Month: February 2025

TODAY’S WORD: Finding Forgiveness and Deliverance in Psalm 25

HIGH FIVE!

Psalm 25 is a heartfelt prayer by David, expressing his trust in God and seeking guidance, forgiveness, and deliverance. Here are some of the key themes and significance of this psalm:

  1. Trust in God: David begins the psalm by declaring his trust in the Lord. This theme of trust runs throughout the psalm, showing David’s reliance on God’s faithfulness and goodness.
  2. Seeking Guidance: David repeatedly asks God to show him the right path and to teach him His ways. This reflects a desire for divine guidance and wisdom in making decisions.
  3. Confession and Forgiveness: David acknowledges his sins and asks for God’s forgiveness. This theme of repentance highlights the importance of seeking God’s mercy and grace.
  4. God’s Covenant Love: The psalm emphasizes God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. David relies on God’s covenant promises and believes that God will remember His love and mercy.
  5. Deliverance from Enemies: David asks for protection and deliverance from his enemies. He trusts that God will rescue him from those who seek to harm him.
  6. Waiting on the Lord: The theme of waiting on the Lord is present throughout the psalm. David expresses patience and hope, believing that God will ultimately act on his behalf.

Key Verses:

  • Psalm 25:4-5: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
  • Psalm 25:7: “Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.”
  • Psalm 25:14: “The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.”

In summary, Psalm 25 is a prayer that encompasses themes of trust, guidance, repentance, God’s covenant love, deliverance, and waiting on the Lord. It serves as a model for believers seeking a deeper relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of reliance on His guidance and mercy.

SHE IS A SPECIAL WOMAN.

TODAY’S WORD: Matthew 6:1-21: Storing Eternal Treasures: Insights from Jesus

HIGH FIVE!

The passage of Matthew 6:1-21, a part of the Sermon on the Mount, highlights key teachings from Jesus about how to live a righteous life that is pleasing to God. Here are some of its main themes:

  1. Sincerity in Righteous Acts: Jesus emphasizes the importance of performing acts of righteousness—such as giving to the needy, praying, and fasting—sincerely and not for public recognition. The intention behind the act should be to honor God, not to gain praise from others.
  2. Personal Prayer: Jesus instructs on how to pray privately and meaningfully, introducing what is now known as the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer serves as a model, focusing on God’s holiness, the coming of His kingdom, our daily needs, forgiveness, and guidance away from temptation.
  3. Eternal Treasures: Jesus advises against accumulating earthly treasures that can be destroyed or stolen. Instead, He encourages storing up treasures in heaven, emphasizing spiritual wealth that endures forever.

This passage invites reflection on the motivations behind our actions and reminds us to focus on our relationship with God rather than seeking external validation.

THANK YOU FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL SUNNY DAY!

3 in a row… (picture is when I had a goatee)

The Profound Hope of Job 19:23-27

HIGH FIVE!

Job 19:23-27 is a profound and significant passage in the Book of Job. It is often regarded as one of the most poignant expressions of faith and hope in the face of suffering. Here are some key themes and significance:

  1. Longing for Vindication: Job expresses a deep desire for his words to be recorded and remembered. He wants his suffering and his plea for justice to be preserved for future generations, indicating his hope for vindication.
  2. Faith in a Redeemer: In the midst of his suffering, Job proclaims his belief in a living Redeemer. This is a powerful declaration of faith, as Job trusts that his Redeemer will ultimately stand upon the earth and advocate for him.
  3. Hope of Resurrection: Job expresses hope in a future resurrection. He believes that even after his body has decayed, he will see God with his own eyes. This indicates a belief in life beyond death and a hope for ultimate restoration and vindication.
  4. Personal Encounter with God: Job’s declaration of seeing God with his own eyes highlights the intimate and personal nature of his faith. He longs for a direct and personal encounter with God, despite his current suffering.

