Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 60-64 GW; Revelation 20 GW

Spiritual joy multiplies.

Experiencing God’s grace makes you want to share it with others.  The Maker’s peace surpasses all understanding, something we can pass to others.  Freedom in Christ brings new life, one you want others to experience as well.  When people first believe in Jesus, their enthusiasm can often challenge people around them.  They are overzealous in their desire to share Christ, often causing unintended harm.  We learn to communicate Jesus’ love better as we grow and mature, knowing actions speak louder than words.

Ending another year of writing devotionals gives me joy.  Thinking back over the last 365 days makes me grateful.  Through thick and thin, God helped us persevere.  Counting blessings, an excellent way to share the good news of Jesus with others.  Praise God for providing us with a home, food, good health, and jobs.  But also, thank God for walking with us through the moments of uncertainty and fear, for giving us hope when we felt hopeless.  Praise God for His light which leads us through a dark world.

Praise God.

Sharing the good news means praising God to others.  Tell people how believing in Jesus changed your life.  Show others the way to find freedom in Christ.  Honestly, talk about your struggles and how Jesus’ helped you overcome them.  Accepting Christ means God’s Spirit lives within us, guiding us through our days.  God’s assistance, available to all who believe.  Sharing our faith means telling our story, how God changed our lives.

I’ve shopped for a cross necklace for months but didn’t find one I liked.  Discouraged, I asked God for hope.  We received our Christmas card from our uncle in Texas a week later.  Nestled in a letter was a beautiful cross necklace, a mite in the middle.  Mites are what the poor widow put in the offering; Jesus commended her for giving everything (Mark 12:41-44). Uncle Earl shared the good news through the action of love, inspiring and encouraging me to do the same.  

We can’t help but share the good news with God’s spirit in us.

Lord, thank You for filling us with Your Spirit.  Forgive us when we don’t follow Your promptings.  As we move through the day, don’t let us miss opportunities to tell people what You’ve done for us.  Help us praise you loudly to all those who will listen.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

How can you praise God today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 56-59 GW; Revelation 19 GW

God gives strength.

Verbally praising God acknowledges His presence in your life.  Four tornadoes devastated Kentucky on Dec. 10, 2021.  Watching news coverage, Dr. Milton West, pastor of First Christian Church of Mayfield, KY, talked about the communion table.  Nothing survived the onslaught of circular winds except the ornate table, cross still standing.  Small tiles sitting on the unbroken glass read, “Glory.”  In a Christian RV Facebook group, I saw several posts of Bibles found untouched in the rubble.  Everything was lost but the word of God.  People found hope amid tragedy, giving them strength.

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth:

    It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” 

(Isaiah 55:11 NIV)

One survivor, holding the blue and gray Bible, shared the verse from Isaiah.  Expecting to find nothing in the remnants of his home, he discovered his monogrammed book lying on the floor.  

God’s word prevails.

“My God is still on the throne and still in control!  We might not know what He is doing and why but His hand is in this.”  Austin McReynolds, Tornado Survivor

Life’s devastations come without warning.  All of us experience them.  But God remains constant, no matter what the storm.  Finding comfort within the pages of Scripture leads us to praise God, trusting the unfolding of His plan in our lives. 

First Christian Church gathered for services in the parking lot on Dec. 12, 2021. Uniting in fellowship, the key to moving forward from the tragic event. 

“We will pull together and find ways to grieve, to celebrate, to locate, and to care.”  Dr. West

God meant for us to live in a community.  Strength comes from gathering together during life’s difficulties, persevering in faith, and trusting God.  As we approach the beginning of a new year, praise God with others.  Join the heavenly crowds in proclaiming God’s sovereign power.  Gain strength from God.

Lord, thank You for giving us strength in the storm.  Forgive us for not turning to You sooner.  Whenever we stray, draw us back to You.  Help us persevere in the storms we’re facing.  Give us peace for today and hope for tomorrow.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

How does praising God help you persevere?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 53-55 GW; Psalms 65 GW; Revelation 18 GW

Sins overwhelm.

“I hope he had time to make peace with his Maker.” 

The prosecutor’s words struck me while listening to “Broken Chains,” part four of the “Truth Be Told” series by Kim Henderson about abuse in the church.  Referring to David Earl King’s death, he was a pastor convicted of child abuse.  In his final hours, no one knows if he found peace with God over what he did on earth.  Thinking about making peace with our Maker means coming to terms with the things we’ve done.

In my fifties, making peace with my past allows me to strip myself of the things that hold me down.  I’m not enjoying the present moment when I condemn myself for historical mistakes.  Now only happens once.  What I’m discovering, I’m overwhelmed with my sin.  Constantly battling my human nature, past, present, and future exhausts me.  Only when I make peace with God can I gain His.

