Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17 ESV, Acts 23:11-35 ESV, Psalm 3:1-8 ESV, Proverbs 18:14-15 ESV

Daily Verse: “The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” (Acts 23:11 ESV)

THARSEO (2293): “This word means “to be of good courage, of good cheer” (tharsos, “courage, confidence”) and is only used in the imperative mood.

Good cheer.

Jesus encourages Paul on his journey.  After testifying in front of an angry mob, Paul’s journey continues to Rome.    The disciple’s first challenge meant defeating a plot to kill him.  Only God knows what lies ahead in our path; with Jesus, we can overcome any obstacle.

People miss God’s encouragement when they don’t spend time with Him.  Paul devoted his life to Christ, pursuing a relationship with the Lord with all his might.  Understanding the Jewish scriptures inside and out, Paul knew everyone needs Jesus.  Now, Paul’s task shows how the Old Testament points to Jesus.

Paul’s diligence in his task came from his intimate relationship with Jesus.  One so close, Paul felt Jesus’ presence and heard His words.

Courageous Jesus.

Christ strengthens those who follow Him.  Just as Jesus whispered in Paul’s ear, He will encourage us.  Often, by reading the stories of Jesus written by people who knew Him, you will find what you need.  Within the scriptures, you will find Jesus cheering you onward, praying for you on the journey.

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:20-21 ESV)   

Jesus holds a pep rally for you.  Praying to the Father, He has your best interests at heart.  Leading the way, Christ connects us with God as no one else can.  Through Jesus, we find eternal life, now and forever.

Find courage knowing Jesus has your back.  Covering you in prayer, He asks you to continue the journey.  Jesus goes with you, wherever you go.  In Him, you will find the strength to keep going.

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30 ESV, Acts 22:17-23:10 ESV, Psalm 2:1-12 ESV, Proverbs 18:13 ESV

Daily Verse: “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance.” (Acts 22:17 ESV)

EKSTASIS (1611): “Is, lit., a standing out and was said of any displacement, and especially, with reference to the mind, of that alteration of the normal condition by which the person is thrown into a state of surprise or fear, or both; or again, in which a person is so transported out of his natural state that he falls into a trance.”[i]

Transported out.

Paul, praying in the temple, falls into a trance.  Transported from his physical surroundings mentally, Paul’s connection to God at this moment transcends him into the spiritual realm.  Communing with God can do that sometimes.

We talked about finding wholeness in life by turning ordinary things into prayer in a recent prayer component meeting.  Practicing daily connection with God will draw you into a more profound relationship.  The small things in life become the big things as you discuss them with God, transporting life to another dimension.

Divine tasks.

In other words, including God in the mundane parts of our day creates continuous conversation and spiritual transformation.  For Paul, praying in the temple occurred regularly.  Devout in his beliefs both pre- and post-Christ, Paul felt comfortable within the building’s walls. But the regular practice led to Paul’s transformative relationship with Jesus.

 In today’s world, folding clothes becomes an opportunity to pray for the person who owns them.  Washing dishes becomes an act of worship, serving the ones you love.  Planning schedules becomes conversations with God about your time.  Turning ordinary into extraordinary happens when we include Jesus.

Begin a conversation with God today.  Include Jesus in the monotonous routines of life, turning them into an opportunity to connect with your Creator and others.  Praying transforms your life, transporting you out of the ordinary into the extraordinary.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 82) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Kings 22:3-23:30 ESV, Acts 21:37-22:16 ESV, Psalm 1:1-6 ESV, Proverbs 18:11-12 ESV

Daily Verse: “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.” (Acts 22:1 ESV)

APOLGIA (627): “This does not mean saying, “I’m sorry, I apologize.” The root means to give a cogent explanation for one’s beliefs.  The word means” to talk one’s self off from” i.e. to explain one’s basis for operation, explain the basis upon which and from which one makes his decisions.  Making a defense is not to escape punishment nor trial but to explain forcefully and completely why one does what he does.”[I]

Cogent Explanation.

Paul, speaking to the crowd, shares his faith journey with them.  He doesn’t talk about Peter’s or John’s story; Paul tells his.  By doing so, Paul explains to the crowd his actions and why his life changed dramatically.  One day Paul killed Christ-followers, the next day, he became one.

Défense means telling others why you do what you do.  For instance, when someone asks me why I follow Jesus, I tell them about my faith journey.  I talk about growing up in the church, turning my back on God, experiencing hell on earth, and then finding my way back to Him as an adult.

