Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 3 GW; Psalms 133 GW; John 20 GW

Harmonious life, pleasant life.

Creating harmony in your relationships is up to you.  Learning how to navigate healthy relationships takes time and effort.  Following Jesus helps in the quest for unity with others.  God’s recipe for living peacefully with others includes these ingredients:

• Pray for one another (James 5:16 GW)
• Love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12 GW)
• Serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13 GW)
• Esteem others higher than yourself (Phil. 2:3 GW)
• Husbands love your wife like Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25 GW)
• Wives respect your husband (quickly done if he loves you like Christ) (Ephesians 5:33)
• Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Matthew 7:12 GW)

All of these ingredients have one thing in common, others before self.  In each of these instances, God asks us to stop thinking about ourselves; instead, think of those around us.  Following Christ helps us find the proper focus.

Look at Jesus

Living a pleasant life has nothing to do with creature comforts.   Co-habitating peacefully with the people in your life brings joy.  We interact with people all day long.  From sun-up to sun-down, our relationships with family, friends, and co-workers impact our day.  If a relationship is in turmoil, life isn’t pleasant.  Where we place our focus is critical:

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed.  If you look within, you’ll be depressed.  But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.”  Rick Warren

Jesus brings rest to our weary souls.  Through Him, we live in harmony with our brothers and sisters.  Follow His commands, find peace.  Harmonious relationships have Christ at the center of them.

Praise You, God, for Your glorious ways.  Forgive us for our lack of obedience.  Help us today put into practice what You have commanded.  Today, let us pray for one another, bringing You into our relationships.  When we have an opportunity to serve someone, let us take it.  As Christ put us before His needs, let us do the same with others.  Let the golden rule lead our day as we do unto others as we would have done unto us.  With You, Lord, we can find harmony in our relationships.  IJNIP.  Amen

Question for reflection

What relationship do you need to pray for today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 2 GW; John 19 GW; Psalms 22 GW

God’s silence causes us to believe our lies.

Think about the last time you sat in silence.  No T.V. playing, no radio, complete silence, what happens to you?  When nothing is distracting us, we create space to think.  Thoughts have the power to mislead us down rabbit trails.  When we don’t think God is listening to us, the places our mind goes typically isn’t good.  We have to learn to ground ourselves in reality instead of getting lost in our heads.

Just because you may feel alone doesn’t mean you are alone.  Everyone you know and love is with you, even if not physically present. Spiritual connection exists outside the physical existence.  I’ve learned, even those who have gone to heaven are still part of my life.  Everywhere I go, I carry them with me.  God doesn’t abandon us; He is always with us.  

Wherever you are, so is God.

On my first business trip to New York City years ago, I felt abandoned.  For some reason, I couldn’t imagine God in NYC.  I’ll never forget standing in the aisle of the airplane, waiting to deplane.  My cell phone rang, the caller I.D. showed, “Frank Shirley,” the church’s assistant pastor.  He knew my angst at traveling.  When I answered, I’ll never forget his words. 

“Beth, I just wanted to call and remind you, God is in New York too.”  

God is wherever you are.  Don’t let silence make you believe a lie.  God will never abandon you.  Connection exists through Jesus.

Praise Jesus; You are with us.  Wherever we are, so are You.  Forgive us for believing the lies our minds tell us.  In all things, let us see the truth.  Remind us when we’re feeling alone that we aren’t.  Just because people are living their lives doesn’t mean they’ve abandoned us.  Today Lord, remind us of how loved we are.  How You will never leave us, You are always with us.  All glory is Yours.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How have you felt abandoned lately?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading:  Deuteronomy 1 GW; John 18 GW

Fear stops us from receiving.

Today’s scripture is Moses speaking to the Israelites.  He’s reminding them of past events.  Moses sent 12 representatives into the promised land; all had the same report:

“The land that the Lord our God is giving us is good.” (Deuteronomy 1:25 GW)

Do you know what the Israelites did?  They sat in their tents and refused to go (Deut. 1:26-28 GW).  God is giving them a gift; their fear stops them from receiving it.  Why?:

“You didn’t trust the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 1:32 GW)

Lack of trust creates fear.  Because the Israelites didn’t trust God, even after all they’d been through, they were fearful.  Moving into an unknown situation is difficult for anyone, not just the Israelites.  Age doesn’t help.  Unexpected hurts cause us to mistrust even more.  After you experience a few flat tires in life, traveling becomes less attractive.

To possess the promised land, the Israelites had to overcome their fear.  For us to live our lives to the fullest, we must do the same thing.

Trust trumps fear.

