Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-49 ESV, Luke 6:39-7:10 ESV, Psalm 68:1-18 ESV, Proverbs 11:28 ESV

Daily Verse: “He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39 ESV)

TUPHLOS (5185): “Used both physically and metaphorically, chiefly in the Gospels. The word is frequently used as a noun, signifying, “a blind man.”[i]

Spiritual blindness.

“You know there’s something there, but there’s not,” an atheist friend said to me one night over dinner.  He understands something more exists outside of the physical realm, but he rejects it with no explanation other than consciously choosing not to believe.  The spiritual world exists, but the choice to believe belongs to you.

“The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both.”(Proverbs 20:12 ESV)

Often in life, we can see people heading in the wrong direction, blind to the danger ahead.  Understanding talking them out of their desired course will do no good; I have a go-to prayer.

Eyes to see, ears to hear.

Probably my most frequently prayed prayer, “Lord, give them eyes to see and ears to hear Jesus.” Only with divine intervention can people begin to see the spiritual side to life.  Jesus taught in parables, wanting us to use our God-given ability to tune in to His words.  God opens our eyes to the wonders of not only this world but the spiritual one as well.

Ultimately, our journeys through life on earth differ from one to another, none of us on the same course.  Looking at someone else’s life, we may think we know what’s best for them, but we don’t.  Only God knows the best roads for us to take.  Asking Him for eyes to see and ears to hear not only help us find our way but also assists others on their paths.  Without God’s guidance, we will get lost.

When God opens people’s eyes and ears, they see Jesus.   Meeting Jesus will introduce them to an eternal world they couldn’t see before.  Receiving the grace and mercy Christ offers comes by faith in the unseen.  Only when God cures our spiritual blindness can we accept the gift He offers.

Gaze at Jesus today with open eyes.  Listen with the Holy Spirit to what He has to say.  Live life to the fullest with God, today and always.

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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. 254) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29 ESV, Luke 6:12-38 ESV, Psalm 67:1-7 ESV, Proverbs 11:27 ESV

Daily Verse: “And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:” (Luke 6:13 ESV)

APOSTOLOS (652): “An ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.  ‘One sent forth’  The word is used of the Lord Jesus to describe His relation to God.  The twelve disciples chosen by the Lord for special training were so called.  Paul though he had seen the Lord Jesus, had not ‘companied with’ the Twelve ‘all the time’ of His earthly ministry, and hence was not eligible for a place among them, according to Peter’s description of the necessary qualifications.”[i]

God’s ambassador.

When Jesus chose the twelve disciples, He named them apostles, ambassadors of the Gospel.  Each of the men walked with Christ during His earthly ministry.  From their journey, the Gospel story began to spread.  Commissioned by Christ to spread the good news, thousands of years later, the story continues.

Peter defines an apostle as walking with Christ physically while on earth; therefore, Paul doesn’t qualify.  Paul, however, wrote most of the New Testament after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus.  Once you encounter Jesus, you can’t help but join the mission.

Commissioned by Christ.

None of us meet Peter’s standards, but we all share the same mission. 

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19 ESV)

Christ gave us the Great Commission; go and make disciples.  Each of us God placed perfectly to do His work.  God created you with purpose, possessing unique talents and gifts.  When we use our blessings to bless others and draw them into a relationship with God, we fulfill Christ’s commission for our lives.

Introduce people to Jesus wherever you go.  Love like Jesus loved in the pages of scriptures, entirely and unconditionally.  As Jesus walked through His days on earth, the masses followed Him.  Jesus turned the world upside down, one act of love at a time.  We can do the same when we follow 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. 39) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 36:1-Deuteronomy 1:46 ESV, Luke 5:29-6:11 ESV, Psalm 66:1-20 ESV, Proverbs 11:24-26 ESV

Daily Verse: “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed.” (Luke 5:37 ESV)

OINOS (3631): “The general word for wine.  The mention of the bursting of the wineskins implies fermentation.  In Mt. 27:34 it is translated “vinegar” the result of complete fermentation.”[I]

Wine ferments.

Fine wine takes time to develop, anywhere from 2-15 years, depending on the type of vino.  Another subtle reminder about the journey of life we all make, each of us with different fermentation speeds.

Journeying with Christ, we become new creatures.  Our lives ferment and become different as we put God’s word into practice in our life.  Allowing Jesus to transform our lives means we’re different today than yesterday, each passing hour turning us into a unique wine.

