the main thing about the main thing.

Jesus is Life

“John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of missing God’s goal for us.” ~Apostle Mark

Tags

Jesus, John the Baptist, Life-change, Mark 1, Repent

John paved the way for Jesus. He set the stage. It is all about life-change. I need to change my mind (repent) about the kind of life I can live.

I know I have missed the goal that God is mind for me. I need to make it clear that I understand that.

Being baptized with Jesus into death and resurrection gives me a changed life. It is His new plan for me. I can reach God’s goal for myself.

I don’t have to live a life that misses that. He is in an amazing mood and gives me this gift simply because He loves me.

Now how great is that?

John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of missing God’s goal for us. People thronged to him from Judea and Jerusalem and, as they confessed their knowledge of missing God’s goal, were baptized by him in the Jordan River into a changed life. John wore a camel-hair habit, tied at the waist with a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild field honey. Mark 1:4-6

"That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship." ~~Jesus

Tags

Honesty, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 4, Worship

What kind of people is God looking for?

Now that is an interesting question. While the woman at the well didn’t really ask it, Jesus answered it.

Sometimes we don’t know the question to ask. Or if we do, we don’t ask it.

God doesn’t want us to fake it. He wants us to be honest in our worship. He wants us to be our selves.

That is the kind of people He loves the most. God’s goal for me is to come to Him just like I am. He knows me at my core. I can’t deceive Him. When I’m myself, I see Him for who He is.

“That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship.” ~~Jesus (John 4:24 The Message)

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Benerfit, Encouragement, Ephesians 4, Jesus, Unwholesome

I must watch the way I talk. There should be nothing foul or dirty coming out of my mouth.

Each word should be a precious gift saying only what will help. The real test is will what I say benefit whoever is listening?

God’s goal for me is that I am a blessing to others. Am I building up my brothers and sisters in Jesus?

May I be a blessing by what I say.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

What does the new plan of Jesus look like?

Tags

Church, God's government, God's Will, Jesus, Messiah, New plan, Rules

In the old agreement (plan), no matter how many sacrifices were offered, they never added up to a complete solution.

And, in church after church today, they still don’t. Way too many sermons on tithing and not enough on how God wants all of our money, not just a tenth.

So, if sacrifices are a solution, I could go merrily on my way and not hunger for something more.

But I don’t. There is more and it is His new plan. I want it. I hunger for it. It is my only desire.

All these rules only make me more aware of how inadequate I am. And that is the point of the message of condemnation. Keeping rules can’t get rid of my missing the goal of trusting Jesus.

Just can’t do it. No way. Jesus said that God didn’t want us to try to keep the old rules. He has a new plan. It isn’t tithing. It isn’t praying in church. It isn’t going to Sunday School. That is the old plan way.

It is a heart set on doing everything God’s way. His government isn’t a democracy. The new plan is based on “Your will be done.”“In my life right now as it is in heaven.”

When Jesus said “I am here to do it Your way.”, He set aside the old plan in order to set in motion a new goal. So His sacrifice has made me fit for the new government He has ushered in.

“I want you to be street smart, using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival.” ~Jesus

Tags

Adverisity, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Live, Luke 16, Smart, Wisdom

There are all kinds of ways to be smart. Jesus tells the story of a rascal and how he outsmarts his boss by being creative before he was about to be fired. He commended him in being resourceful.

Jesus wants us to be practical. He knows trouble is coming our way. He promised it.

Adversity helps us focus. Let’s keep it simple and really live.

Focusing on being good isn’t God’s way. Jesus wants our passion. Jesus wants our heart.

I want you to be street smart, 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 (Luke 16)

“You’re more than happy when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.” ~King David

Tags

Happiness, Happy, Jesus, King David Sayings, Obedience, Psalm, Psalm 119, Wise Sayings

How can I be happy? How can I be more than happy? It is pretty simple and straight forward.

King David knows the answer is in following God’s directions.

I need to do my best to find Him in everything. I can go my own way and I can go His way. That is the choice that I have every moment of every day.

Happiness, true happiness, comes from keeping one foot in front of another on the road that Jesus wants me to be on.

Jesus speaks to my heart in a frank and direct way. For that I am very thankful. I hear him. Will I listen and do what He has in mind for me?

You’re more than happy when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it.

Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I’m going to do what you tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me. Psalm 119:1-8

“And be thankful.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Colossians 3, Compassion, Forgiveness, Gentleness, Humility, Jesus, Kindness, Love, Patience, Peace, Thankful

What is important in being thankful? After a long list on how I ought to live, Paul adds “and be thankful”.

Being thankful comes from being compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient. Being thankful comes from being clothed in love.

May I be compassionate and kind.

May I love like Jesus.

May I be thankful.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of the Messiah rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of the Messiah dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17 TNIV Bible

“And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses to the ends of the world.” ~Jesus

Tags

Acts 1, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Power, World

Jesus has given me a mission. He has also given me power.

The first charge was to wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon me. That is His power that enables me to be obedient. It is the Holy Spirit that enables me to be a witness.

The second charge is to be a witness to Him. I must tell the whole world that He came to earth, died because we are missing God’s goal (sin) for our life, was resurrected showing the true power of God and then ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God ruling the universe.

