“All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!” ~Jesus

Tags

Giving, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 21, Money

Jesus is looking. Jesus is going to challenge me. Am I ready?

• What will I give? Jesus is looking. Jesus knows what is going on. His message to me will be on target. No general suppositions on his part.
• Will I give a little? It isn’t that difficult to give. In America, in particular, we have a culture of philanthropy and giving. It is safe to assume it will only be a little of what I can afford. I could do more. I could do a lot more!
• Will I give it all? Will I give when I can’t afford it? That is the question today. Jesus has something he wants me to do. Will I do it?

Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!”

Source: Luke 21:1-4

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

Tags

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)

 

“Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed!” ~Jesus

Tags

Faith, Healing, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 5, Miracle, Risk

Am I willing to take the risk of faith? Jesus challenges me to be persistent. What are the implications to my faith?

• How long will I have to wait? The woman in this story waited 12 years. She had tried everything. This is a common them with Jesus. God could have healed her earlier.
• What is the real story here? She finally heard about Jesus and took action to seek him out. She took a risk. It was a risk of faith. She didn’t sit at home. She went after Jesus.
• How does Jesus respond? Jesus honors her faith. Jesus heals her. Jesus blesses her. Jesus knows that action goes hand in hand with faith. Jesus really appreciates persistence and taking a risk.

A woman who had suffered a condition of hemorrhaging for twelve years—a long succession of physicians had treated her, and treated her badly, taking all her money and leaving her worse off than before—had heard about Jesus. She slipped in from behind and touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can put a finger on his robe, I can get well.” The moment she did it, the flow of blood dried up. She could feel the change and knew her plague was over and done with.

At the same moment, Jesus felt energy discharging from him. He turned around to the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?” His disciples said, “What are you talking about? With this crowd pushing and jostling you, you’re asking, ‘Who touched me?’ Dozens have touched you!”

But he went on asking, looking around to see who had done it. The woman, knowing what had happened, knowing she was the one, stepped up in fear and trembling, knelt before him, and gave him the whole story.

Jesus said to her, “Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague.”

Source: Mark 5:25-34

“Many get invited; only a few make it.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom of God, Matthew 22, Wedding

Jesus loved to tell stories to make his point. This one is about a wedding celebration that the guests didn’t want to attend. They refused to come. They were destroyed because of their arrogance. A second group was invited. Most of them made it but not all.

• Why is this important? I am invited to God’s celebration. I get to choose whether to attend or not. I must choose to celebrate the wedding. I must be prepared.
• What is Jesus telling me? Even being invited, doesn’t mean I will get to stay. I must be up to following Jesus. It won’t be easy. It is a challenge. My place at the wedding is ready.
• How should I react? I should humble myself. When invited, I must do my part by choosing to attend and be “properly” prepared to be there and stay there. There is no “automatic” in God’s world. Jesus decides who gets to stay.

Jesus responded by telling still more stories. “God’s kingdom,” he said, “is like a king who threw a wedding banquet for his son. He sent out servants to call in all the invited guests. And they wouldn’t come!

“He sent out another round of servants, instructing them to tell the guests, ‘Look, everything is on the table, the prime rib is ready for carving. Come to the feast!’

“They only shrugged their shoulders and went off, one to weed his garden, another to work in his shop. The rest, with nothing better to do, beat up on the messengers and then killed them. The king was outraged and sent his soldiers to destroy those thugs and level their city.

“Then he told his servants, ‘We have a wedding banquet all prepared but no guests. The ones I invited weren’t up to it. Go out into the busiest intersections in town and invite anyone you find to the banquet.’ The servants went out on the streets and rounded up everyone they laid eyes on, good and bad, regardless. And so the banquet was on—every place filled.

“When the king entered and looked over the scene, he spotted a man who wasn’t properly dressed. He said to him, ‘Friend, how dare you come in here looking like that!’ The man was speechless. Then the king told his servants, ‘Get him out of here—fast. Tie him up and ship him to hell. And make sure he doesn’t get back in.’

“That’s what I mean when I say, ‘Many get invited; only a few make it.’”

Source: Matthew 22:1-14

“I’ve told you these things to prepare you for rough times ahead.” ~Jesus

Tags

Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 16, Prepare, Understand

Jesus is all about getting us ready for what is coming. Jesus doesn’t leave me in the dark. Jesus is very clear with me.

• Why is this important? “I’ve told you these things to prepare you for rough times ahead.” Jesus wants us to be prepared. He has told me in advance. My job is to get ready.
• What will the churches think? “They are going to throw you out of the meeting places.” Jesus warns me that my church may kick me out. The message of Jesus is good news but not all religious leaders welcome it.
• Is my life at stake? “There will even come a time when anyone who kills you will think he’s doing God a favor.”
• Surely they understand? “They will do these things because they never really understood the Father.” No, they don’t understand Jesus. I can’t assume they do. I must be clear what Jesus wants. It may get rejected.
• What should I do? “I’ve told you these things so that when the time comes and they start in on you, you’ll be well-warned and ready for them.” Jesus challenges me to get ready. I can’t plead ignorance.

Source: John 16:1-4

“Then neither will I answer your question.” ~Jesus

Tags

Answer, Authority, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 20, Question

Jesus asks a question

It is stunning and kicks my rear end, but Jesus doesn’t have to answer my questions. Jesus is the Son of God and he answers to no one but his Heavenly Father.

• Jesus does what he does best, he teaches me. “One day he was teaching the people in the Temple, proclaiming the Message. The high priests, religion scholars, and leaders confronted him and demanded, “Show us your credentials. Who authorized you to speak and act like this?” I am about to learn something from Jesus. It is coming. My job is to be ready.
• Jesus asks a question. Jesus answered, “First, let me ask you a question: About the baptism of John—who authorized it, heaven or humans?” It happens a lot. Jesus is going to ask me a question. He expects me to answer. Jesus can’t be ignored. That is just the way it is.
• What is the answer? “They were on the spot, and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, “If we say ‘heaven,’ he’ll ask us why we didn’t believe him; if we say ‘humans,’ the people will tear us limb from limb, convinced as they are that John was God’s prophet.” They agreed to concede that round to Jesus and said they didn’t know. The truth is I really don’t know. I have no clue.
• How does Jesus respond? Jesus said, “Then neither will I answer your question.” Jesus doesn’t owe me anything. He can answer or not. His decision about that is final.

Source: Luke 20:1-8

“Why are you such cowards? Don’t you have any faith at all?” ~Jesus

Tags

Faith, Heart, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 4

It was a nice day for a boat ride. I’ve been on them before. It is a beautiful day. You take off. You didn’t know there was a storm brewing that you couldn’t see. It turns ugly. Real ugly.

• Jesus knew what was going to happen. Jesus didn’t warn anyone. “Life” is going to happen. There will be storms. Jesus doesn’t protect us from going through them.
• Jesus sleeps through it all. Jesus knew how it would all end. Jesus had faith that God would see him through it all. God did.
• The disciples heart is revealed. They don’t think Jesus cares. I am the same way. Some days I find it hard to believe, based on the storm I am seeing, that God cares at all.
• Jesus diagnoses the problem as a lack of faith. The real problem I have is one of faith. I can chose to believe that God doesn’t care or that he does.
• Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus speaks the word and the storm calms down completely. Nothing is impossible with God.

Late that day he said to them, “Let’s go across to the other side.” They took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along. A huge storm came up. Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it. And Jesus was in the stern, head on a pillow, sleeping! They roused him, saying, “Teacher, is it nothing to you that we’re going down?”

Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, “Quiet! Settle down!” The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass. Jesus reprimanded the disciples: “Why are you such cowards? Don’t you have any faith at all?”

They were in absolute awe, staggered. “Who is this, anyway?” they asked. “Wind and sea at his beck and call!”

Source: Mark 4:35-41

Coward definition

“Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God.” ~Jesus

Tags

Challenge, Faith, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 21, Miracle

Jesus challenges me. Am I ready?

• Jesus shows me the way. The miracles of Jesus show me what God can do.
• Jesus challenges me to do the same. I must have faith. It doesn’t have to be large, my faith can be small.
• I must lay ahold of God. God is ready. Am I? It is not about me. It is about God. That is all I need to know and I do know it.

