Is obedience thicker than blood?
Jesus challenges us to see the reality of GOD’s World (Kingdom). We think a lot about our families. What about …
Tag Archives: Family
Is family the foundation of relationships in God’s Kingdom?
Family is extremely important in the Bible, both in a physical sense and in a spiritual sense. The foundation of …
“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” ~Jesus
My job is to do the will of God. That is it. There is nothing else. That is the overarching …
“No prophet is welcome in his hometown” ~Jesus
Jesus encounters lots of opposition. There are a lot of Jesus-deniers out there. Am I one of them? And He …
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” ~God
I am married. That is good news. It is a part of God’s plan for me. I have been able …
“Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Master.” ~Apostle Paul
I have a job. It is to be obedient to my parents. There was a point in time where that …
“How can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elements? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?” Apostle Paul
Will I turn my back on grace and return to religious rules, regulations and a legalistic culture? What will happen …
“Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” ~God
Family is extremely important in the Bible, both in a physical sense and in a spiritual sense. The foundation of …
Is Jesus opposed by family and friends?
Jesus encounters lots of opposition. There are a lot of Jesus-deniers out there. Am I one of them? Jesus the …
Is marriage a part of God’s plan for the human race from creation?
I am married. That is good news. It is a part of God’s plan for me. I have been able …
“Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts.” ~Apostle Paul
I am so glad that God has adopted me. Jesus has broken the bondage of slavery and given my His …
“For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and God.” ~Apostle Paul
I covet what other people have like their house or their car, their job or anything that a neighbor has. …
“For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” ~Apostle Paul
Joy is something that I must work at. It is a fruit, needs cultivation, water, fertilizer and more. Neglect can …
“Is there anyone here who, if a child or animal fell down a well, wouldn’t rush to pull him out immediately, not asking whether or not it was the Sabbath?” ~Jesus
Jesus has great questions of me. Jesus wants to know if I understand love or if I’m just stuck on …
“When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans.” ~King Solomon
The issue here, relative to “good people”, is one of righteousness. Do we have righteous people in charge? The contrast …
“For we are His workmanship — spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used for good works, which God prepared for us beforehand.” ~Apostle Paul
I am a part of God’s “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17), and God continues to work in me to make …
“An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:” ~Matthew
It is important for me to know about the Messiah. Matthew wisely starts with the facts of the genealogy and …
“The wicked are edgy with guilt, ready to run off even when no one’s after them; Honest people are relaxed and confident, bold as lions.” ~King Solomon
A lion is a mighty and very courageous animal. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. I want …
“Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways” ~Author of Hebrews
Hello. Is anybody listening? God is speaking. Jesus has something to say. We are no longer living in “long ago”. …
“Jesus is able also to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” ~Author of Hebrews
Jesus is my High Priest, interceding for me before God. Jesus is able to save me altogether, perfectly, so that nothing …
“And now, Master, take note of their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your word with all confidence.” ~Apostle Peter
There is no doubt that persecution is a stark reality of living for a disciple of Jesus. For a disciple …
“And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” ~Jesus
When Jesus saw the large crowds as sheep without a shepherd, His compassion led Him to teach them the things …
“The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars.” ~Apostle Paul
I don’t like to think about it. I prefer to ignore liars. They didn’t mean it, I think. Jesus is …
Does the birth of children bring joy?
What joy there is in bringing children into this world. Consider this from Jesus: When a woman is in labor, …
Is joy experienced in a relationship with Jesus the Messiah?
Yes, joy is most certainly is experienced in my relationship with Jesus! I have good news. I want to shout …
“Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” ~John the Baptizer
Jesus had a lot to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving. Here …
“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 …
“Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.” ~Jesus
Jesus looks me hard in the eye. Jesus is clear. Jesus isn’t going to pull any punches with me. …
“God is great — everything works together for good for his servant.” ~King David
I have something to shout about. I have family and friends that want the best for me. They really do. …
Family — Is it the foundation of relationships in God’s Kingdom?
Family is extremely important in the Bible, both in a physical sense and in a spiritual sense. The foundation of …
Purity – Are God’s people to live pure lives?
Jesus challenges me. “Happy are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Clearly, I am to be pure. …
Joy — How can I experience joy in my discipleship life?
Joy is something we all long for but that often seems difficult to grab hold of. Experiencing joy should be …
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” ~Apostle John
Jesus is my Master. Jesus is the Word of God. Jesus has always been with God. Jesus is the Son …
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 …
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” ~Jesus
The Jesus Manifesto continues with Jesus laying out for me what I need to be like in this world. I …
Pretense — Is it practiced by people in their approach to God?
