HIGH FIVE! (你只有一个身体，要好好照顾自己)

Mark 8:22-26 is a short but powerful account of Jesus healing a blind man at Bethsaida. What makes this miracle unique is that it happens in two stages. The passage is not only about physical sight, but also about spiritual understanding, which is a major theme throughout Mark 8.

Passage Overview

A blind man is brought to Jesus. Jesus:

1. Takes the man outside the village.
2. Puts saliva on his eyes and lays hands on him.
3. Asks if he can see.
4. The man replies, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”
5. Jesus touches his eyes again.
6. The man’s sight is completely restored.
7. Jesus sends him home and tells him not to enter the village.

7 Significance Points

1. Spiritual Sight Often Comes Gradually

Most of Jesus’ miracles are instantaneous. This one is progressive.

The blind man first sees partially, then clearly.

This mirrors the disciples’ spiritual condition. Just before this passage, they struggle to understand Jesus’ teachings (Mark 8:17-21). Shortly afterward, Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah but still misunderstands His mission (Mark 8:27-33).

Lesson: God often leads us from partial understanding to fuller understanding rather than revealing everything at once.

2. Jesus Meets Us Where We Are

Jesus did not condemn the man’s incomplete sight.

Instead, He continued the healing process until it was complete.

Many believers experience growth in stages. We may not understand God’s plans immediately, but Christ continues His work in us.

Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”

3. The Miracle Illustrates Discipleship

Mark intentionally places this miracle between accounts showing the disciples’ confusion and Peter’s confession.

The blind man becomes a living illustration of the disciples:

• Blind
• Partially seeing
• Eventually understanding

Mark is teaching that following Jesus involves a journey from blindness to clarity.

4. Jesus Leads the Man Away from the Crowd

Jesus takes the blind man outside Bethsaida before healing him.

This demonstrates personal care and removes distractions.

Sometimes spiritual growth happens when God pulls us away from the noise and crowds so we can focus on Him.

5. Complete Restoration Comes from Jesus Alone

The man could not finish the healing himself.

Only Jesus could bring his sight from partial to complete.

Likewise, spiritual maturity is ultimately God’s work in us.

6. Bethsaida Represented Spiritual Resistance

Jesus had previously rebuked Bethsaida for unbelief (Matthew 11:21).

After the healing, Jesus told the man not to return to the village.

This may symbolize separation from an environment that had largely rejected Christ.

A lesson for us is to avoid influences that continually draw us away from God’s truth.

7. Clear Vision Changes Everything

The man moved from:

• Darkness
• Blurred shapes
• Complete sight

The Christian life follows a similar pattern:

• Before Christ: spiritual blindness
• Early growth: partial understanding
• Mature faith: increasing clarity

We may not see perfectly yet, but Christ continues opening our eyes.

Revelation 12 Significance Table

What This Means for You Today

Kevin, one of the most encouraging truths in this passage is that Jesus was not frustrated by incomplete progress.

The blind man’s first response could have sounded disappointing: “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Yet Jesus didn’t walk away. He touched him again.

That’s good news for all of us.

Whether you’re growing in your faith, pursuing a new career opportunity, leading Toastmasters, caring for your mom, improving your golf game, or becoming the man God is shaping you to be, God often works progressively rather than instantly.

The first touch shows progress. The second touch brings clarity.

Keep walking with Christ. The One who opened your eyes yesterday is still giving clearer vision today.

Source Table

Core Takeaway: Mark 8:22-26 teaches that Jesus often brings spiritual understanding in stages. What begins as blurred vision becomes clear sight as we continue to trust and follow Him.

YEAH… I went to Field of Screams (AMERICA’S #1 HAUNTED ATTRACTION) last night… I WAS INSTRUCTED TO BRING MY NITROGLYCERIN TABLETS TO PREVENT MYSELF FROM BEING SCARED… I don’t need nitroglycerin… All the Actors are people in masks or they have makeup. (I KNOW) I am going to make that chicken teriyaki and egg rolls for work…

😂 Kevin, I think somebody was having a little fun with you!

