Is our treasure in heaven?
Jesus lays out the principles of the reign [Kingdom of God]. This excerpt is from what is known as the …
Category Archives: God’s Goal
“Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” ~Jesus
Jesus is wrapping things up. They have had the last supper and Jesus has laid out the new contract (aka …
Is the purpose of the Holy Spirit to supply spiritual gifts?
It is always good to focus on the why of things. So, why does God pour out on us the …
“Love does not envy or boast.” ~Apostle Paul
How many times do we envy what someone else has? How come they have such a loving family? How come …
What do we do when Jesus says he has something hard but important to say?
When Jesus says he has something hard but important to say I am guessing it is time to pay attention. …
What happens when we live God’s way?
There is my way and there is God’s way. What happens when we live God’s way? Imagine an orchard and …
How do we overcome evil with good?
God is not the author of moral evil; rather, it is His holiness that defines it. Created in God’s image, …
“Inside you are full of greed and wickedness.” ~Jesus
This all came about because Jesus did not wash his hands before he ate. Seriously. This was a huge …
How should we ask God?
Jesus wants us to ask the Father. We should not be shy. In fact, boldness helps. If what we ask …
Is wealth deceitful?
Why this is important: The worry of the world can completely drown out the word of my heavenly Father. Jesus speaks …
Was John the Baptizer filled with the Holy Spirit while still in the womb of his mother?
God fills John with the Holy Spirit while he is still in his mother’s womb and onward throughout his whole …
“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” ~King Solomon
Jesus is clear with us. He says “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” …
Are we learning how to serve the Jesus way?
Where does discontent and depression come from? Is it possible we understand that God wants us to do something and yet have …
Are we immune from suffering?
I am not immune from suffering. Jesus, the very Son of God, suffered. God is clear that as a child …
“Watch yourself.” ~Apostle Paul
We often see danger as lurking outside of us. Here is a sober reminder from Brandon Cox. Something like “I …
“Because of your hardness of heart, he wrote you this commandment.” ~Jesus
Jesus’ habit was to teach about the way God intended things to be. He had a vast number of people …
What kind of work does Jesus have in mind for us?
Jesus sends us out into the world to do God’s work. He knows it isn’t easy. In fact, it is hazardous. …
Does the gift of the Holy Spirit give assurance of acceptance by God?
This is stunning. God has a plan. That plan for us includes the power of the Holy Spirit in our …
How do we combat the culture of materialism we live in?
Greed is very insidious. It creeps into my life, and I don’t recognize it at all some days. I have …
“There is no way to kill a man’s righteousness but by his own consent.” ~John Bunyan
God is passionately in love with us. God’s love is not just an average run of the mill kind of love. …
Are we jumping on others failures when we do the same things?
How do I want to be treated? With respect. With understanding. I like to be given the benefit of the …
Will we rebel or obey?
Why this is important: Jesus is perfectly aligned with His Father, God. That is the source of His power. Jesus challenges …
Does the Holy Spirit give boldness in preaching and witnessing?
Good news: God wants us to be bold in spreading the good news of Jesus. What is His plan? To …
What is the job God has for us to do?
The job at hand: My role is one of a slave. I am a devoted slave of Jesus, the Messiah. Really? …
Is the gift of the Spirit for all believers?
I believe, based on the word of God, that the gift of the Holy Spirit is for all believers. Having …
Are we ready for the harvest?
Jesus knows things we do not. He challenges us to wake up. He looks out and does not just see …
What kind of sacrifice is pleasing to God?
I really meant to, but I just got overwhelmed with everything else on my to do list and all the …
Are we behaving in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity?
