Is love optional?
Is love optional? Yes, I get to decide whether to love or not. So do you. I often am not …
Tag Archives: Love
Why is God’s goal for us is to do everything in love?
Sometimes I am stunned by the simplicity of how God speaks to us. Through Paul He gave it to us …
What is Jesus concerned about as he is facing a slow and cruel death for us?
Jesus’ mother, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross. They …
Are we ready to have extravagant love?
There is love and then there is extravagant love. My Father loves me extravagantly. I should love the same way. …
Am I bankrupt without love?
This scripture blows me away. There is a question to be asked. Jesus wants to know. What is important? Not …
How do we encourage our brothers and sisters in Jesus?
I do need to give this more consideration. I ought to be thinking, “How do I spur my friends on …
Will others know we are disciples of Jesus?
Jesus started a whole bunch of new stuff. He wasn’t about the old world. His mission was to bring God’s …
Does God care?
It is interesting how some people just don’t “get it”, i.e., understand what we are up to in God. We …
Are we blessing others abundantly?
I am thinking how true this is. The more we bless others the more we are blessed. And it is …
Do we get the simple message about love?
John simply got it. The message from God our Father and our Messiah Jesus is that we should love one …
Should we lend a hand to those who falter? What is strength for?
My oh my, there is some misguided thinking going on in this world. God has a goal for us. We …
Why did Jesus become poor for us?
As the Son of God, Jesus the Messiah had all the riches of our Father. Yet He chose to give …
Can children get along?
We are God’s children. Now think about it. He has forgiven us. He has adopted us. All is right in …
Am I cheating on God?
Am I cheating on God? There are times I just want my own way. That cheats God of the relationship …
Is the peace of Jesus ruling my heart?
Some things just aren’t forced on us. We can have it or we can not. God isn’t just going to …
How much time do I spend jockeying for position with others?
Jesus challenges us to stop being competitive. We are always comparing ourselves with others. It is a serious problem. It …
What does God mostly do?
Well here we go. When I keep company with God, hang out with Him, I will learn a life of …
All I need to do is love others as if my life depends on it.
Oh yes. There are times I felt my life depended on many things. Things don’t love. Things are immaterial to …
Am I caught up in the wrong priorities?
We get caught up in the wrong things. We don’t have the right priorities. What church do we go to …
I am bankrupt without love!
This scripture blows me away. There is a question to be asked. Jesus wants to know. What is important? Not …
What does Jesus know about forgiveness?
Jesus’ mission from God our Father was to bring forgiveness to the world. On the cross, Jesus accomplished the mission. …
How does God prove His love for us?
God takes our salvation and relationship with Him seriously. We know that God loves us because He sent His Son …
God is strong and never grows tired. God is better than the Energizer Bunny.
There is always good news with God. He is always happy to have us back when we miss His goal …
Jesus brings calm into our lives. Jesus brings peace. Jesus drives out the darkness.
I remember as a child not wanting to sleep in the dark. There were monsters in the closet and under …
“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” ~Jesus
My mission, given to me by God, is to love. In order to love, I need to learn how to …
“Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” ~ Apostle Paul
We seem a little reluctant to talk about the ecstatic experience. Is that for mystics and weirdo’s, I think? I …
February 1, 1960 — A movement for justice started at Woolworth’s in Greensboro, N.C.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and you have neglected the weightier …
“Strong God, I’m watching you do it, I can always count on you — God, my dependable love.” ~King David
Some days I get in a heap of trouble. My enemies are after me. King David had that in spades. …
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” ~Apostle John
Is love optional? Yes, I get to decide whether to love or not. So do you. We all do. I …
“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in the Messiah also has forgiven you.” ~Apostle Paul
God’s goal for me is to be kind, thoughtful and caring. I am to love. That is the main thing …
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him.” ~Jesus
I will admit it. I have evil desires. There is evil in my heart. Evil is a lack of goodness. …
“This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome” ~Apostle John
Jesus the Messiah accepted the authority of the OT law and saw himself as coming to fulfil its purpose. God’s …
Am I showing the right kind of love? Do they know I care and appreciate what they do?