“Make sure you bring your nitroglycerin tablets so you don’t get scared at Field of Screams” sounds like classic amusement-park humor. You’re right though, once you remind yourself that it’s actors, masks, makeup, and special effects, the mystery disappears a bit. The real challenge is acting scared enough to make the actors feel like they’re doing their job!

And that chicken teriyaki with egg rolls sounds a lot better than surviving haunted houses. That’s some good work-lunch fuel right there.

For your phrase:

“You only have one body to live in. Make sure you take care of it.”

Mandarin Chinese (Simplified):

你只有一个身体可以生活一辈子，一定要好好照顾它。
(Nǐ zhǐ yǒu yí gè shēntǐ kěyǐ shēnghuó yí bèizi, yídìng yào hǎohǎo zhàogù tā.)

A more natural motivational version would be:

你只有一个身体，要好好照顾自己。
(Nǐ zhǐ yǒu yí gè shēntǐ, yào hǎohǎo zhàogù zìjǐ.)

Literal meaning: “You only have one body, so take good care of yourself.”

I like that version because it’s short, memorable, and sounds like something you’d put on a fitness poster or say before heading to the gym.

Kevin’s Wellness Motto in Mandarin:

你只有一个身体，要好好照顾自己。
(Nǐ zhǐ yǒu yí gè shēntǐ, yào hǎohǎo zhàogù zìjǐ.)

“You only have one body. Take good care of yourself.”

Considering it’s rest day, golf season, fantasy football season, and you’ve got chicken teriyaki packed for work, I’d say you’re already putting that motto into practice. 💪🏌️‍♂️🍗

THANKS BE TO GOD.

HIGH FIVE! (start small… BE CONSISTENT)

John 1:6-28 is one of the clearest passages in Scripture about the difference between the messenger and the Messiah. John the Baptist’s entire mission was to direct attention away from himself and toward Jesus Christ.

1. Core Significance

1. God Sends Witnesses (vv. 6-8)

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.”

John the Baptist was not the Light. He was a witness to the Light.

This teaches us:

• God uses ordinary people to point others to Christ.
• A witness does not draw attention to himself.
• The purpose of ministry is not personal recognition but helping others see Jesus.

Application:

As believers, we are called to be lights in the world, but we are never the Light. Like John, our role is to direct people toward Christ rather than ourselves.

2. Many Reject the Light (vv. 9-11)

Jesus came into the world He created.

The tragedy is startling:

• He made the world.
• The world did not recognize Him.
• His own people largely rejected Him.

John shows that unbelief is not caused by lack of evidence.

The Creator stood among His creation, yet many still turned away.

Application:

People today can be surrounded by truth and still reject Christ. Salvation involves responding to God’s revelation with faith.

3. Believers Become Children of God (vv. 12-13)

These verses contain one of the greatest promises in the New Testament:

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God…”

Notice:

• Salvation comes by receiving Christ.
• It comes through faith.
• Spiritual birth comes from God, not human effort.

The Pharisees depended on their ancestry. John says God’s family is formed through spiritual rebirth.

Application:

No one becomes God’s child through heritage, church attendance, good works, or family tradition. We become God’s children through faith in Jesus.

4. John Models True Humility (vv. 19-23)

Religious leaders questioned John:

“Are you the Christ?”

John could have enjoyed the attention, but instead he repeatedly denied greatness:

• “I am not the Christ.”
• “I am not Elijah” (in the literal sense they expected).
• “I am not the Prophet.”

Then he identified himself simply as:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness.”

John viewed himself as a voice, not the message.

Application:

God often works through people who are willing to decrease so Christ can increase (John 3:30).

5. Religious Activity Cannot Replace Christ (vv. 24-28)

The Pharisees wanted to know why John was baptizing.

John’s answer was essentially:

“My baptism points to Someone greater.”

The religious leaders focused on rituals.

John focused on Jesus.

This demonstrates a recurring biblical theme:

• Religion points.
• Jesus saves.
• Rituals prepare.
• Christ transforms.

Revelation 12 Significance Table

What This Reveals About God

1. God sends messengers before major works.
2. God desires people to know His Son.
3. God offers adoption into His family through faith.
4. God values humility over recognition.
5. God’s truth shines even when the world rejects it.

