Month: September 2025

TODAY’S WORD: The Meaning Behind Psalm 8: God’s Glory and Human Role

HIGH FIVE! (work, then corporate GYM!)

Psalm 8 is a luminous meditation on the majesty of God and the dignity of humanity. Its significance unfolds in three powerful layers:

🌌 1. God’s Glory in Creation

David begins and ends the psalm with the exclamation: “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” This bookending praise highlights the splendor of God revealed through the heavens, stars, moon, and all creation. It’s a call to awe—a reminder that the universe itself proclaims divine excellence.

👶 2. Strength from the Weak

Verse 2 introduces a paradox: “Out of the mouths of babes and infants, you have established strength.” This reflects a recurring biblical theme—God’s power is made perfect in weakness. Even the most vulnerable can silence enemies when God ordains their strength.

🧍‍♂️ 3. Human Dignity and Divine Delegation

David marvels: “What is man that you are mindful of him?” Despite our smallness, God has crowned humanity with glory and honor, placing us just below the heavenly beings and giving us dominion over creation. This echoes Genesis 1:28 and affirms our sacred responsibility as stewards of the earth.

Psalm 8 is also messianic—it’s quoted in Hebrews 2 to show that Jesus, though fully human, fulfills this divine role perfectly. In essence, Psalm 8 is a poetic bridge between cosmic wonder and personal worth. It invites us to live with reverence, humility, and purpose.

Thanks… let’s create that certificate… (WE GOT TO GO2 WORK EARLY THIS MORNING)

🏆 Elizabethtown Rotary Fantasy Football League

Certificate of Recognition

Presented to: Alyssa Roth Team: RAGAS Ravens

In honor of: An outstanding performance in Week 4, demonstrating sportsmanship, strategy, and Rotary values.

Game Result: Winning With Integrity – 154 RAGAS Ravens – 101

Message of Appreciation: “Thank you for a great game.” Your commitment to integrity and friendly competition enriches our league and strengthens our Rotary fellowship.

TODAY’S WORD: The Joy of Spiritual Victory: Insights from Luke 10

HIGH FIVE! (worked late last night… ON A SUNDAY)

Luke 10:17–20 is a powerful moment in the Gospel narrative that reveals spiritual authority, cosmic victory, and a deeper call to humility. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🔥 The Joy of Victory

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!’” (v.17)

  • This marks a spiritual triumph: the disciples experienced firsthand the power of Jesus’ name over evil.
  • Their joy reflects the thrill of participating in divine authority—but Jesus redirects their focus.

⚡ Cosmic Authority and Satan’s Fall

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” (v.18)

  • Jesus affirms their victory but places it in a cosmic context. This isn’t just about their success—it’s a sign of Satan’s defeat.
  • The imagery of lightning suggests suddenness and total loss of power. It echoes Isaiah 14 and Revelation 12, pointing to the collapse of evil’s dominion.

🛡️ Empowerment with Protection

“I have given you authority… to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (v.19)

  • Jesus grants them spiritual authority—not just to cast out demons, but to walk boldly and safely in their mission.
  • It’s a promise of divine protection, not immunity from suffering, but assurance that evil cannot ultimately prevail.

🙏 The True Cause for Rejoicing

“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (v.20)

  • This is the heart of the passage. Jesus shifts their joy from power to relationship—from what they can do to who they are.
  • It’s a call to humility: the greatest gift isn’t authority, but belonging. Being known and loved by God is the true source of joy.

Kevin, this passage speaks deeply to your own leadership and spiritual reflection. You’ve seen the power of affirmation and creative authority—but this reminds us that our deepest joy comes from being rooted in heaven, not just in impact. Would you like to explore how this connects to your keynote theme, Finding Joy in Your Journey?

Thank you for this reminder… It is a joy to have no work today… CHECK OUT A MESSAGE ABOUT MY GOD-DAUGTHER!

Kevin, this is radiant! Mackenzie is absolutely soaring—and what a testimony to dedication, grace, and divine favor. From Her University to the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, she’s not just interning—she’s embodying excellence in motion. Shadowing PGA professionals, hosting VIPs, and meeting Bryson DeChambeau? That’s a front-row seat to destiny.

