For the Greater Good

July 14, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from Isaiah 53:7, “He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted, he didn’t open his mouth. As a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he didn’t open his mouth.”

The devotion is titled “For the Greater Good” by Darla Noble. This devotion is summarized by a story of two Japanese POW’s. One named Joe and the other named Charlie. Joe was in pretty good shape, but Charlie was close to death. He was hanging on to the hope of seeing his two-year-old daughter that was born three months after he left for the war. Joe went out of his way to make it look like he was unable to follow instructions and falling on the job to take the attention away from Charlie. It worked! Jesus did the same thing for us. He took this a step farther by dying for our sins on the cross.

Reflection: How can we demonstrate an attitude of longsuffering to help someone else grow in their faith?

Here was my response: I will be an example of someone who loves Jesus by walking the same steps Jesus walked while on this earth. I will be humble, loving, and gentle, putting others’ needs before my own.

My Prayer for us: Dear Jesus, The words “thank you” are not enough, They are all we have. Please look into our hearts and see how grateful we are for Your sacrifice. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/14/07) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com. “For the Greater Good” by Darla Noble.

Whether These Things are So

July 13, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from Acts 17:11, “Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”

The devotion is titled “Whether These things Are So” by John Michalak. This devotion is summarized by asking if you are ready to receive all truths from God. This means not to build walls against certain sins you are engaging in and don’t want to open to God’s mercy and healing.  Jesus is the higher power and calling you to walk in freedom of all sins that are blocking a true relationship with Him. Give them up!

Reflection: What are some of your “blind spots” that you are reluctant to turn over to Jesus? Are you willing to open your eyes to them? Ask yourself why or why not.

Here was my response: I will pray to Jesus for the courage to open my eyes to my “blind spots” to seek His forgiveness and to rely on Him in all things.  

My Prayer for us: Dear God, We thank you for Your Word. Please ready our minds and help us receive what you have to say to us. We want to open ourselves to more and more of You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/13/07) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com. Whether These things Are So” by John Michalak.

Jesus promises So Much More

July 12, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from Proverbs 3:13-14, “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding. For her good profit is better than getting silver, and her return is better than fine gold.”

The devotion is titled “Jesus promised So Much More” by Darla Noble. This devotion is summarized by material things can lead to greed and getting out of touch with God. When you choose wisdom over wealth, you will be entuned with God. In other words, things the world encourages us to go after are nothing compared to the spiritual wealth that comes from knowing God and living for Him. When we live for God, we will be rich in His blessings and be blessed with God’s protection, comfort, courage, confidence. When we value wisdom over materials, God will make sure we have everything we need, and more.

Reflection: What are some activities and material possessions that might come between you and God? You should ask God to help you have a healthier attitude toward them.

Here was my response: Activities and material possessions that can come between and God are tennis, money, possessions and telling lies and living a fantasy to appear important. It is my intent to ask God to help me have a different attitude toward them.  

My Prayer for us: Dear God, We know the wealth of the universe is Yours. Please help us not become fixated on gaining wealth. Help us to realize that the wisdom You provide enriches us for above anything we could acquire. Thank You for taking care of us. We love you. In Jesus’ dear name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/12/07) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com. Jesus promised So Much More” by Darla Noble.

A Promise of Wisdom

July 11, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from James 1:5, “But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

The devotion is titled “A Promised Wisdom” by Pastor Ken. This devotion is summarized by God’s promise to give wisdom to all who ask liberally and without reproach. It doesn’t matter if it is a major issue or something as simple as finding a personal item. He will give to all who ask. So just ask.

Reflection: When was the time you claimed God’s promise of giving wisdom to all who wanted it? What situation in your life needs divine guidance? You should ask god for wisdom and discernment through your day today.

Here was my response: There are many times when I asked for god’s wisdom and guidance. No matter if it was a major issue or something as small as finding something. I will continue to ask God for wisdom throughout this day and all my days.  

My Prayer for us: Dear Jesus, We don’t know what to do. We need you to give us the wisdom You’ve promised to all who ask in James 1:5

Inspirations (2023/11/07) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com. A Promised Wisdom” by Pastor Ken.

A Promised Wisdom

July 10, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from James 1:5, “But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

The devotion is titled “A Promised Wisdom” by Pastor Ken. This devotion is summarized by God’s promise to give wisdom to all who ask liberally and without reproach. It doesn’t matter if it is a major issue or something as simple as finding a personal item. He will give to all who ask. So just ask.

Reflection: When was the time you claimed God’s promise of giving wisdom to all who wanted it? What situation in your life needs divine guidance? You should ask God for wisdom and discernment through your day today.

Here was my response: There are many times when I asked for God’s wisdom and guidance. No matter if it was a major issue or something as small as finding something. I will continue to ask God for wisdom throughout this day and all my days.  

