Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 6 GW; 1 Corinthians 7 GW

Start where you are.

Wherever you are at in life when you meet Jesus is where God wants you.  God doesn’t expect you to change your lifestyle overnight.  Some people do, without a doubt, but most don’t.  Following God is a journey that occurs over a lifetime, not in an instant.  Each day we are growing and becoming more like Christ, but you still have to go through the steps.

I met Jesus when I was a child, but I turned from Him for ten years of my life.  Hurt after the death of my father; I blamed God for taking dad from me.  So I decided to live life the way I wanted.  At the end of that decade, I was alone, up to my eyeballs in debt without much hope.  Jesus met me in the pit.  I spent the subsequent decade healing from the hurt I caused myself in my 20’s.  Now, in my 50’s, I’ve overcome those obstacles, but God is still growing me and changing me in ways I never imagined.

Enjoy the journey.

Give yourself grace for the trip.  Understand, as you begin to follow Jesus, applying His principles to your life will change you over time.  Not all at once, but gradually, we become who God designed us to become.

Teaching tennis is a challenging sport because of the different strokes.  The serve is one of the most complex techniques to learn.  When people first begin, some can’t even hit the ball.  But the more they practice, the better they become.  One day, they find themselves playing matches and enjoying the game.

Following Jesus takes effort.  Our first attempts may cause us to fall.  But each time we persevere, we become stronger.  As our steps of faith become more anchored in Christ, our walk will become more confident.   God keeps us moving forward as we continue to seek Him.

Lord, thank You for helping us to continue to move forward in the journey of life.  Forgive us for trying to rush ahead of what You are doing in our lives.  Help us to enjoy the trip You have designed for us.  Let us walk confidently, knowing You have a plan and it is good.  In You, we find life, one day at a time.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What steps of faith do you need to take today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 4-5 GW; 1 Corinthians 6 GW

Everything is permissible but not helpful.

God gives us all the gift of free will.  Every day, in every way, we have choices.  Zig Ziglar, a motivational speaker whose life’s work is still impacting people’s lives, described options this way:

“For 24 years of my adult life, by choice, I weighed well over 200 pounds. I say ‘by choice’ because I have never ‘accidentally’ eaten anything, so when I choose to eat too much, I have chosen to weigh too much.”

Too much of anything isn’t beneficial; even too much of a good thing can cause harm.  Over-exercising can cause physical problems.  Drinking too much alcohol can cause a myriad of issues for you and others.  Overeating, as Zig points out, causes weight gain.  Even spending too much time volunteering causes burnout and helps no one.

Gaining self-control means realizing you have to set limits.  If the jeans are getting too tight, cut back on the food.  If your body is aching from too much exertion, take a break.  Remember, just because you’re allowed to do something doesn’t mean you should.

Learn to say no.

Saying no to overindulgence requires self-awareness.  If you don’t recognize something is gaining control of your life, you don’t know to limit it. 

Alcohol is dangerous because of its highly addictive qualities.  People often don’t realize the spiked beverages are controlling them until it’s too late.  Sugar addiction from food fuels the brain, which interprets it as a reward, causing you to want more of it.  The adrenaline rush from exercise causes people to do extreme sports to gain a physical high.  Too much of a good thing isn’t suitable for anyone.

Do an honest evaluation of your life.  Identify areas where a good thing is no longer suitable for you.  Exercise self-control as you become more self-aware.

Lord, thank You for our lives which overflow with Your blessings.  Forgive us for not setting limits on things that cause us harm.  Help us today do an honest evaluation of our lives.  Identify for us the areas that we are overindulging.  Give us extra measures of self-control to take the steps necessary to become healthy.  We know all things are permissible, but not all things are helpful.  Help us choose wisely. IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What area of your life are you overindulging?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 2-3 GW; 1 Corinthians 5 GW

Obey God, find success.

God’s idea of success isn’t ours.  When you reach eternity, God will not ask you what your job title was or how much money you made.  God already knows. He provided them for you.  What God will want to talk about is how well you loved people.

Obeying God’s directions, laws, commands, and rules are summed up in these two verses:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31 NIV)

Jesus gave us our life purpose in these 40 words found in Mark. Love God, love others.   Success in life isn’t what you have; it’s how well you love.  Every day, God allows us to love Him and others better than we did yesterday.

Focus on the future.

