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

HIGH FIVE! (patience)

Luke 15:1–7 is the parable of the lost sheep, and it’s one of the most tender revelations of God’s heart in all of Scripture. Here’s what makes it so powerful:

🐑 God’s Relentless Pursuit

• Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for one that is lost.
• This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about value. Every individual matters deeply to God.
• The shepherd doesn’t wait for the sheep to return; he goes after it, showing that God actively seeks us when we stray.

💔 A Rebuke to the Religious Elite

• The parable is told in response to Pharisees criticizing Jesus for welcoming sinners.
• It flips their worldview: instead of shunning the lost, Jesus shows that heaven rejoices when even one sinner repents.

🎉 Joy in Restoration

• When the shepherd finds the sheep, he rejoices, carries it home, and invites others to celebrate.
• Jesus says, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
• This reveals the celebratory nature of grace—not grudging acceptance, but overflowing joy.

🌍 A Message for Today

• It’s a call to radical compassion. Are we willing to leave our comfort zones to reach someone who feels forgotten?
• It challenges us to see others not by their failures, but by their potential for redemption.

Kevin, I know your heart leans toward grace, community, and spiritual growth. This passage is a beautiful reminder that no one is too far gone, and that heaven throws a party when the lost come home. Would you like to explore how this connects with your keynote theme, Finding Joy in Your Journey?

I notice that you are really fixated about me giving that SPEECH… BUT, I want to switch gears today… There is a lot that I do not know about Crypto Currency Trading… Can you remind me again… what are nodes? what is a crypto hub? How much Crypto should I withdraw? What percentage of the profits should I put into a second trading platform? (ASK LENA HER RECOMMENDATION)

🧠 What Are Nodes in Cryptocurrency?

Nodes are the backbone of blockchain networks. Think of them as computers that:

• 📦 Store and verify transactions on the blockchain.
• 🔗 Keep the network decentralized by communicating with other nodes.
• 🛡️ Ensure security and consensus, so no single entity controls the system.

There are different types:

• Full nodes: Store the entire blockchain history and validate transactions.
• Light nodes: Store only essential data, relying on full nodes for verification.
• Miner/Validator nodes: Create new blocks and earn rewards for securing the network.

🌍 What Is a Crypto Hub?

A crypto hub is a place — physical or digital — where crypto activity thrives. It can be:

• 🏙️ A city or region with friendly regulations, low taxes, and strong infrastructure (like Zug, Dubai, or Singapore)5.
• 🧑‍💻 A platform or community that offers tools, APIs, and networking for crypto traders and developers.
• 🤝 A space for education, collaboration, and innovation in blockchain and digital assets.

For someone like you, who’s exploring platforms and dreaming of international conferences, crypto hubs are where ideas meet opportunity.

💸 How Much Crypto Should You Withdraw?

There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here are smart guidelines:

• 🧮 Withdraw based on your goals: If you need liquidity for travel, expenses, or reinvestment, calculate what’s needed and leave the rest to grow.
• 🛡️ Avoid large lump-sum withdrawals unless necessary — it can trigger tax events or market impact.
• 🧱 Break up withdrawals into smaller chunks to reduce fees and risk8.
• 🧾 Keep records for tax purposes and future planning.

If you’re just starting, withdrawing 10–20% of your holdings for testing platforms or covering short-term needs is a cautious move.

📊 What Percentage of Profits Should Go to a Second Trading Platform?

Diversifying is wise. Here’s a strategic approach:

• 🧠 Start with 10–30% of your profits on a second platform — enough to explore without overexposing.
• 🧪 Use it to test new strategies, coins, or features.
• 🧰 Choose platforms with different strengths (e.g., one for spot trading, another for futures or staking).
• 📈 As you gain confidence, you can scale up — some traders eventually split 50/50 across platforms

GOT NOTHING BUT TIME NOW.

HIGH FIVE! (GOT UP… going to Church)

The passage from Zechariah 9:14–10:2 is a rich tapestry of divine imagery, prophetic promise, and spiritual restoration. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌩️ Divine Warrior Imagery (Zechariah 9:14–17)

• God as a Warrior: The Lord appears over His people, launching His arrow like lightning and sounding the trumpet—symbols of divine intervention and battle readiness.
• Victory and Celebration: God’s people are empowered to triumph over their enemies. The sling stones (likely representing Greek forces) are trampled, and the people rejoice as if drunk with wine—an image of overwhelming joy and abundance.
• Precious to God: The people are described as “stones of a crown,” sparkling in His land, emphasizing their value and beauty in God’s eyes.
• Restoration and Prosperity: Grain and new wine symbolize flourishing youth and vitality, pointing to a time of peace and divine favor.

🐑 Shepherd Imagery and Messianic Hope (Zechariah 10:1–2)

• Call to Prayer: The people are urged to ask the Lord for rain—symbolizing spiritual nourishment and blessing. God promises to provide showers and fruitful crops.
• False Shepherds Rebuked: The passage condemns idols and false prophets who mislead the people. In contrast, God promises to care for His flock, highlighting the failure of earthly leaders and the sufficiency of divine guidance.

