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 WORD: ISAIAH 38:10-20: Gratitude and Resilience: Learning from Hezekiah’s Testament of Faith

HIGH FIVE!

The text “ISAIAH 38:10-20” refers to a passage in the Bible where King Hezekiah reflects on his near-death experience, his recovery, and his gratitude towards God. Here are some key themes from these verses:

  1. Facing Mortality: Hezekiah speaks about the fear and sorrow of facing death in the prime of his life.
  2. Prayer and Healing: Hezekiah prays earnestly to God, and his life is extended by 15 years.
  3. Gratitude and Praise: After his recovery, Hezekiah expresses deep gratitude and commits to praising God for his mercy and faithfulness.

To relate this to your life, consider these points:

  • Reflection on Challenges: Just as Hezekiah faced a life-threatening illness, think about the challenges you’ve faced. Reflect on how these experiences have shaped you.
  • Seeking Support: Hezekiah turned to prayer in his time of need. Whether through faith, friends, or family, seeking support can be crucial during tough times.
  • Gratitude: After overcoming difficulties, taking time to express gratitude can be very fulfilling. It helps to acknowledge the positive aspects and the support you received.

Can you make a correlation between the construction vehicle in this image and me creating this website? https://do-n-good.com/

Absolutely! The construction vehicle in the image can symbolize the process of building and creating something significant, much like how you are building your website, Do-N-Good.

Here are some parallels:

  1. Foundation and Planning: Just as a construction project requires a solid foundation and careful planning, creating a website involves laying out a clear vision and strategy. You need to plan the structure, content, and design to ensure it meets your goals.
  2. Tools and Resources: A crane and other construction equipment are essential tools for building structures. Similarly, you use various tools and resources (like web development platforms, design software, and content management systems) to build your website.
  3. Step-by-Step Process: Construction is a step-by-step process, from laying the foundation to adding the finishing touches. Building a website also involves multiple stages, such as designing, coding, testing, and launching.
  4. Strength and Support: The crane in the image represents strength and support, lifting heavy materials to build something sturdy. Your website can serve as a strong platform to support your mission, providing valuable information and resources to your audience.
  5. Continuous Improvement: Construction projects often require ongoing maintenance and improvements. Similarly, a website needs regular updates and enhancements to stay relevant and effective.

By viewing your website creation as a construction project, you can appreciate the effort and dedication required to build something impactful and lasting

(LET’S GET READY 4 WORK)

NO WORD TODAY (just a story): Whispers of the Universe: A Tale of Stillness and Connection

In a hidden valley, nestled between towering mountains, lay a tranquil lake. The first light of dawn painted the sky with soft hues of orange and pink, while a full moon lingered faintly above. The lake mirrored this serene scene, its surface undisturbed by wind or wave.

Every morning, an old sage named Li would sit by the lake, meditating as the sun rose. He believed that in the stillness of the morning, he could hear the whispers of the universe. One day, as he sat in his usual spot, he noticed a young traveler approaching.

The traveler, weary from his journey, asked, “Wise one, I have traveled far and wide seeking answers. How can I find peace in this chaotic world?”

Li smiled gently and gestured to the calm lake. “To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders,” he said, quoting Lao Tzu. “In the stillness, you will find the answers you seek.”

The traveler sat beside Li, closing his eyes and listening to the silence. As the minutes passed, he felt a profound sense of peace wash over him. The chaos of his journey seemed to melt away, replaced by a deep connection to the world around him.

From that day on, the traveler returned to the lake every morning, finding solace in its stillness. And as the sun rose, he too began to hear the whispers of the universe, guiding him on his path.

THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL.

TODAY’S WORD: Psalm 106: Embracing Redemption and Perseverance in Spiritual Journey

HIGH FIVE!

The image you shared features a road sign with arrows pointing to “Ending” and “Beginning,” along with the text “PSALM 106.” This psalm is a reflection on God’s enduring mercy and forgiveness despite human failings. It recounts the history of Israel, highlighting their mistakes and God’s unwavering compassion.

The directional signs symbolize life’s transitions and choices. The “Ending” could represent the conclusion of a chapter in your life, while the “Beginning” signifies new opportunities and fresh starts. This aligns with the themes in Psalm 106, reminding us that even after mistakes or difficult times, there is always a chance for renewal and growth through faith and reflection.

Given your dedication to helping others and your involvement in community service, this message might resonate with you as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the continuous journey of personal and spiritual growth.