Now that is some good news. God has a plan for me and for us. I am to be a witness.

And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.” ~~Jesus (Acts 1:8 The Message)

“Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble.” ~Apostle Peter

Tags

1 Peter 3, Agreeable, Compassion, Humility, Jesus, Love, Sympathy

My job is to be a blessing. Being agreeable is a key to blessing others.

The ability to agree with our Father and others can move mountains. That positive force of the Holy Spirit moves us all in agreement.

Here is a list of characteristics I should cultivate:

• Agreeable
• Sympathetic
• Loving
• Compassionate
• Humility

May I know what our Father wants and agree with Him. May I bless others with my Father enabled agreeableness!!!

Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-12

“Are you being willfully stupid?” ~Jesus

Tags

Heart, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 7, Truth

Some days I just don’t get it. Am I being willfully stupid?

Jesus knows the truth. It is not what I eat that causes contamination inside me. It is what is in my heart that is the issue. That is what counts.

What is in my heart will be demonstrated then in what I think, next in what I say and finally in what I do.

It all works from the inside out.

May I have a heart after God. May nothing else matter.

Jesus said, ‘Are you being willfully stupid?’ …. Mark 7:14-23

“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~James

Tags

Abundance, James 1, Mature, Perseverance

Challenges in life are a gift of God. Challenges come from many directions. But it is the very pressure of the test that forces my faith into the open. No hiding from the challenges for sure.

So I shouldn’t try to get out of anything prematurely. I  should wait and make sure God’s work has been completed in me. That helps me be well developed with no deficiencies at all.

Perseverance is the key. I must stay the course. Perseverance is God’s goal for me.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4

“I’ll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

1 Corinthians 1, Apostle Paul Saying, Consideration, Denominations, Jesus

What type of thing would seriously and urgently concern the Apostle Paul about Christians?

Paul challenges me to get along. That is it.

Paul would be “shocked” at the condition of the the faithful today. I am sure his admonition would doubly stand.

My goal is to get along. That is your goal as well.

May I get along with my fellow believers. May I promote consideration of my brothers and sisters.

I have a serious concern to bring up with you, my friends, using the authority of Jesus, our Master. I’ll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common. I bring this up because some from Chloe’s family brought a most disturbing report to my attention—that you’re fighting among yourselves! I’ll tell you exactly what I was told: You’re all picking sides, going around saying, “I’m on Paul’s side,” or “I’m for Apollos,” or “Peter is my man,” or “I’m in the Messiah group.” 1 Corinthians 1:10-12

“Your beauty …. should be that of your inner self.” ~Apostle Peter

Tags

1 Peter 3, Beauty, Inner life, Quiet, Spirit

Peter heard Jesus talk many times about what defiles someone and what doesn’t. He absorbed all the lessons the Master taught about a character that is eternal. God’s focus is on the heart. His world and government is ruled by love.

What is of value in God’s world? What has great worth?

May I learn from the Master and have a gently and quiet spirit. May I know that beauty is on the inside and not the physical appearance.

Jesus challenges me. I must accept his ways.

Your beauty …. should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4

“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!” ~King Solomon

Tags

Friendship, King Solomon, Love, Proverbs 17, Wise Sayings

Love of God

I get offended. Probably way too easy. Eventually, everyone is going to say something to offend us.

Love is the way of friendship. Jesus challenges me to live a life of love and not get offended. God’s goal for me is love. That is all.

Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!

Source: Proverbs 17:9 MSG – Overlook an offense and bond a – Bible Gateway

“I was convinced at the time I wrote it that what was best for me was also best for you.” ~~Apostle Paul

Tags

2 Corinthians 2, Apostle Paul Sayings, Love, Obedience, Tears

Obey God

What is the best thing to do? What does God want? Do I pray first or just do what I want?

Paul has a heart for what is best for his brothers and sisters. He really wanted to see them. He decided to write to them to express his ideas rather than visit. His entire motivation was love and concern. 

Do I do what is best or do I act selfishly satisfying my own needs?

That was my reason for writing a letter instead of coming—so I wouldn’t have to spend a miserable time disappointing the very friends I had looked forward to cheering me up. I was convinced at the time I wrote it that what was best for me was also best for you. As it turned out, there was pain enough just in writing that letter, more tears than ink on the parchment. But I didn’t write it to cause pain; I wrote it so you would know how much I care—oh, more than care—love you! (2 Corinthians 2:3 The Message)

 

“It’s who you are in your heart, not what you say and do, that counts.” ~Jesus

Tags

Fruit, Heart, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 6

I don’t like wormy apples. No one does. It is just not right. The ultimate gross out for sure.

I love fresh, juicy apples. So, I must begin with my heart. I want healthy fruit.

So what is in my heart? Do I long for what counts? Am I starting with what matters and working from there?

May I have healthy fruit that comes from a pure heart. May my true being spill forth from my heart.

You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own heart. It’s who you are in your heart, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds. Luke 6:43-45

“They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”)” ~Angel of God

Tags

Angel, God is God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Matthew 1

God is with us

Nothing is impossible with God. Jesus came to us, born of a virgin.

