HIS REFLECTION

His Reflection

by

Nicole Foster,

Susie Hale,

and

Susan Slade

Precious Jewels

Ministries

How can I live the life Jesus demands?

The tools I require, God has placed in my hands.

The ideal is that I be Jesus’ reflection,

Godly choices should be my direction.

A relationship more than mere affection

Because I have come under Jesus’ protection,

Is to know my Lord intimately as brother and friend.

His Spirit within me guides me not to offend

My Heavenly Father, my Master, My King.

I’ll reflect the Lord’s excellence and His praises sing.

SAME GENUINE FAITH

Same Genuine Faith

By Susie Hale, Precious Jewels Ministries

We think of the apostles as far above us.

We tend to forget they were ordinary men.

Peter reminded his readers they were saved by grace

And were equally redeemed from the pit of sin.

He counted faith as precious

For he knew from whence he came.

His readers, also, had been called by God,

Jesus’ righteousness imparted to them just the same.

We today are still saved by faith,

Through no merit of our own,

God’s free gift to those who believe,

The greatest gift ever known.

"ROCK" CONCERT

Day 22 - Rock Concert

Excerpt from A Life's Symphony of Joy

by Rev. Susan R. Slade

           God who is the Rock provided water from the Rock. Numbers 20:8 (NIV) “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.” According to 1 Corinthians 10:3-4, Jesus was the Rock that poured out the water, “They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.” Jesus, being the Rock, is the provision and is the River of Life. John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” The living water is the Holy Spirit flowing through the life of the believer and bearing witness to the world. The Rock, in scripture, is also a symbol of safety and security because the high rocks of the holy land served as natural fortresses. Jesus is our stronghold, and we rest safely in His care.

           

Let us sing and shout joyfully to the Rock. Let’s hold a “Rock” concert. 

DELIVERANCE

Exodus 12:37 (AMPC) The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about 600,000 men on foot, besides women and children.

Note in John MacArthur Study Bible: A conservative estimate based on the number of men, probably the fighting men 20 years of age and above, would give a population of 2 million.

Seventy Jews entered Egypt

To escape famine in the Holy Land.

When Moses led them back out,

Two million obeyed his command.

God had multiplied his people,

Given them Egypt’s silver and gold.

He brought them out hale and hearty,

None feeble, none stumbled, we’re told.

Their miraculous deliverance from bondage,

Oppressed as Egypt’s slaves,

Is recounted by the psalmist

To give thanks to our God who saves!

STANDING IN GRACE

“With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, 

I have written to you briefly, encouraging you 

and testifying that this is the true grace of God. 

Stand fast in it.

She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, 

sends you her greetings,

and so does my son Mark. 

Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”

1 Peter 5:12-14 (NIV)

histēmi²⁴⁷⁶ – to stand (trans. or intrans.), used in various applications (lit. or fig.): - abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up).

            Peter’s first letter is filled with examples of those held up by the grace of God. He concludes by reminding the reader to stand fast in this true grace. Standing may sound passive, but watching my mother trying to regain her balance and ability to stand reminded me that remaining on your feet can be challenging. Remaining on your feet spiritually when winds of persecution or trial are trying to knock you down is a dramatic test of faith.

            Father, thank you for using Peter to encourage us to continue in our covenant relationship with you, realizing that your grace will enable us to stand. 

STRONG, FIRM, STEADFAST

“And the God of all grace, 

who called you to his eternal glory in Christ,

after you have suffered a little while,

will himself restore and make you 

strong, firm and steadfast.

To him be the power for ever and ever. 

Amen.”

1 Peter 5:10-11

sthĕnŏō⁴⁵⁹⁹ – (bodily vigor); to strengthen, i.e. (fig.) confirm (in spiritual knowledge and power): - strengthen.

stērizō⁴⁷⁴¹ – to set fast, i.e. (lit.) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, of (fig.) to confirm: - fix, (e-)stablish, steadfastly set, strengthen.

thĕmĕliŏō²³¹¹ – to lay a basis for, i.e. (lit.) erect, or (fig.) consolidate: - (lay the) foundation, ground, settle.

            Father, help me to be as resilient as the sedum in my backyard. Enable me to weather the storms of life and periods when I feel like I’m in a drought spiritually. Thank you for the promise that “…our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

STAND FIRM IN THE FAITH

“Be self-controlled and alert.

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion 

looking for someone to devour.