Following Jesus means you’re in the process of transformation.  You are becoming a new creation in Christ every day.  Since Jesus wants us to become better lovers of people, each day is an opportunity to strengthen our love muscles.

“The way you see your future determines your thinking today.  You’re thinking today determines your performance today.  Your performance in the today of your life determines your future.” Zig Ziglar

If you want to become more like Jesus, you must change your thinking.  Determine each day to love the people in your life better than you did yesterday.  One day at a time, you become a better lover of God and people. After a lifetime of loving people for Jesus, imagine entering the pearly gates and hearing these words:

“’Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21 NIV)

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to us, even as we are unfaithful.  Forgive us for defining success differently than You.  Help us adjust our thinking to become more in line with Yours.  As we move through our days, give us eyes to see the people You want us to love.  Let us start in our homes with our families, loving them best.  Each day, help us become more loving towards others as we let Your Spirit guide us.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who is God calling you to love today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 1 GW; 1 Corinthians 4 GW

Jesus kept His promise.

Trustworthy’s definition is “able to be relied on as honest or truthful.”  For someone to live an honest life,  they must tell the truth.  Telling the truth will make you trustworthy. 

Jesus had a purpose:

“Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:37 CSB)

Truth is not always pretty.

A few weeks ago, I stepped on the scale for the first time in months.  The numbers staring back at me were not what I expected.  According to my scale, I was up 13.4 pounds from a year ago.  Not the news I wanted, but it was what I needed.

Trustworthiness begins with truth.

Jesus is trustworthy because He tells the truth.  He came with a purpose, to help us understand our human condition.  We are all sinners in need of grace.  Only through Christ can we find the mercy we need.  As we begin to experience Jesus’s presence in our lives, we’re to share His love with others.  

Loving others well means being honest.  We have to speak not only the truth to others but also to ourselves.  When we talk, we should make sure we do so with love.  Especially when chatting with yourself, use grace.

When I saw the truth of my weight, I realized I needed help.  The first thing I did, text my friend Lori for accountability.  Then I joined WW.  Now I’ve lost twelve of the 13.4 pounds.  My jeans are still snug, as Lori says, “the lie detector of fashion.”  Instead of beating myself up about my weight, I gave myself grace.  Then I called a friend.

Jesus is the friend you can always call.  Think of what He did for you when tempted to lie.  Become trustworthy by telling the truth in all things, with love.

Lord, thank You for Jesus and the truth He brought us.  Jesus’s love for us is evident by His actions on the cross.  Forgive us, Lord, for taking Jesus for granted.  Forgive us for lying and not representing You well.  Help us to forgive ourselves, Lord.  Today, let us speak the truth in love as we become more trustworthy.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Do you give yourself grace?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 23-24 GW; 1 Corinthians 3 GW

Solid food comes with growth.

Babies drink milk until their little bodies are capable of handling solid food. In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul used this analogy to describe spiritual growth. Unfortunately, the Corinthians weren’t growing. They took the first steps of faith but then stopped walking because of their sinful nature.

Accepting Christ into your life is the first step, not the last. When you receive Christ into your life, that’s drinking the milk. But as you begin to develop a relationship with Jesus, you are to move towards solid food. Changing your menu means you actively pursue getting to know God better by spending time with Him.

When I first met my husband, I didn’t know him well.  As we began to spend more time together, I learned more about him.  Now, as a married couple, I’m still learning about him, but our relationship is far beyond acquaintances who just met.  We’ll continue getting to know each other as we travel through life together, handling the ups and downs that come with it.  Our rock is God who is the third cord in our marriage. 

Strive for solid food.

Praise Jesus for your salvation, then start pursuing Him. Understanding you’re a sinner in need of grace is only the first step. Take that sip of milk, but then keep growing. Start reading the Bible. The book of John is a great place to start moving towards solid food. You will get to know Jesus, His deep love for you, and what He ultimately wants you to do, live life to the fullest(John 10:10 NIV).  

Evaluate what kind of menu you’re eating.  If you’re still sipping milk from a sippy cup, it’s time to give it up.  Submit to God.  Commit to living out His purpose for your life, one day at a time.  Start by spending time in His word.  See where God takes you.

Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to show us the way.  Forgive us for still drinking milk.  Help us today start moving towards solid food.  As we seek You, let us find You.  Help us discover our purpose on earth as we connect with You.  Give us a clear direction of how we can grow.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Where are you in your spiritual journey, milk or solid food?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 22 GW; Psalms 144 GW; 1 Corinthians 2 GW

God’s splendor is beyond our comprehension.

