Month: September 2023

Sept. 14, 2023

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

My brothers and sisters in Christ, before I read or comment on God’s word, I pray that He prepares my heart to receive his guidance and ask that He uses me as his vessel to comment on His word.

The scripture is from Psalm 34:4-5 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant. Their faces shall never be covered with shame.”

The devotion is titled Bursting with Pride by John Michalak. To sum up this devotion, the author warns us about pride. Pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). It inflates our egos and is equated to with evil (Proverbs 8:13). Pride leads to arguments (Proverbs 13:10). It brings shame (Proverbs 11:2). It deceives us (Jeremiah 49:16, Obadiah 1:30). It defiles us (Mark 7:21-23). David sounds like he is bursting with pride. In our praise of God, it follows that we should be proud of Him, His accomplishments, and being who He is. Even Paul boasted about what Christ had done (2 Corinthians 10:17, Galatians 6:14). The author suggest the next time you go to God in worship, don’t be afraid to shine with pride and grateful for all He has done.

My Personal Reflection and Challenges: The question was asked when was the last time I sought the Lord and He answered.

Here is my response: All the time, even so times the answer is no.

Reflections, Questions, and Challenges: What are some different ways we can take pride in the character and works of God?

Here is my response: By acknowledging how God has changed and turned my life around.

My Prayer for us: Dear Jesus, please teach us to keep your word, not only in our actions but in our hearts as well. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/14/09) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com Bursting with Pride by John Michalak.

Sept. 13, 2023

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

My brothers and sisters in Christ, before I read or comment on God’s word, I pray that He prepares my heart to receive his guidance and ask that He uses me as his vessel to comment on His word.

The scripture is from John 8:51 “Most certainly, I tell you if a person keeps my word, he will never see death.”

The devotion is titled Word-keeper by Sarah Fuste. To sum up this devotion, the author talks about her dad. She says that her dad always kept his word, and he was well known for it. However, she explains that keeping Jesus’ word is another thing. How can we forgive someone who deeply offended us. How can we not worry about tomorrow? How can we love our enemies? All tough questions. She says that Jesus’ word is extensive and burrows into the deepest parts of our minds and hearts. It is more than behavior change. We are called to be someone different on the inside, to respond as Jesus would respond, to see as He would see, our reactions guided by the Spirit. Right now, it is not possible, but it will require effort. We can learn from Jesus and ask Him to do the work in our hearts. When can learn to obey as He transforms us from within.

My Personal Reflection and Challenges: How do I keep Jesus’ word?

Here is my response: First I became a child of God. I read His words every morning before I do anything. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide my way.

Reflections, Questions, and Challenges: What one area in your life where you need God to change me from within?

Here is my response: The are in my life where I need God to change me from within is anger and self-centeredness. I still struggle in these areas.    

My Prayer for us: Dear Jesus, please teach us to keep your word, not only in our actions but in our hearts as well. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/13/09) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com Word-keeper by Sarah Fuste.

Sept. 12, 2023

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

My brothers and sisters in Christ, before I read or comment on God’s word, I pray that He prepares my heart to receive his guidance and ask that He uses me as his vessel to comment on His word.

The scripture is from 2 Samuel 22: 49-50 “Who brings me away from my enemies. Yes, you lift me up above those who rise up against me. You deliver me from the violent man. Therefore, I will give thanks to you, Lord, among the nations, and will sing praises to your name.”

The devotion is titled You Lift Me Up by Pastor Ken. To sum up this devotion, Pastor Ken tells a story about Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. After the deaths of Jonathan and Saul, Mephibosheth felt alone, unwanted, and unimportant. Out of David and Jonathan’s love for each other, David brought Mephibosheth into the palace to live. Mephibosheth lived out his life being cared for and respected. Just as David lifted up Mephibosheth in his time of need, Jesus wants to lift you up. We are reminded that we are children of the heavenly King. Our value is not what we accomplish, but who we are. When Jesus died for our sins, God made us His very own children. Just like today’s verses, God brings us away from our enemies. He lifts us up. Let’s give Him thanks and continue to sing His praises.

My Personal Reflection and Challenges: When did I last experience God lifting me up above those who were trying to hurt me? How did He do that?

Here is my response: God lifting me above two principles I feel because of my religious beliefs wanted to end my teaching career. God intervened and placed me with a new principle who supported and lifted me up.

Reflections, Questions, and Challenges: In what ways has God delivered You? What are your favorite praises to sing to Him.

Here is my response: God had delivered me from people who wanted to end my teaching career as a teacher.  

My Prayer for us: Dear God, so often, events in our lives conspire to drag us down like Mephibosheth, we sometimes feel damaged, neglected, and alone. But You have overcome every enemy we might ever face. Thank You for making us Your children. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/12/09) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com You Lift Me Up by Pastor Ken.

Sept. 11, 2023

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

My brothers and sisters in Christ, before I read or comment on God’s word, I pray that He prepares my heart to receive his guidance and ask that He uses me as his vessel to comment on His word.