Early the next morning Jesus was returning to the city. He was hungry. Seeing a lone fig tree alongside the road, he approached it anticipating a breakfast of figs. When he got to the tree, there was nothing but fig leaves. He said, “No more figs from this tree—ever!” The fig tree withered on the spot, a dry stick. The disciples saw it happen. They rubbed their eyes, saying, “Did we really see this? A leafy tree one minute, a dry stick the next?”

But Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Yes—and if you embrace this kingdom life and don’t doubt God, you’ll not only do minor feats like I did to the fig tree, but also triumph over huge obstacles. This mountain, for instance, you’ll tell, ‘Go jump in the lake,’ and it will jump. Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God.”

Source: Matthew 21:18-22

“I don’t suffer fools gladly—and you’ve acted the fool!” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 19, Standards, Trust, Wisdom

Uh oh! This isn’t good. Jesus tells a great story about different gifts given to different servants. One utterly failed. What can I learn from this?

• Jesus has trusted me with a little or a lot. Jesus has given me a gift and expects me to make the most of it.
• Jesus has high standards. Jesus doesn’t change his expectations for me because I didn’t get as much as others. Jesus expects me to be responsible.
• I can choose to be wise. It is my choice what I do with what Jesus has given me. I am not a victim.

“Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all.” ~Jesus

Tags

Baptize, Good News, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 16, Resurrection

Jesus had a few things to say after his resurrection and before he ascended to heaven. Jesus was angry that they hadn’t believed the others who had seen him alive. His message after he took them to task was:

• Where should they go? Go into the world. Jesus always emphasized that he was the savior of the whole world, not just the Jews.
• What should they say? Announce the good news to everyone. My focus should be on good news and what God is doing.
• What should they do? Baptize those who believe.

Still later, as the Eleven were eating supper, Jesus appeared and took them to task most severely for their stubborn unbelief, refusing to believe those who had seen him raised up. Then Jesus said, “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all. Whoever believes and is baptized is saved; whoever refuses to believe is damned.”

Source: Mark 16:14-16

“What do you want from me?” ~Jesus

Tags

God is Good, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 20, Miracle

This is important for me to know. It is, in fact, critical.

• Jesus is very interested in what I want from him. It is too easy to believe that God doesn’t care. Jesus only does what he sees his Father do. God is in a good mood and so is Jesus.
• I need to be bold, making my needs known to him. Sitting around thinking I don’t need to say anything will get me nowhere. When Jesus is passing by, I must shout out for mercy.
• Persistence is critical. When others want me to shut up, I need to get bolder and louder. I need persistent faith not more faith.
• My needs move Jesus deeply. Jesus listens to me and is moved. Deeply. That is good news.

There is a procession to join. God’s miracles aren’t for me alone. My job is to follow Jesus.

As they were leaving Jericho, a huge crowd followed. Suddenly they came upon two blind men sitting alongside the road. When they heard it was Jesus passing, they cried out, “Master, have mercy on us! Mercy, Son of David!” The crowd tried to hush them up, but they got all the louder, crying, “Master, have mercy on us! Mercy, Son of David!”

Jesus stopped and called over, “What do you want from me?”

They said, “Master, we want our eyes opened. We want to see!”

Deeply moved, Jesus touched their eyes. They had their sight back that very instant, and joined the procession.

Source: Matthew 20-29-34

Heartfelt experience with Jesus

“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me.” ~Jesus

Tags

Heaven, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 14, Trust

Trust Jesus

Jesus is getting down to the wire here. This is the final night before his death the next day. Jesus knows what is coming. He has a few things to say.

• What is important to know? The main thing is to trust Jesus. It is easy to get rattled and lose courage. I must trust Jesus. God is in a good mood.
• Where is Jesus going? To prepare a place for us. Jesus is getting things ready for me and for you.
• Will Jesus come back? Yes, Jesus promises he will come get us so that we can be with him. Many have already gone on before me. My time will come and I will join them.

“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.” ~Jesus

Source: John 14:1-4

“So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help?” ~Jesus

Tags

Faith, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 18, Persistence, Prayer

Jesus challenges me. I don’t need more faith. I need persistent faith.

• I must be persistent in my prayer and never quit. My faith must be persistent. If I believed yesterday, I must believe today.
• I must be confident God will step in. I may not know when but it will happen.
• God will stick up for me. God is in a good mood.

Here is the story Jesus told.

Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit.

He said, “There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: ‘My rights are being violated. Protect me!’

“He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, ‘I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won’t quit badgering me, I’d better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I’m going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.’”

Then the Master said, “Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?”

Source: Luke 18:1-6

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

Tags

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.

“If you say so.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, King, Mark 15, Pilate

Jesus is at the end of it all now. He has been arrested, jailed and “at trial” before the Judge.

• Jesus is brought before Pilate, who will judge his guilt or innocence. Pilate has Jesus very life in his hands. Pilate asks a very reasonable question. Pilate understands the accusation clearly. Is Jesus the King of the Jews?
• Jesus answers, very wisely. Jesus doesn’t affirm or directly deny what he is accused of. This set his accusers on fire.
• Having answered, Jesus becomes silent. Jesus is clear. Having answered, that is all he needs to do. In court, any attorney would object with “Asked and answered”. Pilate was very impressed.

“Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” ~Jesus

Tags

Boldness, Courage, Fear, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 14

If Peter was anything, he was nothing but bold. But it seems that he was also always asking for more.

• When I have my eyes on our Master Jesus that is the way it is. Jesus wasn’t the only one to walk on water. Peter did too. He asked Jesus and Jesus said YES.
• Jesus had supernatural courage. He didn’t do anything but what he saw His Father doing. He had His eyes focused on God.
• AND we serve a bold God. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, everything was alright. It was only when he looked away from Jesus, saw the waves, did he get in trouble.

God has a goal for us.  Let’s be Bold, Fear not, Have Courage, and don’t be Anxious.

May I have more boldness and fearless confidence.

Water longs to be walked on again!

As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night. Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. 

At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus.

But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, ‘This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!’

Source: Matthew 14

“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you.” ~Jesus

Tags

Courage, Forgiveness, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 18

Jesus has a way he wants us to follow to work out our grievances against one another. If I am not willing to follow it, I should keep my mouth shut.

• Jesus wants me to have the courage to go to the person, one on one, try to work it out.
• I have to decide, is this worth an intervention? If it isn’t, I can just forgive and move on.
• Now this is tough, do I want to take it to the whole church?

I don’t think most of us would ever get past step one. Step one is huge though. It forces me to think through do I just forgive and does the person need to know they hurt me.

Having done all that, what should I do? Jesus says start it all over again and focus on God’s forgiving love.

“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won’t listen, tell the church. If he won’t listen to the church, you’ll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love.”

Source Matthew 18:15-17

“I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me.” ~~Jesus

Tags

Authority, Avoid, Dismiss, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 5

With Jesus I am faced with a choice.

• Will I  dismiss Jesus? I can. I shouldn’t.
• Will I avoid Jesus? That is more likely than completely dismissing Him. Avoidance may seem like a great strategy but it really gets me nowhere.
• Jesus declares to me in a very clear way that He has the authority of God, His Father. There is no level of subtlety in his assertion. I can accept Him. I can reject Him. I can avoid Him. What I can’t do is ignore the fact of who He is.

Jesus greatest desire and passion is that I accept Him and the life he has to offer me.

“I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me.” ~~Jesus (John 5:41-44 The Message)

“My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene.” ~Jesus

Tags

Holiness, Holy, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 13

• Jesus knows what is important. I think I do some days. I have my to do list. It isn’t always aligned with what Jesus thinks is important.
• Holiness is the key to life. I get off track with things that don’t matter. They seem urgent to me. They seem to be the “right thing”. Yet, is the focus on holiness? If not, why not?
• Not all of us are clean, even those who are closest to Jesus. Jesus chose Judas to be one of the twelve. He knew that Judas would betray him. In spite of that, Jesus put Judas in charge of the Good News Ministry finances. Now that was bold.

