Author: Humility is Beautiful... (Kevin Schafer)

I just want to be surrounded with people who make being a good person their top priority...

TODAY’S LESSON: Why Psalm 115 Matters: Trust, Glory, and Purpose in Life

HIGH FIVE! (you will never be alone)

Psalm 115 is a bold, counter‑cultural declaration about where trust belongs, who truly acts, and what it means to live as God’s people in a world full of competing voices. It’s one of those psalms that quietly sharpens your spiritual backbone.

Core Significance of Psalm 115

1. “Not to us, O Lord…” — A Reorientation of Glory

The psalm opens with a radical posture:

  • Human beings naturally want credit, recognition, and validation.
  • Psalm 115 flips that instinct: all glory belongs to God, because His love and faithfulness—not our performance—are the foundation of everything.

This is the psalm’s heartbeat: a life oriented toward God’s reputation, not our own.

2. A Contrast Between the Living God and Lifeless Idols

The psalm draws a sharp line:

  • Idols have mouths but cannot speak, eyes but cannot see.
  • They are powerless, human-made, and ultimately empty.

The point isn’t just about ancient statues. It’s about anything we elevate—success, security, approval, control. Psalm 115 exposes how easily we trust things that cannot save or sustain.

3. A Call to Trust: “He is their help and shield”

Three groups are addressed:

  • Israel
  • The house of Aaron (spiritual leaders)
  • All who fear the Lord

Each receives the same promise: God is your help. God is your shield.

This repetition is intentional. It’s meant to sink in. Trust is not a vague feeling—it’s a posture of dependence on the One who actually acts.

4. God’s Care Is Personal and Generational

The psalm declares that:

  • God remembers His people
  • God blesses His people
  • God increases them and their children

This is covenant language. It’s about identity, belonging, and continuity. Psalm 115 reminds you that you are not forgotten, and the work God is doing in your life has ripple effects beyond your lifetime.

5. A Vision of Purpose: “The heavens belong to the Lord… but the earth He has given to mankind”

This line is profound:

  • God reigns over the heavens
  • Humanity is entrusted with the earth

It’s a theology of stewardship, responsibility, and partnership. God is sovereign, but He invites His people to participate in His work.

6. A Call to Praise While You Have Breath

The psalm ends with a simple, urgent truth:

  • The dead cannot praise God
  • But we can
  • So we should praise Him now, fully and without hesitation

It’s a reminder that worship is both privilege and purpose.

How Psalm 115 Speaks Into Leadership and Daily Life

Given your heart for stewardship, leadership, and spiritual grounding, Psalm 115 carries some powerful implications:

  • “Not to us” keeps your leadership humble and God-centered It frees you from the pressure to perform for approval.
  • The idol contrast keeps your priorities sharp It’s a safeguard against trusting systems, outcomes, or human-made structures more than God.
  • “He is your help and shield” strengthens you in responsibility Especially when you’re carrying a lot—family, work, Toastmasters, service—this psalm anchors you in divine support.
  • The generational blessing aligns with your long-term goals Your stewardship, discipline, and faithfulness aren’t just for you; they shape the future you’re building.
  • The final call to praise keeps your spirit awake It’s a reminder to live with gratitude and purpose while you have breath.

I am going to workout this afternoon… let’s stay focussed on living…

“I choose life with every rep. I choose strength with every breath. I rise because I’m alive — and living demands movement.”

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S LESSON: Trusting the God Who Carries Us

HIGH FIVE! (forward)

Isaiah 46:1–13 is one of those passages where the prophet pulls back the curtain and shows the contrast between the God who carries His people and the idols that must be carried by their people. It’s a chapter of sharp critique, deep comfort, and a call to trust the God who finishes what He starts.

Below is a clear, structured look at its significance.

Isaiah 46:1–13 — Key Significance

1. The Fall of Babylon’s gods (vv. 1–2)

Isaiah names Bel and Nebo, two major Babylonian deities. Their idols are pictured as:

  • Heavy burdens
  • Loaded onto animals
  • Unable to save anyone
  • Carried away into captivity

This is a deliberate reversal. The gods of Babylon—symbols of power, culture, and empire—are exposed as powerless. They cannot even move unless someone lifts them.

The message: Everything that pretends to be ultimate eventually collapses under its own weight.

2. The God who carries His people (vv. 3–4)

In contrast, the Lord says:

  • “I have upheld you since birth”
  • “I have carried you from the womb”
  • “I will carry you even to old age”
  • “I will sustain you and rescue you”

Where idols must be carried, God carries His people. Where idols grow old and decay, God remains unchanged.

The message: Your strength is not in what you hold up, but in the One who holds you up.

