Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 2:1-3:2 ESV, Acts 5:1-42 ESV, Psalm 125:1-5 ESV, Proverbs 16:25 ESV

Daily Verse: “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” (Acts 5:4 ESV)

TITHEMI (5087): “To place the widest application, lit. and fig.  As a verb means “to put” is used of “appointment” to any form of service.”[i]

Form of service.

Contriving something means putting into motion some type of service, good or bad.  For Ananias, he lied to God about money.  After selling a piece of property, he held back some of the profit for himself instead of giving it to God.  When Peter confronted Ananias with today’s verse, he fell to the ground and died.

God knows everything and provides everything.  We often hear about people cheating on their taxes, but Jesus made it very clear.

“They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21 ESV)

Don’t cheat God.

If only Ananias had given God his due, how different things would have changed.  For one thing, Ananias and his wife, who also lied, wouldn’t have died.  Cheating God hurts you more than it does God.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:10 ESV)

When you love money more than God, it will cause you problems.  Anything you put before Jesus needs to go, including cash.  Giving money away breaks the hold it has on you and puts God above the mighty dollar.

Nothing you have on earth will follow you into heaven.  The fancy cars, big houses, and hefty bank accounts fade away.  But eternal life with Jesus never ends.  In Christ, you will find the peace found no other way.

Don’t let money get you off track; God first, money second.  When you place Jesus in His rightful place in your heart, He’ll take care of the rest.  When you have the hope of Jesus, you’ll want for nothing.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 250) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 1:1-53 ESV, Acts 4:1-37 ESV, Psalm 124:1-8 ESV, Proverbs 16:24 ESV

Daily Verse: “And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.” (Acts 4:3 ESV)

TERESIS (5084): “From 5083; a watching, i.e., observance or prison.  Translated “hold” in Acts 4:3.”[i]

Observant watching.

Peter and John, proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection, irritate the religious leaders.  Refusing to stop, the priests and Sadducees have the disciples arrested.  The crowd, around 5000 men, heard the message and believed, irritating the zealots even more.

Imprisoning the disciples meant they couldn’t spread their message.  However, because they healed the lame man, who stood with them during their interrogation, the religious leaders felt like they had no choice but to let them go with one condition Peter and John couldn’t talk about Jesus anymore.  The disciples answered boldly:

“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20 ESV)

Speak boldly.

In captivity, Peter and John didn’t stop speaking boldly.  The disciples couldn’t help but talk about the resurrected Savior.  Jesus fulfilled the prophecies, He overcame death, and they witnessed it.

Never have I witnessed someone coming back to life physically.  But I have seen the change Jesus makes in people’s lives when someone begins to follow Him; they live freer, leaving the bondage of the past behind.

In my late twenties, when I first came back to Christ, I needed saving from myself.  Poor decisions led me to many emotional and financial issues that seemed impossible.  But one step of faith at a time, I overcame my self-created problems, finding freedom in Jesus.  And now, I tell everyone I can; Christ will do the same for you.

Believe in the Savior who sets you free.  Christ watches over His flock, protecting them from the enemy, healing them from their wounds, and giving them life to the fullest in Him.  Join the disciples in spreading the good news of Jesus to all who will listen.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 250) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 23:24-24:25 ESV, Acts 3:1-26 ESV, Psalm 123:1-4 ESV, Proverbs 16:21-23 ESV

Daily Verse: “And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.” (Acts 3:2 ESV)

CHOLOS (5560): “Halt, i.e., limping: cripple, halt, lame.”[i]

Rise and Walk

Going to the temple to pray, Peter and John come across a lame man at the gate.  Not recognizing them, the crippled man asks for alms.  Peter responds unexpectedly, telling him he has something more valuable than money.

“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:7 ESV)

Taking the man’s hand, Peter assists the lame beggar to his healed feet.  The disabled man, no longer crippled, leaps and bounds his way into the temple, praising God.

When we encounter Jesus, our world changes; what once seemed impossible becomes possible.  Leaving the old life behind, Christ heals yesterday’s wounds, making way for the hope of tomorrow.

Praise the Healer.

