Tag: bible

TODAY’S WORD: The Glory of God Revealed in Psalm 19

HIGH FIVE! (Faith is beautiful)

Psalm 19 is a poetic masterpiece that bridges the majesty of creation with the perfection of divine instruction. Its significance lies in how it reveals God’s glory through both nature and Scripture, offering a holistic view of divine revelation.

🌌 Part 1: Creation Speaks (Verses 1–6)

  • “The heavens declare the glory of God…” — David begins by marveling at the cosmos, seeing the sky as a canvas that proclaims God’s grandeur.
  • Nature is portrayed as a universal language, speaking to all people regardless of culture or tongue.
  • The sun is likened to a bridegroom and a champion runner, emphasizing joy, strength, and consistency in God’s design.

📖 Part 2: Scripture Illuminates (Verses 7–11)

  • David shifts from the general revelation of nature to the specific revelation of God’s Word.
  • He describes the law, testimony, statutes, and commandments of the Lord as:
    • Perfect — reviving the soul
    • Sure — making the simple wise
    • Right — rejoicing the heart
    • Pure — enlightening the eyes
  • God’s Word is more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey, offering both warning and reward.

🙏 Part 3: Personal Response (Verses 12–14)

  • David ends with a humble prayer:
    • For cleansing from hidden faults
    • Protection from willful sins
    • A desire for his words and thoughts to be pleasing to God
  • The final verse — “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight…” — is often quoted in worship and personal devotion as a call to integrity and reverence.

💡 Why It Matters

Psalm 19 invites us to see God’s fingerprints in the stars and His voice in Scripture. It’s a call to awe, obedience, and personal transformation. C.S. Lewis even called it “the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world”.

Would you like to reflect on how this psalm connects with your own journey or perhaps explore how it could inspire a Toastmasters speech or devotional moment?

NO THANKS… CAN YOU HELP ME “WIN WITH INTEGRITY???”

LET’S GET READY FOR WORK (yeah)

TODAY’S WORD: Overcoming Insecurity in God’s Call

HIGH FIVE! (#bringit)

Jeremiah 1:4–10 is one of the most powerful call narratives in Scripture—a moment where divine purpose meets human hesitation. Here’s a breakdown of its deep significance:

🌱 Divine Calling Before Birth (Verses 4–5)

  • “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” — This reveals God’s intimate foreknowledge and sovereign purpose. Jeremiah’s identity and mission were divinely appointed before his birth.
  • It affirms that calling is not based on human readiness or qualifications, but on God’s initiative and authority.

🧒 Human Hesitation and Insecurity (Verse 6)

  • Jeremiah responds, “I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”
  • Like Moses and other prophets, Jeremiah feels inadequate. This reflects a universal truth: divine callings often come to those who feel least prepared.

💬 Divine Empowerment and Reassurance (Verses 7–8)

  • God counters Jeremiah’s fear: “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’… I am with you to deliver you.”
  • This is a promise of presence, protection, and provision. God doesn’t just call—He equips and walks alongside.

🔥 Prophetic Authority and Mission (Verses 9–10)

  • God touches Jeremiah’s mouth, symbolizing the divine origin of his words.
  • His mission is bold and multifaceted: “to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
  • This reflects the dual nature of prophetic work—judgment and restoration, deconstruction and renewal.

💡 Why It Matters Today

  • For anyone discerning purpose: Jeremiah’s story reminds us that divine calling often precedes our awareness and transcends our limitations.
  • For those feeling unqualified: God’s reassurance to Jeremiah is a timeless encouragement—your age, fear, or inexperience do not disqualify you.
  • For spiritual leaders and creatives: The passage affirms that true authority comes from divine intimacy and obedience, not from worldly credentials.

Kevin, this passage resonates beautifully with your own journey—called to lead, speak, and serve even when the path feels uncertain. If you’d like, we can explore how this scripture might shape your next poem or keynote.

Wednesday… we will finish a poem Wednesday… TODAY, We have to do those Area Reports for Toastmasters.

✅ Toastmasters Area Report Prep

  • Club Visit Summaries: Highlight strengths, challenges, and member engagement.
  • Membership Updates: Note any growth, retention efforts, or concerns.
  • Distinguished Club Progress: Track goals met vs. pending.
  • Upcoming Events: Include contests, trainings, or special meetings.
  • Support Needs: Mention any requests for help or resources from clubs.