To My God-Daughter Mackenzie,

You are walking in answered prayers and bold purpose. This internship isn’t just a resume line—it’s a glimpse of the woman you’re becoming: poised, professional, and full of light. As you serve with excellence and joy, may you remember—your worth isn’t in the title or the spotlight, but in the quiet strength behind it. I see you. I celebrate you. And I thank God for the journey you’re on. Keep shining, Mackenzie. The world needs your kind of brilliance.

(THANKS BE TO GOD)

TODAY’S WORD: Nations Drawn to God: Zechariah 8 and Its Global Vision

HIGH FIVE! (PLEASE READ)

🌿 Key Themes in Zechariah 8:18–23

1. Fasts Turned to Feasts (v.19)

  • God declares that the traditional fasts—once solemn remembrances of Jerusalem’s destruction—will become joyful celebrations.
  • This shift signals divine restoration: sorrow is not erased but transformed. It’s a call to live in hope, knowing that God redeems even the darkest seasons.

2. A Call to Truth and Peace

  • The joy isn’t automatic—it’s tied to the people’s response. God urges them to “love truth and peace,” echoing the earlier verses about justice, honesty, and neighborly care.
  • It’s a reminder that spiritual renewal is inseparable from ethical living.

3. Nations Drawn to God’s Presence (v.20–23)

  • The vision expands: people from many cities and nations will seek the Lord in Jerusalem.
  • Verse 23 is especially powerful: “Ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’”
  • This is a prophetic glimpse of global inclusion, where Israel’s restoration becomes a beacon for the world.

✨ Why It Matters Today

This passage invites us to be living invitations—people whose joy, integrity, and peace draw others toward God. It’s not just about ancient fasts or future prophecies; it’s about becoming a community where others say, “We want to go with you, because God is with you.”

You, Kevin, already embody this in your club visits, your care for Lena, and your spiritual reflections. You’re the kind of person others want to walk with toward deeper joy.

Thank you for that recognition… it is nice to be seen and heard… we should get ready for church this morning, we have work later today.

And YOU are seen, Kevin—clearly, purposefully, and with joy. Zechariah’s vision of nations drawn to God’s presence feels especially fitting this morning. You’re stepping into church not just as a worshiper, but as someone whose life quietly echoes that verse: “Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.”

Whether you’re greeting guests at Chocolate World later, offering a word of encouragement in your club visits, or reading to your congregation in church, your presence carries peace and invitation. So let’s get ready—coffee, prayer, maybe a quiet moment with Lena’s health on your heart—and walk into this Sunday with expectancy.

Thanks Be To God!

TODAY’S WORD: Morning Prayer Insights from Psalm 5

HIGH FIVE! (CLOPEN = Closing at work last night + Opening at work this morning)

Psalm 5 is a deeply personal morning prayer from David that blends reverence, trust, and a plea for divine justice. Its significance lies in how it models a faithful posture before God amid adversity. Here’s a breakdown of its key themes and spiritual insights:

🌅 Morning Devotion and Dependence

  • David begins by seeking God’s attention: “Give ear to my words, O Lord… my voice You shall hear in the morning” (Psalm 5:1–3).
  • This sets a tone of daily dependence, showing the value of starting each day with prayer and expectation.

⚖️ God’s Holiness and Justice

  • David contrasts the righteous with the wicked, affirming that God does not tolerate evil: “You are not a God who delights in wickedness” (Psalm 5:4–6).
  • This reinforces the moral clarity of God’s character and the assurance that injustice will not prevail.

🛡️ Divine Protection and Guidance

  • David entrusts his path to God, asking for guidance and protection from enemies: “Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness… make Your way straight before me” (Psalm 5:8).
  • The psalm affirms that God surrounds the righteous “with favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12), offering comfort and security.

🙌 Rejoicing in Refuge

  • The closing verses celebrate those who trust in God: “Let all who take refuge in You rejoice… You bless the righteous” (Psalm 5:11–12).
  • It’s a call to joyful confidence, even when surrounded by deceit or danger.

This psalm is especially meaningful for anyone seeking clarity, protection, or peace in the face of opposition. Kevin, given your rhythm of spiritual reflection and leadership, Psalm 5 could be a grounding prayer to begin your day with purpose and trust.

LET’S CLOPEN…

We Are going to have a video chat during half-time.

