Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ruth 1-2 GW; Psalms 129 GW; Proverbs 30 GW

Faithful servants inspire followers.

Ruth is speaking to her mother-in-law, Naomi, in today’s verse.  From Bethlehem, Naomi and her family moved to Moab, Ruth’s hometown, because of a famine in the land.  While Naomi was a resident in a foreign country, she lost her husband and two sons.  But not before her sons took wives, Ruth and Orpah.  Desolate and distraught, Naomi decides to move back to Bethlehem, where she has relatives.  Her daughters-in-law wanted to go with her, but Naomi wouldn’t let them.  However, Ruth refused to take no for an answer.  Naomi’s faithful service to her God made Ruth want to follow Him too.

Actions do matter.

Naomi’s presence in her life inspired faith in Ruth.  Watching as her mother-in-law handled her family’s loss, yet didn’t turn her back on God impacted Ruth.  Naomi’s actions sparked an interest in Ruth that only God could quench.  She wanted to know more about this foreign God that inspired loyalty despite the circumstances.  Remember, Ruth, lost her husband and was also grieving.  But in Naomi’s God, she found hope.

Hope is a catalyst.

In God, we find hope.  Just like Naomi and Ruth were hopeful moving back to Bethlehem would bring a better life, we find hope following Jesus.  When Ruth refused to turn around, she had no idea that decision would put her in the direct lineage of Jesus.  She became the great grandmother of King David.  But on that day, on the dusty road, Ruth didn’t know her fate.  All Ruth knew was she wanted to go wherever God was taking her, even into foreign territory.  

Your faith can inspire others.

God takes us places we never imagined.  His plan for our lives is specific and purposeful.  To follow, we must have faith.  People will notice your faithfulness.  You never know who you’re inspiring as you daily walk with Christ.

Lord, You rock.  Even in the worst of circumstances, You are working.  Forgive us for thinking You aren’t present.  Give us each faith to follow You boldly today.  As people witness our actions, let them inspire curiosity in others.  Like Ruth, give us hearts to follow You anywhere.  Remove any fears we have; give us the courage to go wherever You lead.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Where is God taking you today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Joshua 23-24 GW; Psalms 115 GW; Proverbs 29 GW

False idols make you blind and deaf.

Confirmation Bias is “the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one’s existing beliefs or theories.”  Whatever you worship, you interpret life events to strengthen those beliefs rather than viewing them objectively.  You will give more weight to something that supports your theory versus something that debunks it.  Selective memory is a type of confirmation bias; you only remember things that suit your purposes, forgetting the things that don’t.  The more attached you are to the issue, the more you cling to the beliefs.

People worship a lot of things in this world that isn’t God.  Politicians and celebrities, money, power, possessions, the list is endless.  Accepting the truth of God means putting all other things in their place.  But we don’t want to give up our false idols for the one true God.  We choose the tangible over the intangible because it is easier.  Believing in a Creator we can’t see is more difficult than trusting someone or thing that we can.

As a result, people miss the truth of Jesus.

Persevere in truth.

For people in your life that have lost sight of truth, start with prayer.  My go-to prayer for myself and others is simple: “God give us, eyes to see and ears to hear Your truth.”  When someone is enmeshed in a tangle of lies, they need God’s help to see the light.  Nothing you say will help unless you are partnering with God.  

Once you pray this prayer, look for opportunities to plant seeds of truth.  When someone tells you a lie they are believing, debunk it.  Then pray for the seeds to take root and grow.  Remember, the more enmeshed they are in the lie, the more grains of truth you will need to plant.  But with God’s help, hopefully, they too will see the truth.

Lord, thank You for Your truth.  Jesus came to offer us hope and salvation through eternal life and bring truth into a world filled with lies.  Forgive us for worshiping false idols.  Give us eyes to see, hears to hear the truth in our own lives.  For our loved ones believing lies, give them eyes to see, ears to hear as well.  Without You, we can’t know the truth.  All glory is Yours.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who do you need to pray “eyes to see, ears to hear” for today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Joshua 21-22 GW; Proverbs 28 GW

Integrity is priceless.

Duplicity, contradictory doubleness of thought, speech, or action, is double-dealing. In other words, people will say whatever is necessary to achieve their goals.  Used car salesmen have a bad rap because they are often duplicite.  They know the car is a lemon, but they’ll tell you whatever they need to say to sell it. Not everyone who sells cars double-deals—unfortunately, those who do give the rest a poor reputation. 

