Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 10-12 GW; Psalms 51 GW

Everyone falters.

If people tell you they overcome all temptations, they’re lying.  If someone says they have never succumbed to the lore of a guilty pleasure, don’t believe it.  David, mightiest of kings, fell to the temptation of Bathsheba. 

In his close walk with God, David faltered.

David’s reliance on God was much more literal than ours.  Most of us don’t worry about how we are going to get our daily bread.  In America, food is currently in abundance.  We have programs to feed those in need, both governmental and non-profit.  David didn’t live in the United States.  He resided in the middle east, long before electricity, refrigeration, and grocery stores existed.  

Daily bread meant growing, harvesting, thrashing, and baking it.  David didn’t run into Walmart and pick up a loaf of bread.  People in this culture appreciated their daily bread in ways we can’t understand.  As a result, they had a much deeper reliance on God than we do today.

God was David’s best friend.  David still fell.  As humans, we all falter, which is why we need grace. 

Grace is God’s solution.

Accepting the fact that you will falter is healthy.  Perfection is unattainable without God.  

David got Bathsheba pregnant.  To cover up his sin, he tried to manipulate her husband into sleeping with her.  However, the dedicated soldier that Uriah was, he refused to take pleasure when his men suffered.  So David placed Uriah at the front of the battle lines, and he died.  Then David took Bathsheba as his wife.  David did pay the price for his actions.  But God was still David’s best friend; He still loved him.

Temptation does have consequences.  When we succumb, we’ll find out what those are.  But that doesn’t mean God doesn’t love us anymore.  No, God takes our mistakes and uses them for good.  Somehow, someway, He always does.

Lord, we love You!  I love You!  Thank You for loving us, for leading with grace when You sent Jesus.  How amazing You are.  Forgive us for deceiving ourselves into thinking we are infallible.  Thank You for loving us enough to correct us.  And for never leaving us, just like You never left David.  Strengthen us for the journey today.  Let us produce good fruit today.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What’s your latest temptation?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Psalms 21 GW; 2 Samuel 7-9 GW

God doesn’t break His promise.

Today’s scripture comes from David’s prayer.  He’s praising God for all He has done for him.  And now, David is thanking him for the promises God made to his future generations.  God promised David his offspring would succeed him, carrying on his name, establishing his throne forever.  God fulfilled that promise through Jesus, a direct descendant of David.  God kept His promise not only to David but also Abraham, another ancestor in Jesus’s lineage.

God kept His promise to David.  He’ll keep His promise to you.

A Sampling of God’s promises for you:

God kept his promise to David through Jesus.  He’ll keep His promise to you.  God has your back.

Lord, thank You that Your word has hundreds of promises for us.  Forgive us for not trusting them completely.  Help us to lean into the promises of scripture.  As we put our faith in You, let the troubles of this world slip away.  We know You have our backs, today and always.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What promise do you need most today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Psalms 58 GW; 2 Samuel 4-6 GW

Imperfect people make unfair verdicts.

Everyone is imperfect.  Not one human being on earth is without blemish.  Selfishness is a characteristic we all share.  Trying to make a fair assessment devoid of any bias is impossible.  God knows, everyone’s default is thinking of themselves first. 

My husband and I have a long-standing joke we share.  Who gets the largest portion at dinner?  Whenever I’m dishing out meals, I always try to give him more.  Making the servings entirely even is impossible; someone always gets a little extra.  In my selfishness, I want more.  But as a way to practice putting Ron first, I give him the extra bite.  

Putting someone else’s needs before our own isn’t natural.  Mothers appear to do this effortlessly with their children.  But for most people, others first living is a battle.  God knows, without Jesus, we can’t truly put ourselves second.  Our selfish desires always get in the way.

God isn’t biased.

God’s assessment is always fair.  Selfishness is not part of who He is.  Where human judgment fails, God doesn’t.  However, you may not agree with His decision at the time.  Many times in life, God’s actions make no sense to us.  We’re not supposed to understand everything.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8 NIV)

Where humans fail, God doesn’t.  Even unfair verdicts we receive from imperfect people, God can and will use for the good.  Somehow, someway, God uses everything in His Divine story.

When faced with imperfection, choose grace.  Take the unfair verdict to the true ruler, God.  Ask Him for understanding; seek God for solace.  Forgive the person; trust that the story isn’t over.  God’s working, somehow, some way.

