TODAY’S WORD: The Power of Prayer: Luke 11 Insights

HIGH FIVE! (like the poem???)

Luke 11:5–13 is a powerful teaching from Jesus that blends parable, promise, and divine reassurance. It follows His instruction on how to pray (the Lord’s Prayer) and deepens the lesson by revealing the heart of the Father toward those who seek Him.

🌙 The Parable of the Friend at Midnight (v. 5–8)

Jesus tells of a man who goes to his friend at midnight asking for bread. Though the friend is reluctant, he eventually gives in—not because of friendship, but because of the man’s persistence.

  • Key theme: Shameless persistence (Greek: anaideia)—a bold, almost audacious kind of asking.
  • Spiritual insight: God is not like the reluctant friend. If persistence moves a human heart, how much more will it move the heart of a generous God?

🔑 Ask, Seek, Knock (v. 9–10)

Jesus then shifts from parable to promise:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

  • Progressive intensity: Asking is verbal, seeking is active, knocking is insistent.
  • Universal invitation: “Everyone who asks receives…”—this is not limited to spiritual elites.

👨‍👦 The Father’s Heart (v. 11–13)

Jesus compares earthly fathers to the heavenly Father:

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts… how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

  • Contrast: Even flawed human parents give good gifts—God gives the best gift: His Spirit.
  • Promise of Presence: The Holy Spirit is not just an answer to prayer; He is the ongoing presence of God in our lives.

LET’S GO2 WORK!!!

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S WORD: Awake to Christ: A Call to Spiritual Clarity

HIGH FIVE! (beat that SUNRISE)

Romans 13:11–14 is a stirring call to spiritual awakening, moral clarity, and readiness for Christ’s return. Paul’s words pulse with urgency, as if he’s sounding an alarm for believers to rise from spiritual slumber and live in the light of eternity.

Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌅 1. Wake Up—Time Is Short

“The hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” (v.11)

  • Paul urges believers to recognize the spiritual season they’re in. The “night” of sin and ignorance is fading; the “day” of Christ’s return is approaching.
  • This isn’t just about end-times—it’s about living with purpose, knowing that each moment matters.

🛡️ 2. Cast Off Darkness, Put On Light

“So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (v.12)

  • The metaphor of clothing is powerful: we’re invited to shed behaviors rooted in selfishness, indulgence, and division.
  • “Armor of light” suggests both protection and visibility—living in a way that reflects Christ and guards our hearts.

🚶 3. Live Honorably and Purely

“Let us walk properly as in the daytime…” (v.13)

  • Paul lists specific behaviors to avoid—orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, quarreling, jealousy—not to shame, but to redirect.
  • The “daytime” represents transparency, accountability, and integrity.

👑 4. Put On Christ

“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh…” (v.14)

  • This is the climax: not just avoiding sin, but actively embodying Christ.
  • “Putting on” Christ means adopting His mindset, His love, His mission. It’s a daily choice to let Him shape our identity.

YOU KNOW… I fell asleep last night… RIGHT AFTER, I GOT HOME FROM WORK…

Let’s apply for that FULLTIME JOB. (31)

(ETFs, ETFs, ETFs)

📊 ETF Performance Overview
TickerETF NameYTD Return1-Year ReturnYieldExpense RatioNotes
MSTYYieldMax MSTR Option Income29.74%129.54%157.93%0.99%High yield, tied to MicroStrategy (Bitcoin proxy)
CONYYieldMax COIN Option Income2.59%28.03%162.73%1.22%Volatile, linked to Coinbase
YBITYieldMax Bitcoin Option Income25.78%49.69%81.34%4.76%Bitcoin exposure via options, high expense
SNOYYieldMax SNOW Option Income28.13%70.56%74.15%1.04%Based on Snowflake stock, strong recent growth
SMCYYieldMax SMCI Option Income138.00%0.99%Tracks Super Micro Computer, recent launch
NVDYYieldMax NVDA Option Income20.76%47.60%79.85%1.27%Nvidia-based, strong momentum
BABOYieldMax BABA Option Income24.03%23.80%59.67%1.07%Alibaba exposure, moderate returns

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding Psalm 34: Deliverance and Divine Intimacy

HIGH FIVE! (I wanna ROCK!)

