Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living

2 Samuel 7:25-29 Our relationship with God is just that – a relationship, which means there must be some aspect of reciprocity. God allows us to be in a position that offers hospitality, instead of us always being the people who receive it. We are allowed to show our love to God through service and […] The post Showing Love In Turn first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Samuel 7:18-24 David's prayer is 2 Samuel 7 reaffirmed the sovereignty and the goodness of God. He re-contextualizes his position and the position of his family as oriented toward the Lord, instead of themselves being the center. It is countercultural to paint ourselves as not the center of our own story. To recognize God […] The post Servant For God first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Jude 1:17-23 Several years ago, our family began a journey into becoming beekeepers. We knew very little when we bought our first “nuc” of bees (a nucleus colony, or small colony of bees). We soon discovered a beekeepers’ club and learned a lot from other, more experienced beekeepers. After a while, we began to harvest […] The post Infused With Love first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 5:13-20 Growing up, my brother and I liked to joke that the answer to any question the school nurse got was, “Here is a saltine cracker.” Does your tummy ache? Saltine. Did you get a paper cut? Saltine. Have a headache? Saltine. Broke your tibia bone? Saltine. It's a bit ridiculous, but felt fairly […] The post Prayer Is the Answer! first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Peter 3:8-15 Every day we wake up with a general idea of how we think the day will go. By the time the day is half over, we've often had to adapt our expectations several times. We make appointments, set priorities, and check schedules. We think we know the direction we're going. Then life […] The post God Desires All To Repent first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 4:4-10 Years ago phones were attached to walls instead of hips. We rotated a dial to make calls. We paid extra to talk with people outside our community; it was called long-distance calling (for those under 40 years old). Then it seemed like the world was larger. The people we loved felt farther away. […] The post Come Near To God first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

John 1:9-18 Our church hosts an annual festival for our community. Dozens of local businesses and organizations donate door prizes for us to give out to the folks that visit our campus. Visitors receive gifts they did absolutely nothing to earn. Every year grateful children and parents thank us for gifts God provided through the […] The post God Is Gracious Toward Us first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 33:18-25 In an age of hyper-surveillance, it is difficult to be anywhere in public where there are no cameras recording our every move. That's a fairly modern phenomenon. Yet in the Old Testament, we find that there were scribes who would record every choice the kings of Israel made. In Manasseh's case, it's […] The post True Repentance Leads to Good Choices first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 33:10-17 Something to ponder: How would people treat or remember you if all they knew about you was your past failures? People who only knew me before I accepted Christ are surprised to discover what I do now. People are often judged by who they used to be. And yet, the old adage […] The post It's Never Too Late first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 33:1-9 Good parents, like God, want what's best for their children even at the sacrifice of their own preferences. Good parents, like God, set consistent boundaries and house rules. House rules are set for the health, safety, and peace for those in the home. Unfortunately, even the best parents can't make all the […] The post My House, My Rules first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 37:1-7 Take a deep breath. Go for a walk. Let it go. These are common teachings for how to handle the stresses of daily life. Temporary ways of dealing with tensions have their place, but they can become destructive in the long-term. The Psalmist shares God's invitation to an alternative solution. It is the […] The post The Alternative Solution first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Acts 14:21-28 She worked earnestly at opening the door. The woman behind her reached around and placing her hand on the door, gently pushed. It opened instantly. The woman smiled her thanks and walked effortlessly through the door. This is the way of faith. Paul and Barnabas revealed the open door of faith to the […] The post The Open Door first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

John 15:1-9 We have become so focused on the unpredictability of our lives that we have forgotten to rejoice in the predictable. God is a God of order, hovering over the waters of the chaos of our lives and speaking that chaos into beautiful and predictable creation. It is no wonder that the God of […] The post It Is Grace first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 10:17-27 Stop working for a moment. Stop planning. Take a deep breath and relax. Now we are ready to ponder what Jesus is saying to us in this passage. Jesus is speaking of the singularity of purpose. He is helping us to set our priorities for today. Each of us face a daily plethora […] The post Singularity of Purpose first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 32:16-23 Sennacherib executed his well-planned campaign of terror against the people of God. The role of fear and anxiety were key to their annihilation. Sennacherib was a master of propaganda, but there was one catastrophic miscalculation in his plan. He equated the power of God with the powerlessness of idols. Hezekiah and Isaiah […] The post The Shadow is Annihilated first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 32:9-15 The shadow of invasion had grown darker and more certain. Sennacherib was not impressed by King Hezekiah's rousing speech, nor was he intimidated by Hezekiah's confidence in the saving ability of Hezekiah's God. The propaganda war began. The sneering tone of Sennacherib's speech attempted to discredit King Hezekiah's confidence in God. Then […] The post The Shadows Growls first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 32:1-8 First the rumors of war arrive, followed by the affirmations that the shadows of invasion are approaching the land. It is time to protect that which has been granted by the hand of God. The pre-attack work begins. Risk assessments are made. Resources inventoried and a plan of defense