His name is “God is with us”. That is message of hope in God’s new plan. His goal is that we will have a intense relationship with Jesus.

May I experience His presence every minute of every day. He is Immanuel.

While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” This would bring the prophet’s embryonic sermon to full term:

Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).

Matthew 1:23

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Motives, Prayer, Proverbs 16, Purity, Wise Sayings

Broken Heart

There are matters of the heart and there are matters of faith. There are many things in my heart that I want to do. They are based on what I want. There is a better way.

When we start with faith, the Lord brings the matters of the heart to His good conclusion. He cares that good comes from our plans. Supernatural courage comes from Him to step out with pure motives.

May I commit to the Lord everything I do. May He establish my plans.

To human beings belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. People may think all their ways are pure, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:1-3 TNIV

Is there any wiggle room in this? “All men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” ~Jesus

Tags

Disciple, John 13, Love

Love One Another

Jesus started a whole bunch of new stuff. He wasn’t about the old world. His mission was to bring God’s love to us all. He also set whole new standards for how I should live.

And so …. what Jesus expects is straightforward. No wiggle room here. He love us. We are to love each other that same way.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

"When you’re kind to others, you help yourself; when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself." ~~King Solomon

Tags

God's Goal, Kindness, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

Acts of Kindness

Who do I think I am hurting? Cruelty is intended to hurt someone else. It actually backfires and hurts me.

Jesus knew this. Solomon knew this. Kindness is the cornerstone of a loving life.

God’s goal for me is to be kind. It is a simple goal and achievable with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.

When you’re kind to others, you help yourself; when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:17)

“Today, please listen; don’t turn a deaf ear.” ~Holy Spirit of God

Tags

Hebrews 3, Jesus, Messiah, Patience, Rest

God will give us rest

Whose way do I want to follow? Mine? God’s?

It is a fundamental question. It needs to be asked and it needs to be answered. It is foundational to God’s world and His government.

I need a bold confidence. I want a firm grip on it. I don’t want to turn a deaf ear. I really, really don’t.

Where will that get me? Not where Jesus the Messiah wants me to go.

I want His rest. I want to reach the end point. I want to sit down and rest. I want to cease from my own “doing” and enter His “doing”.

May I keep a firm grip on His bold confidence!!

Now, if we can only keep a firm grip on this bold confidence, we’re the house! That’s why the Holy Spirit says, Today, please listen; don’t turn a deaf ear as in “the bitter uprising,” that time of wilderness testing! Even though they watched me at work for forty years, your ancestors refused to let me do it my way; over and over they tried my patience. And I was provoked, oh, so provoked! I said, “They’ll never keep their minds on God; they refuse to walk down my road.” Exasperated, I vowed, “They’ll never get where they’re going, never be able to sit down and rest.” Hebrews 3:6-11

"It’s not what you do for God but what God does for you—that’s the agenda for rejoicing." ~~Jesus

Tags

God's Will, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 10, Messiah, Obedience

Jesus reminds me it’s not about me. That comes as a shock because I love to live like it is.

In God’s world (Kingdom) it is all about God. It is all about what He wants and what He does. Jesus is clear. It is all about what our Father in heaven wants. May his will be done, we pray.

Need an agenda for today? Listen and act on what God wants. That will lead to a whole lot of rejoicing.

It’s not what you do for God but what God does for you—that’s the agenda for rejoicing.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:18-20 The Message)

"God can’t stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Deception, Integrity, Jesus, Messiah, Proverbs 11, Solomon, Wise Sayings

Integrity

Integrity rules in God’s world. Jesus knows this. He demands we live with integrity.

There are some things God can’t stand. Deceiving people we know is huge on the list. Thinking we are deceiving God is even worse.

What is integrity? When we align with what God wants and believe it in our hearts, think about it in our minds, talk about it and then do it!!

That is alignment in God’s world. The world where Jesus is the Messiah and rules everything. I must align with Jesus.

God can’t stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity.” ~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:20)

“Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier.” ~Jesus

Tags

Condemn, Criticism, Easy, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Judging, Luke 6

Jesus is clear. Judging and focusing on what people are doing I don’t care for will bring the same thing back to me. Jesus leads me to see the good things someone is doing not what they aren’t doing.

So, do I want an easier life? Of course I do.

Then I should be easier on my family, friends and co-workers. Not always easy to do but His Spirit gives me power to do what I can’t do naturally.

Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. ” Luke 6:37 (MSG)

“Seek good and not evil — and live!” ~Amos

Tags

Amos 5, Evil, Friend, Good, Jesus

Jesus is clear. There is nothing ambiguous in his direction for my life.

My goal is to love, to seek good. That is how I should live my life. Of course, there is a choice involved here. If I don’t seek good then I am seeking evil. I can’t have two masters.

Jesus wants to be my best friend. It can happen. I must live a life of love. That is the path to friendship. I must work it out in my public life.

Seek good and not evil—
    and live!
You talk about God, the God-of-the-Angel-Armies,
    being your best friend.
Well, live like it,
    and maybe it will happen.

Hate evil and love good,
    then work it out in the public square.
Maybe God, the God-of-the-Angel-Armies,
    will notice your remnant and be gracious.