Tell your story.

More than likely, your relationship with Jesus differs from mine.  We may share similarities, like growing up in church, but we each uniquely connect to God.  Some people feel most connected to God through music, others through nature, or perhaps writing.

Sharing with others about Jesus answers three questions:

• How did you meet Jesus?
• How do you connect with Jesus?
• How does following Jesus change your life?

Think about your story.  Explain to others why you do what you do.  Give Jesus the glory as you follow Him into a more intimate relationship by doing what He calls us to do: love God, and love others.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p.37) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Kings 20:1-22:2 ESV, Acts 21:18-36 ESV, Psalm 150:1-6 ESV, Proverbs 18:9-10 ESV

Daily Verse: “Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks.” (Acts 21:34 ESV)

GINOSKO (1097): “Signifies to be takin in knowledge, to come to know, recognize, understand, or to understand completely.”[i]

Taking in knowledge.

Different people shouting different things sounds like our world today.  In Paul’s case, he again finds himself amid turmoil as the crowd debates his actions.  The more the crowd shouted, the more violent they became, forcing the soldiers to carry Paul into the barracks to safety.

The leaders of the Jerusalem church think Paul brought Trophimus, a Gentile, into an area of the temple reserved only for Jews.  Because people witnessed Paul and Trophimus together in Ephesus, they assumed Paul committed the capital offense.  The crowd becomes inflamed, arguing over whether Paul broke the Jewish law.

Understand completely.

Knowing the facts means you understand the details. The people arguing over Paul’s guilt didn’t see him in the temple with Trophimus.  One witness could stop the chaos, but none comes forth because Paul didn’t do the crime.  Paul’s innocence incites the crowd further because no one can prove his guilt.

Drawing incorrect conclusions leads to chaos.  Deciding without researching never ends well.  People, including you and me, make wrong assumptions constantly.  The circumstances and events of our lives mold our thinking and decision-making.  Without realizing we judge, we judge, most of the time incorrectly.

Then we argue about our incorrect assumptions and judgments, determined to make others come to the same conclusion.  Following Christ means learning to accept not knowing.  Admitting you don’t have all the information stops the argument, especially when judging others.

Unless you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes, you have no right to judge them.  You may think you know, but you don’t.  Sinfulness comes with humanity; we all have it.  And we all have good in us as well.  Christ in us helps conquer our sinful nature, letting God’s light shine to the world.

Don’t judge unless you have all the facts.  Lead with grace and mercy, sharing them with all you meet.  Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you from within, tapping into God’s all-knowing Spirit.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 60) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Kings 18:13-19:37 ESV, Acts 21:1-17 ESV, Psalm 149:1-9 ESV, Proverbs 18:8 ESV

Daily Verse: “And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” (Acts 21:14 ESV)

PEITHO (3982): “In the active voice, signifies “to apply persuasion, to prevail upon or win over, to persuade, “bringing about a change of mind by the influence of reason or moral considerations.”[i]

Apply persuasion.

Paul, in Caesarea, received a warning from Agabus that the Gentiles would capture him if he went to Jerusalem.  Fearing for Paul’s life, those who heard the prophecy begged Paul not to go.

“What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13 ESV)

The crowd couldn’t persuade Paul not to go.  Knowing his mission, Paul went to Jerusalem, accompanied by some of the disciples from Caesarea.  When God called Paul into action, he went, not letting fear stop him.

Call to action.

Writing devotionals takes me out of my comfort zone.  At times, putting my heart on paper for the world to see petrifies me.   Yet I know God calls me to write.  I know this because I can’t help but write; the prompting from within overcomes any fears I have.  Considering God my boss, if I’m not writing, I’m not doing His work.

Paul couldn’t help but go to Jerusalem, despite the risks, because he knew God wanted him to go in his heart.  No one knows what lies in another person’s heart.  Our unique relationship with God makes our callings different. 

God calls each of us to action.  What divine tasks God assigns vary from person to person.  No one can fulfill God’s call on your life but you.  Aligning our hearts with Jesus’s will give us divine purpose.  No fears will stop us; no doubts discourage us as we live our lives for the applause of nail-scarred hands.

Whatever God wants you to do, do it.  Love Him and others to the best of your ability.  Go wherever God sends you; love who He places before you.  Respond to God’s call on your life as Paul did with all you got!

