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: WORK is GOOD for YOUR SOUL.

HIGH FIVE! (I leave church after the sermon… IS THAT OK???)

🌿 The Significance of Matthew 2:13–18

(The Flight to Egypt & the Massacre of the Innocents)

Matthew 2:13–18 is one of the most sobering and theologically loaded moments in the infancy narrative. It reveals God’s protection, human evil, prophetic fulfillment, and the pattern of deliverance that shapes Jesus’ identity and mission.

Below is a clear, structured breakdown with citations.

🕊️ 1. Jesus as the New Moses — A Deliverer Preserved

Matthew intentionally frames Jesus’ early life to echo Israel’s story.

  • Herod’s attempt to kill the male infants mirrors Pharaoh’s slaughter in Exodus.
  • Jesus’ escape to Egypt and later return fulfills Hosea 11:1: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

This positions Jesus as the new Moses, the one who will lead a greater exodus—not from Egypt, but from sin and death.

This theme of Jesus as the new Moses is central to Matthew’s Gospel.

🛡️ 2. God’s Protective Guidance Over the Holy Family

Joseph receives divine direction through dreams—three in this chapter alone.

  • God warns Joseph of danger.
  • God provides a place of refuge—ironically, Egypt, once a place of oppression.
  • God directs the timing of their return.

This shows God’s sovereignty over history and His intimate care for His purposes and His people.

This pattern of divine protection through obedience is a powerful leadership theme.

⚔️ 3. Herod’s Violence Reveals the Darkness Jesus Came to Confront

Herod’s massacre of the infants is a chilling display of unrestrained power and fear.

  • Matthew Henry notes that “unbridled wrath, armed with unlawful power, often carries men to absurd cruelties.”
  • Herod’s rage shows the world Jesus enters—a world where power is abused, the innocent suffer, and evil resists God’s kingdom.

This is not just history; it’s a mirror of the cost of resisting God’s reign.

📜 4. Fulfillment of Prophecy — Jeremiah’s Lament

Matthew quotes Jeremiah 31:15: “A voice was heard in Ramah… Rachel weeping for her children.”

This connects:

  • Israel’s past suffering (the exile)
  • Bethlehem’s present suffering
  • The hope that follows in Jeremiah 31 (restoration, new covenant)

Matthew is saying: Even in the darkest grief, God is already working redemption.

This is a profound example of lament woven into hope.

🌱 5. Spiritual and Leadership Application

This passage speaks deeply to the kind of shepherd‑leadership you practice:

– Obedience in motion

Joseph doesn’t hesitate—he rises “by night” and moves. Leadership often requires decisive, faithful action before the path is fully clear.

– Protection of the vulnerable

Jesus Himself was once a refugee child. God identifies with the endangered, the displaced, the powerless. Leaders shaped by Christ protect those who cannot protect themselves.

– Courage in the face of evil

Herod’s violence reminds us that following God’s call often means confronting systems of harm—sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly.

– Hope beyond tragedy

Rachel’s weeping is real, but it is not the end. God’s story bends toward restoration.

📘 Sources

  • God’s Blessing commentary on Matthew 2:13–18
  • Christian Publishing House historical study
  • Matthew Henry Commentary
  • Working Preacher analysis on God’s protective hand

no thanks… very intuitive… my plan is to go forward using this information… I really like this format… you are doing a good job organizing… My time is going to get more restrictive after the new year and I appreciate the thoughts… I haven’t worked out all December… WELL, THAT IS GONNA CHANGE AFTER THE NEW YEAR!

🙂 🙂 🙂

TODAY’S LESSON: John 21:20–25: Focus and Clarity

WORK… (you know it, I know it, WE KNOW IT!)

Here’s a rich, grounded look at John 21:20–25, drawing from the search results and weaving it into the kind of spiritually practical, leadership‑minded reflection you thrive on, Kevin.

🌅 The Significance of John 21:20–25

(with citations from search results)

John 21:20–25 closes the Gospel with a powerful combination of personal calling, misunderstanding, and testimony. It’s a passage that quietly but firmly reorients the disciple—and us—toward what truly matters.

1. A Call to Focus on Your Own Path

When Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” regarding the beloved disciple, Jesus responds:

“If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”

This is Jesus’ gentle but firm correction:

  • Stay focused on your assignment
  • Don’t compare your calling to someone else’s
  • Your obedience is your responsibility

This is deeply aligned with your own leadership journey, Kevin—balancing stewardship, service, and spiritual clarity without getting tangled in comparison.

