Honest Reflections

One minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 20:14-21:22, Acts 1:1-26, Psalm 121:1-8, Proverbs 16:18

Daily Verse: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Prov. 16:18

Pride destroys.

“Don’t write a book on pride because no one will buy it.” Joyce Meyer said at the last conference I attended. No one wants to admit pride issues, yet we all have them. And if we don’t want to confess our prideful ways, we can’t deal with them.

Pride leads to destruction because of wrong assumptions and skewed perspectives. I constantly battle pride and have suffered for my arrogant ways, especially relationally. Nothing hurts a relationship more than the inability to say, “I’m sorry.”

When Ron and I argued in the first years of our marriage, it physically pained me to say, “I’m sorry.”  Marriage requires forgiveness, humility, and grace from both parties. After ten years of marriage, I’ve become better at debating instead of demanding.

Leading with humility will strengthen any relationship. Identifying prideful ways helps eliminate them and allows us to become more like Jesus.

With humility, our Savior led the way to salvation via the cross.

Lord, forgive us our prideful ways. Please help us see areas of pride we need to address in our lives. Please give us the humility and grace we need to overcome destructive ways. Let us become more like Jesus as we lead with humility instead of pride. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13, John 21:1-25, Psalm 120:1-7, Proverbs 16:16-17

Daily Verse: “The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.” Prov. 16:17

Guardrails preserve.

Driving across the many bridges and tunnels in the Hampton Roads area reminds me of the importance of guardrails. Looking over the edge of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel always amazes me. The 23-mile drive over the Chesapeake Bay connects southern Virginia with its eastern shore. Concrete barriers stop cars from going over the edge into the blue waves below.

In the same way, setting guardrails, and boundaries in life, helps us stay on the straight and narrow. Ron and I don’t eat meals or travel alone in cars with people of the opposite sex. We use a budget to control our finances. As a coach, I teach private lessons in public venues with many eyes watching.

“Alcoholics wouldn’t take the first drink if they knew it would ruin their life.”  Words I often use when talking about temptation. Innocent beginnings can lead to terrible endings. The first conversation didn’t begin the affair, but it started the journey.

Accepting our fallibility helps us set proper guardrails to protect us from the world’s temptations. Staying on the straight and narrow requires boundaries.

Lord, forgive us from straying from the righteous path. Please help us stay on the straight and narrow by placing guardrails where we need them. Let us remain far from evil by using healthy boundaries to keep us on the right road. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 18:1-19:10, John 20:1-31, Psalm 119:153-176, Proverbs 16:14-15

Daily Verse: “In the light of a king’s face, there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.” Prov. 16:15

Leader encouragement.

As a coach, leading my students who listen well, accept direction and apply themselves gain much praise and attention. However, the rebellious students who do the opposite of whatever I say stretch my patience and cause me to grow in ways I never imagined. In a perfect world, well-behaved students would fill my classes, but we don’t live in that kind of world.

Whether leading students, children, or employees, those who make our life easier receive favor. Becoming better leaders means learning to handle difficult people and the well-behaved, giving each person our best, regardless of performance.

Looking at life from Jesus’ perspective, we all misbehave, yet He loves us equally. Christ didn’t die for perfect people; He died for the imperfect.

One of my best students threw her racquet in frustration. Shocked, I had to address her behavior for the first time.   She reminded me that we all sin and fall short of the mark. Yet God loves us and sent Jesus to save us.

Performing well brings favor, but God saved us with undeserved grace, even in our sins.

Lord, forgive us for favoring those easy to lead. Help us learn to love everyone equally, despite their performance, understanding that we each have a unique purpose. Guide and direct us as we lead others, helping to represent Christ well in all we do. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 17:1-29, John 19:23-42, Psalm 119:129-152, Proverbs 16:12-13

Daily Verse: “Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.” Prov. 16:13

Honesty approved.

