Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 23 GW; Matthew 24 GW

Focus on your job, receive your blessing.

God has a purpose for you.  Whether your job is managing kids, employees, or a business, no one else can do it but you.  Journeying with God means our assignments change throughout life, but whatever the task, it’s meant for you.  All God wants is for you to do what He created you to do.  Unfortunately, we get caught up worrying about what others desire instead of God’s desire for us.

One of my favorite games I use coaching is “Mission Possible.”  I give each student a task they must complete.  For instance, the player must make his opponent hit three forehands in a row.  An exciting dynamic develops every time we play this game.  Each player becomes more engrossed in figuring out what their opponent is trying to make them do than accomplishing their task.  Like the students, we stop doing our assignments when we focus more on what others are doing.

Stay focused on Jesus.

Christ will return one day when is not for us to know.   When He does, He wants to find us doing what He created us to do.  In other words, live your life like Jesus is coming back at any moment because He might.

When I was a store manager, my district manager did surprise visits.  Not only did I have to worry about pop-in inspections, but the company also hired secret shoppers.  Never have I known when a secret shop occurred.  Working under these conditions meant I had to act like every day was the day.  We greeted every customer and followed standard operating procedures.  Instead of worrying about what others were doing, we did our job.  We lived prepared.  

Live your life prepared.  Do whatever job God gives you.  Don’t worry about the assignments He gives others.  Just do yours.

Lord, we’re glad you give us purpose.  Forgive us when we consume ourselves with others jobs instead of our own.  Help us find and do the work You have for us, always ready for Your return.  In a moment, You will come back.  Don’t let us miss out on what You have for us because we’ve lost our focus.  In all things, let us honor and glorify You.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What task has God assigned you?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Genesis 50 GW; Exodus 1 GW; Matthew 23 GW

What you meant for evil, God meant for good.

Today’s verse resides in the life story of Joseph.  His brother’s sold him into slavery, which led to a difficult journey, one that led him to a place of power.  Because of Joseph’s obedience to God, he finds himself in a unique position.  The land is amid a famine; the same brothers who plotted evil against him now need his help.  Their father passed away; they are worried Joseph will get his vengeance on them.  Not Joseph, his devotion to God, outweighs all else.  Instead of revenge, he offers mercy to his brothers.

When you plan evil, the only one you are hurting is yourself.  God takes what you meant for harm and turns it into something useful.  The bottom line, don’t waste time plotting revenge.  Instead, take a page from Joseph’s book and forgive.  Look at the bigger picture, seek what God is doing during your pain.

God wins against evil.

Good versus evil is a constant battle in today’s world.  People will hurt you; they will plan evil against you.  One friend wisely said to me not too long ago, “Each of us is the villain in someone’s story.”  Joseph was the villain in his brother’s story.  They were envious of the favor their father gave him and of his God-given dreams.  Because of their jealousy, they plotted evil against their flesh and blood.

Just like God foiled the brother’s evil plans, He hinders ours.  Instead, God makes good come from the evil plans of others.  Joseph’s salvation came from His trust in God.  We have the same opportunity as Joseph.  Instead of focusing on the wrongs done by others, focus on the right done by God.  His goodness is what will always prevail.  Evil plans cause regret.  A life focused on Jesus germinates goodness.

Lord, how grateful we are You make evil plans falter.  Forgive us for when we’ve plotted evil.  Instead, renew our hearts with an extra measure of love for those who harm us.  Help us to emulate Joseph and forgive.  At all times, draw our eyes back to You.  In our moments of weakness, shift our gaze back to the Son.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How can you focus your eyes on Jesus today instead of your pain?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Genesis 48-49 GW; Matthew 22 GW

Not knowing the Scriptures causes you to underestimate God.

You can’t know God if you don’t read the Bible’s stories, written by people who followed Him.  The authors of the Bible were people inspired by God to write their tale.  Because God gave me a passion for writing; reading, and studying the scripture stirs the desire to write. Applying the teachings of Jesus from the New Testament helps me know His power.  Not in the, I can do anything I want sense.  But in the God can do anything He desires way.

Struggles in life happen because God doesn’t do what we want, although we know He could.  Why doesn’t He do life, according to Beth?  Because Beth doesn’t know everything.  The older I get, and the longer I chase Jesus, the less I know.  I don’t have answers for why suffering and heartache abound, but I trust God does.  And He doesn’t have to ask me for advice on how to run the world.

God has infinite power.