Powerful testimonies come from miraculous healings.  When the lame man walked, he couldn’t contain his praise.  Everyone who saw him in the temple recognized the once lame man.  Now, watching the disabled person celebrate his healing gave them pause.

“And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” (Acts 3:10b ESV)

Let people see the change Jesus makes in your life. Tell them about the giants God helps you slay. Ask Christ for eyes to see His work around you. When deliverance from the battle comes, give credit to the Deliverer.

Praise God when He helps you stand and walk after life knocks you to your feet.  Leap and bound with joy, worshipping the Savior.  Miraculous events leave lasting impressions on those who witness them.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 274) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 22:1-23:23 ESV, Acts 2:1-47 ESV, Psalm 122:1-9 ESV, Proverbs 16:19-20 ESV

Daily Verse: “And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.” (Acts 2:3 ESV)

GLOSSA (1100): “is used of the “tongues…like as of fire” which appeared at Pentecost; the supernatural gift of speaking in another language without its having been learned; in Acts 2:4-13, the circumstances are recorded from the viewpoint of the hearers; to those in whose language the utterances were made it appeared as supernatural phenomenon; to others, the stammering of drunkards; what was uttered was not addressed primarily to the audience but consisted in recounting “the might works of God.”[i]

Supernatural gift.

After Christ ascended, God sent the Holy Spirit.  A violent wind blew through the house, and tongues of fire descended on the disciples.  Immediately the men began to speak in other languages.   Foreigners in the crowd heard their native dialect and marveled.

In a miraculous moment, the disciples share the good news of Christ in languages they couldn’t speak.  However, people in the crowd understood them perfectly.  God uses supernatural gifts to connect with a fallen world, introducing them to Jesus.

Heart language.

God’s Spirit, dwelling within us, speaks a language all its own, one from the heart.  Connecting with others on an intimate level requires honesty and vulnerability.  God helps us speak the language of love by listening to the Holy Spirit within each of us.

When you place your faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside of you.  Difficult to describe, the heart change starts small and grows.  Like testing the waters, the more you give your life to Christ, the more you will want to give.

Let God teach you a new language, one based on the heart.  Allow Him into the crevices of your soul, and watch as God transforms your life into a new creation.  Speaking from the heart with the Holy Spirit’s leading will deepen your relationships and draw others to Jesus.

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[i] 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: 2 Samuel 20:14-21:22 ESV, Acts 1:1-26 ESV, Psalm 121:1-8 ESV, Proverbs 16:18 ESV

Daily Verse: “He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:3 ESV)

TEKMERION (5039): “Denotes that from which something is surely and plainly known; indubitable evidence, a proof.”[i]

Plainly known.

After Jesus’ resurrection, He spent 40 days appearing and speaking about God’s kingdom.  Over 500 witnesses testified to the truth of Jesus.  In other words, people plainly knew Jesus died and came back to life three days later, overcoming death.

My favorite salvation stories come from those who tried to disprove Jesus’ existence.  Lee Strobel, a hard-hitting legal journalist for the Chicago Tribune, didn’t believe in God, setting out to discredit Jesus.  In his book, “The Case for Christ,” [i] Strobel interviewed top experts in science, philosophy, and history, proving Jesus’ existence.

Facts don’t change.

With over five million copies of Strobel’s book sold, the questions he addressed get to the heart of the matter:

• How reliable is the New Testament?
• Is Jesus who he said he was?
• What does all the evidence point to-and what does it mean today?

In a nutshell, yes, Jesus existed.  The New Testament’s reliability leads us to God’s kingdom.  Today, you can have new life in Christ by placing your faith in Him.  Learning about Jesus will change your life one day at a time.

For decades I have read the Bible daily, and it has changed my life in ways I never anticipated.  God drew me into His family from the pit of unemployment and loneliness.  Each day, as I practice the teachings of scripture, my life blossoms.  Even in my darkest days, I know God’s beside me, carrying me.

Proof exists about Jesus.  If you doubt, start investigating.  Ask questions, and share your uncertainties.  God doesn’t balk at your queries; He understands them.  After all, Jesus came in the flesh so we can have a relationship with our Creator.  Seek, and you will find Jesus waiting with open arms.