Key Verses:

  • Job 19:25: “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.”
  • Job 19:26-27: “And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”

In summary, Job 19:23-27 is a powerful expression of faith, hope, and longing for justice in the midst of immense suffering. It reflects Job’s unwavering belief in a Redeemer, his hope in a future resurrection, and his desire for a personal encounter with God. This passage serves as an inspiration for many believers who find themselves in difficult circumstances, reminding them of the importance of faith and hope.

MISSING CHURCH TODAY… (let’s go2 work)

Integrity and Confidence in 2 Corinthians

HIGH FIVE!

2 Corinthians 1:12-19 is a passage in which the Apostle Paul addresses the church in Corinth. It highlights several important themes and principles:

  1. Integrity and Sincerity: Paul emphasizes his and his companions’ integrity and sincerity in their conduct. He reassures the Corinthians that their behavior has been guided by God’s grace and not by worldly wisdom. This underscores the importance of living a life that reflects genuine Christian values.
  2. Confidence in God’s Plans: Paul speaks of his confidence in God’s faithfulness. He wants the Corinthians to trust that their plans, although subject to change, are always aligned with God’s will. This teaches believers to rely on God’s guidance and timing rather than their own understanding.
  3. Clear Conscience: Paul expresses that he has a clear conscience regarding his interactions with the Corinthians. This reflects the value of maintaining transparency and honesty in relationships, especially within the Christian community.
  4. Communication of Truth: Paul assures the Corinthians that he and his companions have always communicated the truth. He wants to build trust and strengthen their relationship through open and honest communication.
  5. God’s Promises: Paul emphasizes the reliability of God’s promises. He wants the Corinthians to understand that God’s word is steadfast and trustworthy, providing a solid foundation for their faith.

Key Verses:

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12: “For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.”
  • 2 Corinthians 1:19: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes.”

In summary, this passage underscores the importance of integrity, reliance on God’s plans, clear conscience, truthful communication, and the reliability of God’s promises. It’s a powerful reminder for believers to live authentically and trust in God’s unwavering faithfulness.

WHY DO WE HAVE TO TALK ABOUT LOANS??? I want to know more about her personally… I really don’t care about that money… (WE GET ALONG SO WELL WHEN WE DO NOT TALK ABOUT MONEY)

CONY and YBIT rock! (let’s go2 work)

TODAY’S WORD: The Significance of Psalm 110 in Christian Theology

HIGH FIVE!

Psalm 110 is a powerful and significant chapter in the Book of Psalms, often seen as a Messianic psalm. Here are some of its key themes and significance:

  1. Messianic Prophecy: Psalm 110 is often interpreted as a prophecy about the coming Messiah. It speaks of a ruler from the line of David who will reign with power and authority. Christians believe this is a reference to Jesus Christ.
  2. Royal Authority: The psalm emphasizes the king’s divine authority and his role as a righteous ruler. It speaks of the king sitting at God’s right hand, symbolizing a place of honor and power.
  3. Priesthood: Verse 4 is particularly significant because it mentions the king being “a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” This dual role of king and priest is unique and sets the figure in the psalm apart from traditional Israelite kings.
  4. Divine Warfare: The psalm also describes the king’s victories over his enemies, portraying divine intervention and support in battles. This theme highlights the king’s role as God’s chosen leader who will triumph over opposition.
  5. End Times: Some interpretations see Psalm 110 as a reference to the end times when the Messiah will return to establish His kingdom and judge the nations.

Key Verses:

  • Psalm 110:1: “The Lord says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'”
  • Psalm 110:4: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'”

In summary, Psalm 110 is a profound text that blends themes of kingship, priesthood, and prophecy, pointing towards a future figure of great significance in the biblical narrative. If you have specific questions or need further elaboration on any part of it, feel free to ask!

WANT TO RUN AFTER WORK? (we are!)

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding Luke 19:41-44: Prophecy and Spiritual Blindness

HIGH FIVE!

