Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 6 GW; Luke 8 GW

Love is God’s fertilizer.

Jesus parables are my favorite part of the New Testament; today’s comes from one of the most famous, the good soil.  A farmer sows seed in different places.  Some seeds get trampled, some eaten by birds, others planted in bad soil, and some planted among thornbushes that choked them.  However, the seed planted in good soil produced a hundred times more.

One kernel of corn produces thousands.  One acorn grows a mighty oak, millions of times larger, creating even more acorns.  The size of the seed doesn’t equate to the amount of fruit it will produce.  When we plant single seeds, God multiplies them.  But we must plant them in fertile soil for them to grow.

Fertilize the soil.

When farmers are preparing their land for planting, they fertilize the soil.  When I was a child, growing up in the country, the smell of manure wafting through my elementary school windows meant spring had come.  Adding nutrients turned dead soil into good soil, allowing crops to grow.

If we want people to receive the good news of Christ, we must first love them.  Actions of hate don’t create good soil.  Judging and condemning others is not what Christ did, neither should we.  

What Jesus did was love people to the point of death, overcoming it with His resurrection.  In Christ, we find eternal life.  

Jesus loved us.  We’re to love as well.  

Becoming better lovers of people makes us better farmers.  Through kind actions, we fertilize the soil. Building trustworthy relationships with people based on God’s principles takes effort, but the reward is eternal.  Planting seeds in good soil will produce far more than you could ever imagine.

Fertilize with love.  Plant seeds everywhere you go.

Dear Lord, thank You for loving us unconditionally.  Forgive us for taking Your love for granted in our lives.  Help us today become better lovers of people.  As we seek You and receive Your love into our lives, let us share it with others.  Everywhere we go today, let us fertilize the soil with love.  Whatever seeds we plant multiply them beyond our wildest dreams.  Help us become better farmers today as we follow You.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

Who can you fertilize with love today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 5 GW; Luke 7 GW

Forgiven much, love much.

When a sinful woman found out Jesus was in town, she high-tailed it over to see Him.  When she arrived, she washed his feet with her tears.  Forgiven much, she loved Jesus without restraint, allowing all to see.  When she stopped crying, she dried Jesus’s feet with her hair and poured perfume on them.

Of course, the Pharisee in attendance, a.k.a. resident religious leader, disapproved.  He couldn’t believe Jesus allowed a woman of such ill repute to touch Him.  Jesus didn’t care what they thought.  Instead, Jesus told a parable about two men who owed money to a lender.  One owed Him five hundred coins, the other fifty.  When they couldn’t make their payments, the lender forgave each man their debt.  

“Now, who do you think will love him the most?” (Luke 7:41 GW)

The borrower forgiven much loved more than the one forgiven little.  Jesus made the point, the same applies to sinfulness.  The sinful woman knew all God had forgiven her; therefore, she was all in with Jesus. 

Jesus forgives all.

That thing you did back in high school, Jesus, forgave you the minute you asked.  When we confess to Jesus that we are sinners in need of grace, He replies quickly.  Jesus instantaneously forgives when we ask; we’re the ones who have a hard time forgiving ourselves.

If Jesus forgives you, shouldn’t you do the same?

At 52 years old, I can look back on my life from a different perspective.  Just this morning, I was beating myself up for something I did twenty years ago.  All of a sudden, I had this thought. “You’re not that person anymore!”  Following Christ helps me become something completely new.  Jesus will do the same for you.

Understand today, Jesus wipes your slate clean when you placed your trust in Him.  You can love much because God forgave you much.  Don’t cling to the past; embrace the future with Christ.

Lord, thank You for forgiving each one of us wholly and ultimately when we turn to You.  Forgive us for not forgiving ourselves.  Help us today forgive ourselves of the wrongs we think are unforgivable.  As we grasp the truth of Your promise, let us embrace forgiveness and love without abandon, knowing, You love us just as we are.  And You’re helping us become more like Jesus every day.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What are you struggling to forgive yourself for today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 4 GW; Luke 6 GW

Jabez asked and received.

In the long line of descendants from Judah, we discover Jabez.  His name means “Painful” because his birth was so difficult.  According to Ezra, author of Chronicles, “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers” (1 Chronicles 4:9 GW).  Hidden in the lineage, we find today’s verse.  A bold prayer prayed by an honorable man who received a favorable answer from God.

Because Jabez asked, he received.  “God gave him what he prayed for” (1 Chronicles 4:10 GW).  Immediately after this verse, Ezra picks back up with the genealogy of Judah.  

