Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 31:1-32:32 ESV, Hebrews 12:14-29 ESV, Psalm 113:1-114:8 ESV, Proverbs 27:18-20 ESV

Daily Verse: “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Hebrews 12:15 ESV)

PIKRIA (4088): “Denotes “bitterness” in Heb 12:15, in the same sense, metaphorically, or a root of “bitterness,” producing “bitter” fruit.[1]

Producing bitter fruit.

Bitterness wreaks havoc in our lives, stops us from enjoying life to the fullest, and causes pain to others.  Unfortunately, identifying bitter roots in our lives takes effort; we don’t see them at first glance, but others can.  My husband loves to say, “They have a chip on their shoulder.”

Ron and I did “Five Dates: A His and Her “Funbook” for Couples,” which I highly recommend.  Innocent questions lead to deep conversations.  God revealed a chip on my shoulder through my husband with the question: “What are two of your biggest memories from high school?”

Roots revealed.

Instantly, my mind went to my father’s death at 16; jealousy towards my husband’s sporting regrets made me respond, “I wish my biggest memories were so simple.”

“Just because I haven’t experienced what you did, doesn’t mean I can’t sympathize.  You don’t get to wear your pain like a badge of honor.” My honey responded.

At that moment, God revealed a bitter root that started three decades ago.  The Lord removed the root using my husband’s unconditional love for me.  And I found a new fullness to life.

No one likes when the bad things in life occur, and we all will experience hard, painful moments in life that devastate us.  How we respond to those events determines the roots we will begin to grow.

If we lay our pain at the foot of the cross, trusting God to use it for His purposes, we will discover divine healing.  Peace will transcend our hearts that make no sense to the outside world.  From our hurt, God will lead us to victory, helping us to continue the journey and not get stuck in pain.

Ask God to reveal the bitter roots in your life.  Let the Lord dig in the soil of your heart and remove the bitterness.  Begin to produce life-giving fruit as you weed out the dark places in your soul.

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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. 201) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 29:1-30:26 ESV, Hebrews 11:32-12:13 ESV, Psalm 112:1-10 ESV, Proverbs 27:17 ESV

Daily Verse: “And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,” (Hebrews 11:39 ESV)

EPAGGELIA (1860): “As a noun, is primarily a law term, denoting “a summons” and also meant “an undertaking to do or give something, a promise.”  It frequently stands for the thing “promised,” and so signifies a gift graciously bestowed, not a pledge secured by negotiation.”[1]

Give something.

Chapter eleven in Hebrews has a nickname, the “Faith” chapter.  Reviewing the list of heroes in the faith, and the steps they took that landed them in the Hall of Fame for their beliefs, warranted the name.  Each persevered, not knowing what the future held but trusting God’s promise of a better life.

God’s Hall of Famers trusted that God would give them something for their toils and troubles.  At the end of their journey’s waited paradise with the Lord.

God’s presence.

Repeatedly, God promises never to leave nor forsake us.  Yet when we become stagnant, unable to move forward because of anxiety about things that could happen, we negate His promise. 

Reading “The Cuckoo Syndrome,” Andrea Polk brought to light a good point.  Worst-case scenario thinking excludes God.  In other words, when we fret about things to come, we don’t think of God’s participation in helping us endure.

Walking boldly forward means trusting God walks with you, no matter what mountain you face.  Abraham trusted God to make him the father of nations, Rahab thrived as an adopted member of God’s family, and Moses marched onward, ever faithful to the Lord.

Wherever God takes you, He goes with you.  Whether in the pit or on the mountaintop, nothing separates you from Jesus once you place your faith in Him.  Begin embracing the journey, anticipating what God will do for you and in you as you continue forward.

God promises to give us eternal life if we place our faith in Christ.  Receiving the gift cost us nothing and the Lord everything.  Living intentionally for Jesus means trusting the promises God makes and acting accordingly.

Stand firm on God’s promises, apply them to your life, and experience the eternal peace you can find no other way.

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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. 93) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 27:1-28:26 ESV, Hebrews 11:17-31 ESV, Psalm 111:1-10 ESV, Proverbs 27:15-16 ESV

Daily Verse: “By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” (Hebrews 11:31 ESV)

SUNAPOLLUMI (4881): “To destroy (middle or passive voice be slain) in company with: perish with.”[1]

To destroy.

Rahab became famous because she protected the spies who came to scope out the land.  She made her living by selling her body to men and protected God’s servants when they came to her door, which led her to a life that included a place in the genealogy of Jesus.  Married to Salmon, she’s David’s great-great-grandmother, from prostitute to matriarch in the royal lineage of Christ; Rahab had a virtuous heart.

Jericho fell at the hands of Joshua with the Lord leading him.   Rahab saved herself and her family by believing in God’s sovereignty.  Following her heart meant giving her life to an unknown God, believing in His power to save her.  And the Lord did, giving her a new life.