Why this is important: Paul depended on Jesus and the Holy Spirit to speak about the Good News. He depended …
“You cannot serve God and money.” ~Jesus
Who will I serve? It is a stunning question. Jesus now explains that behind the choice between two treasures (where I …
“So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” ~Jesus
Powerful message from Francis Chan. Jesus, the Messiah, and our Master, requires one thing. We must be obedient God. That is …
“My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” ~Apostle Paul
Why this is important: It is so easy to fall into the trap of thinking we are wise. We study …
“The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” ~Apostle James
What kind of legacy do I want to leave my children? What is the most important thing I can do? …
“Do you want to be healed?” ~Jesus
Jesus can ask us direct and stunning questions. Imagine you have been an invalid and crippled for 38 years. Now …
“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised the Messiah Jesus from the dead will also give life …” ~Apostle Paul
Imagine this: The Holy Spirit, who raised Jesus from the dead, dwells in us. That is stunning. Consider the power …
Have we become virtual pneumaphobiacs [fear of the Holy Spirit]?
Does your church teach and preach on the power of the Holy Spirit? I have been to some churches where …
“As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” ~Jesus
Family is extremely important in the Bible, both in a physical sense and in a spiritual sense. The foundation of …
“Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ~Apostle James
Clearly, I am to be pure. It is a matter of the heart. Purity means to be “clean, blameless, unstained …
“You of little faith, why did you doubt?” ~Jesus
Why worry? God has a plan. God is working his plan. We can trust in Him. He is in an …
“The precepts of Yahweh [the Lord] are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of Yahweh [the Lord] is pure, enlightening the eyes.” ~King David
Joy is something we all long for but that often seems difficult to grab hold of. Experiencing joy should be …
“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit.” ~Apostle Peter
Jesus shows me how to love and be kind. Jesus commands me to love. God wants me to be kind, …
Is it dangerous for a mainline denominational church to allow for the possibility of miraculous gifts today?
The charismatic continuationist position is gaining traction in our churches today. This is true all over the world. And, there …
“So thick-headed! So slow-hearted!” ~Jesus
Jesus is resurrected to an incorruptible body after having been crucified. It is three days after His death. He is …
“Therefore, let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall.” ~Apostle Paul
Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people; seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects God’s own …
“Since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us …” ~Author of Hebrews
God has been talking to me a long time. I can go back. Dr. Pirtle spoke the word of God …
“Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.” ~Jesus
We have a great promise from Jesus the Messiah. It is joy and happiness. Jesus wants us to have joy. …
Do Cessationists and Continuationists (Charismatics and Pentecostals) Need Each Other?
I have been reluctant to speak out too much on this. I stick to scripture and what it has to …
“Whoever does the will of God abides forever.” ~Apostle John
It is hard to remember some days that this life is noticeably short. Then other days it comes home to …
“There is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me.” ~Jesus
We love to form groups. Even early on, the disciples had figured out who was in and who was out. …
“Because you’re tepid and neither hot nor cold, I’m about to vomit you out of my mouth.” ~Jesus
This is not pretty. Jesus is serious. Jesus is speaking to the church. In this case it was Laodicea. Is …
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Apostle Paul
It is easy to forget about joy. It is essential in the Kingdom of God. The Beatitudes (aka The Jesus …
“You are in the Messiah Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” ~Apostle Paul
Why this is important: I avoid some things because they sound very geeky and smack of theology. Jesus talks about …
“You greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of the beauty of God.” ~Apostle Peter
Why this is important: Peter knows about Jesus and goes over the top in love for him. Jesus stood by …
“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” ~King Solomon
Old age is generally held in honor and the aged in society are to be respected. Because of the wisdom …
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 And He said …
“The man who cannot control himself becomes absurd when he wants to rule over others.” ~Isaac Arama
I don’t like to get in trouble. I do get in trouble even though I don’t like it. Usually, it …
“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!” ~King David
It is one thing to start on the journey with God, but it is completely another to finish and stay …
“In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” ~St. Augustine
News flash. God can handle things with out my help!! God doesn’t need me to correct believers. This can be very …
“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance.” ~Apostle Paul
Why this is important: When we exhibit the kindness of God, we are tender, benevolent, and useful to others. Every …
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~Jesus
Why this is important: Jesus teaches His disciples that we are not to worry. Jesus encourages me to avoid worrying …
“In fact, the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the agreement of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new agreement is established on better promises.” ~Author of Hebrews
In the scriptures, a covenant (agreement) is between God and His people or certain specific individuals, like me. The fulfilment …
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do 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 …
“Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” ~Jesus
The main thing: Paul tells the church that the spiritual blindness of Israel is a “mystery” that had not previously …
“But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?” ~Apostle Paul
The main thing about the main thing: There was a problem among the early group of disciples in Corinth. It …
Do we have a passion for the teaching of Jesus?
