Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 12:1-14:11 ESV, Hebrews 7:1-17 ESV, Psalm 105:37-45 ESV, Proverbs 27:3 ESV

Daily Verse: “For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.” (Hebrews 7:12 ESV)

NOMOS (3551): “In the NT is used of “law” in general.  In the Epistle to the Hebrews the “Law” is treated of especially in regard to the contrast between the Priesthood of Christ and that established under the “law” of Moses, and in regard to access to God and to worship.  In these respects the “Law” “made nothing perfect,” 7:19.  There was “a disannulling of a foregoing commandment…and a bringing in of a better hope.”  This is established under the “new Covenant,” a covenant instituted on the bases of “better promises.” 8:6.”[1]

Better promises.

Because Christ died and rose again, the law changed.  Before Jesus’ death, life revolved around the Mosaic laws instituted by Moses long ago, the most famous the Ten Commandments.  We needed help because no one could keep even the primary ten.  God answered with Jesus.

The Lord understands our human frailty.  No matter how hard we try, we fail to keep perfect commandments.  Lies pop up easier than dandelions.  Think about the last time you told someone, “I’m fine,” because you didn’t want to tell them the truth about your life.  We couldn’t keep the law, so God sent His Son, who could.

Fulfilled law.

Jesus’ life and death fulfilled the requirements of the law for us.  Instead of hundreds of commandments, Christ narrowed it down to two: love God, and love others.  All efforts to fulfill the Great Commandment draw you into a closer relationship with God.  Through Jesus, you can love others unconditionally as He loves you.

The Ten Commandments help you fulfill the great one.  If you read the list, the first half tells you how to love God, and the second half tells you how to love others.  We still strive to maintain the law, but it no longer defines our eternal rewards.  Instead, following God’s law helps us develop healthy, life-giving relationships.

Jesus came, and the law changed; Christ gave us a new purpose with four words.  Each day we can love God and others better than the previous day.  If you fail one day, try again the next, knowing God blesses your efforts.

Fulfill the law, love God, love others, and enjoy life to the fullest!

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (pp. 172-3) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 10:1-11:25 ESV, Hebrews 6:1-20 ESV, Psalm 105:16-36 ESV, Proverbs 27:1-2 ESV

Daily Verse: “But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.” (Hebrews 6:8 ESV)

AKANTHA (173): “Akantha, as a noun means “a brier, a thorn” is always used in the plural in the NT.”[1]

Briers.

What produces thorns brings fire.  From an agricultural standpoint, during Paul’s time, farmers burned fields to rid them of weeds and prepare them for crops.  Applying the farming principle to faith, following Jesus should yield healthy crops, not briers.

Putting our fleshly desires first produces thorns.  If we only think about our wants and needs, we completely miss God’s and people’s. Paul wants to ensure the Hebrews, and us, keep our priorities straight.

 We produce the type of crop we plant.  If I plant seeds of selfishness, jealousy, and hatred, without a doubt, briers will grow.  However, planting seeds of love, joy and peace produces a mighty bounty.

Full crop.

At the end of harvest, farmers thank God for their bounty.  The Creator’s provision and the farmer’s hard work produce entire crops that will sustain them through winter.  Man can’t make the seeds grow, but he can decide what kind of kernels he wants to plant.  God does the growing.

Plant seeds of love in the people around you by serving them for the Lord.  Identify their needs, pray for them, and help them as God guides and directs you. Multiplication happens as life change occurs and people begin to experience and spread the word about Jesus.

Battling the flesh never ends, but in Jesus, you can find victory.  Don’t produce fields of briers; plant the fruit of the Spirit everywhere: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Watch the world bloom around you.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 11) Thomas Nelson

2 minuter read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 7:1-9:11 ESV, Hebrews 5:1-14 ESV, Psalm 105:1-15 ESV, Proverbs 26:28 ESV

Daily Verse: “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14 ESV)

GUMNAZO (1128): “Primarily means to exercise naked (from gumnos, “naked”); then generally, of exercising the senses, so as to discern good and evil (Heb. 5:14).”[1]

Exercise naked!

Having the capability to consume mature food means discernment came from exercising naked.  What an insane thought to even ponder.  Yet, when we practice something so much, it becomes second nature to us. 

Training yourself to become naked with God does take time and effort.  Having an intimate relationship with God means laying your heart bare for Him to see and others.  In our vulnerability, we connect with others in a closer relationship.

