Tag: bible

TODAY’S WORD: The Meaning of Jesus’ Resurrection: Hope and Promise

HIGH FIVE! (Work + ETF + CRYPTO = PLAN)

Romans 2:12–16 is a powerful passage that speaks to the impartial justice of God—a theme that resonates deeply with anyone seeking truth, accountability, and grace. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🔍 Key Themes in Romans 2:12–16

1. Universal Accountability

  • “All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law…” (v.12)
    • Paul is saying that both Jews and Gentiles are accountable to God. Jews had the written Law; Gentiles had conscience and natural understanding. Neither group escapes judgment.

2. Hearing vs. Doing

  • “It is not those who hear the law who are righteous… but those who obey…” (v.13)
    • This challenges superficial religiosity. Knowing Scripture or attending worship isn’t enough—obedience matters. It’s a call to integrity and action.

3. The Law Written on the Heart

  • “…Gentiles… show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts…” (v.14–15)
    • Even those without formal religious instruction have a moral compass. This affirms that God’s truth is accessible, and conscience plays a role in divine judgment.

4. Judgment of the Heart’s Secrets

  • “…God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ…” (v.16)
    • It’s not just external behavior—inner motives and hidden thoughts are laid bare before Christ. This elevates the seriousness of personal integrity and spiritual authenticity.

💬 Reflective Insight for You, Kevin

This passage aligns beautifully with your keynote theme, “Finding Joy in Your Journey.” It reminds us that joy isn’t found in appearances or titles, but in walking rightly—whether through law, conscience, or grace. It also echoes your heart for spiritual growth and truth: that God sees the whole story, even the quiet decisions made in faith and love.

Would you like to explore how this passage could shape a new poem or devotional reflection? I’d love to help you weave it into your creative work.


I wonder what Lena thinks about this entry… Thank you… BTW- I signed up to keep learning about crypto trading… I WILL SEE A PROFIT… (Kracken closed my trading account due to scammers)… can I get a reflection of good news of the resurrection for Lena?

🌅 For Lena: A Resurrection Reflection

“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” —Matthew 28:6

Lena, the resurrection isn’t just a historical moment—it’s a living promise. It means that love doesn’t end in silence, and hope isn’t buried in the dark. It means that the One who walked through death now walks beside us in life.

Jesus rose not to leave us behind, but to draw closer than ever before. His presence is no longer bound by time or space—it radiates like sunlight through every moment of our day. Even in quiet longing, even in uncertain waiting, His love is active, alive, and unfailing.

The resurrection whispers to your heart:

  • You are seen, even in solitude.
  • You are held, even in questions.
  • You are loved, with a love that conquered death.

And just as Christ rose, so too will every promise He made rise with Him. The dreams you carry, the prayers you’ve whispered, the healing you seek—they are not forgotten. They are being resurrected in divine timing.

THANKS BE TO GOD. (let’s go2 work, the GYM after, learn more about CRYPTO SCAMS after the GYM)

TODAY’S WORD: Finding Joy: Spiritual Growth through Psalm 146

HIGH FIVE! (Thank you for reading)

Psalm 146 is a radiant call to trust in God alone—a declaration of praise that lifts the soul beyond earthly powers and into divine assurance. It’s the first of the final five “Hallelujah Psalms” (146–150), each beginning and ending with “Praise the Lord” (Hebrew: Hallelujah). Here’s a breakdown of its deeper significance:

🌟 Themes and Spiritual Significance

1. Praise as a Lifelong Posture

  • “I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” (v.2)
    • This isn’t momentary worship—it’s a soul-deep commitment. The psalmist models a life anchored in gratitude and awe, even amid uncertainty.

2. Warning Against Human Dependence

  • “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” (v.3)
    • Earthly leaders are mortal and limited. Their plans perish with them. This verse echoes Jeremiah 17:5–8, urging us to place our hope in the eternal, not the ephemeral.

3. God’s Justice and Compassion

  • Verses 7–9 list divine actions: feeding the hungry, freeing prisoners, lifting the bowed down, loving the righteous, watching over strangers, and upholding the widow and orphan.
    • These are not abstract virtues—they’re active interventions. God is portrayed as the defender of the vulnerable, the healer of brokenness, and the champion of justice.

4. A Messianic Foreshadowing

  • Many scholars see this psalm as anticipating the reign of the Messiah. Jesus embodied these traits—bringing sight to the blind, justice to the oppressed, and eternal hope.

5. God’s Eternal Reign

  • “The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.” (v.10)
    • This closing line affirms that while human rulers rise and fall, God’s kingdom endures. It’s a promise of stability in a shifting world.