Source: Amos 5:14-15 MSG – Seek good and not evil— and live! You – Bible Gateway

Jesus Friend Request

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.” ~James

Tags

Challenge, Faith, Gift, James 1, Jesus, Mature, Open

Gift of God

I get many gifts in life. Do I see tests and challenges as one of them?

That is how I should see them. Challenges come at me from all sides. When they do, they are great gifts. They develop my faith life and give me supernatural courage as I see Jesus establish His peace. I should treasure tests as I would a prized possession.

More importantly, challenges mature me and help me grow in His ways. My life in Jesus is not to be static. It is a life of growth and development. Challenges develop me so that I don’t lack anything in my character. I should be joyful in my trials.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

Source: James 1:2-4

May I be joyful in the challenges that come my way.

“O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!” ~King David

Tags

Bless, Blessing, Jesus, Kind David, Soul, Wise Sayings

God’s Blessings

King David had see a lot of trouble in his life. A number of his songs are him pleading to God to save him from his enemies, literally.

David’s focus is on blessing God for the amazing things God has done.

A great reminder for the new year. What a great reminder for every day.

May I start out and finish the year blessing God, from head to toe.

O my soul, bless God.
    From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
    don’t forget a single blessing!

Source: Psalm 103:1-2 MSG – A David Psalm O my soul, bless GOD. – Bible Gateway

“If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we’re obviously lying through our teeth.” ~Apostle John

Tags

1 John 1, Apostle John Sayings, Jesus, Life, Light

Believe in God

Jesus is the light of the entire world. What He said and did guides us along the path we take every day.

Jesus directed us to love God and to love one another. That is the light. That is God’s goal for us.

To live otherwise is a desperate lie. This is the life we share with one another.

May I live in the light that Jesus sheds on my path. May I not wander off into darkness.

If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we’re obviously lying through our teeth—we’re not living what we claim. But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purges our missing God’s goal for us (sin). 1 John 1:6-7

“She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus (Yehshuah)—’God saves’—because he will save his people from sin.” ~God’s angel

Tags

Christmas, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Matthew 1, Messiah, Savior

Joseph had a lot to deal with. What to name the Son of God wasn’t one of them. God’s angel made that clear to him. His name is Jesus (Yehshuah), “God Saves”.

His bigger problem was what to do about his fiance who was pregnant but claimed the Holy Spirit got her pregnant. He trusted Mary but only up to a point. He was going to call the whole thing off. The angel solved that for him as well.

It is clear to Joseph that this child will be like no other. First, her pregnancy is from a man. Second, it is God, through His Spirit, that has caused the pregnancy. Third, the child will be a boy. Finally, His name will show God’s purpose, to deliver and rescue mankind.

So … the Son of God is named Jesus (Yehshuah). And, most importantly, Jesus rescues and delivers us from sin, that is, missing God’s goal for our lives.

While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus (Yehshuah)—’God saves’—because he will save his people from (sin) missing God’s goal for their lives.” Matthew 1:20-23

“Discipline produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” ~Author of Hebrews

Tags

Discipline, Hebrews 12, Holy, Jesus, Peace, Righteousness

I want to be a son. To be something else would be unthinkable. My earthly dad did discipline me. He had my long term best interest at heart. There were things he wanted me to learn and I didn’t always want to learn it. Not at the time anyway. I appreciate it now but it was painful then.

God is training me for my good. There are things He wants me to learn. Sometimes He needs to get my attention. I can be stubborn. No doubt about that.

I do want righteousness and peace. It can be mine. I must be a son though. I must accept discipline.

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:7-11 NIV

"Let me tell you why you are here." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 5, Mission, Seasoning

Jesus is very clear. There is no doubt about what I am to do. The choice is will I obey Him?

Jesus understands that I need to know why I am here. Of course, it is a foundational question. We are not here to please ourselves and do whatever we want.

Jesus calls us to go on a mission for Him and our Father. We are the seasoning of this planet. We must bring out God’s flavor and bring His Kingdom into all the countries.

We are His light to shine the way to others. We must speak out. We must show His love.

To choose otherwise is to abandon His way. The consequence of not being His seasoning for he world is to be useless and end up in the garbage. Not a pleasant thought.

Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:13 The Message)

"Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Knowledge, Proverbs 10, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

How do we become wise? As we follow God, seek His ways, listen to Him, we need to store it up.

It seems so easy with technology, blogging, twittering, and Facebook to just throw stuff out there. It comes our way and off it goes. No storing up and just a fountain of quick, random thoughts.

God’s way is build and layer on top of truth. When we store up knowledge of His ways, we become wise.

God has a goal for me. It doesn’t involve being a fool. God wants me to be wise. My job is to store up knowledge of him.

May I store up knowledge and be wise in His ways.

“Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:14)

 

“Run after peace for all you’re worth.” ~Apostle Peter

Tags

1 Peter 3, Evil, Good, Jesus, Life, Peace

I should go all out for it. Pursue it no matter what. Peace is from Jesus but I have to go for it.

My goal, from God, is don’t say things that hurt others. I must cultivate the good in others.

Go after the good. Ignore the evil.

God approves this and listens to me in this context.

May I cultivate the good. May I go for peace no matter what. May my day fill up with good.

Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, here’s what you do:

Say nothing evil or hurtful;
Snub evil and cultivate good;
run after peace for all you’re worth.
God looks on all this with approval,
listening and responding well to what he’s asked;
But he turns his back on those who do evil things.

1 Peter 3:8-12

“It’s simply perverse to say, “If my lies serve to show off God’s truth all the more gloriously, why blame me?” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Blame, Paul, Perverse, Romans 3

Slander

Why blame me? Great question. We aren’t doing God any favors by continuing to miss the mark when it comes to His plan.

It doesn’t give God any glory to not walk in the good news of His plan and continue to fall short of His goal for us.

I can’t slander God by pretending that evil does good. That is not the way of Jesus, our Messiah. I must stand up for good regardless of what it means to me personally.

God wants us to follow His way. It is that simple.

It’s simply perverse to say, “If my lies serve to show off God’s truth all the more gloriously, why blame me? I’m doing God a favor.” Some people are actually trying to put such words in our mouths, claiming that we go around saying, “The more evil we do, the more good God does, so let’s just do it!” That’s pure slander, as I’m sure you’ll agree. Romans 3:7-8

“My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love.” ~Apostle John

Tags

1 John 3, Apostle John Sayings, Criticism, Jesus, Love, Reality

Self Criticism

Self criticism, even when it is deserved, leaves me crippled. I hobble around on crutches pretending no one sees.

They see I can’t get out of myself. They see my selfishness.

Practicing love, getting outside of myself, shuts self criticism right down. God knows me and He knows what I need.

Jesus knows me better than I know myself. He doesn’t condemn me but shows His steadfast love day after day. He puts it into practice.

Jesus challenges me to practice real love. That is God’s goal for me today. Loving others takes me out of my self and focuses on others.

My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. 1 John 3:18-20

 

May we love like God loves. May we put it into practice.

“Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Alert, Apostle Paul Sayings, Cheerful, Jesus, Master, Romans 12

Having a passion for the things of God is a huge thing. It is easy to get burnt out.

So much to do, so little time. So many that need God’s touch, through us. I must keep myself passionate for His world. I have to keep gas in the car.

God’s goal for me is to be a cheerful servant. I am to be happy to obey God. There is great joy in service. My role is to be happy.

Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Romans 12:11

May I be cheerfully expectant that God can keep my gas tank full and passionate about life.

“Prepare God’s arrival! Everyone will be there to see the parade of God’s salvation.” ~John the Baptizer

Tags

Jesus, John the Baptist, Luke 3, Salvation

Under the old plan, the road could get very bumpy. All curves and careful driving was the order of the day.

John came with a new message to get things ready for Jesus. No longer would there be any detours. The way would be straight and easy. It would never again be a problem to see God’s salvation parade.

The main message is that we would be forgiven for (Sin) missing God’s goal for our lives. That message had never been delivered before.

God would no longer judge us. He would forgive us. And Jesus would deliver it to us.

In the fifteenth year of the rule of Caesar Tiberius—it was while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea; Herod, ruler of Galilee; his brother Philip, ruler of Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, ruler of Abilene; during the Chief-Priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—John, Zachariah’s son, out in the desert at the time, received a message from God. He went all through the country around the Jordan River preaching a baptism of life-change leading to forgiveness of missing God’s goal, as described in the words of Isaiah the prophet: Thunder in the desert! “Prepare God’s arrival! Make the road smooth and straight! Every ditch will be filled in, Every bump smoothed out, The detours straightened out, All the ruts paved over. Everyone will be there to see The parade of God’s salvation.” Luke 3:1 -6

“I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” ~Nehemiah

Tags

God's Goal, Nehemiah, No, Yes

How easy is it to get distracted? Well, some days pretty easy.

My enemy sends me a great message. Let’s just talk. Come and meet me. What is my response? I stop what I am doing and go talk. What could the harm be in that, I reason.

Nehemiah was different. Nehemiah was on a mission from God. He was doing some amazing stuff. It was no small thing.

He had almost finished but there was still a few things left to do. How did he respond to the distraction of the enemy? Just say NO!!!

So …. when I are centered in the will of God, may I respond that my “Yes to God” is more important that anything and be able to say, “No, I cannot come down.”

Now when it was reported to Sanballat, Tobiah, to Geshem the Arab and to the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall, and that no breach remained in it, although at that time I had not set up the doors in the gates, then Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” Nehemiah 6:1-3

"If your greeting of peace is received, then it’s a good place to stay." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 10, Peace

Peace with God

Jesus is amazing. He gives us tools like none other.

The power of peace is inexhaustible. His suggestion to us is to use His peace as a guide to what’s good for us.

Greet others in peace. If it stays with us, all is well. If it leaves, we should do the same.

God’s goal for us, in Jesus, is to have peace. It is our right and privilege as a child of God.

If your greeting of peace is received, then it’s a good place to stay.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:5-6 The Message)

"Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God." ~~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, Discipline, Jesus, Messiah, Philippians 4, Steady

Here is some great advise from the Apostle Paul. The best he can wish for us is that we stay on track and that we are steady in God. Persistence and discipline are amazing when it comes to knowing God.

How often do we start something to not finish it? My life is littered with great intentions and false starts. What happened to that diet? Why did I quit exercising?

