Honest Reflections

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 28:1-68 ESV, Luke 11:14-36 ESV, Psalm 77:1-20 ESV, Proverbs 12:18 ESV

Daily Verse: “But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.” (Luke 11:17 ESV) 

DIANOEMA (1270): “From a compound of 1223 and 3539; something thought through, i.e., a sentiment. Used 1 time.”[I]

Thought through.

Found only once in the Bible, dianoema means the people thought through the predicament.  Since Jesus cast out demons, He must do it with the help of Beelzebul, the prince of demons.  Jesus knew their thoughts; He understood their thinking and responded accordingly.

“But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Luke 11:20 ESV)

Once again, we find the people blind to the workings of God.  We do the same thing.  God moves in our lives, but we can’t see it.  Instead, we question, trying to find another explanation besides the obvious one. 

Keep a kingdom perspective.

Thoughts determine actions, as well as who we follow.  Jesus knows our thoughts; it says so in today’s verse, even more so, how we conclude from our human perspective. Double-minded means we can’t choose a side, like the people couldn’t decide who gave Jesus’ authority to cast out demons; the devil seemed like the obvious answer.

However, the people didn’t have a kingdom perspective.  In other words, they looked for anything but God.  If we want to start seeing God’s work in our life, we must begin looking for God.

Often, we don’t know God’s plan until it unfolds entirely.  When they eliminated my position in 2018, it devastated me.  However, the abrupt change of direction led me back to school and a Masters’s degree, something not on my plan at all, nor writing daily devotionals.  God moved in my life, leading me on a new path, a better one for me.

When something happens today, instead of trying to figure it out on your own accord, look at it from a different vantage point.  Ask God what He’s doing during the situation.  Keep your thoughts focused on Jesus; you’ll quickly realize, He’s always at work in your life, one way or another.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 66) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26 ESV, Luke 10:38-11:13 ESV, Psalm 76:1-12 ESV, Proverbs 12:15-17 ESV

Daily Verse: “But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” (Luke 10:40 ESV)

PERISPAO (4049): “To drag all around, i.e., to distract (with care).  Literally means to draw around, to draw away, to distract and is used in the passive voice in the sense of being over occupied about a thing; cumbered.”[i]

Draw away.

Missing the moment happens because of distraction.  Something draws us away from the present to somewhere else.  Martha’s distraction made her miss Christ, so obsessed with her sister she couldn’t see Jesus.  Instead of helping Martha serve, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His teaching.  Martha missed the moment because her thoughts drew her away from the present.

Distraction’s subtlety makes it hard to recognize.  Martha didn’t intentionally focus her thoughts on Mary instead of Jesus.  No, something got her going on the rabbit trail. Ideas like “look at her over there, not doing a thing,” lead to “she never helps,” which leads to “I think she does it on purpose,” and on and on.  Our mind captures us in a narrative we made up, not even close to reality.

Develop an anchor.

My husband will tell you; I can go down some dark rabbit trails with my thoughts.  I have created narratives in my mind and believed lies as truth in the past.  Breaking down those walls happens with Jesus, my anchor.

When we view the world through Jesus’ eyes, we see the humanity in all of us. Instead of demonizing people, Jesus changes our perspective, giving us one that recognizes hurting people hurt people. Everyone on earth struggles with pain and suffering; unseen hurt exists in us. 

Maybe, if Martha listened to Jesus’ teaching instead of focusing on Mary’s failing, she might have learned a thing or two.  Instead of letting her mind spiral out of control, she could have enjoyed time at the Master’s feet.  Jesus told her, Mary had made the better choice.

“But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-41 ESV)

Let go of your narrative today; choose the good portion instead.  Make Jesus your anchor.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 199) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19 ESV, Luke 10:13-37 ESV, Psalm 75:1-10 ESV, Proverbs 12:12-14 ESV

Daily Verse: “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” (Luke 10:19 ESV) 

PATEO (3961): “To trample. Used intransitively and figuratively, of ‘treading’ upon serpents, Lk. 10:19. Transitively, of ‘treading’ on, down or under.”[i]

Trampling power.