is formulated. With […] The post The Shadows Gather first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Proverbs 2:6-15 They say hindsight is 20/20. Today's reading tells us again that God gives wisdom and then says that “he is a shield . . . he guards . . . and protects” (vv. 7-8) the path of those who walk in His way. “Then,” says verse 9, “you will understand what is right […] The post Every Good Path first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 1:1-8 I am currently in a season of life in which everything feels new. Everything. Family life is different. Work has changed dramatically. I'm in a new city and area of the country. For the first time I have dogs. Even my body is different, with new and persisting aches and pains. Some of […] The post All You Have To Do Is Ask! first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Romans 10:9-17 Through Romans 10, we are reminded that faith is a multi-faceted, whole-self engagement. Specifically, the apostle Paul mentions declaring with our mouth and believing with our heart (vv. 9-10) and then later our ears as faith comes from hearing (v. 17). Our bodies, and how we use them, are part of our expression […] The post Listen Up! first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Matthew 7:13-20 We live in a world in which bigger is usually considered better. For instance, to get the best deal you might go to a value club where, when buying paper towels, you get 15 mega rolls. Or consider your car: popularity of SUVs and trucks continues to rise. Who couldn't appreciate a wider […] The post When Bigger Isn't Better first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 28:22-27 King Ahaz is still up to no good. When Ahaz became king, “he followed the ways of the kings of Israel” (v. 2) and “did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (v. 1b). It caused problems when he was 20 and now he's back at it! Rather […] The post It Worked For Them! first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 28:12-21 King Ahaz's poor choices and rebellion led him down a slippery slope and now it's affecting others. Men returning from war came back with material and human spoils. A wise group stopped them, not wanting to add to their sin and guilt (vv. 12-13). Thankfully they used their plunder to care for […] The post Our Bad Choices Affect Others first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 28:1-11 King Ahaz was given the reins of kingship and, like many 20-year-olds, started looking around him to figure out what to do. He followed others' lead in interactions with people, how money and time were spent, and in worship. The results were catastrophic: losing 120,000 troops to a single person. Who knows […] The post Whose Example Is Worth Following? first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 73:23-28 The psalmist in Psalm 73 had just come through a time of struggle over the injustice of life. The wicked appeared to get away with their evil behavior. They prospered while the righteous dealt with one trouble after another. What was the point of living to please God when new problems arose every […] The post Guiding Us Safely Home first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Philippians 2:1-8 Jesus once advised a group of honor seekers on how to act at a banquet. In short He said, don't try to grab the best seat at the table. It might be reserved for another. In embarrassment you may have to take whatever seat you can find. Jesus summed up, “For all those […] The post Humility and Jesus first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Matthew 23:23-28 The young pastor was thrilled to receive an unanimous call to his first church. Nevertheless, some members who were present when he interviewed were not there on his first Sunday. When he called on them they announced they were now attending church elsewhere. Puzzled, the new pastor asked a senior board member, “How […] The post Mis-Focused Faith first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Proverbs 11:1-7 Solomon is an intriguing figure in scripture. He is the eldest of the surviving sons of King David and Bathsheba. Through the prophet Nathan he was given the divine nickname: “Jedidiah,” “loved by the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:25). David chose Solomon from his many sons to become his heir (1 Kings 1:28ff). God […] The post A Proverb of Solomon first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 26:16-23 Power is particularly dangerous when it is controlled by sinful pride. We have the power to do so much. Our power is directed by our will. If our will is guided by self, sin enters in. Think about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). God gave them broad […] The post Pride's Deadly Consequence first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 26:9-15 Young leaders are often commended for their innovation, energy, and boldness. This was certainly true of Uzziah. The writer of the Chronicles particularly emphasizes how Uzziah became a “powerful” leader (26:8, 13, 15). He “built” and “fortified” towers. He also mustered a well-trained large army, fully equipped them, and installed innovative defenses […] The post Our Source of Success first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 26:1-8 What were you doing at 16? I was trying to keep my first jalopy running while fighting the battle against acne and all the while holding down my first regular job. Uzziah, however, was made king in Jerusalem. Imagine a teenage king. One day he is ducking his teachers to fix up […] The post Mentor to a Monarch first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Proverbs 3:1-7 It was a surprising question from someone who only recently started worshiping with us, “Do you and your husband plan to stay at this church?” I responded that we didn't have plans to move at that time. Yet, as the Lord's servants we were bound to follow His will and go wherever He […] The post God's Way Really Is Best first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Hebrews 4:12-16 We have heard a great deal in the past few years about booster injections. We are advised to get the latest booster shot to ease our symptoms should we catch a virus. I see Hebrews 4 as a “hope booster” for all who trust in God. Who couldn't use more hope? As Christians […] The post Hope Booster first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Acts 12:1-19 As a senior member of a public safety chaplaincy program I conducted orientation for new chaplains. I led one group through the police station. The jail was empty that day, so I fetched the key. As I opened the door a face peeked around a corner behind me. The officer announced to a […] The post While They Were Praying