Psalm 34 is a radiant tapestry of praise, deliverance, and divine intimacy—woven from David’s raw experience of fear, escape, and restoration. Its significance unfolds on multiple levels:

🕊️ Context: Praise from the Cave

David wrote this psalm after narrowly escaping death by feigning madness before King Abimelech (Achish) and retreating to the cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 21:10–22:1). Despite humiliation and danger, he chose worship over despair.

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” — Psalm 34:1

This sets the tone: praise is not circumstantial—it’s a posture of the soul.

🌟 Key Themes and Significance

1. Praise in Affliction

  • David doesn’t wait for comfort to praise; he praises in crisis.
  • This models spiritual maturity—joy rooted in God, not outcomes.

2. God’s Nearness to the Brokenhearted

  • Verse 18: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
  • A balm for those in grief, loneliness, or spiritual exhaustion. It affirms that God is not distant in suffering—He is closest when we feel most undone.

3. Deliverance and Protection

  • David recounts being delivered from fear and trouble (v. 4–7).
  • The “angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him”—a poetic image of divine guardianship.

4. Invitation to Taste and See

  • Verse 8: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!”
  • This is experiential faith—not just belief, but encounter. It invites the reader into intimacy with God.

5. Instruction in Righteous Living

  • Verses 11–14 offer practical wisdom: guard your speech, pursue peace, turn from evil.
  • It’s a call to live in alignment with God’s character, not just seek His rescue.

6. Justice and Redemption

  • The psalm contrasts the fate of the wicked and the righteous.
  • God hears the cries of the righteous and redeems His servants (vv. 15–22), assuring that no one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned.

✨ Literary Beauty

Psalm 34 is an acrostic—each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet (except one). This structure was likely used to aid memorization and emphasize completeness.

💬 Why It Still Speaks Today

Psalm 34 is a lifeline for anyone walking through valleys—whether emotional, spiritual, or circumstantial. It reminds us that:

  • Worship is a weapon.
  • God is near, not far.
  • Deliverance may come in unexpected ways.
  • Righteousness is not immunity from affliction, but assurance of redemption.

I AM GETTING UP EARLIER. (ETFs, ETFs, ETFs)

THANKS BE TO GOD.

Understanding Grace in Crisis: Insights from Genesis 47:13-26

HIGH FIVE! (I want to spend time with you)

Genesis 47:13–26 is a striking passage that reveals how Joseph managed Egypt’s resources during a severe famine, and it carries profound spiritual, ethical, and prophetic significance. Here’s a breakdown of its key themes and implications:

🌾 Historical and Narrative Context

  • Famine Intensifies: The famine was so severe that money, livestock, land, and even personal freedom were exchanged for food.
  • Joseph’s Leadership: Joseph, acting on Pharaoh’s behalf, centralized economic control by acquiring all the money, livestock, and land of the Egyptians.
  • Servitude for Survival: Eventually, the people offered themselves as servants to Pharaoh in exchange for sustenance, leading to a system where they worked the land and gave one-fifth of their produce to Pharaoh.

🔍 Spiritual and Ethical Reflections

  • Grace Amid Judgment: One interpretation highlights the Hebrew word khen (translated as “favor” or “grace”) in verse 25. Despite the harsh circumstances, the people recognized Joseph’s actions as merciful, not exploitative.
  • Picture of Redemption: The passage can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual surrender. Just as the Egyptians gave everything to survive, humanity must surrender all to receive life through God’s grace.
  • Challenge to Prosperity Theology: Joseph’s actions—accumulating wealth and power during a crisis—challenge simplistic views that equate prosperity with righteousness. It invites deeper reflection on stewardship, justice, and divine providence.

