“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 …
Tag Archives: Love
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 …
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” ~Jesus
Jesus is my Master. As my Master, Jesus has some commands for me. They are not optional if I follow …
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” ~Jesus
Jesus has just finished talking about not judging and hypocrisy in the Jesus Manifesto. At first sight and hearing, this is …
Compassion — Is it shown in actions?
Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, exemplified all of the Father’s attributes, including His compassion. When Jesus saw His …
“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 tells me I “cannot serve both God and money.” (Luke 16:13) I must seek to be content with what …
“For your husband is your Maker, whose name is the Master of hosts; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, who is called the God of all the earth.” ~Isaiah
Without faithfulness to God there can be no discipleship life. Following Jesus is based first on faith that God is, …
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary.” ~Jesus
King David knew that our Master (Lord) is our shepherd. We all love Psalm 23. Jesus is the good shepherd. …
“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.” ~Matthew about Jesus
This is striking. The first thing to note here is that Jesus saw the people. He didn’t look past them. …
What is God’s response to those who reject Him and His Son Jesus?
The godless have abandoned God. They have rejected God. I see it everywhere. You see it as well. It seems …
“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Master Jesus the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
Can I do good? I want to but there is this evil nature that can get in the way. God shows …
“Watch out for the religion scholars.” ~Jesus
Jesus is constantly challenging the religious elites and leaders of His time here on earth. He still does today. This …
“Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness.” ~Apostle Paul
Obedience is a willingness to submit myself to the will of God and to put it into effect. Scripture emphasizes the …
“I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” ~Apostle Paul
Self-control is an issue of my heart. I must not be wishy-washy in my resolve. I must excerpt control of my …
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.” ~Jesus
It starts with faith. I need to get clear with my faith in Jesus. When peace leaves me, I need to …
“How can we picture God’s kingdom?” ~Jesus
Jesus invites me to picture what God’s kingdom is like. Jesus wants me to understand Him as King of the …
Anger — Dealing with it in Jesus | Becoming slow to anger
My mission, given to me by Jesus, is to love. That is it. That should be my day. That should …
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.” ~Jesus
God has a goal in mind for me. It could bring me into conflict with those I love most. Betrayal …
Authority — Without it sin is Unrestrained
According to the Bible, human and governmental authority ought to be submitted to and respected. This is a hard teaching …
Respect — It leads to Godly living
The apostle Peter summarizes the Bible’s teaching on respect in his first Epistle. My mission is clear. Show proper respect …
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” ~Apostle Paul
Should I renounce anger? Yes! Jesus does not exhort me to get angry, as if anger were a good motivator or energy for …
Magnify God — By Honoring Him
Giving glory to God through worship and through upright living. God’s people are exhorted to praise him and to bring …
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” ~Jesus
What does the gentleness of Jesus the Messiah look like? Jesus gave us the perfect picture of gentleness: “See, your …
Holy — Becoming holy involves striving after God
The holiness of God is the most difficult of all God’s attributes to explain, partly because it is one of …
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” ~Jesus
Grace is a gift. God gives me grace when I am humble. There is no peace if I am proud …
Achievement — Is faith required?
Where does faith come from? Faith is not something I conjure up on my own, nor is it something I am …
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” ~Apostle John
Love isn’t about me. Love is about God and Jesus. I don’t know the first thing about love. Anything I …
“The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me. Am I “sinless“? If so, I get to throw the first stone. Jesus challenged the elite religious …
“Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse.” ~King Solomon
There is a natural set of consequences for angry people. There is a backlash. Something very real is going to …
Jesus the Messiah’s Ministry of Forgiveness was Foretold
I need forgiveness. I have missed God’s goal for my life (aka sin). I am guilty. God forgives me. Now …
Tenderness — A Mark of a Disciple’s Behavior
Jesus shows me how to love and be kind. Jesus commands me to love. God wants me to be kind, …
“Where are they? Did no one condemn you?” ~Jesus
Jesus has a requirement for me as I stand before Him, confessing I have missed God’s goal, I am a …
Forgiveness — True Love is Forgiving
I miss God’s goal (aka sin). There is a penalty for that. Unless … I am forgiven. So there is …
Justice — It is Declared in Jesus the Messiah
Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” Justice is one of God’s attributes …
“There is far more at stake here than religion.” ~Jesus
Jesus is not a fan of organized religion and the elite attitudes that go with it. Jesus is in favor …
Son of God — God Proclaims it and Jesus the Messiah Affirms It
Jesus, the Messiah, is the Son of God. God says it and Jesus affirms it. As the Apostle John says …
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life.” ~Jesus
There are a lot of details to life. What to eat. What to wear. Which way to drive to work. …
Ecstasy — It can be in Response to Jesus the Messiah
We seem a little reluctant to talk about the ecstatic experience. Is that for mystics and weirdo’s? Maybe it’s not …
“For we are slaves; yet in our bondage our God has not forsaken us, but has extended lovingkindness to us.” ~Ezra
I want the quality of compassion and generosity in my life. I need to learn how God loves the weak and poor. It is …
Truth — As Opposed to Falsehood and Lies
Truth as opposed to falsehood and lies. Truth may be used to convey a sense of being in accordance with fact …
“Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.” ~King David
Now here is some good news. God is going to take care of me. My job is to love God. …
“Behold, your mother!” ~Jesus
Consider the tenderness of Jesus the Messiah. Everywhere we turn, Jesus is moved and full of compassion. Jesus shows the goodness of …