My friend sent me a powerful video[i]that depicted how the devil attacks by whispering lies in our ears. Produced by the church youth group, different scenarios displayed the youth dealing with debilitating thoughts whispered in their ears.  A young baseball player convinced of his worthlessness, a teenage girl battling thoughts of suicide, another dealing with crippling self-image and abandonment issues, all leading them down dark paths because of lies.

But then Jesus intervenes, dispelling the lies and exposing the truth. 

“For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” (John 8:37 ESV)

Truth tramples lies.

Jesus’ presence in our lives helps us see the truth.  Instead of listening to the devil’s lies, we stop them before they take root.  God gives us the power to control our thoughts; we can change how we think by giving them to God.

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV)

Don’t fall for the enemy’s lies.  Instead, submit every thought to Jesus.  When you do, Christ will expose the lies you believe.  God’s love for you never ends; victory comes through Christ.

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39 ESV)

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[i]https://www.facebook.com/smbc.page.5/videos/532271667229260

[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 199) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30 ESV, Luke 9:51-10:12 ESV, Psalm 74:1-23 ESV, Proverbs 12:11 ESV

Daily Verse: “And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58 ESV)

PHOLEOS (5454): “A burrow or lurking place. A lair, burrow, den, or hole, is used of foxes in Mt. 8:20 and Luke 9:58.” [I]

No place to rest.

Jesus never owned a home. During His ministry on earth, Jesus traveled from place to place with nowhere to lay His head. Most people can’t fathom living a homeless lifestyle, but Jesus lived one, and so did the disciples when they traveled with Him.

Walking along the road, a disciple pledges to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go” (Luke 9:57 ESV). Jesus responds with today’s Verse. When others want to bury their dead and say goodbye to their loved ones at home, Jesus says they can’t.

“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62 ESV)

Eyes forward.

Following Jesus means looking ahead, not back. We can’t keep beating ourselves up for our past and serve God. Letting go of what lies behind you means grasping what God has for you.

In college, I dated someone from work.   After learning about my love interest’s unfaithfulness with a co-worker, sharing the afternoon shift with him became complicated. Watching them together caused my heart pain. 

One night, checking in a guest, the stranger gave me two porcelain angels to watch over me. I realized I needed to keep my eyes on Jesus at that moment. Instead of focusing on what lay behind me, I looked forward to what God had for me.

My pain didn’t disintegrate overnight, but when I think of my journey with Christ, I recognize His divine intervention in my life at a pivotal moment. Because the hotel guest had his eyes on Jesus, he helped me change the direction of my gaze.

Refocus your gaze today. Look for Jesus to guide you on the journey. Let go of the past; trust Jesus for your future.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 268) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 18:1-20:20 ESV, Luke 9:28-50 ESV, Psalm 73:1-28 ESV, Proverbs 12:10 ESV

Daily Verse: “As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.” (Luke 9:34 ESV) 

EPISKIAZO (1982): “To cast a shade upon, i.e., to envelop in a haze of brilliancy, fig. to invest with preternatural influence.  A vaporous cloud that casts a shadow to word is transferred to a shining cloud surrounding and enveloping persons with brightness.  It is used of the bright cloud at the Transfiguration, Mt. 17:5, Mk 97, Luke 9:34.” [i]

Bright clouds.

Jesus, on the mountain with Peter, James, and John, received an introduction from the Father in a spectacular way.  A brilliant cloud overshadowed the crew, God’s voice coming from it:

“This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!”  (Luke 9:35 ESV)

Listen to Jesus; God said so. As you develop a relationship with Jesus, God’s Spirit will begin to overshadow yours, changing your heart’s desire as it becomes aligned with God’s will. Beginning to accept the depth of God’s love for you softens your heart, not only towards others but yourself as well.

Love transforms.

The most powerful verb in the world has four letters: love.  Beyond the feelings of love, the actions speak louder and last longer.  Christ, dying on the cross, showed love in motion, the ripple effects of His actions continuing today as the next generation learns of the Savior.

God’s love will overwhelm your life.  Moments orchestrated by God, always take your breath.  When I met my husband on the tennis courts at Back Creek Park, my heart missed a beat.  At that moment, our souls connected, creating a bond of three cords.