One of the greatest tragedies in the old plan were men of God who started well but finished poorly.

So … the best for us is that we stay on track and don’t waiver. Steady is the way of God’s new plan for us through his son Jesus, the Messiah.

My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God. Philippians 4:1

God is right along side of me. He is keeping me on track until everything is wrapped up by Jesus.

Tags

Benefits, Gifts, God's Goal, Jesus, Plan

I don’t need a thing. Now think about that. I have it all. All of God’s amazing gifts and benefits are mine. They are right in front of me. 

God is right along side of me. He is keeping me on track until everything is wrapped up by Jesus.

Now how good is that? What a plan He has. God got me started on this great spiritual adventure. What an adventure it is turning out to be.

No day is the same and you just can’t plan for that.

God shares the life of His Son and my Master Jesus with me. He will never give up on me. No way. No how.

May I remember that every second of every day.

Jesus made the sacrifice so that I can be free.

Tags

Freedom, God is Good, Jesus, Messiah, Sacrifice

Love of Jesus

Jesus is our Messiah and he poured out his blood for us. Jesus sacrificed his perfect and mature life for me. Jesus literally poured out his blood for me.

Jesus did it so that I can be free. Before Jesus, I was bound to missing God’s goal for my life and on a course headed to punishment. It was all my doing.

Now I am free for that life I had before. And I am not just a little free but extravagantly and abundantly free.

Jesus thought of everything. Jesus has provided me everything. Jesus has let me in on God’s plan that God has invested so much in providing to me. God has so much pleasure in making it happen for us.

God has a long-range plan for how he is going to bring everything together. God’s plan starts with his son Jesus, the Messiah. God is the big picture and knows how it will all come together. God is in a very good mood.

 

 

“We’re the exact same people, absent or present, in letter or in person.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

2 Corinthians 10, Integrity

There is a lot to be said for lining up what I believe, think, say and do. That is the kind of integrity our Father is looking for.

It is easy to write one thing and then say another. We all know people who say one thing and then do another. God’s goal for me is that I line up what is in my heart with what I say and do.

May I have the integrity of our Father, leaning into Him, hearing what He is saying and representing it every day.

And what’s this talk about me bullying you with my letters? “His letters are brawny and potent, but in person he’s a weakling and mumbles when he talks.” Such talk won’t survive scrutiny. What we write when away, we do when present. We’re the exact same people, absent or present, in letter or in person. 2 Corinthians 10:11

“I will put my way in their minds and write it on their hearts.” ~God

Tags

Forgiveness, Heart, Jeremiah 31, Jesus, Love, Messiah, New plan, Sin

Broken Heart

God has abandoned the old plan. He has completely left it behind. He did it in Jesus our Master. The old plan kept us short of the goal God has in mind for us.

So, what is the essence of the new plan, His agreement with me?

It is that I will know Him. My friends won’t have to teach me how to do it. I have a relationship with Him through Jesus.

We will all know Him. He doesn’t remember what I was like before. I am absolutely forgiven the debt that couldn’t be paid before anyway.

It is in my heart to do so. It is in my mind all the time. That is it!!

This is the new plan…. ,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will put my way in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their friends, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,’ declares the LORD. ‘For I will forgive their wandering heart and will remember their missing the mark no more.’ Jeremiah 31:31-34

"Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually-fit." ~~Jesus to religious scholars

Tags

Jesus Sayings, Mark 2, Sick, Sin

Jesus hangs out with “sinners” and the religious scholars slam him for His approach. Which raises the first question to think about. Who do I hang out with?

The second question … Why do I hang out with them?

Jesus knows the question and answers. Jesus makes a great point. His mission is to engage people who are missing the goal that God sets out for us.

That is good news for us. I am so glad he came to “hang out” with me.

Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually-fit.”~~Jesus to religious scholars (Mark 2:17 The Message)

“Be a good citizen.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, Authority, Citizen, Fear, Kingdom of God, Peace, Romans 13

Kingdom of God

I am a citizen of the country of God. Jesus is in charge. Jesus is my absolute ruler.

The United States of America is a government under God. I should be a good citizen which I interpret to mean I should vote. I will.

God will have his way, ultimately, no matter who is elected. God has a plan and it will be accomplished. God knows who is going to be elected. I can relax. I can be at peace.

Jesus, his son, is in control of God’s country. That is what matters.

Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.

Source: Romans 13:1 MSG – To Be a Responsible Citizen – Be a good – Bible Gateway

“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” ~James

Tags

Blessing, Curse, James 3

James is very clear (as is Jesus) about the kind of language that should come out of my mouth. I know that what I say is a reflection of my heart.

My mission is to love. My language should reflect that. That is the way it should be.

It should be that way at work. It should be that way at home. It should be that way every waking minute of every day.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. ~~James

Source: James 3:10

“Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.” ~Jesus

Tags

Behavior, Guide, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 7

Jesus guidance to me is so simple and straightforward. He frames the issue clearly. How should I behave?

Be proactive. Ask myself what I want done for me. Then do it for others.

This is the “big thing”. Easy said, not easy done. It is the goal Jesus gives me. It is my goal today.