As husband and wife for ten years, I see my husband naked all the time, as he does me.   No one else on earth sees my body but him and my doctors.  Because Ron sees me in my most vulnerable moments, I have a closer relationship with him than anyone except God.

Exercise the senses

Becoming completely vulnerable before God, taking off all the layers, and becoming naked, awakens the senses.  Like slipping into a hot bubble bath, with fragrant smells coming from the heated water, everything relaxes as you let your senses take over.

Practicing nakedness with God means letting Him see everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  We all have blemishes we don’t want anyone to see.  But with God, you don’t have to worry.  The Creator loves every inch of you and wants you to love yourself.

Because loving God’s creation means loving what He created, you!  And as my mom liked to say, “God doesn’t make junk!”

The more you open yourself up to God, the more discerning you will become.  Experiencing the goodness of the Creator will make evil easily distinguished.  You don’t have to know all the devil’s schemes; God exposes them with His light.

Become naked with God, and experience His goodness in a way you won’t know unless you do.  Nothing in your past will stop the Creator from loving His creation, you.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 62) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 3:16-6:14 ESV, Hebrews 4:1-16 ESV, Psalm 104:24-35 ESV, Proverbs 26:27 ESV

Daily Verse: “For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.” (Hebrews 4:2 ESV)

OPHELEIA (5623): “Signifies “to be useful, do good, profit,” and is translated “profit” in Heb. 4:2.”[1]

Do good.

Receiving God’s message requires a heart ready for instruction.  Hardened hearts can’t accept.  If you think about an M&M, the crisp shell protects the soft chocolate inside.  When people experience pain, they create self-defense mechanisms to protect their hearts from future damage.  If the outer surface becomes too thick, nothing can penetrate it.

Paul warns the Hebrews not to let their hearts harden.  People head in the wrong direction when they hear the message but don’t put it into practice in their life.  Jesus calls us to follow Him; you must move to follow.

Fluid faith.

Absorbing Jesus’s message of unconditional love into your life causes movement.  The first step of faith happens when you believe in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  From that moment onward, Jesus leads you into becoming a new person. 

Faith keeps flowing and moving as you pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus.  Reading about His life, studying the scriptures, and applying them to your life all take steps of faith, especially putting Jesus’ commands into action and making them a reality in your life.

Working on forgiving someone who hurt you takes faith.  When you tithe to the local church, faith causes the action.  And when you confess your sins, trusting God forgives you, faith lets you accept His grace.

As long as God leaves us on earth, we’ll take faith steps.  But when the Good Lord calls us home, we’ll no longer need faith; in His presence, we’ll live.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 277) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 1:1-3:15 ESV, Hebrews 3:1-19 ESV, Psalm 104:1-23 ESV, Proverbs 26:24-26 ESV

Daily Verse: “For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.” (Hebrews 3:3 ESV)

KATASKEUAZO (2680): “To prepare, make ready:” (kata, used intensively, skeue, “equipment”), and is translated “build” in Heb. 3:3.”[1]

Make ready.

Jesus started the church and introduced love into the world when He died on the cross.  Moses’ purpose led people to God and helped illustrate why we need Christ.  Only Jesus has the building blocks for the church.

Christ became flesh; He understands the human condition, calling us siblings.  As the Son of God, Jesus shares the title of Lord.  Christ’s actions create the connector which attaches us to God.

When we vacationed, I used an automatic watering system for my flowers.  Clear tubes connected with tiny plastic t’s went to each plant, the other end connected to a pump attached to the water.  Every 6 hours, the small motor ran for two minutes, watering my impatiens.

Reliable parts.

Jesus started the church and gave us the tools to build it.  Following Christ’s instruction, we will enlarge God’s kingdom.  Remember, Jesus spent His early life as a carpenter; He knows how to build.  All builders know that the more reliable the parts, the better the structure.

My watering system had reliable parts, which allowed my flowers to thrive in our absence.  The pump connecting the tubes to the water source worked well.  Jesus connects us to the living water, joining us with the endless supply of love from above. We refresh others with the overflow of love God pours into our lives. Building your life with Jesus will give you a sturdy structure to survive the storm winds.  Applying Christ’s teaching to everyday life will help you thrive.  Living in the moment will help you enjoy life to the fullest, basking in the Son’s rays.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 133) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Lamentations 4:1-5:22 ESV, Hebrews 2:1-18 ESV, Psalm 103:1-22 ESV, Proverbs 26:23 ESV

Daily Verse: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” (Hebrews 2:1 ESV)

PROSECHO (4337): “Suggest devotion of thought and effort to a thing.”[1]

Devotion of thought.