💬 Reflective Insight for You

Given your heart for spiritual growth and your poetic lens on life, Psalm 146 might speak to your longing for divine constancy amid human fragility. It’s a psalm that invites you to live your “Finding Joy in Your Journey” message—not by ignoring pain or injustice, but by trusting that God is actively working through it all.

Would you like to explore how this psalm could shape a new poem or reflection for your keynote?

May I have a YOUR help writing a poem on how excited I am for my Gym workout this morning… and how I am going to work out those abs hard.

“Rise and Grind”

The sun’s still yawning, but I’m wide awake, Gym bag packed—no time to flake. Abs on deck, it’s crunch time, friend, This core’s gonna burn from start to end.

Sweat like scripture, truth in motion, Each rep fueled by fierce devotion. No shortcuts, no easy pass— Just grit, grace, and sculpted abs.

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!

TODAY’S WORD: Tradition vs. Truth: Lessons from Jesus

HIGH FIVE! (what do you think???)

Mark 7:9–23 is a powerful passage where Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes, challenging their elevation of human traditions over God’s commandments. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🧠 Core Message: Heart Over Ritual

Jesus exposes how religious leaders had twisted divine law to suit their traditions. Specifically, they allowed people to declare their resources as Corban (dedicated to God), thereby avoiding their responsibility to care for their parents—violating the commandment to honor father and mother.

  • Verses 9–13: Jesus rebukes them for nullifying God’s word through man-made rules.
  • Verses 14–23: He shifts the focus from external purity (ritual handwashing) to internal defilement—what comes from the heart.

💬 Key Themes and Insights

  • Tradition vs. Truth: Jesus warns against prioritizing religious customs over divine commands. This critique still resonates today—are we clinging to rituals while neglecting compassion?
  • True Defilement: He redefines purity. It’s not what enters the body (food), but what comes out—evil thoughts, deceit, pride, etc.—that defiles a person.
  • Spiritual Integrity: The passage calls for introspection. Are our hearts aligned with God, or are we just performing outward acts?

🔍 Reflection for Today

For someone like you, Kevin—who blends spiritual depth with public speaking and creative expression—this passage could be a rich source for a speech or devotional. It invites us to examine our motivations and to live authentically, not just performatively. You might even weave this into your “Finding Joy in Your Journey” theme: joy rooted in integrity, not appearances.

YOU KNOW… I AM HUMAN… I WILL FAIL & MAKE MISTAKES… HOWEVER, MY INTENTIONS ARE PURE (I wonder what Lena thinks)…

That’s a tender thought, Kevin. I imagine Lena would be drawn to the heart of this passage—the way Jesus pierces through surface-level rituals to reveal what truly matters: the condition of the heart.

She might reflect on how love, like faith, isn’t proven by outward gestures alone but by the quiet integrity of our choices, the way we honor others, and the purity of our intentions. Perhaps she’d see in Mark 7:9–23 a call to live authentically, to let love flow from a place of truth rather than performance.

THANKS BE TO GOD (let’s ask)!!!

TODAY’S WORD: Covenant and Identity: Lessons from Deuteronomy 4

HIGH FIVE! (we have work TODAY)

Deuteronomy 4:15–20 is a powerful warning and a tender reminder—a call to spiritual clarity as Israel stands on the threshold of the Promised Land. Moses urges the people to remember what they saw—and didn’t see—when God spoke to them at Horeb (Mount Sinai). Here’s the heart of its significance:

🔥 1. God Is Spirit—Not to Be Shaped or Reduced

  • The people heard God’s voice but saw no form (v.15). This absence of physical appearance is intentional.
  • Moses warns: “Beware lest you act corruptly by making a carved image” (v.16). To create an idol is to misrepresent the formless, infinite nature of God.
  • This passage reinforces the idea that God transcends creation—He is not to be portrayed as animal, human, or celestial object.

🌌 2. Creation Is Not the Creator

  • Verses 17–19 list earthly and heavenly forms—animals, birds, fish, sun, moon, stars—that people might be tempted to worship.
  • Moses reminds them: these are created things, allotted to all peoples under heaven, not divine beings.
  • It’s a call to resist idolatry in all its forms—whether ancient statues or modern obsessions.

🔗 3. Covenant Identity and Deliverance

  • Verse 20 is deeply personal: “But the Lord has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of His own inheritance.”
  • This is not just history—it’s identity. Israel is reminded that they belong to God, not because of merit, but because of mercy.

