Category: Uncategorized

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.

Aug 31, 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 Philippians 1:20-21 “According to my earnest expectation and hope that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me is to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

The devotion is titled To Me, To Live is Christ by Sam. To sum up this devotion, the author Sin is death; lust pride, envy, gluttony, and sloth all deserve death. However we don’t die because Jesus died for our sins. He took the punishment for our sins. We can live our lives anyway we want. God gives us free will. We can chose to live in sin and sit on death row or take Jesus’ hand and walk His path. Paul call us to lift up Christ in all things, in life and death. Our life already belongs to Jesus; let Him use it. Death will hold no fear. It means our struggle is over and we will see Jesus coming in the clouds. Jesus justifies, purifies, and sanctifies us. He gives us the power to overcome sin and the means to help others. He knows what will truly make us happy and blessed. He want to give the strength to overcome. Why not today you let Him in?

Reflections, Questions, and Challenges: What path are you on today? Will you ask Jesus to guide you to the path of eternal life?

Here is my response: Long before I became a child of God, I was such a sinner that my face was beside the word sinner in the dictionary.  I am on the path of eternal life. I asked Jesus long ago to guide me to the path of eternal life and He said YES. He can do this for you.

My Prayer for us: Dear Jesus, help us to live for You. Come into our hearts, cleanse it, purify it, and sanctify it. Give us the power to overcome sin and to help others overcome it. Lead us toward heaven today. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/31/08) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com To Me, To Live is Christ by Sam.

Aug 28, 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 Ecclesiastes 10:10 “If the axe is blunt, and one doesn’t sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.”

The devotion is titled Our Blunt Edge by Heather Tietz. To sum up this devotion, the author uses an analogy about Helen Keller. She acquired her blunt axe when she became blind and deaf. However, she lived a whole life earning a Bachelor of Arts degree and becoming a prolific writer and speaker. We all have a blunt edge that can render some part of our lives ineffective or destructive. Our blunt axe is God’s place to shine in us. His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). God wants to enable your success because His strength brings Him glory.

Reflections and Challenges: What are some of your blunt edges? Will you give those blunt edges to God today? Let him sharpen your blunt edges for His service and glory.

Here is my response: Some of my blunt edges are pride, egotism, and selfishness. I will give them to God and let Him sharpen them for His service and glory.

My Prayer for us: Dear God, thank you for providing Your strength to counteract our blunt axe edges. With Your guidance and grace, we will sharpen the skills we have, while relying on You for the weakness we cannot change. Thank You for loving us, no matter what. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/28/08) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com Our Blunt Edge by Heather Tietz.

Aug 25, 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 Mark 16:15-16 “He said to them,’ Go into all the world and proclaim the Good News to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.’”

The devotion is titled You’ve Gotta Push the Button by Darla Noble. To sum up this devotion, the author uses an analogy about a vending machine. You are thirsty and you want a cool drink. You put your money into the vending machine, but you forget to push the button to receive your drink. People stand in front of the vending machine of salvation. They believe Jesus is God’s son, and He died on the cross for our sins. That Jesus is the key to eternity in heaven. However, many people have not push the button to receive the gift of salvation. That button is baptism. Jesus was baptized to set the example. We are told in scripture that we are to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the Holy Spirit. The immersion of baptism pushes the button of rebirth and signifies the washing away of sins.

Reflections and Challenges: Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ and the only way to salvation? If you believe, have you been baptized to complete this amazing and undeserved gift of salvation?

Here is my response: A resounding YES.

My Prayer for us: Dear God, wash us and we will be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7). We believe in Your words, Lord. We put our faith and trust in You. Thank you for Your saving grace. In Your Son Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/25/08) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com You’ve Gotta Push the Button by Darla Noble.

Aug 24, 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 Micah 7:8 “Don’t rejoice against me, my enemy, When I fall, I will rise. When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.”

The devotion is titled A Hero for All Challenges by John Michalak. To sum up this devotion, we will go through life with many challenges: love, purpose, stability, past hurts, darkness, and even ourselves. Seeking the things we desire, we may fall, but Jesus will help us rise to the challenge. Jesus can overcome any challenges. God will light the way when you are in the darkness.

Reflections and Challenges: Do you turn to God to help you endure conflict? When opposed, will you pray for the peace that only God provides?

Here is my response: When I face oppositions and challenges, I will pray for the peace that only God can provide.

My Prayer for us: Dear Lord, thank You helping us to rise when we fall. Thank you for providing a light that shines through even our darkest days. Please help us to see You as the Hero of our story, the One who will help us overcome. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/24/08) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com A Hero for All Challenges by John Michalak.