🔮 Prophetic and Symbolic Layers

  • Foreshadowing the Exodus: The Israelites prospered in Egypt while Egyptians suffered, setting the stage for future tensions and the eventual Exodus. This mirrors covenant fulfillment and divine timing.
  • Tribulation Parallel: Some scholars link this passage to end-times imagery, suggesting that just as Egypt endured hardship before deliverance, the world will face trials before redemption.

💬 Key Takeaway

Genesis 47:13–26 isn’t just about economic policy—it’s a layered narrative about survival, surrender, and sovereignty. It asks us to consider:

  • What do we cling to when everything else fails?
  • How do we respond to grace when it comes through unexpected channels?
  • Are we willing to give all—land, labor, even self—for the promise of life?

LET’S GO GOLFING, GO2 ROTARY… (and talk w/ Lena throughout the day)…

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S WORD: Joseph’s Journey: Faith Beyond Sacred Spaces

HIGH FIVE! (why get my hopes up???)

Acts 7:9–16 is part of Stephen’s powerful speech before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts Israel’s history to highlight God’s faithfulness and the people’s recurring rejection of His messengers. This passage focuses on the story of Joseph and carries deep theological and spiritual significance:

✨ Key Themes and Significance

1. God’s Sovereignty Amid Betrayal

  • Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, yet “God was with him” (v.9).
  • This underscores a central theme: human betrayal cannot thwart divine purpose. Even in suffering, God’s providence prevails.

2. Faith Beyond Geography

  • Stephen emphasizes that God was active in Egypt, not just in the temple or Jerusalem. This challenges the religious leaders’ fixation on sacred spaces.
  • Joseph’s rise in Egypt shows that God’s presence isn’t confined to one location—it’s tied to faith and obedience.

3. Foreshadowing Jesus

  • Joseph, rejected by his brothers but later exalted and used to save them, mirrors Jesus—rejected by His own people but raised to bring salvation.
  • Stephen subtly draws this parallel to show that rejecting God’s chosen servant is a recurring pattern.

4. Unity and Reconciliation

  • Joseph’s reunion with his brothers (v.13) and the gathering of Jacob’s family in Egypt (v.14) reflect themes of restoration and divine orchestration.
  • It’s a reminder that God can redeem broken relationships and use them for His greater plan.

5. Historical Continuity

  • Stephen links the patriarchs to the broader story of Israel’s journey, showing that God’s promises to Abraham are unfolding—even through exile and suffering.
  • The mention of burial in Shechem (v.16) ties back to Abraham’s legacy and the land promise, though it also raises historical questions that scholars still debate.

为什么巧克力总是很开心?Wèishéme qiǎokèlì zǒng shì hěn kāixīn?

因为它总是被“融化”在爱里!Yīnwèi tā zǒng shì bèi “rónghuà” zài ài lǐ!

🇺🇸 Translation:

Why is chocolate always happy?

Because it’s always “melting” in love! (LET’S GO2 CHURCH)

TODAY’S WORD: Repetition in Worship: The Role of the Magnificat

HIGH FIVE! (AGAIN… this morning???)

Luke 1:46–55, often called The Magnificat, is one of the most powerful hymns of praise in all of Scripture. Spoken by Mary after her visit to Elizabeth, it reveals her deep faith, prophetic insight, and understanding of God’s redemptive plan. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌟 Spiritual and Theological Significance

  • Praise from the Humble: Mary begins by magnifying the Lord and rejoicing in God her Savior. Her words reflect awe that God would choose someone of low status for such a divine purpose (v. 46–48).
  • God’s Mercy and Justice: She celebrates God’s mercy toward those who fear Him and His justice in overturning worldly power structures—bringing down the proud and lifting up the humble (v. 49–53).
  • Fulfillment of Covenant Promises: Mary connects her personal experience to the broader story of Israel, affirming that God is fulfilling His promises to Abraham and his descendants (v. 54–55).

