the good news john 316

Sept. 22, 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 126:5-6 “Those who sow in tears, will reap in joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.”

The devotion is titled Eyes on the Prize by John Simon. To sum up this devotion, the author used the analogy of the US Hockey team’s” Miracle on Ice” in the 1980 Winter Olympics. However, this came about after the coach created drills to make the team suffer as a group. Later he talked about who Paul used sports metaphors in his letters. Paul said that athletes need to discipline their bodies as do Christians. Only for Christians, it is the unperishable crown.

Reflections, Questions, and Challenges for Us: What are personal examples from which we can learn that going through an immense struggle are worth it in the end?

Here is my response, yours may be different: We went through such an intensive financial struggle. We were preparing to be homeless. We sowed in tears. We knew others were “cheating and using deceitful methods to get money, and they wanted us to do the same. We still gave of our meager resources to help others. We endured the hardships together and a God provided for us. We reaped in joy at the end. (Psalm 126:5-6)

My Personal Prayer for us: Heavenly Creator, thank You so much for giving us the strength to endure the hardships we face from day to day. We have shed many tears, but they will all pale in comparison and be forgotten when you bestow on us the most wonderful prize of all, living forever with You in paradise. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/22/09) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com Eyes on the Prize by John Simon.

Sept. 21, 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 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.”

The devotion is titled A New Confession by John Michalak. To sum up this devotion, the author first asked how we feel now. Then he uses analogies like: if your car breaks down, you buy a new one, or if your clothes are old, you buy new ones. For us, most of us don’t feel new. We have aches and pains, and we get set in our ways. When we become a follower of Christ, everything becomes new. We have a new way of life full of freedom and gratitude. His last point is to confess our need for God. God is waiting to make us new.

Reflections, Questions, and Challenges for Us: What parts of our behavior or thinking would we like God to make new right now?

Here is my response, yours may be different: We are still a work a work-in-progress until Christ returns. Some things I still need to work on is self-centeredness and my temper.  

My Personal Prayer for us: Dear Lord, We confess that the “old me” has not always honored You. We believe You can make everything-including us-a new creation in You. Thank You for seeing the possibilities in us. In Jesus’ name We pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/20/09) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com A New Confession by John Michalak.

Sept. 20, 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 Proverbs 3:7-8 “Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It will be health to your body, and nourishment to your bones.”

The devotion is titled Following God’s Plan by Darla Noble. To sum up this devotion, the author recounted many examples of people taking matters into their own hands and not consulting with God. Every instance led to disastrous results. Following God’s plan involves asking for His direction, listening to His voice, and heeding His call.

Reflections, Questions, and Challenges for Us: What are some ways to discern God’s will for our lives? What is God leading us to do the right now?

Here is my response, yours may be different: I don’t know how to answer this for your circumstances.

My Personal Prayer for us: Dear Jesus, please open our ears, heart, and mind to follow You first and always. Guide us in making decisions that honor You. In your name we pray, Amen

Inspirations (2023/20/09) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com Following God’s Plan by Darla Noble.

Sept. 18, 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 55:6-8 “I said, ’Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away and be at rest. Behold, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness.’” Salah. “’I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm.’”

The devotion is titled Migrating Is Christ-like by Heather Tietz. To sum up this devotion, the author states that everything and everyone needs time to escape from chaos and demands. He pointed out that birds migrate to a more favorable climate. He points out that Jesus sought out time alone with His Father. As we know, Jesus was often inundated with crowds, questions, and expectations. However, migration means returning. Jesus always returned. The author encourages us that it is okay to want rest or escape to a quiet place. If you can’t leave, bury yourself in prayer. Once you are filled and well rested, return with renewed peace to share.

Reflections, Questions, and Challenges for Us: What things in life make you thingk of running away? How can you escape and refill with God’s presence, so you may return with renewed vigor?

Here is my response, yours may be different: For me it was during my last years of teaching. I used the breaks to revitalize and escape and be refilled with God’s presence.

My Prayer for us: Dear God we sing with the Psalmist: You are my hiding place. Thank you for offering peace, rest, and safety from the wintry distress of the World. May we never fail to turn to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Inspirations (2023/18/09) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com Migrating Is Christ-like by Heather Tietz.

Sept. 15, 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 Matthew 21:22 “All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

The devotion is titled Jesus Says, “Talk to Me” by Darla Noble. To sum up this devotion, the author starts off with the story about a woman who asked God to let her win the lottery so she could quit her job and live a life she thought she deserved after her husband left her with serious debt. God didn’t answer her prayer and she became angry at God. Obviously, she messed the point. When Jesus talked about believing, He was referring to recognizing him as our savior, redeemer, and ruler of our lives. Believing this will lead us to ask for things that will honor God. As we grow closer to Him, He will not withhold these things from us. God will give us what we ask for when we believe His gifts are only worth having.

Reflections, Questions, and Challenges for Us: How does our faith fare when God says “no?” Is our faith contingent on God answering our prayers the way we want Him to? Why? or why not?

Here is my response, yours may be different: I still keep my faith in God, evening when the answer is “no.” My reasoning is that God already knows what is best for me and I trust His judgement.

My Prayer for us: Dear God, we want to have a heart and mind that desire only things You know are best for us. Keep us focused on them and not on things of this world. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Inspirations (2023/15/09) retrieved from Website: Daily Bible.com Jesus Says, “Talk to Me” by Darla Noble.

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.