The Creator of the world can do whatever He wants.  What He wants is to have a relationship with you.  Whatever your life story is, somehow God led you to reading this devotional.  And the one thing He wants you to know, He loves you.  God can’t wait to hear from you today.  His infinite power is at your disposal.  What God can do for you that no one else can, give you peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:6-7 GW).

But until you turn to Him, you won’t have access to His power. Start today.  John’s gospel is a perfect place to begin reading about God’s love for you.  Get to know God through the inspired writings of those who gave their lives for Him.   

Lord, how grateful we are for those who have gone before us.  Forgive us for not turning to their stories in the pages of the Bible.  Give us a desire to know You more.  When we pick up our Bibles today, give us insights we’ve never had.  Let Your powerful word’s freshness renew our tired souls.  Written thousands of years ago, Your truth stands the test of time.  You are all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving.  Let us rest in the knowledge, You are the one in control.  IJNIP. Amen.

Question for reflection

Have you tapped into God’s infinite power by reading His Word?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Genesis 47 GW; Matthew 21 GW

Trust God will answer your prayers.

Today’s verse isn’t about manipulating God to do your will.  Instead, Jesus is telling us God does hear our prayers, He will answer.  The longer you walk with Christ, the more you know, God’s answers typically aren’t what you expect.  God gives three general replies: yes, no, and not yet.  Don’t assume you know the answer, wait, and see.  Placing your faith in God means trusting God’s transforming work in you.  As we lift our prayers to Him, God transforms us with His answers.

God is anxiously waiting for you to lift your requests to Him. When we boost our wants and desires to God, He directs our paths.   He can’t wait to work in your life.  When you pray, don’t doubt.  Instead, wait and watch.  As you do, God will build your faith with what He does.

Faith transforms us.

Butterflies are an example of God’s transformation.  When they nestle into their self-spun silky cocoons, they trust the process.  Radical change occurs inside before they emerge as a vibrant butterfly bringing beauty into the world.  But the conversion takes 2-3 weeks to appear.  All good things come in their own time.

Prayer is like spinning a silken cocoon for your requests.  God gently hears the appeal, then begins the transformation for whatever His intention is.  He’ll take your offerings and create something beautiful from them.  His timing may take weeks, even years.  God is never late in His reply.  Just like the caterpillar transforms effortlessly into a winged creature, the less we doubt, the easier the transformation.

Trust God hears every prayer you send.  Allow Him to transform you.  While you wait and watch, rest in the knowledge, God is working for you.

Lord, how grateful we are You listen to every word we say.  Forgive us for doubting, instead strengthen our faith.  Transform us into beautiful butterflies as we trust You more.  As we shed our cocoons and fly into the world, let a trail of love follow us.  Only with You can we find and fulfill our purpose.  Each of us has a role to play in the ever-changing world.  Through prayer, let us find our way. We are trusting Your transformation for our hearts.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How has God transformed you through prayer?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Genesis 45-46 GW; Matthew 20 GW

Wrong perspectives about money creates resentment.

Today’s verse comes from a parable Jesus told about money.  In the morning, a landowner hires workers for his vineyard.  As the day goes on, he added more people to the payroll.  With only an hour left, the boss hires a few more men.  When the time arrives to pay the men their wages, the landowner started with the last hired, ending with those who worked all day.  Each man received the same amount, whether they worked eight hours or one.  Grumbling erupted among those who worked longer.

Without a doubt, I would have grumbled too.  But this story isn’t about justice; it’s about generosity.  The landowner was generous to those in need.  He offered them work, then paid them a day’s wages, no matter how long they were in the vineyard. During that time, the law required payment at the end of the day.  The reason they received payment daily so that they could purchase food.  When the landowner paid them all the same wages, his generosity allowed them to eat.  An hour’s worth of salary wouldn’t provide a meal.

Gain the right perspective.

Money is nothing more than a means to an end.  All of us require paychecks to buy food and necessities.  When God allows us to work, He’s providing for us.  If you’re in a position to pay someone for their time and efforts, you are helping to feed them and their families.  The landowner in this story is generous to those in need.  Instead of offering charity, he’s allowing them to earn their keep.  By so doing, he not only feeds them, but he gives them a sense of purpose and worthiness. 

Others may receive more than you, but don’t let it plant a seed of resentment in your heart.  Instead, thank God for His provision.  Gratitude for what you have eliminates resentment towards others.

Lord, how thankful we are for Your provision.  Forgive us, Lord, for thinking we know better than You about what a person deserves.  Only You know the intimacy of their lives and what they truly need.  Help us instead, choose gratitude for what we do have.  From the blessings You have given us, allow us to bless others.  Don’t let money cause resentment within us.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Has resentment of money caused distance in your relationship with God?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Genesis 43-44 GW; Matthew 19 GW

Love of stuff will make you miss God’s kingdom.

