God’s Goal — To Live with His People

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God's Goal, Jesus, John 14, Leviticus 26, Master, Revelation 21, Teachings

God’s Goal

God has goals in mind. He will accomplish them. When I miss God’s goal, that is known as sin. I miss God’s goal. I am a sinner. That much should be clear but if it isn’t, it is a starting point.

Jesus the Messiah’s basic aim was to do his Father’s will. As a slave of Jesus, I have the same objective, which Jesus the Messiah and the Holy Spirit enable me to achieve. I can’t do it on my own. I can do it with the power of the Holy Spirit. Now that is some VERY good news.

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“I glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail what you assigned me to do.” ~Jesus

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God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 17, Mission, Obsession, Plan, Prayer

“Then, raising his eyes in prayer, Jesus said: … I glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail what you assigned me to do.” ~Jesus | Source: John 17:1-5 (The Message)

Jesus was on a mission. Jesus had as his focus only doing what God, His Father, wanted him to do. God is God and has a plan all laid out for me. My mission is to do what Jesus has in mind for me. That is how I glorify God.

“Why be exploited by those who care nothing for you?” ~King Solomon

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God's Goal, King Solomon, Proverbs 5, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

It is helpful to know that some people really don’t care for me. In fact, they care nothing at all. They don’t have my best interest at heart and are hard-hearted. I need to be wise to discern that reality. I have opened myself up to it before. It is no fun, as we all know.

God has a goal and some wisdom for me. I need to listen carefully and closely. Jesus said “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”

“Follow me and I’ll show you how.” ~Jesus

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God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom of God, Mark 8

Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Source: Mark 8:34-37 (The Message)

Jesus ushers in the Kingdom of God, explaining to the crowds, not just the disciples, how it works. I don’t think there was an “alter call” afterward. Jesus delivered the message and moved on. Chapters, in the New Testament, can be tricky. I suggest always peaking to see if it is “over” or continues on. In this case, it wasn’t over. In Mark 9, Jesus continues. “This isn’t pie in the sky by and by. Some of you who are standing here are going to see it happen, see the kingdom of God arrive in full force. Six days later, three of them did see it. Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain.” So … think about it, the Kingdom of God has arrived and only 3 were there to see it.

Who can show me how? Jesus is the one. That is the clear message of the New Testament everywhere we read. Jesus is in charge. That must be dealt with in my life. Jesus is clear.

What is my goal? My goal is to follow Jesus. Every minute of every day. That is the job. It doesn’t change. The good news is that Jesus shows me how. I don’t have to figure it out on my own (like I really could).

The why and the how – Jesus tells me why and Jesus shows me how. I cry out, I don’t know how. Jesus says “I’ll show you.” And Jesus does.

 

“Don’t run from suffering; embrace it.” ~Jesus

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God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 8, Suffering

Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?

Source: Mark 8:34-37 (The Message)

God has a goal in mind for me. God’s goal includes suffering. God’s goal includes victory. It isn’t either/or. It is yes/and.

How should I approach suffering? Jesus challenges me to embrace it and make it my own. There is a learning lesson in suffering. I see, in a mirror, my character. How do I react? Is it spiritually mature? What can I do to love more?

Jesus is my model. Jesus is in the lead. Jesus embraced his suffering to fulfill God’s goal. Why should I think I am immune?

 

“Don’t you know anything? Can’t you see that it’s to our advantage that one man dies for the people rather than the whole nation be destroyed?” ~Caiaphas, the Chief Priest

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Caiaphas, God is God, God's Goal, Jesus, John 11, Messiah

God is God. God can do anything he wants. The religious leaders were trying to figure out how to do Jesus in. The Chief Priest that year, Caiaphas, brought them up short.

God had a plan. Caiaphas didn’t want to say what he said. Caiaphas didn’t know he was going to say that. God chose him and used him to help complete his plan. Jesus would die. That was God’s plan. The religious leaders would now carry it out because of what God had Caiaphas say. It all fit together.

“But don’t resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.” ~King Solomon

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Discipline, God's Goal, Hebrews 12, King Solomon, Love, Proverbs 3, Wise Sayings

God has a goal for me. Primarily God wants me to grow up and not be a child my whole life. Growing up requires discipline from a father. God is in a good mood and disciplines me for a reason. It is out of true love. So, what is the goal of discipline? “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. (Hebrews 12:11)”

“You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.” ~Jesus

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God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 8, Pray, Thankful

There is a realization I need to come to daily and it is a tough one.

I am not in control. I am not in the drivers seat and I really like the control that comes by driving. Having acted on letting Jesus be in control yesterday and not today isn’t very helpful. Every day I have to know it and live it.

God is God. God has given over control of everything to Jesus. I am to be a faithful servant, finding out what Jesus wants me to do and then doing it.

God has a goal for me. I may not know what God’s goal for me is for a year from now. That is a problem because I love to plan. I can know for today, for right now. If nothing else, I can talk with God (aka pray) and thank him for the long list of things he is doing for me, my family and my country.

I can find out how Jesus wants me to love my boss. We are in a meeting and he is droning on about the same old same old. What does love look like in that meeting?

There is a long list of people I will interact with today. Jesus is in the drivers seat. What should I do to support his message of love? While it became a little overused in some circles, it still is all about “What would Jesus do?”

“You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.” ~Jesus

Source: Mark 8:34-37 (The Message)

“God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list?” ~King David

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God's Goal, King David, Love, Psalm 15, Wise Sayings

King David asks God a great question. David talks with God all the time and he asks God a lot of questions. Do I want to have dinner with God? Is that my desire today? What will it take to get invited? All great questions.

David gets an answer from God. It is great to ask the question. Am I open to the answer? Do I hear what God has to say to me? I hear but many times I miss the goal that God has in mind for me.

Jesus simplified it for me. Love! That is it. Love God and love everyone else I know. the goal is clear. The good news is that God is in a great mood. When I miss the goal, Jesus picks me up, sets me straight on what happened and sends me on my way. God’s gift is to make me whole.

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” ~Jesus

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Forsake, God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 15, Messiah

Jesus experienced the ultimate.

Jesus took on the penalty for our missing God’s goal (i.e. sin). Jesus died for our redemption. At that moment, God abandoned Jesus.

That is difficult to grasp. It was my fault. Sad!

With that utterance, Jesus gave his last breath and died. No intervention. God let it happen.

Why? God had a plan. In that plan, the only one who could redeem all of mankind was his perfect Son.

God had a plan. Jesus executed it faithfully up to the very end. There was not a single point of deviation on the part of Jesus. Jesus is the faithful son.

And … then the good news. Jesus rose from the grave 3 days later in resurrected glory, never to die again. Jesus ascended into heaven to rule God’s country (aka Kingdom).

