Honest Reflections

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 54:1-57:14, Ephesians 6:1-24, Psalm 70:1-5, Proverbs 24:8

Daily Verse: “Whoever plans to do evil will be called a schemer.” Prov. 24:8

Evil schemers.

People who go looking for trouble find it. In a world wrought with strife, why some try to make it even harder, I don’t know. Yet, people will manipulate and devise evil plans to make others’ lives harder and supposedly improve their lives.

But evil schemes never win. Eventually, the perpetrator gets caught because the truth always comes out. Given enough time, all wicked plans get filtered through the light, and when they do, they quickly fall apart.

In the book of Esther, Haman plots to kill all the Jews. Instead, Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, finds out about the plan and brings it to the Queen’s attention, which leads to its unraveling. Instead of exterminating the Jews, Haman ends up impaled on the pole he had erected for Mordecai. Wicked schemers pay the price for their manipulations.

Don’t waste time plotting evil. Instead, put effort into building a relationship with God. Investing your time with the Lord will reap innumerable benefits and protect you from those who would do you harm.

Lord, forgive us for plotting evil schemes. Help us focus our attention on You and Your will for our lives. Let us live purposefully as we pursue You with all our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 51:1-53:12, Ephesians 5:1-33, Psalm 69:19-36, Proverbs 24:7

Daily Verse: “Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate, he does not open his mouth.” Prov. 24:7

Unattainable wisdom.

Writing through Proverbs for a year illustrates God’s emphasis on wisdom and fools. Opposites, fools can’t obtain wisdom. Today’s verse portrays a fool outside his element; he doesn’t open his mouth when he should.

My heart aches for people who can’t learn. Because they remain unteachable, fools stay stuck, never moving forward in life’s journey. Learning life lessons and growing from them propels us forward, but we’ll never take the next step if we can’t learn.

Everyone has foolish moments. Celebrating the wins and learning from the failures makes us teachable. One wrong decision doesn’t have to lead to another. Instead, it can become the basis for better choices in the future. Once you know what not to do, you have a better chance of doing what you should.

Remain teachable. Understand we always have more to learn, and we will never arrive until the good Lord calls us home. Acquire wisdom and become all God intends.

Lord, forgive us for not learning the lessons You have for us. Thank You for giving us second, third, and whatever chances we need to learn. Keep our spirits teachable as we follow You and strive to fulfill our purposes. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 48:12-50:11, Ephesians 4:17-32, Psalm 69:1-18, Proverbs 24:5-6

Daily Verse: “For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” Prov. 24:6

Strategy over strength.

Decades ago, when I returned to tennis as an adult, I played against a woman in her 70’s. In my early 30s, I walked on the court, confident of the win, banking on my youthful body and agility. Less than an hour later, after trouncing me, my opponent left to lift weights on her way to the gym. Wisdom defeated strength. And I learned a memorable lesson.

Seeking wise counsel and developing a strategy carries us to victory far quicker than mere strength. Like so many things in life, strength wains quickly, but wisdom stands the test of time.

When facing battle, don’t rely on your opinion only. Talk to people with experience. Learn from their mistakes and find victory by following their advice—the more abundant the counselors, the better the victory.

Using your resources wisely helps you defeat the enemy. People have much to offer if we seek their wisdom. We don’t have to go through everything alone. God gave us wise counselors to help us weather the storm.

Lord, forgive us for ignoring the wise counsel we receive. Help us seek abundant wisdom from the people You place in our lives. Allow us to gain victory from the knowledge we glean from others. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 45;11-48:11, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalm 68:19-35, Proverbs 24:3-4

Daily Verse: “By wisdom, a house is built, and by understanding it is established;” Prov. 24:3-4

Domestic enterprises.

Houses require wisdom to build and understanding to establish. Planning the layout of rooms, the precise placement of the kitchen and baths, and the million other decisions that come with creating a home takes time and intention. Builders can’t slap boards together and expect to have a solid home.

Thinking of purchasing a log cabin, Ron and I toured one built in 1976. The original owner could no longer live in the home alone, causing the kids to sell it. Massive logs stacked one on top of the other created a cozy atmosphere. Almost fifty years old, the owner’s understanding of the care needed for the unique structure came through in its pristine presentation.

Although we decided to pass on the cabin, we still appreciated the love permeating the well-established home. Wisdom built the house, and understanding had established it. I could only imagine the family memories made in the cozy getaway over the decades.

God tells us to ask, and we will receive; He wants to give us wisdom and understanding. Build your homes with the Lord’s gifts and enjoy the benefits.

Lord, forgive us for not asking You for wisdom and understanding. As we grow closer to You, let us always come to You with our needs, trusting Your provision. Please help us build loving homes through the gifts you offer. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 43:14-45:10, Ephesians 3:1-21, Psalm 68:1-18, Proverbs 24:1-2

Daily Verse: “Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them, for their hearts devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble.” Prov. 24:1-2

Reject envy.

Following Jesus takes perseverance and endurance through difficult times. During dessert seasons, periods when God seems quiet, and doubt comes easily, envying evil men can seem tempting. In your struggles, they seem to thrive. The best way to reject the envy that tries to work into your heart happens with a perspective change.

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” Abraham Lincoln

The lens through which we look at life determines what we will see. Asking God to give us His perspective allows us to see challenges as opportunities to grow and envy as something that will rot our bones. 

Stay focused on Jesus, even in the dry parts of the journey. David spent years alone in the hills, tending sheep and shooting wild beasts with his sling before He defeated Goliath. God’s always working, preparing us for the next chapter.

Reject envy. Thank God for the roses on the thorn bush instead.