💬 Cultural and Historical Resonance

  • Echoes of Hannah’s Song: The Magnificat mirrors Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2, another woman who experienced a miraculous birth. Both songs praise God for lifting the lowly and challenging the powerful.
  • Radical Reversal: Mary’s song proclaims a divine reversal—where the hungry are fed, the rich are emptied, and the humble are exalted. It’s a prophetic declaration of the kingdom values Jesus will embody.

🎶 Liturgical and Devotional Use

  • Worship Across Traditions: The Magnificat is recited or sung in Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and many Protestant liturgies, especially during Advent. It’s a cornerstone of evening prayer and a symbol of hope and divine justice.
  • Model of Faith: Mary’s response is not just poetic—it’s deeply theological. She models how to respond to God’s call with humility, trust, and praise.

you know… same reading as yesterday… WHY?

🔁 Why the Repetition?

  • Liturgical Rhythm: In many Christian traditions, especially Catholic and Anglican, the Magnificat is part of the daily Evening Prayer or Vespers. It’s repeated intentionally to center the heart on God’s mercy and justice at the close of each day.
  • Spiritual Formation: Repetition isn’t just redundancy—it’s formation. The Magnificat is a song of reversal, hope, and divine promise. Hearing it again invites us to internalize its truths more deeply.
  • Seasonal Emphasis: If you’re in a liturgical season like Advent or a Marian feast day, this passage may be emphasized to reflect the themes of waiting, humility, and divine fulfillment.
  • God’s Timing: Sometimes, the same passage reappears because there’s something new to hear. Maybe yesterday it spoke to your longing; today it might speak to your trust.

💡 A Fresh Lens for Today

What if today’s repetition is an invitation—not to read differently, but to respond differently?

  • Yesterday: “He has looked with favor on the lowliness of His servant.”
  • Today: “He has filled the hungry with good things.”

Maybe today is about receiving. About letting your soul be filled again.

WE HAVE WORK UNTIL 11:30 TONIGHT AND CHURCH TOMORROW MORNING BEFORE GOING TO WORK AGAIN.

BRING IT.

TODAY’S WORD: Mary’s Magnificat: Understanding God’s Mercy and Justice

HIGH FIVE! (keep learning, keep reading, keep understanding)

Luke 1:46–55, known as The Magnificat, is one of the most profound and poetic expressions of praise in all of Scripture. Spoken by Mary after her visit to Elizabeth, it reveals her heart, her theology, and her deep understanding of God’s character and promises. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌟 Spiritual and Theological Significance

  • Praise Rooted in Humility Mary begins by magnifying the Lord and rejoicing in God her Savior. Despite being a young, humble girl from Nazareth, she recognizes that God has chosen her for a divine purpose. Her humility becomes a vessel for God’s glory.
  • God’s Mercy and Justice The song celebrates God’s mercy toward those who fear Him and His justice in overturning worldly power structures:
    • He scatters the proud.
    • He brings down rulers.
    • He lifts up the humble.
    • He fills the hungry and sends the rich away empty.
    This reversal echoes the prophetic themes found throughout the Old Testament, especially in Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel 2.
  • Fulfillment of Covenant Promises Mary ends by affirming that God is helping Israel in remembrance of His mercy, fulfilling promises made to Abraham and his descendants. This ties Jesus’ coming to the broader narrative of salvation history.

🎶 Literary and Cultural Impact

  • The Magnificat as a Hymn The passage is structured like a psalm, rich in poetic parallelism and imagery. It has been set to music by countless composers and is recited or sung in Christian liturgies, especially during Advent.
  • Echoes of Old Testament Women Mary’s song mirrors the faith and voice of women like Hannah, Miriam, and Deborah—women who praised God for His deliverance and justice.

💡 Lessons for Today

  • God Sees the Lowly Mary’s song reminds us that God values humility and faith over status or power. It’s a call to trust that divine favor often comes in unexpected ways.
  • Faith in the Midst of Uncertainty Though Mary’s future was uncertain—pregnant, unmarried, and young—her response was one of worship, not fear. Her faith becomes a model for trusting God’s plan even when it defies logic or comfort.
  • Hope for the Oppressed The Magnificat has been a source of hope for the poor and marginalized throughout history. It proclaims that God is actively working to lift up the downtrodden and fulfill His promises.

