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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.

TODAY’S WORD: Miraculous Restoration in Isaiah 66:7–11

HIGH FIVE! (do you like the ending of this entry???)

Isaiah 66:7–11 signifies God’s miraculous power to bring forth new life, restoration, and joy for His people without the expected struggle, portraying Jerusalem as a mother who suddenly gives birth and then nourishes her children with comfort and abundance.

🌿 Key Themes in Isaiah 66:7–11

  • Sudden birth without labor: The passage describes Zion (Jerusalem) giving birth before labor pains begin. This symbolizes God’s ability to act swiftly and unexpectedly, bringing about deliverance and renewal without the usual process of suffering.
  • Miraculous nation-building: Verse 8 asks, “Can a nation be born in a day?” This points to the astonishing restoration of Israel, showing that God can establish His people instantly when the time is right.
  • God’s faithfulness to complete His work: Verse 9 emphasizes that God does not bring His people to the point of birth and then fail to deliver. It reassures that what God begins, He finishes.
  • Jerusalem as a nurturing mother: Verses 10–11 invite rejoicing with Jerusalem, portraying her as a mother who comforts, nurses, and satisfies her children. This reflects God’s tender compassion and provision for His people.
  • Comfort and joy after mourning: Those who once grieved over Jerusalem are now called to rejoice, highlighting the transformation from sorrow to celebration through God’s intervention.

📖 Spiritual Significance

  • For Israel: The imagery reassures the exiles that their return and restoration will be sudden, complete, and joyous—God will rebuild His people and city in miraculous ways.
  • For Christians: Many interpret this as a foreshadowing of the Church’s birth at Pentecost or the sudden coming of God’s kingdom, emphasizing divine initiative rather than human effort.
  • For personal reflection: It reminds believers that God can bring breakthrough and renewal in their lives unexpectedly, turning mourning into joy and providing comfort like a mother’s embrace.

✨ Summary Table

VerseImagerySignificance
66:7Birth before laborGod’s miraculous, unexpected action
66:8Nation born in a dayRestoration of Israel, sudden fulfillment
66:9God ensures deliveryAssurance of God’s faithfulness
66:10Rejoice with JerusalemTransformation from mourning to joy
66:11Nursing motherGod’s comfort and provision

Kevin, since you often connect scripture to practical leadership and daily life, this passage could be seen as encouragement: God’s work in your stewardship and service may unfold suddenly and abundantly, beyond your expectations, bringing joy and comfort to those you serve.

LET’S GET READY FOR WORK, TOASTMASTERS, AND STEWARDSHIP TODAY…

Stir up the wills of all who look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your coming, that, transformed by grace, we may walk in your way; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirirt, one God, now and forever. Amen.

I DID THAT – SHHH…




TODAY’S WORD: Faith and Endurance: Key Lessons from Hebrews 10

HIGH FIVE! (do the math)

Hebrews 10:32–39 emphasizes the call to persevere in faith, reminding believers of past endurance, present confidence, and future reward. It urges Christians not to shrink back in hardship but to live by faith, trusting God’s promises.

✨ Key Themes in Hebrews 10:32–39

  • Remember past endurance: The writer recalls how believers once endured suffering, reproach, and loss with joy because they trusted in a greater, eternal possession.
  • Confidence in God’s promises: Verse 35 warns against throwing away confidence, which carries “a great reward.” Faith is not just belief but steadfast trust in God’s future fulfillment.
  • Need for endurance: Verse 36 highlights that perseverance is essential to receive what God has promised. Endurance is framed as active obedience to God’s will.
  • Living by faith, not shrinking back: Verses 38–39 contrast two paths: shrinking back to destruction or pressing forward in faith to preserve the soul. This sets up Hebrews 11’s “Hall of Faith”.
  • Hope of eternal reward: The passage points believers to Christ’s return and the eternal inheritance, encouraging them to endure present trials with future hope.

📖 Why It Matters

  • Encouragement in suffering: The audience had faced persecution, property loss, and public shame. The text reminds them that their past resilience proves they can endure again.
  • Spiritual perspective: Earthly possessions and comfort are temporary; the “better possession” is eternal life with God.
  • Faith as action: Faith is not passive belief but active endurance, obedience, and confidence in God’s promises.
  • Transition to Hebrews 11: This passage bridges the warning of Hebrews 10:26–31 with the examples of faith in Hebrews 11, showing that perseverance is the hallmark of true believers.

