Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Haggai 1:1-2:23 ESV, Revelation 11:1-19 ESV, Psalm 139:1-24 ESV, Proverbs 30:15-16 ESV

Daily Verse: “These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.” (Revelation 11:4 ESV)

LUCHNIA (3087): “This is the stand (“the stick”) upon which a portable light sits (is stuck); not the candle (the light producer).”[1]

Portable light.

People who study Revelation believe the lampstands mentioned in today’s verse refer to witnesses who served God by telling them about God.  Sharing how the Lord works in our lives with others makes us a witness to the Lord.  We become portable lights to the world with His light shining through us.

Wherever we go, we can shine God’s light brightly.  Whether serving meals to the homeless, visiting sick friends, or celebrating a new birth, we can witness God’s goodness to the world around us.

However, we must let Him fill our lampstands to impact the world for Christ.  In our backyard, we have several tiki torches.  Once or twice a summer, I must refill the bottles so their lights will continue to shine.  In the same way, we must let Christ pour into us so we can continue to pour out to others.

Refuel regularly.

Becoming a bright light for Christ takes regular refueling.  Each morning you connect with God by spending time with Him; He fills you up.  Laying your burdens at Christ’s feet empties you and gives God room to fill you with His grace. 

On days when I can barely drag myself from bed, God begins to work when my knees hit the floor.  As I pour out my sorrows and miseries, His life-giving Spirit renews me.

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 ESV)

When weariness sets into your bones and your lampstand begin to flicker, fall to your knees and ask God for help.  Wait on the Lord to fill your soul and give you strength to carry on the battle.  As the spiritual battle rages around you, God’s divine power will make your flame burn ever bright.

Let your light shine to the world around you by refueling daily with God.  Relish in His gift of grace and mercy, then share it with the world.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 154) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Zephaniah 1:1-3:20 ESV, Revelation 10:1-11 ESV, Psalm 138:1-8 ESV, Proverbs 30:11-14 ESV

Daily Verse: “Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire.” (Revelation 10:1 ESV)

IRIS (2463): “This rainbow “round about the throne, like an emerald to look upon (Rev 4:3), is emblematic of the fact that, in the exercise of God’s absolute sovereignty and perfect counsels, He will remember His covenant concerning the earth (cf. Gen 9:9-17). In Rev 10:1, “a rainbow,” suggests a connection with the scene in Rev 4:3.”[1]

Remembered covenant.

John’s mention of the rainbow as part of his vision reinforces God’s sovereign character.  In Genesis 9:9-17, God made the rainbow a symbol of His agreement with humankind and all beasts of the earth; never again would a flood destroy the world.

God remembers His promises to us and keeps them.  And scripture records over 7,400 promises God makes to humanity.  The Creator cares for us intimately, and God does what He says.

Stable God.

In a world of instability, God offers stability.  As Solomon reminds us in Ecclesiastes, nothing new exists under the sun.  Technology may change, but the human condition doesn’t.

Visiting a small church on vacation, we sang songs from the hymnals.  Singing “More Love to Thee,” written by Elizabeth Prentiss in the 1850s, made me think about her. She wrote the song after losing two children.  Thinking about her grief as I sang the lyrics gave me a glimpse into her faith:

“More love to thee, O Christ,

More love to thee!

Hear thou the prayer I make

On bended knee,

This is my earnest plea:

More love, O Christ, to thee.

Losing a child carries a heartache only mothers can know.  Yet in her grief, Elizabeth turned to God and begged Him to help her love more, knowing stability came from the Creator and no one else.

Life’s journey involves unspeakable heartache.  But when we ground ourselves on the solid rock of Christ, He helps us weather the storm and find divine comfort, creating an unbreakable, eternal bond, one God never forgets.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 122) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-3:19 ESV, Revelation 9:1-21 ESV, Psalm 137:1-9 ESV, Proverbs 30:10 ESV

Daily Verse: “The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still to come.” (Revelation 9:12 ESV)

OUAI (3759): “Exclamation of grief.”[1]

Exclamation of grief.

Amid John’s revelation, we find today’s verse talking about troubles yet to come. How all of these things come to fruition, I don’t know. But I do know that exclamations of grief happen in life.

My first woe came when my father died, another when I lost my sister, yet another when mom died, and another when my nephew joined them in heaven.  Exclamations of grief and groans of pain that don’t have words to describe them happen in life.

Understanding why pain remains such a crucial part of life challenges me.  We grow from the things that make us hurt.  Change occurs after we experience pain, often to avoid experiencing it again.  Partnered with Jesus, our pains become transformations.