Jesus said, “If you’ve had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you’re clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you’re clean. But not every one of you.” (He knew who was betraying him. That’s why he said, “Not every one of you.”) After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table.

Source: John 13:10-12

Heartfelt experience with Jesus

“I’ve come to start a fire on this earth! I’ve come to change everything, turn everything right side up!” ~Jesus

Tags

Authority, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 12, Obedient, Radical, Servant

Jesus is radical.

• Jesus is the ultimate change agent. Jesus is the ultimate disruptor. Jesus upsets relationships. Jesus doesn’t make everything nice. Jesus will confront us. There will be conflict between what we want and what Jesus wants. Others may not like the change.
• This is always His pattern. Jesus is not Mr. Rogers with a beard. 
• Yes, Jesus is radical. And, He calls for us to be radical for Him. Have I set something on fire for Him today? Have I challenged something for Him today? Will I challenge myself today to follow Him and be His servant?

Here is the mandate from Jesus.

“I’ve come to start a fire on this earth! I’ve come to change everything, turn everything right side up! Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I’ve come to disrupt and confront! From now on, when you find five in a house, it will be— three against two, and two against three; Father against son, and son against father; Mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; Mother-in-law against bride, and bride against mother-in-law.” ~~Jesus (Luke 12)

Radical Sayings of Jesus

“You don’t need more faith. There is no ‘more’ or ‘less’ in faith.” ~Jesus

Tags

Faith, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 17

Here is the real deal about faith.

• I think I need more faith. If I just had more faith, I could do X. Jesus challenges me to understand God’s goal for me.
• Jesus knows that it isn’t true that I need more faith. Faith is not a question of more or less.
• I either have faith or I don’t. If I believe God can do it and that he is in a good mood, I can act on my faith. God is God.

Jesus is right! It isn’t about ‘more’.

The apostles came up and said to the Master, “Give us more faith.”

But the Master said, “You don’t need more faith. There is no ‘more’ or ‘less’ in faith. If you have a bare kernel of faith, say the size of a poppy seed, you could say to this sycamore tree, ‘Go jump in the lake,’ and it would do it.

Source: Luke 17:5-6

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” ~Jesus

Tags

God is Good, God's Plan, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 12, Obedience

What does it take to be a part of God’s family?

The answer is very straight forward. Jesus doesn’t hold anything back from me. His challenge to me is to do what God wants. Obedience is the core of everything in God’s world.

It is not about my plan. It is all about God’s plan. He has one. Will I obey it? Jesus challenges me to do so.

Now here is some VERY good news. God’s plan is simple and straightforward.

In this day of complicated programs and books, simplicity rocks. The kids even have it on a bracelet. WWJD. “What would Jesus do”?

God’s plan is for me to do what He has in mind for me. All the time. That puts me in the family of God. Good news for sure.

For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.  (Matthew 12:50)

“Take, this is my body.” ~Jesus

Tags

Bread, Communion, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 14

Jesus sacrificed his body for me. Jesus has set up a sacred ritual for me to remember that precious act. What better symbol than the breaking of bread?

He told us before it happened that it would. Jesus created a beautiful sacrament so can continue to participate and remember.

What a wonderful God we serve. May I never forget what Jesus has done for me.

In the course of their meal, having taken and blessed the bread, he broke it and gave it to them. Then he said,

“Take, this is my body.”

Source: Mark 14:22

“Let her alone. She’s anticipating and honoring the day of my burial.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 12, Judas Iscariot, Lazarus, Martha, Mary, Religious Leaders

Breaking news! Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead so the religious leaders decide to kill Lazarus. Talk about not getting it.

OK, back to the real story. Mary spends a fortune on perfume to anoint the feet of Jesus.

Jesus knew what was going on. Jesus always does. Jesus can see into our hearts.

That is the real story here. Jesus knows. I can’t fool him. I shouldn’t try.

My focus needs to be on pleasing him.

Mary knew that is the main thing. The religious leaders didn’t know it. Judas didn’t know it. 

“If you’re honest in small things, you’ll be honest in big things.” ~Jesus

Tags

Honesty, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 16

Jesus challenges me. I must pay attention to the small things in my life. They are important and they are the precursor to the big things.

I must be honest. That starts with the small things. I build up credibility and confidence by moving from the small things to bigger things.

I can’t get to home by skipping first base. 

“Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 13, Word of God

I can count on Jesus and what he says. The word of Jesus is true. Jesus never deceives me.

I may not understand what Jesus is saying but that is my challenge. I need to lean in and listen carefully. I need to play it back in my mind until I “get it”.

“An evil and wanton generation is always wanting signs and wonders. The only sign you’ll get is the Jonah sign.” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 16, Pharisees, Resurrection, Sadducees

Jesus is direct. Jesus has no tolerance for the religious and their hypocritical ways.

I must take the warning from Jesus seriously. Jesus has given us all a sign. Jesus died, was buried, rose from the dead (the Jonah sign) and has ascended into heaven to be with God. 

“There’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.” ~Jesus

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Celebrate, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Joy, Lost, Luke 15, Sheep

Jesus is happy. Jesus is rejoicing.

Jesus came to rescue me. I wandered away. I got lost.

Jesus noticed and came after me. He didn’t ignore my plight. Maybe you don’t need to be rescued. I did and I do.

There is joy in heaven. God is in a good mood. I see it every day.

“Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.” 

Source: Luke 15:4-7

“Go home to your own people. Tell them your story—what the Master did, how he had mercy on you.” ~Jesus

Tags

Evil, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Master, Mercy, Messiah, Sin

God’s mercy

Jesus is clear. I need to tell everyone I know how Jesus, my Master and the Messiah, has had mercy on me. Jesus is in a good mood. He doesn’t hold me to account for missing God’s goal in my life (sin). Jesus, in his mercy, casts out the evil dwelling in me.

I was in a bad state. Some days I still am. Jesus cleans me up and sets me on the right way.

I must tell my story.

That is the challenge I have received from Jesus.

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the demon-delivered man begged to go along, but he wouldn’t let him. Jesus said, “Go home to your own people. Tell them your story—what the Master did, how he had mercy on you.” The man went back and began to preach in the Ten Towns area about what Jesus had done for him. He was the talk of the town.

Source: Mark 5:16-20

"You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world." ~~Jesus

Tags

God-colors, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Light, Matthew 5, Mission

Light does amazing things. It is very hard to replicate in a photo what it is doing some days.

Jesus requests that I be His light in this world. I have a mission to bring out the colors of God. I must shine like Jesus does.

I must obey Jesus and His command. He knows what I should do.

While I know that God is light, He also expects me to reflect His glory as well. I am to shine as a reflection of what He represents in the world. There is no hiding. There should be no darkness in my life.

“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16 The Message)

“We’re not hiding things; we’re bringing everything out into the open.” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 8, Open, Transparent

I like to hide. I don’t like to be transparent. There are things about myself I don’t want others to know.

Now, that is about me. It is not about God.

Jesus came that I might know God. Know him to the fullest. Know Him like God always intended. It is not about me. It is about Him.

Jesus demands that I be open and let everyone know the power of God.

God is God. God is in charge. Jesus is not hiding anything. At all.

“We’re not hiding things; we’re bringing everything out into the open.” Jesus (Luke 8)

“So be careful that you don’t become misers of what you hear.” –Jesus

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God's Word, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 8, Misers

I guess there are some things to be a miser about. Jesus suggests, however, that God’s word is not one of them.

Jesus expects me to proclaim the good news of the Message He has given me. I should be generous with what Jesus tells me.

Jesus is generous to me. Jesus demands that I be generous as well.

God is in charge of His country. He is generous with His message to me. He expects me to be the same.

Something to be careful of for sure.

So be careful that you don’t become misers of what you hear.” –Jesus (Luke 8 )

“Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 12, Victory

Jesus on the cross

When Jesus was on the cross, redeeming me, he cried out it is finished. Here he tells the crowds, before that happened, that now was the time for judgement and how Satan would be driven out by His death.

What He said and did is very clear. It is not the future. It was taken care of and finished. Faith compels me to believe it. Not just “kind of” believe it but really believe it.

May I continue to experience His victory.

Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. John 12:31-33

 

“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.” ~Jesus

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God is Good, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 7

Is this a game to be played like cat-and-mouse or hide-and-seek? When I need something, should I try to bargain with God?

No. Jesus is clear. He demands that I be direct with God.

God is love. If I ask Him something, He will give it to me.

If we seek an answer, He will give it. If I knock, He will open the door. Our parents, while not perfect, have our best interests at heart.

God is God and God is good. His love is perfect. Compared to our parents, how good is God’s love for us minute by minute?

Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better? Matthew 7:7-8 MSG

“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage ; I have overcome the world.” ~Jesus

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Courage, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 16, Peace, Trust, Victory, Worry

Difficulties are a natural part of the world. Jesus brings me peace and offers courage.

In fact, Jesus promised us me I would have tribulation. That is life in this world.

In Jesus I have peace.

How can Jesus do this? He has overcome the world and I am a new creation that shares in His resurrection.

I can take heart. Jesus is risen and I am seated with Him. The victory belongs to the LORD!!!

May peace be mine. May I have courage today. Why worry?

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage ; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

A tribute to my brother Jerry Wright. First said “Why Worry” to me in 1973. He has been right all these years.

"The Sabbath was made to serve us; we weren’t made to serve the Sabbath." ~~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 2, Sabbath

Jesus directed a lot of comments to the religious scholars of the day. On this particular day they were upset Jesus’ disciples were breaking the Sabbath rules about not working. They were nit picking. Jesus saw right through this.

They had it all wrong. It wasn’t about rules and regulations. God’s love is expressed in His word. We need to get it.

It is all about loving God and loving everyone else I meet during the day. The law is love. It is here to serve us.

The final thing Jesus makes clear is that He is in charge. Period. End of story.

Jesus is God’s son and God alone has put Him in charge. That must be dealt with. No hiding from it.

The Sabbath was made to serve us; we weren’t made to serve the Sabbath. The Son of Man is no lackey to the Sabbath. He’s in charge!” ~~Jesus (Mark 2:25-28 The Message)

"Your task is to be true, not popular." ~~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 6, Popularity, Truth

Being true to Jesus runs counter to our culture. Of course, being true is exactly how Jesus lived. Jesus calls for a radical commitment. He is truth.

Jesus knows that there’s trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests.

Jesus challenges me to live and say the truth. He does not demand I be popular.

May I win the truth contest.

Your task is to be true, not popular.” ~~Jesus (Luke 6:26 The Message)

“You’re more than happy when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God.” ~Jesus

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Appetite, Happy, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 5

I love to eat. Almost anything, anytime. There is nothing like a great meal with family or friends. I have never been accused of not having a good appetite.

So, how is my appetite for God?

Do I hunger for Jesus the same way the same way I do for a great meal?

Do I long for Him like no other?

I will be more than happy when I work up a good appetite for Jesus!!

You’re more than happy when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” Matthew 5:1-12

“We’re not keeping secrets; we’re telling them. “ ~~Jesus

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Disclosure, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 8, Messiah, Mystery, Secrets

Jesus is Life

Jesus was into full disclosure and transparency. What He saw His Father doing is what He did. No cover ups. No secrets.

In fact, Jesus came to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom (Government) of God. His Message is all about revealing secrets. He calls on me to do the same.

God’s goal for me is to make known what God is up to. Let everyone in on the secret. I am to be a light for Jesus. Jesus is life!

We’re not keeping secrets; we’re telling them. “ –Jesus (Luke 8)

"You’re happy when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for." ~Jesus

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Care, Happy, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 5

Am I caring enough? Am I full of care?

That is what it is all about. Jesus had this focus. He cared all the time. His Father focused on caring for him. That is what love is all about.

God’s goal for me is to be full of care. Jesus challenges me to love everyone.

You’re happy when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.” ~Jesus (Matthew 5:7 The Message)

"If an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him.." ~~Jesus

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Enemies, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 5, Right

Jesus is Life

I have enemies. Jesus knows that and is clear on it. I have done things to offend others. They don’t forget.

They may not know we are different now because of Jesus. They may know and not care. They are out for blood.

Jesus lets me know it doesn’t matter. It is up to me to make things right. I must make the first move.

That is my job. That is God’s goal for me. The focus is on “making things right”. That is the criteria.

In God’s world, I can’t sit passively by waiting for the other person to make the move.

If an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him..” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:25-26 The Message)

"Just as the Father has life in himself, he has conferred on the Son life in himself. " ~~Jesus

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Everlasting, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 5, Life, Resurrection

Jesus knows that God is all about life. He is our source and it will last forever. Jesus also knows that His Father has given Him the same gift. Jesus gives it to us. All life is ours in our relationship with Jesus.

There is an urgency in understanding that when we know and believe that Jesus is the source of life that he can confer life on us.

Jesus can resurrect us, right now, with the same power that brought Him back to life at the resurrection. Jesus is life!!!

Just as the Father has life in himself, he has conferred on the Son life in himself. ” ~~Jesus  (John 5:25-27 The Message)

“If you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.” ~Jesus

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Discipleship, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 14, Plans

Jesus has a way of being clear. He leaves no doubt. In God’s world, God comes first. That is all there is to it. I can’t negotiate with Him. God is God. I need to get clear on that.

So, I can kiss everything else goodbye if I want to follow Jesus. Is something near and dear to me? Am I ready to give it up? Will I kiss it goodbye? That is what Jesus is challenging me to do. Will I do it?

Yes, I heard it right. Jesus said it and Jesus meant it.

Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.”  Luke 14

 

May I have the courage to kiss all my plans goodbye.

May He come first always.

"Live generously." ~~Jesus

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Generosity, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 5

God is so very generous to me. Although I don’t deserve it, He lavishes me with every gift imaginable. I can’t even think of every thing He is going to do for me.

Jesus demands that I live generously. Love God; love others! That is His command in His mission for my life.

Jesus wants me to move beyond just living and to live generously. When I think about my “to do” list for the day, is “be generous” at the top of the list?

 Live generously.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:48 The Message)

“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ~Jesus

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Courage, Fear, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 6

Courage

99 out of 100 things I worry about never happen.

And yet, I continue to be afraid.

Jesus is ever present letting me know that I need to take courage.

He says “It is I”. He is here. Do I hear Jesus? He says “Don’t be afraid”. Do I hear Him?

He gives me courage in His world. His world is here and now.

On earth, as it is in heaven right now.

 Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ~Jesus (Mark 6:50)

May I take courage.

May I have courage.

May I hear Jesus.

"What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax." ~~Jesus

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Anxiety, Faith, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 6, Relax, Worry

I worry a lot. It isn’t good. I know that. I worry anyway.

Jesus challenges me to trust God completely and not worry. Life is not about how much I have to eat and beautiful cloths to wear. It is not about getting. It is all about giving.

People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over lots of things. I know both God and how he works.

Jesus challenges me to steep my life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.

Jesus demands that I don’t worry about missing out. In God’s world, I find all my everyday human concerns will be met.

That is just God’s way. God is in a very good mood. God wants the very best for me. My job is to trust him.

What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6:33 The Message)

"That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship." ~~Jesus

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Honesty, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 4, Worship

What kind of people is God looking for?

Now that is an interesting question. While the woman at the well didn’t really ask it, Jesus answered it.

Sometimes we don’t know the question to ask. Or if we do, we don’t ask it.

God doesn’t want us to fake it. He wants us to be honest in our worship. He wants us to be our selves.

That is the kind of people He loves the most. God’s goal for me is to come to Him just like I am. He knows me at my core. I can’t deceive Him. When I’m myself, I see Him for who He is.

“That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship.” ~~Jesus (John 4:24 The Message)

"Did you have any idea that God’s government was right on your doorstep?" ~~Jesus

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God's government, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Judgement, Kingdom, Luke 10, Sodom

Jesus has brought in a new World (Kingdom) and a new agreement for how we are to live. We are His Ambassadors.

We deliver His message to this world. We represent Him. When we aren’t received, people miss God’s World.

An awesome responsibility for us and a challenge to those who don’t listen. Jesus is serious. He means what he says. I have learned that it is a smart thing to listen to him.

