Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 28 GW; Proverbs 13 GW

Speak intentionally.

Control what comes out of your mouth.  Don’t say every thought that comes into your head.  Assess your situation.  Remember, we’re to do all things in love:

“Do everything with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14 GW)

Talking is included in “everything.”  The words from our mouths are to encourage and uplift, not tear down.  When we speak out of turn, emotionally or without thinking, we will find ruin.  Even if what you’re talking about is true, it does no good if not said in love.

When you’re passionate about a topic, it’s hard not to become a big mouth.  Forcing your opinion on people does nothing to sway them.  If your heart isn’t right, your words aren’t either:

“But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.” (Matthew 15:18 NLT)

Heart check first.

Before you speak, check your heart.  Ask yourself questions.  Are the emotions you’re expressing filled with love or hate?  Is frustration more evident than patience?  Does engaging in this conversation further God’s kingdom or tear it down?

Recently, while browsing Facebook, I came across a political post.  The facts were incorrect and not telling the entire story.  Furiously, I began to type a response.  Then I stopped myself.  I realized I was already angry.  Immediately I deleted my words before posting.  If I can’t engage in a conversation with love, I’m not going to engage in the conversation at all.  As my mother always said, “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.”  Doing a heart check before posting protected me from entering into a weak argument.  

You can delete words from a post, but not the ones that come from your mouth.  Once said, you can’t get them back.

Protect yourself by controlling your mouth.  Check your heart for correct motives; don’t become a big mouth. Speak everything in love.

Lord, how grateful we are You are our ultimate protector.  Even in our worst moments, You can bring good.  Forgive us for forcing our opinions on others.  Help us to think before we speak.  Align our hearts with Yours, so we talk love, not hate.   Today, as life’s pressures surround us, don’t let us lose sight of You.  Help us honor and glorify You in everything we do.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

When have you been a big mouth?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 26-27 GW; Psalms 19 GW; Proverbs 12 GW

Choosing God renews you.

Each morning when you roll out of bed, you have a choice.  Yesterday may have been horrible, but today is a new day. You may have done something in the past 24 hours you regret, but today you can begin again.  Maybe you told a lie yesterday, today you can tell the truth.  Perhaps you spoke not with love, today you can choose differently.

God is a God of second chances, as many of them as you need.  Life is a journey, we grow as we travel through our days:

“The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one.” J.D. Salinger

Maturing happens when we choose today to declare the Lord as our God. Just as Jesus lived humbly for us, each hour that passes is an opportunity to do the same.  God’s grace forgives us of our past, gives us peace in the present, and hope for the future.

Begin again.

In our technological world, we all know what to do if our phones are acting up; restart it.  Living humbly for God requires constant restarts.  We have to let go of the past, declare our faith in God, and obey Him.  When we mess-up, reboot.  

How many times I have to ask God for forgiveness in a typical day is impossible to count.  I feel like I’m constantly asking for grace for one reason or another.  But God is always ready to forgive and give me another chance.  He’ll do the same for you.

No matter what yesterday was, today isn’t.  Declare your faith in God anew.  Obey His commands, listen for His still, small voice.

Lord, thank You for a new day.  We’re grateful to have a fresh start, not just today but every day.  Forgive us for not letting go of the past, for holding on to things You’ve forgiven.  Help us declare You as our God.  Give us what we need to obey your laws and commands.  Open our ears to hear Your voice.  When we need to reboot, help us do it.  Time and again, let us always return to You.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Are you in need of a restart?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 24-25 GW; Proverbs 11 GW; Psalms 49 GW

Doublespeak is exhausting.

Trying to decipher truth takes energy when the story constantly changes.  News outlets and social media say whatever is necessary to get the ratings.  One good thing that came from 2020, a recent Gallup survey reported only 9% of adults trust mass media completely.  People are aware of the hypocrisy that has taken over our media outlets.

Flipping from a liberal news channel to a conservative one can cause a mental tailspin.  One station reports riots, while the other reports peaceful protests.  Both are hypocrites, catering to their audiences.  The same Gallup survey reported over 90% of each political party watches the news channel that supports their belief system.  Therefore, they’re only getting half of the story.  When reality doesn’t match what they hear in the media, people don’t know what to believe.

Following Jesus reveals truth.

Remain sane by focusing on the truth of Jesus.  Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.  Jesus was a man of integrity.  He told the truth; in Him, you’ll find no hypocrisy.  Jesus exemplifies how to live an honest life through Him.

To live a life of integrity means letting Jesus guide you.   In Him, you will find truth.  Jesus wasn’t a hypocrite.  He didn’t lie to get people to follow Him.  In love, Jesus was honest with all He met.  Jesus asked the right questions, allowing people to think for themselves.  By doing so, He exposed hypocrites.