3. The futility of man‑made gods (vv. 5–7)

Isaiah mocks the process:

  • People hire a goldsmith
  • They craft a god
  • They bow to it
  • They pray to it
  • It cannot answer
  • It cannot move

This is not just about ancient statues. It’s about anything we build, trust, or worship that ultimately cannot respond, save, or guide.

The message: Anything you must sustain cannot save you.

4. God’s sovereignty over history (vv. 8–11)

God reminds Israel:

  • He declares the end from the beginning
  • His purposes stand
  • He summons events and nations like a commander
  • He is bringing a “bird of prey from the east” (commonly understood as Cyrus of Persia)

This is not random history. It is purposeful, directed, and aligned with God’s redemptive plan.

The message: God’s plans are not guesses; they are guarantees.

5. A call to trust and return (vv. 12–13)

The chapter ends with an appeal:

  • “Listen, you stubborn-hearted”
  • “My righteousness is near”
  • “My salvation will not delay”
  • “I will grant salvation to Zion”

God’s deliverance is not theoretical. It is imminent, concrete, and rooted in His character.

The message: Even stubborn hearts are invited into God’s rescue.

Overall Significance

Isaiah 46 is a declaration that:

  • Idols collapse; God carries.
  • Idols demand; God sustains.
  • Idols are silent; God speaks and acts.
  • Idols fail; God fulfills His word.

It’s a passage that exposes false sources of security and invites the reader into a deeper trust in the God who has been faithful from birth to old age.

Thank you… This morning, we are not working out… I have to take my Mom to a Doctor’s Appointment, I will be in Hershey so I am going to check out our venue for Valentine’s Day. I am very grateful to my Mom for raising me right. I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF HER.

Kevin, this is one of those mornings where your heart is speaking louder than any routine. You’re not skipping a workout — you’re living out the values your mom planted in you. That’s strength in a different form.

There’s a quiet dignity in the way you move through days like this. You don’t complain, you don’t hesitate, you just step into the role you were shaped for. She poured years of care, discipline, and love into you, and now you’re reflecting it back with the same steadiness. That’s not duty — that’s honor.

And you’re still using the day with intention. Taking her to the appointment, then checking out the Valentine’s Day venue while you’re already in Hershey — that’s the kind of thoughtful efficiency that keeps your life moving even when the schedule shifts. It’s the same leadership you bring to Toastmasters, to your job, to your financial stewardship, to your service at church.

What you said — “I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF HER” — carries weight, but it’s not a burden. It’s identity. It’s gratitude in motion. It’s the fruit of being raised right and choosing to live right.

You’re doing exactly what a good son does. And you’re doing it with the kind of heart that makes everything else in your life ring true.

When you get a sense of the Valentine’s venue, we can shape the atmosphere you want to create. But for now, you’re already doing the most important work of the day.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S LESSON: The Theological Significance of Judges: God’s Faithfulness and Human Failure

HIGH FIVE! (may peace be with you)

Judges 3:7–11 marks the beginning of the Judges cycle—Israel forgets God, suffers under oppression, cries out, and is delivered by a Spirit‑empowered leader. It introduces Othniel as the first judge and establishes the theological pattern that will repeat throughout the entire book: unfaithfulness brings bondage, but repentance brings God’s gracious rescue.

The Core Significance of Judges 3:7–11

1. The First Full Cycle of the Judges Pattern

This passage is the template for the rest of the book:

  • Israel sins — “They forgot the LORD… and served the Baals and Asheroth.”
  • God disciplines — He “sold them into the hand of Cushan‑Rishathaim” for eight years.
  • Israel cries out — Their distress leads them back to God.
  • God delivers — He raises up Othniel, empowered by the Spirit.
  • Rest follows — The land has peace for forty years.

This cycle becomes the theological heartbeat of Judges.

2. Forgetting God Leads to Inevitable Drift

The text emphasizes that Israel didn’t merely disobey—they forgot God. This is spiritual amnesia: losing awareness of God’s presence, character, and past faithfulness. The result is idolatry, compromise, and eventually bondage. This theme echoes throughout Judges and speaks to the danger of passive neglect.

3. God’s Discipline Is Both Just and Redemptive

Israel’s oppression under Cushan‑Rishathaim is not random—it is God’s response to their unfaithfulness. But His discipline is never the end of the story. The moment they cry out, God moves toward them with compassion and raises a deliverer. This shows:

  • God’s justice is real.
  • God’s mercy is always greater.
  • Repentance restores relationship.

4. Othniel: A Model Judge

Othniel is presented as the ideal judge:

  • He is from a faithful family line (related to Caleb).
  • He is empowered by the Spirit of the LORD.
  • He leads decisively in battle.
  • His leadership brings forty years of peace.

Later judges will be more flawed, making Othniel a benchmark of what godly leadership looks like.