At noon the sky became extremely dark. The darkness lasted three hours. At three o’clock, Jesus groaned out of the depths, crying loudly, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Source: Mark 15:33-34

“If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say … ” ~Jesus

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God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 11, Obedience

Jesus gives me a job to do. It may not make sense.

My job is to do it. When asked, my answer should be “Jesus, my Master, has asked me to do X.”

The main thing about the main thing is that Jesus is in charge. Jesus has a plan. My job is to obey.

When they were nearing Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany on Mount Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never yet been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘The Master needs him, and will return him right away.’”

Source: Mark 11:1-3

“Your authority is connected to the mission.” ~Bill Johnson

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Authority, Bill Johnson, God's Goal, Jesus, Mission

Bill Johnson teaches how our mission is to carry a spirit of breakthrough into the world. Watch full sermon on http://www.bethel.tv/

God has a goal for me. I have authority to carry it out.

Now that is some good news.

Bill Johnson

“I have missed God’s plan badly in what I have just done, substituting statistics for trust; forgive my missing your goal—I’ve been really stupid.” ~King David

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1 Chronicles 21, God's Goal, Kind David, Wise Sayings

I know I do it all the time. I look at the facts. Hard to ignore them in my world.

• God’s way is to believe Him and ignore the facts. That is trust. In God’s country (aka the Kingdom of God), Jesus is in charge.
• Cancer? No problem. No cancer in Heaven. He wants His way on earth like Heaven.
• Bank account empty? No problem. He is rich beyond imagination. I am to build up wealth in heaven, not here on earth.
• Facts or faith? Statistics or trust? It is all about trust and faith. God is in a good mood and I must believe that every day.
• God has a goal and plan for me. It is all about trust in Jesus the Messiah.

I should be smart and trust Him. That is all there is to it. May I do what He wants and not miss His goal.

Then David prayed, “I have missed God’s plan badly in what I have just done, substituting statistics for trust; forgive my missing your goal—I’ve been really stupid.”

Source: 1 Chronicles 21:8

God’s Goal

“The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.” ~Apostle Paul

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Apostle Paul Sayings, Colossians 4, God's Goal, Jesus, Repent, Wisdom

The Apostle Paul, full of the wisdom of Jesus the Messiah, has given us insight into God’s goal for us.

• Do I need to change my mind?  I am to use my head. I should think things through. I should change my mind (aka repent).
• Whose country am I a citizen of? I should recognize that i am a citizen of God’s country (aka the Kingdom of God). I live and work among outsiders.
• What about wisdom? I shouldn’t miss a trick. God will give me wisdom. I should us it for God’s advantage.
• What is God’s goal? God is going to give me opportunities. God is in a good mood. I should focus on bringing out the best in others. I should never put them down. God’s goal is for me to love. Love is kind and thoughtful.

“Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.” ~Apostle Paul

Source: Colossians 4:5-6

“Father, it’s time.” ~Jesus

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Eternal Life, God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 17, Life, Messiah

Jesus is done with his mission. Jesus has presided over the last supper. At this time, what does Jesus have to say to his Father in prayer? Jesus knows it is now time. Imagine that. Every detail completed. Nothing left to do at all.

Here are a few of the points of the long prayer.  Read it all here.

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself!” ~King Solomon

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God's Goal, Jesus, King Solomon, Money, Wealth, Wise Sayings

I have a goal. I have a plan. I have dreams. They involve money.

What does wisdom say about that?

• What is my goal for wealth? I am overwhelmed with messages about wealth and retirement. They are everywhere I turn. Jesus says “Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can’t go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bankrobbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” (Luke 12:33-34)
• Am I willing to wear myself out to get it? Trying to get wealthy will wear me out. There just enough hours in the day and there is always more to do.
• Do I understand that wealth is fleeting? Jesus says “Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
• What is God’s goal? God’s goal for me is focus on Jesus and being a good citizen of the Kingdom of God. God wants me to love. God wants me to use my money to be generous to others.

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich;
    restrain yourself!
Riches disappear in the blink of an eye;
    wealth sprouts wings
    and flies off into the wild blue yonder.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 23:4-5

Money

“So let’s keep at it and eventually arrive at the place of rest, not drop out through some sort of disobedience.” ~Author of Hebrews

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God's Goal, Hebrews 4, Jesus, Promise, Rest

Are we ready for some rest?

• I know I am to rest. So here is a promise that is considered current and available to all of us. It is something I can have today.
• God is at rest. We can be to. We have to keep at it every day. Jesus said pray “Give us this day”. All Jesus did was do what He saw His Father doing. He was obedient. And His Father is at rest. We can be too.
• It is a question of obedience. When we humble ourselves, deny what we want and obey God, we find rest.
• It is God’s goal for us to be at rest. Let us be persistent, keep at it and take advantage of this promise. It is a promise for today. Letting go and letting God is about ceasing to strive to do what we want so God can take the burden and do what He wants.

And so this is still a live promise. It wasn’t canceled at the time of Joshua; otherwise, God wouldn’t keep renewing the appointment for “today.” The promise of “arrival” and “rest” is still there for God’s people. God himself is at rest. And at the end of the journey we’ll surely rest with God. So let’s keep at it and eventually arrive at the place of rest, not drop out through some sort of disobedience. Hebrews 4:8-11

 

“Do you think you’re about to be promoted to heaven? Think again. You’re on a mudslide to hell.” ~~Jesus

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God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Listen, Luke 10

Jesus spent a lot of time in the town of Capernaum. In speaking of them, He is direct in letting them know what is going on.

• I think the message is to be careful. Being the center of healings and a spiritual movement doesn’t guarantee anything. It is all about our relationship with God and with others.
• What is our goal? The goal is to follow Jesus, love God and love everyone else we meet or know. That is it.
• Our first order of business is to make sure we are listening to God and focused on His goal for our life. This is about obedience to God’s goal for our life. God is God. God is in control. It is only about Jesus and what he wants.

“Do you think you’re about to be promoted to heaven? Think again. You’re on a mudslide to hell. The one who listens to you, listens to me. The one who rejects you, rejects me. And rejecting me is the same as rejecting God, who sent me.” ~~Jesus

(Luke 10:15 The Message)

 

“So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out.” ~Caleb

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Caleb, God's Goal, Joshua, Joshua 14

As I get older, I want to be like Caleb.

• He was one of the 12 Moses selected to go into the Promised Land to see what it was like.
• Only he and Joshua thought they could conquer their enemies. The other 10 didn’t believe God and his promise. Caleb knew that God is God.
• That resulted in Israel wandering around in the desert for 40 years. I’m sure this frosted Joshua and Caleb. Caleb chose to believe what Moses promised him. Caleb was patient for 40 years. Now that is some real patience.