Process becomes outcome.

Just as sugar becomes ethyl alcohol, we become fine wine as well.  Our lives’ unique blend of flavors develops over time from life experiences.  Like our old lifestyle, old wineskins can’t hold the fresh creation.  We can’t do the things we used to do and still produce fine wine.

In my twenties, I got stomped.  Life slapped me in the face as I defiantly followed my own will.  Too much alcohol, spending, and bad relationships left me alone and miserable.  Only then did I turn my eyes heavenward, seeking Jesus once more.

Turning back to Jesus meant I stopped doing all those things. The old wineskin could no longer hold the new wine.   Following Jesus led me to live a life of moderation in all things, which needed a new container for my transformed life.  An imperfect person, the fermentation process continues each day I live.

Allow Jesus to transform your life today, let His process help you become a fine wine.  Each day, become a little sweeter as you follow Christ closer.

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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. 177) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 33:40-35:34 ESV, Luke 5:12-28 ESV, Psalm 65:1-13 ESV, Proverbs 11:23 ESV

Daily Verse: “While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” (Luke 5:12 ESV)

LEPRA (3014):  “Scaliness.  Lepros, an adjective, is characterized by an eruption of rough, scaly patches.  Mt. 10:8 and Luke 4:27 indicate that the disease was common in the nation.  Only twelve cases are recorded in the NT, but these are specially selected.”[I]

Jesus cleanses.

Leprosy isolated the person both physically and emotionally.  If scaly, rough patches appeared on your flesh, instant banning occurred.  You moved to the leper colony ASAP; healthy people didn’t want to catch the nasty disease.  Now, doctors know about 95% of people have immunity to the disease, but in Jesus’ time, they didn’t know the statistics.[i]

Unfortunately, we treat people like lepers today.  Instead of loving, we judge, and if whoever doesn’t live up to our expectations, they get banned.  I’ve experienced sorrowful treatment from people who proclaimed to love Christ, and I’ve treated people sorrowfully.  As humans, we hurt people, most of the time unintentionally.  Jesus didn’t run from the leper; He cleansed him.

Experience Jesus.

Spending my days studying God’s word makes me more sensitive to my sinful ways.  When I think of how my critical spirit impacted relationships in the past, I cringe.  Repairing the damage I caused requires humility and the words, “I’m sorry,” Looking in the mirror at the pain I’ve caused others truly humbles me and makes me thankful Jesus loves a sinner like me.

“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47 ESV)

Acknowledging our sin before Jesus cleanses us of it.  God’s Son came to set us free from the bondage of sin and its penalty, death.  Submitting control of your life to Jesus means receiving His grace and mercy, separating us from our sin “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12 ESV).

Experiencing unconditional love and forgiveness from Jesus makes loving Him in return easy.  And from the affection you receive, you will feel compelled to share it with others, loving instead of judging.

Jesus loved everyone, even the lepers.

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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. 150) Thomas Nelson

[i] https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/leprosy-risk#:~:text=Leprosy%2C%20also%20called%20Hansen’s%20disease,that%20cause%20this%20disease1

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 32:1-33:39 ESV, Luke 4:31-5:11 ESV, Psalm 64:1-10 ESV, Proverbs 11:22 ESV

Daily Verse: “And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice” (Luke 4:33 ESV)

PNEUMA (4151): “A current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze.  I.e., (human) the rational soul, or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy Spirit.  Syn: This word is rarely used of wind, but when so used it is known for its strength, vigor and force.”[I]

Spirits exist.

Understanding the spiritual side to life means accepting the unknown.  The battle between light and dark takes place outside our field of vision, making it hard to comprehend.  In the pages of scripture, Jesus gives us a glimpse of the fight.  The man in today’s verse had an unclean spirit within him who confronted Jesus.

“But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.” (Luke 4:35 ESV)

Jesus prevails.

Jesus didn’t let the unclean spirit bother Him; instead, He shut the demon up.  Accepting Jesus into our lives means the Holy Spirit becomes our protector, living within us, giving us its power.  Nothing can take His place.  Grounding our identity in Christ means accessing His power.

So far in my journey, I have never encountered a demon-possessed man like the one in today’s verse.  But I have dealt with wayward thoughts, lies I’ve believed which stop me from living life to the fullest in Christ.  Jesus has an answer:

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” (2 Cor. 10:5 ESV)

Tap into God’s Spirit.  Capture thoughts, silence demons and expose lies with Jesus’s power.  Live life to the fullest with Christ.

