Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 13-15 GW; Psalms 114 GW

“Earth, tremble in the presence of the Lord, in the presence of the God of Jacob.” (Psalm 114:7 GW)

God makes you tremble.

When you begin to grasp the depth of God’s love for you genuinely, trembling occurs.  However, most people don’t understand God’s passion for them.  They equate God’s love for them with their circumstances.  If life is good, God is good.  If life is bad, God is bad.  That’s not how God works.  God loves wholly and completely all of the time. 

“God’s sovereignty is not an excuse or reason for the bad things in life.  Sovereignty is at work to heal all things.”  Sarah Bessey  “Out of Sorts”

God is in the business of redemption.  Whatever ache you have, He’s working to heal it.  Over time, in His way, all things become new again, including you.  But first, we have to accept in our soul; God does love us.

God operates from love.

We don’t have to question God’s motive; it’s love.  He sent Jesus to help us understand His love for us.  We can’t grasp His love in our humanness, but through Jesus, we begin to see.  Jesus became human so that we can relate to Him.   He felt what we feel.  Every temptation we’ve faced, Jesus faced first.  When Jesus got on the cross, He did so willingly.  Why?  Because He truly understood the depth of God’s love for Him and us.

Think of someone in your life you know who loves you without a shadow of a doubt.  God loves you more than they do.  Think of someone you love more than anyone else.  God loves them more than you do.  He parts seas, moves mountains, and destroys giants.  God makes the earth and its inhabitants tremble.

Lord, how thankful we are You love us.  Forgive us that we struggle to understand how much you care for us.  Open our eyes and ears today to what You are doing in our lives.  Let our hearts receive Your love, filling them to overflowing.  As we begin to realize the extent, You love us, help us share that love with the world.  Today, as we go about our business, let us feel Your love, then help us share it with everyone we meet.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

Who can you lavish with God’s love today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 11-12 GW; Psalms 91 GW

“Whoever lives under the shelter of the Most High will remain in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1 GW)

Life is full of choices.

Every day, we choose our shelter.  Safe haven’s protect us from bad weather or danger, a place we can live without fear.  From a spiritual standpoint, sheltering under the Most High keeps us in God’s shadow.  But you have to choose to live in God’s shelter.  When you live in His sanctuary, you find security from the changing world.

What does choosing God’s shelter mean?  Your lifestyle lives in close communion with God.  Amid life’s heartache, instead of focusing on the pain, you rest in God’s goodness.  Life is painful for all of us.  Everyone is suffering in some way.  But if you choose to take shelter in God, you will find His protection.  His love will calm your fears.  Though the storm rages around you, His peace will sustain you.  In Him, you find rest from the world.

God’s shelter is available to all.

To enjoy living in God’s shelter, all you have to do is believe.  Have faith that God’s word is right.  When He makes a promise, He keeps it.  Jesus came in the flesh to give us an earthly example to follow.  Of his 33 years on earth, Jesus spent most of them in seclusion.  His time spent with God in private made His public ministry possible.  Jesus understood living in God’s shelter meant communing with Him regularly, one-on-one.

Every relationship you have in your life is different.  Your close relationships are the ones you spend the most time with each day.  Make God one of your most intimate relationships.  Spend intentional time alone with Him each day.  As you live more deeply in His shelter, you will find the security for which you yearn.

Lord, Your shelter is where we want to live.  Forgive us when we look for security in places other than You.  Draw us under your wings as we take steps towards You.  Each morning, before we roll out of bed, help us choose You.  Help us embrace not only Jesus’s teachings but His lifestyle.  As we seek Your shelter, protect us from life’s storms.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How can you rest in God’s shelter today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 9-10 GW; Psalms 105 GW

“The Lord’s promise tested him through fiery trials until his prediction came true.” (Psalm 105:19 GW)

Faith makes passing tests possible.

Today’s scripture is referring to Joesph.  Jacob’s favorite son had a dream that he would one day rule his brothers.   When he shared the news with his siblings, they weren’t happy.  Joseph was a teenager when God gave him the vision. He endured many trials before his dream became a reality.  During all of that time, Joseph never lost faith in God.  When his brothers dumped him in a pit and left him for dead, he remained faithful.  When his boss’s wife accused him of inappropriate behavior, his beliefs didn’t waver.  While sitting in prison in horrible circumstances, Joseph was loyal to his God.  Fiery trials were part of Joesph’s journey, and they are part of ours.

Every day, you have the choice of who you are going to follow.  Having faith means choosing God over self. In other words, whose “want” is more important, yours or God’s?  If I suffered what Joseph did, I don’t know what I would do, nor do I want to find out.  My trials are enough for me; I don’t need someone else’s.  Walking with God isn’t an insurance policy; it’s a relationship.

Faith Self-Validates

Validation means checking or proving the accuracy of something.  Self-validation is proving it to yourself.  Only when you take steps of faith will you find the validity that comes from them.  As you put into practice Jesus’s teachings, you’ll have no problem believing His existence in your life.  But if you don’t try, you’ll never know.

Every journey is one step at a time.  Before Jesus could fulfill His destiny on the cross, He had to walk out His ministry on earth.   One day, God will call each of us home, but until then, we’re to walk by faith.  Whatever trials we face, we needn’t fear.  Faith is key to passing any test.

Dear Lord, how precious is Your name.  Your faithfulness to us is never wavering.  Forgive us for when we doubt.  Instead, help us remain faithful no matter what the trial.  Like Joseph, help us fulfill our destiny one day at a time.  With each step of faith we take, draw us closer to You.  Keep us moving forward, don’t let us get stuck in a moment.  Help us keep our focus on You, today and always.  In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen

Question for reflection

What is a step of faith you need to take today?

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Exodus 78 GW; Matthew 28 GW; Psalms 67 GW

Jesus is a friend for eternity.

For whatever reason, we believe lies easier than we trust Jesus.  When the devil whispers in our ear, “You’re all alone, no one loves you,” we believe that over what Jesus tells us: “You’re never alone, I’m always with you.”  Why do we fall for the lies? When you take a step of faith and join your life with Jesus, you’re never alone again.  His presence in your life is never-ending.  Even when you feel alone, you aren’t.  Stop believing the lies, instead accept Jesus’ truth.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Don not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”(Joshua 1:9 NIV)

When we fill our minds with the truth found in scripture, we expel the lies.  What happens when we internalize God’s promises, we bring light into the darkness.  His word illuminates the lies we believe.  As we saturate our mind and soul with God’s presence, we begin to understand; He is with us always.

Wherever you are, God is.

God created the air you breathe.  Every time you inhale, your breathing in His goodness.  The next time you feel alone, stop and breathe.  Close your eyes, picture God, fill your lungs with the air He created. Let His presence fill the nooks and crannies of your soul. Then just as slowly exhale.  Imagine the lies departing with each particle that passes your lips.  Repeat until the feelings of loneliness disappear with the truth of God’s presence.

Overcoming the lies of the devil are only done with God’s truth.  Spiritual connection with Jesus means you’re never alone.  Trust God’s presence is with you, today and always.

God in heaven, thank You for Your presence on earth, in us.  Forgive us for believing the lies Satan tries to spin.  Instead, plant Your truth so profoundly within us, we have no room for falsities.  In our despair, pull us back into the light.  Don’t let us fall for the lies; let us accept Your truth.  Each breath we take, let it remind us of Your goodness.  Let us not doubt Your presence ever again.  IJNIP. Amen

Question for reflection

How does knowing Jesus is always with you change your perspective?

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?