Materialism — Material Goods can Turn the Heart Away From God
Material goods can turn my heart away from God. The pursuit of possessions and wealth and a preoccupation with physical things …
Tag Archives: Heaven
“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and — good-bye, friend!” ~King Solomon
Friendship is an amazing experience. It also can be a fragile relationship. Am I looking at the good in my …
I am a Devoted Slave of Jesus, the Messiah
My role is one of a slave. I am a devoted slave of Jesus, the Messiah. Really? Yes, a slave. …
Glory — It Existed in Jesus the Messiah Before His Incarnation
Jesus the Messiah’s beauty, radiance and splendor reflects the glory of the Father. It is both revealed to and reflected …
“Jesus rejoiced, exuberant in the Holy Spirit!” ~Luke
Jesus rejoiced. Jesus is exuberant in the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to usher in the Kingdom of God in the …
Self-control — Controlling What is Said
One of the proofs of God’s working in my life is the ability to control my own thoughts, words, and …
“What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” ~Disciples of Jesus
God is God and God is great. God empowered his son Jesus. There are so many amazing and supernatural acts …
“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” ~Author of Hebrews
I want to please God, my heavenly Father. That is my heart’s desire. It takes sacrifice on my part. It …
“You are masters at making yourselves look good in front of others, but God knows what’s behind the appearance.” ~Jesus
Am I a master at making myself look good? What Jesus has to say to the religious elites (aka Pharisees) …
Jesus is the Messiah — Are you sure it isn’t Mr. Christ?
We hear Jesus Christ all the time. Sometimes it is even said in a profane way. So, is it the …
“In Jesus you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.” ~Apostle Paul
What gives Jesus the right to speak and act on his Father’s behalf in forgiving sin, pronouncing judgment and promising …
Goodness – Good Works are a Characteristic of God
Goodness and good works are acts designed specifically to benefit others, which are characteristic of God. I can be good …
25 Mother Teresa Quotes about Living a Life of Purpose
A Nobel peace laureate, Mother Teresa (1910–1997) was an Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary. For much of her life, Mother …
“If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” ~Jesus
Jesus continues the Manifesto. Jesus is teaching me how to pray. After the model prayer, Jesus emphasizes the importance of …
“Blessed be God — He heard me praying.” ~King David
I need to see how much God cares. It is just who He is. I don’t need to look around. …
Children of God — We Become God’s Children by Adoption
This is stunning. As disciples of Jesus, we are the chief objects of God’s fatherly love. I become God’s child …
“Jesus sets out the evidence of what he saw and heard in heaven.” ~John the Baptizer
I am not immune to competing for my spiritual faction (aka denomination). I think it is best. I think Jesus …
Peace — These Prophecies of Peace are Fulfilled in the Coming of Jesus the Messiah
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there …
“Happy are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” ~Jesus
I want mercy in my life. Compassion is a wonderful gift from God. I am challenged by Jesus to replicate …
Patience — Jesus Patience with God’s Timing of Events
Jesus the Messiah’s life was lived under the shadow of the cross. He was concerned that people should understand his …
“Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it’s not possible to see what I’m pointing to—to God’s kingdom.” ~Jesus
This is stunning. As disciples of Jesus, we are the chief objects of God’s fatherly love. We become God’s children …
Gentleness – In Dealing with the Wayward
I wander off. I am wayward. I drift. It happens. It happens to others I know. What is my attitude? …
Hell — Temptations to Miss God’s Goal (aka sin) Must be Dealt with Drastically
Do you believe in hell? It is interesting that a much higher percentage of people believe in the existence of …
“Some [of the disciples], though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.” ~Apostle Matthew
Am I a doubter? If I am honest, yes, there are times I doubt. So did some of the 11 …
The authority of Jesus — It is limited by the Father
What gives Jesus the right to speak and act on his Father’s behalf in forgiving sin, pronouncing judgment and promising …
“Whether few or many is none of your business. Put your mind on your life with God.” ~Jesus
It is none of my business. That is the stunning message from Jesus that He wants me to know. I …
Joy — The Holy Spirit gives Joy to Jesus the Messiah and to Those who were Anticipating His Birth
The Holy Spirit brings joy to believers, giving them an inner contentment and happiness which is not dependent upon external …
Miracles of Jesus — Examples of the Authority of Jesus over Natural Forces
There are so many amazing and supernatural acts of Jesus, revealing and confirming his Messianic credentials, and the coming of …
False Doctrine — Is it of human origin and not from Jesus the Messiah?