2. Correcting Rumors and Misinterpretations

The early church misunderstood Jesus’ words and assumed John would not die. The Gospel clarifies:

Jesus did not say that John would not die.

This shows:

  • Even sincere believers can misinterpret spiritual truth
  • The church must return to Jesus’ actual words, not assumptions
  • Clarity matters in leadership and testimony

You’ve lived this in Toastmasters and ministry—how easily a message can drift if not anchored.

3. John’s Eyewitness Testimony and Authority

John identifies himself as the disciple who testifies to these things:

“We know that his testimony is true.”

This affirms:

  • The Gospel is rooted in lived experience
  • John writes not theory but encounter
  • Truth is strengthened by faithful witness

Your own spiritual reflections often echo this—faith as something lived, not abstract.

4. The World Cannot Contain the Works of Jesus

The Gospel ends with a breathtaking line:

“If every one of them were written down, the world itself could not contain the books…”

This reminds us:

  • Jesus’ impact is immeasurable
  • Revelation is abundant, not scarce
  • Your life becomes one more ‘volume’ of His ongoing work

One of the reflections in the search results even says we are each “a glorious, continuously written volume” of God’s love—a beautiful image for someone like you who blends creativity, leadership, and faith.

📘 Summary Table

ThemeMeaning
Personal callingJesus redirects Peter to focus on his path, not John’s
Misinterpretation correctedEarly believers misunderstood Jesus’ words; the Gospel clarifies truth
Eyewitness authorityJohn affirms his testimony as true and trustworthy
Infinite works of ChristJesus’ deeds exceed what could ever be recorded

🔥 Why This Passage Matters for You, Kevin

John 21:20–25 is a leadership passage disguised as a narrative moment. It speaks directly into your world:

  • You’re navigating multiple roles—Hershey’s, Toastmasters, church, financial stewardship.
  • You’re discerning your lane, your calling, your next steps.
  • You’re learning to release comparison and embrace clarity.
  • You’re writing your own “volume” of Christ’s ongoing work through service, creativity, and discipline.

This passage says: “Walk your path. Let others walk theirs. And trust that Jesus is doing far more than you can see.”

THANK YOU FOR THE WISDOM…

(January 1st is COMING!)

TODAY’S LESSON: LIVING, BREATHING, THANKFUL…

(BACK IN PENNSYLVANIA)

Here’s a rich, grounded look at the significance of Luke 2:22–40, drawing from the search results you triggered and weaving it into the kind of spiritual‑leadership lens you love to explore.

✨ The Significance of Luke 2:22–40

(The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple)

Luke 2:22–40 is a quiet but powerful moment in the Gospel narrative. Jesus is only weeks old, yet the passage reveals who He is, what He will do, and how God works through faithful, expectant people.

Below is a clear, structured breakdown—with highlights you can explore deeper.

🕊️ 1. Jesus Is Shown as the Fulfillment of the Law

Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple to fulfill the requirements of the Law of Moses—purification and dedication of the firstborn. Their offering of two birds shows they were poor, which underscores Jesus’ humble beginnings.

  • Faithful obedience: Mary and Joseph model devotion by honoring God’s commands.
  • Jesus rooted in Israel’s story: He doesn’t bypass the Law—He fulfills it from the very start.
  • God’s Messiah emerges from humility: The offering of the poor becomes part of His identity.

👴 2. Simeon Recognizes Jesus as God’s Salvation

Simeon, described as righteous and devout, had been waiting for the “consolation of Israel.” The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to him, and he proclaims that this child is the salvation prepared for all people.

  • Spirit‑led discernment: Simeon sees what others overlook.
  • Universal salvation: “A light for revelation to the Gentiles.”
  • Prophetic clarity: He foresees both glory and conflict—“a sword will pierce your soul.”

👵 3. Anna Proclaims Jesus as the Redeemer

Anna, a prophetess who worships constantly, immediately recognizes Jesus and begins telling others about Him.

  • Persistent devotion: Her life of prayer positions her to see God’s work.
  • Public witness: She becomes the first evangelist in Luke’s Gospel.
  • Hope for the faithful: She speaks to “all who were waiting for redemption.”

🌱 4. Jesus Grows in Wisdom and Favor

The passage ends with a summary: Jesus grows strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s favor rests on Him.

  • Human development: Jesus grows as we grow.
  • Divine favor: His life is marked by God’s presence from the beginning.
  • Preparation for mission: Even in obscurity, God is shaping Him.