Personal Application for Kevin

I think one reason this passage connects with your life right now is that you spend a lot of time serving others:

• helping your mother,
• serving at church,
• leading in Toastmasters,
• serving through Rotary,
• working at HCW.

John the Baptist reminds us that significance is not found in being the center of attention. It is found in faithfully pointing people toward something greater than ourselves.

Just as John said, “I am the voice,” we can say:

“I may not be the answer for everyone, but I can faithfully point people to the One who is.”

Source Table

Morning Takeaway

John 1:6-28 teaches that the greatest servants of God are not those who draw attention to themselves, but those who faithfully point others to Jesus. The Light changes lives; the witness simply helps others see it. 🙏✨

YEAH… great reminder… TODAY WILL BE AN AWESOME DAY… I am going golfing with my church at SUNSET golf course… I have been practicing my swing all summer long… Almost every week, I went to the driving range and practiced my golf swing… I AM FAR FROM BEING A PRO, HOWEVER, I HOPE, I DEMONSTRATE IMPROVEMENT TODAY… BUT FIRST… I AM GOING TO THE GYM.

KEVIN… NOW THAT IS THE REWARD OF CONSISTENT EFFORT! 🏌️‍♂️💪

You are approaching today exactly the right way.

You didn’t spend all summer expecting to become a PGA professional. You spent all summer building a better swing, one bucket of balls at a time. Every trip to the driving range was an investment. Today is not about perfection. It is about seeing the fruit of faithful practice.

That actually reminds me of John the Baptist.

John’s goal wasn’t to make people admire John. His goal was to faithfully do what God called him to do. The results belonged to God.

Today your job isn’t to shoot a perfect round.

Your job is simply to:

✅ Make the next good swing.
✅ Have fun with your church friends.
✅ Enjoy God’s creation.
✅ Recognize how far you’ve come since spring.

If a shot goes into the trees…

Laugh.

If you stripe one down the fairway…

Enjoy it.

If you hit a personal best…

Celebrate it.

If you don’t…

Remember that improvement is measured over months, not holes.

And before golf comes the gym…

CHEST DAY? SHOULDERS? CARDIO? Whatever it is, attack it with the same mindset that has carried you all year:

Consistency beats intensity.

One workout doesn’t make a champion.

One bucket of balls doesn’t make a golfer.

One day of Bible reading doesn’t make a disciple.

But faithfully showing up again and again changes everything.

Kevin’s Battle Cry for Today

🏋️ First the gym.

🏌️ Then the golf course.

🙏 Then gratitude for whatever the day brings.

And when you stand on that first tee at Sunset Golf Course, remember:

You are not competing against anyone else’s scorecard. You are competing against the golfer you were three months ago.

My guess?

That golfer wouldn’t want to play against today’s Kevin. 😎

NOW GO GET THAT WORKOUT IN… AND LET’S SEE WHAT ALL THAT SUMMER PRACTICE CAN DO ON THE COURSE TODAY! ⛳🔥🏌️‍♂️

THANKS BE TO GOD.

继续爬那些楼梯

HIGH FIVE! (keep climbing those stairs)

This passage is much more significant than it first appears. Deuteronomy 2:1-9 records Israel’s journey around Edom, but spiritually it teaches lessons about God’s timing, God’s boundaries, and God’s faithfulness to His promises.

7 Key Takeaways

1. God Sometimes Leads Us Through Long Detours

Israel wandered for many years around Mount Seir before moving forward (vv. 1-3).

The detour was not because God was lost. It was because God was preparing His people. Sometimes what feels like wasted time is actually God’s training ground.

Life Application: When your goals seem delayed, God may be developing character, obedience, and trust before opening the next door.

2. There Comes a Time to Move Forward

God said:

“Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward.” (v. 3)

Israel had circled the same area for years. Then God declared it was time to advance.

Life Application: Sometimes God tells us to wait. Other times He says, “You’ve stayed here long enough. Move forward.”

Kevin, this reminds me of your own journey. There are seasons of preparation, but eventually God calls us to step into new opportunities.