So, fast forward. Eventually Joshua leads them all into the Promised Land. They fight for 5 years. Caleb comes to Joshua one day and says

I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.

Caleb remembered what God had told him. He held onto it for 45 years. He never wavered. So he continues his conversation with Joshua.

So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.

At 85 he wants to go and fight some more. He is strong and vigorous. He is ready to go at it. He wants what God promised him and he won’t stop until he gets it.

So … I want to be like Caleb. Seriously. I want to be like him. I want to fight to the end. I want to be as strong at 85 as I was at 40.

Source: Joshua 14:6-12

“Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.” ~King Solomon

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Forget, Forgiveness, God Thoughts, God's Goal, Jesus, Proverbs 11, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Man, this is tough. Now Solomon was an amazingly wise man. So this is good advice.

Here are three steps. It is interesting in that Solomon links not reacting with forgiving and forgetting.

• Don’t react and say it. Just “hold my tongue”.
• BU. Whether what they say is true or not, I can forgive what they say.
• Forget. It is much easier to not react if it is the “first time” someone says something we don’t like. Forgetting makes that happen.

“Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.” ~King Solomon

Source: Solomon (Proverbs 11)

May I hold my tongue. Really Lord.

Help me. Make me smart. Amen.

“You put us in charge of your handcrafted world.” ~King David

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God is God, God's Goal, Jesus, King David, Psalm 8, Wise Sayings

King David has some great insight into God’s goal for us.

• God is God and God made this world. This isn’t our world, it is God’s. Everything starts with God.
• God put us in charge of the world he has created. We don’t automatically “inherit” things. It is God’s gift to us. It is my job to be responsible.
• Our job is to act on God’s goal for us. God has a plan for us. I must follow up on what God wants me to do.

“You put us in charge of your handcrafted world,
    repeated to us your Genesis-charge,
Made us lords of sheep and cattle,
    even animals out in the wild,
Birds flying and fish swimming,
    whales singing in the ocean deeps.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 8:5-8

“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.” ~Apostle Paul

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God is Good, God Thoughts, God's Goal, Jesus, Purpose, Romans 8

The Apostle Paul challenges to know a few things.

God is at work in my life

Jesus, the Messiah, is in control. He is in charge. And everything He does for us, as a result of our love for Him, is for our good.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” ~Jesus

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God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Luke 6, Obedience

Why? The words of Jesus haunt me. Why do I pretend that he is my Master and then not obey him?

As parents, we know the frustration of asking our children to do something, only to discover they have completely ignored us.

• Listen and do: You can almost hear the frustration in Jesus voice over the issue of listening and doing. This is key. It is useless to listen only. Obedience must follow.
• My mission is to love. That is it, plain and simple. I really don’t have any other job. That is God’s goal for me.
• Love lays a solid foundation for everything else in life. It will stand the test of time. It will earn my God’s favor.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.”

Source: Luke 6:46, 49

May I have a well built house. May I put into practice what Jesus says. God has a goal for me. My job is to believe, be obedient and have faith.

“So stay awake, alert.” ~Jesus

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Assignment, God's Goal, Jesus, Love, Matthew 24, Mission

I have work to do. Jesus has given me a mission.

My assignment is clear. I can’t slack off. Jesus has a goal for me. That goal is to love. The goal is pure and simple.

I must be alert for opportunities to love. That is the mission.

So stay awake, alert.” ~Jesus (Matthew 24:42)

"When you’re kind to others, you help yourself; when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself." ~~King Solomon

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God's Goal, Kindness, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

Acts of Kindness

Who do I think I am hurting? Cruelty is intended to hurt someone else. It actually backfires and hurts me.

Jesus knew this. Solomon knew this. Kindness is the cornerstone of a loving life.

God’s goal for me is to be kind. It is a simple goal and achievable with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.

When you’re kind to others, you help yourself; when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:17)

“I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” ~Nehemiah

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God's Goal, Nehemiah, No, Yes

How easy is it to get distracted? Well, some days pretty easy.

My enemy sends me a great message. Let’s just talk. Come and meet me. What is my response? I stop what I am doing and go talk. What could the harm be in that, I reason.

Nehemiah was different. Nehemiah was on a mission from God. He was doing some amazing stuff. It was no small thing.

He had almost finished but there was still a few things left to do. How did he respond to the distraction of the enemy? Just say NO!!!

So …. when I are centered in the will of God, may I respond that my “Yes to God” is more important that anything and be able to say, “No, I cannot come down.”

Now when it was reported to Sanballat, Tobiah, to Geshem the Arab and to the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall, and that no breach remained in it, although at that time I had not set up the doors in the gates, then Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” Nehemiah 6:1-3

God is right along side of me. He is keeping me on track until everything is wrapped up by Jesus.

Tags

Benefits, Gifts, God's Goal, Jesus, Plan

I don’t need a thing. Now think about that. I have it all. All of God’s amazing gifts and benefits are mine. They are right in front of me. 

God is right along side of me. He is keeping me on track until everything is wrapped up by Jesus.

Now how good is that? What a plan He has. God got me started on this great spiritual adventure. What an adventure it is turning out to be.

No day is the same and you just can’t plan for that.

God shares the life of His Son and my Master Jesus with me. He will never give up on me. No way. No how.

May I remember that every second of every day.

“When the job’s done, you’ll see it’s been well done.” ~Jeremiah

Tags

Complete, God's Goal, Jeremiah 30, Jesus

Well Done

God doesn’t do things half way or half hearted. God is all in. God is all in all the time.

God sent Jesus, the Messiah, to finish what had been started. Jesus completed God’s assignment. Nothing has been left undone.

God’s goal for me is to do the job and do it well. God wants me to be all in.

Look out! God’s hurricane is let loose,
    his hurricane blast,
Spinning the heads of the wicked like dust devils!
    God’s raging anger won’t let up
Until he’s made a clean sweep
    completing the job he began.
When the job’s done
    you’ll see it’s been well done.

Source: Jeremiah 30 MSG – Don’t Despair, Israel – This is the – Bible Gateway

Am I sulking spiritually? Am I having a spiritual temper tantrum?

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God's Goal, Jesus, Patience, Sulking, Temper

Am I sulking spiritually and feeling sorry for myself, just because I can’t see one inch in front of myself?

Am I detached enough from my own spiritual fits of emotion to “wait patiently for Him”? 

Waiting is not sitting with folded hands doing nothing, but it is learning to do what I am told.

Have I heard Him?

God is speaking. My goal is to hear him and act.

Jesus is challenging me to grow up. My goal is become mature like he is mature.

