Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 4-7 GW; Galatians 2 GW

No one is always right.

Become comfortable with your imperfections.  Paul is writing to the Galatians.  If you’re unaware of Paul’s history, he killed and tortured anyone who followed Christ.  Then, one day on his way to Damascus, Paul met Jesus.  At the time, his name was Saul. After his heavenly encounter with Jesus, he became a new person in Christ, with a new name, Paul.

Paul’s conversion was miraculous.  Light shone from heaven as Jesus confronted Paul on his journey.  Immediately, Paul knew his experience changed his life.  When we meet Jesus, life change is the result.  We leave our past behind and begin rebuilding a new life in Christ.

Admitting our faults is difficult for everyone.  When I was a store manager, I made mistakes on the schedule.  My assistant would point out my errors, which made me feel like an idiot.  In my late 20’s I had high expectations of myself.  Whenever I faltered, I felt like a failure in front of my staff.  At the time, I was rebuilding my relationship with Jesus after years of turning my back on Him.  My newfound faith gave me the strength to admit my faults.

In our weakness, God makes us strong.

Admitting our weaknesses makes us vulnerable.  Recently, I watched a rising tennis star whose father is developing two forehands for the youngster. Naturally right-handed, the boy’s left forehand is the weakest.  Every opponent the young man faces knows to hit the ball to the left side.  Inevitably, they are helping the athlete become stronger by exploiting his weakness.  The more practice he gets, the stronger his forehand becomes.

In the same way, when we expose our weaknesses, God helps us become stronger. We’re able to accept our imperfections, realizing God made us that way for a reason.  Paul became God’s most prominent advocate, writing most of the New Testament.  Because of Christ,  his life changed dramatically.  Jesus does the same for us. 

Admitting you are wrong isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength.  Rebuilding occurs when we can say we’re sorry.

Lord, thank You for turning our weaknesses into strength.  Forgive us for not admitting our faults.  Help us become comfortable saying we were wrong.  As we become comfortable with our imperfections, let Your perfection cover our shortcomings.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

What area do you need to admit you were wrong?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 1-3 GW; Galatians 1 GW

Choose who you please.

Every day we all face the same choice:  God or people.  Who are you going to please?  If you’re more concerned with people, God isn’t a priority in your life.  Doing what will make others happy isn’t fulfilling.  But when we care about God over people, it’s a win-win situation.  Pleasing God means loving people unconditionally, but that’s not the same as pleasing them.  Loving people for God means putting their best interests first.

For instance, if you’re five year old wants to play with a hot stove, you say no.  Pleasing the child in this instance causes them more harm than good.  Loving them means not allowing them to have what they want because you are protecting them.  God does the same thing for us.  He tells us no because the Almighty is protecting us from injury.  

Pleasing God doesn’t always please others.

In one of my social groups, we had a minor conflict occur.  At a recent event, a woman approached me with a question.  A lie would avoid controversy, but Jesus is clear; we’re not to tell falsities.  So I told the truth, which led to upheaval.  However, in the long run, exposing the truth was the best option.  A friend later said to me, “You should have just lied.” My response was simple, “I love Jesus; He doesn’t like lying.  Jesus comes first.  Sometimes God calls us to take a stand, and apparently, He wants me to take this one.”

Pleasing God and people are impossible.  We have to choose who is going to come first in our lives.  Essentially, we’re choosing between the eternal and the temporary.  Everyone knows when you buy a toy for a child, its appeal wears off quickly.  But when we decide to put God first, His presents last for eternity.

Choose wisely today.  Please God first and foremost; follow His instructions for loving people.  Not every action will make others happy, but if you love them for Jesus, you will help them know God.  The best gift you can give anyone is an introduction to the Almighty.

Lord, thank You for eternal life.  Forgive us for trying to please people instead of You.  Help us to choose wisely today.  When faced with the decision of who we are going to serve, let us always choose You.  Give us the strength and courage to do what You call us to do.  IJNIP  Amen

Question for reflection

Who are you concerned with pleasing today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Daniel 11-12 GW; James 5 GW

Suffering ends.

One way or another, what struggle you’re enduring today will end someday.  Maybe not tomorrow or the next day, but trials do pass.  In my mind, when things are at their worst, I have the same thought: “God’s got something really good in store for me.” Why else would God allow so much pain and suffering if He didn’t have something up His sleeve?

