Frank’s Reflections

Peter failed many times. You may ask, Why? That’s the only way he could learn.

Failure helps you to realize you don’t know it all. Someone else may discover your future before you do. You may even keep resisting doing what God intended for you to do.

Peter almost decapitated Malchus, the servant of the High Priest in the Garden of Gethsemane. He missed and just sliced his ear off. Jesus said, “Put your sword up.” Then Jesus picked up the man’s severed ear and reattached it. Many people observed the miracle of reattachment. Notice that the observing soldiers did nothing—no arrests for the attempted murder.

Later, when Peter witnessed the trials of the Lord, he realized he had denied knowing Jesus three times. When the rooster crowed in the morning, the eyes of the Lord met Peter’s eyes. Peter realized what he said and went where he could privately ask for forgiveness (Luke 22:62).

Peter and six other disciples went fishing after the Lord’s crucifixion and resurrection. They fished all night without a nibble. At daybreak, the disciples saw the Lord standing on the shore. He said, “Move your net to the right side of the boat.” Then, 153 fish swam into their net.

Spiritual success happens when you obey the Lord, not before. When the day of Pentecost came—there was a prerequisite—prayer.

Timing is everything in the Lord’s work. Nothing miraculous happens without His blessings. Think about the previous sentence and reflect on it. You will see the hand of God moving in your life, waiting for you to arrive at the place where you’re willing for God to use you.

Then it happens. All the preliminaries were the times of God’s patience. Waiting for you to submit. Finally, things begin to change when you allow God to control your life. Do your part and let God do His; all will be well for eternity.

Last winter, I decided to keep track of my walks. So, I set my goal. It’s an ambitious one for me, 500 miles in a year. That’s a long way. It takes me more than a tank of gas to drive that distance. What would the distance do to my shoes? Would they last, or should I buy new ones?

As a math person, let’s break the mileage into doable parts. Somehow, 2 miles per day seemed like the trick. Next, I measured the mileage around the neighborhood. The plan seems entirely plausible, at least in my thinking. If I walked 250 times a year, I could do it. Two miles a day for 250 days. The math says 500 miles. The goal was to do 21 monthly walks.

January was cold. Temperatures were below 20° in the morning. It’s too frigid for me. I missed my goal by walking for only 18 days. February didn’t fare much better weather, and appointments conflicted with my schedule. I was really behind my schedule. March and April were cooperating, and I began to make up lost ground. May and June were kind. Finally, I was on schedule. I made the 250-mile mark, and I’m halfway there. July was good. August wasn’t too hot in the mornings. I had to hustle in September. Rainy mornings were disruptive.

Only 100 miles to go, and I still have 3 months. Things are looking good. But I don’t know if the weather, schedule, and health will cooperate.

If your legs work, the lungs expand, and heart beats, you, too, can set a goal of 500 miles. The pace isn’t important, but determination is required. There’ll be good days, and then there will be bad days where it’s an effort to put on your shoes and open the door. You’ll have to push yourself.

October was good, and I got ahead of schedule. Then came November, the goal’s insight. I got to double up some and completed my goal two days early.

I just coasted in December. It felt good. Real good. I would have patted myself on the back, BUT I couldn’t reach it. But I did congratulate myself. I did it!

What’s your goal for this year? If I remember, I’ll ask you in 2026.

Making plans is what we do—always planning. Whether it’s for pleasure or income. Sometimes, we consult others; other times, no one else is involved. Whenever we go or whatever we do, it’s always best to include God. Better yet, let God direct you rather than consulting Him about your plans. 

Listed below are verses to meditate on before you activate your plan. 

We are to “go and learn” (Matthew 9:13). To truly desire to know more about God, we must put forth an effort in going to the Bible. By doing so, everyone learns.

Learning is “work” (Matthew 21:28). One of my earliest learning experiences was tracing the references in the center column of my Bible. Many of the day’s versions don’t include these. Some of the new Bibles include copious notes of background and information. The ESP, CEV, NLT, and NCV the devotional Bible are examples.

The third verse used is Matthew 28:7. This verse encourages us to “go and tell.” Don’t be afraid to share what you know about Jesus and tell what He does for and through you. A Bible scholar you may never be, but you can share your experiences. You’re inspirational and life-changing to your listeners.

