“My house was designated a house of prayer for the nations; You’ve turned it into a hangout for thieves.” ~Jesus
Jesus has a message for me. The house of God is a place of prayer, for everyone. It is not …
Tag Archives: Jesus
“Why are you trying to kill me?” ~Jesus
Jesus is in the confounding business. Jesus knows what He is talking about and that is disconcerting to many. Some …
“Watch out for the doomsday deceivers.” ~Jesus
I need to watch out. I can be deceived. I can be led astray. Faith can falter and waiver. I …
“This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” ~The People
The Messiah is anticipated by the Jewish people as the Prophet of God. Jesus is that Prophet. Jesus the Messiah …
“Through the Spirit, the Messiah offered himself as an unblemished sacrifice, freeing us from all those dead-end efforts to make ourselves respectable, so that we can live all out for God.” ~Author of Hebrews
Jesus shattered the old way of doing things. I love that. I need to hear that message over and over …
Does Jesus bring healing and wholeness into our lives?
Here is good news. Jesus heals the sick and the demon possessed. Jesus does it all the time. Jesus is …
“First things first. Your business is life, not death. Follow me. Pursue life.” ~Jesus
I think I am making a reasonable request of Jesus. It seems logical to me. Surely Jesus will understand. Jesus …
“There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” ~Jesus
What a treasure we have in the joy that Jesus brings into our lives. God has a country. Jesus is …
Should evil and wickedness be tolerated?
God is holy. God does not tolerate evil and wickedness. What is my job when I encounter evil and wickedness? …
“Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” ~Jesus
I want to be a part of the country where Jesus is King (aka the Kingdom of God). I really …
Does false teaching and doctrine cause division for disciples of Jesus?
I must be careful. It is easy to get confused and stumble around. I have been brought out of slavery …
Is meekness a necessary characteristic of a disciple of Jesus?
Jesus calls on me to be humble, gentle and meek. It is a requirement and not optional. Arrogance and all …
“Don’t bicker among yourselves over me. You’re not in charge here.” ~Jesus
The Jewish people were arguing over Jesus: “Isn’t this the son of Joseph? Don’t we know his father? Don’t we know …
“Remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first.” ~Jesus
Repentance (radically changing my mind) is of central importance because missing God’s goal (sin) brings God’s judgment. Fellowship with God …
“First, let me ask you a question.” ~Jesus
Jesus likes to ask questions. Jesus wants an answer. Jesus doesn’t answer to me. I answer to Jesus. I need …
Is God’s country here already? What should I do?
We keep looking. We think, someday we will go to heaven. We hold out hope. We trust in lots of …
“Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” ~Jesus
I need to take God and His Son Jesus very seriously. There will be a day of judgement. There is …
“So, friends, we can now — without hesitation — walk right up to God, into “the Holy Place.” ~Author of Hebrews
This is so encouraging. I, because of what Jesus has done, can go right up to God. I don’t need …
“Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you; take to heart my commands. They’ll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well.” ~King Solomon
I want to live long. I want to live well. I want to live long. There is very good news. …
God is good and in a good mood. Laura’s story proves it!
The Background I am fortunate to meet some amazing people on Twitter. I recently met Laura in a very protracted …
“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” ~Jesus
Does Jesus get angry and upset? Jesus the Messiah shows controlled emotion arising from his unswerving opposition to evil and …
Why did those who were healed by Jesus follow Him?
Jesus has healed me. What should I do? Just move on with life like it didn’t happen? Not at all. …
“There is no way to get rid of this kind of demon except by prayer.” ~Jesus
Jesus has to step in to solve a very real problem. That is the way of Jesus. He just doesn’t …
“I am willing; be cleansed.” ~Jesus
I have a lot to learn from Jesus. Jesus is gentle and shows compassion. Jesus has compassion for those in …
“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” ~Apostle John
There is great joy when our brothers and sisters walk in the truth of the Master Jesus. I want to …
“I’m telling you this straight. The Son can’t independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father doing.” ~Jesus
Jesus has just completed a stunning miracle. A man had been disabled for 38 years, unable to walk. Jesus healed …
“Today is salvation day in this home!” ~Jesus
Jesus says that today is salvation day. Imagine hearing those words from the Master Jesus. You would have to pick …
In His life on earth, was Jesus a friend to those who miss God’s goal for their life?
I miss God’s goal for my life (aka sin or sinning). That is my natural state. Does this bother Jesus? …
“I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” ~Jesus
Full disclosure. I have been divorced and have remarried. Jesus has some very clear instructions on marriage and divorce. This …
“Why does this generation clamor for miraculous guarantees?” ~Jesus
Prove it! The religious elites want “proof”. The atheists clamor for “proof”. Some days, so do I. It is an …
“Give me a drink.” ~Jesus
Jesus is tired and thirsty. That is it. That is how the conversation started. Of course, our Master’s request was …
“And to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” ~Roman Centurion to Jesus
The Centurion understood authority. He had slaves. Slaves do what they are told. Do I get this? Do I do …
It is “Resurrection Sunday”! He is risen!