Forgiveness frees.

“You are only as sick as your darkest secret.” my therapist said at the end of one of our sessions.  The things we can’t or won’t talk about in life make us sick.  Confessing our sins to God begins the healing process.  As we accept that God loves us, we can start to forgive ourselves no matter our sins.  In my experience, I’m the one I can’t forgive.  My expectations of myself are higher than any I place on someone else.  When I’m struggling, God helps.

God’s grace never ends nor depletes.  Jesus died to give us life, hanging on the cross for us.  Someone had to bear our sins; Jesus did the job.  If we don’t accept His gift, our sin will overwhelm us.  Saying “Yes” to Christ frees you from your past, allowing you to live in the moment, enjoying the now.

Make peace with your Maker.  Speak your secrets to Him.  Feel less overwhelmed today.

Lord, thank You for saving us.  Forgive us for not believing or accepting the gift you offer.  Help us become healthier as we bear our sins to You.  Cleanse us from our pasts, purify us through Christ’s blood, heal us completely.  Teach us to enjoy the moment, knowing You have us in the palm of Your hand.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

Have you accepted God’s grace in your life?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 49-52 GW; Revelation 17 GW

Jesus brings joy.

Today, celebrating the birth of Jesus fills us with joy.  Bonding our lives eternally with His gives us new life.  Light invades the darkness when the journey with Christ begins.  No longer does sin hold us captive; God’s grace and mercy cover our inequities.  We are all equal in Jesus, brothers, and sisters in Christ.

Think of what Jesus does for you every day.  Spending time with friends and family, thank God for another year together.  Appreciate the blessings you have.  Praise Jesus for health, wealth, and gladness.  Whatever gifts you enjoy came from above:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”(James 1:17 NIV)

Recently, my husband couldn’t find his keys after service in church.  Turning to the ladies behind us, I asked for help.  Not seeing the keys, with a sparkle in her eye, one lady said:

“Your sure do like to dance!”

Embarrassed, with a smile, I said, “Worship is my favorite part!”

Worship well!

Sing for joy at the birth of Jesus.  Let yourself worship the baby who became our Saviour.  Celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in world history, the day Christ entered the world as flesh, His mission one of love.

Focus on the Savior today.  Whatever mountains you’re facing, give them to the Mountain Mover.  Rest in the glory of Jesus’ birth, singing joyfully for our King.  Prepare room in your heart for the King of all Kings. Carry the wonder of Christmas with you throughout the year.  Share Jesus’ miraculous birth with all who will listen.

Lord, thank You for Jesus!  Forgive us for getting caught up in the whirlwind of the holiday, forgetting its original meaning in the hustle and bustle of Christmas.  As we celebrate Christ’s birth today, fill our hearts with joy to last all year long.  Help us carry the message of Christmas throughout the next 365 days.  Let heaven and nature sing at the birth of our King.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

How does Jesus make you sing for joy?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 45-48 GW; Revelation 16 GW

God created community.

When our Creator set the earth on its axis, He fully intended to fill the planet with people.  The kaleidoscope of humanity, a miracle to behold.  Different races, skin color, languages, cultures, all part of God’s original plan.  Everything done with intentionality.

Talking with a friend about her past, she wondered why God allowed her ex-husband to cheat on her.  Or why did God allow 911 to happen, killing thousands of people.  My response, God didn’t make those choices, the people involved decided to do those things.  God gave us free will, we have options, either follow Jesus or not.  When humans pick themselves over Jesus, their deeds reflect the decision.

“But my heart always ached for those who don’t know Jesus, their actions being a reflection of that,” Shelby Houston, speaking at her father’s funeral.

Choose the Creator.

Shelby Houston’s father, Richard, died in the line of duty while responding to a domestic abuse call. She is only 18 years old; Shelby’s heart aches for the killer because his actions indicate he didn’t know Jesus.  God intended to inhabit the earth with people, and His ultimate plan, for them to choose Him.  Love can’t exist without choice.

God loves everyone, Jesus’ actions on the cross demonstrate His affection for us.  But we must choose Him.  Love only works when given freely, no one can force someone to love them.  When I was in highschool with a crush on the star baseball player, I couldn’t force him to return my affections.  Life doesn’t work like that and neither does God.

Choosing Jesus means accepting the love God gives.  Realizing, God wants a relationship with you so badly; He created a way for eternal bonding.  But you have to make the decision; our Maker doesn’t force himself on anyone.  Appreciating the people who made a choice first helps you make the same decision.

Richard Houston chose Jesus first; as a result, his daughter did as well.  Appreciate the people in your life that guide you on the right paths.  God created us all in love.  His hope, you will choose Jesus.

