Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Micah 5:1-7:20 ESV, Revelation 7:1-17 ESV, Psalm 135:1-21 ESV, Proverbs 30:5-6 ESV

Daily Verse: “Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” (Revelation 7:13 ESV)

PERIBALLO (4016): “As a verb, (in 23 of the 24 uses) means “to cast around or about, to put on, array,” or, in the middle and passive voices, “to clothe oneself.” It is most frequent in the Apocalypse, where it is found some 12 times.”[1]

Cast around.

John’s unifying vision of people from all tribes and nations standing together as one body in Christ before God creates a picture of heaven.  All skin colors, and all ethnicities, united because of the love of Jesus. 

Ron and I live in a little piece of heaven on earth, surrounded by neighbors from all different parts of the world.  Our pale skin color a minority where we live, and I love the people we get to share our lives with daily.  Learning about their different backgrounds and cultures helps me grow and love better.

Love unites.

Hate divides, love unites.  Christ brought love into the world that cold morning in the manger.  Throughout Jesus’ life, He set an example of how to love. If you spend time with God’s Son by reading the stories written about Him by people who knew Him, you will learn how to love well.

“When you turn people inside out, we all look the same.” Mom

My mother often said those eleven words. Colorblind, my mom loved everyone to the best of her ability.  And her wise words speak the truth. We all bleed red, just like Jesus did.  Christ clothes us all in the same unconditional love.

Clothed in Christ, we dawn our white robes, everyone equal at the foot of the Cross.  How exciting to have people from all over the world worshipping Jesus, loving God and one another.

Following Jesus into eternal life starts when you decide to believe in Him.  Rethinking how we think by learning how Jesus thought.  Imitating Christ’s actions towards others, loving the people around us to the best of our ability.  Staying humble and hungry for more Jesus, less us.

Wrap yourself in Jesus today; let Him clothe you in His grace and mercy.  Stand tall,  knowing God loves you unconditionally and wants you to live life to the fullest, confident of His affection for you.

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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. 197) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Micah 1:1-4:13 ESV, Revelation 6:1-17 ESV, Psalm 134:1-3 ESV, Proverbs 30:1-4 ESV

Daily Verse: “And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.” (Revelation 6:2 ESV)

KATHEMAI (2521): “As a verb, is used of Christ’s position of authority on the throne of God.”[1]

Christ’s position.

Jesus returns to conquer the woes of this world one day, riding on a white horse.  When, no one knows.  The original Greek word “rider” means Christ’s position of authority.   No matter how crazy the world around you may seem, God has ultimate control.

 Seeking truth with Jesus will reveal a hard fact; some of the chaos we experience in this life happens because of our choices.  As much as we like to blame God for the pain we feel, He warns us what will happen if we do certain things.

Free will, God’s gift to us.  We have the privilege of choosing; sometimes, we don’t make the best choice.

Jesus teaches.

From His throne, God rules, and Jesus teaches.  When we follow Christ, mimicking His actions, we’ll learn things we can’t find any other way.  When we falter, Jesus lifts us back up.

“Sex,” I said when our group leader asked us about one rule my parents had I didn’t like.  Raised conservatively, Mom told me one thing about sex, “Don’t do it!”  So, of course, I did it because I wanted to know why I shouldn’t.

I should have listened to mom.  My heart got trampled on because of the poor decisions I made in my past.  My mother took her words from scripture; God asks us to abstain.  We have the choice of whether we do or not.

God doesn’t tell us not to do things because He doesn’t want us to have fun.  The Lord protects us with His commands because God understands our hearts and doesn’t want them broken.  But we don’t always listen.

Jesus sits in His position of authority, ruling the world.  In God’s perfect timing, He will conquer the woes we face.  But until then, Christ sustains us with His grace and mercy.  When we seek divine help, we receive unconditional love and understanding.

Give Jesus rule over your heart; let Him do a miraculous work in your life like He has mine.

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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. 124) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Jonah 1:1-4:11 ESV, Revelation 5:1-14 ESV, Psalm 133:1-3 ESV, Proverbs 29:26-27 ESV

Daily Verse: “Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.” (Revelation 5:1 ESV)

THRONOS (2362): “As a noun, means “a throne, a seat of authority,” is used of the “throne” of God.”[1]

Seat of Authority.

God sits on His throne, the seat of authority for all creation.  Everything comes from the Lord, the Creator of the world, the universe, and life itself.  Without God, we can’t exist.  Each breath we inhale comes from the oxygen God provides.

Many commentaries exist about the seven seals and what they mean.  Whatever they contain, God knows, and I trust Him.  God’s sovereignty amazes and confuses me.  I don’t quite know how the Lord knows all and sees all.  But I do know God does.

