Category: Uncategorized

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 2:31-4:18 ESV, Colossians 1:1-17 ESV, Psalm 76:1-12 ESV, Proverbs 24:21-22 ESV

Daily Verse: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” (Colossians 1:15 ESV)

AORATOS (517): “This word literally means “unseen” and is translated “invisible”, of God Himself (Col 1:15).”[1]

Unseen God

Paul’s referring to God in a spiritual state, not material or physical sense.  Reading the scripture’s context supports Paul’s thinking of Jesus in His glorified state after Christ’s ascension.  Believing without seeing leads to blessing.

“Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29 ESV)

In today’s world, we believe in Jesus without seeing Him physically.  Our spiritual connection with Christ comes as we pursue Him, allowing Jesus to reside in our hearts.  Reading God’s inspired word makes the connection; as we allow scripture to take root in our hearts, our relationship with Jesus grows.

Invisible trust.

Placing trust in an invisible God may seem hard.  The simple question we answer when we put faith in Christ remains the same: do you or don’t believe God exists?

When we answer that question positively, we place our faith in an invisible God.  Our trust grows as we follow Jesus, doing what He did—viewing people through the lens of Christ changes your perspective.  Whatever offense we might perceive, Jesus not only forgives but understands the motive behind the act.

Everyone operates from their hearts.  Whatever they put into their heart will come out when squeezed.  If you fill your heart with Jesus, when the tough times come, and they will, Christ comes out.  Instead of bitterness and hatred, we lead with grace and mercy.

Let Jesus change you, and allow the invisible God to reside in your heart.  Watch as you transform into a new creation with Christ.

---

[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 81) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-2:30 ESV, Philippians 4:1-23 ESV, Psalm 75:1-10 ESV, Proverbs 24:17-20 ESV

Daily Verse: “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;” (Philippians 4:5 ESV)

EPIEKES (1933): “An adjective (from epi, used intensively, and eikos, “reasonable”), denotes “seemly, fitting”; hence, “equitable, fair, moderate, forbearing, not insisting on the letter of the law”; it is used as a noun with the article in Phil 4:5, and translated “moderation,” not going to the extremes.”[1]

Equitable and fair.

Paul commands the Philippians to treat everyone the same, whether they follow Jesus or not.  The apostle doesn’t ask us to sacrifice truth but to disarm our adversaries with a gentle spirit.

Fairly treating people challenges anyone.  When someone blatantly disrespects the boundaries you put in place, it becomes difficult to remain kind.  We must understand that just because we act accordingly doesn’t mean others will.  Yet we must find a way to love them as well.

Eliminate extremes.

Reasonable people don’t go to extremes.  Instead of forcing their way on others, they know when to back off, thinking of the other person, not just their needs.

As followers of Christ, we must show respect to others, whether or not they believe in Jesus.  Just as we have a right to follow Christ, others make a different choice.  We must show love to everyone, no matter their preferences.

Treating others reasonably means thinking about their needs and helping them meet them.  If they go to extremes, we don’t have to go with them.  We can simply say no.  If they don’t respect our answer, we may have to distance ourselves from the relationship.

Unfortunately, people struggle to receive the love God offers, and as His followers trying to love others, we must accept some will reject it.  I’ve found people can’t receive God’s love because they think themselves unworthy of it. 

Whatever the case, do your best to treat all people equally for Jesus.  Love them for the Lord and pray for those who can’t accept God’s gift.  If people don’t accept your boundaries, move the marker to a place they don’t have a choice.

As my mother loved to say, “You get more bees with honey than you do vinegar.”

---

[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 96) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 66:1-24 ESV, Philippians 3:4-21 ESV, Psalm 74:1-23 ESV, Proverbs 24:15-16 ESV

Daily Verse: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” (Philippians 3:12 ESV)

TELEIOO (5048): “The main distinction between teleo (5055) and teleioo is that teleo more frequently signifies to fulfill, teleioo, more frequently, to make perfect.[1]

Make perfect.

Paul explains to the Philippians how Christ changed his life.  When the apostle met Jesus on the road to Damascus, it made Paul want to know Christ even more.  As a result, Paul’s life goals changed; he no longer persecuted Christ-followers; he became one instead.

Meeting Jesus and starting a relationship with him does change your life goals.  Instead of pursuing the desires of the flesh, you begin to chase Godly desires.  The more you experience Jesus, the more you want to know. 