Whether you realize it or not, every time you share scripture, even your paraphrase edition, you are making learners of scripture. By doing so, you’re fulfilling scripture (Matthew 28:19), which makes you a proclaimer of God’s Word. Did you realize that?

Not only are we to “go but also do” (Luke 10:37), we are also to show encouragement to those around us. In sharing God’s words, be realistic. If you’re going to mope and be discouraging, do so privately. Even in tough times, there’s a lesson for you and others.

My last thought is in John 8:11. “Go and quit sinning.” As a new creation in Christ, we are to leave our sinful ways behind. That’s impossible for some of your habits, but you can make headway in doing so. Just because you fail in certain areas doesn’t mean you quit on Jesus. You can ask for forgiveness and keep on going. Remember one thing: quitting on God is not in the Bible.

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God, the Father, waited patiently for centuries for Joseph and Mary. Our heavenly Father knew before the creation of Adam and Eve who would raise Jesus properly for His mission. No couple would choose a barn as the birthplace of the Son of God, but God did.

Our Father always chooses the best time to do His will. The circumstances may not be ideal in man’s eyes. The timing may seem inappropriate, as well as the people He chooses. However, our heavenly Father knows how, who, and when is best for all involved. That’s the reason why you are reading this. God has a mission for you. You may not think so, but you’re here. Now is God’s time for you to fulfill His desire.

Joseph pondered the situation with Mary, and the heavenly Father confirmed Joseph’s mission (Matthew 1:20-24). Joseph and Mary fulfilled their mission, and our world is different as a result. When you realize your mission, your circumstances and those around you may change.

One thing is for sure: God’s leading is never wrong! The occasion may seem crazy to you. God chose the time, place, and you to come together for His glory.

Joseph and Mary obeyed. The Savior was born. Jesus changed the world and your life. Christmas happened. God is in control!

As we look at the birth of Christ, take a moment, maybe several minutes, and reflect on how God appointed the right time. Now is your time here on this earth, not a hundred years ago and not a hundred in the future. The lives that touch your life for the Lord were not here decades ago. The resources enhancing your life were unavailable in a previous time. The medication you take was only available recently. The mode of transportation that you use to make your life easier and faster wasn’t here either. Your access to the gospel may not have happened. Twenty years ago, the person who shared the Word of God couldn’t cross your path. The job you do wasn’t around back in the day. The books you read didn’t exist either.

God has you here and now for a particular reason. Your timing is now—it’s the right time for events in your life. Look around, take a good look, take a long look. Can you see why you are here now? Maybe you can, perhaps you can’t. Rest assured: God makes no mistakes. This is your time; the events in your life are no surprise to the Almighty.

Mordecai said it best to Esther thousands of years ago. “Yet who knows whether you have come to the Kingdom… for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:34 NKJV). God has a way of arranging our existence, place, and timing for all things to work out for His good and many times for our good. We’re just a piece of life’s puzzle.

The problem is that we aren’t in agreement with God. Consequently, we wander through life trying to figure out what’s missing. When we allow God to direct our lives, everything works out for His glory.

The calendar says it’s fall, but the temperature says winter. It’s cold outside.

“About the times and the seasons: Brothers and sisters, you do not need anything to be written to you” (1 Thessalonians 5:1 CSB). We’re living in a time when God is not first in the lives of many. All you need to do is just look around. One sign I noticed every Sunday morning—very little traffic. I can drive to church in less than 15 minutes and that includes five stop lights. Monday morning, I may not get past the first stoplight in that amount of time.

During my time with the Lord today, He reminded me of a portion of scripture, “The times and the seasons.” Most people are concerned about giving, that is, giving to others. My question to myself refers to me and me only. What am I doing for God? I could ask you the same question, but that’s your business. 

I know what I do for the Lord, but is it enough? Do my actions please my Savior? It seems much of my time is about writing things relating to Jesus. I expressed this thought to a friend. He reminded me that my writing is reaching people that I will never meet or see. But still, to whom am I speaking? That’s the thought that burns in my mind.