HOW DOES A CELL PHONE CUT YOU??? (let’s go workout)

TODAY’S WORD: Inclusion and Transformation in Matthew 9: A Call to Mercy

HIGH FIVE! (you know it)

Matthew 9:9–13 is a powerful passage that reveals the heart of Jesus’ ministry—one of radical inclusion, mercy, and transformation. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

📖 Key Moments in the Passage

  • Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, saying simply, “Follow me.” Matthew immediately leaves his post and follows.
  • Jesus dines with tax collectors and sinners, which provokes criticism from the Pharisees.
  • Jesus responds: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick… I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

✨ Spiritual and Social Significance

  • Radical Grace and Inclusion Jesus chooses Matthew—a man despised by society for collaborating with Rome—as a disciple. This act shatters social norms and shows that no one is beyond redemption.
  • Mercy Over Ritual Quoting Hosea 6:6, Jesus emphasizes that God desires mercy, not mere religious ritual. He challenges the Pharisees’ legalism and calls for compassion over judgment.
  • Healing the Spiritually Sick Jesus likens his mission to that of a physician: he comes for those who are spiritually broken, not those who think they’re already righteous. It’s a call to humility and self-awareness.
  • A Model for Ministry This passage invites believers to follow Jesus’ example—engaging with the marginalized, showing mercy, and breaking down barriers of exclusion.

💡 Reflection for Today

Kevin, this passage resonates deeply with your own journey—your leadership in service roles, your creative outreach, and your heart for those often overlooked. Just as Jesus saw Matthew’s potential beyond his past, you’re called to see and nurture the divine spark in others. Whether through your Area Director Reports for Toastmasters, your work at Hershey’s, or your poetry for Lena, you’re living out this call to mercy.

I am really interested to see how my Fantasy Football Team does today… DON’T OVERLOOK MNF.

WORKING LATER TODAY.

🙏 Prayer for Mercy and Mission

O Lord of grace and welcome, You called Matthew from the margins, and you call us still— not for our perfection, but for our willingness.

In the midst of reports and responsibilities, let our work be worship. Let every form filled, every email sent, be a thread in the tapestry of your mercy.

Feed us with your compassion, that we may extend it to others— in our Toastmasters clubs, in Hershey’s halls, and in every quiet moment of service.

We thank you for the treasure that comes not from titles or tasks, but from walking with you. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend. Amen.

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding Psalm 139: God’s Knowledge and Purpose

HIGH FIVE! (Thank you)

Psalm 139 is one of the most intimate and awe-inspiring reflections in all of Scripture—a poetic masterpiece by David that reveals the depth of God’s knowledge, presence, and purpose in our lives. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌌 Divine Omniscience: God Knows You Completely

  • David begins by marveling that God knows every detail—our thoughts, actions, and even unspoken words.
  • This isn’t distant surveillance; it’s personal and loving awareness. God knows you better than you know yourself.

🌍 Divine Omnipresence: You Are Never Alone

  • The psalm declares that there is nowhere we can go to escape God’s presence—not in the heights of heaven, nor the depths of the sea.
  • Even in darkness or despair, God is there. His presence is constant, comforting, and guiding.

🧬 Divine Design: You Are Wonderfully Made

  • David praises God for creating him with intention and care, saying, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made”.
  • This affirms the sacredness of life and the uniqueness of each person. God’s craftsmanship is evident in every soul.

📖 Divine Purpose: Your Days Are Written

  • “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (v.16).
  • This speaks to divine sovereignty and purpose—your life is not random; it’s part of a greater story authored by God.

🛐 Invitation to Surrender: Search Me, O God

  • The psalm ends with a heartfelt plea: “Search me, God, and know my heart… lead me in the way everlasting” (vv.23–24).
  • It’s a call to spiritual vulnerability and transformation—a desire to align with God’s truth and walk in His ways

LET’S GO PLANT SHOPPING BEFORE WORK. (I need something in this area of my office)

AFTER THE GYM… ok???

TODAY’S WORD: The Significance of Psalm 12 in Modern Times

HIGH FIVE! (Thank you… Thank you… Thank you…)

Psalm 12 is a powerful lament by David that speaks directly to the tension between human deceit and divine truth. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌍 A Cry Against Corruption

David opens with a desperate plea: “Help, Lord, for the godly are no more” (verse 1). He observes a society where truth has vanished, and people speak with “flattering lips and a double heart” (verse 2). This sets the tone for a world where integrity feels endangered.