Fresh start.

Becoming a virtuous woman changed Rahab’s entire life.  Choosing to trust God gave her purpose. As a Canaanite; her adoption into the Jewish culture answers how they became a part of Israel. 

Trusting God gives us what Rahab found, a fresh start.  We can put our old ways behind us and make different choices.  Actions start in the mind.  Awareness of our thoughts helps us control our responses to the world around us.

Including Jesus in our thought processes helps us make decisions through His lens.  Applying the teachings we learn as we develop a relationship with Christ will change us.  Putting away fleshly desires and pursuing divine ones takes intention and thought but has fantastic results.

Discover your purpose one day at a time as you filter your reactions through the lens of scripture.  Before deciding, think about what Jesus would do, then do it.  Like Rahab, God adopts us into the royal lineage when we place our faith in Jesus.

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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. 240) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 24:1-26:21 ESV, Hebrews 11:1-16 ESV, Psalm 110:1-7 ESV, Proverbs 27:14 ESV

Daily Verse: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 ESV)

HUPOSTASIS (5287): “A standing under” (hupo, “under,” stasis, “a standing”), “that which stands, or is set, under, a foundation, beginning”; hence, in Heb it signifies “substance” in Heb. 11:1.”[1]

Firm foundation.

Faith’s continuing reality becomes a way of life.  Realities exist we can’t see and can’t prove with material evidence, but they still exist.  Even though not tangible, faith gives us belief in the spiritual realm and certainty of its existence.

Describing faith differs for every person; our relationship with Jesus as personal as our lives. Each day starts with Bible reading for me and has for over two decades.  In my late 20s, I began reading through the entire scriptures over 365 days.

In year one, I read through the Bible front to back.  About a 1/3 of the way through the Old Testament, I stopped reading why I can’t remember.  But what I do remember and never forgot; life fell apart.  The sense of peace I had reading the scriptures left me.

Active faith.

Visiting a spiritual mentor, I shared my dilemma with her.  “How’s your Bible reading?” she asked.  When I confessed, I stopped, she encouraged me to begin the journey again.  And so, I did.  Peace returned, and I’ve never stopped again. 

Explaining faith and the assurance we have in Jesus may seem odd.  But I know the difference between a life with God and a life without Him.  I choose Jesus.  Submitting my life to Christ, admitting I didn’t have all the answers, and placing faith in Jesus gives me life to the fullest.  Following my selfish desires led me into a pit of misery I never want to visit again.

Dive into the scriptures and seek Jesus.  Get to know God through the stories of others who gave their lives to Him.  Let your faith bloom as you live for Christ, putting Him first, others second, and yourself last.

Faith blooms best when we exercise it regularly.  Stay grounded in God’s word, trust His promises, and don’t base your decisions on circumstances; instead, trust Jesus and have a little faith!

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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. 260) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 23:1-49 ESV, Hebrews 10:18-39 ESV, Psalm 109:1-31 ESV, Proverbs 27:13 ESV

Daily Verse: “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” (Hebrews 10:39 ESV)

HUPOSTOLE (5289): “As a non, is translated “of them who draw back” Heb 11:39”[1]

Draw back.

I shrank when my brothers threw earthworms at me as a child.  Not a fan of slimy things; if I made myself small, they couldn’t touch me.  We draw away from things we don’t like.

Life comes with challenges we must face.  When the next hill rises before us, we have a choice in approaching it with dread and trepidation or with excited anticipation.  Living life with Jesus gives us the courage to turn the challenge into an encouragement as God leads us to victory.

When David stood before Goliath, he didn’t shrink away from the challenge; he embraced it.  The servant with a heart like God’s knew the source of his strength intimately.  David’s confidence came from the Creator.

Stand tall!

Trusting in the Lord, we can stand tall like David.  Short in stature, the young shepherd didn’t need height to win the battle; he needed confidence.  David got what he needed from the Lord.  God provides the tools to slay our giants and win the fight.

When I sit at my desk and write, I balance a book on my head to help me maintain proper posture.  Having developed hip pain, slouching didn’t help.  As a result of my new discipline, I’m standing taller. The positive results help me feel physically better. 

Squaring back my shoulders and lifting my head, chin parallel to the floor empowers me.  I feel balanced and ready to take on the world, but when I shrink back, eye to the ground, shoulders slumped, I feel defeated. 

Jesus gives us a reason to stand tall and face the world.  All things work for the good of those who trust and believe in Christ, living their life following Him.  With Jesus, we either win or learn, but we never lose.

Remind your giant about the size of your God.  Don’t let the temporary problems of this world keep you from experiencing the eternal peace Christ offers.  Lay your burdens at the altar, then stand tall, knowing God’s got your back!