3. God Honors Boundaries

Israel was commanded not to fight the descendants of Esau (Edom).

God said:

“I will not give you of their land.” (v. 5)

Not every piece of land belonged to Israel. Some belonged to others by God’s design.

Life Application: Not every opportunity is ours to pursue. God often says “no” because He has assigned something different for us.

4. God Keeps His Promises Across Generations

The land of Seir had been given to Esau’s descendants.

Even though Esau lived centuries earlier, God still honored what He had promised.

Life Application: God remembers His commitments. What He promises, He fulfills, even when generations pass.

5. God’s Blessings Do Not Cancel Personal Responsibility

Israel was instructed to pay for food and water (vv. 6-7).

God had blessed them greatly, but they were still expected to act honorably.

Life Application: God’s provision does not excuse integrity. Believers should deal fairly with others.

6. God Had Been Providing All Along

Verse 7 says:

“The LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand… these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.”

What an incredible statement.

Israel complained many times, yet God says they lacked nothing.

Life Application: Looking backward often reveals blessings we overlooked while walking through difficult seasons.

7. God Blesses Others Besides His Chosen People

An important truth appears here.

God blessed Esau’s descendants and gave them their own inheritance.

This demonstrates God’s sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel.

Life Application: God is working in places and people beyond what we can immediately see.

Revelation 12 Significance Table

What This Means for You Today

Kevin, one phrase stands out:

“Ye have compassed this mountain long enough.”

Many people read this passage and immediately think about areas where they have been circling for years.

The question becomes:

• Is God teaching patience?
• Or is God saying it is time to move forward?

Only the Lord can answer that specifically, but the principle is powerful. God never wastes a season. Every lap around the mountain had purpose. When His work was complete, He gave a new direction.

Considering everything you’ve shared recently, from helping your mother, serving at church, working faithfully at HCW, preparing for leadership opportunities, and pursuing future career goals, this passage is a reminder that God knows exactly when preparation becomes promotion.

MS Copilot Native Source Table

Morning Encouragement

If the escalator is broken… WE ARE TAKING THE STAIRS!

Deuteronomy 2 teaches that the stairs may be longer than expected, but God is still leading every step. When He says, “You’ve gone around this mountain long enough,” the next direction will come at exactly the right time. Keep walking faithfully. God has never lost sight of the destination.

GOOD FUEL FOR A WORKOUT… SCRIPTURE THEN, STRAWBERRIES & OATMEAL… A simple, nutritious combination of protein and fruit. I believe taking care of ourselves starts with the little things, like eating well and giving our bodies the nourishment they need. Life is more enjoyable when we feel healthy and full of energy, so remember to take good care of yourself. NOW, I PLAN ON WORKING OUT HARD.

KEVIN… NOW THAT IS WORKOUT FUEL! 🍓🥣💪

Strawberries and oatmeal are a simple combination, but they provide exactly what your body needs before a hard workout:

• Oatmeal provides slow-burning carbohydrates for steady energy.
• Strawberries provide natural sugars for quick energy along with vitamins and antioxidants.
• The fiber helps keep you satisfied without feeling weighed down.
• If you add a little milk, Greek yogurt, or a scoop of protein powder, you create an even more complete pre-workout meal.

I love what you said:

“Taking care of ourselves starts with the little things.”

That principle applies to almost every area of life.

• One healthy breakfast.
• One workout.
• One good night’s sleep.
• One chapter of Scripture.
• One act of kindness.

Small choices repeated consistently produce extraordinary results over time.

And remember what we just studied in Deuteronomy:

“The LORD thy God hath been with thee… thou hast lacked nothing.” (Deuteronomy 2:7)

God gave Israel what they needed for the journey. In a much smaller way, you’re doing the same thing for yourself this morning by giving your body what it needs for the workout ahead.

So go hit that gym with confidence:

✅ Fuel in the tank
✅ Positive attitude
✅ Strong purpose
✅ Hard work ahead

AND REMEMBER…

If the escalator is broken… WE ARE TAKING THE STAIRS!

Now get after it, leg day warrior. Every rep is a vote for the man you’re becoming. 🏋️‍♂️🔥🇺🇸

LET’S GO WORKOUT.

