“Love doesn’t have a swelled head.” ~Apostle Paul
Love just does its job. That is normal in God’s way of doing things. Love doesn’t get all enamored with …
Category Archives: 2015
May we focus on God’s opportunities and not worry about our competence. He is willing and able. He is God!!
God gives us opportunities every day. We all know it is true. So, look back a few years. How much …
“As for me and my family, we’ll worship God.” ~Joshua
I have a decision to make. I get to make it every day. Is it a dreadful thing to worship …
We have someone guarding our heart. It is Jesus the Messiah. Now that is some good news.
We all know it deep down. Our hearts are very fragile. It can be broken. We get depressed and angry. It …
“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus the Messiah” ~Jude
The mission God has given me is to keep myself in a faith that is set apart for Him. That …
“Whoever does the will of God lives forever.” ~Apostle John
It is hard to remember some days that this life is noticeably short. Then other days it comes home to …
May God’s love smother us all today!!
Our heavenly Father is magnificent. There are no boundaries to His greatness. I stand in awe of His great power. …
“So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.” ~Author of Hebrews
Am I letting it slip through my fingers? I have access to God. Jesus, the Messiah and our Master, paved …
“I pray that you grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
Imagine being so full of God that there is no longer any room for anything else. Imagine all of God’s love …
Are you making people mad? Are you making people glad? Both are a sure sign God is speaking through you.
Jesus challenges people. If He is speaking through you, some are definitely going to get mad. Jesus is reaching people. …
Do you get the hint about God’s new plan?
Do you like hints? They can be a little frustrating but they can also be fun. They can also be …
Feel like you are missing God’s blessings? Try stepping out in faith on what you have already heard Him say.
God is talking to us. Just like Jesus did with Peter when Jesus was walking on the water in the …
"You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ and never doing it." ~Jesus
Jesus knows us. Jesus, the Messiah and our Master, challenges us to not “be religious”. If we say we will pray, …
Having a challenge understanding? This is the opportunity to trust God, who is in a good mood.
There are so many things we can’t understand. Every day. So … what to do? We have many choices. There …
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Jesus.” ~Apostle Paul
I am a case study in what God can do. I had turned my back on Jesus. I had rebellious …
“The speech of a good person clears the air; the words of the wicked pollute it.” ~King Solomon
The wise are so powerful in what the say. It is like the very old ad on TV, “”When E.F. …
“Come back to our God, who is lavish with forgiveness.” ~Isaiah
Our heavenly Father is not stingy with forgiveness. In fact, He is not stingy with anything. As a Father who …
Are you lukewarm? Do you love being that way?
Francis Chan on being lukewarm. 40 minutes but well worth it. This is important. I know you inside and out, …
“Change your mind (repent). God’s kingdom is here.” ~John the Baptizer
John, the Baptizer, came to pave the way for his cousin Jesus, the Messiah and our Master. John was very …
“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
Our God is in an amazing mood. We must celebrate that all day long, every single day. Jesus, the Messiah …
“Don’t you know me?” ~Jesus
Wow, after all that time. Imagine what Phillip has seen Jesus do firsthand. How the words of our Lord must have …
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen.” ~Moses
God is speaking. And He suggests that I be careful. I think I should pay attention to this. Israel didn’t, …
“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” ~Apostle James
There is a “real” wisdom. Not the way I usually think about it for sure. It is God’s wisdom. God created …
“Forever God is with us.” ~Michael W. Smith
Give thanks to the Lord, Our God and King His love endures forever For He is good, He is above …
“The way to life — to God! — is vigorous and requires total attention.” ~Jesus
What does it take to get my attention and to keep me focused? Hard to say some days. There are …
“You, my brothers, were called to be free.” ~Apostle Paul
The old plan is finished. The rules, the regulations, the spirit of religion. It is done with. I was called …
“Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?” ~The Apostles to Jesus
You’ve been with Jesus for a while now. And, you have been through a lot with Him. His ministry. His …
“They think religion is a way to make a fast buck.” ~Apostle Paul
Worth watching this short video. Religion is not a way to make a fast buck. How much is enough? Bread …
What is it that God can’t do?
