“My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” ~King Solomon
I am an extremely fortunate man. My earthly father gave me excellent advice. I don’t know if he saw that …
Tag Archives: Heaven
Did Jesus come to bring good news through what He did?
God knows exactly how much I can handle. God is God and God is Great. God will see me through to …
“I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” ~Jesus
We start out as slaves. Our path to maturity starts with servitude and obedience. I saw this in my relationship …
“If you board the train of unbelief, you will have to take it all the way to its destination.” ~Anonymous Pastor
Let’s think about the account told by Jesus of a very rich man who lived a life of extreme luxury. …
What are we working for?
What am I working for? Jesus wants to know. Jesus has some commands for me on this. I must act …
Is heaven a divine gift from God?
In the New Testament, the word “heaven” is found most often in Matthew (84 times). The author of Matthew often …
Why did Jesus talk about hell so much? Is it real?
Do you believe in hell? It is interesting that a much higher percentage of people believe in the existence of …
Will Jesus remember us in heaven?
Three men had been condemned. Three men were hanging on crosses facing agonizing deaths. This is a horrific way to die. …
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” ~Apostle Paul
We go through a lot as a part of our human existence. I get sick. Sickness follows me from birth …
“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.” ~Jesus
According to Jesus, heaven is a real place. It is not a product of religious imagination or the result of …
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” ~Jesus
I need to get on board with what God wants. It is never about me. It is always about God. …
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. Jesus gives us power and authority. We are the ambassadors of Jesus here on earth. We speak …
Is Heaven the place of ultimate healing?
We go through a lot as a part of our human existence. I get sick. Sickness follows me from birth …
Have divine preparations been made for believers in heaven?
According to Jesus, heaven is a real place. It is not a product of religious imagination or the result of …
“The rich man also died and was buried. In hell and in torment, he looked up.” ~Jesus
Do the rich automatically go to hell when they die? What about the story of Jesus about the rich man …
Will I be stubborn and refuse to radically change my mind about King Jesus and the Way of love?
I’m not getting by with anything by rejecting God. You’re not getting away with anything either. God is God. I …
“I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” ~Jesus
I love bread. I love all kinds of breads. I love bread with butter. I love bread with oil. OK, …
Why is money and wealth so easily lost?
Wealth and money is very elusive. Eventually all that will matter is eternity with God. We all know we can’t …
“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 …
“Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” ~Jesus
I want to believe. I need to believe. I do believe. Master Jesus, help my unbelief. Jesus is the King …
“But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father.” ~Jesus
Some things are a mystery. I think I have a “right” to know what’s going on. Jesus shows me the way …
“You hid these things from the know-it-alls and showed them to these innocent newcomers.” ~Jesus
Jesus sent the 70 out on a mission and they have returned report that God has done amazing things. That …
“Upon this rock I will build My church.” ~Jesus
Jesus is building His church with people who are called out to be citizens of the country where Jesus is …
“If you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” ~Jesus
God is good. God alone is good. God only has good things in mind for me. Jesus wants me to …
“Be quiet, and come out of him!” ~Jesus to a demon
Jesus has both the power and authority to cast out demons and unclean spirits from people. It is stunning. It …
“Get insurance with God and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last. Keep company with God, get in on the best.” ~King David
It is a wise thing to “do good”. I know that “good works” won’t save me. Only the redemptive act …
“To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.” ~Jesus
Whenever I hear the word “mystery“, my curiosity kicks in. I want to know. A “mystery” in the New Testament …
“You are the light of the world.” ~Jesus
Jesus makes a declaration about His followers in the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). We are the light of …
“Have an attitude of humility being neither arrogant nor self-righteous regard others as more important than yourselves.” ~Apostle Paul
God calls on me to respect others, placing them as more important than I am. Jesus is very clear about …
“First let me ask you a question. Answer my question and then I’ll present my credentials.” ~Jesus
The religious elites and leaders have it in for Jesus. They are going to try and trap Jesus. Do I …
“If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey you.” ~Jesus
Faith is not something I conjure up on my own, nor is it something I am born with. Faith is …
“If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” ~Jesus
Is Jesus my Master? Am I His slave? Does Jesus own me? Jesus is the King, anointed by the Holy …
“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. …
“For to me, to live is the Messiah as He is my source of joy, my reason to live and to die is gain for I will be with Him in eternity.” ~Apostle Paul
My hope is in Jesus. That is the main thing about the main thing. Is your hope in Jesus? If not, …
“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?” ~Jesus
Jesus has a question for Philip. Jesus called Philip to be a disciple as he (Jesus) was leaving Bethany after being baptized by John. …
God sees right through all such smoke screens and holds me to what I’ve done.
The wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. There are atheists, God-deniers and God-haters who suppress the truth. …
“A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.” ~King Solomon
Jesus warns us constantly and consistently about the dangers not focusing on God and focusing on wealth. It is a …
“And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their religious elitist leaders.” ~Apostle Matthew
Jesus wrapped up His Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). The teaching is over. What He has said is amazing. The …
I said, ‘I am the Son of God’ ~Jesus
I believe that Jesus, God’s anointed King (aka Messiah) is God’s Holy Son. Jesus is God’s Son in that He …
“And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of the beauty of God (glory).” ~Apostle Peter
Peter knows about Jesus and goes over the top in love for him. Jesus stood by him after Peter abandoned …
“He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true.” ~Jesus
Consider this: Truth is not what makes people feel good. Jesus knows this. Jesus knows truth because He knows the Father …
“Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” ~Jesus
Paul tells the church that the spiritual blindness of Israel is a “mystery” that had not previously been revealed (Romans …
“Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” ~Jesus
Jesus the Messiah was baptized by John: Jesus sets the example for us and was baptized by John. God is …
Fear — Should I be afraid of natural phenomena like tornadoes and hurricanes?
I am constantly on the lookout for tornadoes. I live in tornado alley. I used to live in the northeast …
Evil — What is it? Why does God oppose it?
I need to know about evil. I need to know how to recognize it. Jesus challenges me to recognize it …
Wisdom — Was it foretold of Jesus? Is it recognized in Jesus?
I start with Jesus. I must. That is where wisdom starts. The fear of the MASTER is the beginning of …
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me to do the tough thing. There is a narrow way to life. Will I choose it or …
Loyalty — Why does God show His loyalty to us?
God is loyal. God is faithful. That is just who God is. It is His very nature. When God says …
Jesus wants me to speak strongly!
Jesus wants me to speak strongly. Jesus has a good news message He wants heard and acted on. When I …
Second Coming – What does Jesus the Messiah say about it?
I think many followers of Jesus avoid discussing the second coming of Jesus and the rapture. I know I have …
Truth — Is it reality and is it found in Jesus?
The new covenant encompasses the Greek idea of truth as reality, as well as the Hebraic concepts of faithfulness and …
“You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door.” ~Jesus
The Apostle Peter rightly declares the Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one from God. Anointed to be King in …
“I can do nothing on My own initiative.” ~Jesus
Jesus is completely obedient to the will of His Father. 24/7 it is all about what does God want right …
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” ~Jesus
What am I working for? Jesus wants to know. Jesus has some commands for me on this. I must act …
Materialism — Will possessions and riches make it difficult to enter God’s country?
I have to be careful. Materialistic seduction can happen. I live in America and that is clear. If materialism was …
“I have not come to call the righteous but those who miss God’s goal to radically change their thinking.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me to radically change my way of thinking. Repentance (the original Greek means radically changing my thinking) is of central …
Heaven – Are you on the train? Will you take it all the way to its destination?
What should we learn from the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16? Let’s think about the …
Law — Is there a conflict between grace and the law?
The purpose of the Law was, basically, to bring us to the Messiah. It is essential to start here. Once …
Woe — What does it mean and why does Jesus use it so much?
When we see the word WOE in the scripture, particularly when Jesus uses it, we know we better pay attention. …
Happiness — Who is it for?
I am happy. Jesus promises me that I will be. A state of pleasure or joy experienced both by people …
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 …
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants me to love. Jesus wants me to do good. Jesus wants me to not expect anything in return …
What does God expect when I talk with Him?
So what is prayer? The most basic definition of prayer is “talking with God.” Prayer is not meditation or passive reflection; …
“Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, the Messiah.” ~Jesus
Jesus isn’t enamored with my being a leader who serves. Jesus calls on me to be a servant or a …
Denial of Jesus the Messiah — Will Jesus will deny us?
I can’t deny Jesus. It is very, very dangerous. I have been warned by Jesus. I don’t want Jesus to …
“Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” ~Jesus
Glory of Jesus Jesus the Messiah’s beauty, radiance and splendor reflects the glory of the Father. It is both revealed to and …
I AM — “I am the Bread of Life” ~ Jesus
“I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35) is one of the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus. Jesus used …
What is God’s response to those who reject Him and His Son Jesus?
The godless have abandoned God. They have rejected God. I see it everywhere. You see it as well. It seems …
What is the outcome of hoping in God? Will it bring security and confidence?
Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in “I hope something will happen.” I have been guilty of thinking …
Miracles of Jesus — How does Jesus heal the sick?
There are so many amazing and supernatural acts of Jesus, revealing and confirming his Messianic credentials, and the coming of …
“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 …
“Watch out for the religion scholars.” ~Jesus
Jesus is constantly challenging the religious elites and leaders of His time here on earth. He still does today. This …
“Happy are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad!” ~Jesus
How did Jesus expect me to react under persecution? Rejoice and be glad! That is right. I’m jump up and down for …
“I who speak to you am the Messiah.” ~Jesus
Jesus is the anointed King. Jesus is the anointed Priest. Jesus is the anointed Prophet. Jesus is anointed by the …
Demons — Are they real? Do they exist?
The Bible speaks of demons as real, actual beings. However, Scripture’s depiction of demons is very different from the popular …
I cry out! I shout out! Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, Υἱέ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν με τὸν ἁμαρτωλόν
Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, Υἱέ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν με τὸν ἁμαρτωλόν Translated: “Master Jesus the Messiah, Son of God, have mercy …
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 …
Mystery — God’s plan of salvation: God’s plan, now revealed, has been hidden for long ages
The mystery of faith is a term that occurs in 1 Timothy 3:9. “Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted …
Respect — It leads to Godly living
The apostle Peter summarizes the Bible’s teaching on respect in his first Epistle. My mission is clear. Show proper respect …
Holy — Becoming holy involves striving after God
The holiness of God is the most difficult of all God’s attributes to explain, partly because it is one of …
Achievement — Is faith required?
Where does faith come from? Faith is not something I conjure up on my own, nor is it something I am …
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” ~Jesus
Jesus clearly calls me to do good works! The purpose of my good works is to glorify the amazing and …
Authority of Jesus — It is Questioned
The authority of Jesus is questioned by others: Am I questioning that Jesus has the authority from God? I need …
Heaven — Is it a Real Destination after Death?
What is the deal with heaven? It seems to be a somewhat complicated biblical concept with lots of opinions on …
It is time to shout out in great joy! Try this every day or even several times a day. Seriously … it will make a difference.
This is a stunning story in Luke 19. Here is the challenge after you read this scripture. Try this with …
Son of God — God Proclaims it and Jesus the Messiah Affirms It
Jesus, the Messiah, is the Son of God. God says it and Jesus affirms it. As the Apostle John says …
“Then there’s only one thing left to do: Sell everything you own and give it away to the poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ~Jesus
Where is my treasure? What is important to me? Is Jesus my Master? Jesus told us to “store up for …
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life.” ~Jesus
There are a lot of details to life. What to eat. What to wear. Which way to drive to work. …
Ecstasy — It can be in Response to Jesus the Messiah
We seem a little reluctant to talk about the ecstatic experience. Is that for mystics and weirdo’s? Maybe it’s not …
Truth — As Opposed to Falsehood and Lies
Truth as opposed to falsehood and lies. Truth may be used to convey a sense of being in accordance with fact …
Denial of Jesus — The Jewish People Rejected Jesus
Denial is the making of a conscious, informed decision not to accept Jesus as the Messiah or his claims and …
“Jesus came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near.” ~Apostle Paul
Prophecies of peace are fulfilled in the coming of Jesus the Messiah. Peace is real. Jesus wants me to experience peace. …
“Be very careful. Keep a sharp eye out for the contaminating yeast of the Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, Lutherans or the Catholics. Also the yeast of Biden, Cruz, Sanders, Clinton or Trump.” ~Jesus
This is a special message for our current toxic political and religious environment. Jesus has something to say about all …
Baptism — Jesus sets the Example and how it all Started
I came to Jesus and decided to follow Him at the age of 12. I was immediately baptized in water. …
Hell — The reality of hell should affect the way people live. — The importance of making the right choice.
Can I choose not to go to hell? The punishment of the wicked in hell is as never ending as the …
“My time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune.” ~Jesus
Jesus the Messiah’s life was lived under the shadow of the cross. He was concerned that people should understand his …
Obedience — Jesus the Messiah is Totally Obedient to His Father’s Will
I have a lot to learn about obedience. I have a great teacher in Jesus the Messiah. Jesus “learned obedience” …
“Woe to you … ” ~Jesus
Jesus is upset. Jesus is upset with the elite religious leaders of the day. Jesus hasn’t gotten over it. I …
Mercifulness — God Shows it to us as He is Merciful
Mercifulness is an attitude of compassion and care, grounded in the nature of God himself, made manifest in the life …
Jesus Quotes and God Thoughts 