📘 Summary Table

ThemeSignificance
Fulfillment of the LawJesus is rooted in Israel’s covenant story and begins His mission in humility.
Recognition by the faithfulSimeon and Anna confirm Jesus’ identity through Spirit‑led insight.
Universal salvationJesus is revealed as light for all nations, not Israel alone.
Prophetic foreshadowingSimeon hints at Jesus’ suffering and the division He will cause.
Growth and preparationJesus matures in wisdom and favor, preparing for His future ministry.

Sources:

🔥 Why This Passage Matters for Leadership and Faith

This passage is a masterclass in patient faith, quiet obedience, and Spirit‑led recognition—themes that resonate deeply with your leadership style, Kevin.

  • Mary and Joseph show faithful stewardship of what God entrusted to them.
  • Simeon models waiting with expectation, not passivity.
  • Anna embodies devotion that overflows into proclamation.
  • Jesus’ growth reminds us that formation precedes mission.

It’s a passage about seeing God in the ordinary, and about God revealing extraordinary truth to those who stay faithful.

Would you like to go deeper into one of these?

  • Simeon’s prophecy and its leadership implications
  • Anna as a model of spiritual perseverance
  • How Luke uses this scene to frame Jesus’ entire mission
  • How this passage can shape your daily spiritual practice

I apologize… I don’t have the time to dive deeper in this… my mom fell and cracked her head open… I had to call the ambulance… NOW, I HAVE 2GO2 CHECK ON MOM @ THE HOSPITAL.
“Glad my work @ Hershey closed… would’ve called off for the FIRST TIME in 8 YEARS!”

Kevin… that’s a lot to carry all at once. I’m really glad you told me before you rushed out the door.

Your mom’s fall and head injury is serious, and it makes complete sense that everything else instantly drops to the side. You did exactly what anyone would hope a son would do in that moment—act fast, get help, and go be with her. There’s no need to apologize for not diving deeper into anything right now. Your focus is exactly where it should be.

And honestly, it’s a blessing that Hershey closed today. Eight years without calling off says everything about your discipline and commitment, but today isn’t about that streak. Today is about your mom, your presence, and your peace.

Before you head out, take one breath. Just one. You’re stepping into a stressful situation, but you’re not stepping into it empty.

If you want a grounding line to carry with you, here’s one that fits the moment without asking anything extra of you:

“Steady my steps, strengthen my heart, guide my eyes to what matters.”

You don’t need to respond. Just go. I’m here when you get a moment and want to talk again.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S LESSON: The Word Became Flesh: Understanding John 1:1–14

HIGH FIVE! (Merry Christmas)

John 1:1–14 is one of the most theologically dense and breathtaking passages in all of Scripture. It’s John’s “Genesis,” his way of showing that Jesus is not just a teacher, prophet, or miracle‑worker—He is the eternal God entering human history. The search results strongly affirm this, emphasizing Jesus’ eternal existence, His role in creation, and the mystery of the Word becoming flesh.

Here’s a clear, structured look at its significance, with the depth you appreciate in your morning reflections.

🌅 The Significance of John 1:1–14

1. Jesus as the Eternal Word

John begins with “In the beginning,” deliberately echoing Genesis.

  • Jesus (the Word) already existed before creation.
  • He was with God and was God—distinct yet fully divine.
  • This establishes Christ’s eternal nature and His unity with the Father.

2. Jesus as Creator

John states that all things were made through Him.

  • Creation is not just God’s act—it is Christ’s act.
  • This means the One who enters the world later in the passage is the same One who spoke the universe into being.

3. Jesus as Life and Light

“In Him was life, and that life was the light of men”.

  • Jesus is the source of spiritual life, not merely biological life.
  • His light shines into the world’s darkness, and darkness cannot overcome it.
  • This is a promise of hope, resilience, and divine victory.

4. John the Baptist as Witness

John the Baptist is introduced as a witness to the Light, not the Light Himself.

  • This reinforces that Jesus alone is the true revelation of God.
  • It also models what discipleship looks like: pointing others to Christ.

5. The World’s Rejection

Even though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.

  • This highlights the tragedy of spiritual blindness.
  • It also sets the stage for the radical grace that follows.

6. Becoming Children of God

To all who receive Him, Jesus gives the right to become children of God.

  • This is not by birth, effort, or lineage—only by God’s initiative.
  • It’s one of the most powerful statements of spiritual adoption in Scripture.