Then what am I waiting for?

Seriously?

"Make sure you are doing what God wants you to do-then do it with all your strength." ~George Washington

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George Washington, God's Goal, Jesus, Strength

What does God want me to do today?

God has a goal in mind for me. Jesus challenges me to understand it and do it.

That is the focus. Jesus only did what he saw his Father doing. That was it.

May I focus on what God wants me to do and do it with all my strength.

Make sure you are doing what God wants you to do – then do it with all your strength.” ~George Washington

“Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.” ~King Solomon

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God's Goal, King Solomon, Planning, Proverbs 21, Wise Sayings

God’s new plan

God has a goal in mind for me.

Am I ready?

Have I prepared?

Will I be up to the task?

Jesus challenges me to get ready and to be up to the task. I am God’s plan A. There is no plan B.

Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run;
    hurry and scurry puts you further behind.

King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 21 MSG – God Examines Our Motives – Good – Bible Gateway

What God wants more than anything

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Power

God has a goal in mind for us.

God wants things here on earth to be like they are in heaven.

Really.

God is serious. That is what He has in mind for us.

Do I want it? Am I passionate about it? Is that what I ask for every chance I get?

May I tap into that power. Now.

“But what happens when we live God’s way?” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Affection, Compassion, Energy, Exuberance, Fruit, Galatians 5, Gifts, God's Goal, Holiness, Jesus, Loyalty, Master, Peace, Perseverance, Serenity

Fruit

My challenge is to live God’s way. Many times I don’t want to but it isn’t about what I want. God doesn’t necessarily care about things I want that aren’t useful to God’s plan. Jesus governs in God’s country. Jesus is in charge. God has a goal for me.

I am growing and learning to live the way God wants me to. I have been given the power of the Holy Spirit. That growth brings fruit and blessings.

What is the fruit?

• Affection and caring for everyone I know and meet.
• Enthusiasm for living. It is another stunning day in paradise.
• I am at peace. That is amazing. Peace and serenity are huge. Without doing what Jesus wants, I don’t have it.
• Perseverance and “sticking with it” is growing.
• Compassion at my core and in my heart. Compassion is becoming natural. There was a time I was angry with the homeless. Why weren’t they working? Now my instinct is to help. What can I do?
• I see holiness in my world, which is God’s country. I see holiness in others.
• I am loyal to others. It isn’t always to my advantage but that isn’t the point.
• I don’t have to have my way. I am not there completely but it is “dialing down” in my life.
• I can direct my energy into doing what is important to Jesus, my Master.

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

~Apostle Paul – Source: Galatians 5:22-23 (The Message Bible)

“When the Messiah died he took that entire rule-dominated way of life down with him and left it in the tomb, leaving you free.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Death, God's Goal, Jesus, Life, Messiah, Romans 7, Sin

Freedom

I have died with the Messiah Jesus. I am free from living a “rule-dominated” life. That way of life is dead as well. I am living a “resurrection life”. My faith brings me into right relationship with God. Jesus made all of this happen. I had nothing to do with it.

I have the old way of death or I have the new way of life. I choose the new way of life.

I was living a “rule-dominated” life. I was not free. I was bound to the habit of missing God’s goal for me. That way of life had me all tied up.

Jesus has called me to freedom. Freedom to love God and love others. That type of liberty is stunning.

So, my friends, this is something like what has taken place with you. When the Messiah died he took that entire rule-dominated way of life down with him and left it in the tomb, leaving you free to “marry” a resurrection life and bear “offspring” of faith for God. For as long as we lived that old way of life, doing whatever we felt we could get away with, missing God’s goal (sin) was calling most of the shots as the old law code hemmed us in. And this made us all the more rebellious. In the end, all we had to show for it was miscarriages and stillbirths. But now that we’re no longer shackled to that domineering mate of missing God’s goal (sin) , and out from under all those oppressive regulations and fine print, we’re free to live a new life in the freedom of God.

~Apostle Paul – Romans 7:4-6 (The Message Bible)

“If we claim that we’re free of missing God’s goal for our life, we’re only fooling ourselves.” ~Apostle John

Tags

1 John 1, Apostle John Sayings, God's Goal, Jesus, Sin

Goals

Am I fooling myself? Sometimes, OK, a lot of the time, I say things that are nonsense. When I do, I am fooling myself. I am missing God’s goal for my life for sure.

So, if I say I don’t miss God’s goal, I am a fool. I miss His goal for me all the time. Might as well fess up.

Jesus, our Master, has freed me from living that way. I am a new creation in him. He has given me the power of the Holy Spirit. God is in a good mood.

If we claim that we’re free of missing God’s goal for our life, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense.

~Apostle John – Source: 1 John 1:8

“Give the government what is theirs, and give God what is his.” ~Jesus

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 12, Messiah, Obey

Taking God Seriously

It is important for me not to confuse my obligations to my country and my obligations to God. God expects me to obey regardless. I can’t ignore God and not obey him and his son Jesus, the Messiah.

I can’t trick Jesus. I can try but it just want work. Jesus knows what the issue really is all about. It is all about obeying God. There is no hiding from that. God’s goal is for me to listen to him and to obey him.

I must know that Jesus want pander to me and his elect, called out from this world. Jesus teaches the truth. Everyone knows this.

They sent some Pharisees and followers of Herod to bait him, hoping to catch him saying something incriminating. They came up and said, “Teacher, we know you have integrity, that you are indifferent to public opinion, don’t pander to your students, and teach the way of God accurately. Tell us: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

He knew it was a trick question, and said, “Why are you playing these games with me? Bring me a coin and let me look at it.” They handed him one.

“This engraving—who does it look like? And whose name is on it?”

“Caesar,” they said.

Jesus said, “Give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his.”

Their mouths hung open, speechless.

Source: Mark 12:13-17 (The Message Bible)

“I don’t condemn you. Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.” ~Jesus

Tags

Condemn, God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 8, Sin

Goals

I get caught in the act of missing God’s goal for my life (sinning). It happens way too often.

The religious leaders love to catch me and bring me before Jesus to condemn me. Their mission is based on laws, rules and regulations. It is a heavy burden they place on me and others.

Jesus is clear that the only one who could have standing is someone without sin. That would be Jesus. There is no one else.

Jesus doesn’t condemn me. Jesus didn’t come to condemn anyone. Jesus came to put me in right standing with our heavenly Father. That is his mission.

Jesus sends me on my way with the admonition to stop missing God’s goal (sinning). Jesus has made it clear to me how much he loves me. Our God has made me a new creation through his Son Jesus’ sacrifice for my life. Jesus has given me power through the Holy Spirit to live a life focused on meeting God’s goal.

