Author: Beth Morrison

Two-minute read.

“…when we went to bed, we had no idea what we would be facing starting the next day. Hold your loved ones near. Forgive quickly. Make the most of each day. Don’t sweat the small stuff.”

A spiritual mentor’s social media post exemplifies today’s verse. She lost her husband after a brief battle with cancer. Showing no physical symptoms, he had a pain in his side that took them to the hospital, where they discovered he had a rare form of cancer that would take his life in less than a year.

Adding a P.S. to her post, my friend shared that we don’t know what the future holds—not five minutes from now or five days from now. None of us controls life, nor knows how long we or any of our loved ones will live. And we shouldn’t think we do.

Her wise words come from the heartache of loss. Since we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, we should enjoy what we have today, hold our loved ones close, forgive quickly, and not sweat the small stuff. Instead of boasting about tomorrow, we should say, “God willing…this or that.” Only the Lord knows what tomorrow holds, and in His time, He reveals it to us.

Until then, we can make the most of now by thanking God for what we do have rather than what we don’t. A favorite news podcast I listen to ends every Friday with the same line, “God willing, we’ll see you back here on Monday.” Nine words reveal the truth; the journalists understand they don’t know what tomorrow holds.

Instead of boasting about tomorrow, put it in the Lord’s hands and live in the moment. When speaking about the future, say, “God willing, I will do this or that.” Use the phrase as a reminder of today’s verse and the fragility of life. Don’t miss out on what the Creator has for you in this day, trusting He’s got the future covered.

 Journal Question:

How do you boast about tomorrow?

In what ways can you begin living more in the moment?

How does trusting God for tomorrow affect you?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for having all our tomorrows in Your hands. Please let us live fully in the moment, learning and loving as You would have us to do. Let us trust You not only with tomorrow, but today.

IJNIP. Amen

Two-minute read.

Sharing my opinion about a public figure on social media, I received a comment that baffled me. A friend attacked the person’s character, marriage, and faith, but didn’t address the post. Hypocrisy dripped from the words, and my heart ached with sadness as I realized not only that they believed lies, but also their rejection of God.

My friend’s words looked dazzling on the surface, but once investigated, they quickly revealed the hatred brewing in their heart. At the center of every matter, you can find spiritual warfare. Digging into a person’s views will eventually lead to the state of their heart.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Proverbs 26:24

Sadness touches my heart when people believe in the world’s lies. Filling their souls with the smooth talk of the media’s headlines, then spreading it with pleasant words, covers the hatred they feed. Ask Jesus for discernment to identify the lies, and then pray for the person. Ask God to give them eyes to see and ears to hear, pray for them to give their hearts to the Savior, and experience the life change He gives us. Love defeats hate every time.

Pleasant words hide true feelings. Feeding hatred breeds it. The enemy wants us to dehumanize people, which then makes it easy to hate them. God values all human life; He makes us equal. When we fill our hearts with Jesus and strive to follow His example, we won’t hate people; we will love them, even those with a different perspective than ours.

Asking God for His wisdom will help you quickly identify those covering up hatred with their words. Don’t engage in hate; instead, pray for them, asking the Lord to soften and change their hearts. Only with divine intervention will they begin to see the truth. Become more like Jesus by leading with love and extending grace. In Him, we have all we need.

Journal Question:

When did someone cover up their hate with pleasant words?

In what ways do you protect your heart?

How can you fill your heart with love today?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for giving us eyes to see and ears to hear the heart behind the words. Please let us respond in love and grace, lifting them to You and praying for their salvation.

IJNIP. Amen

Two-minute read.

As a lifelong dog owner, I’ve witnessed my four-legged friends returning to their vomit; they always do. And fools repeat their folly, incapable of learning from their mistakes. Wisdom learns, folly repeats.

For instance, in college I received a credit card. With no job or income, the banks let me overspend, and I did. When I maxed out that card, I got another one and began playing the “transfer balance” game. Eventually, financial institutions refused to give me more credit. Only then did this fool stop returning to her folly.