Scientists develop theories and try to prove them.  Often, they develop faith as they recognize the intricacy of creation.  Some higher power must have designed life.  Other scientists refuse to admit the possibility of God’s existence.

Divine intersection.

When we decide to follow Jesus, we cross a divine intersection.  Faith carries us through the crossroads.  We don’t need to know everything or understand it to have confidence in it.

Playing golf, the slower I swing, the better I hit the ball.  The club connects to the ball better when I allow the graphite shaft to do what it does.  In other words, I have faith in my club, even though I don’t completely understand the dynamics of the swing.  The more I let go, the better I play.

We have to let go and let God.  The moment we stop trying to control the world, the minute we begin enjoying life.  Appreciating the now, instead of dreading the then or regretting the past, allows you to live life fully.

God’s got this.  The Lord sits on His throne, waiting for you to come to Him for help.  God does have a plan, even if you don’t understand His actions.  Trust Him, lay your burdens on the cross and take on Jesus’ yoke.  Let Christ lighten the load for you.

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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. 117) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Obadiah 1:1-21 ESV, Revelation 4:1-11 ESV, Psalm 132:1-18 ESV, Proverbs 29:24-25 ESV

Daily Verse: “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 ESV)

KTIZO (2936): “Signifies, in Scripture, “to create,” always of the act of God.”[1]

Act of God.

Created in Scripture means an act of God, who created all things.  We exist because God wants us to exist.  The Lord wanted a relationship with us; He designed us to have a connection with Him and others. 

Full confession, sometimes, when I look around at the misery in the world, I wonder why?  People turn their back on God, spit on Him, taking His name in vain.  You don’t hear people saying “Buddha” when they hit a bump in the road, but they often use God’s Son’s name when cursing something or someone. 

Yet God loves us and wants a relationship with us, even though our sinful nature often denies Him.  Jesus came, creating an eternal bond with our heavenly Father no one can break.

Created for Him.

God created us for His pleasure.  A doting Father, nothing we do separates us from His loving embrace. When we falter, God picks us up, brushes us off, and helps us move forward.

My women’s small group comprises young moms with pre-school and younger children.  When one of the kids cries from the room next door, the mothers know the sound of their child.  Quietly, they stand and go to help their offspring, sometimes bringing them into the study with us for comfort.

God knows us even more intimately.  In our sorrows, He feels our pain.  When we move away from Him, God waits patiently for our return.  If we falter, Jesus covers our sins, as God did in the garden with Adam and Eve.

God created us to love, not to hate.  In all we do, Jesus wants us to have confidence in His affection for us.  When we get caught with our hands in the cookie jar, we confess the sin to God, allowing Him to purify our hearts.  Then, seek to do better.

Love creates.  As we become more intimate with God, we’ll become more creative, finding ways to love others we never imagined.  Let the Creator dote on you; let His love fill you to overflowing.  When you do, you can’t help but share what you’ve found in Jesus with others.

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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. 146) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Amos 7:1-9:15 ESV, Revelation 3:7-22 ESV, Psalm 131:1-3 ESV, Proverbs 29:23 ESV

Daily Verse: “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8 ESV)

ANOIGO (455): “Is used of a door or gate, to open.”[1]

Open door.

In life, we face many decisions.  Forks in the road can cause anxiety and despair as we agonize over which way we should go.  You can pray a simple prayer to God that will help guide your paths.

“Lord, open the doors you want me to walk through; close the ones you don’t.”

Ask for God’s help in making the decision.  When the Lord closes a door, don’t try to go through it; instead, look for the open door and head in that direction.

During my college years, I landed on academic probation.  Working full time, commuting an hour back and forth to school, and maintaining a social life took its tool.  As a result, I ended up in front of the academic board for review.

Closed door.

As I sat before the panel of eight professors, pleading my case, I received little sympathy.  They decided for me to re-enter their institution, I would have to attend guidance counseling once a week, never miss a class, and meet a few other requirements.

I knew I couldn’t meet their requirements.  My already heavy schedule became impossible for any human to maintain.  Looking them in the eye, I said, “Thanks, but no thanks.  You’re asking the impossible.”

Walking to my car, I knew that the door had closed, but God opened another.  When I got home, I called my brother in VA and told him he had a new roommate.  Two days later, I left PA, moved in with my sibling, and started work the following day, waiting tables, saving money to re-enter a new school in the spring, one I graduated from two years later.

Life’s journey comes with many decisions, but when we ask God for guidance, He will show us the way.  Ask God to open the doors He wants you to go through and close the ones He doesn’t.  Enjoy the ride because God takes the route you don’t think He will.  And trust me, following God’s plan will take you on the adventure of your life.

