Honest Reflections

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Hosea 4:1-5:15, 2 John 1:1-13, Psalm 125:1-5, Proverbs 29:9-11

Daily Verse: “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” Prov. 29:11

Self-control.

Praise God, I have come a long way, but I have experienced moments of uncontrollable anger. In other words, a fool who gives full vent. One of the most memorable times involved kicking a hardback chair and breaking the bones in my foot, resulting in weeks of walking with crutches.

In my old age, I control my anger much better. Learning from those foolish moments of uncontrollable age does no good, only causing me embarrassment. While lying on my yoga mat this morning, I prayed and asked God for self-control for my gluttonous eating.

A few weeks ago, I came off the medication restricting me from eating and drinking certain foods and beverages. Praising God, I have enjoyed all the things I couldn’t have and some in excess. But now I realize the time has come to reign in my celebration and return to my normal lifestyle. And I asked God for the self-control to do it.

If you struggle with uncontrollable moments, ask God to help you overcome them. Let the Lord give you the strength to hold back and not give full vent to your ways.

Lord, forgive us for acting like fools. Please give us the tools to reign in our emotional reactions and exercise self-control. Let us honor You in all we do. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Hosea 1:1-3:5, 1 John 5:1-21, Psalm 124:1-8, Proverbs 29:5-8

Daily Verse: “An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.” Prov. 29:6

Sense of security.

Doing the right thing gives a sense of security.  Knowing, whatever the situation, you took the high road and went above and beyond helps us move boldly forward. 

On the other hand, when we weave a web of lies and deceit, we’ll find ourselves caught in the net.  Recently, a southern reality show captured Ron and I’s attention.  One character told so many lies she no longer knew the truth from reality, alienating everyone around her and causing heartache to herself.

We have a choice, high road or low one.  Although we can’t control the world around us, we can control how we respond.  When difficult situations occur, we can choose to become bitter or better.  Bitterness takes root quickly; we must work to become better, not letting the negative emotion begin to grow. 

Live a life of singing and rejoicing by consistently doing the right thing.  Avoid self-made traps by choosing better over bitter.

Lord, forgive us for choosing the low road and getting entangled in our traps.  Please give us the courage to do the right thing, no matter what.  Help us become better, not bitter.  IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Daniel 11:36-12:13, 1 John 4:1-21, Psalm 123:1-4, Proverbs 29:2-4

Daily Verse: “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Prov. 29:2

Predominate righteousness.

Sadaq, the Hebrew word for righteousness, means innocent, not guilty of a crime or offense.   Jesus took the punishment for our sins and made us righteous, free of guilt. As we follow Christ and mimic His ways, we learn a new way to live. Instead of putting ourselves first, we submit to God, loving Him and others.

As God’s family multiplies and more people put their faith in Christ, relying on Him, people rejoice. We live for a common purpose, striving to improve daily.

But when the wicked rule, following their desires, people groan. Power corrupts people; history shows it repeatedly. Abusing the less fortunate to better themselves, selfish people don’t care who they hurt to get what they want.

Each morning requires a fresh submission. You must decide who you will follow today, God or the world. Sometimes, we make the wrong choice, but thankfully, the Lord’s waiting for us to return to Him.

Stay focused on God and live life to the fullest.

Lord, thank You for Jesus and the righteousness we gain through Him. Please help us stay focused on our purpose as we follow You daily. Let us become better lovers of You and people with each day that passes. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Daniel 11:2-35, 1 John 3:7-24, Psalm 122:1-9, Proverbs 29:1

Daily Verse: “He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” Prov. 29:1

Stubbornness.

A stiff neck portrays an obstinate person who refuses to bend. No matter what the subject, once they settle on an answer, it doesn’t change. Trying to change a stubborn person’s mind takes divine intervention.

Because stubborn people don’t see the error of their ways, they meet unexpected destruction without healing. But the person who submits to God, following His ways, avoids trouble.

Praying for stubborn people invites God into the equation. Only the Lord can soften hearts.   We can love them unconditionally and not take offense when they disagree with us, which will develop a safe place for them to explore a different viewpoint. But often, pride lies behind the stiff neck.

Stubborn people often have physically stiff necks. Our thoughts do affect our bodies. Obstinate people carry tension, which creates stiffness.

Become flexible, submit to God, and let Him lead the way.

Lord, forgive our stubbornness. Please help us become pliable and open to rebuke, knowing it will make us more like Jesus. Let us share Your love with the world as we submit to You and receive Your guidance. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Daniel 9:1-11:1, 1 John 2:18-3:6, Psalm 121:1-8, Proverbs 28:27-28

Daily Verse: “Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.” Prov. 28:27

Generosity’s rewards.

“You can’t out-give God, “I always say. As much as I try, I never succeed. Making giving a priority brings unexpected blessings. Knowing I will help make someone else’s life better motivates me to give more.

My business partner works with people experiencing homelessness. Every Monday, you can find her at the local church organizing and giving food and necessities to those in need. Donating to the organization she volunteers for makes me happy. Knowing what I give goes directly to those in need compels me to donate often. I take something to work with me to give about once a week.

And I try not just to send used items. Now and then, I buy things my partner tells me they need and donate them. Reading glasses remains their favorite item so far.

Giving to those in need doesn’t always mean money. Clothing, blankets, and other necessities help. We live in a country of abundance, share the wealth, and better the lives of those in need.

Lord, thank You for our abundant blessings. Please give us generous hearts that share freely the gifts we receive from You.  Let our blessings flow into us from above and out to others. We love You, Lord; we give our lives to You. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Daniel 8:1-27, 1 John 2:1-17, Psalm 120:1-7, Proverbs 28:25-26

Daily Verse: “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” Prov. 28:26

Self-sufficiency.