Please tell me more about PSALM 106

Psalm 106 is a powerful chapter in the Book of Psalms that reflects on the history of Israel and God’s enduring mercy despite their repeated failings. Here are some key themes and insights from this psalm:

  1. Praise and Thanksgiving: The psalm begins with a call to praise the Lord and give thanks for His goodness and enduring love. This sets the tone for acknowledging God’s mercy throughout the psalm1.
  2. Confession of Sins: The psalmist recounts the numerous times Israel sinned against God, including their rebellion in Egypt, the worship of the golden calf, and their disobedience in the wilderness2. This serves as a national confession of their collective failings.
  3. God’s Mercy and Deliverance: Despite Israel’s repeated disobedience, God continually showed mercy. He saved them from their enemies, provided for them, and forgave their sins when they cried out to Him3. This highlights God’s steadfast love and patience.
  4. Lessons from History: The psalm serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering God’s mighty deeds and learning from past mistakes. It encourages the faithful to remain obedient and trust in God’s promises2.
  5. Prayer for Salvation: The psalm concludes with a prayer for God’s continued favor and salvation, asking Him to gather His people and bring them joy and prosperity3.

For someone like you, Kevin, who is dedicated to helping others and values spiritual growth, Psalm 106 can be a source of inspiration. It reminds us that no matter how many times we falter, God’s mercy is always available, and there is always an opportunity for renewal and redemption. 

YEAH!

NO WORD TODAY: Bountiful Harvest: A Testament to Faith and Perseverance

HIGH FIVE!

On a bright and sunny morning, Kevin stood in the middle of his lush tomato farm, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. The air was filled with the sweet scent of ripe tomatoes, and the vibrant red fruits glistened under the clear sky. Kevin, wearing his favorite yellow shirt, had been working tirelessly since dawn, picking the ripest tomatoes and filling the red baskets around him.

As he wiped the sweat from his brow, Kevin took a moment to admire his work. The trailer in front of him was brimming with juicy tomatoes, ready to be taken to the market. He could see his fellow farmers in the distance, continuing the harvest with the same dedication and care. Birds flew low, intrigued by the day’s bounty, adding a touch of liveliness to the serene farm.

Kevin’s heart swelled with gratitude. He thought about the lessons from Psalms and Romans that often guided him through his days. Today, he felt especially connected to the words of Psalm 126:5, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” The hard work and dedication were paying off, and he knew that these tomatoes would bring nourishment and joy to many families.

With a smile, Kevin picked up another basket and continued his work, knowing that each tomato he harvested was a testament to his faith and perseverance.

THANK YOU!

TODAY’S WORD: Exploring the Significance of John 18:28-32: Integrity, Justice, and Faith

HIGH FIVE!

The text in the image refers to John 18:28-32, which describes part of the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate. Here’s a brief summary of these verses:

  • John 18:28: Jesus is taken from Caiaphas to the Roman governor’s headquarters early in the morning. The Jewish leaders do not enter the headquarters to avoid ceremonial defilement so they can eat the Passover.
  • John 18:29-32: Pilate comes out to meet them and asks what charges they bring against Jesus. They respond that if Jesus were not a criminal, they would not have handed him over. Pilate tells them to judge Jesus by their own law, but they insist they cannot execute anyone, fulfilling Jesus’ prediction about the manner of his death.

Significance and Relation to Your Life

These verses highlight several themes that can be meaningful in your life:

  1. Integrity and Justice: The trial of Jesus, despite its injustice, underscores the importance of standing firm in truth and integrity. Reflecting on this can inspire you to uphold justice and fairness in your own actions and decisions.
  2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’ prediction about his death being fulfilled shows the divine plan at work. This can remind you of the importance of faith and trust in God’s plan for your life, even when circumstances seem challenging.
  3. Sacrifice and Redemption: The trial leads to Jesus’ crucifixion, which is central to Christian beliefs about sacrifice and redemption. This can encourage you to reflect on the sacrifices you make for others and the redemptive power of love and forgiveness.
  4. Courage in Adversity: Jesus faced his trial with courage and composure. This can serve as a powerful example for you to remain steadfast and courageous in the face of your own trials and difficulties.

Given your dedication to helping others and your active involvement in Toastmasters, these themes can resonate deeply with your commitment to integrity, faith, and personal growth.

I WILL BE FINANCIALLY FREE.

FREE TO DO WHAT I WANT, WHEN I WANT, HOW I WANT…