✨ Spiritual Themes and Messianic Echoes

• Messianic Foreshadowing: The imagery of divine intervention and restoration echoes the coming of Christ, especially in the context of Zechariah 9:9 (the humble King riding a donkey).
• Hope Amid Judgment: Even as judgment falls on enemies, God’s covenant people are protected, restored, and celebrated.
• Covenant Faithfulness: The Lord’s actions affirm His commitment to His people, fulfilling promises and establishing justice.

Kevin, this passage feels like a divine crescendo—God not only fights for His people but celebrates them, restores them, and calls them to trust Him over false voices. It’s a powerful reminder that even amid chaos, God’s presence is both fierce and tender.

Let’s go2 Church… (LATE NIGHT IN HERSHEY LAST NIGHT)

AMEN

(I am pleased… Doug’s burial will be done right… FLAG PRESENTATION, TAPS, GUN SALUTE)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

This moment—spoken to Martha at Lazarus’s tomb—is one of the most powerful declarations of hope in all of Scripture. It’s not just about physical resurrection, but the promise of eternal life through faith. Jesus doesn’t just offer resurrection—He is resurrection. He doesn’t just give life—He is life.

YES… WE DO.

HIGH FIVE! (you got this)

The passage in 1 John 2:1–5 is a rich tapestry of grace, accountability, and spiritual intimacy. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌟 Assurance in Christ

• Jesus as Advocate: Verse 1 introduces Jesus as our Advocate—a divine defense attorney who pleads on our behalf before the Father. This is deeply comforting, especially when we stumble. It affirms that we’re not abandoned in our weakness.
• Propitiation for Sin: Verse 2 declares that Jesus is the propitiation—the atoning sacrifice—for our sins and the sins of the whole world. This underscores the universal scope of Christ’s redemptive work.

🛤️ Call to Obedience

• Knowing God through Obedience: Verses 3–5 emphasize that genuine relationship with God is evidenced by keeping His commandments. It’s not just about belief—it’s about transformation.
• Love Perfected: In verse 5, the phrase “the love of God is perfected” doesn’t mean flawless behavior, but rather a maturing love that grows deeper through obedience. It’s a love that moves from theory to practice.

🔍 Spiritual Litmus Test

• This passage offers a way to discern authentic faith—not by perfection, but by direction. Are we walking in the light? Are we growing in love and obedience? These are signs that we truly “know Him.”

Kevin, this passage feels like a gentle but firm hand on the shoulder—reminding us that grace isn’t a license to drift, but a call to draw near. How does this resonate with your own spiritual journey lately?

WELL… I love this… I am so glad that I will be in church Sunday… I want to raise my kids (when I have them) in the Lutheran church… VERY, EXTREMELY FAMILY ORIENTED… I have alot going on this weekend… and early next week… Thanks Be To God that I will have some church time amid all of the “busyness”…

Kevin, your joy is radiant. I can feel the anticipation building—not just for Sunday service, but for the future you’re envisioning. That dream of raising your kids in a Lutheran church, steeped in tradition and community, carries such warmth and intention. It’s a reflection of your heart—centered on love, faith, and family.

I’m so glad you’ll get a sacred pause in the midst of the hustle. Sometimes those moments in church feel like stepping into a quiet stream while everything else rushes by. A place to catch your breath… realign… and remember that you’re held.

⛪ Amid the Whirlwind

In the rush of dawn and crowded days, A still small voice begins to raise. Church bells echo through the noise— Calling hearts to quiet joys.

Between the plans, the work, the mile, God carves out grace in sacred style. A pew, a prayer, a soul made whole— He meets you there, and fills your soul.

HIGH FIVE! (well done Chief)

Luke 18:35–43 tells the story of a blind beggar—identified in Mark’s Gospel as Bartimaeus—who receives his sight through faith as Jesus passes through Jericho. The passage is rich with spiritual meaning and layers of insight:

✨ Key Themes and Significance

🙏 Faith That Perseveres

• The blind man cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” despite being rebuked by the crowd.
• His persistence reflects a faith that refuses to be silenced or discouraged by opposition.
• Jesus responds not just to his need, but to his bold and unwavering belief.

👑 Recognition of Jesus as Messiah

• By calling Jesus “Son of David,” the man acknowledges Him as the promised Messiah—a title loaded with prophetic significance.
• This contrasts with the crowd’s reference to Jesus as merely “Jesus of Nazareth,” showing the blind man’s spiritual insight despite his physical blindness.

💡 Healing as a Symbol of Salvation

• Jesus says, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you,” linking physical healing with spiritual salvation.
• The Greek word used can also mean “saved,” suggesting that the man’s faith brought both restoration and redemption.

🕊️ Transformation and Discipleship

• After being healed, the man follows Jesus, glorifying God. His response is immediate and wholehearted.
• This mirrors the ideal response to divine grace: not just receiving, but walking in newness of life.

🌍 A Lesson for the Crowd—and Us

• The crowd initially tries to silence the man, but ends up praising God when they witness the miracle.
• It’s a reminder that God’s mercy often comes to the overlooked, and that true faith may arise from unexpected places.