What can’t God do? It is a simple question. The silence around this one is deafening. There is nothing God can’t do. …
“You’re more than happy when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.” ~King David
It is one thing to start on the journey with God but it is completely another to finish and stay …
“Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I had to be here?” ~Jesus
Some days when Jesus talks to me I am like His parents. I have no idea what He is talking about. …
“Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do.” ~Apostle Paul
News flash. God can handle things with out my help!! God doesn’t need me to correct believers. This can be very …
“Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength.” ~Habakkuk
Some days things look bleak. Everything is out of synch. Nothing seems right at all. What I expect isn’t happening …
"Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men instead of perch and bass." ~Jesus
Jesus, the Messiah and our Master, challenges us to think about our jobs differently. To fishermen, he challenged them to …
What does God want me to do?
Jesus, the Messiah, has called me. Jesus wants me and my complete devotion. It is His desire that I do what …
“I mean, revel in Jesus!” ~Apostle Paul
We serve an amazing God. We need to celebrate everything He does for us. Celebrate Him doesn’t quite seem to …
“I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges us to change our minds (repent) about how we can get to God. Jesus is clear and explicit. …
“Love doesn’t fly off the handle.” ~Apostle Paul
Here is a concept to be considered. Our Father is absolutely perfectly in love with me. He isn’t, can’t, won’t …
“Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity.” ~King Solomon
When we think of leaders, how often do we think of love and truth? That should become our normal criteria. …
“The experts of our day haven’t a clue about what this eternal plan is.” ~Apostle Paul
We have so many experts today. Think of any subject and you can find thousands of them. The internet brings …
“God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything.” ~Apostle Paul
Why do we have money? Does God give us money to increase our standard of living? God gives us money …
“Jesus became the source of eternal salvation to all who believingly obey him.” ~Author of Hebews
Our mission is to obey King Jesus, the Messiah. This leads to our rescue which delivers us out of destruction …
“If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, and I hope you will always do so.” ~C. S. Lewis
What can go wrong? Our fear is that anything and everything will go wrong. That is an enemy whispering in …
Is Jesus Mr. Rogers with a beard?
Jesus is passionate. He is not Mr. Rogers with a beard. His objective is not to be a nice guy …
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” ~Apostle Paul
The enemy is constantly trying to find ways to trip us up. God is strong and He wants us to …
“The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.” ~Jesus
Jesus didn’t say what He wanted to. His words were from our Heavenly Father. The origin of what He said was …
“Your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” ~Jesus
12 years is a long time. She had tried everything. No one could help. They all tried but it was …
Transform a life in a moment #goeverywhere2015 #whyibelieve
Imagine Christians all over the world, standing together in a single moment in time, declaring their faith. Imagine millions receiving the …
“I am making everything new!” ~Jesus
King Jesus, the Messiah, has already won the victory. He is seated on the throne. It is done. There is nothing …
“Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living.” ~King David
How do we get wisdom? From the world? From reading books? By watching TED? Wisdom comes from God and it …
Are you desperate for God? Are you lost without Him?
Am I desperate for God? This is the air I breathe This is the air I breathe Your holy presence …
What is the new plan?