May I represent Jesus well. May those in need hear His message of Good News!!

 When you enter a town and are not received, go out in the street and say, ‘The only thing we got from you is the dirt on our feet, and we’re giving it back. Did you have any idea that God’s government was right on your doorstep?’ Sodom will have it better on Judgment Day than the town that rejects you. (Luke 10:10-12 The Message)

“I want you to be street smart, using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival.” ~Jesus

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Adverisity, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Live, Luke 16, Smart, Wisdom

There are all kinds of ways to be smart. Jesus tells the story of a rascal and how he outsmarts his boss by being creative before he was about to be fired. He commended him in being resourceful.

Jesus wants us to be practical. He knows trouble is coming our way. He promised it.

Adversity helps us focus. Let’s keep it simple and really live.

Focusing on being good isn’t God’s way. Jesus wants our passion. Jesus wants our heart.

I want you to be street smart, using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival, to concentrate your attention on the bare essentials, so you’ll live, really live, and not complacently just get by on good behavior.” ~~Jesus (Luke 16)

"I thank you, Father, that you hid these things from the know-it-alls and showed them to these innocent newcomers." ~Jesus

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Innocent, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 10

When I think I know everything it is hard to believe Jesus. God shows me His world through Jesus.

Jesus challenges me to give up what I know to know Him. Jesus is thankful that I have come to Him.

May I become innocent and know Him everyday.

I thank you, Father, Master of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the know-it-alls and showed them to these innocent newcomers.” ~Jesus (Luke 10 The Message)

“You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” ~~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 22, Power, Religious Leaders, Scripture

The Religious leaders of Jesus day were always trying to trip him up with trivial religious questions. You would have thought they would have known better or at least learned not to try because it always backfired on them.

Jesus answers are important for us though. We live in a religious culture and easily fall into the same traps. The trap is thinking I know God because I am religious, go to church, pray before meals, etc.

Two things are essential to not falling into error. The first is really knowing the scripture. Having God’s word in my heart. The second is having the power of God in my life.

So …. after answering a number of their questions, “no one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.”

You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” ~~Jesus (Matthew 22:29)

 

"When you’re celebrating a wedding, you don’t skimp on the cake and wine. You feast." ~~Jesus to religious leaders

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Celebrate, Fasting, Feast, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 2, Wine

The religious leaders of the day were constantly trying to trap Jesus. It didn’t work but it didn’t keep them from trying. They wanted to know why Jesus didn’t have His followers fast.

His point. You don’t fast when it is time to celebrate. You celebrate. Later on you can fast.

Jesus is not about rituals for rituals sake. His new world is one where we listen to God, our Father, and do what He wants us to do when He wants us to do it.

It is not about rituals. It is about obedience.

The disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees made a practice of fasting. Some people confronted Jesus: “Why do the followers of John and the Pharisees take on the discipline of fasting, but your followers don’t?”

“When you’re celebrating a wedding, you don’t skimp on the cake and wine. You feast. Later you may need to pull in your belt, but not now. As long as the bride and groom are with you, you have a good time. No one throws cold water on a friendly bonfire. This is Kingdom Come!”~~Jesus to religious leaders (Mark 2:19-20 The Message)

“And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses to the ends of the world.” ~Jesus

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Acts 1, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Power, World

Jesus has given me a mission. He has also given me power.

The first charge was to wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon me. That is His power that enables me to be obedient. It is the Holy Spirit that enables me to be a witness.

The second charge is to be a witness to Him. I must tell the whole world that He came to earth, died because we are missing God’s goal (sin) for our life, was resurrected showing the true power of God and then ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God ruling the universe.

Now that is some good news. God has a plan for me and for us. I am to be a witness.

And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.” ~~Jesus (Acts 1:8 The Message)

“Are you being willfully stupid?” ~Jesus

Tags

Heart, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 7, Truth

Some days I just don’t get it. Am I being willfully stupid?

Jesus knows the truth. It is not what I eat that causes contamination inside me. It is what is in my heart that is the issue. That is what counts.

What is in my heart will be demonstrated then in what I think, next in what I say and finally in what I do.

It all works from the inside out.

May I have a heart after God. May nothing else matter.

Jesus said, ‘Are you being willfully stupid?’ …. Mark 7:14-23

"But the witness that really confirms me far exceeds John’s witness. It’s the work the Father gave me to complete." ~~Jesus

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Focus, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 5, Obedience

How do we know about Jesus and who He is?

Just look at the totality of what He did and does. He is entirely focused on what His Father, God, wants Him to do. And Jesus does it. And it is amazing.

That is the only witness that Jesus needs. Jesus completed everything God gave him to do. And Jesus is still doing it today.

May we turn to Jesus, obey him and be complete.

But the witness that really confirms me far exceeds John’s witness. It’s the work the Father gave me to complete.” ~~Jesus (John 5:34-38 The Message)

“God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidentally found by a trespasser.” ~Jesus

Tags

Discipleship, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 13, Treasure

Am I ecstatic about what I have found in God’s new plan? Am I prepared / willing to sell everything I own to follow Jesus? What is so precious in my life that I won’t give it up for Jesus?

Questions that Jesus asks that demand an answer.

God’s world is a treasure. I will give up everything for it. I must remember that the treasure isn’t mine. I just found it when I was trespassing one day.

God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidentally found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic—what a find!—and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 13:44)

"Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God’s Law will be alive and working." ~~Jesus

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Eternal, Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Law, Matthew 5, Mission, Permanent, Relationships

Stars

What is permanent in life? Not the things I think most days. Jesus is clear however.

The 2 most important things, as Jesus highlights, are to love God and love everyone else (my neighbors). That will never go away.

God says it and it is the way things work in his new world. That is His goal for us. I have been given a clear mission. No need to think of “what is my mission” kind of stuff.

God’s law is about relationships and it is alive and working in us.

Jesus is clear.

Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God’s Law will be alive and working.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:17-18 The Message)

“On the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.” ~Jesus

Tags

Accountability, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Judgement, Matthew 12, Words

Jesus knew the value of saying the right things. Jesus only said what He heard His Father saying.

That led Him to do what He saw His Father doing. Many things I say are pretty careless. I don’t think. I say things that hurt others. Sometimes I actually do it on purpose.

There is an accounting for what I say. There will come a time when I have to give an account of what I have said. I should spend more time talking about the way of God. That is what I want to be accountable for.

May I say what I hear God saying. May I speak the truth.

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:36-37

“You’re more than happy when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less.” ~Jesus

Tags

Content, Happy, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 5

All that striving is useless!!

Can I be content with who I am? Is that it?

That is all there is to it!! That is the attitude my Father wants me to have.

There are things that just can’t be bought. Happiness is one of them. I just can’t whip out my credit card and buy it.

May I be content!!

You’re more than happy when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. Matthew 5:1-12

“I am going . . . to prepare a place for you.” ~Jesus

Tags

God is Good, Heaven, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 5

Jesus is saving me a seat. It has my name on it. At the great wedding dinner, I have a place all ready for me.

Remember the feeling when someone saves a seat for you at a crowded event. The place is packed but you look over and there they are. They wave and motion you to come over.

Imagine how we we will feel when Jesus does the same thing!!

The music is playing. The room is packed with energy and excitement. I look over and there He is.

Jesus waves to me. He motions me over. He escorts me to my seat. He hugs me and tells me how happy He is to see me.

Oh my. That will be a BIG Whoo Hoo for sure!!!

I am going . . . to prepare a place for you.” ~Jesus (John 14:2)

"Go home to your own people. Tell them your story—what the Master did, how he had mercy on you." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Mark 5, Mercy

Jesus wants us to tell the story of what He has done for us, the mercy and the love.

Jesus has done something. It involves mercy.

For our family and friends, it is our story that can’t be denied.

My encounter with Him has changed everything. The new world I  live in is so vastly different than this world.

His demand to me, “Go ..” “Tell …”

Go home to your own people. Tell them your story—what the Master did, how he had mercy on you.” ~~Jesus (Mark 5:18-20 The Message)

"I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder." ~~Jesus

Tags

Anger, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 5, Murder, Sin

Anger

Jesus has a standard that is different than what religious leaders try to make us follow. His standard is one of love. Love of God and love everyone else. Every minute of every day.