Applying to government, candid people bring value. Ideal rulers prefer truth over anything else. Unfortunately, narratives don’t equal facts. People tell many stories in today’s world.

Ron and I love watching “true story” movies. But I learned we must discern the language used to describe the narrative. “Inspired by” differs from “Based on.” A story developed from inspiration doesn’t reflect the whole truth, whereas one based on actual events tells the facts. People take many liberties with inspiration, knowing that changes what I think of the movie, not believing everything.

Integrity begins with us. As Christ’s followers, honoring Jesus means telling the truth, taking responsibility for our actions, and setting an example of righteous lips. Expecting honesty from others but not putting the same expectations on ourselves doesn’t serve Christ or anyone else.

Live a life based on truth; search for the facts before believing the narrative. Understand, in today’s world; people care more about the story than they do the truth. We shouldn’t believe everything we hear.

Lord, forgive us for falling for false tales. Please help us have a discerning heart that can quickly identify the lies of this world. Let us represent Christ well by living a life of integrity and always speaking the truth. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23, John 18:25-19:22, Psalm 119:113-128, Proverbs 16:10-11

Daily Verse: “A just balance and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.” Prov. 16:11

Honesty in business.

When people used gold and silver to pay for things, crooks used light and heavy weights to make fraudulent transactions. In today’s world, criminals use two sets of books to hide their indiscretions. However, God uses just scales and knows the ones doing fair and just business.

As in all things, liars get exposed, no matter the transaction. God’s justice will prevail eventually. If we want to save ourselves time and heartache, we will tell the truth up front, no matter how difficult.

Honest people use correct weights and balances when doing business. People want truthful and fair estimates. Skilled businesspeople know precisely what a job will cost and charge accordingly. 

When we had our kitchen cabinets replaced, the contractor ordered an extra piece. He called us immediately when he realized his mistake, asking us if we would pay half the cost. The man’s honesty and willingness to take responsibility made it easy to cover the extra expense.

God uses fair and just measures; we should as well. Representing Christ well means doing an honest business.

Lord, let us always do honest business transactions. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us in all we do. Help us develop a reputation for fair deals, regardless of the transaction. In all things, let You receive the glory. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 14:1-15:22, John 18:1-24, Psalm 119:97-112, Proverbs 16:8-9

Daily Verse: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Prov. 16:9

Sovereignty of God.

When does anything ever go exactly as we plan it? Ask any bride on her wedding day; she will tell you what went wrong because something always does. But often, the things that don’t go the way we want bring chuckles and good memories later.

Praying over my week; I had a conflict, booking two appointments back-to-back, leaving no travel time to the second meeting. The only solution I could see meant leaving fifteen minutes early from my hair appointment to reach my following commitment on time.

What a surprise when I received a text from my hair stylist that she had double booked. Could I come at 11:15 instead? Why yes, I could. “Perfect,” I responded. God took care of the conflict by moving my first appointment and including travel time—something I couldn’t have done alone.

Trusting God to establish our steps clears our paths, resolves conflicts, and helps us keep the divine appointments He has for us. Next time things don’t go as planned, trust God’s purpose to unfold. The Lord’s sovereignty always rules.

Lord, forgive us for getting irritated at schedule changes. Help us remember; You direct our steps. Take us where you want us to go, and don’t let us miss any divine appointments you have for us. Let us live out our purpose one step at a time. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 13:1-39, John 17:1-26, Psalm 119:81-96, Proverbs 16:6-7

Daily Verse: “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Prov. 16:7

Peaceful conduct.

Abraham Lincoln, a man of faith, filled his cabinet with his opponents when elected president. Men who openly disagreed with Lincoln became part of his everyday work life, which brought unity back to a divided country.

“The best way to get rid of your enemies is to make them your friends.” Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln’s actions pleased the Lord, he showed love toward his enemies, and they made peace. Everyone desires love, acceptance, and the ability to express different opinions without feeling rejected and ridiculed.