🗣️ Condemnation of Arrogant Speech

Verses 3–4 call for God to silence those who boast and manipulate with their words. These individuals claim autonomy over their speech—“Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”—revealing a deeper rebellion against divine authority.

🛡️ God’s Response to the Oppressed

In verse 5, God declares: “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise.” This is a turning point—God hears the cries of the vulnerable and promises safety and justice.

🔥 The Purity of God’s Word

Verse 6 contrasts human deception with divine truth: “The words of the Lord are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times.” This imagery emphasizes the flawless reliability of God’s promises.

🙌 Assurance of Divine Protection

The psalm closes with confidence: “You, Lord, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation forever.” Even as wickedness prowls and vileness is exalted, God’s protection remains steadfast.

💡 Why It Matters Today

Psalm 12 resonates in any era where truth feels scarce and injustice looms. It reminds us:

  • To cry out to God when integrity seems lost.
  • That divine truth is unchanging and pure.
  • That God defends the oppressed and preserves the faithful.

Would you like to reflect on how this psalm connects with your own journey or creative work? I’d love to explore that with you.

YES… Can you help me craft an iterny including stops in NYC, Philly, Baltimore, Hershey PA for Lena’s vacation on December 27 – January 7???

🗽 New York City (Dec 27–30)

Theme: Dazzle & Discovery Stay: Midtown Manhattan or Upper West Side for easy access

Highlights:

  • Rockefeller Center Tree & Ice Skating – Iconic holiday magic
  • Broadway Show – Choose something uplifting or romantic
  • Museum Day – The Met or MoMA for art and warmth
  • Central Park Winter Walk – Bundle up and stroll hand-in-hand
  • DUMBO & Brooklyn Bridge – Sunset views and cozy cafés

🏛️ Philadelphia (Dec 30–Jan 1)

Theme: History & Heart Stay: Old City or Rittenhouse Square

Highlights:

  • Liberty Bell & Independence Hall – Reflect on freedom and legacy
  • Reading Terminal Market – Local eats and sweet treats
  • New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Penn’s Landing – Ring in 2026 together!
  • Mummers Parade (Jan 1) – Quirky, colorful Philly tradition

🍫 Hershey, PA (Jan 1–4)

Theme: Sweetness & Serenity Stay: The Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge

Highlights:

  • Hersheypark Christmas Candylane – Rides, lights, and cocoa
  • Create Your Own Candy Bar – Your home turf, Kevin!
  • Hershey Gardens & Butterfly Atrium – Peaceful and beautiful
  • Spa Day at MeltSpa – Relaxation for Lena

🗓️ Check out Hershey’s event calendar for concerts or seasonal shows during this time.

🦀 Baltimore (Jan 4–7)

Theme: Waterfront & Wonder Stay: Inner Harbor or Fell’s Point

Highlights:

  • National Aquarium – Mesmerizing marine life
  • Historic Ships & Harbor Walk – Nautical charm
  • Visionary Art Museum – Whimsical and inspiring
  • Cozy dinner in Little Italy – End the trip with warmth and flavor

✨ Bonus Touches

  • Travel Mode: Amtrak or car rental for flexibility and scenic routes
  • Gifts for Lena: A poem tucked into her travel journal, a surprise spa voucher, or a custom chocolate bar with a message like “Sweetness of you, joy of us.”
  • Spiritual Pause: A quiet moment at a cathedral or garden in each city to reflect and pray together

THANKS BE TO GOD!

TODAY’S WORD: Elijah’s Journey: Obedience and Divine Provision

HIGH FIVE! (I have off of work TODAY)

The passage in 1 Kings 17:5–8 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet Elijah’s journey and reveals layers of divine provision, obedience, and preparation.

🌿 Context and Significance:

  • Obedience in Isolation: Elijah follows God’s command to go eastward and hide by the brook Cherith. This act of retreat isn’t cowardice—it’s obedience. God often calls His servants into solitude before public ministry. Elijah’s isolation becomes a sacred training ground.
  • Provision in Unlikely Ways: God sustains Elijah through ravens—unclean birds by Jewish standards—bringing him bread and meat. This challenges expectations and shows that divine provision can come through unexpected, even unconventional, channels.
  • Dependence on the Source: Elijah drinks from the brook, but eventually, it dries up. This moment teaches that while God provides through means (like the brook), our trust must remain in the Provider, not the provision. When one source ends, God redirects.
  • Transition and Trust: Verse 8 signals a shift: “Then the word of the Lord came to him.” The drying brook wasn’t abandonment—it was preparation for the next assignment. God’s guidance often comes at the edge of discomfort, nudging us forward.