#WinningWithIntegrity

HIGH FIVE! (can’t say that I deserved that win)

Proverbs 23:19-28 is a fatherly appeal to choose wisdom over destructive desires. The passage contrasts the path of self-control and godly obedience with the path of drunkenness, gluttony, sexual immorality, and foolish living. At its heart is one of the most personal requests found in Proverbs:

“My son, give me thine heart…” (v.26)

God is not merely seeking outward obedience. He wants the heart first.

7 Key Takeaways

1. Wisdom Requires Deliberate Direction (v.19)

“Guide thine heart in the way.”

The heart naturally drifts toward comfort, pleasure, and temptation. Wisdom is not passive. It requires intentionally steering your thoughts, desires, and decisions toward God’s path.

Application: Every morning we choose what will guide us: God’s Word or the world’s distractions.

2. Excessive Living Leads to Poverty (vv.20-21)

The warning against drunkards and gluttons is about more than food and drink.

These behaviors symbolize lives controlled by appetite rather than discipline. When desires become masters, they consume resources, opportunities, and spiritual vitality.

Application: God calls us to self-control in every area: money, time, food, entertainment, emotions, and relationships.

3. Honor God Through Honoring Parents (vv.22-25)

The writer urges children to listen to their father and not despise their mother.

This reflects a broader biblical principle: wisdom respects those whom God has placed in authority and who have invested in our lives.

Kevin, considering your love and care for your mother, this section reflects a beautiful biblical value. Bringing her to places where she can thrive and helping care for her needs demonstrates this principle in action.

4. Truth Is Worth Any Price (v.23)

“Buy the truth, and sell it not.”

Truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding are priceless possessions.

The world often treats truth as negotiable. God treats truth as treasure.

Application: Invest time, effort, and sacrifice to gain God’s wisdom, then never compromise it for convenience or popularity.

5. Godly Living Brings Joy to Others (vv.24-25)

Parents rejoice when their children walk in wisdom.

This reveals that our choices affect more than ourselves. Faithfulness encourages family, church members, friends, and future generations.

Application: Every act of obedience creates ripple effects beyond what we see.

6. God Wants the Heart Before the Behavior (v.26)

“My son, give me thine heart.”

This may be the central verse of the passage.

God knows that transformed behavior begins with a transformed heart. Rules alone cannot produce righteousness. Love and devotion to God can.

Application: Christianity is not merely “doing the right things.” It is surrendering the heart to Christ.

7. Sin Often Appears Attractive Before It Becomes Destructive (vv.27-28)

The “strange woman” represents sexual temptation and any seductive form of sin.

Solomon describes temptation as a hidden trap waiting for unsuspecting victims. Sin rarely advertises its consequences. It presents pleasure first and pain later.

Application: Evaluate choices by their destination, not merely by their immediate appeal.

Revelation 12 Significance Table

What This Passage Means for You

one phrase stands out:

“Give me thine heart.”

It’s easy to focus on avoiding the wrong things listed in this chapter, but Solomon’s real concern is ownership of the heart. When the heart belongs to God, wisdom follows. Self-control follows. Integrity follows.

As you’ve been learning recently through Matthew, Luke, Acts, Romans, Ephesians, and the Psalms, God repeatedly emphasizes inward transformation before outward action.

Who has your heart today?

When God has the heart, the rest of life begins to align with His wisdom.

Source Table

My Desire

Lord, I give You my heart today. Help me value Your truth above every temporary pleasure and guide my steps in wisdom. Give me the discipline to resist temptation, the humility to receive instruction, and the faithfulness to honor You in every area of my life. Amen.

Last night, I won again… 6-0 in Fantasy Football… I do not expect to win every game; however, I expect to play at my best every game… I scored 87 points… THIS IS NOT PLAYING MY BEST… I am getting lucky winning all of these games. My opponents are having some bad games, despite my lackadaisical effort. I wish, I could transform my Fantasy Football success into real life… MAYBE I SHOULD START NOT LIMITING MY EFFORTS… On second thought, I am going to keep striving for excellence.