Jesus loved those who disagreed with Him.  When the rich young ruler couldn’t give up his worldly possessions, Christ let him go, allowing the young man free will. We don’t have to agree with people to love them.

Living a lifestyle of love and pleasing God invites peace into your life. Loving your enemies helps them become your friends.

Lord, help us to live a life pleasing to You.  Give us the tools we need to love those who disagree with us. Help us pray for our enemies, allowing us to find peace with them. Soften our hearts and give us grace and mercy for all. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 12:1-31, John 16:1-33, Psalm 119:65-80, Proverbs 16:4-5

Daily Verse: “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” Prov. 16:4

Divine retribution.

Thinking of people receiving God’s judgment softens my heart. Watching people walk down wrong paths and make life-altering decisions that will cause pain hurts. 

“What goes around comes around?” my wise mother said when I would question her about why people get away with doing mean things. I did not believe her in my younger years, thinking people got away with their evil ways. But now I realize her wisdom and the sadness that comes with it.

Suffering the consequences of actions happens to everyone. Poor relational decisions, not respecting myself, and seeking instant gratification with the swipe of a credit card all caused me pain. When I began following Jesus and applying His teachings to my life, I found a new purpose, less pain, and hope for a better future.

God created us for a purpose; we will discover it when we walk in His ways. But when we choose to put ourselves before the Lord, pain follows. Jesus came to show us how to live; following Him leads to a life of abundance we can find no other way.

Lord, forgive us for not following You.  As we seek You each day, guide us in the direction You want us to go. Please lead us to our purpose on Earth, and help us fulfill our divine calling. Give us life in abundance as we chase after You. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 9:1-11:27, John 15:1-27, Psalm 119:49-64, Proverbs 16:1-3

Daily Verse: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Prov. 16:3

Committed plans.

“Commit” means “roll” and refers to complete dependence on God. The visual representation means rolling one’s burdens onto the Lord.

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” Psalm 37:5

David uses the same word in Psalm 37, and we know the slayer of giants relied heavily on God for his victories. The King only got in trouble when he took his eyes off the Lord, just like we do. Now, Solomon shares the same wisdom as his father. Roll your burdens onto the Lord, and he will take care of the rest.

For years, I’ve written this scripture in my journal at the beginning of the week as I prayed over the appointments on my calendar. Not until writing this devotional did I know the true meaning of the word commit. But I know God established my plans, dropping some events, adding others, and always leading the way.

Roll your burdens onto the Lord. Pray over your calendars, and let God decide the divine appointments in your life.

Lord, forgive us for not including You in all of our plans. As we roll our burdens to You, let us feel lighter, knowing You will take care of our calendars as we trust in You. Don’t let us miss any divine appointments, now or ever. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18, John 14:15-31, Psalm 119:33-48, Proverbs 15:33

Daily Verse: “The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” Prov. 15:33

Humble submission.

Bruce Almighty, the 2003 film starring Jim Carrey, who gets a crack at becoming God, always makes me laugh. When his character gets tired of answering prayers, Bruce responds “yes” to them. Chaos erupts, and he quickly learns the complications of running the universe. Ultimately, Bruce learns you can’t make people love you, not even God.

Many in our world don’t love God. Often the reason lies in unanswered prayers that cause deep hurt and confusion. God never promised a pain-free life, but He did promise us the strength to endure the storms.

Humbling ourselves before God and submitting to His sovereignty seems intimidating. Giving up control feels scary, but when we let the Creator lead us, we need not fear where He takes us. With God, we will find honor that only comes from Him.

The Lord doesn’t value the things of the world; He loves our hearts. Fearing the Lord leads to wisdom and discernment. Giving our lives to the Creator leads us to eternal joy with Him.

Lord, forgive us for doubting Your decisions. Give us the faith we need and the strength to endure the trials of this world. Let Your peace that surpasses all understanding reign in our lives as we do our best to love You and others. IJNIP. Amen