When we think of God’s kingdom, we think of heaven.  God dwells in heaven.  When we believe in Him, He lives within us.  Therefore, heaven is within us.  God rules heaven; He rules us from within our hearts.  However, if we entangle ourselves in worldly things, we will miss God completely.  We will never accept Him because our god is stuff.  Where our treasure is, our hearts follow.

When I begin to think a thing or money has more importance than God, I realize I have a problem.  One pastor said he could tell what god we worshiped by looking at our calendars and bank statements.  Where you spend your time and money identifies what is most important in your life.  Don’t let stuff keep you from missing out on the kingdom of God that is within you.

Generosity leads to God’s kingdom.

Generosity defeats materialism.  When you can identify those things in your life that is hindering your relationship with God, give them away.  Break the hold stuff has on you by getting rid of any unnecessary “things.”  Begin tithing on your income; watch how it takes your shift from money to God.
Daily Hope by Rick Warren is a daily devotional I follow.  Not too long ago, he made a point I haven’t stopped thinking about since.  As humans, we are willing to trust God with our eternal life, but we cannot trust Him with our money.  Why is that?  Because we’re not genuinely giving God our whole heart.  We are the same as the rich young ruler if we miss Jesus because of our possessions.  Don’t let stuff make you forget the peace God is offering.

Lord, how grateful we are for Jesus.  His teachings open our eyes to what we cannot see.  Forgive us for our love of stuff.  Help us overcome the materialism in this world.  Instead, help us focus on Your presence within us.  You reside in our hearts, heaven within us.  Help us find your Kingdom here on earth as we trust You.  Let nothing come between our heart and Yours.  From within, Lord, change us into Your creation.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What stuff is keeping you from a deeper relationship with God?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Genesis 42 GW; Matthew 18 GW

Total trust in Jesus is childlike faith.  Complete reliance on God makes you a kid again.

As a tennis coach, I work with all ages of kids.  In 2020, with the pressures of the world, they reminded me how to have fun.  My students trust me; many of them I’ve taught for years.  Because they have faith in me, they don’t worry about what will happen in class.  They know I have a plan for them; they have confidence in it.  So they just have fun.  

God wants us to trust Him like my students trust me.  Each day when you get up, know He already has the day mapped out for you.  In His wisdom, He’s taken care of all the details of the day.  Jesus wants you to trust Him completely, in all ways.  He wants you to live your life to the fullest, enjoying every moment, just like a child.

Instead of dreading the day ahead, trust that God has good things in store for you.  

Children trust.

When children fall and scrape their knees, they trust Mom or Dad will help.  In their pain, they turn with outstretched arms to their parent.  They know the comfort found in the warm embrace.  The pain may exist, but it lessens in the arms of their trusted guardian.  Jesus wants us to believe like a child.  When we fall, He wants us to turn to Him with tears in our eyes, arms outstretched. 

Choose childlike faith today.  Instead of worrying about the future, enjoy the blessings of this day.  Listen to your favorite song on repeat, volume high.  Play a game with your child.  Allow silliness and curiosity to reenter your life.  If you get hurt, turn to Jesus, let Him comfort you.  He knows what is best for you.

Lord, thank You for reminding us of childlike faith.  Forgive us the time and energy we waste worrying about things we can’t control.  Instead, strengthen our belief in You.  Help us remember, “You got this!”  Give us eyes today to see the blessings You placed in this day for us.  Let us enjoy them to their fullest as we journey forward.  Help us have fun today as Your children.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What is something fun and childlike you can do today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Genesis 41 GW; Psalms 40 GW; Matthew 17 GW

God gives songs of praise.

Each day, if you look for God’s goodness, you will find it.  Even on the darkest days, God is with you.  Things happen we can’t explain.  People choose to turn their back on God daily. Instead of following His desires,  they follow their own.  We can’t control what others do; we can only control what we do.  You have the choice today where you focus your attention.  If you choose God, He will give you a reason to sing praises.

This morning as I was scrolling Facebook, one meme caught my attention.  The words said:

If you need help finding God’s goodness, start with life.  Remember, someone else is fighting for theirs today.  Gratitude for good health is one we all take for granted.  Intentionally praise God for the life He gave you, the air you breathe.  Every breath is a gift from God.

God is worthy of praise.

When you begin searching for God’s goodness in your day, He will give you a song of praise to sing.

