Honest Reflections

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

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 22:21-23:30 ESV, Luke 1:57-80 ESV, Psalm 58:1-11 ESV, Proverbs 11:12-13 ESV

Daily Verse: “And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.” (Luke 1:58 ESV)

ELEOS (1656): “Compassion (human or divine).  The free gift for the forgiveness of sins and is related to the misery that sins brings.  God’s tender sense of our misery displays itself in His efforts to lessen and entirely remove it-efforts that are hindered and defeated only by man’s continued perverseness.  Grace removes guild, mercy removes misery.  Is the outward manifestation of pity; it assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and resources adequate to meet the need on the part of him who shows it.”[I]

Mercy removes misery.

Today’s heroine, Elizbeth, experienced misery because of her inability to have children. Society at the time deemed childbearing as a sign of God’s blessing in people’s life. Obviously, from a worldly perspective, Elizabeth’s sin kept her from conceiving, but not from God’s.  Why Elizabeth didn’t have other children before John the Baptist, I don’t know.  But I do know, God, removed her misery when she became pregnant.

Our misery differs from Elisabeth’s.  Actions have consequences, not all good.  When we follow our sinful desires, the results often lead to heartache.  Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol leads to hangovers.  Overeating causes physical distress to the body.  Spending more money than you make leads to financial pits.  On and on the list goes of ways we can find ourselves in miserable situations, but God provides an answer, Jesus.

Receive the resources.

Mercy means you need someone to help you.  Elizabeth couldn’t create life without God’s intervention.  We can’t overcome our sins without Jesus’s help.  Every day, as we submit to God, we receive a fresh start:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)

God wants to help you with your misery.  Whatever the situation, ask God for mercy.  Often, when I’m in the pit, I pray, “God, give me a break.”  At those moments, I accept, I can’t handle things on my own; I need divine intervention to help me keep going.  Over fifty years of seeking God for relief, He’s always come through. 

God has the resources to give you mercy.  Seek the Creator today, give Him your misery, receive His mercy.

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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. 84) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 21:1-22:20 ESV, Luke 1:26-56 ESV, Psalm 57:1-11 ESV, Proverbs 11:9-11 ESV

Daily Verse: “And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28 ESV)

CHARITOO (5487): “To grace, i.e., indue with special honor, make accepted, be highly favoured.  To make graceful or gracious, and came to denote, to cause to find favour.”[I]

God honors.

Gabriel, God’s messenger, delivers a message to Mary.  The angel greets the young virgin, telling of God’s favor for her, His presence with her.  Mary doesn’t understand what Gabriel’s message means, becoming disturbed.  Once again, Gabriel reassures Mary, telling her to fear not because she possesses God’s special honor.  Then Gabriel tells Mary she will become pregnant with the world’s Savior.

When we think of God’s favor in our lives, I doubt we think of virgin births.  I can only imagine how Mary must have felt at this moment.  God’s favor in her life meant total upheaval from a worldly perspective.  Unwed and pregnant, she would become a social outcast.  I wonder if Mary ever questioned God’s favor in her life because it doesn’t seem favorable from an earthly view.

Favor unfolds.

God’s favor in Mary’s life unfolded over time.  Mary’s fiancé, Joseph, wanting to get out of the upcoming marriage, encounters an angel in his dream who tells of Jesus’s birth.  As a result, Joseph marries the pregnant virgin, protecting her from disgrace.  As their journey unfolds, God provides for them every step of the way, evidence of His favor in their lives.

Receiving God’s favor in our lives comes in varied forms.  Mary and Joseph found favor when they found a warm place to rest in the manger.  God’s guidance kept them from the persecution of King Herod.  One day at a time, God’s favor unfolded in their lives.

God’s favor exists in our lives.  Born in America, I experience God’s grace living in the land of the free.  Religious freedom allows us to worship however we want.  Unlike other countries, we get to gather corporately and worship God together.  As we seek our Maker, His favor unfolds in our lives, one day at a time.

Experience God’s favor in your life as you submit to Him.  Special honor comes to those who give their lives to God like Mary.

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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. 270) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 19:1-20:29 ESV, Luke 1:1-25 ESV,  Psalm 56:1-13 ESV,  Proverbs 11:8 ESV

Daily Verse: “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”(Luke 1:25 ESV)

ONEIDOS (3681): “Akin to base of 3686; notoriety, i.e., a taunt (disgrace).”[I]

Divine intervention.

God’s plan never fails to surprise me.  Elizabeth and Zechariah, an elderly couple with no children, led a blameless life.  Because Elizabeth didn’t give her husband children, she endured disgrace.  Culturally at the time, A wife’s duty first and foremost, bear children to carry on the family name and help provide for the family.  I envision a non-descript elderly couple quietly living under the radar, not drawing attention to themselves.