That is a focus on getting my  attitude right, getting what I say right and getting what I do right. Love is the summation of all the laws and “rules and regulations” of the religious world.

Love is God’s goal for me. Missing that goal is the essence of sin. If I  love, I won’t get angry which, in Jesus’ world, is just as bad as murder.

I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:21-22 The Message)

"Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home." ~~Jesus to the paraplegic

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Healing, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark

Miracles Happen

The man believed Jesus could heal him. His friends believed it so much that when they couldn’t get in the front entrance, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher. Now that got Jesus attention.

After all this, Jesus has one more thing he wants the man to do. He allows the man an opportunity to demonstrate his faith. And he does.

And he walks out of there.

And those who doubted Jesus rubbed their eyes. They found it hard to believe.

May I have faith like that. May I listen to Jesus and obey.

Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home.” And the man did it—got up, grabbed his stretcher, and walked out, with everyone there watching him. They rubbed their eyes, incredulous—and then praised God, saying, “We’ve never seen anything like this!

“Why are you so skeptical?” ~Jesus

Tags

Forgiveness, Healing, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 2, Religious

Miracles Happen

Jesus has this way of baffling the religious community. The reaction is “He can’t talk that way” or “He can’t do that”.

When Jesus arrives on the scene, miracles happen and religious people can’t control what he is doing. When Jesus does His outrageous miracles, we rub our eyes.

We’ve never seen anything like this. He is doing what He sees the Father doing. He is bringing heaven to earth. Wow!!!

I have never seen anything like what Jesus can do. May I believe that in my core.

Some religion scholars sitting there started whispering among themselves, “He can’t talk that way! That’s blasphemy! God and only God can forgive sins.” Jesus knew right away what they were thinking, and said, “Why are you so skeptical? Which is simpler: to say to the paraplegic, ‘I forgive your sins,’ or say, ‘Get up, take your stretcher, and start walking’? Well, just so it’s clear that I’m the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both . . .” (he looked now at the paraplegic), “Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home.” And the man did it—got up, grabbed his stretcher, and walked out, with everyone there watching him. They rubbed their eyes, incredulous—and then praised God, saying, “We’ve never seen anything like this!” (Mark 2:6-12 The Message)

"We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mathew 5, Matthew, Public, Transparent

There are times Jesus will do things and suggest that it not be shared with others. It is a God thing just for that person.

Jesus does want us to be public about God’s World (Kingdom). It is not to be hid. I am to be a light in darkness. I must go public.I must be open. I must be transparent.

This world (not God’s World) needs to hear the good news about what is like to be restored by Jesus.

When it comes to the good news, Jesus demands I go public. To not do so is to deny Him.

“We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16 The Message)

“It’s who you are in your heart, not what you say and do, that counts.” ~Jesus

Tags

Fruit, Heart, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 6

I don’t like wormy apples. No one does. It is just not right. The ultimate gross out for sure.

I love fresh, juicy apples. So, I must begin with my heart. I want healthy fruit.

So what is in my heart? Do I long for what counts? Am I starting with what matters and working from there?

May I have healthy fruit that comes from a pure heart. May my true being spill forth from my heart.

You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own heart. It’s who you are in your heart, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds. Luke 6:43-45

"An ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere?" ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Legalism, Love, Matthew 5

Jesus loves the word of God. He also knows the legalism can be taken to the extreme.

I certainly have legal “rights” that I can insist on being fulfilled. Jesus also gives me the option to pursue love. His challenge to me is to pursue love and not “my rights”.

Jesus summarizes God’s Law up as 2 essential requirements. Love God and love everyone I come in contact with every day. Jesus demands that I focus on those two requirements.That is the essence of things in God’s world. That is His law.

Legalism isn’t going to get Me anywhere. End of story.

 An ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere?” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:38-42 The Message)

"Don’t listen to them; just trust me." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Listen, Mark 5, Trust

Trust

One day Jesus took a boat ride. A large crowd met him at the seaside when He arrived. One of the religious leaders named Jairus came to where He was because his daughter was sick. When he saw Jesus, he fell to his knees, beside himself as he begged, “My dear daughter is at death’s door. Come and lay hands on her so she will get well and live.”

Jesus could have done lots of things. He decided to go with him, the whole crowd tagging along, pushing and jostling him. While he was still talking, some people came from the leader’s house and told him, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?” Imagine how devastated he is now. Jesus could have just said the word earlier and this wouldn’t have happened.

Jesus overheard what they were talking about. Jesus knows what to say to get us focused. His message of good news is clear.

It is a question of who I will listen to. It is a question of who I will trust.

Don’t listen to them; just trust me.” ~~Jesus (Mark 5:36 The Message)

“Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” ~Jesus

Tags

Glory, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 11, Miracle

Miracles Happen

When I see miracles, I am seeing the glory of God. It happens when I believe. First the believe, then the glory of God in a miracle.

In this passage, Martha was doubting that Jesus could raise her brother Lazarus from the dead. Of course, we know how the story ended. She didn’t. She was on the front end of the miracle. It was hard to believe that Jesus could / would raise Lazarus from the dead.

There are lots of days that I am standing on the front end of the miracle. My job is to believe Jesus. When I do, I see His glory.

May I believe Jesus. May I see His glory.

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40

 

"And he has given him the authority, simply because he is the Son of Man, to decide and carry out matters of Judgment." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus Sayings, John 5, Judgement, Love

Authority of God

Jesus is very clear. I am not to judge others. He is also clear that all judgement has been turned over to Him by His Father.

Why? Because He is God’s Son. He gets to decide and He will carry it out. God has spoken.

If I know that, I need to act like it. I have no authority to judge. My only job is to love. Everything else is up to God and Jesus.

And he has given him the authority, simply because he is the Son of Man, to decide and carry out matters of Judgment.” ~~Jesus  (John 5:25-27 The Message)

“Well done, good and faithful slave. Enter into the joy of your master.” ~Jesus

Tags

Faithful, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Joy, Matthew 25

Taking God Seriously

God gives me so much. Time, resources, relationships and gifts to get His job done.

There will be an accounting for what I do with all this. There will be a day of where I must answer for what I did with his gifts.

Am I being a faithful son and getting the most out His generosity?

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:21

May I put to use His many

resources for His world.

"It’s not what you do for God but what God does for you—that’s the agenda for rejoicing." ~~Jesus

Tags

God's Will, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 10, Messiah, Obedience

Jesus reminds me it’s not about me. That comes as a shock because I love to live like it is.

In God’s world (Kingdom) it is all about God. It is all about what He wants and what He does. Jesus is clear. It is all about what our Father in heaven wants. May his will be done, we pray.

Need an agenda for today? Listen and act on what God wants. That will lead to a whole lot of rejoicing.

It’s not what you do for God but what God does for you—that’s the agenda for rejoicing.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:18-20 The Message)

“Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier.” ~Jesus

Tags

Condemn, Criticism, Easy, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Judging, Luke 6

Jesus is clear. Judging and focusing on what people are doing I don’t care for will bring the same thing back to me. Jesus leads me to see the good things someone is doing not what they aren’t doing.

So, do I want an easier life? Of course I do.

Then I should be easier on my family, friends and co-workers. Not always easy to do but His Spirit gives me power to do what I can’t do naturally.

Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. ” Luke 6:37 (MSG)

"But if your greeting of peace is not received, take it back and get out. Don’t impose yourself." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus Sayings, Luke 10, Peace

Peace with God

Jesus knows that when we send His peace to a house and there is no peace, it is time to pack our bags and hit the road.

The peace of Jesus is our guide. This is very important to know.

His peace is our guide. The lack of it, at any time, is a real clue something is going on we should pay attention to.

No peace? Run away.

“But if your greeting of peace is not received, take it back and get out. Don’t impose yourself.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:5-6 The Message)

“The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” ~Jesus

Tags

Faith, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 6, Religious

Religious Fraud

It is a fairly reasonable question. We come to Jesus. From our religious culture and upbringing we ask “What must we do to gain favor with God?”

