REPUTATION

I’ve often heard people say that to overcome their reputation, they should live the rest of their lives in such a way that no one would believe their past was true. Well, I know of a few instances where that advice was twisted, and people depended on their good reputation to cover their current sins. After all, no one would ever believe they would do such a thing. They may be correct, but the thing is…God knows.

These people damaged relationships, vocations, and reputations with their sly words and behavior. Some got away with it, and others were served by justice. Some were brought to their knees in repentance. They were the blessed ones.

There is a saying that before using scripture to point out the sins of others, we should use it as a mirror to see our own sins. I take this to heart and have made self-examination a habit as part of my walk of faith. We must take care, though, not to let the reflection in the mirror be our focus. Our focus should always be on God first rather than others or ourselves. Instead, use the mirror as a barometer for changes that need to be made with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, then move forward on your journey.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:22-25 

IDOL

When I think of an idol, the first thing that comes to mind is a statue that people worship. But that’s so obvious.

There is an abundance of obscure idols in our world. Anything that distracts us from God can become an idol; our jobs, children, families, hobbies, friends, addictions, volunteering, pets, feelings, ministry, our insecurities, and even church can keep us from having a devotional, worshipful relationship with God by putting Him in the backseat.

How can a church become an idol? Isn’t it good to go to church and participate in worship, fellowship, and service? Not when it takes the place of seeking God personally, and by His power, living your life in His will. Even good things, if allowed to become your everything, can become an idol.

My own addictive behaviors brought that home for me. Only when I surrendered them to God because I wanted to please Him did I fully understand what loving God first meant. That’s when the miracles started to happen. I must surrender my idols daily to the Lord for the rest of my life.

Faithfulness to Christ should be the ultimate measure of our faith walk as Christians.

It goes against everything our flesh tells us.

Still…

Love God first.

Reflection: Do you have anything that could be considered an “idol” in your life?

WALLET

God amazes with His provision.

When my oldest was 17, he lost his wallet on one of our day trips down to Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado and didn’t realize it until we were in the car on the way home to Denver, a good 3+ hour drive.

To give some context, Great Sand Dunes Park looks like the Sahara. People look like pinpoints on the huge dunes. At the bottom runs a creek where families wade and play in the sand.

It was windy and hot, and we spent most of the day hiking the dunes with the boys rolling down them. We suspect that was how Justin lost his wallet from his back pocket, and with the blowing sand, it surely got covered. Justin had just been paid and cashed his check for his part-time job, so over $200 had been lost. We had little hope of getting the wallet back.


As soon as we walked in the door at home, there was a message on the answering machine. A woman had found his wallet, and get this…she lived in Denver just a couple miles from us! She would accept no reward, but we all marveled at our “good fortune.”

I hope Justin remembers that kindness and the incredible gift God provided by placing that good woman in the right place at the right time.

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter 1:2

Reflection: Can you think of times when the Lord provided for you serendipitously?

PAIN

Have you ever seen a person with so much pain in their heart that they said some things they shouldn’t have? They just wanted the pain to stop, and they were grasping for whatever help they could find.

More than likely, the people who love them understood and tried to help. They knew how pain can dull a person’s ability to make rational and appropriate choices and words. They knew this wasn’t a reflection of a hard heart; this was a reflection of a hurting heart. 

Later, when the pain lessened with time or the situation was resolved, it should have been better, but it wasn’t because not everyone loved the person in pain. Not everyone understood. Some people judged and held resentment or spread gossip and blamed the very people who were hurting in the first place.

What is the answer in this situation?

Is it to distrust even those who seem to care? Should we lock ourselves in a closet when we are distraught so we won’t say anything inappropriate that others can’t handle? What happens when the after-effects of this weakness seem to linger far longer than the unfortunate event that caused them? Even after accepting the offered amends, the person may see things from a higher perspective but cannot move forward, as if being held back by invisible hands of oppression.

Not everyone can empathize, comfort, and overlook an offense. That’s where those people are now spiritually. But when unbelievers love people better than believers do, that’s a hard-core reality to accept. 

We should always take our pain to the Lord. We should also take the pain of others to Him so we know how to respond in a way that glorifies the Lord and does not stumble our weaker brothers and sisters.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Reflection: Have you received Christ-centered comfort? Have you given Christ-centered comfort to someone “stuck” in their pain? How did you do that?