Over Christmas, my husband I camped in Florida.  On the second day of the three-day drive, we were in Georgia on I-95.  Amid an emotional conversation, one in which I was crying, a piece of metal flew off a truck in front of us.  My husband, thank God, is an attentive driver.  He saw what looked like the blade of a push lawn mower when it dislodged from the truck, headed directly for me.  With his eye on the metal, he gently swerved, giving the object room to pass by just inches from the windshield.  God’s goodness causes me to sing songs of praise.

Start searching for His goodness in your life.  Let His good works fill your mouth with song.

Lord, how grateful we are for Your protection.  Thank You for waking us this morning to face another day.  As we walk through today, let us see Your goodness.  Fill our mouths with songs of praise as we follow You.  Forgive us for taking Your presence in our lives for granted.  Renew our faith as we seek You today.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How has God given you a song of praise to sing?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Genesis 39-40 GW; Matthew 16 GW

Picking up your cross means following Jesus.  What makes people want to follow Jesus? They realize they need a Savior.  Something happens in their life, and they are finally ready to ask for help.  When they do, Jesus is waiting with open arms.

Jesus’s life was far from one of ease.  Remember, He didn’t have electricity, running water, or an indoor toilet.  In His humaneness, He lived in what we would consider poverty today.  Jesus endured name-calling, beatings, and torture.  People Jesus grew up with didn’t believe He was the Son of God.  Jesus was considered a rebel.  His teachings went against Jewish tradition.  Jesus’s enemies were great, but His God is greater.

Suffering is a part of everyone’s life, even Jesus’s.  He doesn’t promise a rose garden; He promises us trouble:

“I’ve told you this so that my peace will be with you. In the world you’ll have trouble. But cheer up! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 GW)  

Picking up your cross will come with suffering.  But take heart, Jesus overcame the world.

Jesus overcomes.

Jesus helps you overcome the troubles in life.  He understands political upheaval and false teachings.  When Jesus entered the world, it was much like the one we live in today.  He faced every temptation and fear we do. Jesus dealt with the sick and dying.  He knows the heartaches of life.   But Jesus didn’t focus on the world; He focused on the Father.  By keeping in union with God, He became a victor.

When you pick up your cross and follow Jesus, you will gain victory.  His teachings will transform you.  You will find purpose in Him that will use your unique gifts.  In Him, you will overcome.

Lord, how we thank You for what You did on the cross.  We’re grateful You picked up Your cross for us.  Help us pick up our crosses and follow You.  Forgive us for the times when we fail to follow.  Give us the strength to say no to our desires as we embrace Your plans for us.  Let us see the world through the lens of Your love.  Everyone we meet carries their burdens.  Help us lighten their load as we reflect You to them. IJNIP. Amen  

Question for reflection

What will make you pick up your cross today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Genesis 37-38 GW; Matthew 15 GW

Traditions can mislead.

Jesus is addressing the Pharisees in today’s verse.  He’s making a distinction between “the command of God” and Jewish Tradition.  The Pharisees didn’t understand why Jesus and His disciples didn’t wash their hands before eating.  These were oral traditions passed down from generation to generation. In other words, the Pharisees are concerned with outward appearance more than inward cleansing.  

“‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is pointless, because their teachings are rules made by humans.’ ” (Matthew 15:8-9 GW)

Jesus is telling the Pharisees, “You’re missing the point.”  Because they focus on tradition, they miss what Jesus is trying to teach.  Living a life of faith requires a spiritual connection with our heavenly Father.  He’s more concerned about our relationship with Him than any human traditions.  When we consume ourselves with tradition, we break God’s commandments.  The Pharisees worried about making the physical world look good but were not concerned with the sinful nature that lives within all of us.

God’s commands cleanses us inside.

Washing their hands put on a show for the people around the Pharisees.  They were trying to impress the crowd, not God.  What Jesus wants is for us to have a relationship with God beyond what people can see.  If all we care about is outward appearance, we’ll miss the internal transaction God yearns for us to have.

You can only have one master.  In the simplest of terms, you will follow man or God.  If you get caught up in man’s traditions, you’ll miss God’s commands.  Without God’s commands, you cannot fully connect to Him.  Only as you practice Jesus’s teachings will you find life to the fullest.

Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to show us the way.  Thank You for His teachings; help take our focus off outward appearance and place it on Your commands.  Forgive us the times we get caught in human tradition.  Help us to identify the areas of our life where we’re breaking commandments because of misguided focus.  Our hearts are for You; our lives are Yours.  Today and every day, draw us into a deeper relationship with You.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection:

What human tradition is causing you to break God’s commandment?