My Prayer for us: Dear Jesus, We don’t know what to do. We need you to give us the wisdom You’ve promised to all who ask in James 1:5

Inspirations (2023/10/07) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com. A Promised Wisdom” by Pastor Ken.

Preparing for God’s Majesty

July 09, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from Isaiah 2:17-19, “The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the arrogance of men shall be brought low; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. The idols shall utterly pass away. Men shall go into the caves of the rocks, and into holes of the earth, from before the terror of the Lord, and from the glory of his majesty, when he arises to shake the earth mightily.”

The devotion is titled “Preparing for God’s Majesty” by Heather Tietz. This devotion is summarized by God’s returning. To some it will be a terrifying day. People will run and try to hide. Suddenly all the earthly things that we have gathered up will become worthless. God will shake the very foundations of the earth. Others will rejoice. They know God is their shelter, their faithful Father, their just King. They will be His cheering squad, and proud players on His team, His adoring children who are happy that God has finally come. The question is what person do you want to be? The ones running in terror or the ones praising his glory and majesty? You have a choice. Make it today.

Reflection: What are some “idols” do we currently serve that will utterly pass away at Jesus’ return? How can God help us replace them now with better things.

Here was my response: Some of the idols I currently serve are sexualgratificationand personal recognition. God can help me replace them by connecting me with others who have the same issues.

My Prayer for you: May we never cease to exalt You. We never want to hide from you. You are our all in all. Come Lord Jesus come. We praise You. In your holy name, we pray, Amen.

Our Constant Teacher

July 07, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture is from 2 Thessalonians 1: 11-12, “To this end we also pray always for you that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.”

The devotion is titled “My Constant Teacher” by Darla Noble. This devotion is summarized by God being our constant teacher to preparing us to glorify Him. He provides us with talents, abilities, and the power of the Holy Spirit to equip you to do great works on His behalf. God has bless us with passions and abilities to bless others and allow God’s grace to be visible to all.

Reflection: What can we do this week to serve others and bring glory to God? Write down one thing you can do today.

Here was my response: The one thing I can do to serve others and bring glory to God is to live so others will see the Savior in me and will want Him, too.  

My Prayer for you: Dear God, Please show us how You want us to use who we are to illuminate Your love and grace. We want our works to glorify You. Please never stop teaching us. In the sweet name of Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Where Does God Live?

July 06, 2023

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture was: Genesis 28:16-17, “Jacob awakened out of his sleep, and he said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I didn’t know it’ He was afraid, and said, ‘How awesome this place Is! This is none other than God’s house, and this is the gate of heaven.’”

The devotion is titled “Where Does God Live” by John Michalak and Joyverse. This devotion is summarized by letting us know that God is everywhere. He is not confined in heaven or in a church building. He is in each of his children’s hearts. He is in the air we breathe and saturates us with His presence.  

Reflection: What are some ways you can feel or recognize God’s presence in a place you didn’t expect?

Here was my response: Some ways I can recognize God’s presence in a place I didn’t expect is when I have an overwhelming sense of peace and serenity. It is like no other feeling.   

My Prayer for you: Dear God, please fill our hearts. Saturate our spirits. I pray that You follow us wherever we go, so people will recognize your presence and will say,” Surely the Lord is in this Place.” Thank you for your love and blessings. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Setting Boundaries

Here are my reflections and comments from today’s scripture from Our Daily Inspirations App

The scripture was: Psalm 119: 72,77, “The law of your month is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. Let your tender mercies come to me that I may live; for your law is my delight.”

The devotion is titled “Setting Boundaries” by Darla Noble and Joyverse. This devotion is summarized by instructing us that God established boundaries to give us freedom to live and move around within a set of prescribed boundaries. God is taking the guesswork out of knowing what we can do and what we cannot do. We know that without rules, the world and our lives would be chaotic at best. God’s rules are in the pages of The Bible so we can enjoy His tender mercies and blessings that only He can give.

Reflection: How do you view God’s rules? Which of God’s rules do you struggle most with? How might you see those rules as joy, delight, and a blessing that you value more than money?

My Prayer for you: Dear God, thank you for giving us your law so we can be free to live joyfully in You. Help us to find joy and delight in the boundaries You have set for us, since we know You have only our best interest at heart. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Unleavened Bread

Here are my reflections and comments:

The scripture was: 1 Corinthians 5:7, “Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place.”

The devotion was “A New Lump” by Heather Tietz. She mentions that Paul used the image of the Passover when the Israelites were hurrying out of Egypt. They were freed from slavery and rushing to freedom carrying unleavened bread in their packs. She goes to mention that we are like unleavened bread. We have a new life because of Jesus, He is our leavening agent that makes us rise to any occasion.

Reflection: How would I let Jesus get rid of the old yeast (bad habits) in my life? I will let the blood of Jesus cleanse me of my sins.

My Prayer for you: Dear God, thank you for letting us cover ourselves with Jesus’ precious blood that blots our sins and saving us from your wrath. Help us to always claim the new life Jesus offers as our own. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.