Transcendent peace.

What Christ offers, grace and mercy, fill our souls with peace.  Whatever woes come our way, we know Jesus goes through them with us.  In Revelation, Christ conquers the world’s evils, protects His children and rights the world’s wrongs.  We can trust God.

Life’s struggles don’t end until we gain a heavenly address.  Recently, we bought firewood from an 87-year-old man who had a meticulously run business.  Gnarled hands helped us load the bundles in our truck.  As we drove away, I watched him hobble back to his house with his cane.  Physical pain plaguing his elderly body.

Whether physical or mental, everyone struggles with pain and heartache.  Persevering in joy with the Lord requires leaning into Him heavenly.  Faith leads the way when we put into action God’s promises, holding on for dear life sometimes.

Christ helps us move through our woes as we journey in life.  When grief knocks us to our knees, God helps us back up.  One day, we’ll have no more pain, but until then, Jesus gives us His peace.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 183) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Nahum 1:1-3:19 ESV, Revelation 8:1-13 ESV, Psalm 136:1-26 ESV, Proverbs 30:7-9 ESV

Daily Verse: “When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” (Revelation 8:1 ESV)

SPHRAGIS (4973): “Denotes literal, a “seal” on a book or roll, combining with the ideas of security and destination those of secrecy and postponement of disclosures, Rev 8:1.”[1]

Security and destination.

Hallmark gives away gold stickers with each card purchase.  Placing the round, metallic seal on the tip of the envelope flap secures and protects the card until it reaches its final destination.  Upon opening, the beauty from within makes another soul smile.

Whatever the contents of the seventh scroll, heaven became quiet at its opening.  God only knows what it contains.  Because my faith lies with Jesus, I don’t have to worry about what it says.

Becoming a follower of Christ puts a seal on your life.  You become His, and nothing can take you away from the Savior.  God protects His children from the woes those who choose to turn their back on Jesus suffer.  The Lord doesn’t want anyone to perish; people make a choice.

God’s seal.

When you come under God’s protection, you will still have troubles.  People will hurt you with their actions and deeds, sometimes intentionally.  Circumstances will cause havoc in your life, unforeseen problems you didn’t see knocking you off your feet.  Life still happens. 

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)

Submitting your life to Christ gives you God’s seal. Whatever troubles you face, Jesus will help you overcome them.  Our good and bad days will come to an end.  We will rest peacefully with Jesus in the afterlife for much longer than we suffer here and now.

Troubles and woes plague the world we live in today.  Following Jesus will help you find peace, no matter what the circumstances.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 244) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Micah 5:1-7:20 ESV, Revelation 7:1-17 ESV, Psalm 135:1-21 ESV, Proverbs 30:5-6 ESV

Daily Verse: “Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” (Revelation 7:13 ESV)

PERIBALLO (4016): “As a verb, (in 23 of the 24 uses) means “to cast around or about, to put on, array,” or, in the middle and passive voices, “to clothe oneself.” It is most frequent in the Apocalypse, where it is found some 12 times.”[1]

Cast around.

John’s unifying vision of people from all tribes and nations standing together as one body in Christ before God creates a picture of heaven.  All skin colors, and all ethnicities, united because of the love of Jesus. 

Ron and I live in a little piece of heaven on earth, surrounded by neighbors from all different parts of the world.  Our pale skin color a minority where we live, and I love the people we get to share our lives with daily.  Learning about their different backgrounds and cultures helps me grow and love better.

Love unites.

Hate divides, love unites.  Christ brought love into the world that cold morning in the manger.  Throughout Jesus’ life, He set an example of how to love. If you spend time with God’s Son by reading the stories written about Him by people who knew Him, you will learn how to love well.

“When you turn people inside out, we all look the same.” Mom

My mother often said those eleven words. Colorblind, my mom loved everyone to the best of her ability.  And her wise words speak the truth. We all bleed red, just like Jesus did.  Christ clothes us all in the same unconditional love.

Clothed in Christ, we dawn our white robes, everyone equal at the foot of the Cross.  How exciting to have people from all over the world worshipping Jesus, loving God and one another.

Following Jesus into eternal life starts when you decide to believe in Him.  Rethinking how we think by learning how Jesus thought.  Imitating Christ’s actions towards others, loving the people around us to the best of our ability.  Staying humble and hungry for more Jesus, less us.

