“There’s one thing left.” ~Jesus
Jesus knows. Jesus sees what is in our heart. Jesus knows the “one thing” that we need to deal with. …
Category Archives: 2015
“Love doesn’t force itself on others.” ~Apostle Paul
God doesn’t force Himself on me. He is love and love doesn’t know how to do that. God has given me …
“These women worked for the Message of good news as hard as any of us.” ~Apostle Paul
Am I working hard for Jesus? Am I working as hard as the Apostle Paul? Or am I hardly working? …
“It’s a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights. ” ~King Solomon
I get into arguments sometimes. Not pleasant to admit but it is true. God’s goal for me is to not …
“Every person who believes that Jesus is, in fact, the Messiah, is God-begotten.” ~Apostle John
Here is a great promise. It is to everyone. No exceptions. And …. it is a bold promise. We serve …
Guest blog: Curt Swindoll — 4 “Wake Up Call” Statistics for Church Leaders
Today’s blog is from Curt Swindoll. Curt (@CurtSwindoll) is the executive vice president for strategy at Pursuant, a comprehensive fundraising consultancy …
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Messiah.” ~Apostle Peter
What a gift it is to know our Master Jesus. It isn’t anything I have earned. Our Father just loves …
"I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!" ~Jesus
Jesus, the Messiah, challenges us to be public, to tell all about His Father’s love, to be radical in our …
“Though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned trusting-obedience by what he suffered, just as we do.” ~Author of Hebrews
How do we learn trusting-obedience? This is not an answer we want to hear. We learn trust and obedience by …
“I will not forget you!” ~God
I see it! I lean in. God holds His hand out to me. My name is carved into the palm of …
“Jesus solved the sin problem for good—not only ours, but the whole world’s. ” ~Apostle John
Has the problem of missing God’s goal for our life been solved for good? Yes, it has. Our Messiah and …
"The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing." ~Jesus
As mothers and fathers, we understand the love that we have for our children. Magnify that by a factor of …
Is God over the hill?
God is not over the hill. God is not past His prime. He is God. He is great. God is the same today …
Where does my identity come from?
Jesus knew before he selected Judas that he would betray him. He wanted him as a part of the 12 …
Who did God put in charge of salvation?
Who did God put in charge of salvation? Man? No. There is no way we have what it takes for …
"When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself." ~~Jesus
Jesus calls us to a higher standard than the way of this world. He is in charge of the new …
Am I too bold in what I ask of God?
Am I too bold in what I ask of God? Or am I not bold enough? He has a heart …
"If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that." ~~Jesus
We live in a world where there is conventional wisdom. We have a culture of success and infatuation with the …
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
There is a whole lot of shaking going on. It isn’t about the economy or politics. The shaking is God’s …
“Great and powerful God, determined in purpose and relentless in following through.” ~Jeremiah
God is God and nothing is impossible for him at all. God is great and powerful. God never runs out …
“As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.” ~King Solomon
God spends a lot of time talking about the heart. God longs for me to have His heart. That is what …
"You’re more than happy when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less." ~~Jesus
We are always looking for more. We want to be better. We want to develop. The reality of who we …
“His father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” ~Jesus
God is incredible good. God is looking for me. He feels compassion for me. His heart pounds when He sees me. …
“God determined the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene.” ~Apostle Paul
Is this the latest, most faddish message? No, God doesn’t deal in fads. His message of Good News to us …
“Long before we first heard of the Messiah, he had his eye on us.” ~Apostle Paul
God has a plan. Stop and think about that. God has a plan. That is stunning but what may feel …
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment.” ~Jesus
Oh my goodness. We live in a world where a critical spirit is par for the course 24/7. It is …
"Get up, take your bedroll, start walking." ~Jesus
Jesus has the authority to heal. And He does. When He says something, you can take it to the bank. …
“So faith comes from hearing.” ~Apostle Paul
Want more faith? How would that happen? Did you hear Him? Seriously. Did you? Jesus is talking to us. Jesus …
"I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama." ~Jesus
Jesus has it all together. All the complexity we see. All we don’t understand. Jesus sees it simply. He understands it …
Where is God’s Holy Spirit leading us today?