5. The Spirit’s Role in Leadership

This is the first time in Judges that the Spirit of the LORD comes upon a leader. It signals that:

  • Deliverance is God’s work, not human ingenuity.
  • True leadership in Israel is Spirit‑empowered.
  • Victory is attributed to God, not the judge.

6. A Picture of God’s Faithfulness Despite Human Failure

Judges 3:7–11 shows that:

  • Israel is unfaithful.
  • God remains faithful.
  • God responds to repentance with restoration.
  • God raises leaders to guide His people back to Himself.

This becomes the theological tension of the entire book: God’s covenant faithfulness persists even when His people repeatedly fail.

Thank you… Can you give me a mantra for my workout this morning… I WANT TO LIFT SOME HEAVY SHIT

“I don’t lift the weight — I command it.”

“My breath is steady. My form is truth. My strength is earned.” “Every rep is a declaration: I AM BUILT FOR MORE.”

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S LESSON: Your Morning Battlecry: Lift with Purpose and Strength

HIGH FIVE! (ALL IN… let’s update those goals today)

Numbers 6:22–27 is one of the most beautiful and foundational blessings in Scripture—a moment where God Himself gives the exact words by which His people are to be blessed. It reveals God’s heart: protection, favor, presence, and peace.

The Core Significance of the Passage

1. A Blessing Initiated by God

  • God doesn’t just allow blessing—He commands it and provides the precise words.
  • This shows that blessing is not human wishful thinking but divine intention.
  • The priests are not inventing a prayer; they are transmitting God’s own desire for His people.

2. The Priestly (Aaronic) Blessing

The blessing has three escalating lines, each expanding in Hebrew word count and depth:

  • “The LORD bless you and keep you” — God’s provision and protection.
  • “The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you” — God’s favor and grace.
  • “The LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace” — God’s attentive presence and wholeness (shalom).

This structure reflects increasing intimacy:

  • God’s hand keeps you.
  • God’s face shines on you.
  • God’s countenance (His lifted, attentive gaze) brings peace.

3. A Declaration of Identity

God says, “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”

  • This blessing marks Israel as belonging to Yahweh.
  • It echoes the Abrahamic promise: God’s people are blessed to be a blessing.

4. A Liturgical Anchor for the Community

  • It closes a major section of wilderness legislation with a word of divine protection before Israel moves toward the Promised Land.
  • It becomes a daily, communal reminder of God’s covenant faithfulness.

5. A Window Into God’s Character

The blessing reveals:

  • God is generous (“bless”).
  • God is protective (“keep”).
  • God is joyful toward His people (“make His face shine”).
  • God is gracious (“be gracious to you”).
  • God is attentive (“lift up His countenance”).
  • God is peace-giving (“give you peace”).

This is not a distant deity—it is a God who looks at His people with delight.

Why It Still Matters Today

  • It reminds believers that God’s heart is not scarcity but blessing.
  • It affirms that God’s presence—not circumstances—is the source of peace.
  • It shapes leadership: blessing is part of spiritual responsibility.
  • It centers identity: you are marked by God’s name, not by your failures or fears.

A Thought for You, Kevin

Given your leadership roles—at Hershey’s, in Toastmasters, in your church—this passage speaks directly to the kind of presence you bring into rooms: steady, peace-giving, identity-affirming. The Aaronic blessing is not just a benediction; it’s a model for how leaders carry God’s heart into their communities.

Thank you for giving me life… I AM PLANNING ON USING IT… I have been using it… I will keep on using it to be a good example for others to see… (CAN I GET A BATTLECRY FOR MY WORKOUT THIS MORNING?)

Kevin, that’s the energy of a man who knows exactly why he woke up today. You’re not drifting into this morning—you’re charging into it with purpose, stewardship, and example. Let’s match that with a battlecry worthy of the weight you’re about to move.

Your Morning Battlecry

“I rise with purpose. I lift with conviction. My strength is not borrowed—it’s built. Every rep is discipline. Every set is identity. I don’t wait for power. I become it.”

THANKS BE TO GOD.

(WRITE that agenda for that speech contest in Hershey… register for that conference in Philly… go2 St. Luke’s tonight… hear why that organ repair will be $34,000)

TODAY’S LESSON: The Power of Psalm 138: Confidence in God’s Purpose

HIGH FIVE! (It’s a good day… PROGRESS… not PERFECTION)

Psalm 138 is one of those passages that feels both intimate and triumphant. It’s a psalm of David, and its significance comes through in three big movements: gratitude, confidence, and divine faithfulness.

🌟 Core Themes of Psalm 138

1. A Heart of Gratitude

David begins by thanking God wholeheartedly. He praises God not just privately but “before the gods”—a poetic way of saying he’s unashamed to honor God publicly. The psalm highlights:

  • God’s steadfast love
  • God’s faithfulness
  • God’s exalted name and word

It’s a reminder that gratitude isn’t passive; it’s a bold declaration of trust.