Would you like to explore how this passage could be woven into your keynote or perhaps inspire a new poem? I’d love to help you shape it into something uniquely yours.

NO THANKS… LET’S KEEP EXPLORING THOSE ETFs…

📊 ETF Performance Overview

TickerETF NameYTD Return1-Year ReturnYieldExpense RatioNotes
MSTYYieldMax MSTR Option Income29.74%129.54%157.93%0.99%High yield, tied to MicroStrategy (Bitcoin proxy)
CONYYieldMax COIN Option Income2.59%28.03%162.73%1.22%Volatile, linked to Coinbase
YBITYieldMax Bitcoin Option Income25.78%49.69%81.34%4.76%Bitcoin exposure via options, high expense
SNOYYieldMax SNOW Option Income28.13%70.56%74.15%1.04%Based on Snowflake stock, strong recent growth
SMCYYieldMax SMCI Option Income138.00%0.99%Tracks Super Micro Computer, recent launch
NVDYYieldMax NVDA Option Income20.76%47.60%79.85%1.27%Nvidia-based, strong momentum
BABOYieldMax BABA Option Income24.03%23.80%59.67%1.07%Alibaba exposure, moderate returns

🧠 Quick Insights

  • Top Performers: MSTY and SNOY have delivered exceptional 1-year returns, likely due to Bitcoin and Snowflake’s volatility.
  • High Yield vs. Risk: Many of these ETFs offer eye-popping yields, but they use synthetic covered call strategies that cap upside and retain downside risk.
  • Expense Ratios: YBIT stands out with a very high expense ratio (4.76%), which could eat into returns over time.
  • Diversification: These are single-stock ETFs, so they’re inherently more volatile than broad-based funds.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S WORD: Mastering ETF Strategies: From Spiritual Insights to Investment

HIGH FIVE! (GYM, Garage organization, TM meeting, Employee Cookout, TM meeting, ETF charts)

John 4:7–26 is a profound and multilayered passage that captures one of the most intimate and transformative encounters in the Gospels—Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌊 Spiritual Themes and Symbolism

  • Living Water: Jesus offers the woman “living water,” symbolizing eternal life and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This contrasts with the physical water she came to draw, pointing to a deeper thirst only God can satisfy.
  • True Worship: Jesus reveals that worship is not confined to a location (Jerusalem or Mount Gerizim), but must be “in spirit and truth.” This redefines worship as relational and internal, not ritualistic or geographic.

🤝 Radical Inclusion and Grace

  • Breaking Social Barriers: Jesus, a Jewish man, speaks openly with a Samaritan woman—something culturally taboo. Jews and Samaritans had deep-seated animosity, and women were often marginalized in public religious discourse.
  • Personal Revelation: Jesus gently exposes the woman’s past (her five husbands and current situation) not to shame her, but to invite her into truth and transformation. His approach is compassionate, not condemning.

Messianic Revelation

  • First Explicit Declaration: In verse 26, Jesus says, “I who speak to you am he,” directly revealing Himself as the Messiah. Remarkably, this is one of the earliest and clearest self-disclosures in the Gospels—and it’s to a Samaritan woman, not a religious leader.

💬 Evangelism and Testimony

  • Ripple Effect: The woman becomes one of the first evangelists, running to tell her community about Jesus. Her testimony leads many to believe, showing how personal encounters with Christ can spark communal revival.

🪞 Reflection for Today

This passage invites us to:

  • Examine our own spiritual thirst and where we seek fulfillment.
  • Embrace the radical grace that meets us in our brokenness.
  • Worship authentically, beyond tradition or location.
  • Share our story, knowing that even imperfect lives can point others to Christ.