Lord, thank You for those who’ve gone before us.  Forgive us for not choosing You always.  Help us today to follow You.  Give us strength and courage to face the day ahead, knowing You are in charge; Your plan, always the best one.  All glory belongs to You.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who are you choosing today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 42-44 GW; Revelation 15 GW

God protects.

Doing the right thing always takes effort.  Overcoming hurt feelings to represent God well, never easy.  To love people, we must overlook their offenses.  Instead of assuming hurtful actions were intentional, think they weren’t.  Remember God loves them too, our calling, communicate God’s affection to them.  God never calls us to judge; He calls us to love.

Keeping in stride with Jesus, we must remind ourselves of His perspective.  Dying on the cross, the ultimate act of love.  Jesus died for you, me, and the person you’re mad at right now.  No exceptions of who we’re to love, everyone.  Doing the right thing, the best way to share God’s love.  

Start with prayer.

If you don’t know what the right thing to do is in life, start with prayer.  Believe as God’s purpose unfolds in your life, He will give you direction.  As you partner with God, coming under His protective wing, you will find the courage to take the next step.

Forgiving someone who hurt you takes courage.  Letting go of past offenses, praying for ones who’ve betrayed you, difficult.  But with God, all things are possible.  Allowing Jesus to guide and direct your steps will help you do the right thing.  If you falter, God will give you another chance.  

“You don’t have to hit a home run every time; you just have to get on base.” Rick Warren

When we take steps of faith, we must give ourselves grace.  Do the best you can, trusting God will do the rest.  We can get on base under our Maker’s protection, one hit at a time.  Eventually, becoming obedient to God becomes your only option, realizing, no other way works as well.  

God will hold your hand, helping you accomplish your mission.  Following Jesus, always the path to victory.  Live for the applause of one.  Nailed scarred hands give the best protection.

Lord, thank You for protecting us in our calling.  Forgive us for doubting Your divine intervention.  As we move through our day, help us remember our calling to love You and others.  Give us the strength to do the demanding things we all must do in life.  Shetler us in Your arms as we do our best to represent You well.  Guide and direct us, Lord, today and always.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

What is God calling you to do?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading:  Isaiah 39-41 GW; Revelation 14 GW

Belief gives rest.

One day, the Lord will call each of us home.  We’ll find rest from the work and toil of this world. Our efforts for God follow us into heaven.  When we reach the pearly gates, we’ll hear these words:

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:23 NIV)

Resting in peace means trusting God’s plan.  Even the days when nothing seems to change, the struggle continuing, our strength waning, we must have confidence in our heavenly Father.  During those moments when I doubt God, one thought keeps me going.  Becoming a better person because I follow Jesus is worth every bit of effort.  

Believing is a blessing.

Rotating our life around God creates innumerable blessings.  Instead of ruling the world, we can let the Creator do it.  Accepting our lack of control helps us focus on what we can sway.  The only thing we can manage is how we respond in any given situation.  When someone screams at us, we don’t have to yell back.  Instead, we can respond in love, trying to resolve the problem instead of dominating it.

Christ’s peace happens when we become obedient to His commands; namely, loving God, loving others.  When we practice what Jesus teaches, we’ll discover unexplainable tranquility. Belief gives relief, taking the world’s weight off our shoulders, placing it on God, who can handle it. God never meant for us to save the world; that’s Jesus’ job.

Our job is simple, love God, love others.  When we partner with our Maker to care for the world, we’ll enjoy His peace.  Nothing can separate us from God’s love.   Rest in God’s peace by trusting His promises and obeying His commands.

Lord, thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding.  Forgive us for doubting You.  As we follow You today, spur us on as only You can.  Give us Your peace that surpasses all understanding.  Allow us to draw closer to You as we pursue You.  All glory is Yours.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

How has your belief in God blessed you?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 36-38 GW; Revelation 13 GW

God delivers.

Amid war, the Assyrians demand Jerusalem surrender; God rescues his people once again.  As I read today’s verse, I thought of the countries within ourselves.  Those places where we’re rebelling against God, trying desperately to overcome on our power.  But we can only find victory with God on our side.

One of my “countries” I need God’s help destroying is nighttime eating.  For whatever reason, I graze throughout the night.  Half-awake, I raid the refrigerator for whatever contents appeal to me at the time. Realizing my nighttime visits aren’t helping me maintain a healthy weight, I started praying about attacking this country in my life.  God answered.