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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. 28) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Amos 4:1-6:14 ESV, Revelation 2:18-3:6 ESV, Psalm 130:1-8 ESV, Proverbs 29:21-22 ESV

Daily Verse: “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.” (Revelation 2:19 ESV)

DIAKONIA (1248): “Attendance (as a servant, etc.), aid (official) service (espec. Of Chr. Teacher, or techn, of the diaconate) ministry.[1]

Official service.

John, addressing the church in Thyatira, commends them for their work.  Through service, they shared their love of Christ, their perseverance evident in the trials and tribulations they faced without giving up hope.

Like the Thyatirans, God knows our works.  When we take steps of faith, trusting God more despite our circumstances, God notices.  Trusting Jesus, depending on His guidance through the storm, know God sees and rewards our efforts with His divine presence.

Accepting the temporary nature of the world around us helps keep our priorities straight and our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Serve with love.

As Christ’s followers, we share the task of loving God and others.  Through our actions, people will know us.  When we become known more for our love than our judgment, Jesus’s church will begin to grow.

The Thyatirans love for Jesus showed in their service to each other and their community.  Finding ways to bless the people in our lives, especially those who don’t know Jesus, will help you share your faith.

My women’s small group talked about ways to share Jesus.  “Thank God,” I said; it always works to start a conversation.  When we give God the glory for the work He does in our lives, whether quieting a fussy baby, providing a parking spot, or healing a sickness, from big to small, God’s presence never leaves us.  Thanking God for what He does opens the door to sharing our knowledge and faith with others.

Persevere well with Jesus.  Cling to Him during the difficult days, glorify Christ as you survive the storm, trusting His promises.  In this life, we will have trouble, but Jesus overcame the world so we could find the peace that surpasses all understanding, 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. 65) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Amos 1:1-3:15 ESV, Revelation 2:1-17 ESV, Psalm 129:1-8 ESV, Proverbs 29:19-20 ESV

Daily Verse: “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.” (Revelation 2:2 ESV)

KOPOS (2873): “Means “a striking, beating,” then “toil resulting in weariness, laborious toil, trouble”; it is translated “labor” or “labors” in Rev. 2:2.”[1]

Laborious toil.

Following Jesus requires patient endurance and discernment for Christ’s truth.  Sometimes, the trials can seem many, and the lies even more so.  False narratives abound on the internet.

“A lie travels halfway around the world before the truth is still putting on its shoes.”

Irony in the above quote exists, often credited to Mark Twain; it came from Jonathan Swift centuries prior.  Fitting that the man who said the words about lying doesn’t get the proper credit.  Sparks turn into flames with enough fuel. Lies spread swifter than fire.

Persevere patiently.

Following Jesus requires perseverance when the laborious toil gets old.  As the exhaustion sets into your bones and the mental battle seem endless, our hope comes from Christ, who endured all things for us.

Jesus lived in a world of false narratives and political upheaval like ours.  The internet spreads lies faster than in Christ’s day.  Defeating the false teaching takes patient perseverance.  Truth makes people uncomfortable and reluctant to accept it, preferring the lies that make them feel good.

But Jesus came to set us free from the lies and condemnation of this world, offering divine grace that gives us a fresh start.  Each day, reconnecting with God helps us stay focused on the truth and persevere patiently through the trials and sufferings of life.

As a dear friend said, “I stay grateful by reminding myself I’m a lowly sinner in need of grace.”

We all share the same description, lowly sinners in need of God’s grace.  One day this world will end as well as the suffering we endure.  Until then, keeping our eyes on Jesus will help us overcome the laborious toil of this life.

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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. 143) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Joel 1:1-3:21 ESV, Revelation 1:1-20 ESV, Psalm 128:1-6 ESV, Proverbs 29:18 ESV

Daily Verse: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John” (Revelation 1:1 ESV)

APOKALUPSIS (602): “This word is more comprehensive than epiphaneia (2015) and depicts the progressive and immediate unveiling of the otherwise unknown and unknowable God to His church.”[1]

Unveiling the unknown.

Revelation means we will know what we don’t know now about God.  All of the questions we have concerning the Big Guy will have answers.  The book of Revelation, as my friend said when we studied it in 2020, “Brings everything together.”

From Old Testament to New, everything comes full circle.  God redeems the earth from its woes, protecting His children as all hell breaks loose.

More than anything, Revelation reveals the ending of life as we know it.  One day, no one knows when, in the blink of an eye, our average days will cease to exist.

Stay vigilant.