Here we are. It is “Resurrection Sunday”. I’m celebrating the resurrection of Jesus not bunnies and chocolate candy. That’s just …
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” ~Moses
There is a beginning. God, always and forever God, created everything. The good news is we have Jesus, the very …
God-deniers and God-haters show that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation.
There are many people today who know about the moral code (law of God) established by God in the Old …
It is a great day of remembrance for Holy Thursday.
It is Holy Thursday. Spending time today reflecting on that day and evening before the Crucifixion of our Master Jesus, …
“But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves.” ~Jesus
We have a great promise from Jesus the Messiah. It is joy and happiness. Jesus wants me to have joy. …
“Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” ~Jesus
Jesus has something He wants me to know. Jesus wants me to approach His kingdom with simplicity. Jesus wants me …
“So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is — not trying to be privileged insiders but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus.” ~Author of Hebrews
Jesus died outside the city of Jerusalem. I am called to go where Jesus is and die with Him on …
“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in God’s name! Yes! The King of Israel!” ~The Jerusalem crowds
Jesus was performing many signs and wonders. The raising of Lazarus from the dead capped it off. Six days before …
“For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus is first in my life. Jesus is preeminent. Jesus comes before anything else. Let it be so! So, I …
Is marriage a part of God’s plan for the human race from creation?
I am married. That is good news. It is a part of God’s plan for me. I have been able …
Do others affirm Jesus the Messiah is God’s Son?
Jesus is the very Son of God. Like all of us who follow Jesus, I must confess that. It is …
Does Jesus the Messiah bring glory to his Father?
Jesus brings glory to His Father. Jesus shows me how stunning and amazing God is. There is no one like …
“I’ve sinned. I’ve betrayed an innocent man.” ~Judas
Jesus has been arrested. He has been tried by the religious elites. Judas changes his mind and tries to undo …
“Are you serious?” ~Disciples to Jesus
Jesus asks me to do something. It seems outrageous. It seems impossible. Are you serious, I ask? Seriously, you want …
Why was Jesus the Messiah exalted on the cross?
I see Jesus. He is lifted up on the cross. It is not a pleasant thing to see. He is …
“Looking away from all that will distract us and focusing our eyes on Jesus, the One who brings our faith to maturity, who for the joy of accomplishing the goal set before Him endured the cross.” ~Author of Hebrews
I want joy in my life. I can have it by focusing on Jesus. Jesus brings my faith to completion …
Can we experience a future ecstasy in response to God’s coming kingdom?
We seem a little reluctant to talk about the ecstatic experience. Is that for mystics and weirdo’s, I think? I …
“You’re not listening. Let me say it again.” ~Jesus
I am like Nicodemus. Jesus wants me to understand something but I’m not quite getting it. Jesus is patient. Jesus …
As a slave, am I above my Master Jesus?
Am I a servant or am I a slave? I am both. It isn’t an “either/or” issue. I am afraid; …
“For their sakes I sanctify (set apart) Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified (set apart) in truth.” ~Jesus
I avoid some things because they sound very geeky and smack of theology. Jesus talks about sanctification. Maybe I need …
“We didn’t fight for this land; we didn’t work for it — it was a gift! You gave it, smiling as you gave it, delighting as you gave it.” ~ Unknown Psalmist
Jesus is smiling. He takes great pleasure in giving me freedom. My life is a gift from God. I didn’t earn …
I had to quit being a “rule man” to become God’s man.
I’ve tried to please God by keeping the rules and working my head off. Really, I’ve tried hard. Rule keeping …
“Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him.” ~Jesus
There is a dual message here. I am not to lead astray the little ones in the Way of discipleship. …
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.” ~Author of Hebrews
It is time for me to get on with it. I have a race to run. I need to be …
What is the purity of God all about?
God is pure and holy. There is nothing about God that is false at all. There is no evil in …
“You can be sure that wherever in the whole world the Message is preached, what she has just done is going to be remembered and admired.” ~Jesus
Why do I give others a hard time? Why do I get furious with them? What have they done to …
What does the bible say about the end times (aka eschatology)?
Theology around “the end times” can be confusing. The Bible has a lot to say about the end times. Nearly …
“I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” ~Jesus
Jesus has a real focus. Jesus is going to do what God wants Him to. I need to get the …
“What business do you have, Jesus, Son of the High God, messing with me?” ~Demons to Jesus
Jesus is the Son of God. Everyone knows it including the demons Jesus encounters. Satan himself knows it. I know …
“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” ~Jesus
Even in adversity, I should know the joy of Jesus the Messiah. Jesus shows up. I need to be ecstatic. …
“Whatever he tells you, do it.” ~Mary, mother of Jesus
Mary gives the servants at the wedding some good advise. I must listen as well. Notice that is is unqualified …
Have divine preparations been made for believers in heaven?
According to Jesus, heaven is a real place. It is not a product of religious imagination or the result of …
Does God reward faithfulness?
Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people. It is seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects …
Is Jesus the Messiah’s kingdom a heavenly kingdom? Is it of this world?