“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV)

Let the Holy Spirit overshadow yours. Live in the freedom of life with Christ, knowing His plan for you will bring everlasting peace.  Allow Jesus to transform you into a person who loves God and others well.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 99) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20 ESV, Luke 9:7-27 ESV, Psalm 72:1-20 ESV, Proverbs 12:8-9 ESV

Daily Verse: “Saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” (Luke 9:22 ESV)

PASCHO (3958): “Used only in certain tenses for it; appar. A primary verb; to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful).  Of the ‘sufferings’ of Christ at the hands of men.”[i]

Painful impression.

When I think of suffering, a painful impression doesn’t describe my thoughts.  Agony, physical and mental, align with my definition of suffering better. 

Christ suffered physically at the hands of men, tortured with whips that dug into His flesh.  When they placed the crown of thorns on Jesus’s head, the pointy spikes pressed into His scalp, causing streams of blood to pour down His face.  And the guards drove spikes through Jesus’ hands and feet, just a few ways the Lord suffered on our behalf.

Mentally, Jesus endured the taunts of the guards and people.  At the height of His pain, Jesus cried out to God:

“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 ESV)

Enduring pain.

Jesus endured pain and suffering because He understood His purpose.  Without a doubt, Christ knew why He did what He did.  Because Jesus knew His mission, He could endure the pain.

If we understand the end game, it helps us keep going.  Knowing God uses the circumstances of this world to build our character and prepare us for eternity helps us endure the sufferings we encounter.  When pain comes our way, we can persevere, knowing God will use it for His good, like He used Jesus’ sufferings for our good.

“But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain[ii]

Pain gets our attention like nothing else.  We don’t think as much about God during the good times of life.  But when we experience pain, we want God to intervene.  Suffering draws us closer to God, leading us to His grace, helping us discover unspeakable joy through Jesus.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 194) Thomas Nelson

[ii] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KH8MR8Z/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23 ESV, Luke 8:40-9:6 ESV, Psalm 71:1-24 ESV, Proverbs 12:5-7 ESV

Daily Verse: “And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” (Luke 8:52 ESV)

KATHEUDO (2518): “To lie down, to rest, i.e., to fall asleep.  Means to go to sleep and is chiefly used of natural sleep, figuratively of death.”[I]

Jesus wakens.

Jairus, a synagogue ruler, begs Jesus to come home with him and save his twelve-year-old daughter, who lay dying.  Arriving at the house, Jesus tells the people to stop weeping.

“But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.”  And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat.” (Luke 8:54-55 ESV).

Envisioning the astonishment on everyone’s face as the precious child rose and began to eat, I can only imagine their surprise.  And then Jesus tells them not to tell anyone, even more, shocking to me.  How could you not talk about witnessing someone coming back to life? 

Jesus brings life.

Placing faith in Jesus means receiving the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us, helping us along the journey.  Releasing our old ways embracing new life in Christ, we find true freedom.  Every day we have an opportunity to become more like Jesus.  He awakens us to eternity.  We will experience physical death on earth, but eternal life with God awaits.

When I think of loved ones who now reside in heaven, I picture them alive and whole, with no physical ailments or troubles, like Jarius’s daughter, awakened to new life. Physical death gives way to spiritual life.

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21 ESV)

Death has no power with Jesus, overcoming it on the cross.  None of us need to fear what the future holds when we place our faith in Jesus. 

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[i] 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: Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32 ESV, Luke 8:22-39 ESV, Psalm 70:1-5 ESV, Proverbs 12:4 ESV

Daily Verse: “and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a wind storm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger.” (Luke 8:23 ESV)

LAILAPS (2978): “a whirlwind (squall).  Refers to a formidable squall, a storm raging back and forth unstably, breaking forth from dark clouds and accompanied by torrential rains and is translated “storm” in Mk 4:37, Luke 8:23.” [I]

Unexpected squall.

Sailing to Gerasene, the disciples encounter a raging windstorm that petrifies them.  Jesus, napping in the back of the boat, doesn’t even notice.  Fearful for their lives, the disciples wake Jesus, asking Him to save them.

“He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” (Luke 8:25 ESV)

Storms come out of nowhere, knocking us off our feet.  When COVID began in March of 2020, it destroyed one of my businesses.  On Friday, I finished the week with a thriving dog walking business and complete clientele list; by Monday, I didn’t.  Quarantine meant no one needed me to walk their dogs anymore.  Half my income disappeared in two days.

