Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 8:8-9:26 ESV, Colossians 3:1-17 ESV, Psalm 78:32-55 ESV, Proverbs 24:27 ESV

Daily Verse: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2 ESV)

PHRONEO (5426): “To exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by impl. To be (mentally disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intens. To interest oneself in (with concern or obedience).  Col 3:2, set your affection.”[1]

Exercise the mind

“If you’d stop and think once in a while, you wouldn’t get into so much trouble,” Mom. 

My mother told me to stop and think because of my actions.  In other words, my movements indicated a lack of thought.  When I overspent on my credit card, I did it impulsively.  Breaking my foot because I kicked a chair in anger revealed an emotional reaction I didn’t control.  Wrecking my car because I fought with a boyfriend showed a lack of priorities.

Paul’s telling the Colossians to stop and think about their thoughts.  They say they follow Jesus, but their actions, which come from thoughts, don’t align with their words.

Stop and think.

Think about where you focus your thoughts.  Ask yourself questions:

• “What do I spend the most time thinking about every day?”
• Are my thoughts positive or negative?
• How much do I think about Jesus before I react to a situation?

One of the things which genuinely helps me the most, and I do not do it enough, happens when I think about Jesus first.  If I take time, before I do anything else, to ask myself, “What would Jesus do?” I stop and think. 

In a moment of crisis, when my emotions overwhelm me, I struggle to stay focused on Jesus.  My mind races to the worst-case scenario so quickly that it scares me.  Trying to reign in those thoughts, capturing them, and refocusing on Jesus takes extreme effort.  Sometimes I fail; other times, I don’t.  But I do know the more I try, the better I do.

Following Jesus takes practice.  We have to stop and think about our thoughts.  We can’t capture what we don’t know.  But when we take time to think about our thoughts, then refocus them on Jesus, we’ll experience peaceful minds. 

Our actions reflect our thoughts.  When we focus our minds on Jesus, our actions will reflect Christ.

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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. 266-7) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 6:16-8:7 ESV, Colossians 2:8-23 ESV, Psalm 78:1-31 ESV, Proverbs 24:26 ESV

Daily Verse: “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8 ESV)

PHILOSOPHIA (5385): “Used once in the NT of the theology, or rather theosophy, of certain Jewish Christian ascetics, which busied itself with refined and speculative enquiries into the nature and classes of angels, into the ritual of the Mosaic law and the regulations of Jewish tradition respecting practical life (Col. 2:8).”[1]

Speculative enquiries.

Paul’s not condemning all philosophy, just the one the Colossians adopted; the word never gets used again in the New Testament.  The apostle gave three reasons the Colossians shouldn’t succumb to the lies.

 First, the pagan traditions prevalent in their culture mislead the people.  Secondly, the philosophy depended on the “spirits of the world,” which contrast Jesus’ teachings, and third, the Colossian thinking didn’t base itself on Christ.

Hollow and deceptive.

Our world compares to the Colossians as far as false philosophy.  People fall for the same things the Colossians did.  One of my biggest heartbreaks over the past few years happened because of people’s lack of faith. 

“When 9/11 happened, the churches overflowed.  Twenty years later, when a crisis hit, we closed the churches.” Pastor in Myrtle Beach

Camping in Myrtle Beach, Ron and I attended Lakewood  Campground’s church service.  In an old amphitheater, a picture window framed the ocean, sun shining through the pains, highlighting the cross which stood behind the pastor. 

As the service started, my critical spirit doubted I would learn anything.  But the elderly pastor taught me much.  We didn’t meet, but his words changed my life and made me aware of the truth he spoke.  People didn’t turn to Jesus in the crisis of 2020.

And so, since that day, I’ve done what the pastor instructed us to do.  Every day, I try to love people for Jesus to the best of my ability, introducing them to the Savior of the world by my actions.  Many times I’ve faltered, but each day I try again.

If we want people’s eyes opened to Jesus, we must love them for Him.  Christ changed the world; we can do the same if we live for Him.

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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. 264-5) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 4:19-6:15 ESV Colossians 1 ESV, 18-2:7 ESV, Psalm 77:1-20 ESV, Proverbs 24:23-25 ESV

Daily Verse: “And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:18 ESV)

EKKLESIA (1577): “This word stresses a group of people called out for a special purpose. It designated the new society of which Jesus was the founder, being as it was a society knit together by the closest spiritual bonds and altogether independent of space.”[1]

Society knit together.

Christ knits us together into a society called out for a particular purpose.  Belonging to Jesus’ church means becoming His disciple and collectively trying to pursue Christ.  Not a building, but a group of people all striving for the same goal, to love God and others.

Ron and I visited Heart Cry Christian Fellowship in Naples, NY, while on vacation.  Pastor Price delivered an incredible message describing the difference between Godly and worldly grief, encouraging, uplifting, and challenging us.  At the service’s end, two different people prayed for us during corporate prayer.

Spiritual bonds.

Over 500 miles from home, we experienced life in Christ’s church with strangers, yet spiritually Jesus bonds us together.  When the group discovered our vacation centered around our 10^th wedding anniversary, they prayed for our marriage.

Tears choked my throat when I prayed for the church, asking God to bless them and help them transform the world around them through His love.  Afterward, I connected with the pastor’s wife as we shared our Jesus stories.

Christ has one church, filled with people who intentionally pursue life with Him.  In America, different denominations exist, but Jesus remains the head of His church.

Experience the beauty of life in the church as you pursue relationships with Jesus and those who follow Him.  Transformation happens when we gather with other believers and submit our lives to Christ.

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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. 81) Thomas Nelson

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.

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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. 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.”

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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. 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.

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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. 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.

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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. 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.

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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. 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.

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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. 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.

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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. 159) Thomas Nelson