Wrap yourself in Jesus today; let Him clothe you in His grace and mercy.  Stand tall,  knowing God loves you unconditionally and wants you to live life to the fullest, confident of His affection for you.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 197) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Micah 1:1-4:13 ESV, Revelation 6:1-17 ESV, Psalm 134:1-3 ESV, Proverbs 30:1-4 ESV

Daily Verse: “And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.” (Revelation 6:2 ESV)

KATHEMAI (2521): “As a verb, is used of Christ’s position of authority on the throne of God.”[1]

Christ’s position.

Jesus returns to conquer the woes of this world one day, riding on a white horse.  When, no one knows.  The original Greek word “rider” means Christ’s position of authority.   No matter how crazy the world around you may seem, God has ultimate control.

 Seeking truth with Jesus will reveal a hard fact; some of the chaos we experience in this life happens because of our choices.  As much as we like to blame God for the pain we feel, He warns us what will happen if we do certain things.

Free will, God’s gift to us.  We have the privilege of choosing; sometimes, we don’t make the best choice.

Jesus teaches.

From His throne, God rules, and Jesus teaches.  When we follow Christ, mimicking His actions, we’ll learn things we can’t find any other way.  When we falter, Jesus lifts us back up.

“Sex,” I said when our group leader asked us about one rule my parents had I didn’t like.  Raised conservatively, Mom told me one thing about sex, “Don’t do it!”  So, of course, I did it because I wanted to know why I shouldn’t.

I should have listened to mom.  My heart got trampled on because of the poor decisions I made in my past.  My mother took her words from scripture; God asks us to abstain.  We have the choice of whether we do or not.

God doesn’t tell us not to do things because He doesn’t want us to have fun.  The Lord protects us with His commands because God understands our hearts and doesn’t want them broken.  But we don’t always listen.

Jesus sits in His position of authority, ruling the world.  In God’s perfect timing, He will conquer the woes we face.  But until then, Christ sustains us with His grace and mercy.  When we seek divine help, we receive unconditional love and understanding.

Give Jesus rule over your heart; let Him do a miraculous work in your life like He has mine.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 124) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Jonah 1:1-4:11 ESV, Revelation 5:1-14 ESV, Psalm 133:1-3 ESV, Proverbs 29:26-27 ESV

Daily Verse: “Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.” (Revelation 5:1 ESV)

THRONOS (2362): “As a noun, means “a throne, a seat of authority,” is used of the “throne” of God.”[1]

Seat of Authority.

God sits on His throne, the seat of authority for all creation.  Everything comes from the Lord, the Creator of the world, the universe, and life itself.  Without God, we can’t exist.  Each breath we inhale comes from the oxygen God provides.

Many commentaries exist about the seven seals and what they mean.  Whatever they contain, God knows, and I trust Him.  God’s sovereignty amazes and confuses me.  I don’t quite know how the Lord knows all and sees all.  But I do know God does.

Scientists develop theories and try to prove them.  Often, they develop faith as they recognize the intricacy of creation.  Some higher power must have designed life.  Other scientists refuse to admit the possibility of God’s existence.

Divine intersection.

When we decide to follow Jesus, we cross a divine intersection.  Faith carries us through the crossroads.  We don’t need to know everything or understand it to have confidence in it.

Playing golf, the slower I swing, the better I hit the ball.  The club connects to the ball better when I allow the graphite shaft to do what it does.  In other words, I have faith in my club, even though I don’t completely understand the dynamics of the swing.  The more I let go, the better I play.

We have to let go and let God.  The moment we stop trying to control the world, the minute we begin enjoying life.  Appreciating the now, instead of dreading the then or regretting the past, allows you to live life fully.

God’s got this.  The Lord sits on His throne, waiting for you to come to Him for help.  God does have a plan, even if you don’t understand His actions.  Trust Him, lay your burdens on the cross and take on Jesus’ yoke.  Let Christ lighten the load for you.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 117) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Obadiah 1:1-21 ESV, Revelation 4:1-11 ESV, Psalm 132:1-18 ESV, Proverbs 29:24-25 ESV

Daily Verse: “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 ESV)

KTIZO (2936): “Signifies, in Scripture, “to create,” always of the act of God.”[1]

Act of God.

Created in Scripture means an act of God, who created all things.  We exist because God wants us to exist.  The Lord wanted a relationship with us; He designed us to have a connection with Him and others. 

Full confession, sometimes, when I look around at the misery in the world, I wonder why?  People turn their back on God, spit on Him, taking His name in vain.  You don’t hear people saying “Buddha” when they hit a bump in the road, but they often use God’s Son’s name when cursing something or someone. 

Yet God loves us and wants a relationship with us, even though our sinful nature often denies Him.  Jesus came, creating an eternal bond with our heavenly Father no one can break.

