“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” ~Jeremiah
Jesus challenges me to be faithful. Loyalty and commitment within human relationships is important in the life of God’s people. …
Category Archives: God’s Goal
“John the Baptizer went into all the vicinity of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of changing our mind for the forgiveness of missing God’s goal” ~Luke
John is on the move. He is covering all the territory. John has a message for me. I need to …
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” ~Jesus
Jesus warns us in the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7) where we hear Him say “Beware of the false prophets, who come …
“We also exult in God through our Master Jesus the Messiah, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” ~Apostle Paul
When we accept Jesus as our Master and commit to be a disciple, we are ecstatic. Joy is ours beyond …
“Their perverse minds are always cooking up something nasty, always stirring up trouble.” ~King Solomon
I deal with a lot of atheists and skeptics online. I see this play out daily. There is a duplicitousness …
Do friends help restore believers when they miss God’s goal for their lives?
Our friends in Jesus are amazing. We are to look out for our brothers and sisters. Paul presents a hypothetical …
What does the scripture say about giving directly to the needy?
There is no doubt that poverty’s reach is both widespread and devastating. God’s people cannot be indifferent toward those in …
“Let the senior among you become like the junior; let the leader act the part of the servant.” ~Jesus
It starts with an argument. Who is going to be the greatest. They were sincere. They all thought they would …
“Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” ~Apostle Paul
God is patient with sinners. Jesus perfectly models that for me. Jesus is my example. Jesus shows me the way. …
“To the pure, all things are pure.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus challenges me. “Happy are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” To the pure, all things are …
“I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” ~Jesus
Full disclosure. I have been divorced and have remarried. Jesus has some very clear instructions on marriage and divorce. This …
“Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images . . .” ~Apostle Paul
I want wisdom. It is important to my daily walk with Jesus. I am called to be a learner (aka …
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private.” ~Jesus
There was a pastor who became involved immorally with a married woman in his congregation. They each divorced their respective …
“Looking away from all that will distract us and focusing our eyes on Jesus, the One who brings our faith to maturity, who for the joy of accomplishing the goal set before Him endured the cross.” ~Author of Hebrews
I want joy in my life. I can have it by focusing on Jesus. Jesus brings my faith to completion …
“You’re not listening. Let me say it again.” ~Jesus
I am like Nicodemus. Jesus wants me to understand something but I’m not quite getting it. Jesus is patient. Jesus …
“Jesus gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” ~Apostle Paul
What is the good news message that Paul has for me? Jesus the Messiah gave himself for my missing God’s …
“Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father.” ~Apostle Paul
Old age is generally held in honor and the aged in society are to be respected. Because of the wisdom …
“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” ~Apostle Peter
I want grace in my life. I imagine you do as well. Peter gives us the key. The road to …
“Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him.” ~Jesus
There is a dual message here. I am not to lead astray the little ones in the Way of discipleship. …
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.” ~Author of Hebrews
It is time for me to get on with it. I have a race to run. I need to be …
“Leaders can’t afford to make fools of themselves, gulping wine and swilling beer.” ~King Lemuel
Here is great advice. Don’t get drunk. There is no good that comes from it. Leaders need a clear and …
“You can be sure that wherever in the whole world the Message is preached, what she has just done is going to be remembered and admired.” ~Jesus
Why do I give others a hard time? Why do I get furious with them? What have they done to …
“I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” ~Jesus
Jesus has a real focus. Jesus is going to do what God wants Him to. I need to get the …
“Whatever he tells you, do it.” ~Mary, mother of Jesus
Mary gives the servants at the wedding some good advise. I must listen as well. Notice that is is unqualified …
“You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day.” ~King David
I am constantly on the lookout for tornadoes. I live in tornado alley. I used to live in the northeast …
“The rich man also died and was buried. In hell and in torment, he looked up.” ~Jesus
Do the rich automatically go to hell when they die? What about the story of Jesus about the rich man …
How do we show love for God?