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[i] 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

[i] https://www.amazon.com/Case-Christ-Journalists-Personal-Investigation/dp/0310350034

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13 ESV, John 21:1-25 ESV, Psalm 120:1-7 ESV, Proverbs 16:16-17 ESV

Daily Verse: “He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.” (John 21:6 ESV)

BALLO (906): “To throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense).  This word means with force and effort to throw or let go of a thing without caring where it falls: to scatter, to throw, cast into, to give over to one’s care uncertain about the result.”[i]

Let go.

When Jesus instructed the disciples to cast their nets, they had to let go of their disbelief.  After spending a night catching nothing, they had lost hope.  Despite their doubts, Jesus’ instruction required them to try one more time.    Christ didn’t disappoint, performing a miracle the fishermen would not soon forget.

How many times have you felt like giving up?  For me, especially during my season of singleness, throwing in the towel seemed inevitable.  The weekend one of my closest friends married, my blind date tanked, and an online possibility stopped communication caused me to doubt.  My depression overwhelmed me.

Cast your cares.

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)

Before you throw in the towel, cast your cares on Jesus.  Pour your miseries out to Him.  Speak audibly, and let the words flow from your mouth.  Or write down your anxieties and worries.  Bring them into the light by giving your fears to God.

Pouring my heartache out to God gave me hope.  Clinging to the promises in His word gave me direction.  Aligning my desires with God’s desires brought healing to my heart in ways I didn’t expect, discovering the truth of scripture:

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 ESV)

God cares about your hurts and hang-ups.  Jesus knows the difficulty of life on earth because He lived it.  Christ wants you to cast your cares on Him.  When you do, you will discover that your nets overflow with blessings as God fills you with hope, overcoming the trials of this world with His promises.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 50) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 18:1-19:10 ESV, John 20:1-31 ESV, Psalm 119:153-176 ESV, Proverbs 16:14-15 ESV

Daily Verse: “Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.””(John 20:15 ESV)

KEPOUROS (2780): “(a warden); a garden-keeper, i.e. gardener.”[i]

Tending garden.

Mary, finding an empty tomb, doesn’t recognize Jesus.  Instead, she confuses the risen Savior with the gardener.  When Jesus says her name, Mary recognizes the voice and turns to Him with renewed hope. 

Jesus tends the gardens of our hearts, knowing what we need and when.  Saying Mary’s name restored her hope, making the garden of her soul flourish.  At that moment, Mary understood Jesus overcame death once and for all.  No longer did she need to fear.

Listen for Jesus.

Amid Mary’s heartache, Jesus says her name.  Hearing the Savior’s voice healed the crevice in her heart caused when Jesus died on the cross.  God doesn’t abandon us; He calls to us.  Remembering Jesus helps us focus on God’s power instead of our pain.

Praying for people suffering from broken hearts always includes a standard request from me.  “Lord, let them feel your presence in the moment’s darkness.”  Pain isolates us in ways we can’t imagine.  God understands our hurts and chases after us.

I withdraw from Ron during marital spats, not wanting to talk to Him.  But Ron never lets me go; he always comes after me, which helps me drop my defenses and trust him more.  God does the same for us.  We might withdraw in anger, but Jesus wraps His arms around us and calls our name.

Let Jesus tend to your heart today.  Tell God your hurts, allow Him to comfort you.  Imagine Jesus calling your name, restoring your hope, helping your heart heal from its pains.  In Christ, we can live life fully, knowing He journey’s with us wherever we go.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 138) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 17:1-29 ESV, John 19:23-42 ESV, Psalm 119:129-152 ESV, Proverbs 16:12-13 ESV

Daily Verse: “So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (John 19:24 ESV)

LAGCHANO (2975): “determine (by impl. Receive) espec. By lot.  Denotes ‘to draw lots, to obtain by casting lots’ and is translated ‘cast lots’ in John 19:24.”[i]

Draw lots.

Rolling different colored or marked stones determined who received Jesus’ garments;  people also used broken pieces of pottery with names to decide the fates.  Whatever means chosen, the lots fell divinely.  In other words, God already knew what would happen.  Casting lots became a way of discerning God’s will.

“The lot is cast into the lap,
    but its every decision is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:33 ESV)

In other words, we throw the dice, and God determines how they fall.  Casting lots for Christ’s clothes fulfilled the prophecy written by David (Psalm 22:18 ESV).  Even in small details, God makes undeniable connections.