God is trustworthy.  Life is ever-changing.  None of us knows what the day will bring.  But God is unchanging.  Our earth-shattering moments in life don’t shatter God.  

“I am the A and the Z, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 22:13 GW)

God is present from beginning to end.  Our idea of time and God’s definition are different.  In our humanness, we can’t understand God’s timetable, but we can trust it.  Faith steps are trust steps.  God is leading you to your promised land.  But first, you have to trust Him, allowing your faith in Him to overcome any fear you have.

Today is the day.  Take possession of the promised land God is offering.  Place your trust in Him.  Let Him lead you where He wants you to go.

Thank You, God, for Your navigation!  Lord, forgive us for fearing where You might lead us.  Give us today an extra measure of faith to place our trust in You.  As we move forward through this day, let us do so boldly and confidently.  Don’t let fear stop us from grasping the life you intend for us.  Let us start today living our life to the fullest in You.  Praise You, Lord, for Your guidance.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How is fear stopping you from moving forward today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 35-36 GW; John 17 GW

Jesus finished well.

No one can argue, Jesus was obedient to His mission.  Dying a torturous death on the cross to prove God’s love for us, that’s a good finish.  Jesus overcoming death started the next chapter of life for us.  Eternity is available because of what Jesus did.  Through Him, we grasp the extent of our Creator’s love for us, without Him, death; with Him, life.  Thank God Jesus didn’t quit. 

Jesus knew the importance of working out His notice.  Transitions are a part of life.  Moving forward in life means ending one chapter before beginning another.  Like Jesus, we need to finish well.  When we leave this earth, we’ll leave loved ones behind.  We want them to join us in heaven.  The life we live here could determine whether or not meeting again happens.

Lead like Jesus.

Jesus ended well so that we could do the same.  God’s purpose for Jesus was to connect us with Him.  Love is the connection Jesus modeled for us.  While on earth, He loved His heavenly Father, as well as His earthly flock.   Jesus showed genuine fondness for everyone He met.  His emotions show the depth of His caring.  He wept with those who wept, rejoiced with those who rejoiced.  In all things, Jesus loved.

No one knows how long God will give them on this earth.  Today is your opportunity to love like Jesus.  Every day God gives you, become more like Jesus.  Loving like Jesus will draw people to you and your heavenly Father.  When You finish well on this earth, you’re loved ones will follow.

Whatever chapter you’re finishing in life, finish well.  Do the next right thing, one step at a time.  Practice loving like Jesus.  You’re guaranteed to end well.

Jesus, how grateful we are You finished well.  Forgive us the times in our life that we haven’t ended well because we haven’t loved.  Help us today to love like You.  Whoever we meet, show us how we can extend Your love to them.  Whether kind word or deed, let our actions encourage and uplift all we meet.  Our hope is in You.  Because You finished well, we can too.  All things are made new in You.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What do you need to finish well?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 34 GW; John 16 GW

Questioning is part of faith.

Jesus’s disciples didn’t understand Him.  While Jesus was on earth, they were with Him. Guys who listened to His teachings firsthand didn’t get it.  At the time, comprehending Jesus’s death and resurrection was incomprehensible.  Jesus wasn’t angry that they questioned. He understood it.  If Jesus didn’t get mad at them, why would He get mad at us?

Only through questioning can we find understanding.  When you look back over the history of the church, people wondering about faith wasn’t encouraged.  But that just doesn’t work. The days of belief without investigation no longer exist.   We all have questions.  To move forward in our relationship with Jesus, we must ask what we don’t know.

Answers aren’t immediate.

Jesus tried to explain to the disciples what He meant when He said, “In a little while, they wouldn’t see Him.” The answer brought more questions:

“I can guarantee this truth: You will cry because you are sad, but the world will be happy. You will feel pain, but your pain will turn to happiness.” (John 16:20 GW)  

Jesus knew the only way the disciples would genuinely understand was in time.  After they experienced what was to come, then they would find the answer.

Question Jesus.  Ask Him directly in prayer about the things that don’t make sense to you.  Talk to those who profess to follow Him.  Don’t fear the conversation; embrace it. When we begin to ask questions, we’re heading in the right direction.  Seeking requires questioning.  And Jesus will answer, maybe not today or tomorrow, perhaps not in this lifetime, but eventually, you’ll know.

Life with Jesus is eternal.  Death is only a relocation.  Answers will come at the appropriate time.

Jesus, You rock! Thank You for paving the way for us to understand God’s unconditional love for us.  Thank You for encouraging our questions.  Forgive us for not asking whatever about what we don’t understand.  Help us to become bold in our questioning.  Let us come to You with confidence, knowing You will answer our questions.  As we wait for the response, let us do so with grace and love.  With each question, let our relationship become more intimate with You.  In all things, You get the glory.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What question do you have for Jesus today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 33 GW; John 15 GW

Pruning causes growth.