While visiting friends, we were sitting by the water, listening to the waves gently roll against the shoreline.  A warm breeze coupled with the afternoon sun refreshed us.  One of those perfect moments on earth.  With awe, I said, “And heaven is better than this.” 

Our minds can’t fathom what God has in store for us.  Our best moments on earth are nothing compared to heaven.  Jesus is preparing a place for each of us:

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:3 NIV)

Life on earth is temporary.  Even though your current circumstances seem like they will never end, the truth is, they will.  Nothing lasts forever on earth; God is preparing a place for you in eternity.  When this world is beating you down, remember, “This too shall pass.”  

Trust in Jesus.

Believing in Jesus means trusting what He says.  If Jesus says He’s going to prepare a place for you, He is.  We can’t imagine the splendors of heaven from this side of it.  One day, we’ll all find out the wonders of eternity.  But until then, we must simply trust.  God has a plan for you, in this life and the next.  Our minds can’t comprehend the beauty God is preparing for us.

Take heart today, knowing God has a plan for you.  He’s preparing a place for you far beyond your imagination.  The trials of this day will fall away, but God’s love for you never will.  Whatever your wildest dreams are about eternity, God’s reality is even better.

Lord, thank You for preparing a way for us.  Praise Jesus for His sacrifice on our behalf.  Forgive us Lord for doubting.  Help us trust You today.  As we face the obstacles in the day ahead, don’t let us become discouraged.  Instead, let us cling to Your promises.  Help us remember, this world is temporary.  The problems of today will fade away, but life with You never will. Each day, help us become more like Christ.  Let our faith shine to the world around us, drawing others to You.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

When have you had a perfect moment lately?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Samuel 20-21 GW; 1 Corinthians 1 GW

Jesus helps you become.

Understanding that God is in the business of becoming is vital.  God’s plan for our lives unfolds one day at a time.  Growth takes time.  As we develop a relationship with Jesus, it changes us.  

God’s grace for us makes us more graceful.   Learning about God’s love for us, then accepting it into our lives makes us want to share the gift with others.  As a result, we become rich in speech and knowledge. 

People don’t know what you don’t tell them.

Sharing God’s truth with others is mandatory for Christ-followers.  We’re also supposed to do everything in love.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV)

Communicating in love means changing your speech.  I have “rules” I apply to my life.  My mother was strict about the language we could use.  None of us were allowed to use the word “hate.”  We were not allowed to hate anyone for any reason, a rule I still follow. My speech is richer, as well as my knowledge of Jesus.  His love for me helps me love others.

Become comfortable becoming.

Let Jesus transform your life.  Spend time with Him daily by reading God’s word.  Allow the words from the Bible’s pages to change your thoughts.  As you become more knowledgeable about what God says, let it change your speech.  Just as God gives you His grace,  don’t dwell on who you were; instead, relish who you’re becoming through Christ.

You are a child of God.  Jesus is helping you become a new creation in Him.  The past is history; let it go—embrace who you are becoming in Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father, how we love You; Lord, forgive us for not doing everything in love.  Help us today become better lovers of people.  Today, let our speech become more loving as we learn more about You.  Let Your Holy Spirit fill us, nudging us from within to say the right thing, at the right time, in love.   Only with You can we love others well.  Thank You for starting the relationship with us by sending Jesus.  Today, help us become comfortable with becoming.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How has life with Christ changed you?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 19 GW; 3 John 1 NIV; Psalms 34 GW

Refresh others for refreshment.

One sure way to find joy is wishing someone else well.  When I’m out and about, and someone randomly says, “God bless you,” my heart is always touched.  Every time, no matter who the well-wisher is, they’re always smiling and happy.  Spreading good cheer lightens the heart:

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV)

Making others smile will make you smile.  

As a tennis coach, an unhappy five-year-old is a challenge.  One mishit can spin a child into misery.  Working to bring a smile back to their face takes effort.  But the result always lightens my heart.  Getting them back involved in the game, watching as their tears dry and their lips smile refreshes my soul.

Kindness is free.

Smiling at someone costs nothing.  Wishing someone have a good day is free.  Opening the door for a stranger, helping a friend in need, all of these things refresh others and you.  Instead of looking for opportunities to tear others down, look for ways to build them up.  The slightest kindness can change someone’s life.