Jesus, the Son of God, is the Messiah. God sent him to live among us, die for our missing God’s …
“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.” ~Jesus
I am thinking this part of the Jesus Manifesto has been ripped out of most Evangelical and Protestant bibles. I …
Goodness — God is pleased with the good works of his people
How am I doing with being selfless on behalf of others? It is a pretty telling question if I answer it …
“Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.” ~Jesus
Greed is very insidious. It creeps into my life and I don’t recognize it at all some days. I have …
44 Questions that Jesus Asks in the Good News According to Matthew
It is stunning how skillfully our Master Jesus, the Messiah, uses questions (read more here) to teach vital spiritual truths. …
Can I hope based on scripture as the word of God?
I need to find more hope. God is good and in a good mood. Justice, while lacking here some days, …
“We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” ~Apostle John
John saw it with his own eyes. Imagine that. John was there for the transfiguration. John saw the glory of …
Children of God — We become children by new birth
This is stunning. As disciples of Jesus, we are the chief objects of God’s fatherly love. We become God’s children …
Kindness — God shows kindness to all, evil and good.
In Galatians 5:22 we learn that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 …
Peace — Through the Father’s provision for the believer
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there …
Is God’s justice impartial?
Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” Justice is one of God’s attributes …
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” ~Jesus
Jesus continues His Manifesto (aka The Sermon on the Mount). Jesus is getting close to wrapping it up. Jesus doesn’t …
“Breakfast is ready.” ~Jesus
This is the third time Jesus appears to the disciples. They’ve been out fishing all night. They’ve been working. They …
“Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why?” ~Jesus
Jesus has some goals in mind for me. Jesus is clear what they are. Jesus warns me that there will …
“You cannot serve God and wealth.” ~Jesus
The Jesus Manifest continues (Matthew 5-7). This is a critical teaching of Jesus. What should I think about money and …
Authority of Jesus the Messiah — Jesus’ authority underlines his divine status
What gives Jesus the right to speak and act on his Father’s behalf in forgiving sin, pronouncing judgment and promising …
“What a generation! No sense of God! No focus to your lives! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this?” ~Jesus
Jesus sounds upset. The day before he went through an amazing experience. We call it the transfiguration. “While He was praying, the …
Joy — Can it become real in our relationships?
Joy is experienced naturally in many circumstances of my life in Jesus and most importantly in relationships I have with …
“Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit.” ~Apostle Paul
This is very common. I don’t think of it that way naturally but it is when you start looking below …
“It’s done . . . complete.” ~Jesus
Jesus came to complete every task God, His Father, had laid out for Him. Jesus, earlier (John 5:38) had said …
“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” ~Jesus
The backdrop to this is the feeding of the five thousand. It is a truly stunning miracle. Jesus was moved …
False Doctrine — It contradicts the good news of Jesus the Messiah
Jesus, the Son of God, is the Messiah. God sent him to live among us, die for our missing God’s …
Goodness — God’s people are called on to do good works
How am I doing with being selfless on behalf of others? It is a pretty telling question if I answer …
“Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.” ~King David
Who is the King of Glory? King David is a warrior King. He spent much of his life fighting to …
“Peace to you.” ~Jesus
Did you lock the doors? That was the compelling question the morning Jesus rose from the dead in an incorruptible …
“Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” ~Jesus
There have been way too many times I have ignored getting some rest. I worked too many days in a …
Peace — It is established in a believer’s relationship with the Father and Jesus
There are times I am clearly not at peace. I am not at peace with myself and I am not …
“Happy are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” ~Jesus
Jesus is a kind, loving King. Jesus is not angry with me. Jesus wants me to be kind and gentle. …
“Peace be with you!” ~Jesus
Here we are. It is “Resurrection Sunday”. I’m celebrating the resurrection of Jesus not bunnies and chocolate candy. That’s just …
“At just the right time, when we were still powerless, the Messiah died for the ungodly. God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, the Messiah died for us” ~Apostle Paul
Good Friday, also known as “Holy Friday,” is the Friday immediately preceding Resurrection Sunday. It is celebrated traditionally as the day …
“Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” ~Jesus to Peter
Judas betrays Jesus. Peter and the others deny they know Jesus. Nobody is with Jesus at the end. I am …
“Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” ~Jesus
Holy Tuesday is is a busy day. Many chapters of the Gospels are devoted to it.(Matthew 21:23—23:39; Mark 11:27—12:44; Luke 20:1—21:4). Here …
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” ~ God
What should followers of Jesus think about justice and the social justice movement? “If we take the Bible seriously then …
“I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” ~Jesus to the religious leaders
Some of the religious leaders [Pharisees] in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But Jesus answered, “I …
“Jesus told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt.” ~Luke
Jesus told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: “Two men went up …
“My kingdom, doesn’t consist of what you see around you.” ~Jesus
Pilate said, “Do I look like a Jew? Your people and your high priests turned you over to me. What …
“What could you ever trade your soul for?” ~Jesus
“Calling the crowd to join his disciples, Jesus said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me …
“God has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around.” ~King David
“Here’s the story I’ll tell my friends when they come to worship, and punctuate it with Hallelujahs: God has never let you …
Miracles of Jesus – How they reveal and confirm his Messianic credentials and the coming of God’s Kingdom
There are so many stunning, amazing and supernatural acts of Jesus. They reveal and confirm his Messianic credentials. They announce …
What is peace, how do we make peacemaking real and what is the promise of Jesus?