✨ Spiritual Reflection: This passage invites reflection on seasons of hiddenness, the mystery of provision, and the courage to move when the brook dries. It’s a reminder that divine silence isn’t absence—it’s often the prelude to new direction.

Thank you… going forward… whenever I give you a bible verse, please keep it general unless told different.

LET’S GO2 THE GYM (gym, bank, grocery store, WeBull Investment, WebEx meeting, Sell wood working tools, laundry, help mom with State, Toastmaster Emails, Toastmaster Meeting, Thursday Night Football)

TODAY’S WORD: Grace for All: Insights from Romans 11:25-32

HIGH FIVE! (win)

Romans 11:25–32 is one of Paul’s most profound reflections on divine mercy, mystery, and the unfolding plan of salvation. It’s a passage that speaks directly to your heart, Kevin—especially with your love for spiritual depth, cross-cultural connection, and the redemptive arc of grace. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

✨ Key Themes in Romans 11:25–32

1. The Mystery of Israel’s Partial Hardening

  • Paul reveals a “mystery”: Israel has experienced a partial spiritual hardening.
  • This isn’t permanent—it’s “until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in”2.
  • God’s plan includes a future restoration of Israel, showing that rejection is not final.

2. The Fullness of the Gentiles

  • Gentiles are being grafted into God’s covenant during this age.
  • Their inclusion is part of a divine strategy to eventually bring Israel back to faith.
  • It’s a reminder that salvation is not exclusive—it’s expansive, reaching across cultures and histories.

3. All Israel Will Be Saved

  • Paul quotes Isaiah to affirm that “The Deliverer will come from Zion” to remove ungodliness from Jacob.
  • This points to a future moment of national redemption for Israel, fulfilling prophetic promises.

4. Irrevocable Calling

  • “The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (v.29)—a powerful assurance that God’s promises endure.
  • Even in disobedience, God’s covenantal love remains.

5. Mercy for All

  • Paul emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles have been disobedient, so that God might show mercy to all.
  • This culminates in a sweeping vision of grace: no one is beyond reach, and mercy is the final word.

🌿 Why It Matters to Your Journey

  • Spiritual Reflection: This passage invites you to trust in divine timing—just as you do with Lena and your evolving path. God’s mercy is patient, layered, and inclusive.
  • Cross-Cultural Resonance: It celebrates unity across difference, echoing your heart for global connection and reconciliation.
  • Creative Inspiration: The imagery of grafting, fullness, and irrevocable calling could beautifully weave into your poetry or keynote themes—especially “Finding Joy in Your Journey.”

I will write a poem next week… FOR NOW, let’s get ready for work…

EVER BEEN TO WALES??? (UK)

IS CAMBRIDGE THERE???

TODAY’S WORD: Finding Strength in Psalm 54

HIGH FIVE! (Have a great day!)

Psalm 54 is a compact yet powerful prayer of deliverance, written by David during a time of betrayal and danger. Its significance lies in how it models faith under pressure and reveals God’s character as a protector and vindicator.

🛡️ Context and Background

  • Setting: David composed this psalm when the Ziphites—his own countrymen—betrayed him to King Saul (see 1 Samuel 23).
  • Tone: Urgent, raw, and deeply trusting. It’s both a cry for help and a declaration of confidence in God’s justice.

🔍 Key Themes and Structure

VersesThemeMeaning
1–3Desperate PleaDavid calls on God to save him by His name and power, acknowledging the threat of ruthless enemies.
4–5Confidence in GodHe affirms that God is his helper and expects divine justice against his foes.
6–7Gratitude and WorshipDavid promises to praise God, celebrating his deliverance even before it fully arrives.

✨ Spiritual Significance

  • Faith in Crisis: David doesn’t rely on his own strength or strategy—he turns to God’s name and might. This teaches us to seek divine help when human solutions fail.
  • God as Defender: The psalm portrays God not just as a distant deity, but as an active protector who hears, sustains, and vindicates.
  • Worship as Response: Even in danger, David commits to worship. His praise isn’t just post-victory—it’s a declaration of trust.

💬 Modern Relevance

Psalm 54 speaks to anyone who’s felt betrayed, abandoned, or under attack. It reminds us:

  • You can cry out to God honestly.
  • Trust doesn’t mean denial—it means anchoring your hope in divine justice.
  • Worship isn’t just for the good times; it’s a weapon in the struggle.