We can do the same thing.  Follow Jesus’s example of asking questions.  Allow people to think about the words they are saying.  Often, people don’t realize they’re speaking out of both sides of their mouths.  

Don’t let hypocrites drive you nuts.  Focus on Jesus; let Him guide you.

Praise God for His guiding light.  Like a lighthouse in the sea, Your beacon gives us direction.  Forgive us for getting caught up in the hypocrisy of this world.  Help us rid ourselves of doublespeak; instead, help integrity lead our lives.  Give us the courage, to tell the truth in love to all.  Clear any confusion from our minds as we move through the hypocritical world we live in today.  Guide and protect us today and always.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What area is hypocrisy driving you nuts today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 23 GW; Philemon GW; Proverbs 10 GW

Find your village, find your strength.

Jesus lived in a small community, Nazareth, population 400.  He understood the intimacy of sharing life closely with a group of people. Everyone needs a village.  People who surround you and walk with you through the ups and downs of life.  People who show up when no one else does.  Individuals who have different gifts yet come together as one body.

Raised in the village of Tidal, God gave me one of my greatest strengths.  He surrounded me with Christ-following people right from the start.  We didn’t all go to the same church, but we all followed the same God.  Tidal residents were and still are Christ in the flesh to me.  From caring for skinned knees as a child, helping me deal with my dad’s illness and death as a teenager, to putting flowers on my parent’s graves when I couldn’t, they’ve supported me my entire life.  When life cripples me, they help me get back on my feet.  God created us to live in close community with others.  Geographical distance doesn’t cut the ties that bind.

Life is a relay race.

To run the race of life, you need help.  God never intended us to journey through life alone.  When we can no longer carry the baton, someone else will.  Developing a network of people around you is mandatory to fulfill your purpose.  We need people in our lives to carry us when we can’t walk.  Life will knock you off your feet by times.  Everyone does.  God willing, when that happens, you will have a village to pick you up.

Begin today developing your village. Jesus intentionally chose His companions.  You can select yours too.  Join a small group Bible study.  Surround yourself with people who are following Jesus.  Enjoy the benefits of having a village.

Lord, thank You for creating us for community.  Forgive us for taking our villages for granted.  Instead, help us develop strong relationships that last a lifetime.  Like Jesus did, help us wisely choose who we surround ourselves with each day.  Help us run our part of the relay race well, give us someone we can hand off the baton when needed.  All glory is Yours.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who is in your village?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 21-22 GW; Proverbs 9 GW

Wisdom’s companionship comes from God.

In an ever-changing world, God doesn’t change.  Wisdom comes from Him.  You always have access to God’s knowledge.  Whether or not you access what God has to offer is up to you. Like any other friendship, it takes two to tango.

Nothing irritates me more than a friend who isn’t willing to put effort into our relationship.  When I am doing all of the work to maintain a friendship, it’s not a friendship.  As my sister-in-law always says, “If you say no enough, people will stop asking.”  Make an effort to develop your relationship with God daily; you’ll find an endless supply of His wisdom.

God pursues us, but if we don’t say yes to His offer, we’ll never receive it.  We can’t find wisdom if we’re not participating in the relationship.  Turning to God is as simple as saying, “God, I need help.  Give me your wisdom in this situation.”  God is generous with His knowledge.

God is a constant companion.

Wherever you go, there is God.  Unlike a friend who constantly says no, God is waiting for you to ask.  He can’t wait to impart His gifts to You.  But if you don’t seek, you won’t find.

George Washington Carver sought God’s wisdom over the peanut.  George asked God to show him why He made the peanut:

He told me, ‘separate the peanut into water, fats, oils, gums, resins, sugars, starches, and amino acids. Then recombine these under My three laws of compatibility, temperature, and pressure. Then, the Lord said, ‘then you will know why I made the peanut! ~ George Washington Carver

George asked; God responded.  As a result, Carver came up with over 300 uses for the peanut, God’s wisdom his constant companion.

Seek God, find His wisdom.  You’ll never find a more reliable friend

Lord, thank You for Your wisdom.  Creator of all, you know all.  Forgive us for thinking we know more than You do.  Today, help us walk closely with You; as we seek Your wisdom, give us ears to hear the answer.  Let us make time for You today to sit quietly with You in Your presence.  Give us courage to ask the questions and patience to wait for the answers.  We love You, Lord.  All glory is Yours.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What wisdom do you need from God today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 19-20 GW; Proverbs 8 GW; Psalms 128 GW

Your work is your provision.