Jesus says “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” The commendation of peacemakers – It …
Hypocrisy – What it is, why it is evil and hated by Jesus
Hypocrisy is an outward pretense masking an inner reality. Jesus condemns hypocrisy, especially in matters of faith. Followers of Jesus …
Everything Jesus had to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving
Jesus had a lot to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving. Here …
“But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full.” ~Jesus
Then Jesus looked up at his disciples and said: “Happy are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom …
“Beware … ” ~Jesus — What the New Testament has to say on deception by religions leaders
This is a series of quotes to emphasize the seriousness of deception and our responsibility to look out for it …
“It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.” ~Jesus
“When the ten others heard about this, they lost their tempers, thoroughly disgusted with the two brothers. So Jesus got …
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” ~Jesus
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who …
“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” ~Apostle Paul
The Apostle Paul lays out a basic premise of The Way (της οδου). We are children of God and more …
“Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career.” ~King Solomon
Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career. For Wisdom is better than all the …
“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you.” ~Jesus
If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll …
“You’re way off base, and here’s why: One, you don’t know your Bibles; two, you don’t know how God works.” ~Jesus
Am I clever? I like to think I am some days. So did the Sadducess (Religious Leaders). They thought they …
“Don’t just go shopping for a god. Gods are not for sale.” ~King David
Don’t just go shopping for a god. Gods are not for sale. I swear I’ll never treat god-names like brand-names. …
“If your hand or your foot gets in the way of God, chop it off and throw it away.” ~Jesus
How far must I go in following Jesus? I need to do whatever it takes. Nothing is more important than …
“This isn’t pie in the sky by and by.” ~Jesus
How many times have I thought, this is all about heaven? A lot I am thinking. I am reminded of …
“Then I won’t answer your question either.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. Jesus doesn’t have to answer my questions. That is shocking to me. I deserve to have my …
“There is no need to dismiss them.” ~Jesus
Jesus knows that nothing is impossible with God. It is in his heart, he believes it, he thinks about it …
“Judge not, that you be not judged.” ~Jesus
Should I judge others? Jesus is clear. I have plenty of my own issues. I should look in the mirror …
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” ~Jesus
How much of what I do “for Jesus” is done to be seen by others? Probably too much. Jesus is …
“Happy are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” ~Jesus
Happy (aka Blessed) are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” ~Jesus Source: Matthew 5:3 (English Standard Version) …
“Put aside for a moment what you hear me say about myself and just take the evidence of the actions that are right before your eyes.” ~Jesus
Jesus performs amazing miracles. The power of God is in him in a mighty way. Right before this, he raised …
Panic over money is greed’s cousin. Am I content with what I have?
Panic over money is greed’s cousin. I have panicked. I don’t know what to do. Am I content with what …
“You make me want to vomit.” ~Jesus
Jesus is always clear and direct. I can count on that. Jesus isn’t going to sugar coat the message he …
“For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, there’ll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it’ll be too late to help them.” ~King Solomon
Discipline is very tough and at the time it is tough to appreciate. My heavenly Father disciplines me because he …
“Thank you, Father. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.” ~Jesus
Who gets to know about God, Lord of heaven and earth? Who is God revealing himself to? It is the …
“By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” ~~Jesus
Jesus intends for us to have great relationships with people in our world. That is His goal for us. Jesus …
“Justice makes no sense to the evilminded; those who seek God know it inside and out.” ~King Solomon
Justice is a tricky thing. For many it is befuddling and confusing. They are seeking justice here in our country. …
“I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. There will be a day of judgement. We may prefer to believe it isn’t true but it …
“These very tasks, as I go about completing them, confirm that the Father, in fact, sent me.” ~Jesus
Jesus is on a mission. His Father has given Him very specific tasks to complete as a part of God’s …
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” ~Jesus
Jesus experienced the ultimate. Jesus took on the penalty for our missing God’s goal (i.e. sin). Jesus died for our …
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” ~Apostle Paul
Paul reminds me. I am at war. It is an ongoing war. It doesn’t stop. Who is the enemy? The …
“Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life.” ~Jesus
Jesus had one last thing to say before he ascended into heaven to be in charge of God’s country. Jesus …
“The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” ~Jesus
Jesus paints an amazing contrast on priorities. Most of us are worried about our 401k. Our treasure is in our …
“Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who ‘have it all’ to enter God’s kingdom?” ~Jesus
We know the story of the rich man who came to Jesus. Eventually, as the story unfolded, Jesus challenged him …