I have learned the power of scripture… THE PSALMS really offer the reader hope and strength… I like to balance out this display of STRENGTH with Humility.

BETTER LUCK NEXT WEEK!

TODAY’S WORD: The Divine Timing of Jesus: A Lesson from John 7

HIGH FIVE! (WRITE DOWN THOSE GOALS = CRUSH THEM!)

John 7:25–36 is a powerful passage that captures the tension, confusion, and spiritual urgency surrounding Jesus during the Feast of Tabernacles. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🔍 Key Themes and Insights

1. Confusion About Jesus’ Identity

  • The people of Jerusalem are puzzled: “Isn’t this the man they’re trying to kill? Yet he’s speaking openly…” (v.25–26).
  • They question whether the authorities secretly believe Jesus is the Messiah, but then dismiss Him because they think they know His origins—“We know where this man comes from…” (v.27).
  • This reflects a common spiritual misunderstanding: assuming familiarity with Jesus means understanding Him. But Jesus challenges this, saying they don’t truly know the One who sent Him (v.28–29).

2. Divine Timing

  • Despite attempts to arrest Him, “no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come” (v.30).
  • This emphasizes that Jesus’ mission unfolds according to divine timing, not human agendas. His crucifixion and glorification are part of a sovereign plan.

3. Division Among the People

  • Some believe in Him: “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than this man?” (v.31).
  • Others remain skeptical or hostile. The Pharisees and chief priests even send officers to arrest Him (v.32).
  • This division highlights the polarizing nature of Jesus’ message—He demands a response.

4. A Prophetic Warning

  • Jesus says, “I will be with you a little longer… you will seek me and not find me” (v.33–34).
  • This is a sobering statement about the limited window of opportunity to respond to Him. It foreshadows His death, resurrection, and ascension—and the spiritual consequences of rejecting Him.

5. Misunderstanding His Mission

  • The crowd speculates wildly: “Is He going to teach the Greeks?” (v.35–36).
  • They miss the deeper meaning: Jesus is speaking of returning to the Father, and the spiritual separation that comes from unbelief.

💡 Why It Matters Today

This passage invites reflection on how we perceive Jesus. Are we like the crowd—confused, skeptical, or dismissive? Or are we among those who recognize His signs and believe? It also reminds us that spiritual truth isn’t subjective or optional—it’s urgent, and our response to Jesus determines our eternal destiny.

6 MONTH GOALS WRITTEN DOWN… (now, let’s go2 the gym)

DONE.

About (Hi)

TODAY’S WORD: The Heart of the Gospel: God’s Love Revealed

HIGH FIVE! (Thank you for loving me)

John 3:13–17 is one of the most profound and foundational passages in the Christian faith, often described as the heart of the Gospel. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

✨ Core Themes and Meaning

  • Divine Origin of Jesus (v.13) “No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.” This verse emphasizes Jesus’ unique authority and divine origin. He isn’t just a teacher—He came from heaven and speaks with firsthand knowledge of God’s kingdom.
  • Foreshadowing the Crucifixion (v.14–15) “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up…” Jesus references a story from Numbers 21, where looking at a bronze serpent healed the Israelites. He uses this to foreshadow His own crucifixion, suggesting that belief in Him will bring spiritual healing and eternal life.
  • God’s Unconditional Love (v.16) “For God so loved the world…” This is arguably the most quoted verse in the Bible. It reveals the depth of God’s love—not just for a select few, but for the entire world. The gift of Jesus is presented as the ultimate act of divine love, offering eternal life to all who believe.
  • Salvation, Not Condemnation (v.17) “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world…” This verse clarifies Jesus’ mission: not to judge or punish, but to rescue and redeem. It’s a radical message of grace, especially in contrast to religious legalism or fear-based doctrines.

💡 Why It Matters

  • Theological Foundation: These verses encapsulate the Christian understanding of salvation—faith in Jesus leads to eternal life.
  • Evangelistic Message: John 3:16 is often the starting point for sharing the Gospel because it’s simple, powerful, and inclusive.
  • Spiritual Reassurance: For believers, this passage offers comfort: God’s love is unconditional, and salvation is available to all.

If you’re reflecting on this passage personally, it’s worth asking: What does it mean to be “lifted up” in your own life? And how does the idea of love without condemnation shape your view of faith or humanity?

LET’S GO2 CHURCH B4 WORK (I bought more CRYPTO)

AMEN…