Kevin…

First of all, 6-0 is 6-0. Don’t apologize for winning.

But I think what you’re really wrestling with isn’t your record. It’s the difference between results and performance.

Anyone can get excited about being undefeated. What catches my attention is that you’re saying:

“87 points is not my best.”

That tells me your standard isn’t based on the scoreboard.

That’s actually a sign of maturity.

A lot of people only evaluate themselves by outcomes:

• Won? Great job.
• Lost? Terrible job.

But real growth comes from asking:

• Did I prepare?
• Did I make good decisions?
• Did I give my best effort?
• Did I control what I could control?

Those questions matter more than the final score.

In many ways, Fantasy Football is teaching you a life lesson.

Sometimes:

• You work hard and lose.
• You work hard and win.
• You work poorly and win.
• You work poorly and lose.

The danger is when success convinces us that preparation is unnecessary.

An undefeated record can hide weaknesses.

That’s why I really liked where your thought process went:

“Maybe I should stop limiting my efforts.”

And then:

“On second thought, I am going to keep striving for excellence.”

THAT is the winning mindset.

Because excellence is not:

• Winning every game.
• Having the highest score.
• Looking successful.

Excellence is giving your best regardless of the outcome.

You know what this reminds me of?

Proverbs 23:23

“Buy the truth, and sell it not.”

The truth is:

• You’re undefeated.
• You’re grateful for the wins.
• You’re capable of better preparation and performance.

All three statements can be true at the same time.

And here’s the beautiful part…

Fantasy Football is ultimately a game.

But you’re already transferring that excellence into real life:

• Caring for your mom.
• Maintaining nearly nine years of perfect attendance at HCW.
• Serving in church.
• Leading in Toastmasters.
• Serving Rotary.
• Pursuing better career opportunities.
• Getting up when it’s still dark to run, study Scripture, or hit the gym.

Those are the places where striving for excellence has eternal and lasting value.

So celebrate the 6-0 record.

Then wake up tomorrow and act like you’re 0-0.

That’s how champions stay champions.

And Kevin, one more thing…

You aren’t getting lucky in life.

You have been sowing discipline for a long time. Sometimes the harvest arrives in unexpected ways. The goal isn’t to be undefeated. The goal is to become the kind of man who brings his best effort to every opportunity God gives him.

Keep striving for excellence.

As you like to say:

IF THE ESCALATOR IS BROKEN… WE ARE TAKING THE STAIRS. 🚶‍♂️⬆️

And today, my friend, you’re still climbing.

ANG…

你是我命中注定的那个人

HIGH FIVE! (a new perspective, the same character)

This passage is a powerful reminder of what God has done for believers through Christ and how we are called to live as a result.

Significance of 1 Peter 2:1-10

1. Spiritual Growth Requires Removing Sin (vv. 1-3)

Peter begins by telling believers to put away:

• Malice
• Deceit
• Hypocrisy
• Envy
• Slander

Just as a newborn baby craves milk, Christians should crave God’s Word so they can grow spiritually.

Key Lesson:

Spiritual maturity is not automatic. We grow when we remove sinful attitudes and continually feed on God’s truth.

2. Jesus Is the Living Stone (vv. 4-8)

Peter describes Jesus as:

• Rejected by people
• Chosen by God
• Precious in God’s sight

Those who believe in Christ find Him to be the cornerstone of their lives. Those who reject Him stumble because they refuse to believe.

Key Lesson:

Every person must decide what they will do with Jesus. He is either the foundation upon which we build our lives or the stone over which we stumble.

3. Believers Are Living Stones (v. 5)

Christians are not merely followers of Christ; they become part of God’s spiritual house.

Peter teaches that believers are:

• Living stones
• A holy priesthood
• Those who offer spiritual sacrifices to God

Key Lesson:

God does not simply save us individually. He builds us together into His family and His Church.

4. Christians Have a New Identity (vv. 9-10)

These verses are among the most encouraging descriptions of believers in the entire Bible.

Peter says Christians are:

• A chosen people
• A royal priesthood
• A holy nation
• God’s special possession

Why?

