Why is God’s goal for us is to do everything in love?
Sometimes I am stunned by the simplicity of how God speaks to us. Through Paul He gave it to us …
Tag Archives: Faith
Are we ready to have extravagant love?
There is love and then there is extravagant love. My Father loves me extravagantly. I should love the same way. …
How do we encourage our brothers and sisters in Jesus?
I do need to give this more consideration. I ought to be thinking, “How do I spur my friends on …
Was Jesus a feminist?
I can count on Jesus to be just and treat everyone fairly. That is way He is. Jesus is loving …
What is healing? How does Jesus bring it about?
Jesus is wired with the power of God. God’s energy flows through Jesus continuously. So much so, when a sick …
Where will an “eye for eye” get us? What is the way of Jesus?
Jesus loves the word of God. He also knows the legalism can be taken to the extreme. I certainly have …
How are we made right with a Holy God?
It is possible to study the mere letter of Scripture while ignoring coming to its focus, Jesus the Messiah. Can …
Does hope lead to results?
I want more hope in my life. It supercharges my faith. It is the energizer bunny to me. It takes …
Is Jesus impressed with us?
The Roman Centurion was very humble and knew that Jesus could give the command and his servant would be healed. …
Will we listen to Jesus? Will we trust Him?
One day Jesus took a boat ride. A large crowd met him at the seaside when He arrived. One of …
Will we have courage and believe our Master Jesus the Messiah?
With faith comes a risk. “What if ….”, we think. What if God doesn’t answer.What if we look silly. We …
Will I stand firm when Jesus challenges me?
You come to Jesus. Your son is sick and is going to die. You ask Jesus to come and heal …
Why don’t our faithless solutions allow God to shine through?
Jesus challenges us. It had been a long day. It was beginning to get late. His disciples came to him …
Are there any “ifs” among the followers of Jesus? Can anything happen?
Jesus summons us to a new level of belief. There are no “ifs” in His world. The new plan he …
Is it reasonable to ask Jesus what I must do to do the works of God in my life?
‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’ A question from the disciples. I look at the question …
“Hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.“ ~Apostle Paul
There are lots of things I can know about God. God created everything. I get that. But how did He …
“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible” ~Author of Hebrews
God challenges me to deal with reality. God IS. God is God. The universe is real. It exists. It comes …
I must beg everyone to fight the good fight of faith. It is such a precious gift. I must guard it. I must cherish it.
I am a slave to Jesus. That sounds awkward these days but that is the truth I must know. I …
“Let us do good to all people” ~Apostle Paul
I am to do good to all people. I must be faithful to God’s goal to love my neighbor. I …
“A man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in the Messiah Jesus” ~Apostle Paul
I fall into the trap of thinking that if I just follow the rules, I will be seen as good …
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” ~James
There is much to be said about faith. So … we start with God. God is the object of my …
“Let us leave the elementary teaching about the Messiah and go on to maturity” ~Author of Hebrews
I want to be mature. I don’t want to be a baby. I want to grow up and be an …
“So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.” ~Luke
Do people speak highly of me as a disciple? Does it matter? My job is to please God. That should …
“Say the word, and my servant will be healed.” ~Roman Centurion
What does faith look like? How can I know how to grab ahold of it and have more of it …
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus the Messiah, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” ~Apostle Paul
So what is grace? It is the gift of God that brings joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, and loveliness into our life. I …
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” ~Apostle John
Jesus is the Son of God. I have a witness that Jesus gives me eternal life. That life is found …
“And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” ~Apostle Paul
I want more hope in my life. It supercharges my faith. It is the energizer bunny to me. It takes …
“How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher?” ~Apostle Paul
There is much controversy in our culture today surrounding followers of Jesus who own businesses being forced to photograph gay …
“But Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works.” ~Apostle Paul
I fall into the trap of thinking that if I just follow the rules, I will be seen as good …
Does hope reassure believers in their faith?
Hope is amazing but what is it really? In most instances in the New Testament, the word hope is the …
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” ~Jesus
Where should I put my faith? In God? In Jesus? In the Holy Spirit? Yes! Yes! And Yes! “Do not …
“There is no way to get rid of this kind of demon except by prayer.” ~Jesus
Jesus has to step in to solve a very real problem. That is the way of Jesus. He just doesn’t …
“By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see.” ~Author of Hebrews
God is God. God created the universe and everything we know of. God did it through His word. God just …
Is faith strengthened through testing?