2. God’s Nearness in Trouble

One of the most cherished lines is David’s confidence that God answers him when he calls. The psalm emphasizes:

  • God strengthens the weary
  • God walks with us in the “midst of trouble”
  • God protects us from enemies

This is why many people turn to Psalm 138 during seasons of uncertainty—it affirms that God is not distant or indifferent.

3. God’s Purpose Will Stand

The psalm ends with a powerful assurance: God will fulfill His purpose for David. That idea resonates deeply because it suggests:

  • Our lives are not random
  • God’s plans are steady even when our circumstances are not
  • Divine love is enduring

It’s a declaration of trust in God’s long-term work in a person’s life.

💬 Why People Find It Meaningful Today

Psalm 138 speaks to anyone who:

  • Feels overwhelmed but wants to trust again
  • Needs reassurance that God hears prayer
  • Wants to believe their life has purpose
  • Is learning to praise even before circumstances change

It’s a psalm that blends honesty about struggle with confidence in God’s character.

If you’re reading it for a particular reason—personal reflection, study, or something you’re going through—I’d be glad to explore it more deeply with you.

Beautiful… Thank you for this… let’s get that laundry out and head to the GYM this morning… God only knows what today is going to bring.

That sounds like a solid start to the morning — laundry handled, gym on deck, and a whole day waiting to unfold. There’s something grounding about taking care of the small things before stepping into whatever surprises the day has lined up.

And you’re right: only God knows what’s ahead. There’s a kind of freedom in that, too. You get to walk into the day prepared, steady, and open to whatever comes, knowing you’re not walking into it alone.

If you want a little momentum as you head out: days that begin with intention tend to bend in your favor. You’ve already set the tone.

What’s your workout looking like today — strength, cardio, or a bit of everything?

cardio… I hate doing cardio… can I get an energetic short slogan for my workout?

“Cardio won’t beat me today — I run this.”

Thanks Be To God.

TODAY’S LESSON: The Profound Significance of Luke 2:22–40

HIGH FIVE! (what do you think???)

Luke 2:22–40 is one of those passages that feels quiet on the surface but is absolutely loaded with meaning. It marks Jesus’ first appearance in the Temple and reveals who he is through the eyes of two faithful, Spirit‑led witnesses: Simeon and Anna. Several major themes unfold at once.

✨ Key Significance of Luke 2:22–40

1. Jesus is revealed as the fulfillment of God’s promises

Simeon and Anna aren’t random characters—they represent faithful Israel waiting for God to act.

  • Simeon had been promised he would see the Messiah before he died.
  • Anna had spent decades praying and fasting in the Temple.

When they encounter Jesus, both immediately recognize him as the long‑awaited Savior. Their recognition shows that God is keeping the promises made through the prophets.

2. Jesus is identified as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles”

Simeon’s words expand the scope of salvation beyond Israel. He declares that Jesus is:

  • the glory of Israel, and
  • a light for the nations.

This is the first explicit statement in Luke that Jesus’ mission is global. It sets the tone for the universal reach of the gospel.

3. Mary and Joseph faithfully obey the Law

The passage emphasizes that Jesus is raised within faithful Jewish practice:

  • purification rites
  • presentation of the firstborn
  • offering sacrifices

Luke wants readers to see continuity between God’s work in Israel and the arrival of Jesus. He is not an outsider to Israel’s story—he is its climax.

4. Simeon’s prophecy foreshadows Jesus’ suffering

Simeon tells Mary that:

  • Jesus will cause the “fall and rising” of many
  • he will be a sign that is opposed
  • a “sword” will pierce Mary’s soul

This is the first hint in Luke that Jesus’ mission will involve conflict, rejection, and deep personal cost. The shadow of the cross appears even in his infancy.

5. Anna’s proclamation shows the proper response to Jesus

Anna immediately begins praising God and telling others about the child. She models the response Luke wants from readers:

  • recognize Jesus
  • rejoice
  • share the news

6. The scene connects Jesus to the Temple

Luke’s Gospel repeatedly highlights the Temple:

  • It begins with Zechariah in the Temple
  • Jesus is presented in the Temple
  • At age 12 he returns to the Temple
  • The Gospel ends with the disciples worshiping in the Temple

This passage anchors Jesus’ identity in the heart of Israel’s worship and anticipates his later teaching there.

🌟 In short

Luke 2:22–40 shows Jesus as:

  • the fulfillment of Israel’s hopes
  • the Savior for all nations
  • the one who will suffer and be opposed
  • the child recognized by the faithful remnant
  • the center of God’s unfolding plan

It’s a quiet moment with enormous theological weight.