Forced to take a hard look at my spending habits, I recruited my fiscally responsible brother to help me learn how to manage money. I will never forget the night he came over and put me on a budget, went through my entire bank account, told me what to cut and what to keep, and helped me get my act together. As a result, I finally stopped returning to my foolish ways and became a fiscally responsible person.

We all play the fool in one way or another. For whatever reason, we do things that hurt us, knowing they will cause us harm, yet we keep doing them. Overeating, frivolous spending, poor work habits, not preparing for exams, on and on the list goes of ways we knowingly harm ourselves.

Thankfully, we have a Savior who gives us His wisdom when we ask for it. Divine intervention helps us see the error of our ways and do things differently. The more we apply biblical wisdom to our lives, the less we will return to the vomit of our mistakes. Remaining teachable leads to a more abundant life with less self-induced heartache.

Lean into Jesus and let Him teach you His ways. Leave the foolish behavior behind as you gain divine wisdom and apply it to your life.

Journal Question:

When have you repeated foolish ways?

How have you learned to leave folly behind?

In what area do you need Jesus’s help today?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for leading us away from our foolishness as we follow You. Please help us seek Your wisdom in all things so that we can live fully in You.

IJNIP. Amen

Two-minute read.

When Solomon wrote these words, people commonly believed in the reality of blessings and curses; if someone spoke a curse against another, it would come true. However, the wisest of all men set the record straight, correcting superstition with God’s powerful Word. False narratives fall, ill wishes don’t find a landing spot, and unjustified accusations become homeless.

People curse others all the time. Wishing something negative upon someone else constitutes a curse. Whether you want them put in their place or taught a lesson, any undeserved curse won’t last long. Divine justice protects the innocent. Any false accusations or poor desires for another party won’t stand.

Hurting people hurt others, a common phrase among Christ’s Followers. When we feel pain, often without realizing it, we inflict pain on others, and sometimes we do that by wanting them to experience some suffering. However, if we knew their hidden struggles, it might change our hearts and minds.

Everyone you meet today has a struggle happening in their life. Just because people don’t tell you about their problems doesn’t mean they don’t have them. Before we draw any conclusions or issue any statements, we should get to know the person and avoid snap judgments.

As Christ’s followers, we must seek the Lord for discernment and wisdom before drawing conclusions about another. Instead of rushing to a hasty judgment, if we take the time to get to know someone, they become more human to us.

Utter blessings upon people. Nothing makes me smile more than when someone says, “God bless you.” For churches to become known for their love, they must lead with it. Blessing others takes a step towards loving them. When we desire the best for others rather than the worst, it pleases God and warms His heart.

Journal Question:

When have you had ill wishes for someone else?

In what ways have people made accusations against you?

How can you bless people instead of cursing them?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for protecting us from undeserved curses. Please help us live in a manner that honors You and blesses others. Let us represent You well.

IJNIP. Amen

Two-minute read.

When we can’t say no, we become vulnerable. Lacking a defense, any temptation that comes our way can make us tumble. Homemade New York-style cheesecake made me lose control this morning when I ate a leftover piece for breakfast. Now my belly feels queasy, from my lack of self-control.

We all have areas that cause us to stumble, and we need to fix the walls to overcome the temptation. Typically, I wouldn’t have cheesecake in my house because I know it affects my willpower, but a friend brought it as his contribution to dinner. If I wanted to easily win the battle of self-control, when he texted about bringing dessert, I could have said no, instead of yes, which would have fixed the wall.

Identifying your weaknesses will help you develop a battle plan to overcome them. Vulnerabilities leave us defenseless when under attack. But if we can fix the broken walls, we can find victory. Start filling in the holes with Jesus, and allow Him to become your strength in weakness. Ask the Savior for self-control, and let Him lead the way.

Placing guardrails in your life helps you stay on the straight and narrow. Ron and I protect our marriage by following pre-determined rules. We have words we don’t use, tempting situations we avoid, and high standards of accountability. Living by these guidelines helps us develop a healthy relationship that bonds us to each other and the Savior.

Identify your areas of vulnerability and develop strategies to strengthen them. Prayerfully seek guidance from Jesus and defend successfully against the enemy’s ploys. In Christ, you have everything you need to win the battle and find victory.