first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Matthew 7:24-29 Jesus' parable contrasts two builders and two foundations: wise and foolish, rock and sand. Sand, with its fine grains, is easily shifted by flowing water. Making it an unsure foundation. Solid rock (petra: “ledge,” or “bedrock') makes a sure foundation. The same word appears later when Jesus tells Simon, “And I tell you […] The post Which Foundation? first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 20:18-26 The Lord's victory over invaders coming against Judah, in 2 Chronicles 20, is sometimes mislabeled “The Power of Praise.” As if the people of Judah by the power of their praise, led by a choir of Levitical singers, defeated the mighty coalition invading their land. Judah's worship was, instead, a response to […] The post The Power of the One we Praise first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 20:10-17 Paul reminded the church in Corinth, “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27). The nation of Judah was small. It was surrounded by larger and more powerful nations. Judah contained fine grazing and farmland, vineyards, date palm, olive and fig groves. Other nations coveted […] The post Stand Firm and See first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 20:1-9 Our first response to an approaching threat reveals a great deal about our character. King Asa “called to the Lord his God” and God gave him victory over the Cushites (14:11-12). Late in his reign, when threatened by Baasha, king of Israel, King Asa took the gold from the Lord's temple and […] The post The Test of Faith first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Proverbs 11:23-31 Ever been at the end of your rope? You have no idea what should happen next, let alone what would rectify your current situation. Proverbs offers a suggestion that might just be helpful. It reminds us that it's satisfying to give and that it’s okay to enjoy doing good unto others. Sometimes, the […] The post Healing Rain first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Philippians 3:15-21 There’s an app my workplace uses to help track various aspects of a child’s day. I was recently on the website and saw the words, “connected and in control.” I don’t know exactly what this ironic phrase meant, but it made me laugh. With 13 three-year-old children, I don’t always feel like I’m […] The post Connected and in Control first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 Someone somewhere needs to slowly say the following words out loud, over and over: “This too shall pass.” It might be you, someone you know, or someone you have yet to encounter. That person needs to be given the gift of hope that is contained in those four, simple words: “This too […] The post Transformed first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Acts 15:36-41, 2 Timothy 4:8-11 Have you ever been in the middle of a task and realized those who started the job with you were no longer with you? Suddenly, you’re doing the entirety of the project all alone. I think we’ve all been there, especially those of us with children. I think that’s where […] The post Last One Standing first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Philemon 1:17-25 If you've ever taken an English composition class, you've probably had to write a persuasive paper at least once. The apostle Paul wrote a persuasive composition of his own to a man named Philemon. Philemon, like others in his time, had a slave named Onesimus who worked for him. This slave had sinned […] The post Pretty Please? first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Philemon 1:8-16 I think it’s safe to assume that most people want to feel needed and useful. Nobody wakes up and says that they would like to be put out to pasture and forgotten. People need to feel like they still have something to contribute. There are some however, who fear they have exceeded their […] The post Valued first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Philemon 1:1-7 Everyone needs at least one person in their lives who gives great hugs. A good hug is like the perfect glass of iced tea on a hot summer’s day. You need it to quench your thirst. It touches the soul in just the right way. It leaves you feeling refreshed. I think that […] The post Really Great Hugs first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Proverbs 3:27-35 Have you ever met someone who is constantly “tweaking the truth” to accomplish their own goals? You do not want to be in their cross hairs when they pull back their crossbow of words and point it. They might accuse you of something startling. Some people can fabricate the vilest lies. Perhaps they […] The post Flood With Kindness first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 4:1-10 History is riddled with wars and strife, greed over land and resources, the desire for power or wealth, the endless race for more, more, more! James applies this to individual believers within the walls of the local church. When our desire to win outweighs our desire to serve God humbly, we lose. Humility […] The post Charity of Spirit first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 3:10-18 The issue of peacemaking is on the minds of people around the world. James outlines here a set of contrasts. The writer contrasts salty water with freshwater. He proposes that the nature of plants determines their fruit. He sets down the foundation of his pinnacle argument: What is in a person’s heart determines […] The post Peace Worth Cultivating first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Ephesians 4:25-32 We live in a time in history when the newest theme is “be true to yourself.” Unfortunately, one outflow of this philosophy is a “freedom” to say whatever is on one’s mind. Social media is rampant with sarcasm, insults, and plain old nastiness. Cruelty might describe this way of interacting with others. For […] The post Culture Changers first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Ephesians 4:17-24 Was there a child in your children’s class who was full of energy, always seemed to step out of line and cause trouble about something? One little boy gave his teacher a black eye. I knew that boy. He was older than I, so I did not see him for a few years. […] The post A New You first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Titus 3:9-15 Some people like to cause dissent in the family of God. I have heard pastors share about congregants who are not happy unless they are stirring up division in the church. Apparently, Titus was experiencing this very thing in Crete. We find instructions here for us as well. There are seven behaviors listed […] The post Simply Do Good first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.