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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. 205) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 30:1-31:54 ESV, Luke 4:1-30 ESV, Psalm 63:1-11 ESV, Proverbs 11:20-21 ESV

Daily Verse: “And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:13 ESV)

PEIRASMOS (3986): “Trials with a beneficial purpose and effect, of trials or temptations divinely permitted or sent.” [I]

Beneficial purpose.

Temptations benefit us, learning to deal with them; we will develop a closer walk with God. Jesus teaches us how to handle trials; use God’s word. 

Jesus begins His ministry by fasting and praying for 40 days in the wilderness.   Satan, realizing Jesus’ weakness from starvation, begins his attack. First, the devil physically tempts Jesus by addressing His hunger, then emotionally by questioning God’s love, and lastly, control.

Everyone battles the same temptations Jesus did. Physical trials include overuse of food or alcohol and lack of activity, to name a few; all humans question not only God’s love but existence at some point or another. And not a person alive doesn’t want to control their destiny but can’t, no matter how hard they try.

Defeat the devil.

Temptation’s benefit comes from the preparation. Satan attacked Jesus at His weakest, after 40 days of fasting and prayer, but Jesus defeated Him because of His preparation. Knowing, trusting, and applying the scriptures gives you victory over the devil.

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)

Satan looks for opportune times to attack. You can defeat him by spending time with God daily, studying His Word, and applying it to your life. Each day, God will bring you new victory as you place your trust in Him.  Where God guides, He provides; if you find yourself in a time of temptation, look for the way out.

Stand firm in the face of temptation. Use God’s Word to respond to the devil’s attacks. Victory comes through Christ.

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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. 196) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 28:16-29:40 ESV, Luke 3:23-38 ESV, Psalm 62:1-12 ESV, Proverbs 11:18-19 ESV

Daily Verse: “Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,” (Luke 3:23 ESV)

IESOUS (2424): “The name of our Lord.”[I]

God’s Son.

Before Jesus began His earthly ministry, He spent three decades in preparation.  A couple of days ago, I wrote about Jesus at 12 years old, conversing with the temple teachers.  Not until then did I think about their conversation.  Scripture said Jesus listened and asked questions (Luke 2:46 ESV). 

At twelve, I accepted Christ into my life as Lord and Savior.  Raised in a Christian home,  I have never known life without Jesus.  But during my 20’s, I questioned my beliefs.  If God’s word said to do it, I definitely didn’t.  Through those years of defiance, I caused myself tremendous pain.  Finally, I realized pain’s presence in life comes whether I follow God or not.  But with God, I have relief from it.  I can unburden my heartache to Him, and He always uses it for good.

Jesus heals.

My anger at God began when He called my dad to heaven.  At sixteen, I battled with the pain, trying to understand why a loving God would take my world away from me; I decided God didn’t love me, nor me Him.  Turning my back on all I’d known led me down a dark path of self-inflicted pain.  Abusing alcohol numbed the pain; God’s grace protected me.  When I finally turned back to God, His open arms readily embraced me.  Healing began for my broken heart.

Pain exists in this world; everyone experiences it.  But Jesus takes our pain upon Himself, giving us new life in Him.  Wherever life’s path takes us, we can trust God will use it for good.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)

Jesus’s preparation for His ministry took decades; ours does as well.  Whatever life circumstances might present, God will use it in your life, not only for good but preparation as well.

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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. 120) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 26:52-28:15 ESV, Luke 3:1-22 ESV, Psalm 61:1-8 ESV, Proverbs 11:16-17 ESV

Daily Verse: “Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways” (Luke 3:5 ESV)

PHARAGX (5327): “Gap or chasm, i.e., ravine (winter-torrent).”[I]

God fills valleys.

John the Baptist, quoting Isaiah, traveled Galilee’s region proclaiming the baptism of forgiveness, preparing the way for Jesus. When kings traveled in the days of John, crews went ahead of them, improving the roads, making the royalties’ trip smoother.  In the same fashion, John prepared the moral and spiritual way for Jesus by talking about forgiveness of sin and the need for a Savior.

Jesus creates a level playing field.  Everyone can receive the gift of salvation, filling their valleys, leveling the mountains, allowing God to direct their paths which He will make straight.  However, not everyone chooses God, following their desires instead, leading to valleys.