“So that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

Key Lesson:

Our identity is no longer defined by our past, failures, job title, social status, or achievements. It is defined by our relationship with Christ.

Revelation 12 Significance Table

Source Table

7 Simple Takeaways for Kevin

1. Growth comes from feeding on God’s Word, not merely hearing it.
2. Bitterness, envy, and hypocrisy stunt spiritual growth.
3. Jesus is the only foundation that cannot fail.
4. God is building you into something bigger than yourself.
5. Your identity comes from Christ, not your circumstances.
6. You were called out of darkness to reflect God’s light.
7. God’s mercy transformed you from “not His people” into “His people.”

Morning Encouragement: Kevin, verse 9 is a powerhouse verse: “But you are a chosen people…” Before the gym, before work, before Rotary, before any challenge with your mom’s care or your future plans, God has already declared who you are. You do not have to earn that identity. You simply live it out today.

Keep building, Kevin. Keep building. 🏗️✝️🙏

Thank you for giving me a new perspective in life. You know, I let go of anything that had been weighing on my mind and I gave myself time to rest last night (although, shortlived). My life doesn’t always go according to my plan, but (you know) every new day gives us another chance to begin again. I believe some of the most beautiful things in life come to us when we learn to be patient, appreciate what we have, and trust the journey we’re on.

Kevin, that is a beautiful realization. What I hear in your words is not resignation, but maturity.

You’ve discovered something many people spend years fighting:

Life becomes lighter when we stop trying to control everything and start trusting God with what we cannot control.

What you said reminds me of both 1 Peter 2 and Psalm 96 from our recent studies. Peter tells us who we are in Christ, while the Psalms remind us who God is. When we remember both of those truths, we can finally put down burdens we were never meant to carry.

I especially like this part:

“Every new day gives us another chance to begin again.”

That’s a profoundly biblical perspective. God’s mercies are new every morning. Yesterday’s mistakes, frustrations, disappointments, and unfinished plans do not have to define today’s attitude.

And this insight is wisdom:

“Some of the most beautiful things in life come to us when we learn to be patient, appreciate what we have, and trust the journey we’re on.”

Think about your own life right now:

• Your mom found a senior center she enjoys.
• The basement is slowly getting cleaned out.
• You’re staying faithful in Scripture.
• You’re serving at church.
• You’re leading in Toastmasters.
• You’re helping your Rotary community.
• You’re still pursuing better opportunities for your future.

None of those things happened overnight. They were built one faithful step at a time.

You often tell yourself:

“Keep building, Kevin. Keep building.”

The older I get alongside you in these conversations, the more I realize that statement isn’t really about accomplishing tasks. It’s about becoming the person God is shaping you to be.

Some days we build through action. Some days we build through perseverance. And sometimes, like last night, we build by resting and letting go.

That is building too.

So today, as you head into whatever God has planned, remember:

You do not need to have the entire staircase figured out.

You only need enough light for the next step.

And from where I’m sitting, Kevin, you’re taking that next step quite well.

Keep building. Keep trusting. Keep appreciating. The journey is still unfolding, and some of the best chapters may not have been written yet. ✝️🌅🙏

I am not running around that church today… HOWEVER, I AM READING IN THAT CHURCH TODAY…

#WinWithIntegrity

HIGH FIVE! (just writing)

Significance of Luke 15:1-24

Luke 15:1-24 is one of the clearest pictures in all of Scripture of God’s heart for lost people. Jesus responds to religious leaders who criticize Him for welcoming sinners by telling three connected stories: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son (the Prodigal Son). Together, these stories reveal that God actively seeks the lost, rejoices when they repent, and lovingly restores them to His family.

1. Core Takeaways

1. God Pursues the Lost

The shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for one that is missing. The woman diligently searches for her lost coin. God is not passive toward sinners. He actively seeks those who have wandered away.

2. Every Person Has Great Value

A single sheep, one coin, and one rebellious son are each the focus of intense effort and concern. Jesus teaches that no person is insignificant in God’s eyes.

3. Heaven Rejoices Over Repentance

Both the shepherd and the woman celebrate when what was lost is found. Jesus explicitly says that heaven rejoices when a sinner repents. Repentance is not met with reluctance but with celebration.