Lord, thank You for Your fairness.  We’re grateful; You aren’t selfish.  Forgive us for our selfishness.  Forgive us for judging others unfairly, condemning them when we don’t have all the facts.  Remind us today; we’re not perfect either.  Everyone we meet is doing the best they can with what they have.  Give us extra grace when an imperfect person’s decision impacts us negatively.  Today, no matter what the situation, let us lead with love.  Every person we meet, let us love them well, just as you love us.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who do you need extra grace for today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 1-3 GW; Psalms 141 GW

Your prayers are fragrant.

God yearns for you to turn to Him. He waits like a father or mother who knows their child is suffering but doesn’t want to talk about it. Any sign that a son or daughter wants to share their struggle with them is a precious gift to a parent.

When my father was dying from lung cancer, I’ll never forget how I broke his heart.  Eavesdropping on a conversation between him and my Mom, I found out I hurt him.  Dad asked Mom, why doesn’t “Bethie” talk to me like she does you?  I had no idea I spoke to Dad differently.  All he wanted was for me to share my heart with him like I did my Mom.  To this day, I still feel sad when I think of that moment.

But Dad knew I loved him.  And God knows you love Him.  What God wants is for you to talk to Him more; He wants to hear how your day is going.  God wants to know what you’re feeling, thinking, and doing.  God loves you wholly and completely, and like a lover, wants to share every crazy moment with you.

Just talk to Him.

Prayer is simply talking to God.  Nothing more, nothing less.  Like my Dad yearned for me to share my heart with him, God wishes the same of you.  Tell God about your frustrations, whatever they are.  

God knows you aren’t perfect; He doesn’t expect it.  He wants a relationship with you—open and honest, where you tell Him everything.  Remember, God made the first move.  He sent Jesus to pave the way for you to engage with Him.

Start today.  Lift your hands in prayer.  Let your prayers fragrance fill God’s nostrils.  Take a step closer to your Creator.  Give Him another piece of your heart.

Lord, thank You for Your loving presence in our lives.  Praise You for your Son who died for us. Forgive us, God, for not sharing our hearts with you.  Forgive us for holding back when we could give it all to You.  Help us find that release today.  As we start a conversation with You, let us have eyes to see, ears to hear your response.  We love You, Lord, now and always.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How much are you talking to God?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 30-31 GW; Psalms 18 GW

Inquiring minds find direction.

When you study the life of David, you find him talking to God a lot.  Especially when facing battle, David sought God’s support.  When he pursued Bathsheba, another man’s wife, he didn’t ask God for direction; that didn’t go well for him.  But when David had God’s support, he knew who to pursue.

Often, we don’t know which “raiding party” we’re supposed to pursue.  Participation in every conflict isn’t possible; some debates are not for us to discuss.  But some controversies are unavoidable.  Discerning what we should and shouldn’t pursue requires God’s intervention.

God’s spirit within us helps discern which path we are to take.  Internal promptings give us direction. 

Politics is a “raiding party” for me. In a divided country, opinions are strong.  Because political conversations escalated quickly, especially on social media, I prayed about handling this controversy.  God prompted me to only engage in political discussions in person.   Screens take the humanity out of the situation.  God is about the relationship more than anything else.  Person-to-person conversations help to alleviate misunderstandings and promote unity.

Defend your post.

We all have battles to fight in this world.  Wherever you are, whatever you do, you have a position to defend:

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

Pursuing a “raiding party” isn’t going into physical combat for most of us.  But God will ask you to have uncomfortable conversations with people.  He will give you opportunities to talk about Jesus with people you never thought you would.  Chase those raiding parties with gentleness and love.  Enter into the conflict, knowing victory is God’s.

Lord, thank You for giving us discernment.  Forgive us for not asking sooner.  Identify our “raiding parties” to us.  Show us which ones you want us to pursue, which ones you don’t.  Then, as we defend our post, help us do so with gentleness and respect.  In all things, let our words honor You.  Let people know us by our love, which comes from You.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What raiding party is God asking you to pursue?

2 minute read.

Trust comes with the rescue.

When you have faced an obstacle and overcome it with God’s help, you’ll trust Him more.  As I learn more and more about God, I realize, He always acts first. 

God sent Jesus as an act of love.  He made the first move in His relationship with us.  God also understands our doubting natures.  We aren’t God. Therefore, we question His ways simply because they aren’t ours.  God isn’t angry at us for questioning.  Relationships develop with questions.

