Frank’s Reflections

When was the last time you complimented someone? What about going beyond a polite compliment in praising somebody for something? Praise may have several meanings to you, but the dictionary defines it as l warm approval for another person. What about God? Do you praise Him in more than one or two sentences? Specifically, do you praise our heavenly Father? What about Jesus? Do you forget the Holy Spirit? He’s God, too.

We are who we are by the grace of God. But we can do more and be more for Him if we start taking some extra time to praise the Lord. Matthew 6:9-13 is known as the Lord’s Prayer. Actually, these verses give us instructions for prayer.

The introductory words in the Lord’s prayer are words of praise. If you meditate on the words “Our Father in heaven,” you realize you are talking to God, the Father. Then, as you follow Jesus’ example, you will begin to praise Him for who He is and what He is doing for you as a believer. Lastly, you will praise the Holy Spirit for leading you in your time of personal worship.

According to Hebrews, effective praying will consist of praise, “the fruit of our lips,” (13:15 NKJV). Take the time to relate to our heavenly Father why you’re thankful. Be specific, don’t say, “I’m thankful for everything.” Each time I start my routine walk, I praise God for being able to walk, for my heart beating, for my lungs working, and for being able to see; be specific.

The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV).

Every day that you wake up, thank the Lord for another day to praise Him, then go out and say something for Jesus. That’s praise in action.

Springtime brings about a new season for growth. Leaves turn a radiant green, only to dull in a few weeks while growing into maturity. Seasons also belong to believers. The sprouting green of a new season in our lives demonstrates our new spiritual journey.

Like every tree, there are times of visible growth; the green leaves are obvious, but we fail to see the inner growth of its trunk. We even forget the spreading of its roots. They are the things that absorb the moisture from God’s green earth for growth.

Every year, a tree leaves invisible evidence of its growth. It’s called rings. Each year, a new ring expands and strengthens the trunk’s diameter. They were unseen to the eye. We only know them in the harvesting. That’s how we determine its age.

God’s children have some similarities. Age brings increased stature. People usually reach their maximum height in the 15-year range while their knowledge flourishes. Mental maturity, the unseen part, continues its growth pattern, but how to use it correctly may be lacking. Intelligence and its application are also part of a growth pattern.

The same principle applies to our spirituality. When redemption occurs, a new growth pattern begins in the believer, and this one has the potential for growth throughout the individual’s lifetime.

Spiritual growth doesn’t happen automatically as our bodies grow. God knows our initiative to know more about Him. That’s one of the reasons we attend our place of worship. We need to be around other believers. Still, there’s a deeper need for the individual, and it can only be satisfied by reading and studying the Bible, God’s Word. As we absorb its contents, a new layer of spiritual growth emerges.

The sharing of our knowledge of Jesus with others is the greatest evidence of our continuing spiritual growth.

Take the time to share what God has given you so that others may have the same inner peace that you have and grow spiritually for the Lord.

Curiosity will open your mind. Learning starts with the thought
“I want to know.” What you have heard, seen, or read may have struck your curiosity button.

What would you ask Jesus if you could? The disciples had their questions. They’re recorded in the Gospels. This book brings them to the forefront and gives some thoughts regarding each. You too can gain insights from these questions. Maybe you have some of the same questions. See if you would agree with the enclosed thoughts. They Had to Ask presents the disciples’ questions as they appear in each of the Gospels. Consequently, they are not in chronological order.

Some of the questions that the disciples asked are hard questions. Theologians have argued over their meaning. There are a few of them I did not want to write about, but I did. You should know before I wrote my thoughts regarding these questions, I prayed. I asked for the Lord’s guidance for each writing. And I prayed again through each editing stage.

To the best of my ability, I wrote what I believe the Lord wanted me to write. These thoughts are NOT divine inspiration on the order of the Bible. But with the Lord guiding my hand, I wrote what is written. If I did so wrongfully, I shall answer for it. I’m only human, just like you. What I wrote is what I wrote. I believe in His leadership.

As you read these pages, I would ask you to pray before each reading. May the Lord guide you ever so gently in learning and doing His will.

You may consider using this companion text with your daily devotions if you’re reading through the Gospels. Just an interesting side point: The disciples asked about half the number of questions that Jesus asked them.

May the Lord bless you as you grow and develop for Him.

What if your toughest questions are the doorway to deeper faith?

The disciples didn’t have it all figured out. They questioned Jesus about parables they didn’t understand, asked how many times to forgive, and even wondered if He cared when storms threatened to drown them. Their curiosity wasn’t a weakness-it was the catalyst for transformation.

