Spiritual Reflections: Hope, God's Greatest Gift

By William Crossley

Spiritual Reflections: Hope, God’s Greatest Gift is a collection of positive spiritual reflections. Each reflection is Christian faith-based and centered upon positive Bible verse(s).

By reading Spiritual Reflections: Hope, God’s Greatest Gift, you will discover that it provides a variety of practical and uplifting Christian topics for your reading pleasure. You will discover and enjoy how each spiritual reflection is reader-friendly, concise, thought-provoking, educational, and beneficial in your faith journey.

Those who have already read my spiritual reflections found that they offer encouragement, hope, and support in helping maintain a positive daily outlook. Some offered feedback on how the daily reflections have increased their biblical understanding. Others shared how their faith in and love for Jesus has been restored.

Spiritual Reflections: Hope, God’s Greatest Gift will provide you with the same positive insight that have equipped others to enjoy a refreshingly brighter day.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781638446064

Book preview

Are Christians Supposed to Judge?

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you… You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

—Matthew 7:1–2, 5 (NIV)

Are Christians supposed to pass judgment upon others? Let us consider this misunderstood doctrine of judging. For those who advocate judging is sinful, they use Matthew 7:1 to support their belief. As Christians we must unequivocally understand, that criticizing others is wrong. But we should never avoid approaching a sinner with a spirit of love, encouraging them to seek God’s forgiveness (James 5:19–20). My friends, there are biblical standards relative to a proper approach when confronting an errant wanderer. For your consideration, here are six biblical ways we should implement when approaching a wanderer:

Judge correctly. Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly (John 7:24). Make sure you never judge behaviors that are based on your opinions.

Judge rightly. Make sure you are not doing the same iniquities you are accusing others of committing (Romans 2:1–4).

Judge righteously. Judge their actions and not their motives. Only God knows the intentions of the heart (1 Corinthians 4:5).

Judge soundly. Approach only when spiritual matters are being compromised. Judge only those behaviors the Bible specifically states are wrong (Romans 14).

Judge humbly. Approach without an attitude of arrogance. Approach in a spirit of gentleness (Galatians 6:1).

Judge lovingly. Don’t condemn, don’t criticize. Approach with love and encourage change (1 Peter 4:8).

My friends, it’s imperative we perform a self-examination prior to contacting someone who has strayed. Make sure your life is being lived blamelessly before God. Approach them graciously with a heartfelt love and a gentle spirit of forgiveness. Always remember that when you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself.

Biblical Application

But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

—James 1:25

The Christian life is much more than salvation. It includes our recovery, our discipleship, and/or our sanctification. Apostle Peter wrote in his second epistle:

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 NIV)

A crucial element when establishing our spiritual foundation for positive, qualitative spiritual growth is to routinely apply biblical absolutes. In John 17:17, Jesus, while praying for His disciples, stated that their sanctification stems from abiding in the divine Word of God. Consider His words:

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17)

My friends, it’s imperative that we apply biblical absolutes when encountering spiritual warfare, spiritual trials, or making a life-altering decision. Therefore, my challenge is to never stand upon God’s Word, but apply God’s Word during both good and bad life experiences. Looking intently into and applying His truth will produce divine blessings, spiritual prosperity, and growth in our disciplined walk with Jesus, the Holy Son of God.

Difference between Walking in Darkness and Light

For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light].

—Ephesians 5:8 (AMPC)

When we give our life to Jesus, He gives us the light of life. What does today’s scripture passage mean? What is the difference between darkness and light?

Darkness represents the old character defects that once controlled our life. For instance, here’s a brief list of our negative behaviors:

an old wrathful spirit

an old resentful spirit

an old lustful spirit

an old vengeful spirit

Light represents our new life with positive character behaviors. For instance, here’s a brief list of positive behaviors:

a new peaceful spirit

a new loving spirit

a new hopeful spirit

a new forgiving spirits

My friends, coming into a personal relationship with Jesus maximizes our ability to be the person we strive to be. Our strength to live our new life comes from waiting on Jesus, who lifts us up on wings like eagles. Refrain from walking in darkness by walking alongside the light of life.

Fear Has No Value

Moses told the people, Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today you shall never see again.

—Exodus 14:13 (AMPC)

Fear is one of life’s many opponents. It deflates your self-esteem and ultimately defeats your life. Fear has no decency and is no respecter of persons.

Its fruits are the antithesis to the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit offers peace; fear produces anxiety.

The Holy Spirit offers joy; fear produces depression.

The Holy Spirit offers kindness; fear produces selfishness.

The Holy Spirit offers gentleness; fear produces restlessness.

The Holy Spirit offers goodness; fear produces cruelty.

The Holy Spirit offers faithfulness; fear produces unfaithfulness.

The Holy Spirit offers self-control; fear produces chaos.

The Holy Spirit offers love; fear produces hate.

My friends, overcoming what frightens you the most strengthens you. Therefore, shine the light of Jesus upon your fears and win the battle against the negative opponent who has been defeating you.

God Removes Our What-Ifs

Moses answered, What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The lord did not appear to you’? Then the lord said to him, What is that in your hand? A staff, he replied. The lord said, Throw it on the ground. Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.

—Exodus 4:1–3

Moses’s vexation was triggered by the Israelites’ cynicism. Their disbelief of his anointing produced anxiety, leading to defeatism within the spirit of Moses. He approached God scared, responding honestly to God using two distinct words, what if. Notice