 Resist him, standing firm in the faith,

because you know that your brothers throughout the world

are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

nēphō³⁵²⁵ – to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e. (fig.) be discreet: - be sober, watch.

grēgŏrĕuō¹¹²⁷ – to keep awake, i.e. watch (lit. or fig.): - be vigilant, wake, (be) watch (-ful).

anthistēmi⁴³⁶ – to stand against, i.e. oppose: - resist, withstand.

That last Greek word reminds me of antihistamine, the stuff that blocks those things that make me sneeze. We need to use these three skills – staying sober, being vigilant, and resisting Satan – to block those things that make us sin. We’re not alone in the fight. Our brothers and sisters around the world suffer persecutions, trials, and temptations. The key here is to stand firm in our faith, knowing that nothing “can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39b).

           

Father, you enable us to do what you have commanded. Help me to resist Satan and stand firm in the faith to your glory. Thank you for your unfailing love!

IN GOD'S CARE

“Casting the whole of your care –

all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, 

once and for all – on Him;

for He cares for you affectionately, 

and cares about you watchfully.”

1 Peter 5:7 (Amplified Version) 

See Psalm 55:22, Matthew 6:25-34

mĕlō³¹⁹⁹ – to be of interest to, i.e. to concern (only third pers. sing. pres. indic. used impers. it matters): (take) care.

           (Written by Susie in early 2009) I am currently taking care of my 79-year-old mother since she fell and suffered a subdural hematoma resulting in a craniotomy. In English, that means the neurosurgeon opened up the side of her scull to remove a clot between the lining of her brain and the brain.  At this point, she needs help getting in and out of bed, dressing, etc. However, this is not a burden to me because of the love and care between us. Mom trusts me to do what is best for her all day and night.

            If I care this much about Mom, how much more must a perfect, loving God care for us? He is concerned about our every need. We need not worry, but simply trust the Lord to take care of us. We can throw those cares on him, and he’ll handle everything.

           

Father, thank you for your complete and perfect care. Help me to remember that I need not worry because you are in control, you love me, and you care for me.

Humility Prayer

“Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older.

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

 ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand,
that he may lift you up in due time.”

1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV)

hupĕrēphanŏs⁵²⁴⁴ – appearing above others (conspicuous), i.e. (fig.) haughty: - proud.

charis⁵⁴⁸⁵ – graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstr. or concr.; lit., fig. or spiritual: espec. the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).

tapĕinŏs⁵⁰¹¹ – depressed, i.e. (fig.) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition): - base, cast down, humble, of low degree (estate), lowly.

      Does this passage infer that we are to put ourselves down and demean our gifts? NO! We are just to realize that all of our brothers and sisters are gifted in unique ways, and we are not above anyone else. We need to use our gifts and talents to the glory of God and not to draw attention to ourselves. When we do this, God will continue to influence our hearts so that others see Jesus in us.

            Father, allow me to be inconspicuous even when I’m on the platform in front of the crowd. Let your light so shine through me that praise is given to you (Matthew 5:16). Thank you for your transforming grace.

A SHEPHERD'S REWARD

aischrŏkĕrdōs¹⁴⁷ - sordidly: - for filthy lucre’s sake.

            We don’t use the word lucre much these days, but its derivative, lucrative, is used frequently. I always sense a red flag when someone says, “This could be a really lucrative deal.” I’m sure they mean profitable; but in my mind, there is a connotation of not quite legitimate or possibly taking advantage of someone.

            There are some ministers that appear to shepherd not as servants, but for private gain. I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of them in the headlines, sporting large houses and fancy cars purchased with money sent in by their followers. God warns those who shepherd his people to be eager to serve and to lead by example rather than imposing their way on those in their care. I’ve been blessed to have a couple of pastors who really took this passage to heart. I’m pleased to read that they will receive “the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

            Father, thank you for the godly examples I’ve had in many pastors and Sunday school teachers. Thank you for promising them a permanent reward.

LIKE JOSEPH

Like Joseph

There are many examples in our lives of how God uses a seemingly bad situation to move us into place for the fulfillment of His best for us. I (Susie) taught elementary school for a number of years at a Christian school. I had a student whose parents were in a custody battle. As a result, a sweet student (I’ll call him Nicholas) had to move away to live with his father. My students were all terribly sad because they loved Nicholas and would miss him.

       Fast forward a few months. We found out that shortly after he moved, Nicholas required a kidney transplant. His father was the perfect donor, and the city they lived in had one of the foremost transplant teams at a prominent hospital.

       When I told the class this news and asked them to pray for Nicholas’ continued recovery, a little boy raised his hand (I’ll call him Isaac). Our approximate conversation:

“Miss Hale, this is like the story of Joseph, not Jesus’ daddy, but Old testament Joseph.”

