This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily) is all about rejoicing, gladness and being blessed beyond words. Why more so today? Well, simply because I am officially a proud first-time grandpa. Yup, I received a page from my son Travis at around 4am that my grand-daughter arrived a healthy 6 lbs 7.3 ozs at Kapi’olani Medical Center. Psalm 96:11 says further, “Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!” Moreover, Joel 2:23 says, “Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem! Rejoice in the LORD your God! For the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring.”

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily) begins after Paul talks about sharing each other’s troubles and problems. And by doing so we obey the law of Christ. To model our life after his. Using his life as an example and inspiration to do our best regardless of reason, season, fame, fortune,recognition, situation or circumstance. Knowing also that whether or not we feel that we’ve reached or exceeded our expectation, He knows our heart and loves/accepts still.

Hence, my take away today is added assurance, confidence and comfort in 2 Chronicles 15:7 which says, “But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.”” Moreover, to not getting tired of doing what is good for the sake of simply doing good!

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily) begins just prior to disciples witnessing the ascension of Jesus into heaven. Verses 9-10 says, “After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them.”

In pondering over today’s passage the one thought which comes to mind is power from the Holy Spirit. Power from the holy spirit to not merely have beyond normal or beyond ordinary strength. Rather, power from the Holy Spirit to be bold, audacious, convinced (without doubt), perceptive, discerning, able and capable. Moreover, to be all these things and more with authority. Why? So we can go forth to spread the Good News in unimaginable ways and thus reap extraordinary results for God’s Kingdom. How often we do just the opposite and wonder why. Whereby we go forth first before God. Relying on self instead. Only to be disappointed, discouraged and less effective.

Hence, my take away today is realizing most times waiting and moving forward on his clock (not mine) and his power (not mine) are the truly the best way to achieve His results. Just as Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily) begins just before Jesus dies on the cross. It is here while being executed through crucifixion that one criminal besides him scoffs. The other criminal also beside Jesus protests saying to one who scoffs in Verse 40, ““Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die?”

In pondering over today’s passage the one thought which comes to mind is Faith. Faith shown by a man with a repentant heart. Faith which results in forgiveness. Faith which confirms we are saved not by works/deeds. Rather, (we saved) by faith in Christ and Christ alone. Moreover, today’s word shows this man had more faith than his disciples. Luke 24:21 affirms this while Jesus appears to two disciples traveling on the road, saying, “We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel…”

Hence, my take away today is better understanding of faith as found in Ephesians 2:8-9 which says, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”

“Go back to Pharaoh,” the LORD commanded Moses. “Tell him, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so they can worship me.

Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily) begins after the Lord sends swarms of flies throughout Egypt but leaves the Land of Goshen (where the Israelites live) untouched and very different. In Exodus 8:22 the Lord says, “…I will spare the region of Goshen, where my people live. No flies will be found there…” It is here wherein the Lord sends Moses back to Pharaoh yet a fifth time.

In pondering over today’s passage the one thought which comes to mind is persistent does pay off. Imagine Moses having to go back to Pharaoh time after time to demand him to let God’s people go, or else. An ultimatum if you will. First an ultimatum or else God would send a plague of blood. Next a plague of frogs or else. Followed by a plague of Gnats or else, a plague of flies or else before threatening Pharaoh with a plague against livestock or else. I don’t know about you but most (me included) would be worn, tired, disillusioned and discouraged. Most likely reaching a breaking point of disobedient too. However, Moses in spite of having to face difficult conflict over and over perseveres and  continues to obey. Only to discovers later, obedient persistence does pay off and is rewarded.

Hence, my take away today is remembering to not give up on God-given assignments. When knowing “doing right” is “the right thing to do” indeed!

The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!

Life Lesson

Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily) begins with Jesus telling a parable of two men praying to some that Verse 9 says, “had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else:”.  One was a Pharisee. The other a dishonest tax collector.

In pondering over today’s passage the one thought which comes to mind is pride. How pride whether it be in prayer, what we say or what we do can lead to self-righteousness or looking down on others. It could even prevent us from hearing, hinder us from learning, impede our growth in our Christian walk and/or restrain our relationship with God. Often, with pride, we are more consumed with hearing ourselves, concerned with trusting our own instincts and doing things our way rather than seeking and trying to do His will instead..

Hence, my take away today is remembering to be more like the dishonest tax collector and day-by-day less like the Pharisee. Where we need God’s mercy and undeserved grace. Where we acknowledge in heartfelt thankfulness all that we have comes from Him and all that we are are because of Him.

In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”

In today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily) Jesus talks about faith after first telling his disciples about forgiveness. In particular, he says it is far more important to have the right kind rather than a certain amount of faith. Which essentially is having an unwavering willingness to humbly obey (as well as do) what and whatever God calls us to do.

In pondering over today’s passage the one thought which comes to mind is obedience is not thinking by doing so we’ve gone the extra mile. That we’ve earned a gold star or extra credit. Instead, in God’s eyes it is our obligation. Our responsibility. Our minimum expectation. Why? Simply so we will not think more of ourselves than we should. To prevent from being or acting prideful.

Hence, my take away today is remembering Ecclesiastes 12:13 which also reminds us to “…Fear God and obey his commands,  for this is everyone’s duty.” Moreover, being forever mindful of Proverbs 8:13 which says, “All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.”