When I’m dealing with a friend going through a difficult time, I know God has the answer.  Even though I don’t know what to do for them, God does.  When I seek Him in prayer on their behalf, He always gives me an action task.  Send a text, write a card, make a phone call.  Whatever the mission God gives me, it’s always one that encourages.  And when I’m obedient, the one that genuinely is inspired is me.

Start today.  Look for ways to build people up instead of tearing them down.  Become a well-wisher.  Watch as you are the one who receives the biggest blessing.

Dear Lord, thank You for encouraging us daily.  Every morning when the sun rises, we get a new start.  Forgive us for the missed opportunities we’ve had to inspire others.  Help us today become well-wishers.  Give us divine insight into ways we can refresh the people meet.  Refresh our souls as we refresh others.  Give us an extra measure of love and grace to share with the world today.  In all things, You receive the glory.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who can you refresh today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Psalms 3 GW; 2 Samuel 15-16  GW; Psalms 70-71 GW

Fiery arrows require protection.

Sometimes, the devil’s attacks feel like mosquito bites.  One tiny female mosquito, because males don’t bite humans, can cause a world of trouble. Their constant little pricks to your skin irritate immensely.  However small they are, they can carry life-threatening diseases, like malaria.  If mosquitos swarm you, the best thing to do is take refuge.

All of us have times when we feel under attack.  Especially when we are trying to do something for the Lord, making a difference in the world means we will have resistance.  Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, calls these fiery attacks darts:

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16 NIV)

Rely on God.

Paul gives us the answer for when we’re under attack, have faith.  Call out to God, like David is doing in Psalm 3.  God is a place of refuge, no matter what the war.  Following Christ means coming under enemy fire; God’s protection is also part of the deal.

Have you ever noticed mosquitoes are worse for some people than others?  They typically leave me alone, but my husband’s blood is a favorite for them.  Mosquitos choose their victims by the scent of carbon dioxide and other chemicals in a person’s sweat.  Satan targets the faithful.

Seriously, why attack someone who isn’t trying to live for Jesus?  The devil wants to stop those people who are trying to bring light into the world.  Satan doesn’t have a good reputation:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” (John 10:10 NIV)

The last thing Satan wants is someone living life to the fullest in Christ.  Whatever tactics He can use to thwart God’s plan for our lives, he will.  Just remember, the devil always loses.

Victory is in Jesus.  Overcome life’s attacks with Him.

Father God, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.  The enemies’ attacks are significant, but we know, You are greater.  Forgive us, Lord, for letting the devil get a foothold in our lives. Remove any footholds he gained. Protect us from his attacks, let them bounce off of us like nothing.  Today, let us continue our work for You.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Have you felt under attack lately?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Psalms 36 GW; 2 Samuel 13-14 GW

God’s light is life.

God-centered living taps into the fountain of life.  Embracing God’s sovereignty means submitting your will to His.  Putting God first isn’t natural for us.  Our first thoughts typically revolve around ourselves.  But God’s Spirit helps us receive His blessings:  

“Every Good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17 NIV)

God’s light is steady and never-ending.  Every time we look for Him, we find Him, surrounded by brilliance.

My husband and I were camping in Myrtle Beach, S.C.  We attended church by the sea, which meets in an amphitheater overlooking the ocean.  Because of the morning sun, an unusual visual effect occurred.  As the Pastor was speaking, the blinding light from behind him made him appear as a silhouette.  I couldn’t see his face because of the brightness, just the outline of his body, with the cross behind him.  For a moment, I could imagine he was Jesus, preaching along the Sea of Galilee.  

God’s light illuminates.

Father of the heavenly lights, God’s presence shines brightly.  His truth is illuminated in our lives as we grow closer to Him.  Accepting that we are all sinners paves the way for us to live life to the fullest.  God’s fountain overflows; in Him, you can have life in abundance.

 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)

Jesus came for you.  His purpose, to give you life to the fullest.  For you to embrace the day ahead, tap into God’s light.  Ask Him to reveal to you the areas of your life that are stealing energy from you.

God’s fountain of life will fill your soul with light.

Lord, thank You for providing life for us.  Each of us reading this is breathing the air You offered; let us inhale deeply.  Forgive us for not tapping into Your light.  Help us see the areas of our life that are stealing moments from us.  Give us the courage to live today fully trusting You, entirely at peace, knowing You are all we need.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What is keeping you from living life to the fullest?