“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 …
Tag Archives: Faith
“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 toleration 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 …
“For nothing is impossible with God.” ~Angel of God to Mary
Imagine being a young woman. You are a virgin. An angel shows up and lets you know you are going …
“Faith makes all things possible… love makes all things easy.” ~Dwight L. Moody
How very true. Paul reminded us that faith, hope and love define God’s new plan. But it is love that …
“What if some did not have faith?” ~Apostle Paul
You know, this is my favorite part of all. It doesn’t matter if I am up or down. Happy or …
“I’ve yet to come across this kind of simple trust anywhere in Israel.” ~Jesus
The Roman Centurian was very humble and knew that Jesus could give the command and his servant would be healed. …
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus the Messiah to eternal life.” ~Jude
So here is something else to be anxious for. Am I anxious for the mercy of Jesus the Messiah? I …
“The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” ~Jesus
It is a fairly reasonable question. We come to Jesus. From our religious culture and upbringing we ask “What must …
“Do whatever he tells you.” ~Mother of Jesus (Mary)
This is pretty good advise. It came from a woman who knew Jesus very well. His mother knew who Jesus …
“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.” ~James
I get many gifts in life. Do I see tests and challenges as one of them? That is how I …
Jesus leads us as the new pioneer of supernatural faith and courage.
God got everything started. Everything came from Him. His word made it all happen. He is also the one who …
“Jesus stood over her, told the fever to leave—and it left.” ~Luke
It doesn’t matter why they asked Jesus to do something for Simon’s mother-in-law. They wanted Jesus to do something for her. …
“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command.” ~Author of Hebrews
Just a quick look at the space images on the NASA site and there is no doubt what a great …
“Turn your back on salvation by self-help.” ~Author of Hebrews
There are a lot of basic and fundamental truths I need to experience as I become a disciple of Jesus. …
To do list for today … Keep on believing
Keep on believing Keep looking forward Trust God
“Abraham went, even though he did not know where he was going.” ~Author of Hebrews
Worry is not faith. Faith is obedience. God says go. I must go. God has a goal in mind for me. …
“Anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.” ~Author of Hebrews
There are some things that just aren’t possible with us. We can’t please God without faith. With faith, nothing is …
"Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward." ~~Nelson Mandela
Jesus challenges to keep moving ahead. Don’t stop. Don’t give up. We are a people of hope. We know how …
"All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired." ~~Martin Luther
I can count on God. God is reliable. God’s goal for me is that I believe in his son Jesus. …
I must move with Jesus. He ROCKS and is my rock. Are you with me?
I want more supernatural courage. That kind of faith is growing and I thirst for it. Do you? I want …
The problem with putting it all on the line for Jesus is …..
The problem with putting it all on the line for Jesus… is that it might not work out. The problem …
“We keep getting reports on your steady faith in the Messiah Jesus, and the love you continuously extend to all Christians.” ~Apostle Paul
What is worth reporting on, in Paul’s opinion? It is all about the love we show to others. That is …
Why do I believe in Jesus?
Jesus came into the world as light. Jesus makes everything clear. I can see because of Jesus. Without Jesus, I …
“The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” ~King David
God lights my path. God saves me. Jesus, the Messiah, has paid the price for my missing God’s goal and …
What is the strange thing about wanting to control what is going on with others walk with Jesus?
There is a strange thing about wanting to control what is going on with others. I become very critical. Suspiciously …
“Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine.” ~Apostle Paul
I have a job. Jesus has given it to me. I must be faithful in fulfilling it. I can’t shirk …
“I have to write begging that you fight with everything you have in you for this faith entrusted to us as a gift to guard and cherish.” ~Jude
Jesus is my Master and the Messiah (anointed one of God). It is a gift from Jesus that I am …
"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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 …
“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 is no sadder sight than a young pessimist.” ~Mark Twain
We are a people who believe in the good news message of Jesus. We are a people of faith. We …
“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 …