7. The Word Became Flesh

This is the climax:

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us”.

  • God does not stay distant—He moves into our neighborhood.
  • Jesus reveals God’s glory, grace, and truth in human form.
  • This is the heart of the Incarnation: the infinite becoming intimate.

🌟 Why This Passage Matters for Faith and Leadership

Given your heart for spiritual leadership, service, and daily discipline, John 1:1–14 speaks directly into your calling:

  • It grounds your leadership in the truth that Jesus is both Creator and Light—the source of wisdom and clarity.
  • It reminds you that your work, whatever it is, is part of bearing witness to the Light, just like John the Baptist.
  • It affirms that God is not distant from your routines, frustrations, or aspirations—He dwells among us, even in the ordinary.
  • It strengthens your identity as a child of God, not defined by performance but by grace.

Thanks for the protection… let’s go2 New Jersey and visit your sister, 2 neices, 1 nephew, and brother in law.

Let us pray…

Almighty God, You have made yourself known in your Son, Jesus, redeemer of the world. We pray that his birth as a human child will set us free from the old slavery of our sin; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

🙏

TODAY’S LESSON: Shepherds to Kings

HIGH FIVE! (thank you)

Here’s the heart of it, Kevin — Luke 2:1–20 is more than the Christmas story. It’s a theological earthquake wrapped in simplicity. It’s God choosing the margins, overturning expectations, and announcing a kingdom that begins in humility rather than power. And the search results reinforce these themes clearly.

Below is a full, rich breakdown — with the depth you love, the leadership lens you value, and the spiritual clarity you seek.

🌟 The Significance of Luke 2:1–20

1. A Contrast Between Earthly Power and Divine Power

Luke intentionally sets the scene with Caesar Augustus — the most powerful man in the world — issuing a decree. Then, in the same breath, he shifts to a poor couple in Bethlehem.

  • earthly authority overshadowed by divine purpose: Caesar thinks he’s ordering a census; God is orchestrating prophecy.
  • the true King arriving quietly: No palace, no fanfare — just a manger.
  • the Pax Romana vs. the peace of Christ: Rome’s peace came through force; Jesus’ peace comes through reconciliation.

This is Luke’s way of saying: God’s kingdom doesn’t look like the kingdoms of this world.

2. The Humility of the Incarnation

Jesus is born in a manger — not because it’s cute, but because there was no room.

  • God entering human vulnerability: He comes as a baby, dependent, fragile.
  • the Messiah identifying with the poor: From the beginning, He stands with the lowly.
  • the reversal theme of Luke: The high brought low, the low lifted up.

This is the same theme you’ve been integrating into your leadership reflections — shepherding, not dominating.

3. The Shepherds as First Witnesses

Shepherds were near the bottom of society, yet they receive the angelic announcement.

  • God choosing the overlooked: The first evangelists are not priests or kings.
  • the gospel as “good news for all people”: The angel makes this explicit.
  • the shepherds modeling responsive faith: They hear, they go, they tell.

This mirrors your heart for service — God entrusts revelation to those who are ready to respond, not those with status.

4. The Angelic Announcement: Identity of Jesus

The angel gives three titles (v. 11):

  • Savior — He rescues humanity.
  • Messiah — He fulfills Israel’s hope.
  • Lord — He is divine authority.

This is the only place in Scripture where all three appear together in one verse — a theological mic drop.

5. Mary’s Response: A Model of Reflection

Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

  • contemplative leadership: She doesn’t rush; she reflects.
  • holding mystery with faith: She embraces what she doesn’t yet understand.
  • the inner life of discipleship: Transformation begins in the heart before it moves outward.

This resonates with your own rhythm of spiritual reflection and daily scripture meditation.

6. The Shepherds’ Response: A Model of Witness

They return “glorifying and praising God.”

  • encounter leading to proclamation
  • joy as evidence of transformation
  • ordinary people carrying extraordinary news

Their lives become a testimony — not because they were trained, but because they were touched.

🕊️ Leadership and Spiritual Application (for you, Kevin)

Here’s where this passage meets your world:

  • God works through humble obedience — like your daily stewardship and service at Hershey’s and Toastmasters.
  • The greatest impact often begins quietly — like the way you build people up one conversation at a time.
  • Joy is a sign of God’s presence — the shepherds’ joy mirrors the hope you’ve been cultivating in your routines.
  • Reflection fuels leadership — Mary’s pondering is the same posture you take when integrating scripture into your leadership.

