Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus  6 GW; Matthew 27 GW

Trust in the Lord opens your eyes.

In today’s passage, God is showing not only Pharoah who He is but also Moses.  Our pal Moses doesn’t know what he’s in for in the days ahead.  Plague after plague does not sound fun to me. But after turning the river into blood, infestations of frogs, gnats, and flies, death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, and death of firstborn, EVERYONE now saw God’s power. Not only did God make Pharoah see, Moses did as well.

When we connect with God’s desires for us, we experience His power as well.  Following Jesus makes you love more, not less.  Jesus doesn’t hate.  He allows people to make choices about their lives, including His role in it.  But Jesus doesn’t hate.  As you embrace His teachings, love will become how people identify you.  

God removes the scales.

When Saul became Paul, “something like scales fell from” his “eyes, and he could see again” (Acts 9:18 NIV).  Quick recap on Saul/Paul: Pharisee, persecuted and killed followers of the way who became the author of most of the New Testament.  His conversion is epic.  Saul was incapable of seeing the truth until He met Jesus.  Only then did he become our beloved Paul.

When we are living lies, we can’t see the harm we’re doing to ourselves and others.  But when we place faith in Jesus, we begin to see.

And the good news is, He never stops revealing.  As you draw closer to God, the more you see.  When you ask God to allow you to see others through His eyes, that’s when you see the real truth.  You’ll begin to see their pain and understand how tender their hearts are.  Each of us is operating out of the pain we carry.  None of us truly know how that affects others, but God does.  And when we begin looking through His lens, we begin to see it too.

Dear Heavenly Father, how we love You!  What a great day for living life to the fullest. Forgive us, Lord, for the days we don’t. Help us experience You today as You reveal truth to us.  Whoever we see today, let us see them through Your lens.  Take the scales from our eyes, keep the Son squarely in our focus.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What truth has God revealed to you lately?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 5 GW; Matthew 26 GW; Psalms 41 GW

Others first is a lifestyle worth living.

Helpless people are all around us.  A mother who struggles to open the store door while pushing a stroller and holding a toddler’s hand needs help.  A man whose boss is a tyrant, but needs the job, feels powerless.  My elderly neighbor was helpless when her battery died amid quarantine. I will never forget her helpless expression.  When we look around at the people in our lives, we’ll find we’re all vulnerable in some way or another.

One of the things I love about studying the life of Jesus, He takes the focus off of me.  In other words, He helps me get out of my mind.  Our thoughts are the most significant battle we all have.  We believe lies and don’t even realize it.  Jesus reveals the truth to us as we put into practice His teachings.  When we put others before ourselves, we find blessings we never imagined.

Blessing comes when we help others.

Hold open the door for the tired mother pushing a stroller; the look of appreciation on her face will bless you for days.  Tell the man who feels powerless in his job you’re praying for him, watch gratitude flood his eyes.  And when you jump your neighbor’s battery for her, the relief you can physically see will impact you.  Concerning yourself with helping others blesses you more than it does them.  

And when you’re helping others, you’re staying out of trouble yourself.  One of the good qualities of churches is the opportunity they give people to serve others.  Having a place where people who want to help can meet people who need help is priceless.  Finding a way to concern yourself with others in a safe environment will bless you beyond words.

Lord, thank You for You.  Each day we choose to follow You is an adventure.  Forgive us for the times we forget to turn to You.  Give us spiritual eyes today to see those who need help.  Let us understand; most people won’t ask for the aid they need.  Instead, let us see the needs around us and meet them if we can.  As we concern ourselves with others, we trust You concern yourself with us.  Let today rock!  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who has a need you can meet today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 4 GW; Matthew 25 GW

Trustworthiness makes God smile.

In our world today, trustworthiness is not something valued. God searches for those He can trust.  The parable today’s scripture comes from begins with this verse:

“The kingdom of heaven is like a man going on a trip. He called his servants and entrusted some money to them.” (Matthew 25:14 GW)

We are God’s servants.  If you profess to follow Jesus, you become His disciple.  When Jesus departed earth, He left us with a couple of tasks.  We’re to love God and people (Mark 12:30-31 GW), and we’re to spread the good news (Matthew 28:19-20 GW).  Wherever God places us, we are to do these things.

What God doesn’t want us doing is hide what we know.  God doesn’t want us to keep Jesus a secret.  Instead, we’re to share the good news of Jesus with people.  Loving our neighbor just as they are is sharing Jesus with others.  We communicate more about God when we become His hands and feet to those around us than when we use words.  As we do, just like the faithful servant doubled his money (Matthew 25:20 GW), we’ll help grow and multiply God’s kingdom beyond our wildest dreams.

Faithfulness leads to trust.

The servant who doubles his money was faithful.  While his master was away, he worked diligently to grow what he had.  As a result of his efforts, he made his boss even wealthier.  We’re in the same position as the servant; we have the opportunity to let our faithfulness grow God’s kingdom.

Two people in my life send me a daily scripture.  One comes via text, the other via messenger.  They have done this for years.  Each day, I look forward to the verses they choose.  Their faithfulness helps me remain faithful. I share in their happiness every morning. 

Trust builds over time, not overnight.  God sees your faithfulness; He finds it trustworthy. When He does, God shares His pleasure.

Lord, how grateful we are for Your faithfulness to us. Forgive us for the times we are not faithful. Help us reflect faithfulness and trust in You today.  Each person we encounter today, let us share Your love with them.  Let our actions speak louder than our words as we follow Your example.  At the end of this day, may You say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and share My happiness.”  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How can you serve God faithfully today?

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?