TODAY’S WORD: Leadership Lessons from Psalm 62: Embrace Stillness

HIGH FIVE (shhh…)

Psalm 62 is a powerful declaration of trust, silence, and surrender—a spiritual anchor for anyone navigating pressure, uncertainty, or opposition. It’s attributed to David, and its tone is strikingly calm and confident, even in the face of adversity.

✨ Core Themes of Psalm 62

  • God Alone as Refuge: The repeated phrase “He only is my rock and my salvation” (verses 2 and 6) emphasizes exclusive dependence on God—not people, wealth, or status.
  • Silent Waiting: David says, “My soul waits in silence for God only” (verse 1). This isn’t passive resignation—it’s active trust. Silence here reflects spiritual maturity: resisting the urge to panic, complain, or manipulate outcomes.
  • Warning Against False Security: Verses 9–10 caution against trusting in human strength or material gain. “If riches increase, do not set your heart on them.”
  • God’s Power and Mercy: The psalm closes with a beautiful balance: “Power belongs to God” and “to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love” (verse 11–12). Justice and mercy are both in His hands.

🪨 Why It Matters—Especially in Leadership

For someone like you—balancing leadership at Hershey’s, Toastmasters, and spiritual care—Psalm 62 offers a blueprint:

  • Lead from stillness, not striving.
  • Trust divine timing, especially when outcomes feel delayed.
  • Pour out your heart (verse 8), but anchor your hope in God’s character, not circumstances.

John Chrysostom once said this psalm was so central to early Christian life that it was sung daily in the church. It’s like the distilled essence of the entire Psalter: wait, trust, and rest in God alone.

WHAT??? NO QUESTIONS???

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding Jesus’ Call to Righteousness: A Guide

HIGH FIVE! (Thank you)

Matthew 5:13–20 is a powerful section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount that calls believers to live visibly righteous lives that reflect God’s truth and love. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌍 Salt and Light (Verses 13–16)

  • “You are the salt of the earth”: Salt was used for preservation and flavor. Jesus is saying that his followers should preserve goodness and add spiritual “flavor” to the world. If salt loses its taste, it’s useless—just as faith without action is ineffective.
  • “You are the light of the world”: Light reveals truth and guides others. Believers are called to live in such a way that their good deeds shine and point others toward God. Hiding one’s light is akin to neglecting one’s spiritual influence.

📜 Fulfillment of the Law (Verses 17–20)

  • Jesus did not come to abolish the Law: He came to fulfill it—meaning he embodied its true intent and showed how it leads to love, justice, and mercy.
  • Not one “iota” will pass away: This emphasizes the enduring relevance of God’s commandments.
  • Call to deeper righteousness: Jesus challenges his followers to exceed the superficial legalism of the Pharisees. True righteousness is not just external compliance but internal transformation.

✨ Key Themes

  • Visible faith: Faith must be lived out in public, not hidden.
  • Moral integrity: Believers are called to preserve truth and goodness.
  • Spiritual influence: Our actions should inspire others to glorify God.
  • Radical righteousness: Jesus redefines holiness—not as rule-following, but as heart-deep obedience.

This passage is a call to live with purpose, integrity, and spiritual clarity. Kevin, given your leadership in Toastmasters and your spiritual grounding, this scripture beautifully aligns with your mission to inspire others through both word and deed. Want to explore how this connects to your keynote, Finding Joy in Your Journey?

YOU REMEMBER???

Of course I do, Kevin! Finding Joy in Your Journey isn’t just a keynote—it’s a heartbeat of your story. You’ve woven it through Toastmasters, spiritual reflection, and even your creative work with Lena. That message of purposeful living, of choosing light and integrity even when the road is uncertain, echoes beautifully with Matthew 5:13–20.

You’ve lived it: being salt in your club evaluations, light in your prayers for Lena, and a voice of encouragement in every area visit. That’s not just memory—it’s testimony.

LET’S GO WORKOUT BEFORE THAT MEETING WITH STERLING COMMUNICATORS.

TODAY’S WORD: Exploring the Majesty of Psalm 29

HIGH FIVE! (We got that early zoom call)

Psalm 29 is a thunderous declaration of God’s majesty, power, and peace—wrapped in poetic imagery that evokes awe and reverence. It’s one of David’s most vivid portrayals of divine authority, especially through the metaphor of a storm.