There are many brothers and sisters, disciples of Jesus, that are laboring to bring the good news message of Jesus …
“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” ~Apostle John
The simple answer is because God says so. That is it. It is that simple. Jesus commands that I must …
“And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” ~Apostle Paul
I want more hope in my life. It supercharges my faith. It is the energizer bunny to me. It takes …
“Why do you brag of evil, “Big Man”? God’s mercy carries the day.” ~King David
I must be very careful. Am I bragging about evil? Of course not! Really? Do I think I am a …
“It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites!” ~Apostle Peter
There is good news. I hear it directly from Peter. It is the truth. Jesus came for all of us, …
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” ~Jesus
I don’t understand completely why Jesus would die for me. That is mighty powerful love. And He did it because …
Why we must show compassion to the bereaved?
We all suffer loss of a loved one or a friend. We will go to funeral homes, wakes, viewings, and …
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in the Messiah, God forgave you.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus is all about forgiveness. That is the reason God sent him to us. I need forgiveness and the good …
“We pondered your love-in-action … ” ~Sons of Korah
I need to think about God. That is the main thing. More important though, I need to think about God’s …
I need to be on guard against people who introduce fantasy stories into the good news of Jesus.
I have to stay on top of things. I need focus. I can’t wander off. It can be a challenge. …
“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’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 …
“For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.” ~James
Can I pass the test? Let’s call it the mercy test. Jesus orders me to be merciful. Am I? Jesus …
Is the call to exercise forgiveness a principle of life?
My mission, given to me by God, is to love. In order to love, I need to learn how to …
“My loving kindness will not be removed from you, and My agreement of peace will not be shaken.” ~God through Isaiah
Somehow, we have this image of God, from the Old Testament, as an angry old man. Grumpy to the core. …
“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 …
“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. …
How do we show love for God?
Is love optional? Yes, I get to decide whether to love or not. So do you. We all do. I …
What is the point in being kind?
God’s goal for me is to be kind, thoughtful and caring. I am to love. That is the main thing …
Should God’s people oppose the evil within themselves?
I will admit it. I have evil desires. There is evil in my heart. Evil is a lack of goodness. …
“For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” ~Apostle Paul
Joy is something that I must work at. It is a fruit, needs cultivation, water, fertilizer and more. Neglect can …
“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 …
“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” ~Apostle Paul
I belong to the body of the Messiah. Now that is stunning. I must be transparent and speak the truth. …
Why does Jesus the Messiah give examples where human tradition is observed rather than God’s law?
Jesus the Messiah accepted the authority of the OT law and saw himself as coming to fulfil its purpose. God’s …
Is God evil and immoral?
Many atheists, skeptics and agnostics make the claim that God is evil and immoral. How would you respond to the …
Going against the grain of the orders of King Jesus will only get me splinters
God is God. God has made Jesus King of God’s country. God makes up His own mind about me and …
“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. …
Today would have been the 90th birthday of Dr. King. All the great Martin Luther King, Jr. quotes — A comprehensive list
Today would have been the 90th birthday of Dr. King. In honor of a great man and prophet of God, …
“I do exactly as the Father commanded Me.” ~Jesus
Jesus commands me to love. Jesus owns me. I am His slave. My job is to do what I am …
“And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” ~Jesus
When Jesus saw the large crowds as sheep without a shepherd, His compassion led Him to teach them the things …
“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, the Messiah died for us.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus is my example of the pure model of a true friend, for He laid down His life for His …
“Friend, do what you have come for.” ~Jesus to Judas
Jesus personally selected Judas to be a disciple. Jesus taught Him just like all the others. Jesus made him “treasurer” …
“The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars.” ~Apostle Paul
I don’t like to think about it. I prefer to ignore liars. They didn’t mean it, I think. Jesus is …
“The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind — just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us.” ~Jesus
God has a goal for all of us who are disciples of Jesus. Jesus wants us to live in unity. …
Did Jesus demonstrate His friendship with us in his death on the cross?