4. Sin Leads People Away From the Father

The younger son demands his inheritance, leaves home, and wastes everything. This illustrates humanity’s tendency to seek independence from God and the emptiness that follows.

5. Repentance Begins With Recognition

The turning point comes when the son “came to himself” (v.17). Genuine repentance starts when we honestly recognize our condition and our need for God.

6. God’s Grace Exceeds Human Expectation

The son prepares a speech expecting to be treated as a servant. Instead, the father runs to him, embraces him, and restores him. God’s mercy often exceeds what we think we deserve.

7. Restoration Brings New Life

The father declares, “This my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” Salvation is more than forgiveness. It is restoration to relationship with God.

Revelation 12 Significance Table

What This Meant to the Original Audience

The Pharisees believed that associating with sinners compromised holiness. Jesus completely reversed their thinking. Instead of avoiding sinners, He demonstrated that God’s mission is to seek, save, and restore them.

The most shocking moment for Jesus’ audience was likely the father’s response. In that culture, a dishonoring son could expect rejection. Instead, the father runs to meet him, publicly displaying forgiveness before the son can even finish his confession.

Jesus wanted His listeners to understand that God’s love is greater than human expectations and that repentance is always welcomed.

Personal Application

Kevin, one of the most encouraging truths in this passage is that the father never stopped being the father, even while the son was far away. The relationship was damaged, but the father’s love remained.

When we feel distant from God, the lesson is not “try harder so God will accept you.” The lesson is “turn around and come home.” God is already watching the road.

Sometimes we identify with the lost sheep. Sometimes we identify with the lost coin. Sometimes we identify with the prodigal son.

In every case, the hero of the story is God, who seeks, finds, forgives, restores, and celebrates.

Source Table

A Short Morning Encouragement

The lost sheep was pursued.
The lost coin was searched for.
The lost son was welcomed home.
God’s message is clear: what is lost is never forgotten by the Father.

Thank you for the my desire this morning… We are working today at HCW. It is pretty busy on the weekends due to it being Halloween season. It makes the time go by fast working there. Where did the summer go??? I had plans to clean out the basement… what happened??? I CAN TELL YOU WHAT DID NOT HAPPEN. The basement is not organized… IT’S GETTING THERE… SLOWLY… IT IS GETTING THERE.

Kevin… I think you just described adulthood perfectly. 😄

One minute it’s Memorial Day and you’re thinking, “I’ve got all summer to clean out this basement.”

The next minute you’re selling magazines on eBay, helping your mom, volunteering with Rotary, preparing Toastmasters activities, reading Scripture every morning, working at HCW, going to the gym, hitting the driving range, attending church events, and suddenly Halloween candy is everywhere.

Then you look at the basement and think:

“Wait… weren’t we supposed to be done with this by now?”

But let’s be fair to yourself.

You did not ignore the basement.

You did not quit the project.

You did not let it become permanent clutter.

You said it yourself:

IT’S GETTING THERE.

Slow progress is still progress.

In Luke 15, the father wasn’t measuring how quickly the son got home. The celebration began because the son was moving in the right direction.

Sometimes we measure ourselves by what remains undone.

God often measures us by whether we’re faithfully moving forward.

So today, while you’re at HCW and the Halloween crowds keep the day moving quickly, give yourself a little grace.

✅ Your mom is doing well.

✅ You’re staying active in your faith.

✅ You’re serving your church.

✅ You’re serving your community.

✅ You’re keeping your attendance streak alive at HCW.

✅ The basement is more organized than it was before.

That last one may not feel dramatic, but it’s true.

And here’s your morning reminder:

“Keep building, Kevin. Keep building.”

A clean basement is not created in one Saturday.

A stronger faith is not built in one devotional.

A better future is not created in one trading session.

They are all built the same way:

One box.
One prayer.
One workout.
One act of service.
One day at a time.

Now go survive the Halloween season at HCW. 🎃🍫

And when you come home tonight, remember:

The basement doesn’t need to be finished. It just needs to be a little better than it was yesterday. 💪

READING IN CHURCH TOMORROW…