The Inkers Pen

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:6 NIV It happens to the best of us. What starts as a harmless conversation quickly spirals out of control. Before you know it, a tornado of unintended words gathers momentum and whirls into a freefall. Maybe it was a casual disagreement, maybe it started as fun banter, maybe emotions hit their limit, or perhaps life simply veered in the wrong direction. Regardless, something hit a nerve root and the verbal pitchfork triggered mayhem. Once angry words springboard off the tongue and through the lips, no amount of damage control can erase their harmful impact. None. When we allow the verbal pitchfork to take control, sadly, it can shred the most calloused heart and destroy the most vulnerable. However, with God’s guidance, we can manage the intensity of those fiery words. We need only take a deep breath, say a silent prayer, and listen with our whole heart and mind for God’s wisdom. The Holy Spirit within will calm the chaos and triumph over that menacing pitchfork. In the Bible (Matthew 26:69-75), Peter has his own issues containing his livid language. First off, he denies knowing Jesus, not once, not twice, but three times. Secondly, he even curses and swears while emphasizing his denial of our Lord. Whoa. The incident illustrates how Peter struggled with his words, especially under pressure or fear. However, after Jesus’ resurrection, Peter undergoes a transformation and becomes a prominent leader in the early Christian church and known for his preaching, teaching, and writings. Through Peter’s faithfulness to God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he learns to let his conversations be full of grace. Beloved, the Lord desires to … “Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6 NIV). Peter’s transformation illuminates the power of God’s grace in changing hearts and behaviors. The Almighty can do the same for us. Let’s strive to be better listeners during those stormy moments. Let’s reach out to the One who can calm the tornado and dull the pitchfork. Heavenly Father, I thank you for being my God, and as I reach out to You, I praise you for the Holy Spirit who lives within me and offers me wisdom to heed Your word. Lord, season my words with grace and bring understanding and enlightenment to those around me. You are in control of it all. May my words reflect Your love and guide others closer to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks Reflect on a recent conversation that spiraled unexpectedly. What triggered the escalation, and how did you respond in the heat of the moment? Consider a time when you’ve witnessed the impact of hurtful words, either from yourself or someone else. How did it affect the relationship or the atmosphere of the situation? Who did you turn to after the encounter?

“The Lord has made everything for His purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” Proverbs 16:4 NKJV In the tranquil recesses of your mind, where dark shadows dance with light, have you ever pondered the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, light and dark? It seems odd to mix the opposites, yet our God weaves every color of thread into life’s design. Even the darkest of the dark has a place at the table. Does the name Judas sound familiar? Dear friend, when the Light of the World handpicks His colors, He chooses them with unfaltering precision, and we know … “The Lord has made everything for His purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble” (Proverbs 16:4 NKJV). Now, as unsettling as that verse may sound, a quick look at the news is all it takes to witness the book of Revelation coming to life and God’s all-knowing colors in action. Therefore, in the same way a skilled artist uses a combination of vibrant and muted tones to create depth in their paintings, our infinite Father shapes the universe with a purpose that extends beyond our limited understanding. For instance, when Jesus walked out of the tomb, our God turned Jesus’ pitch-black brokenness into beauty. When it rained for forty days and forty nights, He transformed the cataclysmic chaos into purpose. Let’s not forget Joseph, whose brothers betrayed him, but the Deliverer turned Joseph’s dismal adversity into a tremendous blessing. Every life should reflect the glory of the One who weaves the colors of the spectrum into the intricate threads of our existence. We are an integral part of our Redeemer's divine plan. So, while God blends the brightest hues with the darkest shadows, we know that in the end, every color is used to fulfill His eternal purpose. Even Judas held a color within God's spectrum. Heavenly Father, I thank You for each color You weave into my life. When the shadows surround me, may You be my fortress. Bless me with the wisdom and clarity of discernment in order to see Your purpose in every color. I am so grateful I am Yours—a child of light. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks 1. Have you ever experienced moments where good and evil or light and dark seemed intertwined? How did this affect your understanding of God’s plan? 2. Reflecting on the examples of Jesus, Noah, and Joseph—how have you seen God turn brokenness into beauty, chaos into purpose, or adversity into blessings?