Lord, forgive us for envying evil people. Help us keep Your perspective as we persevere in the trials of life. Don’t let skewed vision get us off track. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 41:17-43:13, Ephesians 2:1-22, Psalm 67:1-7, Proverbs 23:29-35

Daily Verse: “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink.” Prov. 23:35

Dulled senses.

Excessive drinking leads to trouble, dulling the senses, causing quarrels and fights, poisoning the system, causing loss of control and the ability to speak, making one insensitive to pain.

One memorable night in college, when I drank too much alcohol, happened on a cold winter evening in Pennsylvania. Inebriated, I walked the half hour back to my dorm without a coat, the alcohol causing me not to notice the chilling cold. Waking in the morning after such nights, hungover, made me crave another drink, the only thing that would help the withdrawal.

Thank God those days lie far in the past for me. Alcohol’s addictive qualities deceptively draw people into its web. One drink can begin dulling the senses and cause people to make poor decisions that can change their lives forever. There, by the grace of God, go I.

Jesus’ first miracle turned water into wine, but He didn’t mean for us to overindulge in it. Living a life of moderation pleases God. Not allowing anything but the Holy Spirit to control our actions honors the Lord. Don’t allow excessive alcohol to dull your senses. Let Jesus control your life.

Lord, thank You for Your grace that protects us from our folly. Protect us from ourselves, help us live life in moderation, honoring You with all we do. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 39:1-41:16, Ephesians 1:1-23, Psalm 66:1-20, Proverbs 23:25-28

Daily Verse: “My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.” Prov. 23:26

Avoid temptation.

Verses 26-28 warn against folly, portrayed as loose women, a prostitute, and a wayward wife. Falling for their seductive ways leads the son into a pit that leads to death.

We all have temptations that lead us to places we don’t want to go. Identifying life’s seductions that drag us down wrong paths helps us to avoid them. The teacher in today’s verse wants us to follow his example, shunning the temptress and keeping our eyes focused on him.

Jesus, the perfect teacher, helps us avoid pitfalls when focusing on Him.

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Cor. 10:13

God gives us a way out of the temptations we face. When you get sucked in by allure, look for the exit door and run to it. Avoid the temptress by staying focused on Jesus.

Lord, forgive us for falling for the temptations of this world. As we focus our eyes on You, help us run from temptation, staying on the path of life You offer. Give us victory over the temptress. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 37:1-38:22, Galatians 6:1-18, Psalm 65:1-13, Proverbs 23:24

Daily Verse: “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.” Prov. 23:24

Acquire truth.

Parents whose children seek truth and gain wisdom make them happy. Parents have total control over what their kids do for a very short time. But before long, children begin making decisions without consulting mom and dad. Good choices make happy parents.

Coco Gauff, winner of the 2023 U.S. Open, made her parents smile on Sept. 9th when she captured her first major tennis championship in NYC because of wise choices. But one of her best choices that day happened after the match.

While waiting for the trophy presentation, Coco did something I’ve never seen another player do. She got down on her knees and prayed, thanking God for the strength to play her best. In front of a crowd of 24,000 people, Coco showed them where she placed her faith.

Acquiring truth and seeking wisdom comes from a relationship with God. Parents have the honor of introducing their children to Jesus. Following Christ leads us to truth and wisdom.

Lord, thank You for giving us Jesus. As we introduce our children to Your Son, let them acquire truth and wisdom, making good decisions with their lives.   Guide and direct us in all our ways, the glory Yours in all we do. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 33:10-36:22, Galatians 5:13-26, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 23:23

Daily Verse: “Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.” Prov. 23:23

Buy truth.

Acquiring truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding pleases God. When I returned to school for my master’s degree, I paid to learn the truth. Attending Regent University, a Christian education leader, I earned a diploma in Strategic Communication.

Becoming a better communicator taught me how to share the gospel through social media. Now, I use my education to help people develop closer relationships with the Lord and show them how to share it with others to the best of my ability.

In addition to my graduate degree, I continue to take writing classes to help me become a better writer. Last spring, I took a fiction writing class, which stretched me; I struggled to create stories when I worked so hard to focus on the truth. Yet, the course helped improve my writing.

Finding ways to increase our knowledge of the truth helps us build God’s kingdom by applying what we learn to share the good news of Christ’s love and sacrifice.

Lord, help us grow in our knowledge of the truth daily. Let us apply what we learn to increasing Your kingdom. With each day You give us, may we honor and glorify You in all we say and do. IJNIP. Amen

One minute read.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 30:12-33:9, Galatians 5:1-12, Psalm 63:1-11, Proverbs 23:22

Daily Verse: “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” Prov. 23:22

Listen well.

Parents have life experiences we don’t. Listening to their wise counsel can save us from heartache. Mom and Dad give us advice so we don’t make the same mistakes they did. Only if we listen and learn will we avoid the pitfalls.

My parents both reside in heaven now. But I still hear their advice in my head. When doing a task, I hear my dad’s words, “If you’re going to do something, do it right the first time; that way, you don’t have to do it again.” And every time I feel impulsive, I hear my mom say, “Stop and think, for Pete’s sake.” I drove her crazy with my bull in a China shop attitude towards life.

God uses parents to give us life and help us through it. Listening to their advice should make our days easier, not harder. Just like scripture guides and directs us with its wisdom if we read it and apply it.

In life, we will have struggles. But listening to our parents will help us overcome them and persevere on the difficult days.

Lord, forgive us for not listening to our parents. Help us become better listeners as we hear and apply what they say to our lives. Let us become wiser as we follow our parent’s directions. IJNIP. Amen