Luke 19:41-44 is a poignant passage where Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. He foresees the city’s coming destruction and expresses sorrow that its people do not recognize the time of God’s visitation. Here is the passage from the New International Version (NIV):

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

This passage is significant for several reasons:

  1. Jesus’ Compassion: It shows Jesus’ deep compassion and sorrow for the people of Jerusalem, highlighting his humanity and his concern for their well-being.
  2. Prophetic Warning: Jesus predicts the destruction of Jerusalem, which historically occurred in AD 70 when the Romans besieged the city. This prophecy underscores the serious consequences of rejecting God’s message.
  3. Spiritual Blindness: The passage emphasizes the spiritual blindness of the people who did not recognize the Messiah and the peace he offered. It serves as a warning about the dangers of ignoring or rejecting spiritual truths.
  4. God’s Visitation: Jesus’ lament highlights the concept of divine visitation—God reaching out to humanity through Jesus. The people’s failure to recognize this visitation reflects a missed opportunity for salvation and peace.

Reflecting on this passage, one might consider the broader themes of compassion, prophecy, spiritual awareness, and the importance of recognizing and responding to divine opportunities.

I CAN DO SO MANY GOOD THINGS WITH THAT MONEY. (Thanks be to God)

LET’S GO WORKOUT.

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding God’s Grace in 1 Timothy 1:12-20

HIGH FIVE!

1 Timothy 1:12-20 is a powerful passage where Paul reflects on God’s grace and mercy in his life. Let’s break down its significance:

Context:

Paul, previously known as Saul, persecuted Christians before his conversion. He writes to Timothy, his protégé, to encourage and instruct him.

Key Points:

  1. Thankfulness for Mercy (Verses 12-14): Paul thanks Christ for strengthening him, considering him faithful, and appointing him to serve, despite his past sins.
    • Significance: It highlights that God’s grace is transformative, turning even the most flawed individuals into vessels for His work.
  2. Christ Came to Save Sinners (Verses 15-16): Paul identifies himself as the worst of sinners, yet Christ showed him mercy, making him an example of divine patience.
    • Significance: This demonstrates the boundless nature of God’s grace and the purpose of Jesus’ mission—to save and redeem sinners.
  3. Doxology (Verse 17): Paul praises God, acknowledging His eternal, immortal, invisible nature.
    • Significance: It reminds believers to give glory to God, recognizing His supremacy and grace.
  4. Charge to Timothy (Verses 18-20): Paul urges Timothy to remain strong in faith and conscience, warning against those who have shipwrecked their faith.
    • Significance: It emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in faith and the consequences of straying from true doctrine.

Application:

  • Hope and Encouragement: Paul’s testimony reassures believers that no one is beyond God’s reach.
  • Responsibility: It encourages believers to maintain their faith and conscience, guiding others with love and truth.

Reflecting on this passage can deepen your understanding of God’s transformative power and inspire you to live faithfully. How do you see this passage influencing your own journey?

NO DENTAL INSURANCE… NO MEDICAL INSURANCE… NO WORRIES… (I will be a scrappy 87 year old)

LET’S GO2 WORK.

TODAY’S WORD: Exploring Divine Judgments in Psalm 50

HIGH FIVE!

Psalm 50 is a profound piece of poetry and religious text in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. It’s considered a psalm of Asaph and carries significant theological and moral messages. Here are some key themes:

  1. Divine Judgment: The psalm opens with a depiction of God summoning the earth for judgment, highlighting His supreme authority and power.
  2. True Worship: It criticizes mere ritualistic offerings and emphasizes the importance of sincere worship. God desires thanksgiving and a heart aligned with His will over sacrifices.
  3. Covenant Relationship: There’s a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, which demands more than external religious practices—it requires a genuine, faithful heart.
  4. Rebuke of the Wicked: The psalm also addresses the wicked, calling them out for their hypocrisy and warning them of the consequences of their actions.
  5. Call to Repentance: There’s a strong call for the people to turn back to God sincerely, promising salvation for those who do so.

Would you like to explore a specific verse or theme further?

NO… I WANT TO BE A PAUL HARRIS FELLOW+2

LET’S GET READY FOR THAT GYM. (that transfer better run smoothly)

TODAY’S WORD: The Significance of Jesus’ Healing in Mark 3:7-12

HIGH FIVE!