Now that I’ve shared my personal life and vented, what am I going to do? The answer will be evident in the future. But this I do know: yesterday is past, and today will be the same. I better plan for a more productive tomorrow in my service for the King of kings.

I hope my reflections will somehow stimulate you to do what only you can do for Christ.

Maybe we’ll do more sharing for Jesus’ sake.

How long is too long? I don’t like waiting; I prefer to do it now!

Patience is a virtue, but only some are willing to wait. Ask a child if they would like a gift about a week before Christmas. They say today is better than later.

As God’s children, we may sometimes exhibit childish impatience. If we aren’t careful, our prayer time can become a demanding session. It should include waiting on the Lord’s schedule. Remember, His timing is always perfect. Early may not be right, and lateness doesn’t work either.

Palms 130:6 puts life in perspective. “I wait for the Lord” (CEV). Calmness in faith is better; the apostle Paul says, “I know both how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot” (Philippians 4:12 CEV).

Experience and reliance upon the Lord of all things is a great way to live. That way, I’ll be happy with what I have. I’m glad I don’t have some of the things. “Things” can potentially distract my life from the Creator’s plans.

Abraham is an excellent example of waiting on God. “After waiting patiently, Abraham attained the promise” (Hebrews 6:15 CEV). Don’t forget, this dear saint tried to help God by fathering Ishmael, a thorn to Israel.

Thanksgiving is another opportunity to reflect on God’s goodness. It’s a time to pause, appreciate, and express our gratitude for His provisions for you and those you love. Would you take a moment to do this?

Words flow through our minds and out of our mouths before we realize their power. Are they the words of the Spirit of God or just our thoughts?

“A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings” (Proverbs 25:11 CSB) is the admonishment of scripture. Choosing words wisely is not just a skill. It’s a responsibility. Pouring out fleshly words may not be the better choice.

Words have the power to heal or harm, and the choice rests within the heart of the speaker. Choose your vocabulary wisely. Isaiah knew the source of his speech. “The LORD God gives me the right words to encourage the weary” (50:4 CEV). Our God is our best source for resourceful words in every situation.

Knowing how and when to speak lies in our reliance upon the Lord. Are we willing to spend time with Him? Reading the Bible strengthens our spiritual foundation while seeking His guidance through our meditation. Meditation, in this context, is not about emptying our minds but filling them with God’s Word and listening for His voice. Prayer prepares us for the events of the approaching day and our situations. We don’t know what each day holds, but we know the One who does.

Starting your day with God is your guarantee that whatever is before you will be better when you ask for His guidance and depend upon Him.

Imagine what it will be like when you enter eternity. Angels will be waiting for you to take your last breath. The believer has a one-way ticket to heaven. The angels are not your escort because they carry you to heaven (Luke 16:22). Inside the pearly gates, the streets are pure gold and brightly gleaming, capturing your attention momentarily. You see everything is pure; maybe it’s then that you recognize you’re in your glorified body.   

The reception will be glorious. The throne room of God is, as always, magnificent. God the Father and Jesus are there. I don’t know if we are allowed to hug our Savior after we bow before Him, but I hope we’re permitted to do so.   

Imagine the thrill of meeting our loved ones and the saints we have read about in our Bibles. Picture asking Noah about his reaction to the first raindrops on the ark. Or conversing with the unnamed Israelites about their thoughts as they walked through the Red Sea. Then, listen to those who crossed the Jordan River on dry ground and hear the excitement in their voices as they describe their shout and seeing the walls of Jericho falling. Or hearing the angel’s excitement as he recounts his conversation with Mary, telling her she would be the birth mother of Jesus. We would love to hear Peter talk about speaking on the day of Pentecost and witnessing 3,000 people come to Christ.   

Just think about meeting saints from centuries past and hearing how God used them. You could reciprocate by telling how the Lord used you to reach your loved ones with the Lord’s marvelous story. Heaven is going to be great because of Jesus.   

After all the greetings are over, we will have the incredible privilege of worshiping Jesus for eternity. We can see Jesus and serve Him like never before. What an honor this will be for us.   

Serving Him here will prepare each believer to serve Him better there.