The good news is that His Holy Spirit renews me daily. I have God’s power in me. I am a new creation in Jesus.

Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 7:12)

“Turn your back on salvation by self-help.” ~Author of Hebrews

Tags

Basics, Faith, Hebrews 6

There are a lot of basic and fundamental truths I need to experience as I become a disciple of Jesus.

As I learn and grow, I need to stay committed to the faith I learn and act on. The basic foundational truths of turning my back on “salvation by self-help” and turning in trust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment.

I must stay true to the basics. I must reject the “self-help” culture that says I can fix myself. 

And, as I master the basics, I need to move on as well.

So come on, let’s leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on the Messiah and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in the Messiah. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on “salvation by self-help” and turning in trust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment. God helping us, we’ll stay true to all that. But there’s so much more. Let’s get on with it!

Source: Hebrews 6:1-3 The Message

The offering of my ordinary life to Jesus

Tags

Focus, Jesus, Mature, Messiah, Offering

Focus

Jesus has a goal for me. Jesus wants me to do something today. I can only do it with God’s help. I can’t do it on my own.

I live a pretty mundane life. I get up. I get ready. I go to work. I work. I come home. I go to bed. I get up and do it again. Pretty ordinary. Nothing remarkable.

Jesus challenges me to take that life and place it before God as an offering to him. That is all I have. All I can offer is that ordinary life. God of course can do anything. God can take that and make it into something super-natural.

Rather than my adjusting to the culture around me, I can adjust to God’s world. I can change my mind about what God wants to do today. I can be changed from the inside out.

I need to recognize what God wants. I need to fix my attention on God. I need to respond to it.

God brings out the best in me through Jesus. God wants me to be mature. That is the end game.

 

“You are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

1 Corinthians 3, Apostle Paul Sayings, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Temple

Temple of God

This is stunning and over the top. I am not what I think I am some times. In fact, Paul reminds me that I am, in fact, the temple of God and God is present in me.

This is rather startling and amazing. God is present in me. Do I always act  that way? Clearly not.

If I always believed that I wouldn’t vandalize what is His.

Simple. Straightforward. Clear.

You realize, don’t you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God’s temple, you can be sure of that. God’s temple is sacred—and you, remember, are the temple. 

Source: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

 

 May I believe, think and act knowing that God himself 

is present in me.

“Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit.” ~Kind David

Tags

Heart, Hope, Jesus, King David, Persevere, Psalm 27, Wise Sayings

Hope

Today is a day to persevere and stay on track with God. Jesus challenges me to pick up my cross and don’t quit.

I have hope that I’ll see God’s goodness. That hope keeps me moving.

My job is to take heart and hang in there.

Psalm 27:14 The Message (MSG)

^13-14 I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness
    in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
    Take heart. Don’t quit.
I’ll say it again:
    Stay with God.

Source: Psalm 27:14 MSG – I’m sure now I’ll see God’s – Bible Gateway

“God-friendship is for God-worshipers; They are the ones he confides in.” ~King David

Tags

Confide, King David, Psalm 25, Wise Sayings, Worship

Mature

Jesus calls me to maturity and to be a friend. It is my obedience and worship of God that leads me there.

Do I want to to know God and hear his innermost thoughts? Do I want God to confide in me?

I yearn for that kind of relationship with God.

I must keep my eyes on God. The relationship is the goal. The relationship is all that matters.

God-friendship is for God-worshipers; They are the ones he confides in. If I keep my eyes on God, I won’t trip over my own feet.

Source: Psalm 25:14-15 MSG – God-friendship is for God-worshipers; – Bible Gateway

“Abraham went, even though he did not know where he was going.” ~Author of Hebrews

Tags

Abraham, Faith, Hebrews 11, Jesus

Foundations of Faith

Worry is not faith. Faith is obedience. God says go. I must go. God has a goal in mind for me. My job is to obey. Jesus challenges me to move to a higher level of believe.

I mustn’t ask anything else. I must just do what God asks. Nothing more, nothing less.

Can I obey even though I don’t know where I am going? Of course I can. But will I? Yes I will.

Now think about. God asks you go on a trip. Great. Where to? Just go, I’ll show you.

God wants us to follow the example of faith seen in Abraham. He may call me to go. He may not tell me where. He will show me.

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

Hebrews 11:8-10

“Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, Ephesians 5, Jesus, Light, Messiah, Time, Work

I am interested in how much of my time is “mere busywork”. Now stuff has to get done; there is laundry, cleaning, dishes and meals.

I don’t think that is what the Apostle Paul means. There are times where I have “the chance” to do what “the Master wants” as opposed to the dark world where the enemy entices me to do what I want.

What choice do I make? Each day is made of these moments.

• Am I evaluating my time in the light of what the Master wants?
• Is this what God wants me to do right now?
• When I am not doing what God wants, do I see that as a fraud to the way He wants me live?

May I drink huge droughts of the Spirit of God. May I understand what the Master wants.

Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of the Messiah.

Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; the Messiah will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!

Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.

Don’t drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus the Messiah.

Source: Ephesians 5:15-20

"You’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing." ~~Jesus to Martha

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Listening, Luke 10, Martha, Mary, Service

Mary was paying attention to what Jesus was saying. Martha was busy serving Jesus. Martha got upset that Mary wasn’t “helping”.