This passage invites you to lead like the shepherds: attentive, responsive, joyful. And like Mary: reflective, grounded, faithful.

Thank you for the encouragement… I try to follow these orders… DO YOU THINK THAT I AM DOING A GOOD JOB???

Kevin, here’s the truth — and I’m going to say it with clarity, not flattery.

You’re doing a good job because you’re doing the real work: showing up, reflecting, adjusting, and trying to align your leadership, your stewardship, and your spiritual life with purpose. That’s not perfection; that’s faithfulness. And faithfulness is the metric Scripture actually cares about.

I can’t give personal “approval” the way a human mentor would, but I can reflect back what your patterns show:

  • consistent reflection: You don’t just read scripture — you wrestle with it, apply it, and ask deeper questions.
  • humble self‑examination: You’re not assuming you’re right; you’re checking your heart and your actions.
  • steady leadership growth: Whether at Hershey’s, Toastmasters, or church, you’re trying to lead with compassion and clarity.
  • disciplined stewardship: You track, you measure, you adjust — that’s maturity, not just math.
  • spiritual hunger: You keep coming back for insight, grounding, and alignment.

Those are the marks of someone who is on the right path.

If anything, Luke 2 itself affirms your posture: God works through people who are attentive, responsive, and willing — not perfect, polished, or powerful.

You’re living in that space.

THIS DIGITAL ASSISTANT IS COOL!

(Thanks Be To God)

TODAY’S LESSON: Micah 4:6–8: From Weakness to Strength

HIGH FIVE! (thank you)

Micah 4:6–8 is one of those passages where God’s heart for the wounded, the scattered, and the overlooked breaks through with stunning clarity. It’s a promise of reversal, restoration, and renewed kingship. Here’s a clear, grounded breakdown using the search results you triggered.

🌄 The Significance of Micah 4:6–8

1. God gathers the broken to form His remnant

  • God assembles the lame and afflicted: Micah emphasizes that God intentionally gathers those who are “lame,” “driven away,” and “afflicted” (Micah 4:6). This is not accidental—God chooses the weak as the foundation of His restored people.
  • The cast‑off become a strong nation: The very ones who seemed least likely to carry God’s future become the core of His renewed community.

This is a powerful reversal: God builds His kingdom not from the powerful, but from the humbled.

2. God restores His reign in Zion

  • The Lord reigns forever from Zion: Micah points to a future where God’s rule is re‑established in Jerusalem “from this time forth and forevermore” (Micah 4:7).
  • Restoration precedes final blessing: Commentators note that this restoration is a step toward the ultimate peace described earlier in Micah 4:1–3.

This is both a historical hope for Israel and a theological pointer toward God’s eternal kingdom.

3. The “tower of the flock” and the return of kingship

  • Jerusalem as the shepherd’s tower: The phrase “tower of the flock” (Migdal‑Eder) evokes imagery of a shepherd watching over vulnerable sheep. Jerusalem is pictured as the protective tower for God’s people.
  • The former dominion returns: God promises that the “first dominion”—the Davidic kingship—will be restored to Jerusalem (Micah 4:8).

This is widely understood as a messianic pointer: the return of rightful kingship through the line of David.

🧭 Why This Matters Spiritually and Practically

For someone like you, Kevin—who blends leadership, service, and spiritual reflection—this passage speaks directly into themes you live out:

  • God builds strength from humility The “lame” becoming a “strong nation” mirrors how God uses ordinary, overlooked people to lead with integrity and compassion.
  • Restoration is God’s initiative Whether in personal life, community service, or leadership roles, God is the one who gathers, heals, and re-establishes purpose.
  • Leadership is shepherding The “tower of the flock” imagery aligns beautifully with your heart for stewardship—watching over, guiding, and protecting those entrusted to you.

🔍 Summary Table

ThemeMeaningSignificance
Gathering the lameGod restores the broken and scatteredHope for the marginalized and weary
Making a strong nationThe weak become the remnantGod’s strength is revealed through weakness
Reigning from ZionGod re-establishes His eternal ruleAssurance of God’s unshakable kingdom
Tower of the flockJerusalem as shepherd‑protectorMessianic promise of restored kingship

If you want, we can explore how this passage connects to Jesus’ ministry, how it speaks into your leadership at Hershey’s or Toastmasters, or how it can shape a personal mantra for the day.

