Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Leviticus 16:29-18:30 ESV, Mark 7:24-8:10 ESV, Psalm 41:1-13 ESV, Proverbs 10:15-16 ESV

Daily Verse: “And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” (Mark 7:37 ESV)

EKPLESSO (1605): “Signifies ‘to be exceedingly struck in mind, to be astonished.  Prop. To be struck with terror of a sudden and startling alarm; but like our “astonish” in popular use, often employed on comparatively slight occasions.”[I]

Startling moment.

Watching a miracle unfold before your eyes as the disciples witnessed would lead to astonishment.  Jesus opened the eyes of the blind and unplugged deaf ears, astonishing His followers.  How wondrous the world must have seemed to the deaf man when his ears heard sounds for the first time.  Birds tweeting, people talking, wind whistling, a plethora of noise erupts into his silent world.  Astonishing, to say the least.

When God reveals a truth to us, we experience a spiritual awakening.  God helps me become more self-aware as I follow Him.  Diving into His word makes me more sensitive to my sin.  When I receive correction from above, typically through His word, I have an “ah-ha” moment.  Something makes sense to me that didn’t before, God revealing lies I’ve believed.

Experience astonishment.

Allowing God to search your heart will astonish you.   As God brings things you can’t see to light, you will experience an “ah-ha” moment, understanding something in your life.  If you want God to open your eyes to things you can’t see, pray the following scripture:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)

Ask Jesus to open your eyes and ears.  Experience astonishment as you become more self-aware.  Let God’s truth reveal the lies you can’t see as He leads you on the everlasting 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.82) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Leviticus 15:1-16:28 ESV, Mark 7:1-23 ESV, Psalm 40:11-17 ESV, Proverbs 10:13-14 ESV

Daily Verse:  And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ (Mark 7:6-7 ESV)

 

PROPHETEUO (4395):  “To foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office: prophesy (28X)”[I]

Divine inspiration.

Isaiah, a prophet from the Old Testament, foretold future events, including Christ’s birth. Jesus quoted Isaiah when responding to the religious leaders’ accusations.  Many people profess to follow Jesus, but their actions don’t match their words.  Battling our sinful nature remains constant while we live on this earth.

We do today what the Pharisees did then.  Looking to other people to save us never works.  Placing our hope in traditions and laws will result in disappointment.  Human nature remains the same thousands of years after Isaiah made his prophecy.

Change direction.

Following the commandments of men instead of Jesus has a simple solution: change direction.  Everyone takes a wrong turn in life, making a decision that takes them down a path they never intended to walk.  When you find yourself on one of life’s detours, lost and directionless, turn around and retrace your steps.  Find your way back to the Father.

I took a memorable walk on one of my first solo trips as a flight attendant.  Leaving the hotel in a strange city, I took a wrong turn and found myself in an unsafe area.  Once I recognized my mistake, I turned around and headed back to the safety of the hotel.  Relief flooded me when I walked through the doors of my haven.

Turning back to God gives you a safe haven.  No matter what led you astray, change direction, come back to the Father.  Let His grace and mercy flood your soul with relief.

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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.102) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading:  Leviticus 14:1-57 ESV, Mark 6:3ccc0-56 ESV, Psalm 40:1-10 ESV, Proverbs 10:11-12 ESV

Daily Verse: “And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.” (Mark 6:31 ESV)

EREMOS (2048): “Lonesome, waste, desert (13x), desolate (4x), solitary (1x), wilderness (32x).”[I]

Desolate miracle.

As Jesus’ ministry gained movement, finding time away from the crowds became increasingly difficult.  The apostles, returning from a divine mission, need a break.  Jesus invites them to “come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while” (vs. 31).

Unfortunately or not, the crowd saw the guys heading out in the boat and followed them.  Arriving before Jesus and the boys, the masses waited with anticipation for them.  Jesus has compassion for the people and begins teaching.  Because of the desolate area, Jesus performed a famous miracle, feeding the crowd of 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish.

Miraculous desolation.

Jesus wouldn’t have fed the 5000 if they weren’t in a desolate area.  Impossible circumstances create opportunities for miracles.  We don’t pray for miracles when we’re on vacation at the beach.  However, if we’re hungry and stranded in an isolated place, I’m sure our conversations with God become much more passionate.  Pleading for divine intervention becomes intense when we feel most alone.

Without bad days we wouldn’t appreciate good ones.  Walking with God takes us through both types of days.  God calls us into desolate places which become fertile ground for miracles.  Impossible circumstances have miraculous results when we journey with Jesus.

Sometimes, God takes us to lonely places, like Jesus took the disciples.  When God brings us into the wilderness, He’s preparing us for the miracle.  Miraculous events require desolate circumstances.

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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.102) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Leviticus 13:1-59 ESV, Mark 6:1-29 ESV, Psalm 39:1-13 ESV, Proverbs 10:10 ESV

Daily Verse: “And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?” (Mark 6:2 ESV)

SOPHIA (4678): “Higher or lower, worldly or spiritual.  Broad and full of intelligence, it is used of the knowledge of very diverse matters.  There is the wisdom which belongs to men, human wisdom, specifically varied knowledge of things human and divine, acquired by acuteness and experience, and summed up in maxim and proverbs.” [I]

God gives wisdom.