They Had to Ask brings you into the intimate conversations between Jesus and His followers, revealing how their honest questions shaped them into world-changers. Through their inquiries, you’ll discover:

• Why spiritual growth can’t be rushed
• How to embrace the “one step at a time” journey
• The revolutionary math of forgiveness that frees you from scorekeeping
• How seemingly small acts of service matter more in God’s kingdom than public recognition
• What to do when life’s storms rage and God seems silent

Written in everyday language by retired pastor Frank, this book transforms ancient encounters into practical wisdom for modern life. Each chapter illuminates how the disciples’ God-given curiosity opened doors to revelation-and how yours can do the same.

You don’t need perfect faith to approach God. You just need to start with three simple words: I want to know.

As you read, you’ll find permission to ask the hard questions, freedom to admit what you don’t understand, and confidence that curiosity is not the enemy of faith-it’s the engine.

Your spiritual walk is about to be transformed.

They Had To Ask is available at most online retailers.

Your world has crumbled. Three years of your effort suddenly vanished. How would you react? Take a break, regroup, or remain faithful and trust God?

Let your mind drift back 2,000 years, then consider the disciples’ mindset after the crucifixion. The Bible doesn’t describe a detailed sequence of events. 

Peter and six others (John 21:2) decided to go fishing. Not the kind that you and I think about with the rod and reel, but in their commercial boat with nets. Why, you might ask? That’s their vocation before discipleship (Matthew 4:18-22). It is their family business. 

Many disappointed individuals return to their old profession if they can. Starting over and finding meaningful employment has its challenges.

When serving the Lord, things do not always go as smoothly as you would hope. God asks for faithfulness without the guarantee of clear sailing. That’s where the difficulties come in. We expect our service to be pain-free. Jesus didn’t have that journey, and neither did His disciples. History shows their service was anything but smooth.

The apostle Paul went so far as to describe his mishaps. He endured whippings, beatings, stonings, and shipwrecks. Even with those events, he didn’t quit and was imprisoned (2 Corinthians 11:25).

The moral of the above is that we can use any excuse to quit on God. But as long as we can speak, we can encourage someone to trust Jesus for their eternity. Our lives aren’t perfect and never will be this side of heaven. Yet we can be faithful even in the toughest of times and places. So, when your world is crumbling and you’re disappointed, take the time to seek God’s leadership, for great will be your reward.

Jesus knew He had less than 24 hours to live. What would you do if you knew the same scenario? The next few lines will trace some of Jesus reactions.

It was the Passover meal. We call it the Lord’s Supper. Jesus demonstrated humility first by washing the disciples’ feet, despite Peter’s objection (John 13:8).

As the Twelve sat around the table, the Messiah declared that one of them would deny Him. This warning went unheeded. Judas departed to do his mission, after partaking of the bread at (John 13:30). The remaining eleven heard the Lord give a new commandment: that they should love one another. That same announcement applies to every believer today, regardless of our differences.

Sadly, Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him before dawn. Peter didn’t believe that would ever happen, but it did. This event exposed the truth that all of us are guilty, at some time, of denying (keeping quiet) that we know the Lord.

These words of warning are to remind every believer that the attacks of doubt and the devil are real. We are, however, indwelled, led, and comforted by the Holy Spirit’s presence. Then Jesus gives the Disciples reassurance, “Because I live, you will live to” (John 14:19 CSB). Holy scripture assures every child of God that they will live forever.

Jesus words of eternity don’t guarantee the same benefits here and now. Believers here will have trouble and sorrow in their lives. However, our Lord will still be with us in those times, promising peace and quietness in our hearts that we don’t understand as we look at Him.

At the Lord’s crucifixion, sorrowful hearts were watching. His burial place brought more sorrow, but the morning of the resurrection became a day of rejoicing. He is not here; He is risen (Matthew 28:6; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:6).

Easter morning is a happy time for Christians. Our Savior is not in a grave; He is in heaven, waiting to welcome every believer.

I never knew my paternal grandfather; he died before I was born. Years later, at my father’s older sister’s burial, I read my grandfather’s tombstone. “I know my Redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25).

My maternal grandparents took me to church for years, watching as spiritual seeds grew within my heart. After my wife and I were married, my grandmother invited us to a revival service. That was the night we both accepted Jesus as our Savior.

My wife’s grandfather was a pastor. I even have some of his library. God has a way of continuing a spiritual legacy. I wonder what my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will think of my wife and me years from now? Will they see a scarlet thread of spiritual connection? Will they see the hand of God moving in their lives? God has a way of answering prayers for our loved ones, even after we’re walking on the streets of gold. I believe that with all my heart!

A moment of remembrance can do your soul good, savoring those moments when you see God’s hand protecting and providing for you. Times when you don’t have a clue what’s going on, but somehow God provides. There may be nights you cry out for help, and the Lord helps you. Then you wonder, “How am I going to get through this situation?” Yet you do. Maybe you wonder whether you are the recipient of a grandparent’s or a parent’s prayers. 