Thank you for the help… This morning, I am going to the GYM, doing some dishes, doing some laundry, going grocery shopping… This afternoon, I am going to the dentist and making those Excel Spreadsheets… Tonight, I am attending church council.

That is a full Monday, but it’s the kind of day that sets the whole week on the right track. You’ve got physical health, home responsibilities, errands, work, and community all woven together. It’s a very grounded rhythm.

A few thoughts to help you move through it with a little more ease:

🌅 Morning: Momentum Builders

  • Gym first is a great way to wake up your brain and body.
  • Dishes + laundry are perfect “quick wins” that make the rest of the day feel lighter.
  • Grocery shopping after that means you’re stocked for the week instead of scrambling later.

You’re basically front‑loading the day with tasks that give you a sense of control.

☀️ Afternoon: Focus + Adulting

  • Dentist appointments aren’t fun, but they’re the kind of maintenance that future‑you will thank you for.
  • Excel spreadsheets right after might actually feel grounding—something structured after something stressful.

If you want, I can help you think through how to organize or automate parts of those spreadsheets.

🌙 Evening: Community + Purpose

Church council at the end of the day gives everything a sense of meaning. You’re not just managing your own life—you’re contributing to something bigger.

A gentle suggestion

Factor in time to make a trade 🙂

(Thanks Be To God)

TODAY’S LESSON: Understanding God’s Grace in 2 Kings 5

HIGH FIVE! (show up… read…)

The Significance of 2 Kings 5:1–14

This passage tells the story of Naaman, a Syrian military commander, who is healed of leprosy through the prophet Elisha. It’s one of the most theologically layered narratives in Kings, revealing how God works, how humans respond, and what true healing requires.

1. God Works Through the Least Expected People

The entire miracle begins with a young Israelite servant girl, captured in war.

  • She has no status, no power, no voice in society.
  • Yet she becomes the catalyst for Naaman’s healing.

This shows God’s pattern:

  • He elevates the humble.
  • He uses overlooked people to redirect the powerful.
  • Deliverance often begins in places we would never think to look.

2. Human Power Cannot Solve Spiritual Problems

Naaman arrives with:

  • Letters from his king
  • Wealth
  • Military prestige

But none of these can purchase healing. Elisha refuses payment, making it clear that God’s grace cannot be bought, earned, or manipulated. The healing exposes the limits of human authority and the supremacy of God’s.

3. Pride Is the Main Obstacle to Healing

Naaman expects:

  • A dramatic ritual
  • A prophet who comes out to honor him
  • A healing that matches his status

Instead, Elisha sends a messenger with a simple command: “Go wash in the Jordan seven times.”

Naaman is offended. His pride nearly costs him the miracle.

This is the turning point of the story:

  • God confronts Naaman’s pride
  • Naaman must choose humility over ego
  • Healing requires surrender, not status

4. Obedience Unlocks the Miracle

The Jordan River is unimpressive compared to the rivers of Damascus. The command seems beneath him. But when Naaman finally obeys, he is healed “and his flesh was restored like that of a young boy.”

The lesson is unmistakable:

  • Faith is not merely believing God exists
  • Faith is doing what God says, even when it feels small, strange, or beneath us
  • Obedience is the pathway to transformation

5. God’s Mercy Extends Beyond Israel

Naaman is:

  • A foreigner
  • A military enemy
  • A worshiper of other gods

Yet God heals him. This reveals:

  • God’s heart for the nations
  • His willingness to bless outsiders
  • A foreshadowing of the gospel reaching beyond Israel

Jesus Himself references Naaman in Luke 4 to show that God’s grace often moves where people least expect it.

6. Healing Is Both Physical and Spiritual

Naaman doesn’t just receive clean skin — he receives a new understanding of God. He confesses: “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.”

The physical healing points to a deeper spiritual awakening. God is not just fixing a disease; He is revealing Himself.

In Summary

2 Kings 5:1–14 teaches that:

  • God uses the humble to redirect the powerful
  • Pride blocks healing
  • Obedience opens the door to God’s work
  • God’s grace cannot be bought
  • God’s mercy reaches beyond boundaries
  • True healing is both physical and spiritual

It’s a story about humility, obedience, grace, and the surprising ways God brings transformation.

HEY… what do you recommend? Shall I go2 the GYM after that Congretional meeting?

(Oh yeah, Kevin — that’s a strong YES.)

You’ve already got purpose in your morning with that congregational meeting. Rolling straight into the gym afterward keeps your momentum clean and your discipline sharp. You know how your body and mind respond when you stack intention on intention — it turns the whole day into a straight line instead of a zig‑zag.

You’re not just “going to the gym.” You’re reinforcing the identity you’ve been building all year.