Divine acceptance.

As kids, often we’d play “Rock, Paper, Scissors” to determine who would do what.  But as an adult, casting lots doesn’t come to mind when I’m discerning God’s will for my life.  However, I do plan my schedule and pray over it.

Every week, usually on Sunday morning, I write my schedule in my planner.  Then I pray over the upcoming appointments; I consider it my way of rolling the dice.  As the week unfolds, some things get canceled, some added.  I accept them as God’s will over mine when changes occur, divine acceptance.

However you choose to roll the dice, God determines the outcome.  Win or lose, God uses it for kingdom work. Not everything will go our way in life; in fact, more doesn’t than does.  Only one of the five guards won Jesus’s garments; not everyone can win. 

But we can play the game well.  When we align our hearts with God’s will, we can trust the dice roll, knowing Jesus has our best interest at heart. 

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 148) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23 ESV, John 18:25-19:22 ESV, Psalm 119:113-128 ESV, Proverbs 16:10-11 ESV

Daily Verse: “Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So, they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” (John 18:25 ESV)

THERMAINO (2328): “To warm, heat (Eng. ‘thermal’ etc.), when used in the middle voice, signifies “to warm oneself.”[i]

Warm oneself.

Peter finds himself by the fire.  Having witnessed Jesus’ arrest, the disciple waits to see what happens next.  Never did he imagine life would lead him to this spot.  Just hours ago, Peter pledged his undying love to Christ, and now the follower denies Him, not once but three times.  Peter didn’t wait well.

Everyone waits.  A bride waits for her wedding day, then children, then grandchildren.  Sick people wait for healing; soldiers wait for battle; kids wait for recess.  Learning to wait well challenges the best of us.

Waiting for Jesus.

We live in Saturday, waiting for Sunday, the day of Christ’s return.  Peter didn’t know the future.  Standing by the fire, I can’t imagine the emotions Peter experienced.  The disciple had no clue Jesus would hang on the cross, die, and resurrect in the days ahead.  Peter no longer had hope.

But we do.  We know what Peter didn’t; Christ lives.  Jesus’ resurrection overcame death and gave us hope for eternal life.  We know this world will have troubles, but Christ overcame them on Calvary.  Eternity begins the moment you place your faith in Jesus.  You can have peace on earth with Christ in your heart.

Peter didn’t understand salvation when he stood by the fire warming himself.  But he soon would.  And we do.  Let Christ take residence in your heart; He warms you like no one else.

Wait well with Jesus.  Follow Him and gain His peace which surpasses all understanding.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 115) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 14:1-15:22 ESV, John 18:1-24 ESV, Psalm 119:97-112 ESV, Proverbs 16:8-9 ESV

Daily Verse: “So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:11 ESV)

THEKE (2336): “A place to put something in, a receptacle, chest, case, is used of the “sheath” of a sword.”[i]

Place to put.

Peter, defending Jesus, slices off Malchus’ right ear.  The servant of the high priest came with the religious leaders to arrest Jesus.  Immediately, Jesus heals the offense and reprimands Peter, telling him to put his sword away.  The sheath Peter wears the place to put his weapon.

Things need a place, just like Peter’s sword needed a home.  The sheath protects the sword from the elements, keeping it honed and ready for use.  But the casing also protects Peter from accidentally getting cut by the weapon’s sharp blade.  Much like what happens to us when we place our faith in Jesus.

Place for faith.

Wrestling with the spiritual side of life leads people to one question.  Where do I place my faith?  We need somewhere to put the mysteries of the unknown.  People look for salvation in all types of ways, money, relationships, and religion, to name a few.  Only one path exists for all, Jesus.

Placing faith in Jesus protects us from the enemies’ attacks.  Putting on God’s armor makes us ready for battle, just like Peter’s sword.  Jesus purifies our hearts as we give them to Him, protecting us from ourselves.  Our internal struggles more complicated than the external ones.

Peace comes no other way than through Jesus.  Knowing where to place your faith will lead you to eternal life.  Put your trust in Jesus; let Him lead the way.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 116) Thomas Nelson