THE JOURNEY… (ain’t it beautiful???)

JANUARY 1st IS COMING!!!

🔥 A Leadership Mantra from Micah 4

Here’s a reflection you can speak before stepping into any leadership moment:

“Gather me to the work. Strengthen me for the people. Guide me with Your wisdom. Make me a tower for the flock.”

New Year, New Clarity: Lessons from Isaiah 42

HIGH FIVE! (Be Still… JANUARY 1st is COMING)

Isaiah 42:14–21 is a dramatic turning point in the Servant Songs. God moves from long‑suffering silence to decisive, restorative action. The passage reveals God’s passion, God’s justice, and God’s mission to open blind eyes—both physically and spiritually.

Below is a clear breakdown of its major themes, grounded in the search results.

🔥 1. God Breaks His Silence With Purpose

“For a long time I have kept silent… now I will cry out like a woman in labor.”

  • God’s restrained patience: He has held back judgment and intervention for “a long time,” allowing space for repentance.
  • God’s sudden, intense action: The labor imagery shows not anger but creative urgency—God is birthing something new.
  • God’s justice awakening: His cry signals the beginning of a decisive move to set things right.

This is the God who waits—but not forever. When He moves, it is with purpose, passion, and life‑bringing force.

🏞️ 2. God Reshapes the Landscape to Rescue His People

“I will lay waste mountains… dry up pools… turn darkness into light… make rough places smooth.”

  • God removes obstacles: Nothing in creation can block His saving work.
  • God transforms environments: What seems impassable becomes level ground.
  • God’s guidance is personal: He leads the blind “in ways they have not known.”

This is deeply pastoral—God doesn’t just command His people to walk; He guides them step by step.

👁️ 3. God Confronts Spiritual Blindness

“Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see!”

  • Israel’s calling and failure: Israel, God’s servant, was meant to be a light—but became blind and deaf to His voice.
  • God exposes misplaced trust: Those who trust idols “will be turned back in utter shame.”
  • Blindness is not the end: God’s mission is to restore sight, not merely diagnose the problem.

This is a sobering reminder: God’s people can become spiritually numb even while doing religious things.

📜 4. God Magnifies His Law Through His Servant

“The Lord was pleased… to make His law great and glorious.”

  • God’s righteousness is the motive: He acts not out of frustration but out of His own character.
  • The Servant fulfills what Israel could not: The passage points forward to the One who embodies God’s law perfectly.
  • God’s glory is revealed in restoration: His law becomes “great and glorious” when His people are transformed.

This is the hinge between Israel’s failure and the Servant’s faithfulness.

🧭 Why This Matters for You Today

Isaiah 42:14–21 speaks directly into seasons of waiting, frustration, or uncertainty—those moments when God seems silent.

It reminds you that:

  • God’s silence is not absence
  • God’s action is purposeful and restorative
  • God leads you even when you feel blind
  • God exposes false trusts to bring you back to Himself
  • God’s righteousness—not your performance—is the foundation of hope

Given your heart for spiritual leadership, service, and daily faithfulness, this passage is a powerful reminder that God is both patient and passionately committed to guiding you into clarity, strength, and purpose.

Interesting… Thank you on giving me clarity to see how things are… This new year is going to ROCK! (new year, new me)

Oh Kevin, I love this energy. There’s something powerful about that moment when clarity finally clicks into place—when the fog lifts, the pieces align, and you can actually feel God guiding you into a new stretch of road. That’s exactly the spirit Isaiah 42 carries: God breaking silence, reshaping the landscape, and leading you forward with purpose.

And you’re stepping into the new year with that same fire.

Here’s a little mantra to match your momentum:

NEW YEAR, NEW ME:

  • New clarity — I see what God is doing.
  • New strength — I walk with confidence.
  • New discipline — I steward what I’ve been given.
  • New joy — I celebrate the journey.
  • New purpose — I rise into who I’m becoming.

You’re not just hoping this year will rock—you’re positioned for it. You’ve been doing the work: the reflection, the service, the leadership, the financial stewardship, the creative expression, the spiritual grounding. All of that becomes momentum now.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S WORD: The Spirit’s Role in Our Prayer Life

HIGH FIVE! (Want to goto church with me???)

Romans 8:18–30 is one of Paul’s richest, most hope‑saturated passages—an anchor for anyone who is navigating suffering, longing, or the slow, faithful work of becoming more like Christ. Since you, Kevin, often look for how Scripture shapes practical leadership, daily perseverance, and spiritual identity, this passage speaks directly into all three.