AMAZING

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Lord, I come before you today to praise you! I love you so much, and I praise your holy name. You saved me, and I owe it all to you! Thank you for gifting us your Holy Spirit so we might never be alone again in darkness. Your light guides and replenishes us. You keep us safe with your blanket of protection. You guard our hearts from those who hurt us with words and actions and lack of discretion. Your peace is our testimony. Bless those I love with healing, protection, and softened hearts that yearn to know you. Bless our home and marriage with your loving influence. Bless our church and fellowship with truth and understanding of your Word and ways. Bless our land with healing and restoration through wise, biblical leadership. Cover distant lands with your power and authority. And Father, bless those suffering and fearful with a glimpse of your glory through Jesus Christ. I love you. Amen. T

SIMPLICITY

In simplicity, the gospel calls us.

Repent. Believe. Receive. Glorify God.

May God be glorified in salvation
May God be glorified in preaching
May God be glorified in healing
May God be glorified in service
May God be glorified in treasures
May God be glorified in goodness
May God be glorified in miracles
May God be glorified in loving
May God be glorified in teaching
May God be glorified in faith
May God be glorified in loyalty
May God be glorified in mercy.
May God be glorified in time
May God be glorified in discipline
May God be glorified in truth
May God be gloried in grace
May God be glorified in compassion
May God be glorified in words
May our silence glorify God,
as well as our prayers and petitions
May God be glorified in deeds
May God be glorified in gentleness
May God be glorified in grief
May God be glorified in patience
May God be glorified in birth
May God be glorified in wisdom
May God be glorified in kindness
May God be glorified in joy

May the glory of God be reflected in our hearts
Because all that we are and will be,
Is His.

SCRIPTURE

What if it was as easy to memorize scripture as to remember lines from movies?

Earlier this month, while driving back from Iowa, Marty and I had fun saying well-known one-liners from famous movies when the opportunity arose. It’s amazing how those little bits of movie conversations stay in your mind for many years. It was like a trivia game to say one and then ask the other person if they knew which movie it came from. Sometimes, we both knew and just laughed. 

Today, as I was reading, I realized how challenging it’s always been to memorize anything. I remember having to stand up in front of the class to recite a poem in English Lit in high school and being so nervous that I stumbled through it even though I had practiced until I knew it. Knowing the material didn’t give me confidence while standing before my peers, but standing in a closet by myself, I’d be good to go.

 The Bible says:

“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Jeremiah 31:33

“Clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” 2 Corinthians 3:3

Is it the sheer volume of scripture that overwhelms me? Why don’t I spend more time memorizing? Why can I watch a movie once and remember a line that holds no real significance in my life, but the Word of God I hold so dear is a struggle to retain?  

I don’t know the answer, but I want scripture so ingrained that no one can ever touch it or take it away. The question is, do I want it enough? 

Yes.

Here are three tools to help you memorize scripture:

  1. Post scripture notecards or sticky notes where you know you will see them, such as on your mirror, dashboard, refrigerator, office wall, coffee maker, etc. Actually, read them as you say them to yourself.
  2. Record yourself saying scripture and listen to them often. This isn’t my favorite as I don’t like hearing the sound of my recorded speaking voice!
  3. Handwrite the scripture repeatedly, and make it fun by learning calligraphy or creating artwork that incorporates it.
  4. Ponder and picture the meaning of each verse in your mind as you recite it.

Comfort, joy, and peace will belong to you as you lock scripture verses in your heart and live them.

Reflection: Do I make memorizing scripture a priority? Why?

TENDER LOVE

I am praying you are blessed this week with God’s kisses on your forehead:

The blessing of knowing Him intimately.
The blessing of knowing He is by your side, cheering you on.
The blessing of knowing He is in control.
The blessing of knowing He is protecting you.
The blessing of knowing He will give you peace in conflict.
The blessing of knowing He is softening hearts to forgive and reconcile.
The blessing of knowing He is opening doors you never imagined would open.
The blessing of knowing He loves you.
The blessing of knowing He will provide for your needs.
The blessing of knowing He is the creator of miracles.
The blessing of knowing He makes all things new.
The blessing of seeing his artistic hand in nature.
The blessing of seeing the wisdom of His sovereignty.
The blessing of seeing His power through the Holy Spirit.
The blessing of seeing people through His eyes.
The blessing of seeing that fear has no power.
The blessing of seeing that hard lessons are growth opportunities.
The blessing of seeing evidence of His healing touch.
The blessing of seeing a faith that withstands all.
The blessing of rebuilt bridges, clear paths, and focused journeys.

I pray that you understand the preciousness of your relationship with Him. Through that relationship flows an outpouring of blessings to others. You can’t hide it or keep it for yourself because God’s tender love shines.
Be blessed and SHINE!

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Reflection: Have you counted your blessings today?