If we learn anything from the weighty book of Revelation, we should realize that life can change instantly.  At a moment’s notice, life ends, and we face our Maker; whether together or individually, all of us will stand before God and give an account of our actions on earth.

Having Jesus stand with us makes all the difference in the world.  For those who chose not to believe in Christ for them, my heart aches at the bleak future they face.

Staying vigilant in an ever-changing world means taking every opportunity to glorify and share Jesus.  Actions of love have a more significant impact on those around us than anything else.  For people to find out what you know about Jesus, they must first know you care.

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Theodore Roosevelt

We may not know everything about the Bible, but we know enough to know God exists.  And if we want other people to know what we know, they must first believe we honestly care about them. 

One day, God will call us home, and our questions will have answers.  But until then, we live by faith, sharing it with others to the best of our ability.  When we begin by caring about their needs, they will want to know what we know.

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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. 36) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Hosea 10:1-14:9 ESV, Jude 1:1-25 ESV, Psalm 127:1-5 ESV, Proverbs 29:15-17 ESV

Daily Verse: “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,” (Jude 1:24 ESV)

AMOMOS (299): “As an adjective, means “without blame.” Unblemished, unblameable, without spot, faultless, without fault.”[1]

Without blame.

As a kid, whenever an “incident” happened, mom always wanted to know what I did wrong.  A wise woman, she knew getting in trouble takes two, never one person’s fault entirely.  And so, she looked for my guilt first when the note came home from school.

Life with Jesus frees us from our misdeeds.  When the note gets sent home to God, He only sees Christ standing before us, defending our actions. 

But Jesus does more than forgive our sins; He shows us how to change our ways, so we don’t get any more notes sent home.  Following Christ helps us not make the same mistakes twice.  When we stumble, Jesus allows us to do it over.

Learn the lesson.

When we falter, and we all do, learn the lesson God’s trying to teach you.  Instead of blaming someone else for your actions, ask God how He’s trying to grow you in the circumstances.

Just like when my mom wanted to know my part in whatever misdeed happened, God wants us to acknowledge our sins.  By doing so, we can do better the next time around.  And God always gives us the next time.

As I grow in Christ, He teaches me the most through my relationships.  God convicts me of my critical spirit in a myriad of different ways.  At a recent church service while out of town, when the solo singer started playing music from her phone to accompany her, I immediately thought, “Great, this will be painful.”

But instead, I listened to one of the most poignant renditions of “We All Need Jesus” I ever heard.  Immediately, God convicted me of my critical spirit and jumping to conclusions, which led to repentance and a contrite heart.

God considers us blameless when we place our faith in Jesus.  Christ helps us walk in the light by correcting us when we head down the wrong path.  The closer we walk with Jesus, the sooner we receive the corrections we need and the better we’ll walk in stride with Him, blameless in Christ’s eyes.

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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. 18) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Hosea 6:1-9:17 ESV, 3 John 1:1-15 ESV, Psalm 126:1-6 ESV, Proverbs 29:12-14 ESV

Daily Verse: “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” (3 John 1:2 ESV)

HUGIAINO (5198): “To have sound health, i.e., be well (in body); fig. to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine).  To be healthy, sound in health.”[1]

Uncorrupt.

John’s greeting to Gaius, a leader of one of the churches in Asia Minor, started with well wishes for his body and soul. Healthy bodies have no illness corrupting them.  When disease attacks the body, it destroys cells, causing harm and not allowing the organs to function correctly. 

Just as with physical bodies, our spiritual wellness can experience corruption.  When a problem rears its ugly head, it can cause much damage if unaddressed.  Called to love all people, we must set boundaries to have healthy relationships within the community and address issues as they arise.

Wounds fester the longer they go without treatment.  In the same way, disunity within the church can happen when problems get ignored.

Live healthily.

Now in our fifties, Ron and I live healthier lifestyles than ever.  We rarely eat fast and processed foods.  Lean meat, life-giving vegetables, and regular exercise help maintain our health.  Praying for long life, we do what we can to preserve the health God gives us.

Becoming healthier takes intention and time.  Our spiritual health depends on our relationship with Jesus.  The more we connect with God, the more He reveals our unhealthy areas, helping us to address the issues and become whole again.

Healthy bodies, minds, and souls happen when we live our lives in obedience to God.  Within scripture, Jesus shows us how to live well.  Remember, Christ didn’t eat at McDonald’s; He walked everywhere and stayed connected to His heavenly Father and followers. Following Jesus’ teachings will lead us to a healthier life.

Ask God to illuminate areas of corruption in your life, whether physical or spiritual.  Become intentional in caring for your health as you apply God’s principles to your life.  Live fully following Jesus’ example, loving God and others well.

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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. 255) Thomas Nelson