Not once, in any of Jesus’s teaching, do you see Him double-dealing.  In all of His relationships, Jesus led with integrity.  In other words, He possessed “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. Jesus told the truth; He came to share it with us:

“In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.  Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37 NIV)

Following Christ means duplicity is not an option.  No matter how tempting the business deal is, if it’s not honest, it’s not good.  Everything we do is a reflection of Christ to those around us.  Double-dealing is not who Jesus was.

Lead with integrity.

Living like Jesus means leading with integrity.  In every relationship, no matter what kind, truth is a necessity.  Duplicity and integrity can’t exist together.  One has got to go.  Don’t waste time telling lies to meet your needs.  Instead, follow Jesus’s example and speak the truth in love in all things.  When we imitate Jesus in every respect, we mature into the person we are becoming.  God has a purpose for your life; it’s an honest one.

Duplicity gets you nowhere.  Integrity is the only way.  Don’t compromise truth for a quick buck.  Instead, trust God for His provision.

Lord, thank You once again for Your example.  Thank You for coming so that we would know the truth.  Forgive us, Lord, for lying.  Forgive us for putting the almighty dollar before the Almighty.  Help us live honest lives.  Let us lead with integrity today in all we do.  When temptation is upon us, help us choose You.  Remind us today of what Christ did for us.  Let us live in the freedom of truth today and always.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How can you lead with integrity today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Joshua 19-20 GW; Proverbs 27 GW

Only God knows what tomorrow will bring.

Col. Benjamin Hawkins of North Carolina gets credit for the phrase, “If God is willing and the creek don’t rise.”  He was a senator in the Continental Congress responding to a summon to appear in the nation’s capital.  As long as God willed it and no unforeseeable circumstances occurred, he would make the trip.  Hawkins understood the fragility of life.

Everyone takes life for granted at some point.  We all assume tomorrow is just another day.  But in reality, none of us knows what tomorrow will bring.  Only God knows what the day holds.  None of us can predict future events.  

“We can make our plans, but God directs our steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 NLT)

If we don’t know what tomorrow holds, we shouldn’t brag. Just because you think something will happen doesn’t mean it will.  My husband and I are planning a camping trip for this summer.  After 2020, I’m more aware than ever; vacations get canceled.   God only knows what will happen between now and then.  God willing and the creek don’t rise; we’ll go on the journey.  But in the meantime, we have to live for today.

Don’t miss the moment.

Today is all you have.  Don’t lose out on the moment because you’re bragging about tomorrow.  This day will never come again; tomorrow is uncertain.  To enjoy today, we have to accept we have no control over tomorrow.  As we make our plans, God makes His for our lives.  Submitting our lives to Him means acknowledging, we’re not in control.

Trust God for today.  Don’t brag about what you don’t know.  Instead, let God lead you.  When the creek rises, know God has a plan.

Lord, thank You for planning our days.  Thank You for creating each of us for a purpose, one that You will help us fulfill.  Forgive us for bragging about what we don’t know.  Today, as we make plans, let us submit them to You.  Help us accept Your will in our lives, especially when it goes against our goals.  Letting go of control is hard; help us release it to You.  As we follow You each day, let it become easier to trust Your will.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Have you bragged about tomorrow lately?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Joshua 16-18 GW; Proverbs 26 GW

Quick words have little meaning.

People will say anything to get what they want, whether true or not.  And they will tell lies about you if it suits their purposes.  When you are the center of someone else’s lies, it is highly annoying.  We all end up in this position at some point in our lives.  Someone accuses you of something you didn’t do.  Waiting for the truth to come to light can seem like torture.  One thing is sure; the truth always comes out.

My husband has a saying he uses often:

“A lie goes around the world three times before the truth comes out.”

He is right.  We believe lies quicker than we believe truth.  Satan’s greatest weapon is lying.  Not only do other people lie about us, they lie to us.  And we lie to ourselves, all the time.  No matter what the lie or who’s telling it, false words don’t find a place to rest.

Wait for the truth.

As long as you know the truth, that’s all that matters.  What other people think of you isn’t any of your business.  And quite frankly, it doesn’t matter.  The only one you have to care about what they think of you is God.  

If you’re following Jesus, applying His principles to your life, doing the best you can, you don’t have to worry about what other people are saying.  Truth comes through Jesus.  Journeying with Him means a lifetime of revelation.  Each day, as you seek Him, you’ll learn new facts about yourself and others.  Jesus sets you free from the lies.

Truth will set you free.  Lies don’t last.  False words never find rest.

Lord, thank You for Jesus.  He came so that we can find the truth.  Forgive us for wasting energy worrying about lies.  Help us persevere in the search for truth as we seek Jesus.  Remind us Your opinion is the one that matters, not those of people.  Help us follow You closely, applying Your ways to our lives.  Let people know us by our love, grace, and mercy.  Whoever we meet today, whatever the circumstance, help us lead with love.  Without You, we can do nothing.  With You, we can do everything.  Our lives are Yours, do with us what You will.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What truth are you waiting on today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Joshua 15 GW; Proverbs 25 GW

Not everything is your business.