There is much to be said about faith. So … we start with God. God is the object of my …
“Are you serious?” ~Disciples to Jesus
Jesus asks me to do something. It seems outrageous. It seems impossible. Are you serious, I ask? Seriously, you want …
“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 …
Why are Christians described as believers?
I am a person who believes in God and the work of His Son Jesus. We are a people of …
“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 …
Is Jesus just and impartial in his dealings with people?
I can count on Jesus to be just and treat me fairly. That is way He is. Jesus is loving …
Is fear an opportunity for faith?
There is a great conundrum around the issue of fear. God says that I should fear Him and that I …
Why do the wicked refuse to listen to God?
In the Gospels, Jesus speaks of those who have “ears to hear” at the end of a difficult saying or …
What is the relationship between obedience and faith in God?
Obedience to the will of God demonstrates the reality of a person’s faith in Jesus the Messiah. I must learn …
What is grace? Why is it important?
So what is grace? It is the gift of God that brings joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, and loveliness into our life. I …
Does hope lead to specific results?
I want more hope in my life. It supercharges my faith. It is the energizer bunny to me. It takes …
“For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” ~Apostle Paul
It is possible to study the mere letter of Scripture while ignoring coming to its focus, Jesus the Messiah. Can …
Is Jesus in the healing business?
Here is good news. Jesus heals the sick. Jesus does it all the time. Jesus is in the healing business. …
“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 …
“You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me.'” ~Jesus
I must change my mind (aka repent). My nature, along with all of us, is one that is fallen and …
“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 …
“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 …
Is Jesus the object of our faith?
Where should I put my faith? In God? In Jesus? In the Holy Spirit? Yes! Yes! And Yes! Jesus challenges …
“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 …
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” ~Jesus
Jesus is now at the core issue as He lays out His manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). God has a …
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
I really don’t have an excuse for not having more faith. I have heard Jesus clearly. That is the first …
“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 …
Children of God — How does it happen? What role does the Spirit of God play?
I am so glad that God has adopted me. Jesus has broken the bondage of slavery and given my His …
Fear — Should I be afraid of natural phenomena like tornadoes and hurricanes?
I am constantly on the lookout for tornadoes. I live in tornado alley. I used to live in the northeast …
Law — Is there a conflict between grace and the law?
The purpose of the Law was, basically, to bring us to the Messiah. It is essential to start here. Once …
“Courage! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” ~Jesus
In the Bible, courage is also called “good cheer” as in Mark 6:50 when Jesus gave the command to the disciples who …
“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 …
“Don’t listen to them; just trust me.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants to perform a miracle in my life. There are many competing voices telling me it won’t happen. Who …
What is the outcome of hoping in God? Will it bring security and confidence?
Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in “I hope something will happen.” I have been guilty of thinking …
Hypocrisy — What happens when my deeds do not match my words?
Jesus is clear. Jesus detests hypocrites. Jesus calls it out all the time. My contempt allows me to ignore its …
Toleration — It should be exercised for the benefit of those whose faith is weak
How tolerant of other believers should I be? Even when disputing/dialoguing over prominent doctrines, a disciple of Jesus should exercise …
Mystery — God’s plan of salvation: God’s plan, now revealed, has been hidden for long ages
The mystery of faith is a term that occurs in 1 Timothy 3:9. “Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted …
Achievement — Is faith required?