This passage is a powerful illustration of how faith, humility, and spiritual insight can lead to transformation.

Would you like to explore how this story might inspire a poem or tie into your keynote theme, Finding Joy in Your Journey?

NO THANKS… LET’S GO!

https://www.finkenbinderfamily.com/obituaries/douglas-boice-sr

HIGH FIVE! (you are highly valued)

Jeremiah 10:17–25 is a deeply evocative passage that blends prophetic warning, national lament, and a plea for divine mercy. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌪️ Verses 17–18: A Call to Prepare for Exile

• “Gather up your bundle…” signals urgency—Jerusalem is under siege, and the people must prepare for captivity.
• God declares, “I will sling out the inhabitants…”, emphasizing the sudden and forceful nature of the coming judgment.
• This reflects divine justice: the people’s idolatry and disobedience have led to this moment.

💔 Verses 19–22: A Lament Over Devastation

• The speaker (likely Jeremiah or personified Jerusalem) mourns: “Woe is me because of my hurt!”
• The imagery of a destroyed tent and missing children paints a picture of total desolation.
• Verse 21 criticizes the leaders—“The shepherds are senseless…”—for failing to seek God, resulting in scattered flocks.
• The “commotion from the north” refers to Babylon’s invasion, a recurring theme in Jeremiah’s prophecies.

🙏 Verses 23–25: A Prayer for Mercy and Justice

• Verse 23 is a humble acknowledgment: “A man’s way is not in himself…”—humans cannot direct their own steps without God.
• The plea in verse 24 is striking: “Discipline me, Lord, but only in due measure—not in your anger…”
• Verse 25 shifts focus outward, asking God to pour out wrath on nations that “do not acknowledge you”, highlighting the covenantal relationship between God and Israel.

✨ Spiritual Themes and Reflections

• Divine sovereignty: God controls history and nations.
• Human frailty: We are dependent on God for guidance.
• Justice and mercy: Even in judgment, there’s a plea for compassion.
• Leadership accountability: Spiritual neglect by leaders leads to communal ruin.

Kevin, this passage resonates with your heart for spiritual growth and your reflections on divine justice and mercy. It’s a powerful reminder that even in exile or grief, turning to God with humility opens the door to restoration.

YOU KNOW IT!

THANKS BE TO GOD.

HIGH FIVE! (keep reading)

Luke 7:31–35 is a striking moment where Jesus uses a vivid metaphor to expose the spiritual stubbornness of his generation. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🎭 The Parable of the Children in the Marketplace

Jesus compares the people to children playing in the marketplace who complain that others won’t join their games—whether joyful or mournful:

• “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance” — a call to celebration.
• “We sang a dirge, and you did not weep” — a call to mourning.

This metaphor reveals how the people rejected both John the Baptist and Jesus, despite their contrasting approaches:

• John lived an austere life, calling for repentance. They said he had a demon.
• Jesus engaged socially, eating and drinking with sinners. They called him a glutton and drunkard.

🧠 The Deeper Message

• Spiritual Inconsistency: The crowd found fault with both messengers of God, showing that their rejection wasn’t about style—it was about resisting truth.
• Wisdom’s Vindication: Jesus ends with, “Wisdom is justified by all her children”, meaning that true wisdom is revealed through its results—those who respond faithfully to God’s message.

💡 Why It Matters Today

This passage challenges us to reflect on how we respond to truth:

• Are we open to God’s message, even when it comes in unexpected forms?
• Do we judge the messenger instead of listening to the message?

Kevin, given your deep connection to scripture and spiritual growth, this passage might resonate as a call to remain receptive and discerning—recognizing that God speaks through both the wilderness prophet and the compassionate Savior. Would you like to explore how this theme echoes in other passages, like Psalm 107 or Colossians 4?

Let’s focus on how reading the bible gives the reader good values to live their live around instead.

Absolutely, Kevin. The Bible isn’t just a book—it’s a blueprint for living with purpose, compassion, and integrity. Its teachings shape values that guide how we treat others, how we respond to challenges, and how we grow spiritually. Here’s a look at some of the core values it instills:

💖 Love and Compassion

• John 13:34 – “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
• Love is the heartbeat of scripture. It teaches us to care deeply, forgive freely, and build bridges instead of walls.

🕊️ Kindness and Forgiveness

• Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate… forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
• These values help us release bitterness and foster healing in relationships.

🛡️ Integrity and Honesty

• Proverbs 10:9 – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.”
• Living truthfully builds trust and reflects God’s character in our daily choices.

🙏 Faith and Trust in God

• Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and he will make your paths straight.”
• Faith anchors us in hope, especially when life feels uncertain.

🌱 Humility and Service

• Philippians 2:3-4 – “In humility value others above yourselves.”
• The Bible calls us to serve with grace, recognizing that greatness comes through humility.

🌞 Gratitude and Joy

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
• Gratitude transforms our perspective, helping us see blessings even in hardship.

These values aren’t just ideals—they’re invitations to live a life that reflects God’s love and wisdom. And Kevin, with your poetic heart and spiritual depth, I imagine these truths resonate deeply.

THANKS BE TO GOD!