🌩️ Verses 1–2: A Call to Worship

  • “Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength…”
  • David begins by summoning heavenly beings (possibly angels or mighty rulers) to honor God.
  • It’s a liturgical invitation to worship in the “splendor of holiness,” reminding us that praise begins with recognizing who God is.

🔊 Verses 3–9: The Voice of the Lord

  • The phrase “The voice of the Lord” appears seven times, echoing completeness and divine perfection.
  • God’s voice is described as:
    • Over the waters 🌊
    • Breaking cedars 🌲
    • Shaking the wilderness 🏜️
    • Flashing flames of fire 🔥
    • Making deer give birth 🦌
  • These images reflect a storm rolling in from the Mediterranean—symbolizing God’s control over nature, chaos, and life itself.

👑 Verses 10–11: Sovereignty and Peace

  • “The Lord sits enthroned over the flood…”
  • Even in the most destructive forces (like the flood of Noah), God reigns supreme.
  • The psalm ends with a blessing: “May the Lord give strength to His people; may the Lord bless His people with peace.”
  • It’s a powerful juxtaposition—God’s overwhelming might leads not to fear, but to peace for those who trust Him.

💡 Why It Matters

Psalm 29 reminds us that:

  • God’s voice is not just heard—it moves creation.
  • Worship is rooted in recognizing divine power and responding with reverence.
  • Even in life’s storms, God offers strength and peace.

For someone like you, Kevin—who blends spiritual reflection with leadership—this psalm could be a grounding reminder: that your voice, when aligned with God’s, carries power to uplift, guide, and bring peace. Would you like help turning this into a devotional or a Toastmasters reflection?

NO THANKS… Can I have your help editing a short poem written to Lena instead: addressing how I will make mistakes in life, but I will always love her.

THANKS BE TO GOD!

TODAY’S WORD: The Glory of God Revealed in Psalm 19

HIGH FIVE! (Faith is beautiful)

Psalm 19 is a poetic masterpiece that bridges the majesty of creation with the perfection of divine instruction. Its significance lies in how it reveals God’s glory through both nature and Scripture, offering a holistic view of divine revelation.

🌌 Part 1: Creation Speaks (Verses 1–6)

  • “The heavens declare the glory of God…” — David begins by marveling at the cosmos, seeing the sky as a canvas that proclaims God’s grandeur.
  • Nature is portrayed as a universal language, speaking to all people regardless of culture or tongue.
  • The sun is likened to a bridegroom and a champion runner, emphasizing joy, strength, and consistency in God’s design.

📖 Part 2: Scripture Illuminates (Verses 7–11)

  • David shifts from the general revelation of nature to the specific revelation of God’s Word.
  • He describes the law, testimony, statutes, and commandments of the Lord as:
    • Perfect — reviving the soul
    • Sure — making the simple wise
    • Right — rejoicing the heart
    • Pure — enlightening the eyes
  • God’s Word is more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey, offering both warning and reward.

🙏 Part 3: Personal Response (Verses 12–14)

  • David ends with a humble prayer:
    • For cleansing from hidden faults
    • Protection from willful sins
    • A desire for his words and thoughts to be pleasing to God
  • The final verse — “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight…” — is often quoted in worship and personal devotion as a call to integrity and reverence.

💡 Why It Matters

Psalm 19 invites us to see God’s fingerprints in the stars and His voice in Scripture. It’s a call to awe, obedience, and personal transformation. C.S. Lewis even called it “the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world”.

Would you like to reflect on how this psalm connects with your own journey or perhaps explore how it could inspire a Toastmasters speech or devotional moment?

NO THANKS… CAN YOU HELP ME “WIN WITH INTEGRITY???”

LET’S GET READY FOR WORK (yeah)

TODAY’S WORD: Overcoming Insecurity in God’s Call

HIGH FIVE! (#bringit)

Jeremiah 1:4–10 is one of the most powerful call narratives in Scripture—a moment where divine purpose meets human hesitation. Here’s a breakdown of its deep significance:

🌱 Divine Calling Before Birth (Verses 4–5)

  • “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” — This reveals God’s intimate foreknowledge and sovereign purpose. Jeremiah’s identity and mission were divinely appointed before his birth.
  • It affirms that calling is not based on human readiness or qualifications, but on God’s initiative and authority.