Setting our minds on Christ’s teachings means devoting our thoughts to Jesus.  If we pay attention to the scriptures but don’t put them into action, we quickly move down the wrong path, inevitably leading to spiritual death.

Forgiveness remains an ongoing process in anyone’s walk with Jesus.  You don’t have one lesson in forgiving someone and never doing it again.  No, offering grace to people will continue throughout your journey on earth.

Recently, three different individuals who caused harm to my heart re-entered my life.  All of them required grace to respond to them.  In those moments, I had to let go of the pain, not exacting justice but moving forward.  If I didn’t let go of the past, I couldn’t move into what God has for me today.

Pay attention.

We must pay attention to what we hear, read, and see.  What we put into our hearts and minds will form the basis of our actions.  We act upon what we think.

If I didn’t follow Jesus daily, learning more and more as time goes by, I wouldn’t respond with love.  In each case, part of me wants to require amends and restitution.  But that’s not Jesus; He didn’t demand repayment from me for my sins.  If I want to mimic Christ, I’ve got to lead with grace.

But God knows I struggle, as we all do.  The battle against our human nature never ends.  But with Jesus, we can find victory.  Paying attention to God’s word, applying it to our lives, and becoming more like Jesus gives us the win.

Pay attention to Jesus.  Do what God calls you to do; imitate Christ.  Loving the Lord and those He places in our lives will give us life to the full, something we all want.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 213) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Lamentations 3:1-66 ESV, Hebrews 1:1-14 ESV, Psalm 102:1-28 ESV, Proverbs 26:21-22 ESV

Daily Verse: “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14 ESV)

LEITOURGIKOS (3010): “Is related to the performance of service, employed in ministering, Heb. 1:14.”[1]

Performance of service.

Paul, the presumed author of Hebrews, talks about angels in today’s passage.  Heavenly beings in the Bible witness for God and don’t draw attention to themselves.  Angels have different purposes: bring messages (Lk 1:26-33), praise God (2:13–14; Heb 1:6; Rev 5:11–12), serve God’s people for Him (Mt 4:11; Heb 1:14), protect and care for God’s people (Mt 18:10; Lk 4:10; Acts 12:7–10).

God sends spiritual help in our times of need.  Most often, we probably don’t even notice the divine intervention.  One of my favorite fiction books, This Present Darkness,[1] helped me understand spirituality.  Written by a pastor, the fictional work brings a fresh perspective.

Spiritual battle.

Understanding the spiritual side of life challenges me.  Recognizing forces exist beyond our comprehension, the ever-raging battle for souls seems hard to grasp. Not understanding doesn’t make spirituality nonexistent.

During my flight attendant training, I learned the physics of how airplanes fly.  I still don’t understand how colossal metal tubes spiral hundreds of miles an hour through the air.  But planes still fly, currently one of the safest ways to travel.  I don’t have to understand it to believe it, nor do you.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV)

Spiritual battles rage we know nothing about from our worldly perspective.  I don’t understand the logistics of how a plane flies, but I know they work.  And I trust God’s word; I don’t need to know everything; I can trust Him with what I don’t know.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 150) Thomas Nelson

[1]https://www.amazon.com/This-Present-Darkness-Frank-Peretti-ebook/dp/B005WK6JFI

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Lamentations 1:1-2:22 ESV, Philemon 1:1-25 ESV, Psalm 101:1-8 ESV, Proverbs 26:20 ESV

Daily Verse: “For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” (Philemon 1:7 ESV)

ANAPAUO (373): “Signifies to give intermission from labor, to give rest, to refresh so to recover strength.  It signifies “to cause or permit one to cease from any labor or movement” so as to recover strength.  It implies previous toil and care.  Its chief significance is that of taking, or causing to take, rest.”[1]

Recover strength.

Paul writes to Philemon, master of Onesimus, who escaped for some reason.  During Onesimus’s flight, he meets Paul, imprisoned in Rome, and places his faith in Jesus.  Paul writes to Philemon, asking him to treat Onesimus as a brother in Christ upon the escapee’s return.

Onesimus’s life change encourages fellow believers.  Like Paul, once the refugee encountered Jesus, Onesimus became a new person, leaving his old ways behind as he became a source of refreshment to all who met him.

Refresh others.