We forget so quickly; this world is temporary.  Our eternal life lasts forever.  The few decades we get on Earth are nothing compared to infinity in heaven.  A few nights ago, I was reading through our family lineage my cousin did. Scanning through the pages, I found names I’d never heard of before.  My imagination began wondering about their lives.  They struggled more than I can even imagine.  Dating back to the early 1800s, more than half lived without electricity.  Deaths from Diptheria and other deadly diseases were common.  Hospitals weren’t on every corner like they are today.  Death ends worldly struggles.

Eternity is good.

Whatever my ancestor’s struggles were, every one of them ended. God called them into eternity at their appointed time.  Whatever purpose God created for them fulfilled, final rest came.  

I still struggle with death, as many of us do. Like so many other hurting hearts, I’ve lost loved ones—some at very young ages, which is hard to understand.  But Jesus says He prepares a place for us, and I believe Him.

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2 NIV)

Faith believes something better is coming.  Belief gives hope.  If we just looked at our circumstances, we would have no hope.  But if we look to Jesus, believing His words are valid, we’ll know, suffering ends.  

Take heart today.  Whatever God’s taking you through, He’s preparing you for the blessing.  And trust Him, it’s worth the trip.

Lord, thank You for Your unending love and mercy.  Forgive us for losing hope in our struggles.  Renew our spirits today with a fresh breath from You.  Give us hope for our futures, ones that You’ve prepared for us.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How does your relationship with God give you hope?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Daniel 9-10 GW; James 4 GW

God understands motive.

We think our requests to God are pure but often aren’t. God knows when we’re asking for something for our pleasure, even when we don’t.  When I was a child, asking God to make my parents say” “Yes,” to whatever childish request I had never worked. Why wouldn’t God do my will?

Because God isn’t at my beck and call, I’m at His.  We think we know what is good for us, but we don’t.  An alcoholic wouldn’t take the first drink if he knew it would ruin his life.  God knows when we’re drinking from the wrong cup.  If we’re heading down the wrong path, God changes our direction.  Our annoyances are God’s maneuverings.   When things don’t go our way, sometimes, it’s because we’re going in the wrong direction.

Honesty is the best policy.

We can’t decipher our motives as God can.  What we can do is talk to God honestly about whatever is going on in our lives.  Currently, I have a relationship issue that seems stagnant from my perspective. I’ve followed God’s promptings to the best of my ability, but nothing seems to happen.  The harder I try, the worse the situation seems to get.  But I keep talking to God about the circumstance, asking for His guidance.  What I’ve found, God is changing me.

The situations God puts in our lives grow us.  God purifies our hearts by giving us what we need, not what we want. One of my favorite movies, Bruce Almighty, depicts what happens if God said “Yes” to everyone’s requests.  Chaos would rule because our desires aren’t pure.  Think of some of the situations you’ve prayed about in your life. With hindsight, you’re thankful God said, “No.” We all have them.

God knows our motives.  He purifies our hearts with His answers.  If God doesn’t give you what you want, trust He’s got your back.  No one loves you more than God.  Believe God knows what is best for you, especially when you don’t.

Lord, thank You for saying, “No” to us.  Forgive us for expecting You to answer to us.  Help us accept Your sovereignty in our lives.  Whatever answer You give us, we know it’s the best one.  Protect us from ourselves. You know we need it.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

How has God annoyed you lately?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Daniel 7-8 GW; James 3 GW

Tongues praise and curse.

One minute we’re praising God; the next moment, cursing people.  More times than I’d like to admit, I’ve had people say this to me.  “God doesn’t know them like I do.”  Typically, these words come after I remind them, “God loves whoever too.”  When someone has hurt us, the last thing we want to think about is God’s affection for them.  After all, how could God cherish someone who caused us pain?  The answer is simple because He created them.

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27 NIV)

What I’ve learned about difficult people in my life, they are the ones God uses to grow me.  Loving people you like is easy; however, caring for those who annoy you, not so much.  Obedience to God requires loving people.  God created us in His image, but each of us has a unique personality.  The challenge comes in showing affection for those opposite of us.

Keep a soft heart.

Recently, my therapist gave me a new prayer.  We were discussing someone whose actions aren’t lovely towards me.  Understanding this person is operating from a place of pain, I’m trying not to take offense.  But when someone is intentionally mean to you, keeping a soft heart is challenging.  We can’t remain affectionate towards them without God’s help, which is why my therapist told me to ask God to keep my heart soft.