As Christ exposes the sin in your life, you understand that you can only overcome it with Jesus.  Our imperfections will never become perfect unless we journey with Jesus.

Strive valiantly.

Paul also wants the Philippians to understand that he has a long way to go.  Christ changed Paul’s life, exposed his sin, and now Paul’s striving valiantly to become more like Jesus. 

God’s Son exemplifies perfection.  As you get to know Christ through eyewitness testimonies recorded in scripture, you understand that Jesus always had the answer.  Handling life’s situations never rattled Jesus; not when Lazarus died or when the rich young ruler rejected Him; Christ handled all things well.

Like Paul, wanting to know Jesus more means learning how to respond as Christ did.  Instead of letting our negative human emotions rule our thoughts and actions, we can allow God’s peace to lead the way.

Only with Jesus can we experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.  No matter what we face, Christ faces it with us.  In our imperfections, Jesus makes us perfect as we lean into Him. 

Strive valiantly to become more like Jesus.  We won’t reach perfection until God calls us home, but like Paul, we can try.

---

[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 248) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 62:6-65:25 ESV, Philippians 2:19-3:3 ESV, Psalm 73:1-28 ESV, Proverbs 24:13-14 ESV

Daily Verse: “For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.” (Philippians 2:20 ESV)

GNESIOS (1103): “As an adjective, means primarily “lawfully begotten”; hence, “true, genuine, sincere.”[1]

True genuine.

Paul can’t go to Philippi, so he sends Timothy.  In the apostle’s opinion, Timothy’s love for the church makes him the best candidate for the job.  Besides Paul, no one loved the church of Philippi as much as Timothy did.

Once you experience the love of Christ, you want others to know what you know.  Unconditional affection from above gives you renewed hope for better days to come.  Growing God’s kingdom starts with caring genuinely for the people God places in your life.  For Timothy, the Lord gave him a heart for the Philippians.

Sincere affection.

People can tell whether you care about them or view them as a resource to meet their needs.   Cultivated friendships, built on trust and honesty, require investing time and energy.  People who only call when they need something care about themselves more than they do you.

But the friends who show up repeatedly, giving of themselves, asking nothing in return, possess a genuine love for you.  Sharing Christ’s love with others makes us that type of friend.  We will genuinely seek to help others, putting their needs before ours.

Paul exemplifies his heart for others through his actions, as does Timothy.  The two men sacrificed their time, energy, and comfort to spread the Gospel.  Thousands of years later, their perseverance still impacts the church, growing God’s kingdom.

Love people sincerely today.  Put your needs aside, trusting God to meet them, like He met Paul and Timothy’s needs.  Invest your energy in cultivating lasting relationships with others as you love them for the Lord.

---

[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 60) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 60:1-62:5 ESV, Philippians 1:27-2:18 ESV, Psalm 72:1-20 ESV, Proverbs 24:11-12 ESV

Daily Verse: “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,” (Philippians 1:27 ESV)

AXIOS (516): “This word means “worthily” and is translated “worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil 1:27 of a manner of life in accordance with what the gospel declares).[1]

Life in accordance.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians requests the church to live their lives according to what the Gospel declares.  Jesus tells us all the commandments boil down to loving God and loving people.  When we do what God says, we live in accordance with the Gospel, and God’s kingdom grows.

People use the term “kingdom work,” which means helping build God’s kingdom.  In other words, introducing people to Jesus so they can share in the gift He offers, eternal life. And in the words of C.S. Lewis, “The present is where time touches eternity.”

No better time.

Eternal life happens in the present moment.  Following Jesus does more than ensure your entry to heaven, you gain His peace now.  God has an answer no matter what circumstances you find yourself in today.  He will guide and direct you through the storm while calming your anxieties.

Living life to the fullest means experiencing the joy of the Lord.  Gratitude leads the way to finding peace that surpasses all understanding.  As the storm rages, God calms.  Kingdom work happens inside us first, then overflows to the world around us.

As you become more connected to the Creator, your heart’s desire changes.  Unconditional love from above begins to overflow from you, helping you love others.  God’s work from within helps you see people through His eyes instead of yours. 

Submit to Jesus, and accept His gift of peace that surpasses all understanding as you live your life in accord with the Gospel.  Love God, love others, growing God’s kingdom as you do.

---

[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 31) Thomas Nelson

[1]https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/93898-destines-them-to-eternity-he-therefore-i-believe-wants-them#:~:text=For%20the%20Present%20is%20the,and%20actuality%20are%20offered%20them.