But then Elizabeth becomes pregnant far past childbearing age.  All of the taunts she endured now ended as she grew larger each month.  Meanwhile, Zechariah’s lack of belief caused God to silence him during the pregnancy, his ability to speak restored eight days after Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist.

Keep becoming.

Even though Elizabeth and Zechariah endured reproach, they didn’t let it stop them serving God.  The couple trusted God’s plan for their lives, even if it meant no children.  Decade after decade slipped by with no indication things would change, yet Elizabeth and Zechariah persevered; as a result, they became infamous for their role in the gospel story.

Persevering in the face of adversity challenges everyone.  Long periods passed before God moved in Elizabeth and Zechariah’s life.  Monotonous days can challenge our faith.  When praying seems ineffective, and nothing seems to change we can doubt the Creator.  But we must remember, Noah didn’t build the ark in a day.  Life happens over time, not all at once, but it can change in a heartbeat.

We never know when God will move in our lives, but we do know He will.  In an instant, Elizabeth went from barren to pregnant, her entire life changing forever.  No one knows what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds it.  Trusting God will unfold His plan takes faith, somedays more than others.  But we can trust.  God will move in your circumstances; He does know your story.  When and where only the Maker knows, God calls us to trust until then.

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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. 179) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 16:41-18:32 ESV, Mark 16:1-20 ESV, Psalm 55:1-23 ESV, Proverbs 11:7 ESV

Daily Verse: “Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.” (Mark 16:14 ESV) 

APISTIA (570): “Faithlessness, i.e. (neg.) disbelief (want of Chr. Faith), or (pos.) unfaithfulness (disobedience).”[I]  

Unbelief hardens hearts.

In my fifties, I’m beginning to understand more things in life; hindsight provides a 20/20 vision.  The condition of our heart determines outward actions.  Because the disciples didn’t believe the reports of Jesus’ resurrection, their hearts became hard.  Only when Jesus appeared to them did they believe.

Honestly, I don’t blame the disciples for their unbelief.  I can’t imagine the overwhelming emotions they experienced walking with Jesus to His death. Humanity limits our perspective.  Often, we can’t see past our circumstances, missing God’s handiwork as a result.

Impossible doesn’t exist.

Not only do I write devotionals, but I read them as well; Rick Warren’s Daily Hope[i] a staple for years.  Recently, Rick made a surprising revelation; he cut “impossible” out of his dictionary:

“I decided that if it’s not in God’s dictionary, it’s not going to be in mine.” Rick Warren[ii]

God can do anything He wants, but God doesn’t always do what we want.  Our struggle lies in reconciling God’s sovereignty with human desire.  From our perspective, we think we know the solution, but God’s the one with the correct answers. 

Belief means cutting impossible out of your dictionary.  Trusting God despite the world’s pain challenges us all, but we must.  If we don’t have faith, we’ll never experience miracles.  Hardened hearts don’t believe; soft ones do.

Ask God to soften your heart today, filling you with belief.  Experience the miracle of life as you walk through your day. Impossible doesn’t exist 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. 34) Thomas Nelson

[i] https://pastorrick.com/devotional/

[ii] https://pastorrick.com/count-on-god-to-do-the-impossible/

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 15:17-16:40 ESV, Mark 15:1-47 ESV, Psalm 54:1-7 ESV, Proverbs 11:5-6 ESV

Daily Verse: “And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.” (Mark 15:20 ESV)

EMPAIZO (1702): “To play like a child, to sport, jest. Used only in the Synoptists, and in every instance, of the “mockery” of Christ.” [I]

Sporting jest hurts.

Making someone else the object of your play hurts them deeply. If you’ve ever endured mocking, you know the pain associated with it.  The guards mocked Christ before they led him to the Cross.   Jesus’ sufferings began before they nailed Him to the course beams.

Often, I think of the scene from Passion of the Christ when the guards taunt Jesus, playing with Him.  Watching the Savior treated horrifically, grasping He endured the treatment on my behalf humbles me.  We take for granted Christ’s sufferings because of the distance between then and now.  Having heard the story so many times, we lose the gravity of the situation because of familiarity.  The guards made Jesus the object of their sporting jest.

Remember the cost.

Taking time to put yourself in Jesus’ place, imagining how He felt standing helpless before the guards, enduring their jibes, hopefully, will make you appreciate Christ.  God’s Son suffered so we could live.  Our freedom does have a price, one Jesus paid.

Remembering Jesus’ sacrifice accomplishes two things.  First, recognizing Christ’s unconditional love for you, warts and all, frees us from self-condemnation.  Finding freedom from our sins gives us new life.  And because of the love we receive, we can love others better. 

Secondly, thinking about the guards making fun of Jesus makes me not want to become a guard, someone who mocks other people.  Mocking others hurts them and destroys relationships, yet we do it.  Jesus never made fun of people; He always loved.  If we want to become more like Christ, we must avoid becoming a guard.

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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. 86) Thomas Nelson