“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities.” ~Apostle Paul
The main thing: God is God. God is in control. I don’t get that some days. What about that jerk …
Category Archives: Vault
Celebrating Maundy Thursday
It is Holy Thursday. Spending time today reflecting on that day and evening before the Crucifixion of our Master Jesus, …
“What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?”~~Jesus
It was the Sabbath. The religious leaders of the day are watching Jesus. Will he heal the man with the …
“If you make Insight your priority, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours.” ~King Solomon
I have priorities. I have plans. I love to plan. But, do I have the right priorities? There is a …
“I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus the Messiah of Nazareth, walk!” ~Apostle Peter
I may not have a lot but I have the power of God. Jesus has given me the Holy Spirit. …
“Love cares more for others than for self.” ~Apostle Paul
God is love. He teaches me that the way, primarily, to His love. He loved us so much, He gave …
What does it really mean to live in God’s country with Jesus in charge?
What does the “kingdom of God” really mean? God has a country. It is completely different from the country we live …
"It’s urgent that you listen carefully to this." ~Jesus (3 Radical things to do)
We all want to live. Before Jesus, I was in the world of the dead. I knew it then and I fully understand …
“So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with the Messiah, act like it.” ~Apostle Paul
I must be serious about the resurrection life with Jesus. It isn’t only about what I think but is very …
"What a huge harvest! And how few the harvest hands. So on your knees; ask the God of the Harvest to send harvest hands." ~~Jesus
Jesus demands that I not worry about anything but having enough people to bring everyone we meet to Him. Jesus came for …
“But you have God-blessed eyes—eyes that see!” ~Jesus
I have been blessed. God has done an amazing thing. It is all the work of Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus …
“May you be content knowing you are a child of God.” ~St. Theresa
This is a great prayer. Simple but focused on God. Peace can be ours. It is ours by knowing who …
“Does God do these things because of your strenuous moral striving or because you trust God to do them in you?” ~Apostle Paul
I can’t do anything, in and of myself, to please God. That is difficult to get in my core some …
"Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your mind (repent) and believe the Message." ~~Jesus
Do I have enough time? Jesus demands that I understand that time is up. Now is the time. I can’t delay understanding who …
“You’re asking the wrong question.” ~Jesus
I need to change my mind and act differently (repent). I need to ask the right questions. I am clearly …
Will I keep my eye on the goal that Jesus the Messiah has for me?
I need to keep my eyes on the goal that Jesus the Messiah has for me. I want all that God has for …
“Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents.” ~Apostle Paul
I watched what my father did. I now see so many of his traits and expressions as my own. In …
“If we claim that we’re free of missing God’s goal for our life, we’re only fooling ourselves.” ~Apostle John
Am I fooling myself? Sometimes, OK, a lot of the time, I say things that are nonsense. When I do, …
“Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God.” ~King Solomon
Wisdom teaches me that everything starts with God. I can’t be wise until I know God is God and God …
“Unless you turn to God, you, too, will die.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear that bad things happen to good people. That isn’t the issue. Jesus is focused on letting me …
I am held accountable to Jesus, and it is a good thing!!!
God is good and He is in a great mood. This is nothing to take lightly. I know it and I …
“So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master Jesus.” ~Apostle Paul
I must not be embarrassed. Jesus is my Master. I must speak up for Jesus. I must speak up for …
"Take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom." ~~Jesus
Jesus demands that we take His way seriously. There is nothing frivolous about it at all. My job, my mission, …
“Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, ‘Oh, thank you, God!’ ” ~Apostle Paul
I need to thank God for my brothers and sisters in the faith of our Master Jesus. When I don’t …
You were given this new life in God. With Jesus, you are strong enough to live it.
We are born. And then, some of us are born again. I have a new life in Jesus. I can be strong …
“God always keeps his word.” ~Author of Hebrews
Jesus has made the perfect sacrifice for us. Jesus has taken care of the “missing God’s goal” (sin) problem completely. …
“So how should I prepare to come to you?” ~Apostle Paul
Others get to decide how I will come to them. It is their actions that determine that. Will I come as disciplinarian? …
“Whoever mocks poor people insults their Creator; gloating over misfortune is a punishable crime.” ~King Solomon
Jesus was clear that we will always have poor people with us. We always have. We always will. Jesus challenges …
Is there a difference between being a Christian and a Christ (Messiah) follower?