For some reason, we think we need to know everything.  But the truth is, we can’t possibly know everything, nor should we.  God is the only one who is privy to all the details.  And He hides what He knows.  God separates our sin from us:

“as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 NIV)

Man, on the other hand, likes to investigate and expose people’s sins.  Grace is favor, mercy, pardon.  God hides what people want to illuminate.  Yet, as human beings, we want to know all the dirty laundry.  Typically, when we find out a person’s secrets, we spread them as quickly as possible.   Hozier’s song, “Take Me to Church,” aptly describes what people do with juicy information:

“I’ll tell you my sins, and you can sharpen your knife.”

My deepest hurts came from people I met in church.  Thankfully, God doesn’t act like people do.  In Him, we can find a love that heals our wounds.

Become comfortable not knowing.

One way to become more like Jesus, don’t tell everything you know.  Practice not wanting to know everything. Understanding people’s heartaches is a grave responsibility.  When they share their sufferings with you, protect their hurts.  Don’t exploit people because of their sin; love them instead.  People’s hearts are tender; treat them accordingly.  Broken hearts require gentle treatment, not grand illuminations.

Encountering people amid their sin requires grace.  Knowing people’s sins shouldn’t become a weapon to manipulate them.  Instead, use it as an opportunity to love them unconditionally.

Lord, thank You for separating our sins from us as far as the east is from the west.  Forgive us for using other people’s sins against them.  Lord, remind us today, we don’t need to know everything.  Help us trust that You do.  When we learn of people’s secrets, help us use them as a way to love unconditionally.  Today, help us keep our mouths shut. Help us remember to take the plank out of our eye before messing with the splinter in someone else’s.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Whose business have you been meddling in that you shouldn’t?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Joshua 13-14 GW; Proverbs 24 GW

Gloating reveals heart issues.

In reality, all of us, at some time or another, have gloated:

“To observe or think about something with triumphant and often malicious satisfaction, gratification, or delight.”

God doesn’t gloat when we fall.  Instead, through Jesus, God offers us a hand up.  His grace covers our sins.  When we stumble, He catches us and helps us regain our footing.  If we want to become more like Christ, we need to do the same.  

Gloating is an indicator light.

When my car has a problem, an indicator light appears on the dashboard.  Whether my tires need air or the oil needs changed, the vehicle has a signal for all of them. Cars today have so many indicator lights; mechanics need a handheld computer to identify the problem.  Just like a “check engine light” means a problem exists with the engine; gloating indicates a problem with our heart.

Do a heart check.

Allowing God to search your heart is the same as the mechanic using his handheld computer to diagnosis the engine problem.  Only God can illuminate the issue.  Whether you’re jealous or vengeful, God will let You know.  

Following Jesus means His Spirit lives inside of you.  God’s Spirit will convict you of the issue.  God’s grace will help you align Your heart with His.  When you do, you’ll view the person and the situation differently.  One prayer that constantly changes my view is:  “God, help me see them through Your eyes.”  Every time God gives me a new perspective.

Next time a temptation to gloat happens, do a heart check.  Ask God why you’re gloating.  Let Him do the heart examination. Allow God to change your view.

Lord, thank You for the new perspective.  Viewing the world from an earthly vantage point is difficult.  Forgive us for gloating over others misfortunes.  Whenever we gloat, help us use it as an indicator light in our life for a heart check.  Give us courage to let You search our hearts, revealing to us the areas of sinfulness.  Cleanse us Lord of our negative emotions.  Fill our hearts with Your grace and mercy.  Remove any prideful thoughts from our minds.  Help us remember; we fall too.  No one is perfect except Jesus.  In Him, we find life.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who have you gloated over lately?

2 minue read.

Daily Reading: Joshua 11-12 GW; Psalms 149 GW; Proverbs 23 GW

More money means more problems.

Learn contentment instead of chasing after riches.  Money is a nasty god.  If you’re worshipping the almighty dollar, you’ll never find satisfaction.  Someone will always have a nicer car, bigger house, and larger paycheck.  The more money you have, the more you have to manage.  Not one dime will enter into the next life with you, but it will rob you of your life here on earth.

People on their death beds don’t wish they’d worked more hours or had more money.  Richard B. Mellon, multimillionaire, president of Alcoa’s last words reflect what is truly important: “Last tag.”  Mellon and his brother, Andrew, had an ongoing game of tag all their lives.  On his deathbed, he didn’t talk about money.  No, he tagged his brother “It” one last time. If you’re going to expend energy, use it wisely.