What made Jabez special?  Why did God give Jabez what he wanted? Because Jabez lived an honorable life and made specific prayer requests.  God loves prayers that are detailed and precise.  If we aren’t particular with our requests, how can we know if God answered?

Pray specifically.

Whatever situation you are dealing with today, lift it to God with details.  Ask Him for specifics, then wait for God’s response.  Remember, planting seeds means waiting for the harvest.  God isn’t a vending machine in the sky.  You don’t put money in the slot, and out pops whatever you want.  God doesn’t work that way.

What God does do is listen to your requests.  He understands the heart behind the ask.  Jabez was honorable; he wanted more so he could do more for the Lord.  God knew Jabez’s heart; his heavenly Father knew his intentions were pure.  God knows the same about us.  He knows the motives of our hearts.  If we’re in line with God’s will, He’ll grant the request.  If not, He won’t.

Bring boldness into your prayers as you lift specific requests to the Lord.  Check your motives and make sure they are in line with God’s.  If what you’re asking for helps you to love God and His people, odds are, God will expand your territory too.

Lord, thank You for granting our requests.  Forgive us for asking for things that don’t further Your kingdom.  As we align our hearts with Yours, help us to have pure motives.  When we lift specific prayer requests to You, help our faith grow as we wait for Your answer.  In all things, let us have pure motives and a heart for You.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What are you praying specifically for today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 3 GW; Luke 5 GW

God’s word draws crowds.

Today’s verse comes at the beginning of Jesus’s earthly ministry.  Simon Peter was washing his fishnets when Jesus commandeered his boat.  Jesus asked Peter to push off from the shore so that He could speak to the crowds.  Then Jesus sat down and taught the people from the boat.

Can you imagine how unique this experience was?

I can see people walking down the beach, seeing a crowd gathered, wondering what was so interesting.  And Simon Peter having a front-row seat to hear all Jesus said; obviously, it changed his life. But then, just a few verses later, Simon leaves everything behind and follows Jesus.

God’s word is the catalyst to drawing a crowd.  Listening to the truth of your Creator changes your life in a myriad of ways.  Once you begin experiencing God’s truth in your life, you can’t help but want more.

Join the crowd.

More than likely, your day is mapped out in your head.  With a million things to do, fitting Jesus into the mix seems impossible.  But it’s not.  Just because you’re not standing beside the Sea of Galilee doesn’t mean you can’t listen to God’s word.  YouVersion offers a great app that will read the Bible to you.  

Discover God’s truths that can change your life by engaging with His word.  Then, crowd around Jesus through the gospels.  Listen to His stories, engage with Jesus’s conversations, place yourself into the account.  Become a new creation each day as you follow Jesus.  Overcome life’s troubles with Jesus’s divine solutions.

Become part of the crowd.  Listen to God’s word.  Ask God to change you from within as You follow Him.

Lord, thank You for Your word, for Jesus, and for life, You’ve given each one of us.  Forgive us for crowding around the wrong people.  Help us today to join the right crowd, the one following Jesus.  As we listen and read Your word, give us divine understanding.  Help us apply what we learn to our lives, becoming a new creation every day.  Let us experience the freedom Christ offers us.  Today, help us live our life to the fullest as we crowd around Jesus.  Only with You can we truly live.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How can you listen to God’s word today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 2 GW; Luke 4 GW

Scripture has an answer.

Under the subtitle “The Devil Tempts Jesus” in the Bible, we learn how to resist temptation using Scripture.  After Jesus’s baptism in the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit led him into the desert where the devil tempted Him for 40 days.  Jesus didn’t eat during this time.  Essentially, Jesus fasted for 40 days, all the while the devil was tempting Him.  With every temptation, Jesus responded with scripture:

• “A person cannot live on bread alone.” (Deut. 8:3 NIV)
• “Worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.” (Deut. 6:13 NIV)
• “Never tempt the Lord your God.” (Deut. 6:16 NIV)

No matter what the temptation, God has an answer.   Jesus knew the scriptures inside and out.  He had a ready answer on His lips because of His knowledge.  When he was 12, Luke tells us Jesus spent His time in the temple courts, “sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions” (Luke 2:46 NIV).  Jesus knew the secret to resisting temptation was responding with God’s word.

Trust God’s power.

Understanding all of us are targets of temptation for the devil helps us to develop a response.  Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians that God will provide a way out:

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” ( 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV)

When temptation is getting the best of you, look for the way out.  Jesus faced every temptation known to man and overcame them.  You can do the same today.  Lean into the power of the Holy Spirit as you trust God to lead you to victory.