Jesus went across to Mount Olives, but he was soon back in the Temple again. Swarms of people came to him. He sat down and taught them.

The religion scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him.

Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.

Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. Jesus stood up and spoke to her. “Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you?”

“No one, Master.”

“Neither do I,” said Jesus. “Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.

Source: Luke 8:1-11 (The Message Bible)

“Love means following his commandments, and his unifying commandment is that you conduct your lives in love.” ~Apostle John

Tags

2 John, Apostle John Sayings, God's Goal, Jesus, Love, Master, Messiah

God’s Commandments

I must be diligent in living out the truth of God’s commandment. I must be consistent and not waiver. I must not give up.

Jesus, the Messiah and my Master, makes it clear that my one task is to love. There is nothing new here. It has been so from the beginning.

I can circle around many issues and pursue all kinds of interesting ideas. Nothing has changed about what God expects of me or what God’s goal is for me. If someone tells me something different, they are not to be listened to.

God wants me to love. That is it.

I can’t tell you how happy I am to learn that many members of your congregation are diligent in living out the Truth, exactly as commanded by the Father. But permit me a reminder, friends, and this is not a new commandment but simply a repetition of our original and basic charter: that we love each other. Love means following his commandments, and his unifying commandment is that you conduct your lives in love. This is the first thing you heard, and nothing has changed.

Apostle John – Source: 2 John:4-6

” God the Father has his eye on each of you.” ~Apostle Peter

Tags

1 Peter 1, Apostle Peter Sayings, God's Goal, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Messiah, Obedience

Eye of God

God has given me an assignment. Jesus personally has a mission for me. I must focus on knowing what it is and doing it.

God never forgets about us. Never, ever. I am not off God’s radar screen. God is in a good mood and keeping up with me.

God has given me the Holy Spirit to help me be obedient. I can’t do it on my own. When I try, I fail to realize God’s goal for me. Jesus sacrificed his life to keep me obedient.

God has amazing things in store for me. Every good thing is intended to be mine. Rumors to the contrary are from my enemy. God is on my side. God has his eye on me. God is God and will make it happen.

I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah, writing to exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten. God the Father has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus. May everything good from God be yours!

Source: 1 Peter 1:1-2

“So what do we do? Keep on missing God’s goal (sin) so God can keep on forgiving?” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, God's Goal, Jesus, Master, Romans 6, Sin

Goal

I live in a new country now. I live in the country governed by God. Jesus is in charge of God’s country. God has forgiven me for missing his goals for me. Should I continue to live in God’s country like I did in the old country? Absolutely not. I am a citizen there.

The point of living in the world governed by Jesus is to be governed by my Master Jesus the Messiah. Jesus is in charge. I am not.

May I live a new life in a new land!

So what do we do? Keep on missing God’s goal (sin) so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we’ve left the country where missing God’s goal (sin) is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn’t you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of missing God’s goal (sin) behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!

Source: Apostle Paul – Romans 6:1-3

“Are you the One we’ve been expecting, or are we still waiting?” ~John the Baptizer

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, John the Baptist, Matthew 11, Miracles

When Jesus finished placing this charge before his twelve disciples, he went on to teach and preach in their villages. John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison. When he got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples to ask, “Are you the One we’ve been expecting, or are we still waiting?”

Jesus told them, “Go back and tell John what’s going on. The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side.

Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves most blessed!

Source: Matthew 11 – The Message Bible

John the Baptizer

John was focused on being in prison and took his eyes off Jesus and what he was doing. John knew that Jesus was the Son of God. John was focused on what Jesus was not doing, i.e. not getting him out of jail. Jesus reminded him of what God was doing through him.

Am I focused on what Jesus is not doing or am I focused on what Jesus is doing? I have a choice. Jesus challenges me to change my mind and focus on what he is doing.

“Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.” ~Albert Einstein

Tags

Albert Einstein, God's Goal, Jesus, Limits

I have limits. I like to pretend I don’t. I like for my friends and family to think I don’t. In reality, they are severe and everyone sees them but me.

There is good news. Jesus bridges the gap in my falling short of reaching God’s goal on any given day. God is in a good mood and he freely ignores my shortcomings. I am not fooling God.

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.

~ Albert Einstein

Source: Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them. – Albert Einstein at BrainyQuote

“I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.” ~Jesus

Tags

Bread, God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 6

God’s Goal

Many days, I am just following my own whims. Whatever feels good to do right then is fine. No plan. No purpose. Just what I want to do. That is it, plain and simple.

Jesus challenges us to do what God wants us to do. That is all that matters. God has a goal for us. God has given us the power, through the Holy Spirit, to be obedient. It is all about God and what he wants. Period. End of story.

Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go. I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me. John 6:35-38

Are we doing our best or are we doing what is required?

Tags

Best, God's Goal, Jesus, Required

We are all focused on are we doing our best. The culture of self improvement requires we worship “the best”. It is somewhat sad. What if our best isn’t good enough to God? What if Jesus challenges us to see things differently?

In God’s world there is our best, which falls short of what God wants?” And there is “are we doing what God wants?” Are we doing what God requires?

Jesus challenges us to love God with all that we are, with our whole strength, and with every fiber of our being. Jesus challenges to love everyone we know and meet. This is our focus. This is what is required.

Jesus gives us the power, through his Holy Spirit, to do what God requires. We are new beings in him no longer doomed to fail.

Are we doing our best or are we doing what is required?

“It wasn’t long before they were living in a pigpen, smeared with filth, filthy inside and out.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, God's Goal, Romans 1, Sin

Jesus is in control

Something happens when we choose not to follow God’s goal for our life (sin). There is a downward spiral. It is, in fact, a slippery slope. We deny God. We choose not to obey God. We relish in thinking we are in control. On and on it goes. We move further and further away from our Master, Jesus the Messiah (anointed King).

The other path is one of hypocrisy in living a religious life, appearing to “be good”.

Jesus challenges us to live the real life he has given us. Jesus wants us, through his power, to follow God’s goal. Jesus wants us to have the peace that he offers.

“It wasn’t long before they were living in a pigpen, smeared with filth, filthy inside and out.” ~Apostle Paul (Romans 1:24 The Message)

“How can a young person live a clean life?” ~King David

Tags

Bible, David, God's Goal, King David, Map, Psalm 119

We are on a great journey. We need a map. We need direction on how to reach our destination.

How many times do we set out for the day without checking on how to get to where God wants us to go?

God’s word gives us the clear directions. He has laid it all out for us. We have to be careful. We want get there just by winging it. The destination is clear. The directions are clear.

We have been given the map. It is God’s word.