🪞 Practical Significance for Today

  • Perseverance in trials: Modern believers may not face imprisonment or confiscation of property, but rejection, ridicule, or hardship still test faith.
  • Confidence in God’s promises: Holding fast to God’s promises gives strength when circumstances seem bleak.
  • Faith as endurance: Faith is proven not in ease but in persistence through difficulty.
  • Hope of eternal reward: Keeping eternity in view helps believers endure temporary struggles with joy.

📌 Summary Table

Verse RangeFocusSignificance
32–34Past enduranceRecall joy in suffering, rooted in eternal possession
35–36Confidence & enduranceDo not throw away faith; endurance leads to promise
37–38Faith vs. shrinking backLive by faith; avoid destruction
39Identity of believersTrue believers persevere to salvation

Would you like me to expand this into a devotional reflection that connects Hebrews 10:32–39 with your leadership and stewardship work, or into a practical teaching outline for sharing with your Toastmasters or church group?

SURE… let’s read about ETFs today and find out which stocks whould be good for growth… LET’S SAY, 1-2 Years… in the Energy Industry…

For 1–2 year growth in the energy industry, experts recommend a mix of diversified energy ETFs and select mid-to-large cap stocks in both traditional oil & gas and renewables.

🔑 Energy ETFs to Watch (2025–2027)

  • Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE): Tracks major U.S. energy companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron. Strong for broad exposure.
  • iShares U.S. Energy ETF (IYE): Covers a wide range of U.S. energy firms, including producers, refiners, and service providers.
  • Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP): Focuses on pipeline and storage operators (midstream). Attractive for income and infrastructure growth.
  • SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP): More volatile, but offers upside if oil prices rise.
  • Invesco Solar ETF (TAN): Renewable-focused, capturing growth in solar energy adoption.

Sources:

📈 Energy Stocks with Growth Potential (2025–2027)

  • Brookfield Renewable (BEPC): Renewable powerhouse with ~10% annual cash flow growth projected through 2029.
  • ConocoPhillips (COP): Strong dividend growth and disciplined capital strategy.
  • Chevron (CVX): Aggressive buybacks and cash flow growth post-acquisitions.
  • Weatherford International (WFRD): Mid-cap oilfield services firm with upside in drilling and production support.
  • Talos Energy (TALO): Offshore exploration company positioned for growth.
  • Plains GP Holdings (PAGP): Midstream operator benefiting from U.S. oil transport demand.

Sources:

📊 Comparison Table

CategoryETF/StockFocusGrowth Potential (1–2 yrs)
Broad ETFXLELarge-cap U.S. energy majorsModerate, stable
Diversified ETFIYEWide U.S. energy exposureModerate
Infrastructure ETFAMLPPipelines & storageModerate, income-focused
Exploration ETFXOPOil & gas explorersHigh volatility, upside
Renewable ETFTANSolar energyHigh growth, higher risk
StockBEPCRenewable powerStrong long-term growth
StockCOPOil & gas productionDividend + growth
StockCVXIntegrated oil majorStable, buyback-driven
StockWFRDOilfield servicesMid-cap growth
StockTALOOffshore explorationSpeculative upside
StockPAGPMidstream transportInfrastructure-driven

⚡ Takeaway

For a 1–2 year horizon, a balanced approach works best:

  • ETFs like XLE or IYE for stability and broad exposure.
  • Mid-cap stocks (WFRD, TALO, PAGP) for higher growth potential.
  • Renewables (BEPC, TAN) for long-term upside, though more volatile.