Varied knowledge comes from above.  Jesus’ teachings shocked the people of His hometown.  Neighbors knew Jesus as one of the carpenter’s sons.  How would a woodworker know such things about God?  Imagine if your neighbor told you they were God’s Son; how easily would you accept their words as truth?

God’s wisdom unfolds in God’s word. Unfortunately, the percentage of people who read the Bible dwindles each year.  In a recent message at church, the pastor said only 16% of people read their Bible once a week.  Applying the practical principles to your life will lead to peace on earth.  You can’t access God’s wisdom if you don’t read His word.

Godly wisdom

Connecting with the Creator through prayer and His Word accesses Godly wisdom. Adopting God’s will into your life by doing what His word says does change your life.  You do become wiser in ways you never imagined. 

When I paid off my last credit card, a weight lifted from my shoulders.  Not having car payments relieves stress from life.  Applying the financial advice found in the Bible led Ron and me to debt-free living, all because we trusted God with our finances.  We access Godly wisdom by applying Biblical principles to our life.

The inability of the Nazarenes to believe Jesus cost them.  Their lack of faith meant Jesus only healed a few people instead of many.  Without faith, we can’t have wisdom.  We must first trust Jesus before we can access heavenly wisdom.

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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.230) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Leviticus 11:1-12:8 ESV, Mark 5:21-43 ESV, Psalm 38:1-22 ESV, Proverbs 10:8-9 ESV

Daily Verse: “And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” (Mark 5:34 ESV)

EIRENE (1515): “Harmonious relationships between men.  The Harmonized relationships between God and man, accomplished through the gospel.” [i]

Harmony with life.

Peace with God and people bring harmony to life.  Unloading your sins to the Creator, the ugly parts of your life (and we all have them), ushers in freedom as you receive God’s unconditional love in return.  Like a wave washing debris from the seashore, God’s grace cleanses your soul.  Love from above tops all others.  No one on earth will ever adore you as your heavenly Father does.

Confessing your misdeeds to people restores relationships.  In my husband and I’s last argument, I said hurtful things to him.  Ron, a wise man, didn’t rise to the bait; instead, responding with love.  My remorse at my words caused spiritual growth as I apologized and received Ron’s grace.  At that moment, I understood mercy a little more.

Experience peace.

Right relationship with God begins when we admit God exists.  Once we determine God’s existence, we can experience His grace.  The world’s first and oldest book, the Bible, tells us the truth.  God sent Jesus to create a family bond, connecting us for eternity.  Believing in Jesus means accepting His words:

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)

Peace comes from God.  Through Jesus, we can experience harmony in life, no matter what storms rage around us.  Applying Jesus’ teachings to our relationships paves the way to restoration and peace. Relying on Jesus’ words, we will experience hardship in this life, but we can persevere, knowing Jesus overcame the world.

Experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.  Place your faith in 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.78) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Leviticus 9:7-10:20 ESV, Mark 4:26-5:20 ESV, Psalm 37:30-40 ESV, Proverbs 10:6-7 ESV

Daily Verse: “But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” (Mark 4:29 ESV)

THERISMOS (2326): “To reap, the act of harvesting, the crop.”[I]

Harvest comes.

Everything comes to an end, including seasons.  The parable of the growing seeds told in four verses summarizes the process.  First, we plant, then the seed sprouts and grows without our assistance.  A single blade popping through the earth leads to an ear, then whole grain.  As soon as the grain ripens, the farmer harvests it, ending the season.

Spiritually, every day gives us new opportunities to scatter seeds.  Sharing Christ’s love one act at a time plants fresh kernels.  God sends others to water and nurtures the seedlings along.  Eventually, harvesting the crop when the time comes.

Expect the harvest.

One day, God will call each of us home.  Everyone has an appointed day to meet their Maker.  The time may differ, but the outcome remains the same, transitioning to eternal life in God’s kingdom.  Remembering the fragility of life helps us plant more seeds, drawing more people to the harvest.

Your tiniest act of love might spur someone on their journey to meet Jesus.  We don’t know how many days God will give us on earth, but we can scatter seeds wherever He takes us.  The more seeds, the better the harvest.

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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: Leviticus 7:28-9:6 ESV, Mark 3:31-4:25 ESV, Psalm 37:12-29 ESV, Proverbs 10:5 ESV

Daily Verse: “Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land.” (Mark 4:1 ESV) 

SUNAGO (4863): “To lead together, i.e. collect or convene; spec. to entertain (hospitably), be assembled, take in, accompany, bestow, lead into, resort.”[I]

Gather.

When Jesus spoke, people listened.  The more the Savior talked, the more people heard His words.  Each person’s life impacted by the words Jesus taught.  God’s Son gave them a new way to think collectively.

Assembling with other believers energizes.  When my husband and I attend church on Sunday, I leave encouraged.  Watching young families walk into the building, often rushing, gives me hope for the future.  Listening to the voices of the congregation sing worship songs to God spurs me onward.  Surrounding myself with other people seeking Jesus affirms my faith, motivates my walk, and inspires me like nothing else.