“How so, Isaac?”

“Joseph’s brothers were mean to him and sold him to another country, but God helped him become famous there and put him in charge. Then when his brothers came to beg him for food, Joseph was able to help them and their father.”

“Okay…”

“We thought it was bad that Nicholas had to move, but God moved him exactly where he needed to be to get a new kidney.”

“Wow, thank you for reminding us that God is always in control, Isaac!”

Out of the mouths of babes – these were first graders! Isaac was not even regularly attending church. His main instruction in the Word was at school. God is faithful! God took care of Israel, and He cares for those who trust Him today. Praise the Lord!

STAR FLOWER

LIKE A YELLOW FLOWER

THE WAY-MAKER - Proverbs 3:5-6

The Way-Maker

By Susan Slade and Susie Hale

       We usually quote this as either “he will direct your paths” or “he will make your paths straight. We liked this Complete Jewish Bible translation because the word “level” gave us a new perspective. Israel has a lot of rocky, hilly terrain. Someone would go before an important person, and make the path more level. Think of John the Baptist going before the Lord to prepare the way. In these verses, the Lord says that when we rely on Him, He levels, straightens, makes our pathway smooth and clear. He makes clear to us which paths to take and enables us to maneuver them. That does not mean life is easy but that it is doable in His strength. The impossible is made possible when we are following the Way-Maker.

CONTINUE TO BE COMMITTED

“If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer 

or thief or any other kind of criminal,

or even as a meddler.

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed,

but praise God that you bear that name.

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; 

and if it begins with us,

what will the outcome be for those 

who do not obey the gospel of God? And,

‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, 

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will 

should commit themselves to their faithful Creator 

and continue to do good.”

1 Peter 4:15-19 (NIV)

pistŏs⁴¹⁰³ – trustworthy; subj. trustful: - believe (-ing, -r), faithful (-ly), sure, true.

            God is faithful to enable us to do whatever he calls us to do even if that calling involves suffering. After being beaten mercilessly with rods, Paul and Silas sang praise songs in jail (Acts 16:25) When God sent an earthquake to free them, Paul kept the jailer from committing suicide by pointing out that none of the prisoners had escaped. Then he won his jailer to the Lord!

           

Father, empower me to remain faithful to you no matter what circumstances may arise. Thank you for being my faithful Creator, Sustainer, and Savior!

IN A BOG, BUT NOT BOGGED DOWN

“Dear friends, do not be surprised 

at the painful trial you are suffering,

as though something strange were happening to you.

But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ,

so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, 

you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory 

and of God rests on you.”

1 Peter 4:12-14

anapauō³⁷³ – (reflex.) to repose (lit. or fig. [be exempt], remain); by impl. to refresh: - take ease, refresh, (give, take) rest.

            People persecuted because of their faith in Jesus speak of the great joy they have experienced. They have a burning desire to continue telling others about the new life they have in Christ even though that may mean intense suffering. They have been refreshed by God.

            Father, thank you for this reminder that I can lean on you when I need to take ease and be refreshed. Thank you for the promise that I will be glorified and in your presence for eternity.

PEACE AMID TURMOIL

Peace Amid Turmoil

By Susie Hale & Susan Slade, 10/13/16

Because we are in Jesus,

We have peace in the middle of trouble.

But this does not mean He encases us

In a conflict-free safety bubble.

Although we may be suffering

The brutality of evil men,

We can rest assured that ultimately

The Lord’s in control of them.

We may be in the middle of turmoil,

Storms clouds swirling all around;

But as we focus our eyes on the Lord,

His peace within us will abound. 

TELL OF ALL HIS WONDERFUL ACTS

Photo by Marianne Montalvo

Poem by Susie Hale, Precious Jewels Ministries

When I remember the wonders I read in Your word

and those You have done in my own life as well,

how can I keep from praising Your name?

When I meditate on Your mighty acts, I must tell

everyone I know that you are an awesome God!

My heart rejoices as I seek Your face.

On Your strength I know I can rely.

Help me to make known all You have done.

When people ask about my joy, may I reply

by recounting the wonders of my marvelous God!

JUST A CRACKED POT

MAY MY WORK NEVER POINT TO ME

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received 

to serve others,

faithfully administering God’s grace 

in its various forms.

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking 

the very words of God.

 If anyone serves, he should do it 

with the strength God provides,

so that in all things God may be praised 

through Jesus Christ.

To him be the glory and the power 

for ever and ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)

dŏxazō¹³⁹² – to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application): - (make) glorify (-ious), full of (have) glory, honour, magnify.