Would you like me to build a sample portfolio allocation (e.g., % in ETFs vs. individual stocks) tailored to your disciplined stewardship style, or a chart of projected growth trends for these picks?

do i have a good strategy??? I am building a portfolio aimed at ETFs that pay a weekly dividend… I am using these dividends as supplementary income (another paycheck) How much should I invest to make $1500 a month? My stocks are: MSTY, CONY, SNOY, SMCY, AMDY, TSYY, HOYY

I like the way you’re thinking, Kevin — turning ETFs into a “weekly paycheck” is a disciplined, stewardship‑style strategy that fits your focus on clarity and actionable planning. Let’s break it down carefully:

🧩 Step 1: Clarify the Dividend Structure

  • Most ETFs (even income‑focused ones) pay monthly or quarterly dividends, not weekly. A few specialized funds experiment with weekly payouts, but they’re rare.
  • The tickers you listed (MSTY, CONY, SNOY, SMCY, AMDY, TSYY, HOYY) don’t match standard U.S. ETF symbols. They may be placeholders or niche funds. To calculate accurately, we’d need their actual dividend yield (annual % of payout relative to price).

🧩 Step 2: Translate Income Goal into Yield Requirement

You want $1,500 per month = $18,000 per year. The investment needed depends on the yield:

Investment Required=Annual Income GoalDividend Yield

Examples:

  • 5% yield → 18,0000.05=360,000
  • 7% yield → 18,0000.07≈257,000
  • 10% yield → 18,0000.10=180,000

So depending on the yield of your ETFs, you’d need somewhere between $180K–$360K invested to reliably generate $1,500/month.

🧩 Step 3: Risks & Considerations

  • High‑yield ETFs (often in energy, REITs, or covered‑call strategies) can pay 8–12% but may have price volatility or distribution cuts.
  • Weekly payouts are more about distribution frequency than higher income — the yield is the same, just split into smaller checks.
  • Diversification: Relying only on niche weekly‑pay ETFs could expose you to sector risk. Balancing with broader dividend ETFs (like SCHD, VYM, or XLE) adds stability.
  • Tax efficiency: Frequent dividends can increase taxable events depending on your account type.

🧩 Step 4: Strategy Evaluation

✅ Strengths:

  • Clear income target ($1,500/month).
  • Discipline in treating dividends as “paychecks.”
  • Focus on ETFs (diversified vs. single stocks).

⚠️ Watchouts:

  • Weekly dividend ETFs are rare; confirm your tickers and yields.
  • High yields often come with higher risk.
  • You may need a large principal ($200K–$350K) depending on yield.

⚡ Practical Next Step

To refine this, I’d suggest:

  1. Verify the actual yields of MSTY, CONY, SNOY, SMCY, AMDY, TSYY, HOYY.
  2. Build a blended portfolio yield estimate (e.g., average 7%).
  3. Calculate exact investment needed for $18K/year.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S WORD: The Significance of Psalm 80 in Collective Prayer

HIGH FIVE! (why??? let’s go2 work)

Psalm 80 is a communal lament that pleads for God’s restoration of Israel, portraying Him as the Shepherd and the nation as His vineyard. Its significance lies in its themes of divine care, national crisis, and hope for renewal.

🌿 Key Themes and Significance

  • Communal lament: Psalm 80 is not a personal prayer but a collective cry of the people of Israel during a time of distress. It reflects shared sorrow and longing for God’s intervention.
  • Shepherd of Israel: God is invoked as the Shepherd, emphasizing His role in guiding, protecting, and caring for His people.
  • Vineyard imagery: Israel is depicted as a vine brought out of Egypt and planted in the land, now ravaged and in need of divine restoration.
  • Repeated refrain: “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved” (vv. 3, 7, 19) is a refrain that underscores the psalm’s central plea for renewal and salvation.
  • Historical context: Many scholars see this as a prayer for the northern kingdom (Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin) before its fall to Assyria in 721 B.C., highlighting its urgency and national scope.
  • Divine displeasure: The psalm acknowledges God’s anger, describing Israel as fed with “bread of tears,” yet it appeals to His mercy and covenant faithfulness.
  • Messianic hope: Some interpretations see the “son of man” in verse 17 as pointing toward a future deliverer, foreshadowing messianic expectation.

📖 Why It Matters Spiritually

  • Restoration and renewal: The psalm teaches that even in seasons of national or personal decline, God’s face shining upon His people brings salvation.
  • Faith in crisis: It models how to pray when circumstances seem hopeless—acknowledging pain yet clinging to God’s power to revive.
  • Collective identity: It reminds believers that faith is not only individual but communal, and that restoration often comes through shared prayer and repentance.
  • Hope beyond judgment: Though God’s discipline is real, His covenant love remains the ultimate source of hope.