Ever since my therapist said these words to me, they’ve changed my life.  Anyone at all who offends me, I immediately begin praying, “Keep my heart soft.”  Her words captured me.  My therapist made me realize how easily we harden our hearts towards people because of their actions.  But if we’re to love like Jesus, we need to keep our hearts soft.  Controlling our tongue helps us accomplish our goals.

Speak only uplifting and encouraging words.  If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.  Ask God to keep your heart soft towards those who hurt you.  Let praises come from your lips, not curses.

Lord, thank You for creating us in Your image.  Forgive us for cursing others.  Help us keep soft hearts towards those who offend us.  Let words of praise come from our mouths.  Stop us from saying mean things that cause pain.  Fill our mouths with uplifting and encouraging words only.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

Who is your heart hardened to today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Daniel 5-6 GW; James 2 GW

God writes divine messages.

King Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, threw a party and decided to use the gold and silver utensils his grandfather stole from God’s temple.  Amid the banquet, a hand appears and begins writing on the wall, but no one can interpret the writing.   Finally, Daniel, a prophet of God, comes and reads the words: Numbered, Weighed, and Divided.

Daniel explains to the king because Belshazzar used the utensils from the temple, he was declaring himself mightier than God.  As a result, God sent this message:

“This is its meaning: Numbered—God has numbered the days of your kingdom and will bring it to an end. Weighed—you have been weighed on a scale and found to be too light. Divided—your kingdom will be divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” (Daniel 5:26-28 GW)

Pay attention to the writing.

King Belshazzar didn’t live to see another sunrise; he died that very night.  He ignored the writing because he genuinely thought he was invincible.  God sends us messages, too; it’s up to us whether we accept them or not.

The first place to hear from God is through the scriptures.  Technology may change, but the human condition doesn’t.  Emotional reactions and situations aren’t anything new.  Instead of jealousy over someone’s horse, we’re now envious of people’s cars.  Relationships endure lying, cheating, and stealing throughout history.  How to deal with these situations is what we find in the Bible.

If we ignore the writing, we miss the message.  Part of my daily practice is to read the chapter of Proverbs that coincides with the date.  Thirty-one chapters mean one for every day, which also equals fresh wisdom daily.  Every day my heart receives a message of wisdom from God, written by Solomon for all to enjoy.

Take time to read God’s writing.  Spend time in the scriptures daily.  Your life will change, without a doubt.

Lord, thank You for Your love letter to us.  Forgive us for not reading the scriptures more.  Help us today; receive the message you’re sending us.  In all things, let us submit to You.  As we read Your word, let it change our lives for the better.  Help us represent You well today. IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How has reading God’s word changed your life?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Daniel 3-4 GW; James 1 GW

God’s with you in the flames.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were friends of Daniel’s.  In captivity,  King Nebuchadnezzar forces them to worship his gold idol or get thrown in the furnace.  Standing firm in their faith, the three young men refuse.  As a result, the guards tie their hands and pitch them into the flames.  The furnace was so hot; the fire killed the soldiers who took them to their fate.  But then God appears in the blaze.

King Nebuchadnezzar lept to his feet when he realized something was amiss.  Instead of seeing three men in the fire, he sees four.  Not only were they walking around in the fire, but their hands were no longer tied.  In amazement, the King calls out to them:

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire,” (Daniel 3:26 GW)

You aren’t alone.

No matter what blaze life has you in today, God is with you.  Not only is God present, but His presence frees you from whatever binds you.  Fear can’t hold you down when God is holding you up.  The flames of life are hot, but God controls the fire.  Just like the King called the young men out of their fiery furnace, in time, you will come out of yours.  In the meantime, you can stand firm, knowing God is with you in the flames.

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:7 KJV)

The fires of life purify us, helping our faith grow.  When tossed in flames, our only hope is God.  As He walks through the blaze with us, God doesn’t let us perish.  Instead, praise comes from our lips for God’s protection from the heat.

You’re not alone in the fire.  God is with you.  With Him, you will survive.

Lord, thank You for Your protection in the fire.  Forgive us for doubting Your presence in our storms.  Free us from the ties that bind us, help us walk confidently in the flames, knowing You are with us.  In You, we find victory.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

What fire are you facing today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Daniel 1-2 GW; Psalms 136 GW

Forever doesn’t end.

And neither does God’s mercies.  Whatever you’re beating yourself up for today, God will forgive you. Don’t let your misdeeds separate you from the unconditional love of God.  His mercies are fresh every morning:

Every single day of your life, God has fresh mercies for you and me.  As humans, we are never going to achieve perfection.  Not until God calls us to our heavenly home will we find absolute excellence.  Until then, we will battle our sinful nature.  But God’s mercy is available to help us start again.