When I first met my husband, I had lots of questions.  Finding out his marital status was my first inquiry.  I’m still questioning my husband ten years later.   He lived 43 years before I knew him.  I have so much yet to learn.  Every question leads to a discovery that deepens our love for each other and bonds us as one.

Bond with God.

Because God acted first, He started the conversation.  God invites you to talk to Him.  He’s available 24/7.  When you begin chatting with God, things start to happen. When God moves in your life, you know it’s Him.  One of the things I love about God is His uncanny way of doing things.  You can’t take credit for the victory.  However, God won the battle for you; He didn’t require effort from you at all.  

And when that happens, you trust God more.  You give Him more of your spirit, which entwines with His.  As your faith in Him grows, you become more intertwined.  Your heart grows more in line with God’s.  Your desires become what God’s are, the love of His people.

Thank God for the rescue.  Allow yourself to trust Him more.  Entrust your spirit to Him.

Lord, how gentle Your Spirit is within us.  Your presence in our lives is determined by how much we trust You.  Thank You for giving us reasons to count.  Praise You for rescuing us from our storms.  Forgive us, Lord, for trying to do it on our own.  Help us release our spirit to You today, as we learn to trust You more.  Take the blinders off our eyes, help us see Your truth today.  Let us embrace Your grace and mercy, then help us share it with others.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What has God rescued you from lately?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 25-26 GW; Psalms 7 GW

Good judgment is a gift from God.

Today’s verse comes from the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail.  David asked Nabal for help, which Nabal refused to give because he didn’t know who David was (1 Samuel 25:10-11 GW).  David gets mad, has his men strap on their swords, and heads out to kill Nabal.  Thankfully, Abigail, Nabal’s wife, found out about the situation and thought quickly.  She saved them by taking supplies to David, meeting him on his way to gain vengeance.  When David realizes what Abigail has done, he says:

“May your good judgment be blessed. Also, may you be blessed for keeping me from slaughtering people today and from getting a victory by my own efforts.” (1 Samuel 25:33 GW)

Abigail saves Nabal, his men, and David.  If it weren’t for her, David would have proceeded on his efforts without consulting God, never a good idea.  But Abigail’s quick thinking and good judgment saved the day.

Bless people’s good judgment.

Like David, when you witness a good decision, bless the person.  Acknowledge the positive thing they just did.  Recognize the consequences of the choice.  David realized Abigail accomplished far more than just giving them supplies.

Every decision has a consequence.  Nabal’s choice would have had a bad outcome if Abigail hadn’t gotten involved.  

Family and friends intervening in our lives is a blessing. They have a perspective we can’t see.  When we misjudge a situation, they don’t.  Abigail was able to make a sound judgment because she knew Nabal well. She knew his weaknesses, probably from years of marriage.  Therefore, she could see what Nabal couldn’t.   

Acknowledge people when they make good decisions.  Thank them for how their choices positively impact your life.  Praise God for giving us people to help us choose wisely.

Praise You, God, above for all You do on earth.  Thank You, Lord, for giving us people to help us make sound judgments.  Forgive us for not consulting You in our decision-making process.  Help us heed advice from wise counselors.  Let us quickly think when needed and make good decisions.  When we witness people use right-thinking, let us bless them.  Help us accept our limitations.  Let us have gratitude for those who have our backs.  IJNIP. Amen  

Question for reflection

Whose good judgment helped you?

2 minute prayer.

Daily Reading: Psalms 54 GW; 1 Samuel 23-24 GW; Psalms 63 GW

God’s ears are open.

Because God doesn’t do our bidding, we may feel He isn’t listening.  God isn’t a vending machine in the sky.  He always hears our prayers.  What He wants from us is honesty.  

When we converse with God, He wants to talk about heart issues.  In those areas of your life that you don’t like to think about, much less discuss, God wants to know.  

Your schedule and God’s are not the same.  

Praying for family and friends is fantastic.  But God wants to talk about you.  What is breaking your heart?  What pain are you trying to deal with today?  God wants to help you.  But you have to let God into the places you may not want to go.

You can trust God.

Somewhere along the line, we get the impression God is angry at us for our sin.  He’s not.  Jesus proved that on the cross.  Nothing you have done or ever will do can separate you from God’s love.  Trust God does love you, the good, bad and ugly.