So God had an old plan before the new one. It was the plan based on following lots of rules …
“My word that goes out from my mouth will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” ~God
God has a purpose in what He says to me. There is something He has in mind to accomplish. And, …
"I know that love, especially God’s love, is not on your working agenda. " ~Jesus
King Jesus, the anointed Messiah, is direct with us. He can do nothing but say what He hears His Father …
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” ~Apostle Paul
Can I out dream God? I can’t even come close to out-dreaming God. My mind can’t imagine what He can. …
“Keep his commandments.” ~Apostle John
It is fairly normal to question our relationship with God. Just think of Thomas. Jesus loved him and chose him …
“Jesus, the Messiah, is the same yesterday and today and forever.” ~Author of Hebrews
Jesus is both Savior and Master. Who He was yesterday is who He is today and is who He will …
“I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.” ~King David
Can I go morally bankrupt? It is possible. Without God’s word and promises stored up in a sufficient manner, we …
I will never forget September 11, 2001
Originally posted on The Culture Alternative:
I will never forget that day. I was in Syracuse, NY. Originally I was scheduled to…
“It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him.” ~Apostle Paul
There are some things to be embarrassed by. There are some things to be proud of. We have an extraordinary …
“In trying to be relevant, you’re only being cute and inviting sacrilege.” ~Jesus
King Jesus, the Messiah, could nail it. And nail it he did. All of life should be about doing what …
"Keep open house; be generous with your lives." ~Jesus
King Jesus, the Messiah, wants us to radically open. He links this to being generous. Everything we are belongs to …
“Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus, the Messiah, has some work for us to do that is not futile. His work is always good. We …
“And where does that leave our proud religious claim of having a corner on God? Canceled.” ~Apostle Paul
Being “religious” carries some weight with God doesn’t it? Unfortunately, not a bit. Not even a little. Being Jewish or …
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~Gandhi
It is so very easy to fall into the trap that someone else will change what we so love to …
Are we seeing the parade of God’s salvation and deliverance out of destruction?
Are we seeing the parade of God’s salvation and deliverance? Seriously. Can we see it? Can we see King Jesus, the Messiah, out …
“Master, I knew that you are a hard man.” ~A man to God
One of the themes I hear about almost everywhere I turn is about how good God is and what a …
“I am the bread of life.” ~Jesus
I love bread. I love all kinds of breads. I love bread with butter. I love bread with oil. OK, …
"The Son gives life to anyone He chooses to." ~Jesus
Jesus makes it clear he has authority, even to give life. King Jesus, the Messiah, challenges us to understand this. It is …
“Make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing behind the scenes all along .” ~Apostle Paul
Is my task to be open? Yes, I should focus what God is doing and make it clear to everyone …
“This mystery in now out in the open.” ~Apostle Paul
Is life all still a mystery? No, it is not at all. Much about God’s world came seem mysterious. The good …
“I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.” ~King David
It is so easy to become distracted. King David knew that so very well. I am thinking it is even …
"Don’t you dare test the Lord your God." ~Jesus
Satan comes to us and subtly makes suggestions. Or, maybe they are not so subtle. Satan may even quote scripture …
“They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life.” ~Apostle Paul
We all know some “know it all’s”. We also pretend to know things we really don’t. There are some things …
“Whenever anyone turns to the Messiah Jesus, the veil that covers their heart is taken away.” ~Apostle Paul
Whoo Hoo!! This is very good news. Since I have turned to Jesus, the Master, I am seeing Him face …
“Let me set this before you as plainly as I can.” ~Jesus
Jesus is very plain and clear what he says to us. Jesus challenges us listen and hear what he says. …
“So I greet you with the great words, grace and peace!” ~Apostle Paul
We need to get back to using blessings when we greet people and leave. How powerful it is to be …
“It wasn’t long before they were living in a pigpen, smeared with filth, filthy inside and out.” ~Apostle Paul
Something happens when we choose not to follow God’s goal for our life (sin). There is a downward spiral. It …
“We’re not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times.” ~Apostle Paul
Will I throw up my hands and walk off the job? No way. I have to be clear about that. I …
“I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth” ~King David
God wants us to say it. Say it out loud. Say it to our self. Say it to others. God, …
“Jesus talked to them about things concerning the kingdom of God.” ~Luke
What is Jesus’ favorite thing to talk about? It is the way things work in God’s world (Kingdom) where God …
“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. …
“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 …
Jesus Quotes and God Thoughts 