✨ Summary

Psalm 80 is significant because it captures Israel’s cry for deliverance during crisis, using vivid imagery of a shepherd and a vineyard to express dependence on God. Its refrain of restoration resonates across generations, offering a timeless model of prayer for renewal, whether in personal struggles or communal challenges.

YOU KNOW… this lesson envokes no personal motivation for me… Am I being Selfish thinking of such things???

🙂

Not selfish at all, Kevin. What you’re noticing is actually very human: sometimes a passage like Psalm 80 speaks more to a community’s collective cry than to an individual’s personal drive. If you don’t feel immediate motivation, that doesn’t mean you’re being selfish—it means you’re being honest about where you are.

Think of it this way: Psalm 80 is a communal lament, a prayer voiced on behalf of the whole people. Its power isn’t always in sparking personal inspiration, but in reminding us that faith is lived together. You might not feel stirred individually, but you’re still part of the larger story of restoration and hope. That’s not selfish—it’s simply recognizing that your role may be different in this moment.

Sometimes the motivation comes not from “what does this mean for me?” but from “how does this connect me to others?” For example:

  • Shared prayer: Even if you don’t feel it personally, you’re joining a chorus of voices seeking renewal.
  • Perspective shift: The vineyard imagery reminds us that we’re part of something planted long before us, and cared for beyond us.
  • Invitation to empathy: You may not feel the urgency, but others in crisis might—and your awareness of their cry is part of compassion.

So no, you’re not selfish. You’re discerning. And sometimes the lesson is less about personal motivation and more about being present in solidarity.

TODAY’S WORD: Rejecting God’s Messengers: Insights from Luke 7

HIGH FIVE! (remember when???)

Luke 7:31–35 highlights how people rejected both John the Baptist and Jesus, showing that human hearts often resist God’s message regardless of how it is presented. The passage warns against fickleness and judgmental attitudes, while affirming that true wisdom is revealed in the lives of those who accept God’s truth.

📖 Context of Luke 7:31–35

  • Parable of the Children in the Marketplace: Jesus compares “this generation” to children who complain no matter what game is played—whether joyful or mournful.
  • Criticism of John and Jesus:
    • John lived austerely, and people said he had a demon.
    • Jesus lived socially, eating and drinking, and people accused Him of being a glutton and drunkard.
  • Wisdom Vindicated: Jesus concludes that “wisdom is justified by all her children”—meaning God’s truth is proven by the transformed lives of those who embrace it.

✨ Key Significance

  • Exposure of Inconsistency: The passage shows that critics will always find fault, whether the messenger is strict (John) or gracious (Jesus).
  • Rejection of God’s Messengers: It illustrates Judea’s refusal to accept both John as Elijah and Jesus as Messiah.
  • Challenge to Expectations: People’s preconceived ideas about how God should act blinded them to His actual work.
  • Wisdom’s Fruit: True wisdom is not in words but in the results—changed lives, repentance, and faith.
  • Childish vs. Childlike: Jesus calls His generation “children,” not in a positive sense of faith, but in immaturity and pettiness.

🪞 Modern Application

  • Beware of Cynicism: Like the crowd, we can dismiss God’s work because it doesn’t fit our preferences.
  • Test Expectations Against Truth: Aligning with God’s wisdom means letting go of rigid ideas of how He “should” act.
  • Look at the Fruit: The authenticity of faith is seen in transformed lives, not in outward appearances or cultural approval.

Comparison Table

ThemeJohn the BaptistJesusPeople’s Response
LifestyleAustere, asceticSocial, communalCriticized both
Accusation“Has a demon”“Glutton, drunkard”Dismissed message
RealityProphet preparing wayMessiah bringing salvationRejected truth
OutcomeWisdom vindicatedLives transformedFaith proves truth

Would you like me to expand this into a practical reflection—for example, how Luke 7:31–35 can guide us in dealing with criticism or skepticism today—or keep it focused on the historical and theological meaning?

NO THANKS… I am upset this morning… I wish, I would’ve won in that Fantasy Football League… I had a nice place for that trophy in my office.

NEXT YEAR.

Decorate the spot with “Reserved for Trophy” sign.