Weekly Reflection and Scripture Tags

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.

Weekly Reflection Proverbs 16:1 NLT

When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.” Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.” Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

Weekly Reflection Exodus 20:18-21

Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.

I remember growing up my grandma used to say to my cousins after she disciplined them and they were crying, "I rather you cry now instead of me crying later."  As a child, I did not understand why she would say that to them. However, when I became a parent, I found myself saying the same statement to my son.  I took her statement a step further, I might cry later but I don’t want my tears to be driven by guilt that I did not do my best to bestow values and discipline in his life.

Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.

Weekly Reflection Proverbs 19:18 NIV

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

He has risen!

Do you know why Jesus Christ has risen? We often focus on the cross and his death as we teach on the topic of forgiveness through Jesus Christ which are equally important as He has risen! The fact that He has risen, is the most incredible gift that God has blessed the world with (John 3:16). Why is Jesus risen the most powerful gift to a world full of condemnation?

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

Weekly Reflection Matthew 28:5-6 NIV

Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

Father God! We come before you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Please help us see your presence amid our trials and victories. Father, we know that true deliverance from our distress only comes from you.  Heavenly Father! We don't deserve your mercy and your deliverance. There is nothing we can do to earn relief during trials in our lives. Father, we feel surrounded by our enemies at every corner.

Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

Weekly Reflection Psalm 4:1-NIV

And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Growing up my grandmother who was not a follower of Jesus, would often tell us to put this statement into practice, treat everyone with kindness. I recalled her saying that a poor person might just be the one who saves your life one day. Growing up, that value stayed with me and has carried me through in life. I would like to share two stories that might help me bring this scripture to life.

And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Weekly Reflection Matthew 5:47-48 -NIV

Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Imagine someone you love and care about is walking toward a fire, and they don't see it, but you can clearly see they are entering a road that will lead to their death. You decided I love them so much that I don’t want to disappoint or hurt them in hope that they will turn around or someone else might help them. Perhaps, your warning may not change the person’s path or might cost you their friendship. Do you love them enough to take the risk?

Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Weekly Reflection Proverbs 27:5-6 NIV

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Apostle Paul, prior to making this statement was encouraging the disciples to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling (verse 12). As you read this scripture, does this passage prompt you to think about how you know it is God who is using you as a vessel to fulfill his good purpose or pleasure?  As I have done for many years, the first week of January I prayed asking God to show me how to move forward this new year for his purpose.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Weekly Reflection Philippians 2:13 KJV

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Weekly Reflection 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

“When the advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father the Spirit of truth who goes out from the father he will testify about me” (John 15:26). “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18).  

For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me.

Weekly Reflection Psalm 31:3-4- KJV

For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me.

Each of our journey with God is different.  What does it mean to you when you read God is your “rock and fortress?”  This is my scripture for the year 2024.  Yes! Every year, as I am led by the spirit, I choose a theme scripture and from the theme scripture I meditate on a phrase that helps me focus on my spiritual journey for the year.  This year did not start as I normally expected.  Well! Neither did the end of 2023. Can you relate how God sometimes change your

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!

Weekly Reflection Psalm 133:1 NIV