Where does faith come from? Faith is not something I conjure up on my own, nor is it something I am …
Faith — God is the Object of our Faith
There is much to be said about faith. So … I start with God. God is the object of my …
“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 …
“Do you want to get well?” ~Jesus
Do I want to get well? Jesus is in the healing business. Jesus can heal me physically and Jesus can heal …
“What you believed could happen has happened.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me. Jesus wants me to believe. When I do, Jesus is loving, kind and faithful. Jesus wants to …
“Who touched my robe?” ~Jesus
Am I thinking, if I can just touch Jesus, He will heal me? It is a good question. Sometimes I …
Peace — It is established in a believer’s relationship with the Father and Jesus
There are times I am clearly not at peace. I am not at peace with myself and I am not …
“That clinches it—help’s coming, an answer’s on the way, everything’s going to work out.” ~King David
“That clinches it—help’s coming, an answer’s on the way, everything’s going to work out.” ~King David Source: Psalm 20:6 The Message (MSG) Hope …
“When we were with you, we made it quite clear that there was trouble ahead.” ~Apostle Paul
Being a part of the world of Thanks-Living means we know about trouble ahead but are thankful none the less. …
“You took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague.” ~~Jesus
You have suffered a condition of hemorrhaging for twelve years—a long succession of physicians have treated you. Your treatment hasn’t …
“Where can we buy bread to feed these people?” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear and purposeful. Jesus has questions. Do I have answers? Some interesting lessons here for me. Jesus loves …
“Cheer up, son. I forgive your sins.” ~Jesus
Jesus is very focused on what brings about miracles. Jesus knows a thing or two about that. Miracles are his …
“For as long, then, as that promise of resting in him pulls us on to God’s goal for us, we need to be careful that we’re not disqualified.” ~Author of Hebrews
Relax, God is in control. I keep hearing that from our Father. He promised a rest. That is His goal …
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” ~Apostle Paul
Paul reminds me. I am at war. It is an ongoing war. It doesn’t stop. Who is the enemy? The …
“They never got there because they never listened, never believed.” ~Author of Hebrews
God’s goal for me is that I listen and obey Him. God is talking. Am I listening? It is easy …
“What a generation! No sense of God! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this?” ~Jesus
Jesus is direct with me. When Jesus speaks, I better listen. Jesus has something to say. There are times I …
“So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith.” ~Apostle Peter
In God’s world, He wants me to be mature in my faith. I must focus on building not standing still …
“I’m working for the Lord, and even though the Lord’s pay isn’t very high, his retirement program is.” ~~George Foreman
You have to love George Foreman. I’ve met him a couple of times and he is the real deal. Who …
“Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed!” ~Jesus
Am I willing to take the risk of faith? Jesus challenges me to be persistent. What are the implications to …
“Why are you such cowards? Don’t you have any faith at all?” ~Jesus
It was a nice day for a boat ride. I’ve been on them before. It is a beautiful day. You …
“Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me. Am I ready? Jesus shows me the way. The miracles of Jesus show me what God can …
“So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help?” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me. I don’t need more faith. I need persistent faith. I must be persistent in my prayer and …
“Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” ~~Napoleon Hill
What does Jesus think? God has a plan. What I can conceive is puny compared to God. Jesus challenges me …
“You don’t need more faith. There is no ‘more’ or ‘less’ in faith.” ~Jesus
Here is the real deal about faith. I think I need more faith. If I just had more faith, I …
“Thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must.” ~Apostle Paul
What do I have on my to do list for the day? What must I do? Thanking God should be …
“This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders.” ~Apostle Paul
We have a home that God is building and we are the bricks He is using us to make His …
“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help.” ~James
James knew this. If I’m honest, I can admit it as well. I don’t always know what I am doing. …
“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.” ~James
Really James? A gift? Somehow I think he is serious. This isn’t the way I normally think. Tests and challenges …
From start to finish, Jesus is absolutely amazing
Jesus came to us where we are. He moved into the neighborhood. Not in a distant way but near. The …
"What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax." ~~Jesus
I worry a lot. It isn’t good. I know that. I worry anyway. Jesus challenges me to trust God completely …
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." ~~Apostle Paul
This is His path to peace for me. I don’t understand it for sure but it is true. He is …
“They loved praise from men more than praise from God.” ~Apostle John
Fill in the blank. But because of __________ I would not confess my faith for fear I will be kicked …
“I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” ~Joseph
Joseph had been in jail a long time. Pharaoh put him there. But now, all of the sudden, Pharaoh needed …
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” ~Apostle Paul
There is a striving for “things” that is not natural in God’s world. Being content is a huge thing. It …
“What we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up.” ~Apostle Paul
How often do I keep quiet when I should say what I believe? Too often I think. If I believe …