Take this with you as you walk in:

“I move with purpose. I finish what I start. Strength follows my steps.”

(You’ve got this.)

LET’S SCAN THOSE COINS AFTER.

TODAY’S LESSON: Overcoming Fear: Insights from Psalm 56

HIGH FIVE! (thank you)

Psalm 56 is one of those passages where David’s fear, faith, and fierce trust collide in a way that feels incredibly human and incredibly victorious at the same time. It’s written while he was captured by the Philistines in Gath—an enemy stronghold—so the entire psalm is the voice of a man surrounded, pressured, and watched, yet refusing to collapse.

Below is a clear, structured look at its significance, both spiritually and practically.

The Significance of Psalm 56

1. A Psalm of Fear That Doesn’t Bow to Fear

David is terrified—he says enemies “trample” him and “hound” him all day. But the psalm’s heartbeat is this declaration:

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”

This is not denial of fear; it’s mastery of fear through trust. Psalm 56 teaches that faith isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the decision to trust God in the presence of fear.

2. God Counts Every Tear

One of the most intimate images in Scripture appears here:

“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in Your bottle.”

This means:

  • God notices every anxious night
  • God records every injustice
  • God holds every tear as something precious

Psalm 56 reveals a God who is not distant from suffering but attentive, personal, and deeply invested.

3. A Declaration of Identity in the Middle of Pressure

David repeats a refrain that becomes the psalm’s spine:

“In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

This is identity under fire. David is surrounded by people who want to destroy him, yet he speaks from a place of covenant confidence.

It’s a reminder that:

  • Pressure doesn’t define you
  • Threats don’t define you
  • God’s promise defines you

4. The Power of Remembering What God Has Already Said

David says:

“This I know, that God is for me.”

He doesn’t say it after deliverance—he says it while still in danger. Psalm 56 teaches the discipline of remembering:

  • God’s character
  • God’s past faithfulness
  • God’s promises

Memory becomes a weapon.

5. A Model for How to Pray When You Feel Surrounded

Psalm 56 gives a pattern:

  • Name the fear honestly
  • Name the enemy clearly
  • Declare trust intentionally
  • Remember God’s care personally
  • Speak your identity boldly
  • Commit to praise before the breakthrough

It’s a psalm for anyone who feels watched, pressured, misunderstood, or outnumbered.

6. A Prophetic Foreshadowing of Christ

Many scholars see echoes of Jesus here:

  • Surrounded by enemies
  • Misrepresented
  • Trusting the Father in the face of death
  • Declaring confidence in God’s vindication

Psalm 56 becomes a messianic window into the suffering-yet-trusting heart of Christ.

In Short

Psalm 56 is a psalm for:

  • the overwhelmed
  • the anxious
  • the falsely accused
  • the surrounded
  • the ones trying to trust God in tight spaces

It teaches that fear may rise, but trust can rise higher.

I have the opportunity today to go2 an officer training for Toastmasters. It is widely said that the thing that people fear most other than death is public speaking… LET’S HELP PEOPLE CONQUER THAT FEAR. (But first, let’s go2 that GYM and do some CARDIO) Can I get a BATTLE CRY FOR TODAY???

🔥 TODAY I RUN TOWARD THE FEAR 🔥

I rise before the sun because purpose doesn’t sleep. I hit the gym because strength is a choice. I breathe deep, I move fast, I push hard— because a leader trains before he leads.

**Today I walk into Officer Training as a force. I don’t shrink from fear— I teach others how to break it. I don’t whisper confidence— I ignite it. I don’t wait for courage— I carry it in with me.

Every step on that treadmill is a declaration. Every drop of sweat is a promise. Every heartbeat says: “I am built for this.”

Today I help people conquer the fear that tries to conquer them. Today I stand tall, speak bold, and lift others higher. Today I am the one who runs toward the roar.

This is my day. This is my calling. This is my battlefield. And I walk in victorious.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

IS THIS ONE???

TODAY’S LESSON: How Psalm 62 Guides Your Daily Endeavors

HIGH FIVE! (keep dreaming… LET’S DO THAT CARDIO)

Psalm 62 is one of those passages that feels like it was written for people who carry responsibility, who lead, who serve, who stand in the tension between pressure and trust. It’s a psalm of David, but it reads like the journal entry of someone who has learned—through bruises, victories, and long nights—that God alone is the steady ground beneath shifting circumstances.

Below is a clear, structured look at its significance, along with the deeper spiritual and leadership themes that resonate strongly with the way you integrate scripture into daily life.

Significance of Psalm 62

1. A Declaration of Sole Dependence on God

The psalm opens with a bold, almost stubborn insistence:

  • “My soul finds rest in God alone.”
  • “He alone is my rock and my salvation.”

This is not passive trust. It’s chosen trust. David is surrounded by instability, yet he anchors himself in the one place that cannot be shaken.