Lord, thank You for the example Jesus set.  Thank You that Jesus faced every temptation we will ever meet, and He overcame them.  Forgive us for faltering when the devil plays his games.  Help us to stay steadfast in You today.  Give us victory over our temptations.  Let us lean into the Holy Spirit and trust His guidance in all things.  All glory is Yours.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What temptation are you struggling with today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Luke 3 GW; 1 Chronicles 1 GW

Sharing blessings shares love.

John is speaking to the crowds in today’s verse.  He’s preparing the way for Jesus by baptizing people in the Jordan River.  John was asking them to change their practices:

“Do those things that prove that you have turned to God and have changed the way you think and act.” (Luke 3:8 GW)

When the crowds asked John, “What should we do?” (Luke 3:10 GW), he had an answer.  John told them to share what they have with others.  If they could meet a need, meet it.  Whether sharing clothing, food, or whatever, share it with others.

God blesses us so we can bless others.  He doesn’t lavish us with food and clothing just for us; we’re to help others with what we have.  In today’s world, most of us have two shirts and excess food.  Living in a first-world country, we take for granted all that we have.  But to love others well, we must share with those in need.

Give willingly.

Not only are we to share what we have, we’re to do it willingly:

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV)

In addtion, we are to give with a cheerful heart.  If you’re giving to others, but your heart is resentful, don’t give.  God doesn’t want forced charity; He wants willing hearts.

God gave Jesus to us willingly.  The greatest gift we can ever receive came freely from our heavenly Father.

Do the things that prove your heart is for the Lord.  Share willingly with those in need.  Remember, God gave first.  He provides for all of your needs.  You can’t outgive God.

Lord, thank You for Your willingness to share Jesus with us so we can have a relationship with You.  Forgive us for our stinginess and unwillingness to share what You have given us with others.  Change our hearts as we pursue You today.  Help us become cheerful givers, sharing Your love with all we meet.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who can you share with today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Psalms 89 GW; Luke 2 GW

Jesus brings joy.

When you learn who Jesus is and the purpose He fulfilled, you become joyful.  Why?  Because Jesus frees you from the confines of this world and introduces you to life everlasting.  Our Savior bridges the gap between our sinful nature and God’s perfection.

When the Shepherds in the fields learned about Jesus, they quickly went to the manger.  They found exactly what the angel said they would find, a baby wrapped in swaddling, lying in a manger.  The Savior of the world came in humble circumstances, bringing joy to the world.

Joy: Jesus, Others, You.

Life with Jesus starts with grace.  The first thing God does is cleanse you from your sin as you place your faith in Jesus.  No matter what your past holds, your best days are yet to come with Jesus.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:9-11 NIV) 

Every day, you get a clean slate.

As you truly begin to grasp the implications of God’s unconditional love for you, you can’t help but share it with others.  Obedience to Jesus means loving God, loving others.  As you strive to live your life for God, you’ll become more and more like Jesus.  

Receive the good news of Jesus.  Find joy as you put your faith in the one true God.

Lord, thank You for entering our world to bring us salvation.   Forgive us for not believing in You sooner.  Help us today receive the grace and love You have for us.  Let us become more loving towards others as we experience your love for us.  Let love become our calling card to the world, just as it was Yours.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How have you experienced joy with Jesus?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Malachi 3-4 GW; Luke 1 GW

You can’t outgive God.

Tithing is one way to prove God’s existence.  I had never thought of this until listening to a recent message from Rick Warren.  Hidden in his seven-step process to getting people to work together, Rick talked about obedience and tithing.  He made the statement it’s the one way you can prove God exists.  I agree with him. When you start tithing, extraordinary things begin to happen, and your faith will start to grow.

Giving God your first fruits isn’t a financial decision; it’s a faith decision. 

My steps of faith into tithing began when I was unemployed over 20 years ago. At rock bottom in my life, what did I have to lose?  Five months later, God gave me a job making more money than I had ever made in my life.  In the interim, not one bill went unpaid, I didn’t have any health issues, and I had a bed to sleep at night and food to eat.  God provided in ways I never imagined.

Put God to the test.

Today’s scripture is the only one that tells us to test God.  In many places throughout the Bible, the writers talk about giving God your first fruits. However, Malachi is the only one who says test God by giving Him the first 10 percent. 

Try tithing.  Re-align your finances with God’s directions.  Give Him the first 10%, save 10% and live on the rest.  Pay off your debts.  If you need help organizing your finances, Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University will teach you all you need to know.