Jesus said to the father, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately, the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24 NKJV Have you ever found yourself in a perplexing state where you’re torn between belief and unbelief? You stand suspended on a tightrope between two worlds without a safety net. This happens when a situation seems to have no earthly solution. You search for answers but find nothing. You cling to hope, but despair looms large. For a moment, let’s reflect on the poignant exchange between Jesus and a father grappling to believe as he sought healing for his demon-possessed son. " Jesus said to the father, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. Immediately, the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:23-24 NKJV) Every parent can empathize with the anguish and desperation etched in this father’s heart. Believing in God’s ability to orchestrate miracles often feels a bit like anticipating the sight of a double rainbow, maybe a triple rainbow. We cling to the belief of witnessing the vibrant pastel hues of a twin bridge arcing across the sky after a fierce storm. Yet, deep down, our unbelief sometimes overshadows this anticipation and casts uncertainty on the likelihood of such a magnificent spectacle. Miracles happen, often when we least expect them, and present-day miracles are God’s specialty. He doesn’t require us to move mountains or part the Red Sea or build an ark. Although, that would be wonderful if we could, right? Instead, God desires us to cultivate genuine heartfelt belief, even if it’s as small as a mustard seed. Beloved, you can believe Jesus balances on that tightrope with you; he’s also your safety net. Heavenly Father. When circumstances go beyond human reasoning, bless me with those ancient words of “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” I praise you for the tightrope moments. I thank you for all the present-day miracles you have blessed me with, and I am ever so grateful to know and believe that no matter my circumstances, You are my safety net. In Jesus’ name. Amen . Spiritual Sparks: 1. Have you ever felt torn between belief and unbelief in your own life? 2. Have you ever experienced a miracle or unexpected moment of grace?

"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." Matthew 25:13 NKJV Last week, the word “eclipse” echoed throughout the world and captivated the attention of millions. It was as if the eclipse embodied a person, and had that been the case, its presence would have raked in billions and seized control of the stock market. In fact, it pulled in a sizable amount of money and left a tangible imprint on the dollar bill. The eclipse loomed large and in charge, prompting a flurry of activity. Schools closed, people called off work, and eclipse parties were prepared for fun. Stores capitalized on the event by selling eclipse-themed t-shirts and goodies, parking lots suddenly charged for eclipse parking, while hotels quickly filled with guests. I even spotted a digital road sign on a major route that flashed: Slow. Eclipse. Heavy traffic. Throughout the celebrated day, a friend and I texted back and forth. As our texting drew to an end, she texted this: “Would that the world would get prepared for something much more spectacular, THE RAPTURE!!!” My eyes locked on that sentence, and in the shadow of the eclipse, my phone emanated an undeniable truth. Someday the spectacular will happen. When? No one knows, but we need to be prepared. You see, unlike the eclipse, where scientists mapped out the sun and the moon's path of totality to the extreme second, no one knows the date or the time when our Lord will appear. No one. However, as believers we must prepare and "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming" (Matthew 25:13 NKJV). Dear friend, I understand the eclipse was a one-time thing. I really do. I watched it, and while witnessing God's power and handiwork of Him sliding the moon in front of the sun, it not only gave me goosebumps, but it clearly confirmed and declared His omnipotent and omnipresent authority over the earth. So, when Jesus decides to rapture his church, that, my friend, is a path of totality you won't want to miss. Beloved, listen closely, God's appearance will be a one-and- only-one-time thing. Let us all be prepared. Heavenly Father, May I forever remain aware and prepared for your triumphant return. Last week when You maneuvered the eclipse with Your omnipotent power, I pray others witnessed Your sovereignty. May this inspire them to draw closer to You and prepare for Your spectacular and glorious return. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks 1. Why do we eagerly await and prepare for events such as eclipses, but frequently neglect to prepare for life-altering events like the rapture? 2. How does the eclipse frenzy reflect our society in comparison to the concept of eternal life?