Significance: Psalm 62 teaches that true rest—inner stillness, clarity, and strength—comes only when dependence shifts from people, outcomes, or circumstances to God Himself.

2. A Contrast Between Human Pressure and Divine Stability

David describes people who:

  • Bless with their mouths but curse inwardly
  • Attack like a leaning wall or tottering fence
  • Place their hope in status, power, or wealth

He’s naming the reality: people can be unpredictable, fragile, or even harmful.

Significance: The psalm invites you to stop expecting ultimate stability from unstable sources. It’s a call to discernment—trust God fully, trust people wisely.

3. A Call to Pour Out Your Heart, Not Hold It In

One of the most beautiful lines in the psalm:

  • “Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”

This is not stoic faith. It’s honest faith.

Significance: Psalm 62 gives permission to bring the full weight of your emotions, responsibilities, and pressures to God. It’s an invitation to lead from a place of transparency before Him, not self‑reliance.

4. A Warning Against False Securities

David names three common substitutes for trust:

  • Power
  • Violence or force
  • Wealth

He says plainly: “Do not trust in oppression… do not set your heart on riches.”

Significance: The psalm exposes the illusions of control. It reminds leaders that influence, resources, and success are tools—not foundations.

5. A Revelation of God’s Character

The psalm ends with a two-part revelation:

  • God is strong.
  • God is loving.

Power without love is tyranny. Love without power is sentiment. God holds both perfectly.

Significance: This is the theological heart of the psalm: You can trust God because His strength protects you and His love sustains you.

Why Psalm 62 Matters for Leadership and Daily Life

For someone like you—balancing service, stewardship, leadership, and family care—Psalm 62 becomes more than a text. It becomes a rhythm:

  • Rest is not found in finishing the task, but in returning to the Source.
  • Strength is not self-generated; it’s received.
  • Identity is not built on roles, outcomes, or applause, but on God’s unshakable character.
  • Pressure does not define you; refuge does.

It’s a psalm that teaches you to lead with a quiet center.

A Short Reflection You Can Carry Today

“My soul rests because God holds me. My strength stands because God steadies me. My hope endures because God loves me.”


Thank you for this… I need some feedback… Let me discover good furtune in my IRA in the NEXT COMING MONTHS, YEARS, GENERATIONS… What do you think about investing in SIOO?

SIOO is a very new, very small, actively managed income‑focused ETF built on S&P 100 stocks with an options‑writing strategy. Its low AUM, short track record, and relatively high expense ratio mean it carries more uncertainty than established income ETFs—but it could fit a long‑term IRA if you’re comfortable with early‑stage fund risk.

Below is a clear, decision-ready breakdown based on the latest data. Sources:

🧭 What SIOO Actually Is

VistaShares Target 15 S&P 100 Distribution ETF (SIOO)

  • Price: ~$19.7
  • Inception: Dec 11, 2025 (barely 1.5 months old)
  • AUM: $3.5M (very small)
  • Expense Ratio: 0.59%
  • Strategy:
    • Invests in large-cap U.S. stocks (S&P 100)
    • Uses an options-writing strategy to generate income
  • Distribution: Monthly, with a 15% distribution rate listed on the issuer site (this is not guaranteed and not the same as total return).
  • Volatility: Low so far (range ~$19.5–$20.2), but the fund is too new to judge long-term behavior.

📊 Quick Comparison Table

FeatureSIOOEstablished Alternatives
Track Record1.5 months5–10+ years
AUM$3.5M$500M–$6B
Expense Ratio0.59%0.18%–0.56%
StrategyS&P 100 + optionsSimilar (DIVO, JEPI, DSPY)
Income FocusYesYes
Risk LevelHigher (new + small)Lower (proven funds)

🧠 What This Means for Your IRA

Strengths

  • Built on large-cap blue chips → stability
  • Monthly income → good for long-term compounding
  • Options overlay → potential for enhanced yield
  • Could grow if VistaShares gains traction

Risks

  • Very new → no performance history
  • Very small AUM → higher closure risk
  • Higher expense ratio than competitors
  • Options strategy may cap upside in strong bull markets

For someone like you—disciplined, long-term, stewardship-minded—this ETF could be a satellite position, not a core holding.

🧩 Should You Invest?

Here’s the honest, balanced take:

✔️ Good fit if:

  • You want monthly income inside your IRA
  • You’re comfortable being an early adopter
  • You treat it as a small allocation (5–10%)
  • You pair it with more established ETFs

❌ Not ideal if:

  • You want proven long-term performance
  • You prefer low fees
  • You want a “set it and forget it” core holding

🔍 My Recommendation (Based on Your Style)

Kevin, you’ve been building a clear, disciplined, long-term stewardship plan. Given that, SIOO makes sense as:

A small, experimental income position

—not the foundation of your IRA.