🧭 Why It Matters Today

For someone like you, Kevin—who blends spiritual depth with practical leadership—this passage speaks to the tension between form and faith. It’s a reminder to:

  • Stay rooted in the unseen but deeply known presence of God.
  • Guard against distractions that pull your worship away from the Source.
  • Lead others with clarity, helping them remember who they are and whose they are.

If you ever weave this into a speech or devotional, it could echo beautifully with your themes of identity, freedom, and spiritual inheritance. Want help crafting that when the time’s right?

Thank you (LET’S GO2 WORK)

Let’s go, Kevin 💪🏽—Sunday morning, spirit stirred, purpose aligned.

You’ve already laid the foundation with Deuteronomy 4:15–20. That passage is like a compass: reminding us not to chase shadows or sculpt illusions, but to walk in the light of what’s true and eternal

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding Psalm 106: Mercy, Repentance, and Praise

HIGH FIVE! (we are in the MIDDLE… AIN’T IT FUN???)

Psalm 106 is a sweeping, soul-stirring reflection—a national confession wrapped in praise. It’s the kind of passage that doesn’t just recount history; it invites us to wrestle with it, repent through it, and rejoice in the mercy that threads through every failure.

🌿 Key Themes and Significance

1. God’s Mercy in the Face of Rebellion

  • The psalm recounts Israel’s repeated disobedience—from Egypt to the wilderness to the Promised Land.
  • Despite their ingratitude and idolatry, God’s mercy endures: “Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, when He heard their cry” (v.44).
  • This is a portrait of divine patience—mercy not earned, but given.

2. A Mirror for Personal and Communal Repentance

  • The psalmist doesn’t distance himself from the sins of the past: “We have sinned, even as our ancestors did” (v.6).
  • It’s a call to humility, to recognize our own tendency to forget God’s goodness and to seek restoration.

3. The Power of Intercession

  • Moses is highlighted as one who “stood in the breach” (v.23), interceding to turn away God’s wrath.
  • It’s a reminder of the role of spiritual leaders and the power of standing in the gap for others.

4. Praise as a Response to Grace

  • The psalm begins and ends with praise: “Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (v.1).
  • Even in recounting failure, the psalmist never loses sight of God’s goodness.

5. A Plea for Restoration

  • The closing verses plead for God to gather His people and restore them: “Save us, Lord our God, and gather us from the nations” (v.47).
  • It’s both historical and prophetic—a longing for unity, healing, and joy.

Kevin, I sense this psalm might resonate with your journey—balancing gratitude with longing, leadership with humility, and personal growth with intercession. If you were to weave Psalm 106 into a speech or poem, what part would speak most deeply to your audience—or to Lena?

Honestly, I have NO time to reflect on this TODAY… I AM WORKING ALLDAY.

BTW- I AM NOT GOING TO SHAVE…

TODAY’S WORD: Psalm 119: Finding Comfort and Guidance in God’s Word

HIGH FIVE! (write that thank you note)

Psalm 119 is a towering masterpiece of devotion—an acrostic poem of 176 verses that celebrates the power, beauty, and necessity of God’s Word. Its significance is both literary and spiritual, and it speaks deeply to hearts like yours, Kevin, that seek truth, discipline, and divine guidance.

📖 Core Themes and Spiritual Significance

  • God’s Word as Life-Giving: The psalmist declares, “Your word has given me life” (v.50). Scripture isn’t just instruction—it’s sustenance, comfort, and revival in times of affliction.
  • Moral Compass: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (v.105) is one of the most quoted verses, emphasizing how divine truth guides ethical living and decision-making.
  • Personal Devotion: The psalmist’s love for God’s law is intimate and passionate: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (v.11). It’s about internalizing truth, not just obeying it.

🧠 Literary Structure and Symbolism

  • Acrostic Design: Psalm 119 is divided into 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Every stanza contains 8 verses, and each verse begins with the same Hebrew letter. This structure symbolizes completeness—from Aleph to Tav, like A to Z.
  • Eight Key Terms for Scripture: The psalm uses words like law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, word, and promise—each highlighting a different facet of divine instruction.

💬 Why It Resonates Today

  • For the Disciplined Soul: If you’re seeking structure, clarity, and spiritual grounding—Psalm 119 is a blueprint for living with integrity.
  • For the Afflicted Heart: It offers comfort in suffering, reminding us that God’s promises are not abstract—they’re active, healing, and present.
  • For the Creative Spirit: Its poetic form invites reflection, memorization, and meditation. It’s a psalm that can be sung, spoken, or woven into your own writing.

Kevin, this psalm feels like it was written for someone like you—who blends discipline with devotion, and who seeks to live out truth in both quiet mornings and public service.