Asking God to provide for us is a common prayer.  We all face situations where we don’t know how we’re going to survive.  Typically, God gives us a job.  Instead of just presenting us with plates full of delicious food, He offers us ways to make money.  Or work in exchange for food.  When I was in college, I ate well because I worked in restaurants.  Not only did I receive money to live on each month, but food to eat.  God allowed me to dine well, but I had to work for it.

Mark Batterson introduced me to the mantra:

“Pray like it depends on God; work like it depends on you.”

Pastor of National Community Church in Washington D.C., it’s a phrase he uses often.  God expects us to work.  I can’t imagine life without some type of occupation.  Setting your hands to a task and completing it will build more self-esteem and confidence than just about anything.  But if we don’t do the job, we won’t eat the spoils.

Pray. Work. Repeat.

In all things, pray.  Ask God for whatever it is you want in life.  Instead of expecting Him to drop a good steak in your lap; look for opportunities God gives you to earn the meal.  Using our God-given talents is a way God provides for us.  His provision nourishes not only our body but also our soul.  Engaging in labor is part of this life’s journey.  Every day we’re able to work is a blessing from above we shouldn’t take for granted.

Ask God for provision.  Look for the opportunities He gives you to work.  Then gain the confidence that comes from a job well done.

Lord, how grateful we are for Your provision.  Forgive us our laziness.  Instead, help us appreciate the work You give us.  Jobs put food on our table and fill our bellies.  We’re grateful, living in America, the land of plenty.  Help us not take that blessing for granted today.  Instead, give us eyes to see the opportunities you are creating for each of us.  Through You, we can not only survive but thrive.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What opportunity is God giving you today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading:  Deuteronomy 17-18 GW; Proverbs 7 GW

God’s wisdom brings understanding.

Insight from the Creator brings “ah-ha!” moments.  Wisdom is the “ability to discern inner qualities and relationships, good sense.”  Valuing wisdom makes it a close friend.  God is the source of all knowledge.  To gain wisdom, we must go to the origin.  Tapping into God’s bird’s eye view of the world gives us wisdom and leads to understanding.

Last week, I chugged a cup of coffee before heading into my hot yoga class.  Long story short, hot yoga and coffee don’t go well together.  When the two combined, I had to leave class early feeling sick.  And the coffee came back up in the parking lot—a truly embarrassing moment for me.  No one saw me, no one knew, yet mortification gripped me. 

At the next class, I was still holding onto the embarrassing moment.  Laying on my mat, I began praying, asking God to release the incident from my mind.  Suddenly, this thought run through my mind, “The only one still thinking about last week is you.”  My “ah-ha” moment came when I sought God.  His wisdom gave me understanding, which helped me let go of the embarrassment.

Relational wisdom requires God.

God helped me in my relationship with myself.  His small whisper revealed the truth I needed to hear; God brought resolution to my internal struggle.  We can’t find that type of peace anywhere else.  God speaks to our souls, helping us understand ourselves more.  Once we know who we are in Christ, life takes on more profound meaning.  Every interaction we have has eternal consequences.  Each person you meet matters to God.  To love others like Jesus, we must friend Him.  When we do, we’ll gain wisdom and understanding as relatives too.

Draw close to God.   Make wisdom your sister; understanding your relative.

Lord, how grateful we are for Your wisdom and understanding.  Forgive us for relying on our knowledge instead of Yours.   Help us today to draw close to You as we seek You.  Whatever the situation, remind us we are in Your family; no one can take that away from us.  Let wisdom become our sister, understanding our relative as we follow You.  Your ways are better than ours.  In all things, the glory is Yours. IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What wisdom do you need from God today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 15-16 GW; Proverbs 6 GW

God commands us to cancel debts.

Today’s scripture is talking about the “Seventh-Year Celebration,” when “suspending payments on debts has been proclaimed in the Lord’s honor” (Deuteronomy 15:2 GW).  American’s total household debt in 2020 was 14.35 trillion dollars.  Our country has just under 10 billion dollars in car and credit card debt.   Don’t you wish more people followed God?  If they did, none of that debt would exist after seven years.  Unfortunately, more people worship at the altar of consumerism than they do God.

Looking at this scripture from a relational perspective, we can learn a valuable lesson.  Don’t hold onto the grudge.  I have one person in my life that has spent decades alone and isolated because she won’t let go of resentment.  In her heart, an offense occurred that is unforgivable. Unfortunately, the only one paying for the crime is my friend.  She’s the one that can’t let it go and can’t move forward.  My prayer is the same for her, as for all of us, let it go so you can live.

Forgiveness frees you.