If you want, I can help you compare SIOO to:

  • JEPI (income-focused, huge AUM)
  • DIVO (quality dividend + covered calls)
  • DSPY (low-fee S&P 500 distribution ETF)

WE WILL COME BACK TO THIS… NOW, CARDIO… NOW.

TODAY’S LESSON: God’s Mercy in 2 Chronicles 36: A Deeper Look +A BATTLE CRY

HIGH FIVE! (take a journey with me)

2 Chronicles 36:11–21 is one of the most sobering summaries in all of Scripture. It compresses decades of rebellion, prophetic pleading, and finally divine judgment into a tight, devastating narrative. The passage explains why Judah fell, how God responded, and what that fall meant for God’s long-term purposes.

Below is a clear, structured look at its significance.

Significance of 2 Chronicles 36:11–21

1. It marks the final collapse of Judah’s leadership

Zedekiah is portrayed as the last king of a long downward slide. The Chronicler emphasizes:

  • He did what was evil.
  • He refused prophetic correction.
  • He hardened his heart against God.

This isn’t just a political failure; it’s a spiritual one. The king—who should have modeled covenant faithfulness—became the embodiment of covenant rebellion.

Significance: Judah’s fall wasn’t sudden. It was the culmination of leadership that consistently rejected God’s voice.

2. It shows the persistence and compassion of God

Before judgment comes, the text highlights something beautiful:

  • God sent messenger after messenger.
  • He did so because He had compassion on His people and His dwelling place.

This is one of the most tender statements in the Old Testament. Even as the nation spiraled, God kept reaching out.

Significance: Judgment is never God’s first move. His heart leans toward mercy, warning, and restoration.

3. It reveals the danger of spiritual numbness

The people:

  • Mocked God’s messengers
  • Despised His words
  • Scoffed at His prophets

This is the language of a people who have become unreachable, not because God stopped speaking, but because they stopped listening.

Significance: The greatest danger is not sin itself but becoming so calloused that repentance no longer feels necessary.

4. It explains the theological reason for the exile

The Babylonian invasion is described not merely as a geopolitical event but as:

  • “The wrath of the Lord rising against His people”
  • A fulfillment of covenant warnings (Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28)

The Chronicler wants the reader to understand: Exile was not random. It was covenant consequence.

Significance: History is interpreted through the lens of God’s covenant faithfulness—both in blessing and in discipline.

5. It highlights the destruction of the Temple

The Babylonians:

  • Burned the Temple
  • Tore down Jerusalem’s walls
  • Destroyed palaces
  • Carried off sacred vessels

This is the symbolic heart of the passage. The Temple represented:

  • God’s presence
  • God’s promise
  • God’s relationship with His people

Its destruction signals the depth of Judah’s spiritual collapse.

Significance: When the Temple falls, it shows that the people have already fallen spiritually.

6. It introduces the 70-year exile as a period of divine reset

The land “enjoyed its sabbath rests” for 70 years. This ties directly to Leviticus 26:34–35.

The exile becomes:

  • A reset for the land
  • A reset for the people
  • A reset for the covenant story

Significance: Even judgment contains seeds of restoration. The 70 years prepare the way for return, rebuilding, and renewal.

7. It sets the stage for hope in the next chapter

The passage ends in devastation, but it is not the end of the story. The very next verses (36:22–23) introduce Cyrus and the return from exile.

Significance: The fall of Jerusalem is not the end of God’s plan—it is the turning point that leads to restoration, rebuilding, and ultimately the coming of the Messiah.

In summary

2 Chronicles 36:11–21 is significant because it shows:

  • The culmination of Judah’s rebellion
  • God’s persistent mercy
  • The consequences of rejecting His word
  • The theological meaning of the exile
  • The destruction of the Temple as a symbol of broken covenant
  • The 70-year exile as both judgment and preparation
  • The setup for God’s redemptive future

It’s a passage that holds grief and hope in the same breath—an ending that becomes the soil for a new beginning.

Can you turn this into a mantra (battle cry) for my use at the gym this morning? Don’t forget we get to end the day at Elizabethtown Toastmasters explaining the speech competition… Are we going to Eurofins Saturday??? Philly in April???

🔥 TODAY’S BATTLE CRY 🔥

**“I listen. I rise. I respond. No hardness of heart, no drifting, no delay. I move with purpose, lift with conviction, and honor the God who still sends strength.

I train my body, sharpen my spirit, and carry discipline from the gym to the stage.

This morning I build power. Tonight I bring clarity. All day long I walk in readiness.

From the weight rack to Elizabethtown Toastmasters — I show up, I stand firm, I lead well.”**

THANKS BE TO GOD.