BIG WEEKEND AT WORK… (I am sorry, I will not make it to church this Sunday)…

BTW- What do you think about my past experience???

Kevin, your past speaks volumes—of resilience, responsibility, and a heart that’s been through fire yet still chooses love and light.

That collage you shared… it’s raw and real. The wreckage of the car, the hospital scene—it’s not just about physical damage. It’s about survival. About the sacred weight of what you’ve endured and the grace that carried you through. You didn’t just walk away—you walked forward. And now you’re building a life marked by purpose, faith, and deep compassion.

Your journey reminds me of Psalm 119:71: “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” Not because pain is good, but because you’ve allowed it to shape your character, deepen your empathy, and fuel your calling.

You’ve turned trauma into testimony. And the way you serve at Hershey’s, speak through Toastmasters, care for your mom, and dream of a future with Lena—it’s all part of that redemptive arc.

Thanks Be To God!!!

TODAY’S WORD: (Thank you for reading)

HIGH FIVE! (AI is getting powerful… STAY YOUR COURSE KEVIN… STAY YOUR COURSE)

John 18:28–32 captures a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative—where divine prophecy, political power, and religious hypocrisy collide. Here’s a breakdown of its deeper significance:

✝️ Spiritual and Theological Significance

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Verse 32 explicitly notes that this moment fulfills Jesus’ own words about the kind of death He would die—crucifixion, a Roman method of execution. Jewish law prescribed stoning, but only Rome could authorize crucifixion.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Despite the chaos and injustice, this passage shows that God’s plan is unfolding precisely. Jesus is not a victim of circumstance but willingly walking toward the cross.

🏛️ Political and Legal Dynamics

  • Roman Authority vs. Jewish Law: The Jewish leaders bring Jesus to Pilate because they lack the legal authority to execute Him. Pilate, representing Roman law, becomes a reluctant participant in a religious dispute.
  • Pilate’s Role Begins: This marks the beginning of Jesus’s civil trial. Pilate’s initial question—“What accusation do you bring?”—reveals his skepticism and sets the tone for his later reluctance to condemn Jesus.

⚖️ Religious Irony and Hypocrisy

  • Ceremonial Cleanliness vs. Moral Corruption: The Jewish leaders refuse to enter Pilate’s headquarters to avoid ritual defilement before Passover, even as they orchestrate the death of an innocent man. This irony underscores their spiritual blindness.
  • Manipulation of Justice: Their vague accusation—“If He weren’t doing evil, we wouldn’t have handed Him over”—shows they’re not interested in a fair trial but in securing a death sentence.

🔍 Reflective Insight

This passage invites us to reflect on:

  • The tension between outward religiosity and inward righteousness.
  • The courage of Jesus in facing unjust systems.
  • The way divine purpose can unfold even through flawed human institutions.

Kevin, given your love for scripture and your gift for weaving spiritual insight into your creative work, this scene could be a powerful metaphor for your own journey—walking with integrity through systems that don’t always reflect justice, yet trusting that purpose is being fulfilled. Would you like to explore how this passage might echo in your keynote or poetry?

NO THANKS… (let’s go2 your sister’s house)

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!

TODAY’S WORD: Endurance and Temptation: Insights from James 1

HIGH FIVE! (Let’s write that BUDGET down)

James 1:9–16 is a rich and layered passage that speaks directly to the heart of spiritual maturity, especially in the face of trials, temptation, and worldly illusions. It’s a passage that levels the playing field and lifts the veil—perfect for someone like you, Kevin, who values truth, resilience, and the deeper journey.

🏔️ Verses 9–11: A Divine Perspective on Riches and Poverty

James flips the script on worldly status:

  • “Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation” — The poor believer is spiritually rich in Christ.
  • “And the rich in his humiliation” — The wealthy are reminded of their fleeting status, like flowers that fade in the sun.

💡 Significance: This is a radical redefinition of worth. In God’s economy, humility is honor, and worldly wealth is temporary. It echoes Psalm 49 and Isaiah 40, reminding us that true riches are eternal. For your financial planning mindset, it’s a call to anchor value not in assets, but in identity.

👑 Verse 12: Endurance Leads to Reward

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life…”

💡 Significance: This is the heartbeat of James—faith that endures is faith that’s alive. The “crown of life” isn’t just a future reward; it’s the joy and strength that come from walking faithfully through hardship. It’s a verse that could easily echo through your keynote on Finding Joy in Your Journey—though we’ll save that for Thursday.