Managing my weight is always a challenge.  Some weeks I do well, others not so fantastic.  But each Saturday morning, when I step on the scale, it is a restart.  Whether the past seven days were good or bad, my slate is clean, and I begin again.  Life with God gives you the same opportunity each morning.

Surrender daily.

Beginning again daily with God requires surrender.  Acknowledging the sins of yesterday helps to lay them at the foot of the cross, allowing God to do His work in us.  The first thing God does is cover us in His mercy. He is renewing us as He forgives us and prepares us for the day ahead.

Essentially, receiving God’s mercy means giving up our schedule for His, laying down our desires, pursuing God’s instead.  No matter how many times we falter, God always forgives.  His purpose for your life is unique to you.  Whatever challenges you face, God will use them to grow you, helping you become a new person in Christ.

Accept your human nature.  Trust that God forgives you. Each morning, start fresh.  Receive God’s mercy and begin again.  His mercies are forever, never-ending.

Lord, thank You for Your unending mercy for our lives.  Forgive us for thinking we’re unforgivable.  Soften our hearts today, help us receive the mercy You offer.  As we do, give us what we need to forgive ourselves.  For everyone reading this, renew their hearts as they receive Your mercy.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What do you need to lay at the foot of the cross today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Lamentations 4-5 GW; Psalms 85 GW

God clears the way.

On the morning of this writing, I prayed this prayer, “God, clear the way for us.  We’re exhausted, give us a break.”  Life can overwhelm all of us.  Long workdays, unpredictable events, aches, and pains from aging can make one tired.  Sometimes, we’re fighting so hard on our own, we forget to rely on God.  His yoke is light:

“’Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light’” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV)

If we get too far ahead of God, our yoke becomes heavy.  When we let Him do the leading, we lighten the load.  God knows debris lays in our path.  If we allow Him to go before us, He’ll do the heavy lifting.  Give the weight of your world to God, let Him do the work.

Follow behind.

One thing we must accept in our relationship with Jesus, we walk behind Him.  Jesus prepares the road He wants us to take.  He went first in all things, including death.  We haven’t experienced any temptation, Jesus, Himself didn’t face.  We can handle our struggles by doing what Jesus did, realizing, He understands.

As a coach, I lead the way for my students.  Making sure I continue to play the sport, not just teach it, helps me empathize with my students.  When an opponent makes a questionable line call, they remind me how difficult managing the frustrating emotions are.  Therefore, when coaching, I teach my students how to handle bad line calls and the feelings that come with the situation.  Trust is built between my students and me because they know I understand.

Let God do the leading today.  Trust He knows what He is doing, even if you don’t understand it.  Allow God to clear your path, making your yoke light.

Lord, thank You for making way for us.  Forgive us for not trusting You.  Help us keep moving forward, even though we don’t necessarily understand.  Give us Your yoke, making our journey easy.  Allow Your peace to sustain in whatever crises we are facing.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

How are you following Jesus today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Lamentations 3 GW; Psalms 140 GW

God protects.

If we want safety, God is the answer.  Ruler of the Universe, He is our protector.  No one else can do what God does.  Christ-followers in peril seek God.  Currently, in certain places around the world, having faith in Jesus will lead to death.  In their darkest hour, God is their protection.  Praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are under life-threatening persecution is something we all should do.  Living in America at this time, we don’t know that fear.  But we can pray for those who do.

People exist who want to abolish Christ-followers.  Jesus’s name is the only one people curse.  I’ve never heard anyone use Buddha or Mohammed as a swear word.  But I regularly hear people say Jesus’s name that way.  Why is that?  Because Jesus is the one true God.  Seeking Him leads to eternal life found no other way.  Satan wants us to curse Him, don’t fall for the trap.  Guard your hearts and minds.  

Cloak yourself in Christ.

Putting on the armor of God will help you stand firm in the face of adversity:

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  (Ephesians 6:11, 14-17 GW)

Dress for success today in God’s armor.  Whatever foe you’re facing, let God keep you safe.  Cloaked in Christ, you have the assurance of life eternal.  Nothing can separate you from God.  In Him, you are safe.

Lord, thank You for protecting us.  Forgive us when we seek security elsewhere.  Help us put on the Your full armor today.  Cloak us in Christ as we face our enemies.  Let us respond in love to all that would hurt us.  As we move through our day, help us stand firmly, knowing You are our ultimate protector.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

What storm do you need refuge from today?