I don’t understand completely why Jesus would die for me. That is mighty powerful love. And He did it because …
“You’re almost there, right on the border of God’s kingdom.” ~Jesus
The religious elites of the Jewish faith were constantly trying to trap Jesus. One asked “Which is most important of all …
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus does not exhort me to get angry, as if this is anger were a good motivator or energy for positive action. …
“You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken.” ~Jesus
Jesus is the true source of everything I am or have. Jesus is the real vine. My role is to …
“How exquisite your love, O God!” ~King David
God is love! Jesus came to die for me to show the amazing scope of God’s love. God’s love is …
Family — Is it the foundation of relationships in God’s Kingdom?
Family is extremely important in the Bible, both in a physical sense and in a spiritual sense. The foundation of …
“You don’t understand now what I’m doing, but it will be clear enough to you later.” ~Jesus
There are days I just don’t understand what Jesus is doing or saying. I like to think I do. I …
Love – Is the God of the Old Testament a grumpy old man?
Somehow, we have this image of God, from the Old Testament, as an angry old man. Grumpy to the core. …
There are ungodly and unrighteous people. What to do?
There are ungodly and unrighteous people. They are evil. They have rejected God and His Son Jesus, the anointed King …
“You’re not yet taking God seriously!” ~Jesus
How am I doing with my faith and belief in God and Jesus? Am I taking God seriously? Confidence in …
“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” ~Jesus
In some circles, the end game is to be saved. Now that is important but it is not the end …
Will Jesus judge the nations with justice?
Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” Justice is one of God’s attributes …
“Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” ~Jesus
Jesus the Messiah was baptized by John: Jesus sets the example for us and was baptized by John. God is …
“If any of you wants to serve me, then accompany me.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants me to accompany him. Jesus wants me to go where He has gone and is going. Jesus wants …
“This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” ~God
What does God want from me? Listen to His Son Jesus. It is a simple and straightforward challenge. God didn’t …
“When the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us.” ~Apostle Paul
God showed His infinite kindness to me. God sent His Son Jesus to die for me. Surely I can, by …
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name.” ~Mary, Mother of Jesus
Mary, who carried Jesus in her womb and gave birth to Him, breaks out into an amazing song as she visits …
Joy – Is it because of the believers’ love and concern?
Joy is something that I must work at. It is a fruit, needs cultivation, water, fertilizer and more. Neglect can …
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles. ” ~King Solomon
I don’t like to get in trouble. I do even though I don’t like it. Usually it is something I’ve …
How do I find grace and mercy in my life?
I don’t deserve God’s grace. In fact, that is what it means. It is a gift to me from Jesus …
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” ~Jesus
What am I working for? Jesus wants to know. Jesus has some commands for me on this. I must act …
31 Questions that Jesus Asks in the Good News According to Luke
It is stunning how masterfully our Master Jesus, the Messiah, uses questions (read more here) to teach vital spiritual truths. …
“Lots of people claim to be loyal and loving, but where on earth can you find one?” ~King Solomon
Where is the loyalty? Where is the love? Doesn’t anyone care? God is loyal and God is loving. I can …
“The Master is full of compassion and is merciful.” ~James
Nothing moves me to forgive like the stunning knowledge that I have myself been forgiven. Nothing proves more clearly that I …
“But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” ~Apostle John
Jesus is clear. His apostle John is clear. My heart testifies to me what I ought to do. There …
“Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn’t there. You’re about to be given new grounds for believing.” ~Jesus
Here I see the care and compassion of my Master. It appeared somewhat callous to begin with. Lazarus is sick. …
Despite all the love … refusing to know God
This sad. It breaks God’s heart. There are a lot of people who simply refuse to know God. Despite all …
“My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” ~Jesus
Is justice a quality displayed in Jesus the Messiah’s life? Absolutely. God is God. God has given Jesus, His Son, the …
“Jesus the Messiah might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example.” ~Apostle Paul
God is very, very patient with me. Jesus the Messiah is perfectly patient. I am so thankful for that. Where …
“Celebrate God. Sing together—everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof!” ~King David
I serve an amazing God. I celebrate His goodness, righteousness and holiness. God is good. God is good all the …
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants me to love. Jesus wants me to do good. Jesus wants me to not expect anything in return …
“Frauds!” ~Jesus
Jesus has the number of the religious elites. They are constantly trying to trap him. They are constantly trying to …
“Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, the Messiah.” ~Jesus
Jesus isn’t enamored with my being a leader who serves. Jesus calls on me to be a servant or a …