“How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word.” ~~King David (Psalm 119:9 The Message) 

“In marriage a man becomes one flesh with a woman—no longer two individuals.” ~Jesus

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 10, Marriage

Jesus is clear. Jesus doesn’t equivocate or hedge. Jesus is all about love but he is also clear about marriage.

God made men and women. Men marry women. This creates unity. This is holy.

Jesus said, “Moses wrote this command only as a concession to your hardhearted ways. In the original creation, God made male and female to be together. Because of this, a man leaves father and mother, and in marriage he becomes one flesh with a woman—no longer two individuals, but forming a new unity. Because God created this organic union of the two sexes, no one should desecrate his art by cutting them apart.” ~Mark 10:5-9

"I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama." ~~Jesus

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew, Matthew 5, Trust

Jesus has it all together. All the complexity we see. All we don’t understand. Jesus sees it simply. He understands it all. He is putting it all together.

If we want understanding, let us go to Jesus. Jesus is the author of our life in God and He is the one who is going to finish it all out. We have nothing to worry about. He has it all figured out. Our job is to trust Him.

God’s goal for us is to trust his son Jesus. God has given Jesus all power and authority. Jesus is in control.

“I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:17-18 The Message)

“Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something.” ~Henry David Thoreau

Tags

God's Goal, Good, Henry David Thoreau, Jesus, Moral

Jesus challenges us

God has a goal for us, every day. It is not to be moral. It is not to be good. It is to be good for something. That something is to follow and obey his son, the Messiah Jesus.

May we be good for Jesus.

Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something. ~Henry David Thoreau

Am I open to God?

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Open, Thirst

Thirsty for God’s word

I am open to God and what He wants to do. God has a goal for me today. God has a plan. I need to hear from him what it is and do it.

That is all that matters; what does God want?

My soul thirst for God like I am living in the desert and need water to survive. Without Jesus and what He wants, I will die of thirst.

“It is not who is right, but what is right, that is of importance.” ~Thomas Huxley

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Right, Thomas Huxley

There are things that matter and there are things that don’t. Our focus should be on “what is right”.

Concentrate on what God wants us to do. That is the main thing.

It is not who is right, but what is right, that is of importance. ~Thomas Huxley

"The children get fed first. " ~~Jesus

Tags

God's Goal, Healing, Jesus Sayings, Mark 7, Wisdom

Jesus challenges us to understand certain realities. The wise person doesn’t argue with him. The wise person has insight.

Here is what happened:

• A woman has a very disturbed daughter.
• She hears where Jesus is staying.
• She finds Jesus.
• She kneels at his feet in humility and worship.
• She asks Jesus to heal her daughter.
• Jesus suggests that she ought to wait her turn.
• She shows wisdom and suggests to Jesus an alternative.
• Jesus heals her daughter.

Jesus is impressed. Now that is a great day when we can impress Jesus. God is in a good mood and that extends to all, not just the children. No matter what our place in this world, we have a place of honor in His world.

From there Jesus set out for the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house there where he didn’t think he would be found, but he couldn’t escape notice. He was barely inside when a woman who had a disturbed daughter heard where he was. She came and knelt at his feet, begging for help. The woman was Greek, Syro-Phoenician by birth. She asked him to cure her daughter.

He said, “Stand in line and take your turn. The children get fed first. If there’s any left over, the dogs get it.”

She said, “Of course, Master. But don’t dogs under the table get scraps dropped by the children?”

 Jesus was impressed. “You’re right! On your way! Your daughter is no longer disturbed. The demonic affliction is gone.” She went home and found her daughter relaxed on the bed, the torment gone for good.  Mark 7:24-30 (The Message)

“If we claim that we’ve never missed God’s goal for our life, we out-and-out contradict God.” ~Apostle John

Tags

1 John 1, God's Goal, Jesus, Liar, Sin

Goals

Am I going to lay a stake in the ground, claiming that I have never missed God’s goal for my life?

I could but I would be claiming that God is a liar. Now that is something to think about.

Claiming that would show my ignorance. Do I really want that?

No, I don’t. I miss God’s goal for me. It is the state I was born in. We know the drill. We know what God wants us to do. The target is clear. We aim, we shoot, we miss. Target missed.

Jesus came to free me from that cycle. We are a people who have good news. God wants us to love and he gives us the power of his Holy Spirit to make it possible in our life.

Here are the key ideas:

1. God has goals for us. We know what they are.
2. God is God, he doesn’t change or change his goals.
3. We miss God’s goals. We need to confess that fact.
4. God is in a good mood because he sent his Son, Jesus the Messiah, to free us from that cycle.

 If we claim that we’re free of missing God’s goal for our life (sin), we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit how we miss God’s goal for our life (sin)—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never missed God’s goal for our life (sin), we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God. (1 John 1:10)

“The love of freedom is actually an aberration.” ~Dennis Prager

Tags

Aberration, Dennis Prager, Freedom, God's Goal, Good News, Jesus

Freedom

Not every culture is ready to love freedom. Removing a dictator doesn’t guarantee freedom. What is in our best interest may be inconsistent with freedom and God’s principles.

To love God is to love freedom. God allows us freedom to chose Jesus or evil. Evil is real. Many chose it by default. The good news is that Jesus came to set us free. In Jesus, we are free to achieve God’s goal for our life.

“The love of freedom is actually an aberration.” ~Dennis Prager

“Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.” ~King David

Tags

God is Good, God's Goal, Jesus, King David Sayings, Love, Psalm 138

God is good all the time!

God has started something in us. It is an amazing work. We serve a God who loves us and has great plans for us. God is good, all the time. God loves us every second of every day. God’s love is never ending.

God’s goal for us is that we trust him and believe in the good works he has in store for us.

Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!”

Angels listen as I sing my thanks.

I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!”

Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name,

most holy is your Word.

The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.

When they hear what you have to say, God, all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.”

They’ll sing of what you’ve done: “How great the glory of God!”

And here’s why: God, high above, sees far below; no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.

When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil.

With one hand strike my foes, with your other hand save me.

Finish what you started in me, God.

Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.

via Psalm 138 MSG – A David Psalm Thank you! Everything in – Bible Gateway.

""All heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, all hell terribly afraid of it, while men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning." ~~Oswald Chambers

Tags

Cross, Easter, God's Goal, Hell, Jesus, Oswald Chambers

We miss God’s goal for our life. We want to be God and decide what to do. There is a terrible price to pay for that arrogance.

There is good news. Jesus paid the price for us. Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice for us so we would not have to pay the price for disobedience. But it doesn’t end there. Jesus rose from the grave, defeating death, ascended to heaven and is seated right next to God. Jesus is in control. Jesus is the Messiah.

All heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, all hell terribly afraid of it, while men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning. ~~Oswald Chambers

“Do you think it’s possible in broad daylight to enter the house of an awake, able-bodied man, and walk off with his possessions unless you tie him up first?” ~Jesus

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 3, Satan, Thief

God’s Voice

Jesus challenges us to be awake and able-bodied. Jesus knows that unless Satan ties us up first, our possessions can’t be stolen.

God’s goal for us is to have eternal life now. It is a gift to us through His son Jesus. It is our possession. We own it in Him.

Satan wants to steal it from us. The evil one’s goal is to tie us up.

God is in a good mood and gives us all the tools we need to withstand the attack. Now that is some good news.

“Do you think it’s possible in broad daylight to enter the house of an awake, able-bodied man, and walk off with his possessions unless you tie him up first?” ~Jesus (Mark 3:26 The Message)

Are you thinking about 2015? Think bold. Aim big.

Tags

Bold, Courage, Faith, God's Goal, Jesus

Bold Faith

Are you thinking about 2015? Most of us are.

Think bold. Just because I didn’t achieve everything I wanted to this year is no reason to give up. We serve a BIG God. Nothing is impossible with Him. We need bold faith. We need more courage. God is generous.

Aim big and aim for God. It is not a time to lower expectations. God has amazing things in mind for us. It is not about our goals. It is all about God’s goals. Aim BIG. God is God and God is Great.

Does God live by a calendar? Is this a new year for God? Of course God doesn’t. While it is a new year on the calendar, God hasn’t changed His mind. God still wants us to love Him and everyone else we meet. God’s goals for us don’t change.

Think bold and aim big. Be blessed. God is with us.

What does God want of me?

Tags

God's Goal, Love

Love One Another

What does God want of me? What is His goal for me?

Here is a simple but profound reality. God loves the world and us personally.

God’s directive to us is to love Him and to love each other.

That is it. Everything can be wrapped up in that goal.

"God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile." ~~Max Lucado

Tags

Easy, God's Goal, Journey, Max Lucado

Max Lucado

Jesus promised that in this life we would have trouble. Jesus challenges us to know that the way is not always easy.

Some days are tough. We can’t pretend otherwise.

God is with us. God has a goal in mind for us.

God wants us to remember the goal.

God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile. ~~Max Lucado

Have I re-calibrated to true North?

Tags

God's Goal, God's Will

True North

I must take time to check with God before I act, speak, or do anything.

Great question: Have I re-calibrated to true north? Is God in this activity? How easy it is to just be in the moment, doing what I think is the right thing. What does God think?

Here is a great story from David Cook.

It was during this time, while walking into a hardware store, that a friend called me. I stood just inside the automatic doors for 20 minutes while Jeff told me a story that related to my situation. Jeff, who had been an airline pilot, explained to me one of the procedures that had to take place between the ending of one flight and the beginning of the next. While the Boeing 757 sat at the gate, its navigational computer had to re-calibrate for the new course. In order to do that, the plane had to sit completely still for ten minutes while it reestablished true north—otherwise its navigation would be dangerously off. 

via A Time to Recalibrate | Men of Integrity.

I hunger for God’s touch in my life

Tags

God's Goal, Hunger, Thirst, Word

Thirsty for God’s word

I hunger for God’s touch in my life. It is all about the relationship.

God’s goal for me is to be a glutton for Him. God wants me to hunger for Him like I do a great meal. Hunger like I do for King Crab or a great steak or that amazing hamburger.

I thirst for God’s word. I hunger for His word. I can’t do without it. I can’t wait for the next meal.

May I hunger and thirst for you like no other. May I receive God’s nourishment.

“I have been sent on special assignment by the Messiah as part of God’s master plan.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, Assignment, Colossians 1, God's Goal, Plan

God’s new plan

God has a master plan for us all. I can tap into it and know the special assignment He has in mind for me.

My life today is not just a “get up and see what happens” kind of day. He has a plan for me. I need to find it and do it.

God is God. God is great. God is good. My job is to find out what He wants done today and be obediant.

I don’t have to keep missing God’s goal for my life. His Spirit has been sent to guide me. We are not like people who have no direction. We can know what God wants.. God will show us.

God has a master plan. Now that is some good news.

I, Paul, have been sent on special assignment by the Messiah as part of God’s master plan. Colossians 1:1

"Don’t say ‘God be with you,’ and not mean it." ~~Jesus

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God's Goal, God's Will, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 5, Pious, Power, Religious

Yes or No

Jesus challenges us to mean what we say. Religious jargon and trite sayings are useless.

It is the power of the risen Lord and Savior that means something. Jesus challenges us to understand what action God wants us to take not say some religious saying. The action Jesus took was always specific. He healed the blind but never exactly the same way.

God’s goal for us is that we speak plainly with the use of religious jargon.

May I live the life Jesus wants me to every day. May my life speak his power.

“And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. 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, or saying, ‘God be with you,’ and not meaning it. You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong. Matthew 5:33-37

“He won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive us and purge us of all wrongdoing.” ~Apostle John

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1 John 1, Apostle John Sayings, Forgiveness, God's Goal, Purge, Sin

Missing God’s Goal (Sin)

God has made us a grand promise.

And, He is true to His word. We know that we’ve missed God’s goal in our life. God doesn’t see that. He sees Jesus taking that burden off of us.

Once we come clean, he completely purges us from that way of seeing things. It is all washed away as if it was never there before.

I need to remember that and change my mind about how God sees me. I can achieve the goal He has in mind for me. I am His child.

If we claim that we’re free of sin (i.e., missing God’s goal), we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit we miss God’s goal—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive us for missing His goal and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never missed God’s goal, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.  1 John 1:8-10

"I have food to eat you know nothing about." ~~Jesus

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Food, God's Goal, Jesus Sayings, John 4, Nutrition

John 4:32 God’s food to eat

It can be confusing to talk with Jesus. We’re talking this world and He’s talking about God’s world.

Jesus challenges to see things from God’s perspective; from His world. So it can be confusing, when we talk about food that isn’t the kind of food He is thinking about.

This seriously messed with His disciples when He was here. It can confuse us today if we aren’t careful.

God’s goal for us is that we focus on His world. He is in control. He has a plan for us. We need to get our nutrition from Jesus and God.

May I see things His way and not my way.

“I have food to eat you know nothing about.” ~~Jesus (John 4:32)

What’s the point?

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Focus, God's Goal, Jesus, Matthew 16, Questions, Sacrifice, Service, Soul

Questions are great. The right one can make a difference.

Try aligning your life on where the focus is on “What is the point?”

What’s The Point?

That is such a great question that provides a proper lens to process the actions and decisions of this journey we call life.