We have been told our whole life, go to church, pray, fast, and be religious. The focus is on doing. It is more that just a religious culture. It is the way of life in America.

So, what does God require? What does Jesus want from me? Good question.

Jesus wants me to work at believing in Him. It is all about the relationship with him and not what I do. I must believe.

That leads to His new plan. His mission will fill us when we know He cares for us.

Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God
requires?’

Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the
one he has sent.’ (John 6:26-29 NIV)

“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace.” ~Jesus

Tags

Heart, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 16, Messiah, Peace, Trust

The peace of Jesus

Jesus knows me. He knows everything about me. I have no secrets from Jesus.

Jesus knows what I am about to do. Many times, I don’t know what I am about to do. Jesus does and he wants me to trust him.

Jesus knows I am self-centered. He knows I will look after my own interest and not seek to know what Jesus wants me to do.

Jesus knows himself. Jesus knows he is the son of God and that God has his best interests at heart. Jesus is God-confident.

Jesus challenges me to trust him. That is the main thing about the main thing. I must find a way to trust Jesus.

Jesus promises me, if I trust him, that I will be unshakable and at peace. Peace can be mine. If I don’t have it, it is probably due to a lack of trust in Jesus.

Jesus promises me that I am going to experience difficulty. It is going to come my way. It is right around the corner.

Jesus assures me he has conquered the world. I should take heart and trust Jesus.

Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.

Source: John 16:33 MSG – Jesus answered them, “Do you finally – Bible Gateway

"Count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or speak lies about you to discredit me." ~~Jesus

Tags

Blessed, Comfort, Happiness, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 5, Uncomfortable

Jesus Challenges Us

Are people putting me down because of my following Jesus? Do I make others uncomfortable with my passion of our Lord? Uncomfortable questions in a culture that values “not rocking the boat”.

Jesus challenges me to not live a comfortable life. Being a follower of Jesus should get me in trouble with others.

I need to remember this is not about me but it is about Jesus. They are doing it to discredit Him not me.

Oh well. I am more than happy (blessed) when it happens.

Count yourselves blessed (more than happy) every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:11-12 The Message)

"I want to heal you. Be clean." ~~Jesus

Tags

Healing, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 8

Virtue

This man came begging to Jesus. He wanted to be healed like nothing else.

He knew Jesus could heal him. This moved Jesus deeply.

So what did Jesus do? He healed him.

Am I moving Jesus to compassion? Am I desperate for Jesus’ touch?

Jesus wants to heal me. He is clear about that.

At Jesus’ word, I can be clean.

A leper came to him, begging on his knees, “If you want to, you can cleanse me.” Deeply moved, Jesus put out his hand, touched him, and said, “I want to heal you. Be clean.” Then and there the leprosy was gone, his skin smooth and healthy. Jesus dismissed him with strict orders: “Say nothing to anyone. Take the offering for cleansing that Moses prescribed and present yourself to the priest. This will validate your healing to the people.” But as soon as the man was out of earshot, he told everyone he met what had happened, spreading the news all over town. So Jesus kept to out-of-the-way places, no longer able to move freely in and out of the city. But people found him, and came from all over. (Matthew 8:3-4 The Message)

“Don’t look for shortcuts to God.” ~Jesus

Tags

Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 7, Plan, Shortcut

God’s new plan

We live in a world of shortcuts. We are always looking for the easy way, the quick way, things that take no to little effort.

There are people who make a fortune selling the “successful life” formula.

That is not God’s way for sure. Jesus challenges us in the new plan to hit the goal every minute of every day. Day in and day out. No shortcuts at all.

God’s new plan is a 24/7/365 deal.

Ready?

Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do.” ~Jesus (Matthew 7:11-13)

"God’s Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet." ~~Jesus

Tags

God's Word, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Law, Matthew 5

God’s Word

Jesus is clear on what God has said. His word is like Him. It is here to stay.

Nothing can be added to what God has said or taken away from it. God means what He says. We can count on Him.

Everything else is temporary. It will pass away. It is not real. God’s word is the real deal.

Now that is some good news.

“God’s Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:17-18 The Message)

"Let me tell you why you are here." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 5, Mission, Seasoning

Jesus is very clear. There is no doubt about what I am to do. The choice is will I obey Him?

Jesus understands that I need to know why I am here. Of course, it is a foundational question. We are not here to please ourselves and do whatever we want.

Jesus calls us to go on a mission for Him and our Father. We are the seasoning of this planet. We must bring out God’s flavor and bring His Kingdom into all the countries.

We are His light to shine the way to others. We must speak out. We must show His love.

To choose otherwise is to abandon His way. The consequence of not being His seasoning for he world is to be useless and end up in the garbage. Not a pleasant thought.

Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5:13 The Message)

"Fortunate the eyes that see what you’re seeing!" ~~Jesus

Tags

Blessed, Fortunate, Jesus Sayings, Luke 10

God’s Gift

We are so very fortunate and may not even realize it. Jesus is showing us a new way. How cool is that? It is amazing. It is all about what Jesus has chosen to do for me. It has nothing to do with me. Without Jesus, I would not see and hear the things I do.

Others wanted to see and hear what we have and never got the chance. That is stunning to consider. The grace and gifts of God are overwhelming.

Let us thank Jesus for what He shows us and tells us.

Fortunate the eyes that see what you’re seeing! There are plenty of prophets and kings who would have given their right arm to see what you are seeing but never got so much as a glimpse, to hear what you are hearing but never got so much as a whisper.” (Luke 10:23-24 The Message)

"If your greeting of peace is received, then it’s a good place to stay." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 10, Peace

Peace with God

Jesus is amazing. He gives us tools like none other.

The power of peace is inexhaustible. His suggestion to us is to use His peace as a guide to what’s good for us.

Greet others in peace. If it stays with us, all is well. If it leaves, we should do the same.

God’s goal for us, in Jesus, is to have peace. It is our right and privilege as a child of God.

If your greeting of peace is received, then it’s a good place to stay.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:5-6 The Message)

"And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 5, Life, Now

New Life

We say we want life. OK. Jesus is right in front of us. He wants to give life to us.

Am I willing to receive it right now?

This isn’t did I receive it yesterday. This isn’t do I want it tomorrow. Jesus is in front of us right now.

Do we want it now? We have a choice to make. He is confronting us. What will it be?

May I say, yes Lord, I want life. I want it now.

And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want.”” ~~Jesus (John 5:39-40 The Message)

"Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually-fit." ~~Jesus to religious scholars

Tags

Jesus Sayings, Mark 2, Sick, Sin

Jesus hangs out with “sinners” and the religious scholars slam him for His approach. Which raises the first question to think about. Who do I hang out with?

The second question … Why do I hang out with them?

Jesus knows the question and answers. Jesus makes a great point. His mission is to engage people who are missing the goal that God sets out for us.

That is good news for us. I am so glad he came to “hang out” with me.

Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually-fit.”~~Jesus to religious scholars (Mark 2:17 The Message)

“Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.” ~Jesus

Tags

Behavior, Guide, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 7

Jesus guidance to me is so simple and straightforward. He frames the issue clearly. How should I behave?

Be proactive. Ask myself what I want done for me. Then do it for others.

This is the “big thing”. Easy said, not easy done. It is the goal Jesus gives me. It is my goal today.

The good news is that His Holy Spirit renews me daily. I have God’s power in me. I am a new creation in Jesus.

Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 7:12)

"I’m not interested in crowd approval." ~~Jesus

Tags

God is God, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 5, Popularity

God Knows

Jesus isn’t interested popular opinion or what others think about Him. Jesus isn’t running for political office.

Jesus’ only goal is to please His Father. That is His complete focus.

Crowds would show up on a regular basis but sometimes He would say things and they would leave in disgust.

You can count on Jesus to say what God wants to be said. That may not be popular but we need a God like that.

We can count on Jesus.

“I’m not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds.” ~~Jesus

Source: John 5:41-44 The Message

Living in a culture of criticism. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” ~Jesus

Tags

Criticism, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Judging, Matthew 7

Judge

We pay people to be critics. They make a living doing it. They sometimes even get fancy titles like consultants and commentators.