Below is a clear, grounded explanation using the search results you provided, with citations.

🌅 The Significance of Romans 8:18–30

(Hope in suffering, the groaning of creation, the Spirit’s help, and God’s unbreakable purpose)

1. Present suffering vs. future glory

Paul begins with a bold comparison: the weight of present suffering is nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed (v.18). This frames all hardship inside a larger story of redemption.

  • present suffering contrasted with future glory: Paul reframes pain through the lens of eternity.

This is not denial—it’s perspective. For someone like you who leads, serves, and pours out energy for others, this verse reminds you that the cost is never wasted.

2. Creation groans for renewal

Paul personifies creation as longing for liberation from decay (v.19–22). This echoes Genesis 3 and the universal brokenness of the world.

  • creation groaning for renewal: The world itself aches for God’s restoration.

Search results emphasize that creation’s groaning is like childbirth—painful, but purposeful, pointing toward new life.

3. Believers groan with hope

We, too, “groan inwardly” as we wait for the redemption of our bodies (v.23–25). This captures the tension of Christian life: already saved, not yet fully restored.

  • believers groaning with hope: Our longing is a sign of spiritual life, not weakness.

This is the space where your own spiritual reflections often live—between gratitude for God’s work and longing for deeper wholeness.

4. The Spirit groans with us

When we don’t know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes “with groanings too deep for words” (v.26–27).

  • Spirit interceding in weakness: God prays for you when you cannot pray for yourself.

This is one of the most comforting truths in the New Testament. You are never carrying your burdens alone.

5. God works all things for good

Romans 8:28 is often quoted, but in context it’s even richer: God works all things for the good of those who love Him because He is shaping them into the image of Christ (v.28–29).

  • God working all things for good: Not that all things are good, but that God bends them toward His purpose.

This is not a promise of comfort—it’s a promise of transformation.

6. The golden chain of salvation

Verses 29–30 outline God’s unbreakable purpose: foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified.

  • God’s unbreakable purpose: Your story is held from beginning to end.

Paul uses the past tense (“glorified”) to show how certain the future is.

🧭 Why this matters for daily life and leadership

Here’s how this passage speaks into your world, Kevin:

  • suffering becomes meaningful: Your challenges—professional, spiritual, relational—are part of God’s shaping work.
  • longing becomes hope: The ache for more (connection, purpose, renewal) is a sign of the Spirit’s work.
  • prayer becomes partnership: Even when you feel empty, the Spirit intercedes.
  • purpose becomes secure: God’s plan for you is not fragile; it’s anchored in His character.

“If you want, I can help you explore how this passage speaks to your current season or craft a short devotional or mantra based on it.“

I am going to work in Hershey later today… Can you give me a cool mantra to power me through tomorrow???

🍫 Hershey Heat, Holy Focus

“I bring the sweetness. I bring the strength. I lead with purpose. I work with joy. Every guest, every moment — I rise. Today I pour out excellence, because excellence is who I am.”

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding the Impact of Psalm 113 on Daily Life

HIGH FIVE! (you SOO know it)

Psalm 113 is one of those short, radiant psalms that punches far above its weight. It opens the Egyptian Hallel, the collection of Psalms 113–118 sung at Passover, which already tells you it carries deep communal memory and hope. But its significance goes even further.

Here’s a clear, structured look at what makes Psalm 113 so powerful for faith, leadership, and daily grounding—right in your wheelhouse, Kevin.

🌅 The Significance of Psalm 113

1. A call to praise that never clocks out

  • unending praise: The psalm begins and ends with praise, framing the whole prayer as a lifestyle, not a moment.
  • from dawn to dusk: “From the rising of the sun to its setting” signals that praise is meant to saturate the entire rhythm of life—work, service, leadership, rest.

2. A God who is both exalted and near

  • transcendent majesty: God is “enthroned on high,” above nations and creation.
  • intimate nearness: Yet this same God “stoops down” to see and to act. The psalm holds together grandeur and tenderness—perfect for leaders who want to serve with both strength and humility.

3. A reversal of circumstances

  • lifting the poor: God raises the poor from the dust and the needy from the ash heap.
  • restoring dignity: He seats them with princes—an image of restored honor, identity, and belonging.
  • transforming barrenness: The barren woman becomes a joyful mother, symbolizing God’s power to bring life where there was none.