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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. 260) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 21:1-22:31 ESV, Hebrews 10:1-17 ESV, Psalm 108:1-13 ESV, Proverbs 27:12 ESV

Daily Verse: “For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.” (Hebrews 10:1 ESV)

SKIA (4639): “Is used of “a shadow,” of these as appointed under the Law, Heb 10:1.”[1]

Preliminary outline.

“The “shadow” then is the preliminary outline that an artist may make before he gets to his colors, and the “reality” is the finished portrait.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary

When I don’t understand a verse, I turn to commentaries; Expositor’s a favorite.  Nothing beats their description of the law and its application to faith in Jesus.  Without the early commandments, we wouldn’t understand why we need Jesus.  Unable to keep them, we need someone who could.

Become colorful.

Placing your faith in Jesus fills the lines in the shadow.  Continually taking the next step of faith leads you to an unimaginable grace.  Christ’s presence in the present moment becomes so real it overwhelms you.  Understanding that life’s fragility and vitality coexist together gives it new meaning.

At any moment, God can call us home.  But in the meantime, live.  The poem at my mother and nephew’s funeral instructed us:

“think of me sometimes, but not too much.  While you live, let your thoughts be with the living.” Unknown

Our thoughts control our actions. To live, we must think in the now, not the then.  Taking with us the meat, leaving behind the bones.  Forgive yourself for the laws you struggle to keep.  Try to do better today, and keep going; life’s journey never ends.

Like a tire stuck in a mud puddle, spinning its wheels, when we spend too much time in the valley, we get stuck in a rut with our thoughts.  Not able to see a way out, we think life won’t change, but don’t believe the lie.

Like the unending waves in the ocean, time never stops, nor does life.  Grace moves us forward on the journey, allowing us to forgive ourselves for breaking the “law” and try again.  You can try again every day God gives you on earth and make different choices. Become colorful as you follow Jesus, applying His teachings to your life.  Let grace become your calling card.

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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. 228) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 20:1-49 ESV, Hebrews 9:11-28 ESV, Psalm 107:1-43 ESV, Proverbs 27:11 ESV

Daily Verse: “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (Hebrews 9:15 ESV)

MESITES (3316): “Means lit., “a go-between” (from mesos, “middle,” and eimi, “to go”). Is used in two ways in the NT, “one who mediate” between two parties with a view to producing peace, as in 1 Ti 2:5, though more than mere “mediatorship” is in view, for the salvation of men necessitated that the Mediator should Himself possess the nature and attributes of Him towards whom He acts, and should likewise participate in the nature of those for whom He acts (sin apart); only by being possessed both of deity and humanity could He comprehend the claims of the one and the needs of the other; further, the claims and the needs could be met only by One who Himself being proved sinless, would offer Himself an expiatory sacrifice on behalf of men; “one who acts as a guarantee” so as to secure something which otherwise would not be obtained.  Thus, in Heb 9:15 Christ is the Surety of “the better covenant,” “the new covenant,” guaranteeing its terms for His people.”[1]

Go between.

Full confession, I didn’t begin to mature in my faith until my late twenties.  Raised in the church, I knew I needed Christ; I didn’t understand why.  Connecting with God’s purity requires a go-between; Jesus fits the bill.

When light enters a dark room, the darkness leaves, the two can’t coexist together.  Light expels darkness, or the absence of light equals darkness.  Either way, you can’t have them both in the same room. 

Jesus expels.

Our sin lives in the darkness; Jesus brings it into the light, expelling the darkness from our lives.  God and evil can’t coexist; Jesus forgives the sin in our lives and ushers us into the Lord’s presence.

Mediators bring peace if they do their job well.  Jesus excels at bringing peace into our hearts when we place our faith in Him.  Christ shows us a new way to live that will help us discover a vibrant life. 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 ESV)

Embrace Jesus’s mediation in your life, and let the light into the dark areas of your hearts.  Experience life abundantly as you follow Christ, letting Him fill your heart with 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. 161) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 18:1-19:14 ESV, Hebrews 9:1-10 ESV, Psalm 106:32-48 ESV, Proverbs 27:10 ESV

Daily Verse: “This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.” (Hebrews 9:9 ESV)

ENISTEMI (1764): “To set in,” or, in the middle voice and perfect tense of the active voice, “to stand in, be present,” is used of the present in contrast with the past, Heb 9:9.”[1]

Be present.

Once again, the author points out that we can’t save ourselves from our past and future sins; only Jesus can help us.  But people spend so much time living in the past or future that they miss now.  And now matters.

Deciding to lay down your past and embrace a future grounded in now, we must learn to become present.  Understanding that eternity started long ago, continuing onward in the present, and moving forward. 