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22 NKJV For just a moment, imagine your concerns and worries are categorized into a colorful array of emojis and delivered to God’s inbox: DivineDelivery@God.com. Will He reply? Will He add a few heavenly emojis showcasing His sense of humor? Will He deliver a message stating for you to take a left at the next Y in your path. Despite it being 2024, God does not have or ever have an email or an inbox. Probably, a good thing. I mean, let’s be honest, pretty sure not a single soul would want to converse with God through email, right? The scriptures, in their good-natured way, encourage us to surrender our concerns to God. This assures us He will never simply dismiss our problems with a casual tap of the “delete” button. Instead, it allows you to “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22, NKJV). Love, love that verse. The reassurance of those words is like a powerful, comforting hug to the heart. Something an email couldn't do. In another verse, Jesus lets us know God will provide all our needs. For instance, in Matthew 6:31-32, Jesus says , “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat? or ‘What shall we drink?’ or What shall we wear?’ ” Beloved, our questions and concerns are not unanswered emails. They aren’t emojis ready to be chosen for a rollercoaster ride into the digital world. Beloved, God knows our needs intimately. He knows our heart. You see, sometimes our concerns are opportunities for the Divine to showcase His timing, offer His infinite wisdom, and wrap His unconditional love around all who trust and believe in Him. Our concerns add depth and meaning to the grand canvas of eternity. It also paints a picture of trust, surrender, and faith to our omniscient One. So, when the first drafts of worry and concern overwhelm your surroundings, “cast your burden” and allow God to “sustain you.” He never deletes but will expedite your burdens straight to the top and mark them with a divine seal of heavenly approval, and if He's feeling really giddy that day, He might attach an angelic emoji--just for fun. H eavenly Father, As I surrender my worries and concerns into Your hands, I thank You for a peace that surpasses all understanding. I am forever grateful I don’t have to wait for You to read my email. You already know my concerns, my worries, and Your scripture encourages me to cast all my burdens on You. For this reassurance, I am eternally thankful for your unwavering presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks 1. Considering the reassurance found in Psalm 55:22, how does this verse resonate with you, especially in times of concern or worry? 2. Just for some weird fun, if you were to email God, what would you write and what kind of emoji/s would you use?

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105 NKJV Have you ever felt as if you're stumbling in the shadows looking for a glimmer of hope? Well, fear not because the Bible shines brighter than a supernova. Even when our hope feels more like a flicker than flame, God’s brilliance never fades. You see, nothing can impede His righteousness or His glory. As the Psalmist writes, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105 KJV). God will shine a beacon of love and goodness over the ocean of our hearts, even in our darkest hour. Spiritual maturity or stability is not something God simply pours into our beings. As a child of light, we must believe in Him, in all that He is, in all that He can do. We are mere sinners saved by grace. So, when we allow God to work within our hearts and minds, it offers cooperation for His will in our life. Precious One, God wants to illuminate us with His godly wisdom. Pray for love, patience, and endurance beyond all understanding. Don't pray because you want something, or you think life owes you something. Instead, walk with our God on a path of righteousness. Even though we may stumble, He helps us regain our footing. He has promised to "…establish you, and keep you from evil" (2 Thess 3:3 KJV). And as disorder and wickedness run rampant, our God delivers hope to those in need. Hope is a divine force. Hope is our powerful God joining His hand with yours during life's darkest moments. God's power is the keeper of our souls, the guardian of our faith. He allows us to feel the intangible and see the invisible. He is our beacon of light, our lamp. Beloved, we never walk alone. Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your unwavering presence and guidance in my life. Help me lean on your strength and trust in your plan. When times seem dark, I praise You for illuminating my path and filling me with hope and love and faith. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks 1. According to the author, where does our strength and guidance come from during times of doubt? Do you agree? 2. How does the author characterize hope in relation to God's power?

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12 NIV Deep in every heart there is a longing for meaning, a quest for purpose. Love stands as the unbreakable thread that weaves us together. Jesus, in His profound simplicity, captures the essence of His teaching in these words: "Love each other as I have loved you" (John 15:12 NIV) Love is not a passing feeling, but a deliberate and sacrificial act. Jesus exemplified this beautiful emotion throughout every aspect of his life. You only need to look to the old wooden cross to see the selfless act, to find your purpose, your why in life. Nails never held Jesus to the wood—love did. You see, love has no boundaries. None. Love reaches out to the broken, finds the lost, warms the cold-hearted, and gives hope to the hopeless. Love sees beyond the flaws and embraces it all with endless compassion. When we look at Jesus's life, we see love in action: His healing touch, His comforting words, His forgiveness even in the face of betrayal. Jesus loved not because it was convenient, but because it was essential. As devoted followers of Christ, we are called to mirror His love. This is not a selective love that chooses whom we embrace, but a universal love that extends to all, regardless of race, creed, or circumstance. It is a love that seeks to uplift spirits, heal wounds, and restore hope. This kind of Jesus-love fills the air with a sweet fragrance of compassion and understanding. Yet, loving others as Christ loved us requires a transformation of the heart, a modification so significant it overflows with humility, gentleness, and patience. Let's make it our focus to prioritize the well-being of others by placing their needs far above our own—as Jesus did upon the cross. Beloved, in a world marked by division and strife, God's mandate remains unchanged: "Love each other as I have loved you." So, as Easter approaches and in the days that follow, may our hearts fully experience, receive, and embrace the nail-pierced love of the One who first loved us . Heavenly Father, Thank You for the nail-pierced hands. Allow my heart to overflow with a compassion and a love so powerful that it mirrors the nail-pierced love of Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord, for Your selfless grace and mercy. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks 1. How does the image of Jesus on the cross, held by love instead of nails, change our understanding of His love and sacrifice? 2. In what ways can mirroring Christ's love impact our interactions with others?

“Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:9 NKJV As the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden hue upon the earth, whispers of anticipation filled the air. It was Palm Sunday, the gateway to Holy Week, where the divine narrative underwent a dramatic twist. In the distance, a figure approaches, riding on a donkey with the humility of a servant. The crowd erupted into cheers. It was a beautiful blend of faith and hope, crafted with the threads of age-old prophecy. Yet amidst the jubilation, there lingered a sense of mystery, an awareness that something profound was unfolding. As the procession wound its way through the narrow streets … "the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9 NKJV) The crowd pressed closer, eager to catch a glimpse of the man they called Messiah. Our Lord of Lords. Here was a king unlike any other, whose kingdom was not of this world, but of hearts transformed by grace. His eyes were filled with compassion, and He met each gaze with a silent reassurance of love beyond all measure. But beneath the surface of jubilation, shadows lurked. Sadly, in the days to come, the same voices who triumphantly exclaimed, "Hosanna" would soon shout "Crucify him." This is the fickle nature of humanity. One moment they are oscillating within the euphoria of spiritual love and the next abandonment to the extreme. Beloved, on this Palm Sunday, let us bare our hearts before the One who rides into our lives, not on a warhorse, but on a donkey of peace. As we journey with our Lord through the triumph and the trial, may we know that in His story our own life finds its truest meaning. Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, teaching us humility and a love beyond all measure. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks 1. What significance does the humble mode of transportation, a donkey, hold in contrast to the expectations of earthly kingship? 2. Reflecting on the crowd's proclamation of "Hosanna" and the eventual cry of "Crucify him," what does this reveal about the fickleness of human nature?

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32 NIV Showing kindness and compassion toward others is like a warm ray of sunshine gently caressing hearts. However, forgiving someone for their wrongdoings requires an additional level of grace. We are called to treat others with the same grace that God shows us. Although, this can be a bit of a challenge, but with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome these difficulties and transform ourselves. We've all had encounters at the grocery store, right? Whether it's learning the ins-and-outs of the fickle self-checkout. Or, maybe it's dealing with, well, someone who's being a bit rude in the soup aisle. Here's the thing: I'm minding my own business, when suddenly my cart is rammed by another cart. Granted, the aisle resembles an interstate during 5 o'clock rush hour, and the driver of the other cart looks like she holds a doctorate from Grump Academy. So, instead of reacting by throwing my soup can at Demolition Derby Lady and shouting, "Catch," I take a breath and respond by sprinkling her with a touch of kindness. I offer a smile so bright it outshines the sun and transforms her stormy demeanor into a sunny day. Thank you, Jesus, for the power of kindness. Walmart radiated a few extra sunshine sparkles that day. Now, let's talk about forgiveness. We've all been in situations where someone has wronged us, whether it's a friend who forgot to meet you for coffee or a coworker who ate the chocolate chip cookie out of your lunch (seriously, it happens). Instead of harboring resentment like a collector of ancient grudges, why not toss that baggage aside and embrace forgiveness? Think of forgiveness as hitting the reset button on a relationship. It's like saying, "Hey, I'm wiping the slate clean. Let's start fresh!" It's not always easy, but it's incredibly freeing. Plus, it's a great workout for your spiritual metabolism. (I didn’t need the cookie anyway.) Beloved, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32 NIV). Let’s infuse sparkles of sunshine into our kindness and truly forgive others just as God forgave us. After all, life's too short to throw a soup can in aisle A9. But throwing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, now that's the kind of sunshine we all need. Heavenly Father, Amidst bustling aisles and collision-prone carts, grant us the grace to scatter kindness like sparkling sunshine. May our smiles eclipse the sourest of moods, and may forgiveness flow from one heart to another. Help me reflect Your love in this world. In Jesus' name. Amen. Spiritual Sparks 1. How do you typically respond to challenging encounters or conflicts in your daily life? 2. How might small acts of grace contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate environment?