How do we get wisdom? From the world? From reading books? By watching TED? Wisdom comes from God, and it …
“I’m desperate for you. I’m lost without you.” ~Michael W. Smith
Am I desperate for God? Fortunate [Blessed] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. …
“Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” ~Jesus
Why this is important: Jesus wants us to accompany him. Jesus wants us to go where He has gone and …
“The counsel of Yahweh [the Lord] stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.” ~King David
Why this is important: David knows a lot about God’s plan for countries and kingdoms. We can plan and scheme …
“In it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith.” ~Apostle Paul
Why this is important: There are some things to be embarrassed by. There are some things to be proud of. …
Are we working for “the man”?
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Master [Lord], knowing that in …
“You shall not covet …” ~God
Why this is important: We covet. It is not very pretty. We do it. We see something and we want …
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing.” ~Jesus
I am to be a disciple. That is the goal that Jesus has for me. Making disciples is important because it …
“With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.” ~King David
God wants us to say it. Say it aloud. Say it to ourselves. Say it to others. God, through King …
“The only significance of life consists in helping to establish the kingdom of God.” ~Count Leo Tolstoy
Why it matters: What is Jesus’ favorite thing to talk about? Knowing he would be present with the disciples for …
Does Jesus know what we lack in our lives?
And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, …
How hard is it to be a disciple of Jesus?
Why this is important: I started out strong. I imagine you did too. And then …Something happens. Or several things. …
“The law was our guardian until the Messiah came, in order that we might be justified by faith.” ~Apostle Paul
The purpose of the Law was to bring us to the Messiah. It is essential to start here. Once I …
“God is greater than our heart and knows all things.” ~Apostle John
Jesus is clear. His apostle John is clear. My heart testifies to me what I ought to do. There is …
How will we defend ourselves before God?
Has the problem of missing God’s goal for our life been solved for good? Yes, it has. Our Messiah and …
“God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” ~Apostle Paul
So here we go. Let’s check off the list. I am not wise. I am not mighty. I am not …
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” ~Jesus
What does Jesus want from us? Jesus wants us to listen. Jesus wants us to be a good and faithful servant. …
Why did Jesus take so long to get there and do something about Lazarus?
After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken …
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of the Messiah. …
Does God give us the gift of wisdom?
Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the …
“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” ~Apostle Paul
God has a plan. Stop and think about that. God has a plan. That is stunning but what may feel …
“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” ~Jesus
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the …
Should you wait for God to tell you what to do?
As the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, . . . So shall my word be that goeth …
Are we ready to embrace the cross of Yeshua [Jesus]?
34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, …
What is the outcome if we act on what Jesus commanded?
When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, …
Do we have a special arrogance that believes we are not enslaved … to anyone?
So, Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are …
“My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.” ~King David
With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the …
“Watch and beware of the teaching of the religious elites.” ~Jesus
When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 Jesus said to them, “Watch and …
Who can we blame for this?
As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, …
How does God work it all out?
But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. Nor …
What is the result of God’s discipline?
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by …
What makes a real difference?
And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, 15 said, “Master [Lord], …
Crazy things Jesus said that will change your life!
Jesus had a lot to say. Jesus is radical in what He demands of His followers. This is not easy …
If you want to see Jesus, you may have to be clever!
He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief …
Is it hard to follow Jesus?
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let …
“I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” ~God to Jesus
Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose …
“Whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” ~Jesus
And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to …
Jesus Quotes and God Thoughts 