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 196) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Kings 17:1-18:12 ESV, Acts 20:1-38 ESV, Psalm 148:1-14 ESV, Proverbs 18:6-7 ESV

Daily Verse: “After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia.” (Acts 20:1 ESV)

THORUBOS (2351): “A disturbance. A noise, uproar, tumult.”[i]

Noisy uproar.

Paul spent two years in Ephesus on his third mission trip sharing the gospel.  Silversmiths who made idols of the goddess Diana sold them at the temple.  The riot started because they thought Paul and his disciples would hurt their lucrative business. 

The town clerk quieted the crowd by pointing out Paul’s message didn’t blaspheme their goddess nor disrespect her.  If Demetrius and the other artisans had a problem, they needed to take it up with the courts and stop the rioting, or the Romans would get involved.  No one wanted to face their wrath.

False gods.

One can only imagine how watching Diana’s worshiper’s riot impacted the disciples.  Preaching the gospel to people with hardened hearts can discourage anyone.  

Worshipping false gods happens all the time.  In our world, we might not worship Diana, but some may.  Anything can become an idol, relationships, sports, appearance, all things we can worship more than God.  Caught up in worldly things, people miss Jesus because He’s not of this world.

Repeatedly in Paul’s writings, he wrestles with the same challenges we do.  And yet, we find him always encouraging his fellow disciples and followers of Jesus.  The name of the false gods may change, but the mission never does, sharing Jesus with a fallen world.

Ask God to calm the uproar in your world.  Encourage your fellow believers, helping them continue their journey.  Recognize people will worship false gods, but you have the opportunity to introduce them to Jesus, the one true God.

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[i] 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: 2 Kings 15:1-16:20 ESV, Acts 19:13-41 ESV, Psalm 147:1-20 ESV, Proverbs 18:4-5 ESV

Daily Verse: “Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” (Acts 19:13 ESV)

EXORKISTES (1845): “From 1844; one that binds by an oath (or spell), i.e. (by impl.) an “exorcist” (conjurer)-exorcist (1x).”[I]

One that binds.

People created magical names to drive out evil spirits, exorcists in ancient times.  Placing Jesus in the same category as the other names, some Jews from Ephesus tried imitating Paul.  Jesus’s name has power, but only if you believe in Him.  The Jews wanted Jesus’ powers without submitting their lives to Him.  The evil spirit knew they didn’t represent Jesus.

“But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” (Acts 19:15-16 ESV)

Know Jesus.

Many people use Jesus’ name in different ways.  People represent God’s Son based on the relationship they have with Him.  Some people who talk the loudest about Jesus know Him the least and can easily misrepresent the Messiah.  Others know Christ so well everyone who enters their presence meets Jesus.

Now living in heaven, Charlotte Shoup had the softest voice, the warmest hugs, and made the best sugar cookies I’ve ever eaten.  Her love of the Lord shined through her actions as she loved those God placed before her.  Spending time with her lifted anyone’s spirits, leaving smiles on their faces—Jesus in the flesh.

Represent Christ well by pursuing a relationship with Him first and foremost.  Read the stories of people who spent time with Him.  Find yourself in the narrative as you relate to the characters within the tale.  Like Peter, we’ve loved and betrayed Jesus, yet Christ calls us by name, one of His flock.

And the evil spirits will recognize Christ in you, just as they did Paul.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 92) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Kings 13:1-14:29 ESV, Acts 18:23-19:12 ESV, Psalm 146:1-10 ESV, Proverbs 18:2-3 ESV

Daily Verse: “After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.” (Acts 18:23 ESV)

EPISTERIZO (1991): “To support further, i.e., re-establish: confirm (3x), strengthen (1x). This word means to make to lean upon, and thus to strengthen through support.  It is used of confirming souls, brethren, churches, and disciples.”[i]

Support further.

Paul and his buddies spent their time encouraging others.  Maintaining faith over the long haul needs support.  When days drag on with nothing happening, we begin to doubt.  “Why God?” quickly becomes a mantra.  Just because we can’t see anything happening from our perspective doesn’t mean God’s not working.  God doesn’t waste time; He uses every moment for the kingdom’s glory.

Walking with others on their journey supports them.  When tough times hit, and they will, for all of us, we need someone to sit quietly with us, God’s hands and feet in our time of need.  And when we rejoice, we need others to celebrate with us.  God created us for community.  Experiencing life’s ups and downs together defines community.

Show up.