The scripture is from Acts 2:25-27 “For David said concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore, my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover, my flesh also will dwell in hope, because you will not leave my soul in Hades, neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay.’”

The devotion is titled God Glasses by Heather Tietz. To sum up this devotion, to put on “God’s Glasses”, we must let Him go before us. As we follow Him, we’ll notice His handiwork everywhere. Before we even begin the morning, we should invite Him to lead. Therefore, acknowledge, praise, and invite Him into your day, every day.

Reflections, Questions, and Challenges: What it means to see the Lord always before your face. If He is before your face, how would that change your day? What is the most difficult situation in your life? How might it look from God’s perspective?

Here is my response: It means that God is with me, and I have nothing to fear. The most difficult situation I am facing is transitioning to retirement. I know from God’s perspective; He looks at this as no problem. He tells me that He’s got this and to trust His wisdom and directions.

My Prayer for us: Dear God, with You on our right hand and leading the way, we have cause for both gladness and rejoicing. Thank You for Your guidance. In Jesus’ name we Pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/11/09) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com God Glasses by Heather Tietz.

Sept. 08, 2023

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

My brothers and sisters in Christ, before I read or comment on God’s word, I pray that He prepares my heart to receive his guidance and ask that He uses me as his vessel to comment on His word.

The scripture is from John 14:5-6 “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?’” Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.’”

The devotion is titled I don’t Ever Want to Feel That Way Again by Darla Noble. To sum up this devotion, it starts out with the author’s granddaughter, Laney, playing hide-n-seek with her mom. Her granddaughter is very good at it. This day she hid under a couch. The mom looked everywhere and could not find her. She soon went into a panic. All kinds of thoughts started racing through her head. Laney heard the panic in her mom’s voice and came out from under the couch. Her mother told Laney that when she called for her to answer right away. Laney’s mom explained that she did not want to feel that way again. Jesus feels that way about every person who doesn’t know the way to eternity in heaven. Jesus worries that the lost ones will not respond to His voice in time to be saved. He does not feel this way about those who follow Him in truth and obey Him in all things.

Reflections, Questions, and Challenges: What other ways do people try to find satisfaction and fulfillment that can only be found in Jesus? How does Jesus give guidance to those who are lost? How does Jesus guides you?

Here is my response: Most people try to find fulfillment through material things. Soon they realize that this is not enough. Jesus tell us that He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one will find fulfilment and satisfaction and come to the father except through Him.

My Prayer for us: Dear Jesus, thank you for being the light that leads to eternity. We don’t want to hide from You. Help us following You in all things: giving You joy, not sadness. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/06/09) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com I don’t Ever Want to Feel That Way Again by Darla Noble.

Sept. 06, 2023

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

My brothers and sisters in Christ, before I read or comment on God’s word, I pray that He prepares my heart to receive his guidance and ask that He uses me as his vessel to comment on His word.

The scripture is from Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

The devotion is titled Words Do Matter by Darla Noble. To sum up this devotion, we are reminded that there are evil people who turned their lives over to Satan. Rather than speak evil of them, we should see these people as God’s creation. They are equally love by God and need God’s redeeming grace. This verse (Ephesians 4:29) from today is to remind us think and choose words to build up rather than demolish and tear down.

Reflections, Questions, and Challenges: Have you hurt someone with your words this week? Have you said things that did not bring honor to God?

Here is my response: Yes, but I cannot unsay these things, but I will ask for God’s forgiveness and the forgiveness of those I hurt.

My Prayer for us: Dear God, please let my thoughts and words be to Your glory. Help us to only speak kindly and truthfully about Your children. Let our words be words You would speak. I the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/06/09) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com Words Do Matter by Darla Noble.

Sept. 05, 2023

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

My brothers and sisters in Christ, before I read or comment on God’s word, I pray that He prepares my heart to receive his guidance and ask that He uses me as his vessel to comment on His word.

The scripture is from Luke 7:14-15 “He came near and touched the coffin, and bearers stood still. He said. ‘Young man, I tell you arise!’ He who was dead sat up and began to speak. Then he gave him to his mother.”

The devotion is titled “I tell You, Arise!”, by Pastor Ken. To sum up this devotion, the author recreates the scene of the dead child. The author reminds us that Jesus who is compassionate and all-understanding sees our needs, knows our situations, and is ready to offer us hope through our darkest hours. Jesus tells us not to grieve and He is with us. In conclusion, He is speaking words of life into our darkest moments.

Reflections, Questions, and Challenges: What do you expect of God when you are in the middle of a crisis? How do you cry out to Him when you are hurting?

Here is my response: I simply pray to God. I want God to hear, understand, comfort, and answer my prayers.

My Prayer for us: Dear Jesus, heal our broken hearts. Resurrect the best parts of us; our hopes, our faith, and our trust in You. Guide us through both good and bad times according to Your will for our lives. In your name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/05/09) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com “I tell You, Arise!” by Pastor Ken.