Is love optional? Yes, I get to decide whether to love or not. So do you. We all do. I …
“I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” ~Jesus
I get angry. I say things I shouldn’t and clearly regret later on. I say them though. It isn’t pretty. …
“For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” ~James
I must believe. I must also act on my believe. I don’t get to say “Jesus has saved me” and …
“They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross.” ~Apostle John
Jesus paid it all for me. Jesus died a horrible death on the cross. Jesus calls on me to join …
“My lovingkindness I will keep for him forever, and My covenant shall be confirmed to him.” ~King David
God is loyal. God is faithful. That is just who God is. It is His very nature. When God says …
“When I wept in my soul with fasting, It became my reproach.” ~King David
The purpose of fasting should be to take my eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on …
“For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and God.” ~Apostle Paul
I covet what other people have like their house or their car, their job or anything that a neighbor has. …
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.” ~Jesus
One of the benefits of being a disciple is that obedience brings peace. If I’m not at peace, I need …
“When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans.” ~King Solomon
The issue here, relative to “good people”, is one of righteousness. Do we have righteous people in charge? The contrast …
“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches.” ~Apostle Paul
I must come to a basic understanding about wealth. Jesus is challenging me. So is the Apostle Paul. Riches are …
“Speak, for Your servant is listening.” ~Samuel to God
What does Jesus want from me? Jesus wants me to listen. Jesus wants me to be a good and faithful servant. …
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
There is much to be said about self denial and the scripture repeats this theme over and over. Jesus is clear. The Apostles …
“The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” ~Apostle John
Now this is stunning news. If I practice missing God’s goal (aka sin) then I am of the devil. Jesus …
“Then what do you want me to do with the one you call the King of the Jews?”” ~Pilate
It is a stunning question. How will I answer? It could be asked of me. I am in the crowd. …
“Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to all creation.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. Jesus has a mission for me and for all of us who are disciples. We are to …
“And now, Master, take note of their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your word with all confidence.” ~Apostle Peter
There is no doubt that persecution is a stark reality of living for a disciple of Jesus. For a disciple …
“I do exactly as the Father commanded Me.” ~Jesus
Jesus commands me to love. Jesus owns me. I am His slave. My job is to do what I am …
“Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. I am to be a servant. Jesus shows me the way. Jesus made himself a slave of …
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” ~Jesus
Jesus continues His manifesto. I have a lot to learn here. Jesus is being clear, as He always is. …
“Please, not what I want — what do you want?” ~Jesus to God
Jesus knows what is coming. Jesus knows the the agony, not only of the crucifixion, but also the burden of …
“Mum’s the word!” ~King David
David knows. God has given him wisdom. Being quiet and not saying what I am thinking is a good course …
“We no more give honors to fools than pray for snow in summer or rain during harvest.” ~King Solomon
God wants me to be wise. God wants me to understand that He is God. I am not. God is …
“Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” ~Jesus
I want to believe. I need to believe. I do believe. Master Jesus, help my unbelief. Jesus is the King …
“The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind — just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us.” ~Jesus
God has a goal for all of us who are disciples of Jesus. Jesus wants us to live in unity. …
“Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.” ~Apostle Paul
As a disciple of Jesus, I have accepted Truth, not just as a concept, but as a Person. Jesus said, “I …
“My house was designated a house of prayer; you have made it a hangout for thieves.” ~Jesus
Jesus went to the temple after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on palm Sunday. The ecstacy of that moment to …
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus has a goal for me. It is to be a peacemaker. Peacemaking is a big goal given to us …
“If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions.” ~Apostle Paul
It is a good thing to want to be a leader in the assembly (church) that is called out of …
“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and meekness.” ~Apostle Paul
God has a goal for me. Jesus calls on me to be gentle and meek. I am to be humble. …
“The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, and a wise friend’s timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.” ~King Solomon
We need friends but we need wise friends that we can count on to say the right thing at the …
“You’re almost there, right on the border of God’s kingdom.” ~Jesus
The religious elites of the Jewish faith were constantly trying to trap Jesus. One asked “Which is most important of all …
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus does not exhort me to get angry, as if this is anger were a good motivator or energy for positive action. …
“Get insurance with God and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last. Keep company with God, get in on the best.” ~King David
It is a wise thing to “do good”. I know that “good works” won’t save me. Only the redemptive act …
“Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.” ~Jesus
Jesus is challenging me. This is tough. Am I willing to give up everything, including my life for King Jesus? …
“It’s better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day.” ~King Solomon
There is a better way. What? Yes, God shows us. It is a God thing. It is called wisdom. It …
“You are the light of the world.” ~Jesus
Jesus makes a declaration about His followers in the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). We are the light of …
“Have an attitude of humility being neither arrogant nor self-righteous regard others as more important than yourselves.” ~Apostle Paul
God calls on me to respect others, placing them as more important than I am. Jesus is very clear about …
“You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken.” ~Jesus
Jesus is the true source of everything I am or have. Jesus is the real vine. My role is to …
“Do you have any idea how difficult it is for the rich to enter God’s kingdom?” ~Jesus
Jesus, as always, asks a very penetrating question. The “rich young ruler” had just turned and left. He was very …
“Silence!” ~Jesus
One word. Jesus rebukes the storm. Jesus is in the power of the Holy Spirit, as the Son of God. …
“If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey you.” ~Jesus
Faith is not something I conjure up on my own, nor is it something I am born with. Faith is …
“In all things God may be glorified through Jesus the Messiah, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever.” ~Apostle Peter
God’s glory is to be my highest motive. God wants me to know that He sees what no one else …
Purity – Are God’s people to live pure lives?