There is definitely a difference in being a “christian” and being a “Christ (Messiah) follower”. Did Jesus ever ask anyone …
“Friends, don’t complain about each other.” ~James, brother of Jesus
I complain about others. It isn’t very pretty or becoming. I am ashamed when I think about it. Many times, …
“Other seed fell in rich earth and produced a bumper crop.” ~Jesus
Jesus loved to tell stories. This one was about the farmer who planted seeds for his crop. But not all …
“Give the government what is theirs, and give God what is his.” ~Jesus
It is important for me not to confuse my obligations to my country and my obligations to God. God expects …
“Jesus the Messiah rescued us from this evil world we’re in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our missing God’s goal.” ~Apostle Paul
I was in big trouble. I didn’t feel God’s love. I didn’t know how to love. I missed God’s goal for my life. Over …
“On the other hand, perhaps it is new, freshly minted as it is in both the Messiah and you—the darkness on its way out and the True Light already blazing!” ~~Apostle John
I like hearing about the “new thing”. What is the shiny new object? Truth is not new. Truth is eternal. …
“I don’t condemn you. Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.” ~Jesus
I get caught in the act of missing God’s goal for my life (sinning). It happens way too often. The …
“God picked you out as his from the very start.” ~Apostle Paul
I should never lack for anything to pray about. I can thank God, all day long, for my family, friends, …
“At last God has heard my sobs.” ~King David
I have troubles. I feel like God has punished me. I have been taken to the woodshed, I think. I …
What is God up to? When you’re down to nothing God’s up to Something!
Here is a truth I need to remember. When there’s NOTHING left I can do about a situation I need to remember …
“God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.” ~King David
There is a lot to be said for staying the course with God. He certainly never abandons me. May I not abandon …
“The person who obeys my heavenly Father’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” ~Jesus
Family is important. We think it is the most important thing. Jesus challenges me to understand that the most important …
“Don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith .” ~Apostle Peter
God has a goal for us. God, through his victorious son Jesus, wants us to build on the foundation of …
“Love means following his commandments, and his unifying commandment is that you conduct your lives in love.” ~Apostle John
I must be diligent in living out the truth of God’s commandment. I must be consistent and not waiver. I …
“Abraham was now an old man.” ~Moses
There are a lot of stories in the Old Testament about amazing men of God. One common theme in many …
“Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word.” ~King Solomon
I love to plan. It is a passion of mine. It is comforting to me. It provides me the illusion …
“I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best.” ~Apostle Paul
When I have changed my mind (repented), I need to fill my mind with the right things. What should I …
“Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that’s what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions.” ~Apostle Paul
There is a main thing. I need to be clear about what it is. Ignorance, in this regard, is not …
“My aim is to raise hopes by pointing the way to life without end.” ~Apostle Paul
I am God’s slave. Jesus is my Master and he owns me. This has happened because of what Jesus did …
“That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large.” ~Jesus
God’s goal for me is to pray and have faith in him. I should talk with God about everything. I should be in complete …
“God the Father has his eye on each of you.” ~Apostle Peter
God has given me an assignment. Jesus personally has a mission for me. I must focus on knowing what it is …
“I’m so grateful to the Messiah Jesus for making me adequate to do this work.” ~Apostle Paul
Gratitude goes a long way. The Messiah is the one who makes us adequate to do anything. It isn’t about …
“The person who does evil falsifies God, doesn’t know the first thing about God.” ~Apostle John
There is good. We all know it and point it out. We try to be better people and be good …
“Congenial conversation—what a pleasure! The right word at the right time—beautiful!” ~King Solomon
God’s goal for us is that our conversations are pleasant. Arguing and fights aren’t what he has in mind. Love …
“Relax, everything’s going to be all right; rest, everything’s coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!” ~Jude, brother to Jesus
Imagine growing up with Jesus as your brother. You saw him up close and personal. I’m thinking you have a pretty …
“It’s your time—it’s always your time; you have nothing to lose.” ~Jesus
It is easy to make suggestions for others to follow. The brothers of Jesus thought they had a clever idea. …
“Far better to take refuge in God than trust in celebrities.” ~King David
Who do I trust? When I need help, who do I call? If I need some money to get me …
“King-God, I need your help.” ~King David
King David, in his wisdom, pleads for God to pay attention. David knows he isn’t making any sense. I know …
“I’m speaking to you as dear friends.” ~Jesus
Jesus considers us friends. Jesus wants to confide with me. Jesus has some things he wants me to know. Jesus …
“Seek good and not evil — and live!” ~Amos
Jesus challenges me to live like my faith means something. My faith must be lived out in love. I must have a …
“The news of your faith in God is out.” ~Apostle Paul
You pick up the paper. You are the headline. Your faith in Jesus is the front-page headline. Your life is …
“Here’s the reward I have for every conqueror.” ~Jesus
We live a life building on what we’ve been given, complementing our basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate …
“So what do we do? Keep on missing God’s goal (sin) so God can keep on forgiving?” ~Apostle Paul
I live in a new country now. I live in the country governed by God. Jesus is in charge of God’s …
“Quit your worship charades.” ~God
God has a clear message for me. Jesus challenges me to quit being religious. Jesus wants me to have nothing …
“Are you the One we’ve been expecting, or are we still waiting?” ~John the Baptizer
When Jesus finished placing this charge before his twelve disciples, he went on to teach and preach in their villages. John, …
“Don’t take yourself too seriously — take God seriously.” ~Micah