“For the present is the point at which time touches eternity.” C.S. Lewis

Choose now.

Today begins a new day, full of God’s grace and mercy; choose to embrace it.  Lay your burdens at the foot of the cross; let them go to the King.  Bring joy into your heart as you allow God to take control.  Don’t let eternity pass you by as you live in a moment already gone or yet to come.  Live in this moment, knowing it will pass, good or bad. 

Our emotions help guide us in our relationship with God.  Throughout the scriptures, we witness the many emotions of the Lord.  Instead of condemning yourself for having feelings, explore them, understand them, and learn from them.

Following Jesus requires a relationship of trust.  On earth, people prove untrustworthy, but God always comes through.  Christ walks with us in our valleys and the mountains, never leaving or forsaking us.  Trust Him.  Turn to Jesus today, pour out your heart to Him, and let Christ begin to heal the hurt.

Today will never come again.  Whatever circumstance lies before you, God has a plan.  One, He will walk you through; Jesus doesn’t let you go alone.  Christ went first; follow Him.  In the Lord, you will find everlasting peace, 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. 89) Thomas Nelson

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 16:42-17:24 ESV, Hebrews 8:1-13 ESV, Psalm 106:13-31 ESV, Proverbs 27:7-9 ESV

Daily Verse: “Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer.” (Hebrews 8:3 ESV)

ARCHIEREUS (749): “This word means “a chief priest, high priest” and is frequent in the gospels, Acts and Hebrews, but there only in the NT.  It is used of Christ.”[1]

High Priest.

As head of the church, no one ranks higher than Jesus.  The gifts and sacrifices Christ offers bring life to the fullest to all who receive them.  No one can choose Jesus for you.  Only you can decide to follow the Highest Priest of them all.

Reading comments on social media responding to an ad for the latest Christian film made my heart sink.  People’s opinion of Christ’s church doesn’t baffle me.  Having experienced pain at the hands of believers, I get it.  But we must learn to forgive.

People will hurt you.  My husband loves me more than anyone on earth, but he occasionally steps on my feelings.  Relationships can’t exist without some strife because imperfect people create connections.  We all have hurt people in our lives, sometimes intentionally.  “Get off your high horse,” my mother used to say.

Let go.

Submit your life to Jesus, and give Him all of it.  Don’t hold back.  “The Cuckoo Syndrome,” by Andrea Anderson Polk, gave me a new perspective on dark periods in my life.

“The greatest treasures are often buried in the deepest, darkest places.” AAP

Life’s challenges can take us places we never thought about or wanted to go.  But amid our valley, God exists.  And when we give those dark places to Him, you will experience unexplainable grace.

But first, you must let go.  Admit you need help.  Stop posing; start living.  Embrace God’s grace and mercy, fill yourself with His love, and let Him change your life.  Nothing you have done or will do can separate you from Christ’s love.

Believe it today!

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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. 43) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 14:12-16:41 ESV, Hebrews 7:18-28 ESV, Psalm 106:1-12 ESV, Proverbs 27:4-6 ESV                 

Daily Verse: “Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.” (Hebrews 7:22 ESV)

EGGUOS (1450): “Primarily signifies the bail who personally answers for anyone, whether with his life or his property.  In Heb 7:22 it refers to Jesus, the personal guarantee of the terms of the new and better covenant secured on the ground of His perfect sacrifice.”[1]

Personal guarantee.

During my college years, my mom made car payments for me.  She personally guaranteed I would have a vehicle to drive because I couldn’t afford it.  She did for me what I couldn’t do for myself.

Jesus personally guaranteed our salvation because He knows we can’t.  Nothing we do can save us from ourselves and our fleshly desires; only Jesus can.  Christ guarantees a better covenant, a new promise not dependent on our actions but His.

Selfless love.

Christ brought unconditional love into the world. By studying His life and developing a relationship with Jesus, you will begin to understand true love. His actions selfless, Jesus showed us a new way to live.

Loving God and others, as Jesus commanded, doesn’t mean getting walked all over.  Pleasing other people doesn’t mean love.  But accepting and loving others, assisting them on their journey, and encouraging them to become all God desires them does. 

And sometimes, difficult decisions require ties to break.  Allowing others to live their lives, even if you disagree with the choice, does take work, especially when you see a loved one heading in the wrong direction.

But we all make bad decisions.  God doesn’t love us because we make mistakes.  He loves us because the Lord created us to love.  So let Him.

And love God back.  Then love others with all those good feelings.  Unconditionally, God loves us.  Unconditionally, we must love others.  Through Jesus, you will learn how to establish healthy boundaries.  Allowing Christ to lead will help you know when to walk away, just as He did on occasion.

Jesus came so we could have life to the fullest.  Christ put His guarantee on our life.  Live it well for Him today.

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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. 74) Thomas Nelson