Trust Jesus.

When the winds of life start whipping around you, turn to Jesus.  The disciples knew who could help them in their time of distress; the same Savior saves us as well.

Waking Jesus up in the middle of the storm will bring you peace.  When life rolls along smoothly, with nothing but blue skies in the forecast, we forget about Jesus.  But the minute a catastrophic event happens, we remember God.  Thankfully, we serve a God of grace and mercy whose open arms welcome us back into His embrace.

Whatever storm rages around you today, seek Jesus.  Pour out your fear and trepidation to God, ask Him to calm the storm.  Christ’s response remains the same, He either soothes the storm or relaxes you.  Jesus brings peace to us, one way or the other.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 148) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22 ESV, Luke 8:4-21 ESV, Psalm 69:19-36 ESV, Proverbs 12:2-3 ESV

Daily Verse: “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it.” (Luke 8:5 ESV)

SPEIRO (4687): “to scatter, i.e., sow.  To sow seed is used literally, especially in the Synoptic Gospels; elsewhere, the sower. Metaphorically in proverbial sayings, in the interpretation of parables, of sowing spiritual things in preaching and teaching.”[i]

Scatter seeds.

If we don’t plant seeds, nothing will grow.  Insanity means doing the same thing repeatedly, expecting different results.  If your planting method doesn’t produce a harvest, you may want to reconsider how you plant.

My husband and I have a small backyard.  Because a crepe myrtle tree towers over the little bit of grass we have, it doesn’t grow well.  Last year, I worked diligently scattering seeds to get the empty patches to take root.  After watching my failed attempts for months, my husband decided to try a different kind of seed.  Within days, tiny green blades poked their points out of the earth.   

Type matters.

When planting seeds, makes sure to plant the right kind.  You have control over the types of kernels you leave behind.  Mean, angry, hateful seeds will not grow a bountiful harvest, but seeds planted in love multiply tenfold.

Think about the people who helped you develop a relationship with Christ.  What drew you to them?  When I think of my mom, I think of her unconditional love, no matter the circumstances.  When I walked through her door, I always knew love waited for me on the other side.  Diligently, she pursued Jesus, attending church regularly, volunteering in different ministries, and scattering seeds of love wherever she went.

When I planted the wrong type of grass -seed, it didn’t grow.  But once I found the correct blend, my yard took off.  If you want people to develop a relationship with Jesus, then plant seeds of love.  Imitate the Savior, love others as He did, you will grow a harvest more enormous than you can imagine.

Scatter seeds of love everywhere you go; the Lord will multiply the harvest when you do.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 231) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20 ESV, Luke 7:36-8:3 ESV, Psalm 69:1-18 ESV, Proverbs 12:1 ESV

Daily Verse: “Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.” (Luke 7:44 ESV)

EKMASSO (1591): “To wipe dry. Of “wiping tears from Christ’s feet.”[I]

Wipe dry.

Remember, Christ wore sandals on dirt roads when envisioning the sinful woman wiping Jesus’ feet dry with her hair. Pedicured nails didn’t exist, nor did all the handy tools we have today for keeping our toenails in check.  Nothing would stop the forgiven woman from worshipping the One who forgave her, not even mud-stained feet.

Comprehending Jesus’ love for you will humble you like nothing else.  Christ wiped our slates clean with His actions on the cross.  What cost us nothing cost Jesus everything.  And no matter how hard I strive for a sinless life, I still sin.  Jesus understands our human nature because He became flesh.  We can relate to Jesus’ humanity, which leads us to God’s sovereignty. 

Worship well.

Pouring expensive ointment from an alabaster jar, then cleansing with tears and wiping her Savior’s feet with hair, exemplifies worshiping well.  With her entire being, the woman worships Jesus.  Because of Christ, she has new life, one she never dreamed possible.  Freedom like she never knew now belonged to her because of Jesus.

Like the sinful woman, Jesus forgives us from our past and frees us for a new life in Him.  Experiencing life to the fullest happens because of Jesus.  You can’t save yourself, but Jesus can.  In Him, life begins anew, and when it does, you will worship like today’s heroine.

Give Jesus your past; let Him lead you into the future.  Forgiven and free, live life to the fullest today.

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[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 81) Thomas Nelson