Created for Him.

God created us for His pleasure.  A doting Father, nothing we do separates us from His loving embrace. When we falter, God picks us up, brushes us off, and helps us move forward.

My women’s small group comprises young moms with pre-school and younger children.  When one of the kids cries from the room next door, the mothers know the sound of their child.  Quietly, they stand and go to help their offspring, sometimes bringing them into the study with us for comfort.

God knows us even more intimately.  In our sorrows, He feels our pain.  When we move away from Him, God waits patiently for our return.  If we falter, Jesus covers our sins, as God did in the garden with Adam and Eve.

God created us to love, not to hate.  In all we do, Jesus wants us to have confidence in His affection for us.  When we get caught with our hands in the cookie jar, we confess the sin to God, allowing Him to purify our hearts.  Then, seek to do better.

Love creates.  As we become more intimate with God, we’ll become more creative, finding ways to love others we never imagined.  Let the Creator dote on you; let His love fill you to overflowing.  When you do, you can’t help but share what you’ve found in Jesus with others.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 146) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Amos 7:1-9:15 ESV, Revelation 3:7-22 ESV, Psalm 131:1-3 ESV, Proverbs 29:23 ESV

Daily Verse: “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8 ESV)

ANOIGO (455): “Is used of a door or gate, to open.”[1]

Open door.

In life, we face many decisions.  Forks in the road can cause anxiety and despair as we agonize over which way we should go.  You can pray a simple prayer to God that will help guide your paths.

“Lord, open the doors you want me to walk through; close the ones you don’t.”

Ask for God’s help in making the decision.  When the Lord closes a door, don’t try to go through it; instead, look for the open door and head in that direction.

During my college years, I landed on academic probation.  Working full time, commuting an hour back and forth to school, and maintaining a social life took its tool.  As a result, I ended up in front of the academic board for review.

Closed door.

As I sat before the panel of eight professors, pleading my case, I received little sympathy.  They decided for me to re-enter their institution, I would have to attend guidance counseling once a week, never miss a class, and meet a few other requirements.

I knew I couldn’t meet their requirements.  My already heavy schedule became impossible for any human to maintain.  Looking them in the eye, I said, “Thanks, but no thanks.  You’re asking the impossible.”

Walking to my car, I knew that the door had closed, but God opened another.  When I got home, I called my brother in VA and told him he had a new roommate.  Two days later, I left PA, moved in with my sibling, and started work the following day, waiting tables, saving money to re-enter a new school in the spring, one I graduated from two years later.

Life’s journey comes with many decisions, but when we ask God for guidance, He will show us the way.  Ask God to open the doors He wants you to go through and close the ones He doesn’t.  Enjoy the ride because God takes the route you don’t think He will.  And trust me, following God’s plan will take you on the adventure of your life.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 28) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Amos 4:1-6:14 ESV, Revelation 2:18-3:6 ESV, Psalm 130:1-8 ESV, Proverbs 29:21-22 ESV

Daily Verse: “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.” (Revelation 2:19 ESV)

DIAKONIA (1248): “Attendance (as a servant, etc.), aid (official) service (espec. Of Chr. Teacher, or techn, of the diaconate) ministry.[1]

Official service.

John, addressing the church in Thyatira, commends them for their work.  Through service, they shared their love of Christ, their perseverance evident in the trials and tribulations they faced without giving up hope.

Like the Thyatirans, God knows our works.  When we take steps of faith, trusting God more despite our circumstances, God notices.  Trusting Jesus, depending on His guidance through the storm, know God sees and rewards our efforts with His divine presence.

Accepting the temporary nature of the world around us helps keep our priorities straight and our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Serve with love.

As Christ’s followers, we share the task of loving God and others.  Through our actions, people will know us.  When we become known more for our love than our judgment, Jesus’s church will begin to grow.

The Thyatirans love for Jesus showed in their service to each other and their community.  Finding ways to bless the people in our lives, especially those who don’t know Jesus, will help you share your faith.

My women’s small group talked about ways to share Jesus.  “Thank God,” I said; it always works to start a conversation.  When we give God the glory for the work He does in our lives, whether quieting a fussy baby, providing a parking spot, or healing a sickness, from big to small, God’s presence never leaves us.  Thanking God for what He does opens the door to sharing our knowledge and faith with others.

Persevere well with Jesus.  Cling to Him during the difficult days, glorify Christ as you survive the storm, trusting His promises.  In this life, we will have trouble, but Jesus overcame the world so we could find the peace that surpasses all understanding, now and forever.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 65) Thomas Nelson