SEEK

A few years ago, something happened in my family that devastated me. I never lost my faith in what God could do in our lives, but I was heartbroken and hadn’t felt so alone since I got saved.

I remember going to a support group at church, and I spilled out my heart with trust, and after my tears dried and it was time to go, I left with nary a hug or goodbye. I know that some just didn’t know how to respond, and it’s so sad when that happens because the person feels like it’s sinful to cry or even show intense emotion. No one followed up later. No calls, no texts, no nothing. I didn’t speak of this to anyone because I didn’t want to cause others to stumble, and I still don’t, so please, don’t let anyone use this as an excuse to leave or stay away from the fellowship.

I stayed away from church for a few weeks or months; I don’t remember how long, and when I started attending again regularly, it was like I was a foreign person in a new land. I felt so out of place, and it was hard to make eye contact let alone connect.

I begged people to tell me what was wrong with me. I had attended this church for over five years and felt friendless. I had been active in weekly serving, attended Bible study groups and women’s retreats, etc., but I still felt out of place, even more so after being gone for a while.

Finally, I gave up and delved into the Word and prayer, and through His Word, God told me, “All you need is Me. Learn to seek Me before all others, and you will find what you seek”. I’m not a Bible scholar. As a matter of fact, I came to the faith in adulthood, was born again in my late 30s, and was baptized at the age of 50. I didn’t read the Bible straight through for the first time until a few years ago. Do I know the books in order by heart? Do I have verses memorized word for word? No, I don’t, and it gets more difficult to memorize as I get older. But I do know Jesus, and He knows me.

I’m still no social butterfly, but I can honestly say I have many friends of faith, and I can attend church with my head held high and arms lifted, or I can sit in the very back corner by myself with my head bowed low in private communion with the Lord. I could fall to my knees in prayer at my seat, let the tears flow, and even sob. I can sing with an imperfect voice and know that He is all that matters.

Do I believe God let this heartache happen to bring me closer to Him? Yes, because no matter what happens or people’s choices, God works all for His good.

I have a heart and a hug for those who feel alone, and I look for them, but I know my job is to remind them to seek Jesus Christ before all else.

Seek Jesus.

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

Reflection: Do I seek the Lord when I feel alone, or do I seek people, places, things, or something else?

HEART

“Oh. Why did I say that”?

You know those times when you think you mean well, but your words come out wrong, and you embarrass yourself? Well, they might have come out wrong, but they often tell the truth about where your heart is at that very moment.  

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

It’s not fun realizing our hearts aren’t as healthy as we thought and that we’ve let our guard down to outside influences. We pray first thing in the morning and last thing at night, but somehow, those insecure, condemning thoughts can creep in and spew out in between.

Some of my worst moments were when I was trying to share “wisdom” with someone regarding a common personal experience. I naturally feel compelled to tell stories about my experience to share a perspective I’m confident they still need to consider. Didn’t Jesus tell parables to get his point across? Well, Jesus got his point across without sounding self-absorbed. Sometimes, we are simply meant to encourage!

At times, we may feel convicted by a sermon at church (we should all be so blessed), and the more we think about it and make excuses or try to deny the message’s validity in our own lives, our attitude becomes infected with finger-pointing, indignation, and maybe even a little anger.

Our heart feeds our thoughts, which turn into our words and actions. When we feel powerless to change a situation, and it seems like the only way we have a sense of control is with our words, without the Holy Spirit, we could very well hurt someone or “kill” them with sentences.

The Bible says we must pray unceasingly.  

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

When you recognize a thought isn’t from God, 

Resist and submit!

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Pray for God to help you think and act righteously. 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Pray for protection from worldly influences.

Happy is the one who has not walked in the advice of the wicked, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seat of scoffers. But his delight is in the Torah of Adonai, and on His Torah he meditates day and night. He will be like a planted tree over streams of water, producing its fruit during its season. Its leaf never droops—but in all he does, he succeeds. Psalm 1:1-3

Sometimes, our hearts are so stagnated that we can’t focus on the Lord because of our fear and anxiety. It’s not a sin to be sick. God already knows our hearts and knows what and whom we need. Jesus has always been the greatest healer known to man, but sometimes, he provides doctors and medicines for a season that enables us to focus on Him again with renewed clarity and diligence. Our healing may not be as expected, but He provides for us in His will to glorify His name.

I’m praying that you be given the strength to ask for help if this is you.  Our hope is in the Lord. Praise Him. We need Him so much.

Reflection: Have I been hurt by someone’s words lately? Have I hurt someone with my words? What is in my heart? Have I sought Jesus’s healing so I can follow Him?