Jesus is King. I have to confess my loyalty to King Jesus. This is the main thing about the main …
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” ~Jesus
Everywhere Jesus went and whenever He would minister to His disciples or the people, He brought calm and peace to …
Are the religious elites always faithful to the Way of Jesus?
We love our religious pedigrees. I’m a Baptist. I’m an evangelical. I’m a Catholic. I’m Lutheran. The list goes on …
Why is Jesus the Messiah called Savior?
God’s work of salvation is accomplished supremely through the cross and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. Because of Jesus, I …
Does Jesus show His Preeminence by His exaltation to the Father’s right hand?
Here are things I believe and know to be true. Jesus is the Son of God He came to earth …
“The rich man also died and was buried. In hell and in torment, he looked up.” ~Jesus
Do the rich automatically go to hell when they die? What about the story of Jesus about the rich man …
“In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him.” ~Author of Hebrews
God has spoken to us. It is through His Son Jesus. God did not leave us in the dark. God …
“This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me.” ~Jesus
I need to be careful. It is one thing to be a hypocrite. It is another to be pretentious. Pretense …
“If you then, being evil …” ~Jesus
I need to know about evil. I need to know how to recognize it. Jesus challenges me to recognize …
Do God’s children have a sure inheritance?
Now here is some very good news. I am a child of God. All of us who follow Jesus are …
“He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” ~Religious elites about Jesus
Who does Jesus want to hang out with? It is definitely not the religious elites (although He does). Jesus has …
“I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” ~Jesus
I get angry. I say things I shouldn’t and clearly regret later on. I say them though. It isn’t pretty. …
“Quiet! Settle down!” ~Jesus
Jesus knows something. Jesus knows a storm is coming. I will be in the storm, with Him. Will I have …
“Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?” ~Jesus
I go about my work oblivious of Jesus. I don’t think He is around. I feel abandoned. Where is Jesus …
“I go away, and I will come to you. If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.” ~Jesus
I think many followers of Jesus avoid discussing the second coming of Jesus and the rapture. I know I have …
“But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.” ~Jesus
Do I know the truth? Do I know Jesus? God wants true worshipers. God wants to be worshiped in Spirit …
Was Jesus nailed to the cross? How much did He suffer? What was the point?
Jesus was nailed to the cross to die for me and for you. Jesus is the Son of God but …
“I Thought Christians Were Stupid Bigots” ~Rachel
This is a very compelling story of the love of Jesus and how it can change our lives. It is …
“But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master’s money.” ~Jesus
I need to think about this. Am I digging a hole? Jesus has been very kind and caring. Jesus is …
“Is there anyone here who, if a child or animal fell down a well, wouldn’t rush to pull him out immediately, not asking whether or not it was the Sabbath?” ~Jesus
Jesus has great questions of me. Jesus wants to know if I understand love or if I’m just stuck on …
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.” ~Jesus
One of the benefits of being a disciple is that obedience brings peace. If I’m not at peace, I need …
Southern Baptists, sex abuse and “me too”
Originally posted on The Culture Alternative:
Here is the full text of Russell Moore’s op-ed in the N. Y. Times. Russell Moore is…
Do the scriptures self-attest that the Bible is the word of God? What does Jesus say about scripture?
The Bible attests to the authorship of the Almighty in numerous places. God is speaking. Jesus has something to say. We …
How Is God Fair For Punishing Us For Adam’s Sin?
This is a great question that I hear frequently. I want mercy and grace. I’m thinking atheists, agnostics and skeptics …
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” ~Jesus
The Jesus Manifesto continues as Jesus teaches me how to pray. It is not about how much I say. It …
As Christians, we’d better embrace a more thoughtful version of Christianity
Here is some great insight from J. Warner Wallace. Jesus calls on us to go and make disciples. We must …
“Who will roll back the stone from the tomb for us?” ~The 2 Marys
It is a real and practical question from the 2 Marys. Great, they are thinking, here we are and how …
“It is the Master Jesus, the Messiah, whom you are a slave to.” ~Apostle Paul
It is hard to get the issue of being a slave in my mind. In the Greek-speaking world of the first …
“Woman, why do you weep?” ~Angel to Mary
Alone. Depressed. Confused. I am all those things some days. I am weeping. I feel abandoned. Where is my Jesus? …
Is the New Covenant a lasting covenant or will it be replaced?
A covenant is an agreement between two parties. In the scriptures, it is between God and His people or certain …
“And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” ~Author of Hebrews
Jesus has given us an agreement. It is a new one, not the same one from the time of Moses. …
Do we get insight into the Bible through Jesus the Messiah’s teaching?
Insight is the spiritual quality that enables a person to appreciate God’s mind and will in matters of behavior, truth …
Why is Jesus so upset with the religious elites that He says “Woe unto you”?
“Woe unto you”. Seven times in Matthew 23 Jesus the Messiah say these words to the religious elites of that …
“Lying preachers will come forward and deceive a lot of people.” ~Jesus
I have to be very careful. There many religious leaders who are trying to decieve me. Jesus is warning me. …
“This isn’t the neighborhood bully mocking me — I could take that.” ~King David
This is tough. When a friend betrays us, it is so very painful. I can take it when trolls attack …