Stop the madness.

Choose today to stop chasing money.  As long as you have enough, you don’t need more.

“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:8-9 NIV)

Money tempts you to disown God.  Too much wealth tricks you into believing you don’t need God.  Not enough cash causes you to steal, dishonoring God.  All you need is enough, not too much, not too little.  Becoming satisfied with enough will help you live life to the fullest.  Enjoying the bounty God gives you is far more satisfactory than chasing after riches.

Don’t exhaust yourself trying to get more.  Learn to enjoy what you already have.  Invest your time in people, not money.

Lord, thank You for providing enough for us.  Living in America, we have plenty.  Forgive us for wasting our time and energy trying to create more wealth for ourselves.  Help us learn contentment.  Your provision is enough; we don’t need more than what You give.  Help us cherish what we already have, not yearning for what we don’t need.  Today, let us expend our energy on loving You, loving others.  In You, we can do all things.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Are you worshipping God or money?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Joshua 9-10 GW; Proverbs 22 GW

Imminent battle causes bold prayers.

Joshua and the Israelites were fighting the Amorites.  All of the Amorite Kings united to fight the men of Gibeon.  The Gibeonites asked Joshua for protection.  Knowing victory only comes through the Lord, Joshua prayed a bold prayer.  God used the battle to show His mighty power:

“The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!” (Joshua 10:13-14 NIV)

When God is on your side, anything is possible.  Joshua was a faithful servant and leader.  He dedicated his life to serving the Lord:

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 NIV)

Deciding who you choose to serve impacts your victory.  Our biggest battles are against ourselves.  We have to choose daily if we’re going to serve our flesh or if God will come first.  Our struggles differ from those of the Old Testament, but they still require God to find victory.

Choose wisely.

God is the best ally of all.  Choose Him today.  Fight your battles with God at the lead.   Communing with your Creator is the path to victory.  Spend time reading His word today.   Pray and seek His advice on Your life.  Ask Him for a sign to know what you are to do.  God made the sun stand still for Joshua; He can work miracles in your life too.   God listens to us when we talk.  Turn to Him today.

Face your battles with God.  Watch has He unexpectedly brings victory.  Let His mighty power shine.

Lord, we are grateful You are our ally.  Forgive us for seeking victory any other way.  Today, as we face our battles, strengthen us.  Just as you amazed Joshua and the Israelites, surprise us.  As we spend time reading Your word, refresh and renew our spirit.  In Your mercy, hear our prayers.  Guide and direct us today as only You can.  Work miracles where we need them.  Bring us hope in the storm.  In all things, the glory is Yours.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

What battle do you need God’s help with today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Joshua 8 GW; Proverbs 21 GW; Psalms 33 GW

God’s relationship is a heart relationship.

In life, we have different types of relationships, including with ourselves.  Our relationship with God is internal.  Where people look at the outside, God looks at the inside.  What that means is His Holy Spirit lives within us, prompting us on our journey.  What we think is right isn’t always right.  Traveling with God means being alert to His notifications.

Applications on our cell phones, known as apps, all come with notifications.  If you use a water drinking app, it will tell you when you need to drink water.  My Fitbit app reminds me every hour to get up and move.  Financial apps notify you about financial things, food apps about food things, and sports apps about sports things.  If we think of our relationship with God in terms of an app, His promptings are the notifications He sends when we’re heading in the wrong direction.

Pay attention to God’s notifications.

If you’re like me, you silence the notifications on your phone.  They drive me insane.  All of my close friends know my phone is constantly on “Do not Disturb.”  I refuse to let the constant buzzing from a million different apps distract me.  Now, the first thing I do when downloading an app is turn off the notifications.  But I don’t turn off God’s.

God’s promptings are internal notifications that what you’re doing isn’t right.  Peace isn’t present; instead, your heart feels unsettled.  Verbalizing the feeling is difficult; it’s knowing that what you’re about to do, you shouldn’t do.  Full transparency, I’ve pushed through the unsettled feelings before; I regret it when I do.  Now, I try to wait for God’s peace to transcend before I act, then I know I’m doing the right thing.

Don’t ignore God’s notifications.  When you feel a prompting to change your mind, change it.  God’s way is always the best.

Lord, thank You for Your constant presence in our life.  Forgive us for turning off Your notifications.  Instead, let Your notifications always come through.  Don’t let us ignore them, but quickly respond when we receive one.  When we’re heading in the wrong direction, correct our course quickly.  Increase our sensitivity to Your promptings.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Have you missed a notification from God lately?