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 57:15-59:21 ESV, Philippians 1:1-26 ESV,  Psalm 71:1-24 ESV, Proverbs 24:9-10 ESV

Daily Verse: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6 ESV)

EPITELEO (2005): “Intensive, is a strengthened form in the sense of “accomplishing.” The fuller meaning is “to accomplish perfectly”; “perfect” in Phil. 1:6.”[1]

Accomplish perfectly.

God will accomplish perfectly everything He wants to do in your life. Whatever your purpose on earth, God’s perfect plan continues to unfold as you submit and follow Him.

Beginning our second decade of marriage, I told Ron, “Let’s set goals for the next ten years.”

“Fine, but you know nothing ever works out how you plan it.”

Ron’s right, nothing does come to fruition like we think it will, but life happens exactly the way God wants.  Setting goals gives us direction, but God determines our steps.

Walk confidently.

Set goals and walk confidently, knowing God won’t let you go anywhere He doesn’t want you to go.  When your plans go crazy, give a nod to the heavens and thank God for His redirection.

Considering moving, we’ve begun looking at houses.  Ron found one I liked; as we drove to look at it, my emotions began to take control of me.  As I felt them rising, I focused on one thought, “God will lead us where He wants us to go.  Maybe it’s this house; maybe it’s not; God has a plan.”

Focusing on God helped me keep my emotions in check.  And when the house didn’t meet our expectations, I accepted it as God’s will, knowing He has the perfect plan for us.

Let God’s plan unfold in your life.  Spend time asking the Lord for direction in all areas of your life.  Put into practice the practical applications found in scripture, loving God and others to the best of your ability. 

As you pursue life with Christ, God will accomplish perfectly His purpose.

---

[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 100) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 54:1-57:14 ESV, Ephesians 6:1-24 ESV, Psalm 70:1-5 ESV, Proverbs 24:8 ESV

Daily Verse: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11 ESV)

METHODEIA (3180): “Denotes “craft, deceit” (meta, “after,” hodos, “a way”), “a cunning device, a wile,” and is translated in Eph 6:11 “the wiles (plural) of the Devil.”[1]

Cunning device.

Three cunning devices give the devil ample material with which he tempts us:

“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16 ESV)

Desires of the flesh, the eyes, and the pride of life summarize the devils’ schemes.   Just like with Eve, the serpent used the desire of her flesh by tempting her with the apple, convincing  Eve she should satisfy her passions rather than waiting on God.

Eve’s eyes gave her information about the fruit.  The tempting apple looked so good; why would God not want her to have it?  We become vulnerable to the devil’s ploys when we see something we want.   Satan understands our human desires and uses them against us.

And we battle pride just like Eve; we all want to know what God knows.  But none of us do.

Pure heart.

To resist the devil’s schemes, we must keep our hearts pure.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8 ESV)

Jesus defeated Satan’s temptations by responding with scripture.

• Desire of flesh, “Mans shall not live by bread alone.” Luke 4:4
• Lust of eyes: “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.” Luke 4:8
• Pride of life: “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” Luke 4:12

You must keep the Son in your eyes if you want a pure heart.  Jesus helps us defeat the devil’s schemes, but only if we stay focused on Him.  Satan tries to lure us away, but Jesus protects us from His attacks. The next time the devil attacks, remind him who you serve.  Like Jesus, responding with scripture puts Satan in his place and helps you resist temptations.

---

[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 159) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 51:1-53:12 ESV, Ephesians 5:1-33 ESV, Psalm 69:19-36 ESV, Proverbs 24:7 ESV

Daily Verse: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” (Ephesians 5:1 ESV)

MIMETES (3402): “A follower,” is always used in a good sense in the NT.  In Eph 5:1 it is used in exhortations, accompanied by the verb ginoamai, “to be, become,” and in the continuous tense.”[1]

To become.

Paul wants the Ephesians to become more like Jesus.  Becoming a disciple of Christ means learning how Jesus handled life, then doing the same thing in our own life.

As followers of Christ, becoming more like Jesus takes work.  My human nature doesn’t want to do what Jesus did.  Loving people who intentionally OR unintentionally hurt me challenge the best of us.  Yet Jesus loved those who persecuted Him and killed Him, then rose again so they could have eternal life.

None of us can imitate Christ without His Spirit.  Accessing Jesus’s divine power makes the impossible possible.