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and …
“You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.” ~James
Greed and lust lead to violence. Just read today’s news headlines to see that is true. We don’t have something …
“So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well.” ~Apostle Paul
Love is not all about the emotion of it and our feelings. It is not sentimental gush. Over time, we …
“Faith is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living.” ~Author of Hebrews
Our life in Jesus the Messiah begins with faith. Faith is the foundation of everything we do and say. Without …
“It’s (love) always been implicit in the Message you’ve heard.” ~Apostle John
I am seeking a new and shiny object. Innovation is cool. The new thing is the holy grail. I love …
“We keep everything we do and say out in the open.” ~Apostle Paul
God is open and plainly shares truth with us. God has given us good news and made it known without …
“A mean person gets paid back in meanness, a gracious person in grace.” ~King Solomon
There is such a thing as tit for tat. Being mean gets you meanness in return. While Jesus teaches us …
“The Word (Jesus) was God, in readiness for God from day one.” ~Apostle John
In the order of things, Jesus is first. Nothing came before Jesus. Jesus is the son of God. Jesus is …
“By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us we have it all together with God.” ~Apostle Paul
What gets us into the game and off the bench? It is faith in Jesus the Master, our Messiah. Faith …
“There’s no longer room for doubt—God made him Master and Messiah.” ~Apostle Peter
It is clear. There is no room for doubt. We have to accept the facts. Jesus is Master. Jesus died, …
“Stand up for me against world opinion and I’ll stand up for you before my Father in heaven.” ~Jesus
Jesus didn’t come to make our lives easy. Most are enemies of God and his plan. Most days it will …
“Why is everyone hungry for more?” ~King David
Jesus, the Messiah, challenges us to change our minds (repent). Do we need more or do we have more than …
“God’s Way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life.” ~Apostle Paul
Sometimes I like to talk. I know it is just “all talk”. I don’t have any intention of doing anything. …
“There are no ‘ifs’ among believers. Anything can happen.” ~Jesus
What a mighty lesson of faith this story teaches us. Jesus is clear with us. We want to believe but …
“I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man.” ~Apostle Paul
We place a heavy emphasis on “being good”. We hear it all the time. He’s a good man or woman. …
“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.” ~Jesus
When we talk with God, Jesus the Messiah challenges us to be direct. God already knows what we need. God …
“I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” ~Yahweh [the Lord]
Our God is great God who cares for us. God is good all the time. God has a plan for …
“We do not have the excuse of ignorance.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus challenges us to live a completely new life. There is nothing in the old life that is worthy of …
“The good acquire a taste for helpful conversation; bullies push and shove their way through life.” ~King Solomon
Wisdom suggests that we have conversations that are helpful. That starts with what is in our heart, continues with what …
“You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.” ~James, brother of Jesus
I love to plan but do I love to do God’s will? I have great ideas for the future. I …
“I’m after mercy, not religion. I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.” ~Jesus
Jesus, the Messiah and God’s son can do anything he wants. Jesus has been giving all power and authority from …
Is my life in Jesus like spice in a bland world?
Jesus showed us why we are here. We are like seasoning. We spice things up. We bring out the flavor …
“I am delighted to hear of the careful and orderly ways you conduct your affairs.” ~Apostle Paul
There is a way that Jesus the Messiah challenges us to live. Is it to be haphazardly? Is it to …
“Jesus brought together God and his people in this new way.” Author of Hebrews
Jesus, the Messiah, has ushered in a whole new agreement and plan (covenant). It is his gift to us through …
“There are a lot of lying religious leaders loose in the world.” ~Apostle John
My natural inclination is to trust ministers and the clergy. The Apostle John advises otherwise. He knows that there are …
"You’re more than happy (blessed) when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat." ~Jesus
Am I starving for God? Do I have a good appetite for Him? Is all I think of my next …
“I’ll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that’s God-willed.” ~God
Now here is good news. God can’t see our old heart. God can’t see that we are dirty and need …
“I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God.” ~Apostle Paul
Sometimes, OK, many times, I need to be reminded to fan the flame. It hasn’t completely gone out but it …
“Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide.” ~ God’s Angel
When it was time to give birth to Jesus, no one had room for Him. So, Mary did what she …
"Neither he (the Son) nor the Father shuts anyone out." ~Jesus
Jesus demands radical obedience from us but also brings good news. No one is shut out from God. All are …
“This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in.” ~Jesus
First of all, God conceived us in love. That is the starting point and is amazing in and of itself. …
“God, God-of-Heaven, the great and awesome God, loyal to his agreement and faithful to those who love him and obey his commands.” ~Nehemiah
Nehemiah was an amazing man of God. He had a big yes going on in his life. He knew how …
“I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally.” ~Apostle Paul
The Apostle Paul was there. He had learned how to be content. He was more than happy. It didn’t matter …
“Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!” ~Moses
Jesus understood what He was here to do. Jesus, the Messiah, reminded us of the new plan as He lived it …
“It’s better to suffer for doing good, if that’s what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad.” ~Apostle Peter
A curious warning is given to us in Peter’s first letter. There he tells us to be ready to give …
What is the inside story about God?
We all want the “inside scoop”. We know we do. And so here is good news. We have it. We …
Love is …
Love is not stingy. Love is not miserly. Love is not tightfisted. Love is not grudging. Love is bighearted. Love …
Jesus Quotes and God Thoughts 