No one likes getting their branches clipped.  We want to hold on to those that have lost life.  But we must prune the dead limbs away to make room for new growth.  When the pruning is relationships, the pain is tangible.  But unhealthy relationships need trimming for healthy relationships to thrive.

When a relationship drains you, instead of building you up, it’s a sign of an unhealthy relationship.  When the other person is all take and no give, that’s not good.  If you can’t trust them, their unreliable and selfish, the relationship needs trimming.

The beauty of pruning, once cut, new growth begins.  Energy that the dead limbs used now can go into producing healthy fresh fruit.  Without death, we can’t have life.

Jesus modeled healthy relationships.

Jesus didn’t enable people.  God’s Son let people suffer the consequences of their own choices.  Our Savior knows He can’t save those who don’t want saving.  In Mark 10:17-27 NASB, the rich young ruler came to Jesus with a question. What must he do to receive eternal life?  Jesus told the prince to sell everything He had and give to the poor.  The ruler walked away sad; he didn’t want to sell his stuff.  Jesus let him go.

Sometimes, we have to let people walk away.  The saying, “You don’t know what you had until it’s gone,” is correct.   God prunes unhealthy relationships from our life when we follow Him.  Practicing His teachings will change how you interact with people.  Over time, you’ll begin to realize which relationships give you energy and which ones take it away.  

Let Jesus prune you.  Pray about your relationships.  Identify which ones to keep, which ones to let go.  Watch as you begin to produce healthier fruit in all of your relationships.

Dear Lord, how grateful we are You’re the Master Gardener.  Forgive us for not allowing You to prune us.  Help us let go of the unhealthy relationships in our lives.  Let new growth come from the new space created in our lives.  As we follow Jesus today, help us make wise decisions.  Let our branches produce good fruit, no matter what the task.  In all things, let us put You first today.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What unhealthy relationship does Jesus want to prune in your life?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 32 GW; John 14 GW

Accept God exists.

Belief is “a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing.”  Believing in God means having confidence in His existence.  

Alcohol is a physical addiction that ruins people’s lives. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a successful 12-step program to help people overcome disease.  Step one of Alcoholics Anonymous is admitting you have no control over alcohol.  Step Two is Find a Power Greater Than Yourself. Why, after realizing you need help, is belief second?

“This step gives you hope. You are not alone, and something higher than you can help you conquer your addiction and despair.” (Recovery.Org)

When we’re in trouble, we need help.  Jesus offers us the assistance that will lead to victory.  Believing in Jesus’s existence means you’re not alone.  A Power greater than you exists.  In Him, you can find peace, no matter what the storm.  But first, you have to believe.

You will have trouble.

One of my favorite characteristics of Jesus is His honesty.  In His earthly ministry, Jesus told the truth.  He didn’t pull punches.  John records Jesus’s words:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

Trouble isn’t something you can avoid; it’s a part of life.  Whatever crisis you’re facing, Jesus does have an answer.  In Him, you can find peace.  To receive Jesus’s calm, you must seek Him.  He’s waiting, arms wide open.  

Jesus is a gentleman; He doesn’t force His presence on you if you don’t want it.  To have, you must seek.

Lord, how thankful we are You exist.  You are our Higher Power.  Forgive us for not plugging into You more.  Help us believe today, Lord.  As prayers are lifted to You, answer them in a way, we’ll know You are real.  We ask for Your Presence in our lives, today and always.  With You, we can find the peace we crave; without You, we have none.  As we find Your peace in our own lives, help us spread it to those around us.  Together, we can overcome any obstacle.  In You, we find our strength.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What is holding you back from believing in God?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 31 GW; John 13 GW

Doing what Jesus did provokes thoughtful actions.

Today’s verse comes after Jesus washed the disciple’s feet.  He was purposefully setting an example for them to follow.  Jesus knew the time was coming for Him to depart earth.  He wanted the disciples to have explicit instruction on how they were to treat others.  When Jesus finishes washing their feet and explaining why He did it, He makes this statement:

“If you understand all of this you are blessed whenever you follow my example.” (John 13:17 GW)

Jesus’s life is the example we are to follow.  To do what Jesus did, we must consciously choose to act like He did.  However, we’re not Jesus. Our human desires battle against Jesus’s will for our lives.  To follow His lead, we must think about our actions.  Deciding to wash others feet is a purposeful response.  With intentionality, we find Jesus and His blessing.

Wash others feet.