Journal Question:

What areas do you struggle with self-control?

What kind of preventative measures can you take to avoid temptations?

How can Jesus help you develop a winning strategy?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for giving us the wisdom to identify our vulnerabilities. As we strive to become more obedient to You, give us the self-control necessary to overcome our temptations and honor You.

IJNIP. Amen

Two-minute read.

“That’s what faith is, doing it afraid,” said Claire. Spending the day with my wise friend, I shared one of my struggles with her. Immediately, she imparted wisdom to me, helping me find clarity and conviction over the situation. A spiritual mentor to me, Claire offers advice full of beauty and value that enriches my life, helping me grow more like Christ.

Receiving timely advice has memorable and immense value. In college, when I tried to talk my way out of a failing grade, I will never forget the wisdom of my calculus professor’s words:

“Sometimes you need a kick in the pants, and other times you need a pat on the shoulder. Right now, you need a kick in the pants.”

Instead of giving me a pass on my poor grade, he gave me a kick in the pants by making me suffer the consequences of skipping class and not studying. I took the class over, didn’t make the same mistake again and learned more than just calculus from that professor.

Over three decades later, I still remember the lesson from that experience. And I’ve repeated my professor’s advice to others when they’ve needed to hear it. Timely advice never gets old, consistently producing good fruit that multiplies over time.

Develop relationships with wise people who will give you good advice. Become intentional about where you seek counsel. Fill your basket with golden apples as you receive timely advice from wise people. Words fitly spoken bring life to the receiver, have lasting value, and lead us on the path of abundant living. Thoughtful and timely communication has an immense impact, comforting, caring, and encouraging those who hear it.

Journal Question:

When did you receive timely advice that changed your life?

How can you share timely advice with someone today?

In what ways has biblical wisdom given you good advice?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for giving us biblical wisdom to guide our days, and also for placing wise people in our lives who give us timely advice. Please help us develop life-giving relationships with Your children that encourage and enrich our lives.

IJNIP. Amen

Two-minute read.

𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧

No human understands the heights of heaven or the depths of the earth. Nor can we know the thoughts of leaders, and why they do what they do. We can’t understand how high the sky reaches, or the complexities that lie beneath the surface of the earth, and we shouldn’t judge leaders’ actions too quickly, because we can’t understand what goes on in their minds.

For years, more than I’d like to admit, I thought I knew the thoughts of others. But I now realize I’ve never known what someone else thinks. Making wrong assumptions leads to regrettable actions that harm relationships.

We don’t have to know everything, nor act like we do. Saying “I don’t know” opens a world of possibilities, as we search for answers and become more educated in the process. I’ve read through the Bible more than twenty times, and I can honestly say, I still know less than what I must learn. Every time I open the scriptures, God teaches me something new.

Enjoy the journey by trusting the Lord for divine guidance. Don’t make assumptions about other people’s thoughts. Pray for your leaders, ask God to give them wisdom and discernment as they make decisions. Our Creator knows every world leader intimately, whether they know Him or not.

Our King sits on heaven’s throne, His sovereignty having the ultimate say. People who reject God’s authority will suffer the consequences. And those who strive to live in obedience will experience the Savior’s blessing in fresh new ways. Live for the approval of nail scarred hands, let His divine wisdom guide your days. We don’t have to know everything, just the One who does.

Journal Question:

How would you describe the heights of heaven?

When have you made assumptions about people’s thoughts?

In what way can you submit to God today?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for guiding us as we place our faith in You. Help us defer to You in all things, knowing You as our true King. Equip us for the journey and let us honor You in all we do.

IJNIP. Amen

Two-minute read.

Virtue always triumphs against evil. When people mistreat God’s children, you pick a fight with the Lord. No matter how many times the godly fall, they will rise again, because Jesus picks them up. However, those who plot wickedness will quickly fall, never to get up again.

Time and again, I’ve found myself on my knees, praying desperate prayers to the Lord for help. Many more times than seven, God has gotten me back on my feet. Jesus suffered everything we have endured, and much worse. The Savior understands our struggles and the difficulty of getting back up.