It seems to me we live in a culture of criticism. And it is taking hold more and more. I get sucked in some days. It is so easy to join in and judge.

It is too easy to see what God is not doing in someone’s life and not what He is doing.

Now none of us appreciate it when the tables are turned and the criticism is directed at us. It hurts. It feels unfair. It is cruel we think.

Jesus is clear on all of this. He is very direct. “Do not judge”. That is it. Don’t do it.

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ‘Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in someone else’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:1-4 TNIV Bible

 

May His grace deliver us from the culture of criticism. May we love the way He loves. May we see what He is doing.

 

"You’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing." ~~Jesus to Martha

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Listening, Luke 10, Martha, Mary, Service

Mary was paying attention to what Jesus was saying. Martha was busy serving Jesus. Martha got upset that Mary wasn’t “helping”.

Jesus wants me to listen to Him first.

There is plenty of time for serving. Jesus knows this. He wants the serving to come from listening.

Jesus wants me to have a heart for God and His word. Love of God comes first. Jesus wants me to have priorities.

Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:41-42 The Message)

"The Son can introduce the Father to anyone he wants to." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 10, Relationship

Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus knows what God is talking about. Jesus is God and can do anything he wants to.

Here is the good news, Jesus wants to introduce me and you to His Father. That is what it is all about.

Jesus wants me to have a passionate relationship with His Father. Jesus is the way to that relationship in the new plan of God. It is a new day with God through Jesus.

The Son can introduce the Father to anyone he wants to.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:22 The Message)

"The time has arrived when dead men will hear the voice of the Son of God and will come alive." ~~Jesus

Tags

Hear, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 5, Life, Obey

Jesus offers me life. And He offers it now.

I receive it by listening to His voice. Once I hear His voice I must not delay in responding. He expects me to obey.

Jesus can offer life because God has put him in charge of everything. God has given him the authority to act and to give life.

May we hear his voice and come alive. 

“The time has arrived—I mean right now!—when dead men and women will hear the voice of the Son of God and, hearing, will come alive.”

~~Jesus (John 5:25-27 The Message)

"You have your heads in your Bibles constantly. But you miss the forest for the trees." ~~Jesus

Tags

Bible, Eternal Life, Jesus Sayings, John 5, Scripture

Forest for the trees

Jesus demands that I get the point. I need to see Jesus. I need to have a passionate relationship with His Father.

Reading the Bible and missing Him is pointless. Being religious and not in a loving relationship with God is vast waste of time and energy.

I want to get it. I want to be in love with Him.

May I see the forest. The Bible doesn’t give me eternal life. Jesus does.

“You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me!” ~~Jesus (John 5:39-40 The Message)

 

"Unless you do far better than religious leaders in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering the kingdom." ~~Jesus

Tags

Challenge, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom, Love, Matthew 5

Jesus is tough on religious leaders. He doesn’t cut them any slack.

He challenges me that I can do better than how religious leaders approach God’s world (Kingdom). He wants me to start from the knowledge that this is God’s world. He is in charge. It is not a democracy.

Jesus wants me to love God more than anyone or anything. He wants me to love everyone I come in contact in a very real and concrete way.

Jesus knows I can do better and it doesn’t start by emulating religious leaders.Tough but true.

 Unless you do far better than religious leaders in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering God’s world.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

"The one who rejects you, rejects me." ~Jesus

Tags

Ambassador, Authority, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom, Luke, Rejection

Authority of God

Jesus has given me His authority. I am His ambassador to His world (Kingdom) here on earth.

I fully represent Jesus. If this world rejects Jesus they reject God who sent Him.

Jesus calls on me, in fact demands of me, to get this deep in my soul. When I command things to happen, in the name of Jesus, they happen.

I represent Him. Lock, stock and barrel. No doubts about it. Jesus said so. 

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 10:16

“When you enter a town, heal anyone who is sick, and tell them, ‘God’s government is right on your doorstep!'” ~Jesus

Tags

Healing, Jesus Sayings, Luke 10

Kingdom of God

Jesus doesn’t make it complicated for us. He wants us to replicate what He is doing.

Jesus sends us out. We do the same things He is doing.

What is the the message to share? God’s government and complete rule is here.

Our prayer? Our Father’s will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

It’s all about God. He is in charge. Completely.

God is God, good and great!!

When you enter a town and are received, eat what they set before you, heal anyone who is sick, and tell them, ‘God’s government is right on your doorstep!’~~Jesus (Luke 10:8-9)

"Son, I forgive your missing God’s goal for your life." ~~Jesus to the paraplegic he was about to heal

Tags

Forgiveness, Healing, Jesus Sayings, Mark 2

Bold Faith

Jesus is impressed by bold belief. Boldness, while it may seem outrageous to us, helps us stand out to Jesus.

Jesus is bold Himself. Rather than say “Be healed”, he says I forgive you.

That didn’t go over too well with the religious types of the day. Too bad, so sad.

Jesus said it and it was true. And with that, the man was healed.

Will I be bold? If so, that impresses Jesus.

And that is a very good thing.

After a few days, Jesus returned to Capernaum, and word got around that he was back home. A crowd gathered, jamming the entrance so no one could get in or out. He was teaching the Word. They brought a paraplegic to him, carried by four men. When they weren’t able to get in because of the crowd, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher. Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said,  “Son, I forgive your missing God’s goal for your life (sins).” (Mark 2:1-5 The Message)

“You’re more than happy when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.” ~~Jesus

Tags

Christian Persecution, Commitment, Happy, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 5, Messiah, Persecution

Jesus knows that following Him may not be a “bed of roses”.

Jesus tells us about it in advance.

We may get persecuted. We may even be martyred. It happens every day. Will you “sign up” to follow Jesus if you know that tomorrow someone may kill you for believing Him?

Of course, living in America makes if feel like being a martyr isn’t an issue; that it can’t happen to us. Because of that we are lulled into thinking it doesn’t happen to anyone any longer.

It’s not just about being a martyr though. 100 million Christians around the globe are currently suffering. They are real, and they are our brothers and sisters in the Messiah.

As followers of the Messiah, we are called to take a stand for our persecuted brothers and sisters.  Hebrews 13:3 says, “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Learn more at Open Doors on how you can help persecuted Christians.

Now here is the rub. Jesus also knows the benefit of being persecuted. Persecution drives (the deeply committed) deeper into His Father’s world.

You’re blessed (more than happy) when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

~Jesus (Matthew 5:10 The Message)

"You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works." ~~Jesus

Tags

Insight, Jesus Sayings, Kingdom, Luke 8, Wisdom

Jesus is King

God has a kingdom where he rules. It doesn’t work like any government we know in this world.

Jesus is in complete control. Jesus is the eternal King. Jesus is light. Jesus is love.

God cares about us so much that He has given us insight into how His government works. Our mission is to bring to bring to earth His kingdom.

May I have insight into how God’s kingdom works.

You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works. 

~~Jesus (Luke 8:10)

"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus Sayings, Matthew 6, Prayer

Get on your knees and pray

Jesus challenges me to change my mind about how to pray. We are steeped in the religious way to do it. That is not the God way.

Here’s what He wants me to do:

• Find a quiet, secluded place so I won’t be tempted to role-play before God.
• Just be there as simply and honestly as I can manage.
• The focus will shift from myself to God, and I will begin to sense his grace.

May I accept the Jesus prayer challenge.

The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6 The Message) 

"What you’re called does not matter and where you go to worship does not matter." ~~Jesus

Tags

Church, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 4, Worship

Religious Fraud

It is not about what religious group you are born into. It doesn’t matter what church you go to.

Jesus is challenging us. He is clear. There are a lot of things that don’t matter. At least, they don’t matter to him. And what matters to Jesus should matter to me. That should be my focus.

It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Our worship must engage our spirit in the pursuit of truth.That’s the kind of people that Jesus is out looking for. Those who are simply and honestly themselves before God in their worship. 

Jesus challenges us to know that God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration. It is not what religious group you were born into. It is not what church you go to.

But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.” ~~Jesus (John 4:23 The Message)