Currently, my therapist has me working on a “Good, bad, and ugly” list about myself.  I struggle to find my value in being a child of God.  Understanding that God loves me just the way I am is complex for me.  Following Jesus means accepting ourselves completely, even the parts that aren’t so great.  For the past week and a half, I’ve been asking God to help me complete the lists.  Some ugly things have reared their head, but giving them to God releases me from their hold.  God does love me completely,  all of me.

God loves you completely; He does hear your prayers.  God is listening.  Now let Him lead the conversation.  Whatever the Spirit brings to your mind, talk about it with God.  Watch as He transforms you.

Lord, how desperately we love You.  Today is a brand new day, one which we can rejoice and relish.  Forgive us for constantly forcing our agenda on You.  Help us today to let You lead the conversation.  Help quiet our minds and calm our breathing as we sit in silence with You.  When something comes up, help us discuss it with You.  Your will, not ours.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who is leading your conversation with God?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 20-22 GW; Psalms 52 GW

Friends inspire action.

Jonathan loved David.  They were the best of friends.  When Saul threatened David’s life, Jonathan protected him.  Jonathan sided with David against his father.  As a result, Saul threw his spear at Jonathan, trying to kill him.  Jonathan was willing to give his life for his friend.  He saved David from Saul’s wrath. Chapter 20 of today’s reading gives you all the details.  David’s friendship made Jonathan a better person; he took a stand against his father’s wickedness and saved his friend’s life.

We’ll do things for our friends we won’t do for ourselves.  When a friend is in need, we rise to the occasion.  Cooking meals, carpooling kids, cleaning houses, mowing lawns, all things we can do for friends who are struggling.  Some of my most specials times with friends are in the heat of the battle.

When my friend’s husband was in his last days, we found a Bible study on contentment.  I will never forget sitting at her dining room table, studying just a room away from where he lay.  Each week he declined more and more.  Then one Friday night, I got the call. Would I come help write his obituary?  Together we walked through the days and weeks ahead.  

Friends strengthen each other.

As my friend and I sought God amid the storm, we found His peace.  Going over to her house each week wasn’t easy.  Watching my friend die slowly was painful.  But together, with God’s strength, we weathered the storm.

Love for others motivates us into action.   I couldn’t stop my friend from dying, but I could help his wife continue living.  God is clear; our lives are but so long.  While we’re on earth, we are to live.  Friends make life easier.

Thank God for your friends.  Find ways to help them today.  Let them bring out the best in you.

Lord, thank You for friends.  Thank You for people to share life with today.  Forgive us for taking friendships for granted.  Help us today to become better friends with the people we love.  Like Jonathan, let us go the extra effort.   Let our friendships bring our best selves to light.  Lead us in the way we should go.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Whose friendship has made you a better person?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Psalms 55 GW; 1 Samuel 18-19 GW; Psalms 42-43 GW

Troubled times cause questioning.

When disaster strikes, people look for God.  Finding someone to blame when something bad happens is a natural reaction.  I’ve found, people typically look to God first.  When my nephew died seven years ago at the age of twenty from Type One Diabetes, people asked me tough questions.

“Why did God let Cody die?”  “Why didn’t God heal him?” “What about all of those prayers you prayed for Cody?”

From my vantage point, God did heal Cody.  As a follower of Christ, he was completely healed, never having to take another insulin shot again.  But not the way I had hoped.  However, he still lives in my heart, travelling every where I go.  One day, we will have a reunion.  

My God was present on that warm day in September when Cody moved home to heaven.  He was with my family in every hug, note, meal we received.   As the days moved forward, God’s people helped us keep going.  When we couldn’t walk, they carried us.

God is here.

Where is God when trouble comes?  Here.  God is with you in the midst of the trial.  From our struggles, we gain the most incredible wisdom.  When life strips us bare and brings us to our knees, God is waiting.  Amid heartache is when God is closest.

When people ask you where your God is, tell them the truth.  God is with me.  He fills my lungs with air that allows me to breathe.  God gives us people to help us through difficult times.  Every hug, every prayer, every comforting word is proof of God’s presence.  Feelings lie, but God doesn’t:

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isiah 41:10 NIV)

Where is God?  Wherever you are.

Lord, thank You for never leaving us, especially amid trouble.  Forgive us for believing our feelings instead of Your promises.  Today, help us see You during the storm.  Give us eyes to see, ears to hear Your presence in our lives.  When people ask, “Where is your God?” Let us answer simply, “Here.”  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How does God let you know He’s present?