Mark 3:7-12 describes a significant moment in Jesus’ ministry. Here’s the passage:

Mark 3:7-12 (NIV): > 7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. > 8 When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. > 9 Because of the crowd, he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. > 10 For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. > 11 Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” > 12 But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.

Significance:

  1. Growing Popularity: The passage highlights the increasing popularity of Jesus. People from various regions flocked to see him, demonstrating the widespread impact of his ministry.
  2. Healing Power: Jesus’ ability to heal the sick is emphasized. The crowd’s eagerness to touch him shows their faith in his healing power.
  3. Authority Over Evil Spirits: The recognition of Jesus by impure spirits as the “Son of God” underscores his authority over the spiritual realm.
  4. Messianic Secret: Jesus’ command to the spirits not to reveal his identity reflects the “Messianic Secret” theme in Mark’s Gospel, where Jesus often instructs others to keep his identity hidden until the appropriate time.

These verses illustrate Jesus’ divine authority, compassion for the suffering, and the tension between his growing fame and his desire to control the revelation of his true identity.

TODAY… WE ARE GETTING AN APARTMENT GUIDE.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kevin-schafer-dtm-mba-532098104_time-management-activity-7275160582255742976-JJqC?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

LET’S GO WORKOUT.

TODAY’S WORD: (MY MIDDLE NAME IS MATTHEW) Jesus Calls Levi: A Lesson in Mercy and Transformation

HIGH FIVE!

This passage in the New Testament of the Bible tells the story of Jesus calling Levi (also known as Matthew) to be his disciple. Levi was a tax collector, which in those times was often seen as a sinful and despised profession. Here’s a brief summary of the passage:

  • Verse 27-28: Jesus sees Levi sitting at the tax booth and says, “Follow me.” Levi leaves everything behind, gets up, and follows Jesus.
  • Verse 29: Levi hosts a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and many tax collectors and others were eating with them.
  • Verse 30: The Pharisees and teachers of the law complain to Jesus’ disciples, asking why He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners.
  • Verse 31-32: Jesus responds by saying, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

The significance of this text lies in several key points:

  1. Calling the Outcasts: Jesus’ choice of Levi, a tax collector, demonstrates His willingness to reach out to those who were marginalized and despised by society. This shows that Jesus’ message of salvation and redemption is available to everyone, regardless of their past actions or societal status.
  2. Transformation and Repentance: Levi’s immediate response to leave everything and follow Jesus highlights the transformative power of Jesus’ call. It shows that true repentance involves a radical change in one’s life direction and priorities.
  3. Grace and Mercy: By dining with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus embodies the concept of grace and mercy. He engages with those who are spiritually and morally “sick,” offering them the opportunity to be healed and forgiven.
  4. Challenge to Religious Elitism: Jesus’ response to the Pharisees and teachers of the law challenges their self-righteous attitude. He emphasizes that His mission is to call sinners to repentance, not to affirm the self-perceived righteousness of the religious elite.

Overall, this passage underscores the inclusive and transformative nature of Jesus’ ministry, highlighting His compassion for the marginalized and His call for repentance and a new way of life.

THANKS BE TO GOD… why didn’t I sleep well last night???

I’m sorry to hear you didn’t sleep well. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a restless night. Here are a few common culprits:

  1. Stress and Anxiety: Worries or anxiety can keep your mind racing, making it difficult to fall or stay asleep.
  2. Diet: Consuming caffeine, alcohol, or heavy meals close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep cycle.
  3. Environment: Noise, light, temperature, or an uncomfortable bed can all affect sleep quality.
  4. Sleep Schedule: Irregular sleep patterns or staying up too late can throw off your body’s internal clock.
  5. Health Conditions: Issues like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or chronic pain can interfere with sleep.
  6. Technology Use: Using electronic devices before bed can interfere with your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.

It might help to reflect on any recent changes or stressors in your life that could be affecting your sleep. If it continues to be a problem, you may want to consider speaking to a healthcare professional for personalized advice. In the meantime, establishing a relaxing bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment could make a big difference.

LET’S GO2 WORK…