Consider the thought that you are where you are because God is answering someone’s prayer for you. If that realization crosses your mind, then pray it forward for some of your loved ones. Those you will never see grow into maturity.

If you believe God answers prayer, then you will believe He answers your earthly prayers even when you are in heaven. You may want to confirm your thoughts by reading the following scriptures: Mark 11:24, Matthew 21:22, and Hebrews 11:6. But remember one thing: God cannot lie, He fulfills His promises, and He answers prayer.

In earlier times, people would finalize an agreement with a simple handshake. A handshake was a symbol of mutual understanding and was often considered a formal contract. Not so today. Lawyers spend hours trying to make it an irrevocable contract.

Everyone’s reputation is shaped by integrity, public pressures, and peer influence. Hypocrisy and lying are the rules of the day. Honesty in a person’s word is rare in our population. 

Honesty is a premium, but like gasoline, it comes with a higher cost. You may have fewer friends, experience rejection, or see your career advancement suffer. Society may shun you, but trusting in God’s promises and His support can help you stand firm in your commitment to truth.

God honors those who practice honesty. When you choose truth, you align with His values and can feel reassured that He sees your efforts. Honesty is the foundation of integrity. The book of Psalms states plainly, “May integrity and what is right watch over me for I wait for you (Lord)” (25:21 CSB).

Heavenly rewards await those who are honest. The psalmist wrote, “Who may ascend to the mountain of God?… The one who has clean hands and a pure heart” (24:3 & 4 CSB).

Though misunderstood and disrespected by peers and society, trusting in God’s support through the Holy Spirit empowers you to stand firm. When you feel weak or afraid to uphold Bible principles, remember that the Holy Spirit will strengthen you. He will always enable you to stand for honesty, so Christ is honored in and through you.

Let truthfulness shine in your darkest moments, such as when facing peer pressure or temptation, so that your hands and heart may sparkle.

You can’t outrun someone’s prayers. You can try, but it won’t work. You think you can ignore them, but ultimately their prayers will catch up with you. God is working in your life even though you don’t sense His presence. Prayers are working, putting you in a strenuous situation. When the ultimate squeeze comes, you will look up and ask for God’s help. That’s the power of someone’s prayer.

Strange as it may seem, there is an individual or group of individuals praying for you. You may not know them. They may be a coworker of one of your family members or a distant neighbor. They could be a church member or someone in your past. Somehow, God places your name and circumstances before them, but the Holy Spirit is leading them to pray for you. Maybe it’s for your salvation, return to the House of God, or your surrender to do right. Whatever God sees in your life that needs improving, someone is a messenger for you.

The reason our Lord does this is for your good. God has a special place in His heart for you. He wants the best for you, and so does someone else. That’s the reason they’re praying for you. None of us understands how prayers and individuals connect, but they do. Only in heaven will we see the connection that started 2,000 years ago. When the Lord prayed for His disciples, He also prayed for those they won to Christ (John 17:20). That includes those who win others, and the others are connected through their spiritual ancestry to reach you. That togetherness is an unbreakable chain forged in the hands of God for you to complete His plans.

Back to the opening sentence. You can’t outrun prayers. Jonah tried to run from God’s plan for the city of Nineveh. It didn’t work. Heaven will reveal that someone was concerned about Nineveh’s spirituality. Their prayers prevailed, and that city experienced a great turning to God.

Someone is praying for you. Someone is asking God to work in your life. The sooner you listen and turn to do the Lord’s wishes, the better you will be! Be wise. Say yes to God.

Life is busy. So busy that we need a moment to catch our breath. But do we? We admit that sometimes we keep going, pushing ourselves to accomplish whatever is before us. Some of us stay on that track without wavering and always go as fast as we can to accomplish our goal.

Be still is a timely instruction from the Lord. Stillness is often the time that the Lord speaks to our hearts. Yet we hurry along, thinking that we can accomplish more for Him. That thinking can hinder the Lord from working through us, which is what He wants to do.

The Lord works best when we trust Him and realize that our efforts are accomplishing our intentions. The place of frustration is lonely. Our loneliness results from the absence of divine leadership.

I think of Elijah running from Jezebel. Elijah forgot how he called down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice before an ungodly crowd. But when Jezebel threatened him, he ran. Later, miles from where God had used him, our Lord found him hiding in a cave. God chooses to use us when we look to Him for guidance.

Companionship demands closeness. Closeness requires surrender. Togetherness happens with mutual communication. God is always available. The lack of closeness is always our problem. We choose occasional communication rather than close communication. In that decision-making process, we choose not to put God first in our lives.

Stillness still works. It’s only by slowing down that you and I allow our Savior to work in our hearts. For some reason, we put Jesus on the back burner in our lives, only to realize we’re selfish. It takes time to build trust, listen to instructions, and to gain encouragement in our life journey. When we find life is busy, slow down and listen to our Lord.