Jesus challenges me. “Happy are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Clearly, I am to be pure. …
“I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in.” ~Jesus
I am concerned and worry about lots of things. One of them is how am I doing compared to others. …
“A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.” ~King Solomon
Jesus warns us constantly and consistently about the dangers not focusing on God and focusing on wealth. It is a …
“The Messiah also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth.” ~Apostle Peter
Peter challenges me to follow the example of Jesus. Peter knows. Peter learned directly from our Master Jesus. Jesus has …
“You’re not yet taking God seriously!” ~Jesus
How am I doing with my faith and belief in God and Jesus? Am I taking God seriously? Confidence in …
“Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the religious elites, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” ~Jesus
Jesus continues His manifesto. I have a lot to learn here. Jesus is being clear, as He always is. This …
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” ~Jesus
The Jesus Manifesto continues with Jesus laying out for me what I need to be like in this world. I …
“If any of you wants to serve me, then accompany me.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants me to accompany him. Jesus wants me to go where He has gone and is going. Jesus wants …
“This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” ~God
What does God want from me? Listen to His Son Jesus. It is a simple and straightforward challenge. God didn’t …
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles. ” ~King Solomon
I don’t like to get in trouble. I do even though I don’t like it. Usually it is something I’ve …
“Get ready for trouble.” ~Jesus
There is a time to get prepared. That time is when trouble is on the way. I must listen and …
“I have not come to call the righteous but those who miss God’s goal to radically change their thinking.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me to radically change my way of thinking. Repentance (the original Greek means radically changing my thinking) is of central …
“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” ~Apostle Paul
I shouldn’t let my faith go on cruise control. The Apostle Paul urges disciples of Jesus to examine themselves. I …
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” ~Jesus
Jesus has just finished talking about not judging and hypocrisy in the Jesus Manifesto. At first sight and hearing, this is …
“So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” ~James
James warns me about the danger. What I say can ignite a fire. I have seen it. It isn’t pretty. …
“I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” ~Apostle Paul
Self-control is an issue of my heart. I must not be wishy-washy in my resolve. I must excerpt control of my …
“What do you make of this?” ~Jesus
Jesus wants to know. Jesus has a question. What do I make of this? Do I understand? Am I listening? …
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.” ~Jesus
God has a goal in mind for me. It could bring me into conflict with those I love most. Betrayal …
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” ~Apostle Paul
Should I renounce anger? Yes! Jesus does not exhort me to get angry, as if anger were a good motivator or energy for …
“Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse.” ~King Solomon
There is a natural set of consequences for angry people. There is a backlash. Something very real is going to …
“Then there’s only one thing left to do: Sell everything you own and give it away to the poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ~Jesus
Where is my treasure? What is important to me? Is Jesus my Master? Jesus told us to “store up for …
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life.” ~Jesus
There are a lot of details to life. What to eat. What to wear. Which way to drive to work. …
“Do you understand what you are reading?” ~Philip
I need wisdom. I need understanding. Wisdom and understanding is a God-given perception. God’s goal for me is to be wise …
“Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.” ~King Solomon
Scripture portrays fools as those who have rejected God and/or his ways and are unable or unwilling to appreciate the …
“You have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness.” ~Jesus
How is God’s justice declared? Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” Justice is …
“My time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune.” ~Jesus
Jesus the Messiah’s life was lived under the shadow of the cross. He was concerned that people should understand his …
“Woe to you … ” ~Jesus
Jesus is upset. Jesus is upset with the elite religious leaders of the day. Jesus hasn’t gotten over it. I …
“We don’t want the crowds up in arms” ~Religious Leaders
The religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus. They would. The religious elites just didn’t want people to be upset about …
“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and — good-bye, friend!” ~King Solomon
Friendship is an amazing experience. It also can be a fragile relationship. Am I looking at the good in my …
“A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” ~Jesus
Jesus is beginning to wrap up His manifesto. Jesus changed his brief metaphor from sheep and wolves to trees and …
“No one is going to eat fruit from you again—ever!” ~Jesus
Why in the world would Jesus curse the fig tree? What was He up to? This happened during the week …
“Whether few or many is none of your business. Put your mind on your life with God.” ~Jesus
It is none of my business. That is the stunning message from Jesus that He wants me to know. I …