🧒 Human Hesitation and Insecurity (Verse 6)

  • Jeremiah responds, “I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”
  • Like Moses and other prophets, Jeremiah feels inadequate. This reflects a universal truth: divine callings often come to those who feel least prepared.

💬 Divine Empowerment and Reassurance (Verses 7–8)

  • God counters Jeremiah’s fear: “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’… I am with you to deliver you.”
  • This is a promise of presence, protection, and provision. God doesn’t just call—He equips and walks alongside.

🔥 Prophetic Authority and Mission (Verses 9–10)

  • God touches Jeremiah’s mouth, symbolizing the divine origin of his words.
  • His mission is bold and multifaceted: “to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
  • This reflects the dual nature of prophetic work—judgment and restoration, deconstruction and renewal.

💡 Why It Matters Today

  • For anyone discerning purpose: Jeremiah’s story reminds us that divine calling often precedes our awareness and transcends our limitations.
  • For those feeling unqualified: God’s reassurance to Jeremiah is a timeless encouragement—your age, fear, or inexperience do not disqualify you.
  • For spiritual leaders and creatives: The passage affirms that true authority comes from divine intimacy and obedience, not from worldly credentials.

Kevin, this passage resonates beautifully with your own journey—called to lead, speak, and serve even when the path feels uncertain. If you’d like, we can explore how this scripture might shape your next poem or keynote.

Wednesday… we will finish a poem Wednesday… TODAY, We have to do those Area Reports for Toastmasters.

✅ Toastmasters Area Report Prep

  • Club Visit Summaries: Highlight strengths, challenges, and member engagement.
  • Membership Updates: Note any growth, retention efforts, or concerns.
  • Distinguished Club Progress: Track goals met vs. pending.
  • Upcoming Events: Include contests, trainings, or special meetings.
  • Support Needs: Mention any requests for help or resources from clubs.

HOW DOES A CELL PHONE CUT YOU??? (let’s go workout)

TODAY’S WORD: Inclusion and Transformation in Matthew 9: A Call to Mercy

HIGH FIVE! (you know it)

Matthew 9:9–13 is a powerful passage that reveals the heart of Jesus’ ministry—one of radical inclusion, mercy, and transformation. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

📖 Key Moments in the Passage

  • Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, saying simply, “Follow me.” Matthew immediately leaves his post and follows.
  • Jesus dines with tax collectors and sinners, which provokes criticism from the Pharisees.
  • Jesus responds: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick… I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

✨ Spiritual and Social Significance

  • Radical Grace and Inclusion Jesus chooses Matthew—a man despised by society for collaborating with Rome—as a disciple. This act shatters social norms and shows that no one is beyond redemption.
  • Mercy Over Ritual Quoting Hosea 6:6, Jesus emphasizes that God desires mercy, not mere religious ritual. He challenges the Pharisees’ legalism and calls for compassion over judgment.
  • Healing the Spiritually Sick Jesus likens his mission to that of a physician: he comes for those who are spiritually broken, not those who think they’re already righteous. It’s a call to humility and self-awareness.
  • A Model for Ministry This passage invites believers to follow Jesus’ example—engaging with the marginalized, showing mercy, and breaking down barriers of exclusion.

💡 Reflection for Today

Kevin, this passage resonates deeply with your own journey—your leadership in service roles, your creative outreach, and your heart for those often overlooked. Just as Jesus saw Matthew’s potential beyond his past, you’re called to see and nurture the divine spark in others. Whether through your Area Director Reports for Toastmasters, your work at Hershey’s, or your poetry for Lena, you’re living out this call to mercy.

I am really interested to see how my Fantasy Football Team does today… DON’T OVERLOOK MNF.

WORKING LATER TODAY.

🙏 Prayer for Mercy and Mission

O Lord of grace and welcome, You called Matthew from the margins, and you call us still— not for our perfection, but for our willingness.

In the midst of reports and responsibilities, let our work be worship. Let every form filled, every email sent, be a thread in the tapestry of your mercy.

Feed us with your compassion, that we may extend it to others— in our Toastmasters clubs, in Hershey’s halls, and in every quiet moment of service.

We thank you for the treasure that comes not from titles or tasks, but from walking with you. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend. Amen.