                   Faith steps.

Becoming more like Jesus and imitating His life requires steps of faith.  Imitators act.  Many people talk about Jesus but don’t do a lot of acting like Jesus.  Probably one of the reasons people have the wrong opinion about our Savior.  Christ proved His love for us by what He did.  We can prove ours for Him the same way.

We can’t imitate what we don’t know.  We can’t imitate Jesus’ actions if we don’t know how He responded to the rich young ruler.  Learning how Jesus forgave the adulterous woman helps us do the same in our lives. Meeting Jesus in the pages of scripture will change your life in ways you can’t imagine, but if you don’t do it, you won’t know.

Read the Bible for yourself.  Make your determinations about Jesus based on the stories of people who knew Him best.  Imitate God’s Son, and experience life to the fullest as you follow the one who gave it to you.

---

[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 165) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 48:12-50:11 ESV, Ephesians 4:17-32 ESV, Psalm 69:1-18 ESV, Proverbs 24:5-6 ESV

Daily Verse: “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.” (Ephesians 4:17 ESV)

MATAIOTES (3153): “This word stresses emptiness as to results and is used of the mind which governs the manner of life of the Gentiles (Eph. 4:17).”[1]

Empty minds.

Paul doesn’t want the Ephesians to step back into their self-indulgent ways.  Futile thinking comes from aimless, empty minds.  Our actions come from our thoughts, awareness of what fills our minds helps us change what we do.  But if we slip back into our old thinking patterns, we will fall back into our old ways.

For years, I battled low self-esteem from internalizing lies and forming my life around them.  False thoughts such as, “No one cares about me,” or “No one listens to me,” caused me to create defense mechanisms and shut people out of my life.

Turning my life over to Jesus revealed the lies and helped me change my actions.  Instead of self-destructive behavior, I began to live a healthier lifestyle.

Full hearts.

Submitting my life to Jesus and giving Him access to my heart filled it with love like no other.  As I gave more of myself to Christ, the more He revealed to me.  And I began to realize that people care and listen to me.  Life changed as I began to receive God’s love.

But the minute a bond breaks, the devil attacks.  One night, at a social event, I shared how God exposed the lie about “No one listens to me” in my life.  Immediately after telling the story, one of the guests said, “Are you done? Because no one wants to hear what you have to say.”

Of course, the person meant the words as a joke, but the reply stung me for someone trying to overcome the lie.  Futile thoughts immediately came into my mind, but God’s love won the battle.  Jesus’s grace helped me forgive and let the statement go.

Keep your thoughts focused on Jesus by daily spending time with Him.  Read God’s word and apply it to your life.  Without a doubt, God will reveal futile thinking and fill your heart.

---

[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 158) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 45:11-48:11 ESV, Ephesians 4:1-16 ESV, Psalm 68:19-35 ESV, Proverbs 24:3-4 ESV

Daily Verse: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,” (Ephesians 4:1 ESV)

DESMIOS (1198): “As a noun, means “a binding” and Eph. 4:1 “in the Lord.”[1]

Binding in the Lord.

Becoming a prisoner of the Lord will make your life exponentially better.  Yes, suffering still occurs when you follow Jesus, no one gets a pass on pain.  But bound to Christ, we have strength in the storm and know that blessing waits for us on the other side of it.

“Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” C.S. Lewis

Nothing binds us to Jesus more than the pain we endure in our lives.  When an unhealthy relationship broke my heart during my single years, I had no problem getting on my knees and begging Jesus for help. However, I didn’t find myself seeking Christ as much during good times.

Tight bind.

Instead of only connecting with God during painful times, work continuously to keep the bind tight.  During life’s highs, praise God for His mighty work.  When the low times come, allow them to draw you into a more intimate relationship with God that tightens your bind to Him.

Prisoners for the Lord give their life entirely to Him.  Forsaking all others, they obey God’s voice in their lives, even over their desires.  When our hearts become so hidden in God’s, others must seek Him to find ours; you have successfully bonded your heart to His.

Our journey with Christ continues every day.  Not until God calls us home will we bind entirely to Him.  But every day, we can tighten the bond as we seek God.

Strap yourself to Jesus, and submit your life to Him.  Let Christ direct your steps as you follow Him.  When you become a prisoner to the Lord, everyone will know by the fruit your produce, love, joy, and peace come from a life lived with Jesus.

---

[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 64) Thomas Nelson