I need to be careful. It is one thing to be a hypocrite. It is another to be pretentious. Pretense …
Joy – Is it because of the believers’ love and concern?
Joy is something that I must work at. It is a fruit, needs cultivation, water, fertilizer and more. Neglect can …
“The Master is full of compassion and is merciful.” ~James
Nothing moves me to forgive like the stunning knowledge that I have myself been forgiven. Nothing proves more clearly that I …
Immaturity — Is that the cause of backsliding?
I started out strong. I imagine you did too. And then … Something happened. Or several things. We went off …
Persecution — Are religious authorities and elites an agency of it? Does this include the Religion of Secular Humanism and Atheists?
There is no doubt that persecution is a stark reality of living for a disciple of Jesus. For a disciple …
Compassion — Is it shown in actions?
Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, exemplified all of the Father’s attributes, including His compassion. When Jesus saw His …
“All hail the power of Jesus’ name, let angels prostrate fall!” ~ Edward Perronet
I love this song. I think it is my all time favorite. I grew up hearing it in church and …
False Doctrine — It may be of demonic origin
Doctrine is “a set of ideas or beliefs that are taught or believed to be true.” Biblical doctrine refers to …
Wealth — John the Baptist on Fruits Worthy of Repentance
This is pretty stunning. Of course, John the Baptist is a prophet and is determined to speak the truth of …
I am a Devoted Slave of Jesus, the Messiah
My role is one of a slave. I am a devoted slave of Jesus, the Messiah. Really? Yes, a slave. …
“You are masters at making yourselves look good in front of others, but God knows what’s behind the appearance.” ~Jesus
Am I a master at making myself look good? What Jesus has to say to the religious elites (aka Pharisees) …
“This is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he’s alive!” ~Jesus
There is good news, for all of us. Jesus has a heart for the lost and those who have missed …
Judging Others – Some Examples of Jesus the Messiah refusing
Jesus famously said “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will …
Self-control — It Affects the Whole Person Including Physical Self-control
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It is physical and emotional self-mastery, particularly in situations of intense provocation or temptation. It …
Mary and Joseph, the Parents of Jesus — Too Poor for a Sheep
Jesus is born. We all know the story. Apparently Mary and Joseph couldn’t afford a sheep for the sacrifice. As …
“Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn’t my time. Don’t push me.” ~Jesus
Mothers, you have to love them. They want us to do something. We might as well do it. Jesus understood …
“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.” ~Jesus
I am thinking this part of the Jesus Manifesto has been ripped out of most Evangelical and Protestant bibles. I …
“Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.” ~Jesus
Greed is very insidious. It creeps into my life and I don’t recognize it at all some days. I have …
“Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” ~Jesus
Jesus continues with His radical Manifesto. We all know what it is like to be hungry or thirsty. We can’t …
“This is war, and there is no neutral ground.” ~Jesus
Jesus knows what I am thinking. There is no hiding. Jesus will shine the light on my indifference. I must …
“It were better to have no opinion of God at all than such a one as is unworthy of him; for the one is only belief – the other contempt.” ~Plutarch
I like to take comfort in my faith. Of course, I believe in God and Jesus. I have for a …
When I choose to obey Jesus’s call to follow and be a disciple, what will it cost me?
I want to follow Jesus’s call and be a disciple. What will it cost me? Am I prepared? There is …
“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” ~Jesus
Jesus warns us in Matthew 7 where we hear Him say “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s …
Sometimes my worst fears …
Sometimes my worst fears come true. It really was cancer. I did go broke. I was homeless and living in …
“Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air; common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.” ~~King Solomon
There is right and there is wrong. We all know the difference. I must remember to stand up for the …
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 …
Gentleness — A mark and part of the character of a follower of Jesus
Gentleness is a mark and a part of the character of a follower of Jesus. We know from Galatians 5:22 …
“Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” ~Jesus
Holy Tuesday is is a busy day. Many chapters of the Gospels are devoted to it.(Matthew 21:23—23:39; Mark 11:27—12:44; Luke 20:1—21:4). Here …
“Happy are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” ~Jesus
“Happy (aka Blessed) are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” ~Jesus Source: Matthew 5:9 (NASB) Jesus continues on with his …
“I was born in order to die. I die that I may live. Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom!” ~St. Tikhon of Voronezh
We all know the saying, “Life is short”. Indeed it is if we do not know our Messiah Jesus who …
“Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion.” ~King Solomon
Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, …
What is peace, how do we make peacemaking real and what is the promise of Jesus?