Look at your life, family, work, relationships, decisions… and ask yourself this simple question: What’s The Point?

It will definitely change your perspective and priorities; it may change your life. God’s goal for us is follow Jesus. Jesus is in charge. Jesus is the leader. Jesus is in the drivers seat. We have to get that and let Him direct our life. That is the point.

The point is to gain life, here and now.

What’s the point?

Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.

What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for? Matthew 16:24-26

The Yes of Jesus in us

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God's Goal, Holy Spirit, Jesus, No, Silence, Yes

God’s Promises are real

God makes a promise. Jesus says YES to it. The Holy Spirit makes it happen in us. Jesus is the great “So Be It” of God. So when Jesus says YES and we agree with Him, the power comes forth. God affirms us in Him. He makes it a sure thing. God puts the YES of Jesus in us. He has sealed His pledge with His Spirit.

This is the complete promise of a beginning in the new plan. His goal will be achieved. That is the YES of Jesus.

There is another side to this. There are things that Jesus doesn’t say yes to. We need to know the difference between yes, no and silence.

What about when we don’t hear anything. Do we take this for a YES? Should we? Silence isn’t yes and it isn’t no. But it is definitely not yes.

Yes is clear. No is clear. Silence can be confusing.

Let us look for the yes. That is the clear path. That is the only true way forward.

“Don’t just do what you have to do to get by. Work heartily.” ~~Apostle Paul

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Ephesians 6, God's Goal, Reward, Smile, Work

God’s Work, our hands

My work is not for myself. My work is for our God. That allows me to have an amazing attitude and smile when others might not. It allows me to go beyond what others might do since my mission is to please him. And so, with Joshua I say “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”.

God has a goal for me. It is not my goal. No matter what, I am really serving God. It is that simple. That makes all the difference in everything I do.

Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, the Messiah. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as the Messiah’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free. Ephesians 6:5-8

 

Free to pursue what God wants and be released from tyranny

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1 Peter 4, Freedom, God is God, God's Goal, Habit, Jesus, Suffering, Tyranny

God is God

I can learn to think like Jesus. He didn’t expect to get His own way. Now that is radical. Who doesn’t want to get their own way? Seriously. But that misses God’s goal for our lives. God has a goal for us. He wants us to love Him completely. That is all.

I can be free. Free to pursue what God wants. Jesus only did what he saw his Father doing. No more, no less. No more being tyrannized by what I want. No more being a selfish child.

I can be free from being tyrannized by what I want. I can be obedient to what God wants. He is in charge of His World. I need to obey.

Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old habit of always expecting to get your own way which misses God’s goal. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want. 1 Peter 4

 

What is God’s standard for how to love?

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God's Goal, Jesus, Love, Matthew 5, Relationships

God’s standard for love

This is tough stuff. It doesn’t feel right. Our natural reactions, in relationships, can get us in trouble. Jesus has a different standard for us. Unless Jesus has invaded our life, relationships can be pretty difficult at times. Real love in relationships can require supernatural courage. It can only happen after Jesus has changed us. Jesus demanded that the “Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” world of natural and religious rules be completely changed. God is love and that is not how He does things. It isn’t how He wants us to do things either. God’s goal for our lives is to love.

And so, it takes supernatural courage to love the way God loves us. But that is the way He wants us to love. That is what relationships in “His world” look like. This is an example of how to be a servant leader in relationships. The other alternative is to be a follower of how our “friends” do things.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:38-42

May we love the way God wants us to. May our relationships be based on how He loves not the way that serves us and not others.

How important is alignment of my heart and my words?

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Acceptable, God's Goal, Heart, Psalm 19, Thoughts, Words

Heart, dedicated, caring and committed

It is God’s goal for me to align my heart with my words in a way that is acceptable to God. I am to love Him and everyone else with all my heart. Do my words reflect that? Does God’s love in my heart cause me to think amazing things and then act in a way that reflects His love?

Beyond what I have to say, is what I am thinking and meditating on acceptable to God? It starts with my heart. Without a right heart, the rest is all futile.  It continues with my thoughts. It translates into my words.

May I align God’s love in my heart with what I say.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

“For this is the original message we heard: We should love each other.” ~~Apostle John

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1 John, Apostle John Sayings, God's Goal, Love, Message

John simple got it. The message from God our Father and our Messiah Jesus is that we should love one another. That is it. There is nothing else. That is God’s goal for us. Love God and love each other. It is our entire focus. It is the message we proclaim.

In fact, the way we know that we have been transferred to the way of life is that we love one another. If we don’t love one another, then we are as good as dead. Jesus was clear on this. John got it.

May I walk in His love and love everyone I meet today.

For this is the original message we heard: We should love each other. 1 John 3:11

“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter.” ~Apostle Paul

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Convenient, God's Goal, Romans 15, Service, Strength

How can I help?

My oh my, there is some misguided thinking going on in this world. God has a goal for us. We are to tap into His power. Why? To serve. That is all there is to it.

It is not about what is convenient. It is not about what is comfortable. It is not about me. It is not about status. It is all about Him. It is about my brothers and sisters. It is about those who don’t know our Master Jesus the Messiah. It is always about “How can I help?”

It is all about service. That is it.

“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” – Romans 15:2

“Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.” ~~Jesus on the cross

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Forgiveness, God's Goal, Good Friday, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Luke 23

Jesus’ mission from God our Father was to bring forgiveness to the world. On the cross, Jesus accomplished the mission. Hanging on the cross, he was mocked by the religious leaders and the Roman soldiers. They gambled to see who would get his clothes. His Holy attitude was they didn’t know what they were doing by killing him. And they didn’t. And neither do we most days. Our missing God’s goal for our life put Him on that cross. 

Jesus is all about forgiveness. He knows love like no other. God is in a good mood.

“Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.” ~~Jesus on the cross Luke 23:34

We are on our way to Jerusalem with Jesus

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God's Goal, Jerusalem, Jesus, Listen, Luke 18, Resurrection

Jesus destiny was in Jerusalem. God’s goal for Him would come to pass there. He would die and be raised from the dead by the amazing power of the Holy Spirit. But notice how this was framed. He took the 12 aside and clearly said “We”. Jerusalem just wasn’t for Jesus.

The good news of the new agreement God has with us is that we have died and been raised to a new life in Him. Oh my goodness. We went to Jerusalem with Jesus. We have shared in his death and resurrection. We have the power of the Holy Spirit, that raised Him from the dead, in us.

God’s goal for us is to live a resurrected life with Jesus.

Then Jesus took the Twelve off to the side and said, “Listen carefully. We’re on our way up to Jerusalem.” Luke 18:31

May I see how I am a new human being in Him.

May I know that the old me was crucified with Him and the new me was raised up in Him.