One of my favorite church communities meets in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.  Privileged to help plant Life Community Church in 2007; they have taught me the value of living life together.

In 2018 when Bryan, the worship leader, lost his life to robbers while completing a house for a homeless veteran, the tragedy crippled LCC.  But they persevered, as a community, showing up for each other day after day. 

In a message from their lead pastor, Mike, Bryan’s father, shot five times during the robbery, miraculously surviving, told people the best thing they could do for them is “show up.”  Just show up and walk with us as we navigate the days ahead.  Help us keep moving forward.

And they have, for over four years, the members of LCC show up for each other.  Spurring each other onward, trusting God’s plan amid great sadness.

Community encourages each other to move forward into God’s purpose for their lives.  Spurring each other onward comes with following Jesus.  Just like Christ strengthens us, we can help support others.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 99) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Kings 10:32-12:21 ESV, Acts 18:1-22 ESV, Psalm 145:1-21 ESV, Proverbs 18:1 ESV

Daily Verse: “When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.” (Acts 18:5 ESV)

DIMARTUROMAI (1263): “To attest or protest earnestly, or (by imp.) hortatively: charge (3x), testify (unto) (11x), witness (1x).”[i]

Protest earnestly.

Encountering Jesus will make you speak passionately about Him to others.  You can’t help yourself.  The life changes experienced when you submit to Jesus bring joy and peace into your heart; you can find no other way. And you want to share it with everyone.

My favorite earthly love story began on a tennis court in Yorktown, VA, where I met my husband.  Forty-one years old, all in with Christ, my life lacked nothing.  In Jesus, I found all I needed.  I accepted my singleness because God provided all my needs.  So, I didn’t think I would ever marry. 

But then God.

Ron didn’t attend church when we met and hadn’t since college.  Putting God first in our relationship did challenge me.  But God taught me the perils of placing a man before Him during my season of singleness.  God’s peace leaves when we put others before Him.

I still remember the first church service we attended together.  A friend did the invite, and the message on handling Biblical finances became one of my favorites.  Finally, after four decades, I had someone of my own sitting beside me.  God’s walked with us ever since, the third cord in our relationship. And we never stopped attending church together after that first service, still the favorite part of my week.

How can I not talk passionately about Jesus? He changed my life in ways I never imagined.

Everyone’s walk differs, our stories and desires as varied as snowflakes.  From a distance, they look the same, but up close, the patterns unique. 

Tell others the work God does in your life.  Share how following Jesus has led you places you never thought you would go.  Speak passionately to all, telling them about Jesus.  Help them find the peace and joy that comes from following Christ. 

Know Jesus, know peace.  No Jesus, no peace.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 66) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Kings 9:14-10:31 ESV, Acts 17:1-34 ESV, Psalm 144:1-15 ESV, Proverbs 17:27-28 ESV

Daily Verse: “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11 ESV)

EUGENES (2104): “An adjective, lit., “well born,” “well,” and genos, “a family race,” signifies “more noble.” [i]

Family race.

The type of nobility in this Verse refers to those born into wealth. In other words, silver spoons adorn their tables instead of nothing—many people ate with their fingers. You can see how bread became an eating utensil during Jesus’ time on earth.

Raised in a middle-class family, I’ve never gone without food or shelter. But many in this country have. Listening to an interview of the worship leader at Life Community Church, I had no idea he knew poverty as a child. Now a doctor, his life began as a Buddhist and led him to Jesus; he praised God for working in his life in a way that “worked for me.”

All seek.

Whether rich or poor, people have a God-sized void in their lives; we all share it in common. God created us for a relationship with Him and others. Submitting our lives to Jesus will make us better lovers of people. Our relationships will grow stronger as we mimic Jesus in our lives.

One of my favorite parts of Thor’s interview, the worship leader at LCC, happened in the middle when he talked about his dependence on God. Now a doctor, no longer living in poverty, he doesn’t depend on God like he did when poor. But from his days of fasting, Thor learned to appreciate his time of feasting.

God works differently in people’s lives; we need to give Jesus space to act. Just because we think God should do this or that doesn’t mean He will or should. Nowhere in the scriptures will you find a commandment to run other people’s lives. But you will find one that says love them.

Enjoy people instead of trying to change them. Encourage others on their journey, accepting we all travel different paths. Allowing others to live their lives will bring you the greatest reward. With God’s help, you can appreciate others, accepting them the way the Creator made them.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 104) Thomas Nelson