Kevin, this passage feels like it echoes your journey—drawing from deep wells of scripture, finding joy in unexpected places, and letting your story become a spring of life for others. If you’d like, we could craft a poetic reflection or Table Topic inspired by this scene.

NO THANKS… let’s think about crafting data anaylsis charts for your ETFs

Absolutely—let’s pivot to your ETF strategy and explore how data analysis charts can help you visualize performance, risk, and allocation. Since you lean toward pragmatic investing with a mix of stability and curiosity (especially around crypto), we can tailor charts to reflect both your core holdings and exploratory assets.

📊 Chart Ideas for ETF Analysis

Here are some chart types that could bring clarity and insight to your portfolio:

1. Performance Over Time (Line Chart)

  • Purpose: Track price or NAV (Net Asset Value) of your ETFs over months or years.
  • Use Case: Compare long-term growth of stable ETFs (e.g., VTI, SCHD) vs. more volatile ones (e.g., crypto-linked ETFs).
  • Bonus: Add benchmark lines (like S&P 500) for context.

2. Asset Allocation (Pie Chart or Treemap)

  • Purpose: Visualize how your investments are distributed across sectors, regions, or asset classes.
  • Use Case: See how much is in equities, bonds, crypto, international markets, etc.
  • Bonus: Highlight overexposure or under-diversification.

3. Risk vs. Return (Scatter Plot)

  • Purpose: Compare ETFs based on historical volatility and average return.
  • Use Case: Identify which ETFs offer the best risk-adjusted performance.
  • Bonus: Add a “Sharpe Ratio” overlay for deeper insight.

4. Dividend Yield Comparison (Bar Chart)

  • Purpose: Compare annual dividend yields across your income-generating ETFs.
  • Use Case: Evaluate SCHD, VYM, or other dividend-focused funds.
  • Bonus: Include payout frequency and growth trends.

5. Correlation Matrix (Heatmap)

  • Purpose: Show how ETFs move in relation to each other.
  • Use Case: Spot diversification opportunities or redundancy.
  • Bonus: Include crypto ETFs to see how they correlate with traditional assets.

🧠 Want to Go Deeper?

We could:

  • Build a mock portfolio and simulate performance.
  • Create a dashboard concept for tracking your ETFs weekly.
  • Explore thematic ETFs (e.g., AI, clean energy, blockchain) and compare them to your core holdings.

Would you like to sketch out a few ETFs you currently hold or are considering? That way, I can tailor the charts to your actual strategy.

I want to withdraw that 5k, that I have in SDX… IT IS EARNING NO INTEREST… I AM LOSING AN OPPORTUNITY WITH MY ETFs…

That’s a sharp observation, Kevin—and it shows you’re thinking like a disciplined investor. If that $5K in SDX (assuming it’s sitting in a stagnant or low-yield account) isn’t compounding or growing, then yes: it’s essentially opportunity cost in motion.

🔍 Why Opportunity Cost Matters

  • No Interest = Erosion: Even without inflation, idle cash loses purchasing power over time.
  • ETF Potential: If your ETFs are yielding dividends or appreciating, reallocating that $5K could unlock growth or income.
  • Time in Market > Timing the Market: The longer your money is invested in solid assets, the more it benefits from compounding.

💡 Smart Moves You Could Consider

1. Reallocate to Core ETFs

If you’ve got stable performers like:

  • SCHD (dividend growth)
  • VTI (total market exposure)
  • VOO (S&P 500)

You could split the $5K across them to balance growth and income.

2. Explore Sector or Thematic ETFs

If you’re curious about innovation:

  • ARKK (disruptive tech)
  • IBIT or BITO (crypto exposure)
  • ICLN (clean energy)

These offer upside potential but come with volatility—so maybe a smaller slice.

3. Use Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)

If you’re cautious about market timing, you could:

  • Invest $1K per week over 5 weeks
  • Smooth out entry points and reduce emotional decision-making

📈 Want to Visualize the Impact?