Collectively believing.

Typically, people surround themselves with others who think the way they do, collectively believing the same things.  Gathering strengthens our faith as we explore our beliefs with others of like mind.

Applying Jesus’s teachings to our lives requires listening, then acting.  Our purpose remains the same: love God and love others (Mark 12:30-31).  Living our lives in a community helps us learn how to accomplish the goal.

Gather regularly with other believers.  Grow together as you learn more about Jesus.  Listen intently to God’s Son.

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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.239) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Leviticus 6:1-7:27 ESV, Mark 3:7-30 ESV, Psalm 37:1-11 ESV, Proverbs 10:3-4 ESV

Daily Verse: “Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea” (Mark 3:7 ESV)

ANACHOREO (402): “To withdraw, to go back, recede, retire.  To make room for, betake oneself.”[I]

Jesus withdrew.

Crowds followed Jesus everywhere He went.  The more people Jesus healed, the faster word spread of Him.  People wanted to see the Miracle Worker for themselves.  As a result, Jesus retreated to the sea with the disciples so the crowd wouldn’t crush Him.

People require energy. Spending time with someone, giving them your full attention, actively loving them can exhaust you without intentional rest. Jesus withdrew intentionally, protecting Himself from the pressing crowd.

Love with space.

Jesus understood the need for balance.  Throughout His ministry on earth, Jesus never overscheduled.  God’s Son knew when to engage with the crowd and withdraw from it.  Jesus also knew when He needed one-on-one time with the Father.  Our Savior balanced His time well between spending time with people and God. 

Trying to love people in our power will never work.  When you feel the crowd pressing in on you, do what Jesus did, withdraw.  Take your closest friends and get-a-way for a weekend. Spend some time alone with God, pouring out your pain, allowing Him to refill you with His Spirit.

Create balance in your life withdraw from the crowd when necessary.  Refuel with God.

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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. 24) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Leviticus 4:1-5:19 ESV, Mark 2:13-3:6 ESV, Psalm 36:1-12 ESV, Proverbs 10:1-2 ESV

Daily Verse: “And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17 ESV)

HAMARTOLOS (268): “From 264 HARMARTANO, “to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e. fig. to err, mor. to sin.”[I]

Everyone sins

Sinning means missing the mark and not receiving the prize.  Sin separates us from God.  Jesus unites us with our Creator. Without Jesus, our sins keep us from the ultimate prize, a relationship with God. 

My thoughts remain my largest battle; little lies will wiggle their way into my thoughts.  My mind goes to the worst-case scenario at an unbelievable speed. When my brain spirals out of control, the process of sinning begins.  Our thoughts rule our actions.  We must think before we do.

Filling our minds with God’s word allows us to hit the mark.  Instead of allowing wayward thoughts to lead us to contrary actions, scripture helps focus.  Thinking about God’s promises gives us hope, just what the doctor ordered.

Jesus heals.

Our sinful nature causes us pain.  Often the largest hurts we experience start because of our poor decision-making.  Facing the reality of those choices requires accepting painful truths.  But Jesus travels with us into the hurt.  When you reveal the wound, God fills it with love.

Whatever mark you think you missed, God forgives you.  The moment you confess, God responds with grace.  Each morning begins a new day full of choices waiting for you to make.  Choose first to spend time in God’s word get your thoughts started in the right direction.  Hit the mark with 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 (pp 15-6) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Leviticus 1:1-3:17 ESV, Mark 1:29-2:12 ESV, Psalm 35:17-28 ESV, Proverbs 9:13-18 ESV

Daily Verse: “And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” (Mark 1:38 ESV)

KERUSSO (2784): “To herald (as a public crier), espec. Divine truth (the gospel). To be a herald, or in general, to proclaim.  To preach the gospel as a herald.”[I]

Proclaim divine truth.

Hearing the term “preaching” doesn’t make me think of fond memories.  Listening to the pastor preach, sitting on an ornate wooden bench, white gloves, lacy socks, patent leather shoes accessorizing my Sunday dress, not my funniest childhood memories.  Preaching to me means uncomfortable and boring.

Parents preach, teachers preach, bosses preach.  None of them uplifting and encouraging experiences.

However, sharing the divine truth about Jesus causes life change.  Nothing boring about living life fuller because of God.  Preaching about God’s Son should engage and challenge all who listen.

Share passionately.

We all share in the Great Commission to make disciples throughout the nations (Matthew 28:16-20 ESV).  In essence, God made each of us preachers.  Our best sermon becomes how we live our lives.  People learn from watching more than listening.

Coaching tennis depends on demonstration.  Setting an example in how to play the game and proper etiquette means I must do it.  The kids don’t listen, but they do watch and imitate.

For the warm-up, we use multi-sided dice with different exercises listed.  Rolling the dice, each student must complete five activities.  Since we’ve implemented this into the program, I do five exercises daily with the kids, leading by example.  Actions speak louder than words.

Live your life to the fullest, giving God the glory.  Accept His love and mercy into your life, share it with everyone you meet.  Let your preaching uplift and encourage 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 (p138) Thomas Nelson