First, I felt prompted to develop accountability partners.  Texting two of my friends, I asked them to help me break this habit.  Realizing I need parameters in my life, I created a rule, no eating after dinner until the following day.  Fasting nighttime eating, praying every time I felt the urge to nibble brought God into the mix.  The first three days were the roughest; late-night texts to my friends got them praying for me.  But after a week, victory started to appear as the nighttime cravings began to lessen.

Reap the rewards.

Letting God help you destroy the hostile “countries” within you leads to heavenly rewards.  For me, my struggle with indigestion, much better.  No longer do I have to carry Tums everywhere I go.  My weight stopped increasing and began decreasing.  Sleeping through the night, a blessing from above.  But only with the Lord by my side could I find victory.

Enemy territory exists within us.  Areas of our life where we’re not obedient to God cause upheaval and distress.  Instead of finding God’s peace, we experience the consequences of our actions.  Thoughts and decisions we made without consulting God.  Only when we ask God to join us in the battle will we find His victory.

Take back land within you.  Allow God to come alongside you.  Let Him deliver you from your temptations.

Lord, thank You for walking beside us.  Forgive us for letting enemy territory exist in our lives.  Help us gain victory as we partner with You.  Deliver us from our temptations, strengthen us in the battle, make us whole once again.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

What territory do you need God’s help to reclaim?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 32-35 GW; Revelation 12 GW

Energy renews.

Life’s circular experience renews as it goes.  Sleep allows our body to rest, recharging the senses to face another day.  When we find our refuge in God, no matter what storm rages around us, His peace will reign in us.  Hiding in God’s arms means trusting His promises.

God provides energy every morning for the day ahead.  Filling our lungs with oxygen, the gift of breath comes from our Creator.  As long as we’re breathing, God has a purpose for us.  Where God guides, He provides.  Whatever strength you need, God will give.  Become intentional about spending time with  God every morning, access His energy for you.  Renewal can’t come without connection.

Connect to the charger.

Every night when I go to bed, I plug my phone into charge.  While I rest, my external brain gets a break, and its battery becomes full.  If we think of God as the electrical outlet and ourselves as the phone, we need to plug into the source to receive the energy.  Each new day you have the opportunity to make a fresh connection with your Maker.

When I write in my prayer journal, I confess at least one sin from the previous day, sometimes more.  What happens when I cleanse my soul, God renews me with His grace.  Knowing God forgives me before I even write the words gives me the courage to repent.  Admitting you’ve done something wrong challenges anyone.  However, only through submission can we reconnect with God’s sovereignty. Plugging our hearts in for renewal comes with surrender.

Each morning, plug into God.  Tell Him your heart, good and bad.  Allow Him to renew your strength.

Lord, thank You for providing all we need.  Forgive us for not trusting Your promises more.  As we seek You today, let us find You.  Renew our energy, fill our hearts, help us find the joy that comes only through You.  In things, the glory is Yours.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

What do you need to surrender to God today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 29-31 GW; Revelation 11 GW

God revives our souls.

Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, nothing compares to fresh snow.  Silently falling from the sky, blanketing the earth, the beauty from frozen water crystals takes the breath away.  Now, living in the south, I rarely see snow.  But I remember the excitement I felt each year when the first snow fell.  A rejuvenation to my soul occurred, watching the world change right before my eyes.

Life constantly changes.  During the hot days of summer, when the heat drains all energy from us, fall seems impossible.  But then, a slight chill in the air indicates a change of season.  Before you know what’s happening, the holidays are upon us, bringing the trials and tribulations of a decadent holiday filled with an abundance of food, drink, and merriment.  Overspending, trying to find the perfect present, causes stress above and beyond the norm.  December 26th eventually comes, leaving us exhausted and tired once again.  Winter days seem endless, but once again, change occurs as the weather warms and the leaves bud.

Seasons define life.

During stressful periods, our strength wanes.  Trying to maintain a positive attitude becomes exhausting.  Finding joy in a world of sadness seems impossible.  But if we think of our current situation as a season, we have hope; better days are coming.  Without our dark days, we wouldn’t appreciate the light.

God gives us strength for whatever battles we face.  But He doesn’t empower us until we need it.  Seasons don’t change one day too soon.  God’s timing, always perfect, doesn’t match ours.  What we think we need versus reality often differs.  God increases our strength when it needs increasing, not a minute sooner.  Just as we can count on the seasons to change, we can rely on God to strengthen us when needed.

Whatever task you face today, God will give you the strength to accomplish it.  Hang tight with God.  Just as the seasons change in due time, God will strengthen you when you need it.

Lord, thank You for giving us what we need when we need it.  Forgive us for losing hope.  As we face the divine tasks in front of us today, supply us with all we need to accomplish it.  Increase our strength, invigorate our souls, help us face our giants well.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

How has God strengthened you at the right moment?