Change the heart.

When people asked John what they could do to become better, he told them to share whatever they had, dealing fairly and honestly with others.  In other words, they change their hearts, preparing the way for Jesus.

Repentance means sincere regret or remorse.  When we follow Jesus, we give Him our regrets in return for His grace and mercy.  Whatever valleys we have, Jesus fills, whatever mountains we face, He flattens.  God’s love for us paves the way to new life, but first, we must repent and believe.

Trust God has a plan for your life.  If you’re in a valley, ask God to fill it, lifting you out of the pit.  Whatever mountain you’re facing, walk over it with Jesus. He’ll show you the way.  Instead of continuing down the crooked path, follow Jesus as He levels the ground for you, one step at a time.

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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. 262) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 26:1-51 ESV, Luke 2:36-52 ESV, Psalm 60:1-12 ESV, Proverbs 11:15 ESV

Daily Verse: “And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.” (Mark 2:42 ESV)

ETHOS (1485): “a noun, means ‘a habit, custom’ and is translated ‘manner.’ It denotes ‘a custom, usage, prescribed by law.”[i]

Customs connect.

Every year, Joseph and Mary made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover, a joyous time of thanksgiving and offerings.  In Jesus’ twelfth year, He went with them, deciding to stay a few extra days.  Three days later, Mary and Joseph found Jesus hanging out with the teachers at the temple. 

Custom brought the family to the Temple, which allowed Jesus to talk to the teachers.  If they didn’t come to the festival, Jesus wouldn’t have had the chance.  Stopping the daily routine and keeping a tradition helps keep perspective and contact with people.

Make an effort.

My husband loves tradition more than me.  Celebrating ten years of marriage in 2022, we started customs the year we married.  As time slipped by, we began new ones.  For instance, we repeat our first date on the anniversary.  By recreating the actions, we freshly reconnect with each other.

Mary and Joseph’s attendance at the Feast of Passover reminded them of God’s goodness in their lives, allowing them to reconnect with the Creator.  When Jesus travels with them, the custom starts His conversation with the religious leaders, continuing throughout His lifetime.

If we don’t keep the custom, we miss the connection. Like attending church on Sundays, regular attendance deepens your relationships and brings you into contact with other believers who will help you on the journey. Only God knows what He will do with our faithfulness.  But in the meantime, we’ll connect and grow in God’s family.

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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. 67) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 24:1-25:18 ESV, Luke 2:1-35 ESV, Psalm 59:1-17 ESV, Proverbs 11:14 ESV

Daily Verse: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14 ESV)

DOXA (1391): “Primarily signifies an opinion, estimate, and hence, the honor resulting from a good opinion.  It is used of the nature and acts of God in self-manifestation, i.e., what He essentially is and does, as exhibited in whatever way he reveals Himself in these respects, and particularly in the person of Christ, in whom essentially His ‘glory’ has ever shoe forth and ever will do.”[I]

Resulting honor.

When the Shepherds stood in the field, watching their flocks, they never imagined the spectacular light show about to change their life.  Angels, shining with God’s glory, announced the birth of Jesus to them, the world’s Savior.  Watching the events unfold, I can only imagine the awe and wonder filling the shepherds as they absorbed the message from above.  Witnessing God’s mighty works makes glorifying Him easy.

On a camping trip to Florida, driving on I-95 somewhere in the Carolinas, my husband and I experienced God’s protection.  A metal object fell off a vehicle ahead of us, bouncing off the pavement and spiraling towards the passenger’s window shield and my head.  Thankfully, Ron handled the situation well, calmly maneuvering our truck, so the object missed us by inches.  Praising God at that moment came easy. 

Give God glory.

Including God in my daily life means seeking ways to glorify Him.  Months later, when the image of the metal blade enters my thoughts, I instantly thank God.  Each morning, when I wake up with my husband, I thank God.  Every day I can still get on my knees and pray gives me a reason to glorify my Creator.  When we start looking for ways to glorify God in our lives, we will find them.

Start with Jesus.  God’s glory shines brightest through His Son.  Placing faith in Jesus will change your life, just like it did the Shepherds, nothing ever the same again.  Accepting the gift Jesus offers connects us with our Creator, building an eternal relationship nothing can break.

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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. 71) Thomas Nelson