After his baptism, Jesus learned to live, in the present, with the power of the Holy Spirit. He was baptized …
“If my goal was popularity, I wouldn’t bother being the Messiah’s slave.” ~Apostle Paul
Is my goal popularity? The Apostle Paul was clear that wasn’t his goal. He knew what his goal was. His …
“We’re writing hoping that you’ll now see the whole picture as well as you’ve seen some of the details.” ~~Apostle Paul
We hear a lot about seeing the “big picture”. The Apostle Paul clearly got that. He realized it is easy …
Digital Ministry: Create heartfelt experiences
There comes a time where we have to make a decision. What will we invest in? It is a serious …
“Those earlier ones never did get to the place of rest because they were disobedient.” ~Author of Hebrews
We have the promise. It has not been fulfilled yet. We can receive it today even though in the past …
“Change your mind. God’s kingdom is here.” ~Jesus
Jesus is not after behavior modification. Jesus wants heart and mind transformation. That is His challenge to us. Will we love …
“After his death, Jesus presented himself alive to them.” ~Luke
The Apostles were absolutely convinced of Jesus resurrection from the dead. Luke, the author of Acts, is careful to document …
"I can’t do a solitary thing on my own: I listen, then I decide to act." ~Jesus
Jesus only does what he hears the Father say to do. That is His standard for us as well. We …
“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Master.” ~Apostle Peter
It just keeps rolling on. Over and over again. God’s grace. God’s peace. Multiplying infinitely and never stopping. This happens as I …
“Do your best with them.” ~Apostle Paul
How often do I dog it, not giving my best? Paul challenges us to live differently. We have opportunities every …
“May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you.” ~Apostle Paul
How is it that I persevere? How will I become mature? My will power can get me so far. That …
"Beat it, Satan!" ~Jesus
Jesus understands Satan’s approach. Three times Satan tempts him. Jesus quotes God’s word and then uses his authority to send …
“You don’t find God’s wisdom lying around on the surface.” ~Apostle Paul
We don’t find God’s wisdom in the popular philosophies that are floating around. This is not about the “success mentality” …
“Comfort one another with these words.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus died and rose again. We have reassurance that one day we will all have a huge family reunion. Those …
"You can trust my decision because I’m not out to get my own way but only to carry out orders." ~Jesus
Jesus can be trusted. Jesus doesn’t have a self serving bone in His body. Jesus only does what He sees the Father …
“Refuse to have anything to do with those among you who are lazy and refuse to work the way we taught you.” ~Apostle Paul
This is something to think about. Paul is very strong in what he says. We must encourage believers in the …
“Because Jesus honored God, God answered him.” ~Author of Hebrews
Jesus is all about doing what He sees His Father doing. He listens to God. Jesus doesn’t do anything without …
Pope Francis’ Speech on the Poor and Indigenous Peoples
Pope Francis spoke about the problems faced by the poor and indigenous peoples at the Second World Meeting of the …
“You need to keep a sharp eye out for competent men—men who fear God, men of integrity, men who are incorruptible—and appoint them as leaders.” ~Moses
God shows us how to choose leaders. These are the best principles to apply in all cases, particularly political. Our …
“It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people.” ~Author of Hebrews
This is in fact stunning. How can I characterize His sacrifice? It was perfect. There was nothing lacking in it …
Are you good enough to be better? “Abound in this gracious work also.” ~Apostle Paul
God has done some amazing things in my life. But, He says to me, “Are you good enough to be …
"The one who listens to you, listens to me." ~Jesus
Jesus is very clear. If someone listens to me, they are listening to Jesus. Jesus grants us His authority. His words …
How long is a trillion years to God?
Our Father is the everlasting God. He has always been and always will be. What is it like to see …
“Love never fails.” ~Apostle Paul
Some people hear the message in their mind. “I am a failure”. Hearing it doesn’t make it true. We don’t want to go there. …
"But my purpose is not to get your vote. I’m speaking to you this way so that you will be saved." ~Jesus
Jesus has a focus. He isn’t trying to be popular. He wants us to be saved from a life of …
My Bible from 1970 when I was 16. Look who gave it to me!!
I must admit that most of my reading these days isn’t with physical books. I am an avid on-line / …
“How can a young person live a clean life?” ~King David
We are on a great journey. We need a map. We need direction on how to reach our destination. How …
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works.” ~Jesus
I am to be a light. I should bring out God’s colors into the world. God is not a secret to …
“They trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives.” ~Apostle Paul
There are some “real” atheists. There are also many who believe there is a God but don’t believe in God. …
"Travel light. Comb and toothbrush and no extra luggage." ~Jesus
Jesus challenges us and gives some good advice. Focus on today’s needs and not long term plans. It runs counter …
“In marriage a man becomes one flesh with a woman—no longer two individuals.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. Jesus doesn’t equivocate or hedge. Jesus is all about love but he is also clear about marriage. …
"If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal?" ~~Jesus
Sometimes we get so proud of ourselves for doing what anyone can do. Jesus challenges us not to see things …
“God wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.” ~Apostle Paul
When you are thinking about someone all the time, it is clear you love them. They are the focus of your …
"Blessings accrue on a good and honest life, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse." ~King Solomon
It seems conventional wisdom is that there is no reward for a good and honest life. There is the eternal …
“God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.” ~Isaiah