Security doesn’t come from a life of self-sufficiency; it comes from wisdom. Trusting in your limited perspective looks much different than following the wisdom of the Bible and wise counsel.

After spending 41 years single, I cherish having someone to help me make better decisions. Ron’s input into my life allows me to avoid pitfalls, and I do the same for him. Marriage creates an intimacy that gives a unique perspective because we know each other so well and continue to learn more daily. 

Applying Biblical wisdom to our lives by following God’s commands requires dependence on Him. We must submit our will to Jesus to reap the rewards. My self-will doesn’t want to forgive, pray for my enemies, or put others before myself, but God commands it. Each day, I must choose dependence on the Lord or myself. I’ve learned life goes much better when I choose the Creator.

Seek wisdom through the scriptures. Develop relationships with wise people who will help you make better decisions. Find deliverance by walking in wisdom.

Lord, forgive us for leaning on our understanding. Please help us submit to You, follow Your commandments, and live a life of wisdom. Let us become more like Jesus with each day that passes. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Daniel 7:1-28, 1 John 1:1-10. Psalm 119:153-176, Proverbs 28:23-24

Daily Verse: “Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.” Prov. 28:23

Constructive help.

Giving a loving rebuke wins in the end. People may enjoy false flattery at the moment, but when they suffer the consequences, they will wish you told them the truth.

Long ago, I had a friend who always agreed with me. Bolstered by her support, I would move forward with whatever, only to get bit in the butt with the consequences. When I would talk to my friend afterward, she always said, “I thought it was a bad idea at the time but didn’t want to say anything.”

What!?! Say something; help me avoid the pitfall. I finally learned my lesson and stopped going to her for advice. People who lovingly point out my flaws and help guide me in the right direction make better friends.

Giving constructive help to others can challenge you. Having the ability to provide feedback and not offend the receiver takes work. But you can share truth in love, helping people make more educated decisions and better results.

Rebuke with love, and people will appreciate your words.

Lord, forgive us for taking the easy way out and saying words people want to hear instead of what they need to hear.  Please help us improve at rebuking with love and helping people make the best decisions.  IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Daniel 6:1-28, 2 Peter 3:1-18, Psalm 119:129-152, Proverbs 28:21-22

Daily Verse: “To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread, a man will do wrong.” Prov. 28:21

Partiality and Bribery.

Showing partiality in judgment destroys justice. Making unbiased conclusions means putting personal feelings aside and striving for objectivity. 

As a coach, I sometimes struggle with favoritism. Some students automatically make coaching easy; their love for the game, enthusiasm for learning, and rapt attention win favor. Meanwhile, kids who struggle to learn don’t have good listening skills and love arguing, which makes the job more difficult. Coaching well means not showing favoritism, treating all students equally, and giving my best to each of them. 

And bribing a man with a piece of bread sometimes works. Especially a hungry person. Like Esau, who quickly gave up his birthright to Jacob for some bread and soup. Read Genesis 25:29-34 for the whole story.

Objectivity takes work, as does resisting small bribes; staying on the straight and narrow means always keeping the Son in your eyes: no Son, no light, and no direction. With the Son, He will light your path and guide your steps.

Lord, forgive us when we take our eyes off Jesus. Please help us stay focused on You, following Your will. Please give us the discernment to remain objective and the strength to resist temptation. In all things, let us honor and glorify You.  IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Daniel 5:1-31, 2 Peter 2:1-22, Psalm 119:113-128, Proverbs 28:19-20

Daily Verse: “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” Prov. 28:19

Results of diligence.

Daily discipline defines diligence, which leads to prosperity. Developing a routine that works repeating it consistently, will give you plenty of bread. Laziness leads to plenty of poverty.

“You need a process,” Ron said when I started writing. I needed to develop a routine I could easily repeat to write daily devotionals. Every year, I tweak the process, changing it slightly, and then for the next 365 days, I do it repeatedly. Diligence over the past five years helped me complete several books and begin an online and in-person presence that continues to grow. Praise God!

Since I began my writing career, people tell me all the time they want to write as well, that they have a story to share. But they haven’t written anything yet. People like to talk about writing, but they don’t do it. To become a writer, one must write.

No matter the job, you must do it to receive the reward; not working means not eating. We must teach people to fish, not do the fishing for them.

Lord, forgive us for our laziness. Please help us apply ourselves to the work You give us. Let us become diligent in completing our divine tasks day after day. Allow us to reap the reward for the work we do. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Daniel 4:1-37, 2 Peter 1:1-21, Psalm 119:97-112, Proverbs 28:17-18

Daily Verse: “Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.” Prov. 28:18

Kept Safe.

“Just tell the truth up front,” Ron says often. Nothing frustrates him more than people lying because, eventually, the truth comes out. So, in my husband’s mind, tell the truth in the first place, saving time and money. I couldn’t agree more. Unfortunately, others don’t have the same philosophy.

Walking in integrity brings security, but the wicked fall. Honesty requires effort. Sometimes, lying seems like the better course of action, but it leads to calamity. Telling someone something that will hurt them challenges anyone.

Watching a reality show about a group of friends, the scene revolved around informing one of the guys about his cheating girlfriend. Telling him the truth challenged his friends. But in the long run, their integrity saved their friend from more heartache and pain, opening his eyes to the deception.

Honesty saves heartache in the long run and keeps one safe from the chaos lies bring. When God reveals the truth, the wicked fall like dominos. Stay on the path of righteousness and live in God’s protection.

Lord, forgive us for not always telling the truth. Please help us stay on the path of righteousness, living in Your shadow. Let us become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit, following His promptings and living in Your will. IJNIP. Amen