When we encourage and uplift others’ faith journey, we refresh them.  New believers in Jesus share an exuberance that spurs others onward.  My favorite conversations happen with people eager to know more about Jesus.  Experiencing life change through Christ creates a desire for more.

As with any journey, you will have times in the valley, moments when taking another step forward seem impossible.  At low times in our walk with Christ, we need refreshing.  One way we continue onward happens because of the encouragement of others.

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (Proverbs 11:25 ESV)

Refreshing others refresh us.  Cheering people onto victory, watching as they conquer whatever mountain lay before them has a dual impact.  Life change begins in the heart but takes place in the world.  Everyone needs help staying the course; as people do, they inspire those around them.

Become a refresher today, and help others recover their strength.  Pulling other people out of the valley will also encourage and uplift you.  Blessing others blesses you.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 22) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 51:54-52:34 ESV, Titus 3:1-15 ESV, Psalm 100:1-5 ESV, Proverbs 26:18-19 ESV

Daily Verse: “The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” (Titus 3:8 ESV)

PROISTEMI (4291): “To practice, maintain.”[1]

Maintain practice.

Paul encourages Titus to help believers stay the course by devoting themselves to Christ’s teachings.  Maintaining a steady relationship with Jesus requires practice, day in and day out.

Every expert started as a beginner.       People become masters of their trade because they maintain practice over a long period.  Any professional athlete has a minimum of 10,000 hours of training to achieve their level of success.

Sustained devotion takes support.  Paul encourages Titus so that the missionary can encourage the members of his church, helping them sustain their commitment to God.

Ongoing transformation.

Journeying with Jesus means an ongoing transformation as you apply His teachings to your life.  If you do what Christ teaches, you will become a person known for good works.  Jesus brought unconditional love into the world; following Him means sharing the gift with others.

No two people’s practice looks the same.  My daily devotion to God and how I connect with Him differs from how others do it.  We shouldn’t try to all do the same thing because God created us as individuals.  My gifts develop differently from others.

One of my accountability partners helps me maintain a regular exercise practice.  We text each other when we complete our workout for the day.  But neither of us does the same thing, her routine differs from mine, yet we achieve the same goal, developing healthy habits.

Develop a daily habit of connecting with God, whatever it looks like for you.  Enlist others to help you maintain your efforts, encouraging each other along the way.  Don’t conform to what others do; instead, let God transform you.  Life change becomes evident in the good works we do.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 211) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 51:1-53 ESV, Titus 2:1-15 ESV, Psalm 99:1-9 ESV, Proverbs 26:17 ESV

Daily Verse: “Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” (Titus 2:15 ESV)

PARAKALEO (3870): “The most frequent word with this meaning, lit. denotes “to call to one’s side,” hence, “to call to one’s aid.”  It is used for every kind of calling to a person which is meant to produce a particular effect, hence, with various meanings, such as “comfort, exhort, desire, call for,” in addition to its significance “to beseech,” which has a stronger force than aiteo.”[1]

Call to one’s aid.

Titus’s central duty meant continually teaching practical instructions to people.  Meeting people in their faith journey and helping them move forward with applicable lessons helps them grow spiritually.

Reading and applying the Bible’s teachings intimidates people.  Before I read scripture regularly, I misunderstood the book’s message.  The story of love and redemption within the pages of God’s inspired word becomes evident when you read it.

Help understand.

Titus’s mission and ours teach others how to apply Christ’s lessons to their lives.  As we learn more about Jesus, we share it with those around us.  By doing so, everyone grows together.

Recently, I ran into someone who caused me extreme pain with their words.  Without sincerity, he apologized to get in my husband’s good graces.  A friend who heard said, “You’re a Christian; you have to forgive him.”

Applying Jesus’ teaching to this situation, my friend’s not wrong; I have to forgive, and I did long ago.  But I also know the person’s heart and words didn’t match, which means he’s not truly sorry.  Therefore, I forgive, but I maintain boundaries that don’t allow him to repeat the offense.

Following Jesus requires daily inspections of our hearts and minds.  Allowing Christ full access cleanses us from within and helps us discern the world around us.  Applying Biblical principles to our lives helps us grow as we pursue Jesus wholeheartedly.

Let Jesus guide and direct your steps as you grow closer to Him.  Help others learn how to pursue Christ by leading the way with your actions.  Ask a trusted friend or mentor to help you discern when in doubt.  In all things, put Jesus first, and He will lead you in the way everlasting.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 190) Thomas Nelson