Some days I get home and I am really tired. My energy is gone. Not much left. I get tired. …
“Don’t try to read between the lines or look for hidden meanings in this letter.” ~Apostle Paul
Paul is clear about Jesus. His writing is clear about God. God’s word is clear. There is no “I wonder …
“Whatever the Father does the Son also does.” ~Jesus
Jesus promises that I will do even greater things than He did. So … how is this possible? Well, I …
“It’s in the Messiah that we find out who we are and what we are living for.” ~Apostle Paul
Who am I? What am I living for? These are essential questions. Questions that we want answers for. We have …
“Quick-tempered leaders are like mad dogs— cross them and they bite your head off. ” ~King Solomon
Wisdom gives us clues about how to deal with certain leaders. Leaders generally have power and authority. They can destroy …
“I’m God-commissioned.” ~Apostle Paul
Paul knew something. He wasn’t afraid to say it. God had commissioned him. He was on a mission for God …
“I wrote on everything that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he said good-bye to the apostles.” ~Luke
Jesus is now in heaven sitting at the right hand of God. This is central to our faith and believe. …
Dad and I with a bow tie
Everett Wilson (my dad) and I. I think we may have been at Aunt Gladys’ house in their front yard. …
“Celebrate God all day, every day.” ~Apostle Paul
Now here is some great advice from the Apostle Paul. He knew what he was talking about. This is how …
“I forgive you.” ~Nadine Collier to the Charleston murderer of her mother
This is stunning. No riots in Charleston. Prayers and forgiveness. Nadine Collier, the daughter of 70-year-old Ethel Lance, said at …
The Good News (Gospel) in four minutes
Here it is. The Good News (Gospel) in four minutes. Life is ours. Here is a transcript of the video. …
“God’s wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes.” ~Apostle Paul
Wisdom. We all want it I think. What is the path? How do we get there? God is GOD. He …
"You’re more than happy when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule." ~Jesus
When there is less of what we want and more of what God wants, that is a good thing. It …
“May everything good from God our Father be yours!” ~Apostle Paul
God is good. There is no doubt about it. The Apostle Paul starts out his message to the Colossians with …
Are we willing to suffer and mature? Will we rejoice and be happy?
Jesus, the Son of GOD, came to earth and suffered for us. Imagine that. Take a minute to think about …
Prayer requests
Some priorities to pray for today. Peace in Iraq – DIA Director sees Iraq as ‘quagmire,’ but strikes term from testimony (6/18/2015) One …
“Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants me to ask the Father. I should not be shy. In fact, boldness helps. If what I ask …
Celebrating flag day
Our flag has a glorious and wonderful history. My mom loved our country. She saw my dad go off to …
Will I hear GOD or will I be deceived?
The worry of the world can completely drown out the word of my heavenly Father. Jesus speaks to me. He gives …
“The anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.” ~Apostle Paul
So I have to suffer a little. It is no big deal. Some days are hard. But there is no …
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” ~Jesus
Life is restful in Jesus!! In Him is real rest not temporary relief. I can just take it easy when …
“If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it.” ~Jesus
Where does discontent and depression come from? Is it possible we understand that God wants us to do something and yet have …
What is the most dangerous threat to my leadership?
We often see danger as lurking outside of us. Here is a sober reminder from Brandon Cox. Something along the …
"On your way! But be careful—this is hazardous work. You’re like lambs in a wolf pack." ~Jesus
Jesus sends us out into the world to do God’s work. He knows it isn’t easy. In fact, it is hazardous. …
“The Spirit dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along.” ~Apostle Paul
A lot of people are just flitting around the surface. I can be one of them. The Holy Spirit of …
"God has given His commands to us, but we pay no attention to them, … because we do not truly love and respect Him." ~Oswald Chambers
Is it about obedience or is it about love? We like to think it is about obedience. That is the …
“Wine makes you mean, beer makes you quarrelsome— a staggering drunk is not much fun. .” ~King Solomon
Moderation is everything but we’ve all known a mean drunk. Not much fun at all. God’s goal is for us …
The Digital Ministry: A Manifesto
Jesus has a mission for us. He commissioned us. He commanded us to do it. He demands we pay attention. …
"My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into trouble." ~~Jesus
Jesus challenges us to be radically different from most Christians and religious types of people. It will get us in …
What do I learn from the rude?
What do I learn from the rude? Jesus challenges us to love everyone. The Apostle Paul learned to live this …
“You are awesome, O God.” ~King David
You give me power and might. O God, you are so amazing, so awesome. You are terribly beautiful. It just …
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize faults-unless, of course, you want the same treatment.” ~Jesus
How do I want to be treated? With respect. With understanding. I like to be given the benefit of the …
"With all my might I shout up to God, His answers thunder from the holy mountain." ~King David
My enemy (Satan) enjoys mocking me. He gets so much pleasure from it. It is fun and funny to him. So, …
"What the Father does, the Son does." ~Jesus
Jesus is perfectly aligned with His Father, God. That is the source of His power. Jesus challenges us. Become aligned with …
“We can face you with our heads held high.” ~Apostle Paul
There is a certain kind of honor that is worth having. False pride, in doing it “my way” is useless. …
"Our Lord never requires the same conditions for discipleship that he requires for salvation." ~Oswald Chambers
God brings salvation to us as an unconditional act. A disciple is a student who is learning. That is a …
Can I respond to God with blazing fast speed?
My Father is helping me. He is bringing out the best in me. He is helping me to have a …