Jesus wants me to listen to Him first.

There is plenty of time for serving. Jesus knows this. He wants the serving to come from listening.

Jesus wants me to have a heart for God and His word. Love of God comes first. Jesus wants me to have priorities.

Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:41-42 The Message)

Don’t seek opportunity. SEEK GOD. And opportunity will seek you.

Tags

God, Jesus, Seek

 

Don’t seek opportunity. SEEK GOD. And opportunity will seek you.

“When the job’s done, you’ll see it’s been well done.” ~Jeremiah

Tags

Complete, God's Goal, Jeremiah 30, Jesus

Well Done

God doesn’t do things half way or half hearted. God is all in. God is all in all the time.

God sent Jesus, the Messiah, to finish what had been started. Jesus completed God’s assignment. Nothing has been left undone.

God’s goal for me is to do the job and do it well. God wants me to be all in.

Look out! God’s hurricane is let loose,
    his hurricane blast,
Spinning the heads of the wicked like dust devils!
    God’s raging anger won’t let up
Until he’s made a clean sweep
    completing the job he began.
When the job’s done
    you’ll see it’s been well done.

Source: Jeremiah 30 MSG – Don’t Despair, Israel – This is the – Bible Gateway

“Those who curse you will be cursed, those who bless you will be blessed.” ~Isaac

Tags

Bless, Curse, Genesis 27, Issac, Jacob, Jesus

Bless Others

Jesus gives us power. I have power to bless and I have power to curse.

I must be careful. I must choose to bless. That is God’s goal for me.

There is a reward in blessing. There are not so great consequences in cursing.

There is a subtlety to it all. I am annoyed with a family member. I say something very negative about them. It is clear I am not wishing them well. It is a curse on them. I must be careful.

Today God has a goal for me. My job is to bless everyone I come in contact with.

Jacob came close and kissed him and Isaac smelled the smell of his clothes. Finally, he blessed him,

Ahhh. The smell of my son
    is like the smell of the open country
    blessed by God.
May God give you
    of Heaven’s dew
    and Earth’s bounty of grain and wine.
May peoples serve you
    and nations honor you.
You will master your brothers,
    and your mother’s sons will honor you.
Those who curse you will be cursed,
    those who bless you will be blessed.

Source: Genesis 27 MSG – When Isaac had become an old man and – Bible Gateway

Am I sulking spiritually? Am I having a spiritual temper tantrum?

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Patience, Sulking, Temper

Am I sulking spiritually and feeling sorry for myself, just because I can’t see one inch in front of myself?

Am I detached enough from my own spiritual fits of emotion to “wait patiently for Him”? 

Waiting is not sitting with folded hands doing nothing, but it is learning to do what I am told.

Have I heard Him?

God is speaking. My goal is to hear him and act.

Jesus is challenging me to grow up. My goal is become mature like he is mature.

Then what am I waiting for?

Seriously?

“The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.” ~King David

Tags

Direction, Jesus, Joy, King David, Map, Wise Sayings

Love of Jesus

I can count on God. God sees the whole picture and pulls it all together for me.

I rely on the direction that Jesus points me to. There is nothing complicated about it at all. Jesus is reliable. We all know it to be true.

Following Jesus gives me joy and pleasure. God’s way is like that.

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 MSG – A David Psalm God’s glory is on tour – Bible Gateway

“And what does the LORD require of you?” ~Micah

Tags

Humility, Jesus, Justice, Mercy, Micah 6, Simple

Like a good parent, Our God knows how to keep it simple. Only 3 things on God’s list of “to dos” for me today.

I can remember that. 

1. Do justice.
   
2. Love mercy.
3. Walk humbly with God.

I can focus on that.

… And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

–Micah 6:8

“Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul, Celebrate, Jesus, Love, Philippians 4, Second Coming

On Your Side

If I asked my family, friends and colleagues if it is clear that I am on their side, what would the answer be.

I am not sure and I am uncomfortable with that.

Jesus challenges me to love and be on the side of all I meet. That should be clear. Is it?

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

~Apostle Paul

Source: Philippians 4:4 MSG – Celebrate God all day, every day. I – Bible Gateway

"Make sure you are doing what God wants you to do-then do it with all your strength." ~George Washington

Tags

George Washington, God's Goal, Jesus, Strength

What does God want me to do today?

God has a goal in mind for me. Jesus challenges me to understand it and do it.

That is the focus. Jesus only did what he saw his Father doing. That was it.

May I focus on what God wants me to do and do it with all my strength.

Make sure you are doing what God wants you to do – then do it with all your strength.” ~George Washington

“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Plan, Preparation, Proverbs 21, Wise Sayings

I have been thinking about this lately. I should prepare. That is a very good thing. But I have no victory without the LORD.

Do I see this as much as I should? No I don’t. I trust in my preparations and plans. I’ve got is all planned out. Or so I think.

It is so simple but so hard some days.

I want to run in and “fix” things. Holding back for the LORD’s will and wisdom is needed so very much. In His new plan, the victory is His always.

May the victory always rest with the LORD and not my preparation.

The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the LORD.

Proverbs 21:31 NIV