            Whatever we do in the name of Jesus should bring glory to him rather than ourselves. He is the one who provides the gifts and the strength to use them. 

            Father, please bring glory to yourself through the thoughts you impress upon me as I study your word. May the things I write bring others to a more complete knowledge of your grace.

LONGING TO PRAISE PERFECTLY by Susie Hale

I am so weak;

            I am so bad.

I know my actions

            must make You sad.

And my inaction

            toward the things I should do

must be a great

            disappointment to You.

You gave Your all.

            You died for me.

You rose again

            so I could be free.

My greatest love,

            my most sincere praise

cannot be enough

            to merit Your gaze;

yet You look at me

            with love ever true,

forgiveness and grace

            that come only from You.

To be so incapable

            frustrates me so,

and I cry bitter tears

            because I want to show

a love that is perfect

      in every way,

to stand without flaw

      in the bright light of day…

But I just have to praise you

            for loving me now

although I’ll admit

            I can’t understand how

You could possibly claim me

            with all of my sin.

Through Jesus, cleanse me

            anew to begin.

Thank You for loving me

            as I am tonight,

but I pray for the day

            when we’ll live in Your light.

And then, up in Heaven

            I’ll be able to give

the perfect love You deserve

            as long as I live…Forever!

FOCUS ON THE FLOWERS - Photo and Poem by Susie Hale

“The end of all things is near. 

Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled 

so that you can pray. 

Above all, love each other deeply, 

because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

1 Peter 4:7-9 (NIV)

kaluptō²⁵⁷² - cover up (lit. or fig.): - cover, hide.

            Does this mean we are to ignore sin in our brother’s life? No! There are other verses that tell us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). However, we do not need to see only the sins when we look at a person. We can choose to see the flowers in a thorny life and encourage more to bloom. My rose bushes are not pretty plants; but when I tend them properly, lovingly giving them plant food and water as well as keeping out weeds, they yield gorgeous roses. Many times we are willing to try to yank the weeds (sins) out of our brother’s life, but then we don’t stick around to nourish the flowers that are beginning to bud. Extend hospitality to someone; and while he’s eating dinner at your table, be sure you compliment him on the beautiful blooms Father is growing in his life.

            Father, help me to see past the rough exterior of an individual and see through the Spirit’s eyes what you are molding in his life. Help me to water and nourish the budding Christians around me rather than just pointing out the weeds. 

STANDING OUT IN THE CROWD

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, 

arm yourselves also with the same attitude, 

because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life 

for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

For you have spent enough time in the past 

doing what pagans choose to do –

living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, 

carousing and detestable idolatry.

They think it strange that you do not plunge with them 

into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.

But they will have to give account to him 

who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

For this is the reason the gospel was preached 

even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged 

according to men in regard to the body, 

but live according to God in regard to the spirit.”

1 Peter 4:1-6

thĕlēma²³⁰⁷ – a determination (prop. the thing), i.e. (act.) choice (spec. purpose, decree; abstr. volition) or (pass.) inclination: - desire, pleasure , will.

            Jesus has given us power over whatever sin ensnares us. We have the ability to choose God’s will over evil or over less than best desires. We need to submit daily to the Father and turn from anything that would distract us from God’s path. Our first prayer in the morning should ask the Lord to lead us into activities that will be pleasing in his sight and further his kingdom.

           

Father, help me to take my own advice and submit to your guidance daily. Thank you for giving me power over sin through your indwelling Holy Spirit.

HOSPITALITY

1 Peter 4:9 (AMPC) Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ’s body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him).

Opening one’s home to fellow believers was a common practice at the time this was written, but Peter urges it to be done wholeheartedly, lovingly and not just because of custom. This was especially needed as believers were displaced because of persecution. Would we be ready to share our homes with brothers or sisters in similar circumstances? The time may come when this is again a necessity. 

MEDITATING MINSTREL

I will sing⁷⁸⁹¹ to the Lord all my life;

I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

May my meditation⁷⁸⁷⁹ be pleasing to him,

As I rejoice in the Lord.

But may sinners vanish from the earth

And the wicked be no more.

Praise the Lord, O my soul.

Praise the Lord.

Psalm 104:33-35 (NIV)

shîyr⁷⁸⁹¹ – [ident.with 7788 through the idea of strolling minstrelsy]: to sing (-er, -ing man, -ing woman).

sîyach⁷⁸⁷⁹ – a contemplation; by impl. An utterance: - babbling, communication, complaint, meditation, prayer, talk.