One of the most powerful sermons I’ve witnessed happened 20 years ago.  The pastor called someone out of the audience and washed their feet.  I can still visualize him kneeling before them, gently taking off their shoes, and placing their feet in the water.  Then with love and tenderness, washing their feet.  He didn’t say a word; his actions were more potent than any sermon.

As Christ-followers, we are to serve others.  Sometimes that means washing their feet.  Other times it means holding them while they cry or listening to them while they vent.  Whatever needs a person has, we are to meet it to the best of our ability.  Jesus met needs everywhere He went.  He set an example we are to follow.

Think about Jesus’s actions.  Follow His example.  Do what Jesus did, experience His blessing.

Lord, thank You for setting an example for us to follow.  Forgive us for not always doing what You would have us do.  Today, as the minutes turn into hours, give us divine insight.  Help us think about our actions today from Jesus’ perspective.  When we have an opportunity to imitate Jesus, don’t let us miss it.  In all we do, let us follow in Jesus’s steps.  Help us wash the feet of those we meet today by serving them.  In all things, the glory is Yours.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How can you imitate Jesus today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 30 GW; John 12 GW

Rash words lead to broken vows.

People will say anything to get what they want.  Desperation promotes vows to God, most rarely kept.  When you’re in the midst of a crisis, promising to attend church seems like a reasonable commitment.  But once the problem passes, so does the pledge.  We expect God to keep His promises to us, yet we don’t keep ours to Him.

People’s words mean nothing today.  Not keeping your word is familiar to all.  One hundred years ago, if a man said he was going to do something, a handshake was all that was necessary to seal the deal.  Today, lawyers have multiple homes from the money they make off of people suing each other.  God expects us to live up to our word.  If you’re going to develop your character, let your yes be yes, your no, no.

Keep your commitments.

Loving God and loving others means living up to your word.  What that means is, before you commit to do something, stop and think.  Is there room in your life for the activity?  Can you add another thing to your plate right now?  How much rest are you getting?  Will keeping the commitment cause more or less stress in your life?  Take time to think about what you are saying you will do before you do it.

Yoga is one way I manage stress in my life.  For accountability purposes, I take classes at a studio.  The package I pay is $79 per month for eight classes.  Before I spent the first dime, I looked at my calendar.  I talked about the decision with my husband.  Once I understood the reality of the commitment, I said yes.

God wants you to keep your word, not only to Him but to others.  Stop and think before you answer.  Don’t make promises you can’t control.

Lord, thank You for keeping Your promises, even though we don’t keep ours.  Your grace and mercy astound us.  Forgive us for not trying harder to keep our word.  Help us today, as we move through it, live up to our word.  Give us the wisdom and discernment to stop and think before we answer people.  As we learn to keep our commitments, we grow our character more like Christ’s.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

What promise to God do you need to keep today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Numbers 29 GW; John 11 GW

Everyone needs someone to pray for them.

Today’s verse comes from a well-known Biblical story.  Lazarus is sick; his sisters send a messenger to Jesus to tell Him the news.  The siblings, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, all knew Jesus personally.  They were faithful followers, trusting Jesus completely. But they couldn’t go to Jesus because of the situation. A messenger carries the message to Jesus.

When we hear news of someone struggling, we feel helpless.  But we aren’t.  Prayer is the most powerful thing you can do for someone else.  Talking to God about the hardships in people’s lives makes us a messenger.  Another term people use is intercessor: a person who intervenes on behalf of another, especially by prayer.   The best person to talk to about other people to is Jesus. When we pray, God moves. 

Prayer gives God glory.

When Jesus arrives, Lazarus is in the tomb.  He died four days prior.  From the human perspective, the story is over.  However, Jesus knew better.  After having the stone removed from the tomb, Jesus spoke these words:

“Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43 GW)

Lazarus’s death was necessary for God’s glory.  The story is more poignant because he died.  Overcoming death is what Jesus does, not only for Lazarus but all of us.  Victory is God’s. 

If we didn’t have struggles, we wouldn’t have victory; we can’t have life without death.  In all things, God is in control.  We might disagree with His timing, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong.  When you hear of someone’s hardship, pray first.  Talk to God for others.  Watch as He works all things for the good of those who believe and trust in Him (Romans 8:28 GW).

Become a messenger to God.  Lift the struggles of others to their Creator.  In His time, God will move.  When He does, God’s glory will reign.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your goodness and mercy.  Forgive us for not talking to You more.  Help us today to make prayer our first line of defense.  When we hear of others struggles, whether stranger or friend, let us become messengers.  Let us take their messages to You.  As victory occurs, to You goes the glory.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who needs you to pray for them today?