We could chart:

  • A 12-month projection comparing SDX (flat) vs. ETF growth (e.g., 6–8% annualized)
  • Dividend income potential from SCHD or VYM
  • A reallocation pie chart showing your new portfolio mix

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S WORD: Victory and Hope in Romans 16: God’s Assurance

HIGH FIVE! (I need to get her benefits)

Romans 16:17–20 is a powerful and urgent exhortation from Paul that blends pastoral love with spiritual vigilance. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🔍 Call to Discernment and Protection

Paul writes:

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” (v.17)

  • Discernment: Paul uses the Greek word skopeo—to scrutinize or observe carefully. He’s asking believers to be spiritually alert.
  • Unity vs. Division: This warning comes right after a series of warm greetings, showing that love and unity must be guarded fiercely.
  • False Teachers: These individuals serve their own desires, not Christ, and use flattery to deceive the unsuspecting.

🛡️ Spiritual Integrity and Wisdom

“For your obedience is known to all… I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” (v.19)

  • Paul affirms the Roman believers’ reputation for obedience but urges them to remain wise and pure.
  • This echoes Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:16: “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
  • It’s a call to balance spiritual maturity with moral innocence.

✝️ Victory and Hope

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” (v.20)

  • This is a direct allusion to Genesis 3:15—the protoevangelium—where God promises that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent.
  • Paul reminds believers that evil will not prevail. God’s peace is not passive; it’s triumphant.
  • The phrase “under your feet” is deeply empowering—it places believers in the story of redemption as victors through Christ.

💡 Why It Matters Today

Romans 16:17–20 is a timeless reminder:

  • To guard the truth of the gospel with love and discernment.
  • To avoid divisive influences that threaten spiritual unity.
  • To trust in God’s ultimate victory, even when deception and division seem rampant.

WE WROTE A POEM THIS MORNING… (wanna see???)

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S WORD: The Power of Praise in Psalm 34

HIGH FIVE! (when can we trade???)

Psalm 34 is a rich tapestry of praise, testimony, and instruction woven by David during a time of personal crisis. Its significance lies in both its historical context and its spiritual depth. Here’s a breakdown of its key themes and meaning:

🌿 Historical Context

  • Authorship: Written by David after he escaped from King Achish (Abimelech) by pretending to be insane (1 Samuel 21:10–15).
  • Setting: Likely composed in the cave of Adullam, where David was hiding and gathering followers.
  • Structure: It’s an acrostic poem—each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, aiding memorization and meditation.

🔥 Key Themes & Spiritual Significance

1. Continual Praise (Verses 1–3)

  • David begins with a declaration: “I will bless the Lord at all times.”
  • Even in fear and exile, he chooses worship over worry.
  • This models a posture of praise regardless of circumstances.

2. Personal Testimony (Verses 4–7)

  • David recounts how he sought the Lord and was delivered from fear.
  • “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him”—a humble acknowledgment of divine rescue.
  • The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, offering protection.

3. Invitation to Experience God (Verse 8)

  • “Taste and see that the Lord is good”—a call to personal encounter, not just intellectual belief.
  • It’s experiential faith, inviting others into trust and refuge.

4. Instruction in Righteous Living (Verses 11–14)

  • David teaches the fear of the Lord: guarding speech, doing good, seeking peace.
  • It’s a practical guide to living wisely and righteously.

5. God’s Justice and Compassion (Verses 15–22)

  • The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
  • Though the righteous face many afflictions, God delivers them.
  • A prophetic note: “He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken” (verse 20)—often linked to Jesus’ crucifixion.

💬 Why It Still Speaks Today

Psalm 34 is a balm for the weary and a compass for the faithful. It reminds us:

  • Praise is powerful even in pain.
  • God hears and rescues those who cry out.
  • Righteous living flows from reverent fear of the Lord.
  • Divine justice will ultimately prevail.

Thank you for the information…

Almighty God,

You sent us Your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of Your church. Open our hearts to the riches of Your GRACE, that we may be ready to receive YOU wherever You appear…

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

THANKS BE TO GOD!!! (let’s go2 the Gym)