Experience God’s presence in your life.  Give Him your first fruits.  Watch as God provides for you in ways you never imagined.  You’ll learn quickly; you can’t outgive God.

Lord, thank You for all we have.  Thank You for providing for us, even in our disobedience.  Forgive us for not trusting You with our money.  Help us today take new steps of faith. Lord, reveal Yourself to us as we become more obedient with our finances.  Embolden us to give our first fruits to You through local ministries.  As our hearts come into better alignment with Yours, bless our efforts.  Everything we have is Yours; none of it is ours.  Help us remember that truth today.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What’s keeping you from putting God to the test?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ecclesiastes 9-12 GW; Malachi 1-2 GW

God is the answer.

Solomon is the author of Ecclesiastes.  At this point in his life, he’s lived a little and learned some things.  He writes this book from an entirely human perspective and finds life lacking.  

“Power, popularity, prestige, pleasure—nothing can fill the God-shaped vacuum in man’s life but God Himself.” Charles Stanley

After living his life, Solomon discovers this truth:  life isn’t about me, it’s about God.  Serving ourselves isn’t our reason for living.  God created us to love Him and love others.  Our purpose today is the same as tomorrow, we are to love.

“The key word in Ecclesiastes is “vanity,” the emptiness of trying to be happy apart from God.” Charles Stanley

None of us will find peace any other way than God.  New shoes don’t bring peace, just debt.  Nor does any of the meaningless things we chase in this world.  Only engaging in relationship with God will we find peace.  As we experience His calm, we’ll begin to spread it with others.  Life with God is about relationships, not things.

Say “Yes!”

Last week, I told my friend Lori about one of those “can’t make it up situations” in life.  Her response still makes me smile, “God puts you in some crazy places, doesn’t He?”  I responded, “Yeah…He really does.  I don’t even know how I get into these things.  Actually, I do…by saying “Yes” to God.”

Saying “Yes” to God will take you into some crazy situations.  But all of them are life-giving, every single one.  Living your life serving the Creator means an adventure you can’t even begin to imagine.  Developing a relationship with God gives you divine perspective.  Life isn’t about you; it’s about God.  In Him, you will find the peace you can find no other way.

Oh Lord, how grateful we are you fill the void we so desperately need filling.  Forgive us for trying to find peace any other way than You.  Help us today move forward in our relationship with You and others.  As You pour Your love into our lives, help us to receive it.  Then Lord, help us share what we receive with others.  Today and always, let us produce good fruit in all we do.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

How have you tried to fill the void in your life?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ecclesiastes 5-8 GW; Psalms 73 GW

Broken promises break hearts.

Every love story that goes wrong often starts with a broken promise; someone didn’t do what they said they would do.  If we’re sincere, we’ve probably broken a promise before too.  You’re better off not making a promise than making one you won’t keep.

Often, the reason people make promises they never intend to keep is that it’s easy.  At the moment, you’re fulfilling the other person’s desire.  But in the long run, you’re building distrust in your relationships.  Eventually, people won’t believe your promises; your words will mean nothing.

To become more like Jesus, we must learn to live up to our word.

Jesus didn’t break His promises. Our love story with Jesus comes with promises He doesn’t break. Seven promises Jesus made to us are:

• Life to the fullest John 10:10 GW
• Acceptance John 6:37 GW
• Reward Mark 10:29-31 GW
• Revelation John 14:21 GW
• Friendship John 15:14-15 GW
• Joy John 15:9-11 GW
• Trials John 16:33 GW

Promise wisely.

Jesus’s promised wisely.  He understood His purpose on earth and who His Father was.  Jesus didn’t make foolish promises; He made long-lasting vows that are still true today.  Becoming more like Jesus means knowing which promises to make, which not to make.

Set proper expectations for yourself.  Know what your limitations are.  You are better off under-promising and over-delivering than going back on your word.  Building trust takes time; breaking it can occur with one broken promise.

In years gone by, all you needed was your word.  Handshakes sealed deals instead of contracts.  But over the past century, people’s word has come to mean nothing.  No one trusts anyone without some kind of binding agreement. So choose to become a person whose word means something.  

When you make a promise, keep it.  If you know you’re not capable of living up to your vow, don’t make it.  Know your limitations, don’t overcommit.  Become a person of integrity.

Lord, how grateful we are You keep Your promises.  Forgive us for not keeping ours.  Today, help us become people of integrity.  Help us only make promises we can keep.  Stop us from committing to actions we can’t complete.  Instead, help us set realistic expectations for ourselves and others.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Have you broken any promises lately?