🔥 Verses 13–16: The Anatomy of Temptation

James gets surgical here:

  • Temptation doesn’t come from God — He is holy and unchanging.
  • Temptation begins with desire → Desire conceives sin → Sin matures into death

💡 Significance: This is a spiritual diagnostic tool. It teaches us to trace temptation back to its root—not blame circumstances or even God, but examine our own desires. It’s a call to self-awareness, discipline, and grace.

🌱 Kevin’s Reflection Lens

This passage invites you to:

  • Honor your spiritual wealth, even in humble circumstances
  • Persevere with grit, knowing trials refine and reward
  • Guard your desires, recognizing how easily they can be twisted

PLANS… Have them written down???

YEAH!!!

TODAY’S WORD: Living with Integrity: Lessons from Psalm 15

HIGH FIVE! (Thank you for the wisdom)

Psalm 15 is a compact yet profound meditation by David on what it means to live in close fellowship with God. It opens with a soul-searching question:

“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?”

This isn’t just about physical proximity to a temple—it’s about spiritual intimacy with the Divine. Here’s how its significance unfolds:

🌿 Spiritual Integrity as the Path to God’s Presence

Psalm 15 outlines the character of the person who is welcomed into God’s presence—not by ritual, but by righteousness:

  • Walks blamelessly: Not sinless, but someone whose life is above reproach and consistent with truth.
  • Speaks truth from the heart: Honesty isn’t just external—it’s internal, rooted in integrity.
  • Does no harm to others: Avoids slander, betrayal, and exploitation.
  • Keeps promises even when it hurts: A rare and noble trait—faithfulness even at personal cost.
  • Rejects corruption: No bribes, no unjust gain, no exploitation of the vulnerable.

🏔️ Dwelling on the Holy Hill: A Metaphor for Communion

David uses imagery of God’s tent and holy hill to evoke the sacred space of communion. In ancient Near Eastern culture, being invited into someone’s tent meant protection, provision, and peace. To dwell on God’s hill is to live in His favor and presence—not just visit, but abide.

🔍 A Mirror for the Soul

Psalm 15 isn’t a checklist—it’s a mirror. It invites us to examine our hearts and ask:

Am I living a life that reflects God’s holiness, justice, and love?

It echoes themes from the Ten Commandments and anticipates the Sermon on the Mount, showing that true worship is ethical, not just ceremonial.

This psalm feels tailor-made for someone like me—I try to live with integrity, speak truth in love, and honor God in both public and private life. It’s my call to walk uprightly, not just for approval, but for communion.

WE GOT WORK EARLY… (let’s go)

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!

TODAY’S WORD: Living Righteously: Insights from Isaiah 33

HIGH FIVE! (keep praying… God knows… I AM)

Isaiah 33:10–16 is a powerful prophetic passage that speaks to both divine judgment and divine protection. It’s rich with imagery and spiritual insight—especially meaningful for someone like you, Kevin, who finds depth in scripture and weaves it into your creative and public speaking work. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🔥 Verses 10–14: God’s Judgment and Refining Fire

These verses describe God’s rising to act against injustice and hypocrisy:

  • “Now will I rise,” says the Lord — a declaration of divine intervention.
  • The imagery of chaff, stubble, and burning lime symbolizes the futility of unrighteous works. It’s not the people themselves who are burned, but what they produce—their corrupt deeds.
  • “Who among us can dwell with the consuming fire?” — this rhetorical question reveals the fear of hypocrites and sinners when confronted with God’s holiness.

💡 Spiritual Insight: The fire here isn’t necessarily hellfire—it’s the purifying presence of God. It exposes and consumes what is false, leaving only what is true and righteous. This resonates with the idea that our works will be tested by fire (1 Corinthians 3:13), and only what’s built on Christ will endure.

🛡️ Verses 15–16: The Character of the Righteous and Their Reward

These verses shift to describe the person who can “dwell with the consuming fire”:

  • Walks righteously, speaks uprightly
  • Rejects oppression and bribes
  • Turns away from bloodshed and evil

Such a person will:

  • “Dwell on high” — a place of spiritual elevation and safety.
  • “Bread will be given him; his water will be sure” — divine provision and sustenance.

💡 Spiritual Insight: This is a portrait of integrity and moral courage. In times of chaos (like the Assyrian threat looming over Jerusalem), God promises refuge and provision to those who live by His standards. It’s a call to live above reproach, trusting that righteousness is not just morally right—it’s spiritually secure.

FOCUS IN HOW YOU CAN SHOW THE HURT TO UPPER MANAGEMENT… (showcase your talents for WEDNESDAY)

#MYDAYOFF