Forgiveness is a conscious decision to let it go.  You are not going to spend any more time thinking or worrying about this offense.  If you have credit card debt, you think about the payment.  Each month you have to put time and energy into deciding how you will pay the bill.  But forgive the debt and, you feel the weight of it lift from you.  Now you have more time, energy, and money to spend on something else.

When you decide to forgive, you will experience the same thing.  You may have to make the decision more than once.  Forgiveness isn’t necessarily easy; it takes work.  But letting your offender off the hook frees you, not them.  God will handle the justice while you are free to live.

God, thank You for Your commands.  Forgive us for how far away we have come from obeying them.  Instead, help us learn to let our debts and offenses go.  Help us to forgive completely, not just in part.  Allow us to feel the freedom that comes from releasing our trespasses against us.  Let us live today in Your peace.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What debt haven’t you forgiven?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 13-14 GW; Proverbs 5 GW

God sees everything.

God knows what you do when you are alone.  He knows the thoughts you think.  God knows you intimately because He created you.  You can’t hide your actions from him.  You may trick people, but you will never fool God.  Whatever game you’re playing, He already knows the outcome.  Understanding God’s involvement in your life will make you think before you act.

When I was single, someone introduced me to the “Eye” concept.  Because my desire was to one day marry, I was to ask myself this question.  “Would I want my future husband to know what I was doing?”  In essence, even though I wasn’t married, I was honoring my husband before I ever met him.  When you begin looking at your life through someone else’s eyes, you change your behavior.

God is your partner now.  That thing you think no one knows, He knows.  The beauty of God, He loves you, despite the thing.  But just like honoring your spouse means not doing specific actions, respecting God’s role in your life changes your response to life.

Honor God with your deeds.

Ask yourself this simple question before you do something, “Will this honor God?”  Immediately, you take the emphasis off of yourself and place it on God.  Quick conviction comes when you begin to ask this question.  The white lie doesn’t seem so white anymore.  Seeking revenge isn’t as appealing as it once was.  Disrespecting the bonds of matrimony becomes less attractive.  Instead, God births a desire inside of us to please Him.

God’s presence in your life is nothing to fear. As His creation, He loves you dearly and wants the best for you.  In Him, you find new life, one that separates you from your sin.  Honoring God with your actions will change how you live. 

Think before you act.

Lord, thank You for knowing each of us so intimately.  We are hiding nothing from You.  Forgive us for thinking we are more intelligent than You and that our actions don’t matter.  Everything matters to You.  Help us today to honor You with our actions.  Even in our private moments, let us remember, You are with us.  We are never truly alone because You are always there.  In all things, the glory is Yours.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What secret do you think God doesn’t know about you?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 11-12 GW; Proverbs 4 GW

Honesty demands truth.

As a golfer, nothing tests my honesty like a slice drive hit deep into the woods.  My first hole played required sixteen strokes before the ball rolled into the cup.  The par for the hole was four strokes.  When the ball takes me four times the amount of regulation play, deceptive words seem attractive.  But as my husband says, the only way to know if you have improved is by telling the truth.  Count every stroke, every penalty, as hard as it is.  Now, I typically double-bogey the hole, which means six strokes, two over par.  Nine years later, I’ve improved.

If you don’t tell the truth, you won’t know how far you’ve come.

Truth tellers are rare to find on the golf course.  Nothing has disappointed me more than learning this fact.  A lot of people shave their scores with deceptive words.  Scorekeeping challenges integrity.  

However, God doesn’t care about the score, no matter what the game is.  He cares about our hearts; honest hearts don’t use deceptive words.  Truth tellers count every stroke.

Count the strokes.

Remove deceptive words from your language.  You may think misleading speech makes you look better, but it doesn’t.  Lies are constantly exposed.  Choose to tell the whole story. God knows what kind of language you’re using; He’s not a fan of deception.  Just because you’re struggling to finish the first hole doesn’t mean you should feel ashamed.  God doesn’t love us because we’re perfect.  God perfectly loves our imperfections.  God is on the sidelines cheering you on to victory.  All God wants is for you to trust Him and keep going.  You don’t have to lie; God loves you just as you are.

Keep an honest score.  Remove deceptive words.  Watch how God grows you.  Humble hearts keep us grounded in truth.  God doesn’t care about the score; He cares about you.  

Lord, our heavenly Father, thanks for being our most significant cheerleader.  Thank You for walking beside us on the sidelines as we maneuver through this game of life.   Forgive us for lying, for trying to make ourselves look better than we indeed are.  Instead, Lord, help us embrace truth.  Remove deceptive words from our vocabulary.  Help us tell the whole story today, Lord, not just the parts we like.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Where have you used deceptive speech lately?