Jesus says “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” The commendation of peacemakers – It …
“What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?” ~Jesus
Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me …
Everything Jesus had to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving
Jesus had a lot to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving. Here …
“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 …
“Make yourselves at home in my love.” ~Jesus
I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep …
“Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career.” ~King Solomon
Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career. For Wisdom is better than all the …
“Haven’t you read in your Bible that the Creator originally made man and woman for each other, male and female?” ~Jesus
Jesus is put out with the Pharisees. Jesus points them and us to the Bible. I’m afraid our church leaders …
“There’s no telling who will hate you because of me.” ~Jesus
You’ll even be turned in by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. Some of you will be killed. There’s no telling …
“You’re way off base, and here’s why: One, you don’t know your Bibles; two, you don’t know how God works.” ~Jesus
Am I clever? I like to think I am some days. So did the Sadducess (Religious Leaders). They thought they …
“When you make a mistake, admit it. If you don’t, you only make matters worse.” ~Ward Cleaver
I am a great fan of “Leave it to Beaver”. Leave It to Beaver ran for six full 39-week seasons (234 episodes). …
“You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.” ~Jesus
There is a realization I need to come to daily and it is a tough one. I am not in …
“It is hard to get it across to you since you’ve picked up this bad habit of not listening.” ~Author of Hebrews
Am I mature in God’s ways? Am I eating solid food? Can I teach others what God is saying and …
“After Job had interceded for his friends, God restored his fortune—and then doubled it!” ~Moses
Am I praying for my friends and family? How much time do I spend interceding for them? None? Some? Enough? …
Is it an interruption? Or is it God? Am I focused on the plan or the planner Jesus?
Is it an interruption? Or is it God? Is it an interruption? I live in in a world where I …
“Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.” ~King David
We are asked to stand in awe of our mighty God. He is God. And there is a promise. Why …
“Don’t hang out with angry people; don’t keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious— don’t get infected.” ~King Solomon
Wisdom is challenging. It sounds great but it isn’t easy to do. This advice about anger and bad tempers is …
“Talk to Wisdom as to a sister. Treat Insight as your companion.” ~King Solomon
Here is the deal about wisdom. God has a goal for me. God wants me to be wise. I need …
“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” ~Jesus
What does it take to be a part of God’s family? The answer is very straight forward. Jesus doesn’t hold …
“It’s not possible for a person to succeed—I’m talking about eternal success—without heaven’s help.” ~John the Baptizer
I like to think I can do it all myself and that I don’t need any help. I need to …
“You’re more than happy when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God.” ~Jesus
I love to eat. Almost anything, anytime. There is nothing like a great meal with family or friends. I have …
“Has the Messiah been chopped up in little pieces so we can each have a relic all our own?” ~Apostle Paul
I don’t own Jesus. No church owns Jesus. Jesus hasn’t be chopped up into little pieces called Baptist, Catholics or …
A tribute to my mother (Dorothy Wilson — 1922 – 1967)
Mother’s are so special to us. Of course, my mother is no different. My mother, Dorothy Mae Frey was born …
A tribute a most amazing mother — Dawn Wilson
Angel, I have so much respect for you. You are an amazing mother and I stand in awe. Your love, …
“You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.” ~Apostle Paul
In our family, like most families, being a “member of the household” means something special! It means you walk right …
"The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire." ~~Ferdinand Foch
Jesus challenges us to be on fire for him and God’s government. Nothing else should matter. Not family or friends. …
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." ~~Oscar Wilde
Jesus challenges us to not act or pretend. Hypocrisy is high on his list values to avoid. Authenticity is the …
“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 am Second" – The Robertsons and the Duck Dynasty
Duck Commander / Dynasty family. This is a must see video. Part of the “I am Second” series. Phil starts …
“God is a safe place to be.” ~King David
I can trust lots of people or things. I can trust my wife and family. I can trust my credit …
“And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses to the ends of the world.” ~Jesus
Jesus has given me a mission. He has also given me power. The first charge was to wait for the …
Contemplation on a prayer: A Poem
Should I pray for an easier life OR to continue becoming a stronger man? I will pray for power equal …
“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~James
Challenges in life are a gift of God. Challenges come from many directions. But it is the very pressure of the …
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” ~Apostle Paul
I am not thinking big enough. My imagination is limited in ways I can’t grasp. I ask for catfish and …
“I’ll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other.” ~Apostle Paul
What type of thing would seriously and urgently concern the Apostle Paul about Christians? Paul challenges me to get along. …