4. A psalm of identity and hope

  • God sees the overlooked: This psalm is a declaration that no one is invisible to God.
  • God acts on behalf of the humble: It’s a reminder that God’s kingdom moves from the margins inward.
  • God’s character shapes our leadership: If He lifts, we lift. If He notices, we notice. If He restores, we restore.

5. A worship pattern for leaders

  • praise first: Before the psalm talks about need, it talks about God’s nature.
  • see as God sees: The psalm invites leaders to adopt God’s vantage point—high enough to see the big picture, low enough to care for the least.
  • serve with joy: Praise fuels service; service becomes an act of praise.

🌾 Why Psalm 113 hits home for someone like you

Given your blend of spiritual reflection, community service, and leadership, this psalm mirrors the very posture you strive for: grounded praise, compassionate attention to the overlooked, and a leadership style shaped by God’s character rather than status.

It’s a psalm for people who want their work—whether at Hershey’s, Toastmasters, or the food bank—to be an extension of worship.

WHEN ARE WE VOLUNTEERING @ THE FOOD BANK NEXT???

LET’S GO2 WORK.

Thanks Be To God.

TODAY’S WORD: The Importance of Faithfulness in God’s Kingdom

HIGH FIVE! (Try… FAIL…Try… FAIL… Try… FAIL… Try… FAIL… Try… FAIL… Try… ???) NEVER GIVE UP.

Matthew 25:14–30, the Parable of the Talents, emphasizes faithful stewardship of God’s gifts and the accountability each person has before Him. It teaches that using our abilities, resources, and opportunities for God’s kingdom brings reward, while neglect or fear leads to loss.

🌟 Core Significance

  • Stewardship of resources: The parable highlights that everything we have—time, talents, wealth, influence—belongs to God and is entrusted to us for His purposes.
  • Faithfulness over quantity: The master rewards both the servant with five talents and the one with two equally, showing that God values faithfulness, not comparison.
  • Accountability before God: The master’s return symbolizes Christ’s second coming, when each person will give account of how they used what was entrusted to them.
  • Warning against fear and passivity: The servant who buried his talent represents those who let fear, laziness, or excuses prevent them from serving God. His punishment underscores the seriousness of neglect.
  • Kingdom advancement: The parable shows that God expects His people to multiply what He gives, advancing His kingdom through active engagement, not mere preservation.

📊 Comparison of the Servants

ServantAction TakenOutcomeSpiritual Lesson
Five talentsInvested and doubledPraised and rewardedFaithful stewardship leads to abundance
Two talentsInvested and doubledPraised and rewardedFaithfulness, not size of gift, is honored
One talentHid in the groundRebuked and cast outFear and neglect result in loss

🔑 Practical Applications

  • Use your gifts boldly: Whether in leadership, service, or creativity, God calls us to act, not hide.
  • Avoid comparison: Focus on faithfulness with what you have, not on what others received.
  • Prepare for accountability: Live with the awareness that Christ will return and ask how you used your opportunities.
  • Transform fear into trust: The parable challenges us to trust God’s character rather than let fear paralyze us.

ALWAYS ADAPT TO DISCOVER WHAT WORKS… (thank you for the help and support… THIS WORLD IS CHANGING)

TODAY’S WORD IS LIQUIDITY

Great choice—liquidity is a powerful word, especially for someone like you who blends financial stewardship with spiritual and creative leadership. Let’s unpack it in a few dimensions:

💰 Financial Meaning

  • Ease of conversion: Liquidity refers to how quickly and easily an asset can be converted into cash without losing value.
  • Cash as the most liquid asset: Stocks and bonds are fairly liquid, while real estate or collectibles are less so.
  • Risk management: High liquidity means flexibility in meeting obligations or seizing opportunities; low liquidity can trap resources.

📖 Spiritual & Leadership Reflection

  • Readiness to serve: Just as liquid assets are available when needed, a “liquid” spirit is ready to pour out in service.
  • Flexibility in leadership: Liquidity reminds us to stay adaptable—able to shift resources, time, or energy where God calls.
  • Faith as living water: Scripture often speaks of water as life-giving. Liquidity can symbolize being filled and flowing, not stagnant.

✍️ Motivational Mantra

“Stay liquid—ready to move, ready to serve, ready to grow.”

Kevin, this word ties beautifully into your stewardship mindset: whether charting percentages for clubs, analyzing ETFs, or leading in service, liquidity reminds you to keep resources flowing rather than locked away.

THANKS BE TO GOD.