Footprints in the Sand

By Mary Stevenson

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with
the Lord. Scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In
each, I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints; other times there was only one.

During the low periods of my life I could see only one set of footprints, so I said, “You promised me, Lord, that you would walk with me always. Why, when I have needed you most, have you not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”

Mary Stevenson’s poem, inspired by a cat’s footprints, encourages me and helps me envision what happens when I’m at my lowest points. God carries us through the battles, not allowing us to fall; He gets us up and helps us keep going.

People who don’t have Jesus in their lives have no one to pick them up when disaster strikes. Struggles come to all, but who we have in the battle with us makes the difference. Let the Savior into your heart, allowing Him to get you up after a fall.

Journal Question:

How has God helped you up after a fall?

In what ways does Footprints in the Sand inspire you?

How can you trust God more today?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for not letting us stay down when we fall, and for carrying us when we need it. Please help us stay focused on You today, no matter what comes our way, trusting You in all things.

IJNIP. Amen

Two-minute read.

When life presses into you, what comes out of your heart speaks volumes. Whatever you fill your heart with determines what comes out when it gets squeezed. Place a teabag in hot water, and it becomes flavored with the tea leaves. Instead of the boiling fluid changing the leaves, the leaves change the water.

For many years, when life squeezed me, anger poured out. After dedicating my life to God and consistently filling my heart with His word, I respond differently now. Through therapy and much study, I have learned techniques to control my thoughts and emotions, and react more like Jesus than Beth.

Faith changes us; the more we give our lives to Christ, the more we experience the transformation. And when the pressure gets tough, we will respond with love and grace. Do I still have times when I respond negatively? Of course. I’m only human, and I will never react perfectly in this world because I’m not of it. When the Lord calls me home, I will attain perfection in Him, but until then, like all of us, I’m a work in progress.

Let faith guide your responses by drawing closer to Christ. Every day that you fill your soul with His word, spending time with the Savior in prayer, and becoming more like Him, you transform.

Instead of spreading negativity, we will share Christ’s unconditional love. We won’t respond to an offense with anger; instead, grace will cover it. And when the pressure of life gets to us, we will respond with faith, knowing God works all things to the good for those who trust and believe in Him (Romans 8:28).

Journal Question:

Describe a time you responded poorly under pressure.

How does knowing Jesus change your response to stress?

In what ways can you apply Christ’s teaching to your pressure situation today?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for giving us faith that helps us respond like Jesus under pressure. Please transform us as we follow You, becoming more like Christ and less like us.

IJNIP. Amen

Two-minute read.

“Any time you hear someone say, “Must be nice…” It’s a sign of envy.”

Years ago, listening to a message on envy, the pastor made that statement. Ever since then, when I hear someone say those words, I recognize envy in their voice. And if I even think “must be nice,” it tips me off to my own issues. Envy and jealousy differ:

Envy focuses on a desire for what you lack, while jealousy focuses on a fear of losing what you have.[1]

Envy occurs when one person desires what another person has. Jealousy has a triangular relationship between you and two other parties. For example, I envy people with fast metabolisms who can eat whatever they want. But I can become jealous of my garden, not wanting to share its fruits with anyone.

Solomon warns us against envying evil people because they become obsessed with violence. Malicious intent never wins, and as wicked people get thwarted, they become increasingly violent. Research history, and you will find countless examples of people doing unspeakable things to get what they want.

Using “must be nice” to signal envy will help you beat the emotion. Remembering that we have everything we need in Jesus will lead to victory over the desire for someone else’s blessing. For me, celebrating the other person’s good fortune helps me let go of envy and embrace the joy of their blessing.

Keep the Son in your eyes and surround yourself with people who will help you stay focused on the Savior. In Christ, we want for nothing and have everything to gain.

Journal Question:

“When have you said, ‘must be nice”?

How would you describe the difference between envy and jealousy?

In what ways can you defeat envy?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for giving us all we need in Jesus. Please help us identify envy in our lives and find victory over it with You. Let us honor and serve You well in all we do.

IJNIP. Amen

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[1] https://share.google/SnKBVvDGFIzdfG3uY