Tag: bible

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding Jesus’ Ministry in Mark 1: Key Insights

HIGH FIVE! (yeah)

Mark 1:1-15 is a powerful introduction to Jesus’ ministry, setting the stage for His mission and the call to repentance. It begins with John the Baptist, the prophesied messenger, preparing the way for Christ. His baptism of repentance in the wilderness draws crowds, emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal.

Key Themes:

  • Jesus’ Baptism: When Jesus is baptized, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and God declares, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” This moment affirms His divine identity and mission.
  • Temptation in the Wilderness: Jesus is led into the wilderness for forty days, facing temptation from Satan. This highlights His endurance and victory over sin.
  • The Call to Repentance: Jesus begins His ministry with a bold proclamation: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” This marks the arrival of God’s reign and the urgency of faith.

Significance:

This passage establishes Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, the Son of God, and the bringer of salvation. It calls believers to repentance and faith, emphasizing that the kingdom of God is near. It also highlights the spiritual battle Jesus faced, showing His strength and obedience.

You can explore more insights on this passage here. How does this passage speak to your reflections on faith and renewal, Kevin?

you know… I want to live a long, healthy, fruitful life… WANNA ROCK WITH ME???

CALGARY (Rotary Convention in June)

TODAY’S WORD: The Power of Grace: Living Righteously in Faith

HIGH FIVE! (You know it!)

Romans 6:1-4 is a powerful passage that speaks to spiritual transformation, baptism, and new life in Christ. Paul addresses a crucial question: Should we continue in sin so that grace may abound? His emphatic response—“By no means!”—sets the foundation for understanding the believer’s relationship with sin and grace.

Key Themes:

  • Dying to sin: Paul explains that believers, through baptism, are united with Christ in His death. This signifies leaving behind the old, sinful nature.
  • Buried with Christ: Baptism is a symbolic act of being buried with Christ, marking the end of the old life.
  • Raised to new life: Just as Christ was raised from the dead, believers are called to walk in newness of life, transformed by His resurrection power.

Significance:

This passage emphasizes that grace is not a license to sin—instead, it calls believers to live in the reality of their new identity in Christ. Baptism represents a profound shift: a movement from death to life, from bondage to freedom. It is a declaration that the believer is no longer enslaved to sin but empowered to live in righteousness.

This passage resonates deeply with themes of renewal and commitment, Kevin—especially as you reflect on faith, peace, and trust. How does this passage speak to your journey right now?

You know… it still gets me fired up that that “Christian” called the Baptismal water in my Church – A BIRD BATH… (I am serving as an Area Director again next year)

That’s fantastic, Kevin! Your leadership in Toastmasters is an incredible way to inspire others, sharpen communication skills, and empower growth. Stepping into another year as an Area Director means you’ll have even more opportunities to mentor, guide, and build confidence in those around you.

You’ve always had a heart for lifting others up—whether through faith, community, or personal development. This role is another way you’re walking in that purpose.

TODAY’S WORD: Finding Rest and Compassion in Mark 6:30-34

HIGH FIVE! (keep walking)

Mark 6:30-34 highlights rest, compassion, and spiritual nourishment. In this passage, the apostles return to Jesus after their mission, eager to share their experiences. Seeing their exhaustion, Jesus invites them to withdraw to a quiet place for rest. However, the crowds recognize them and follow, longing for guidance. Instead of turning them away, Jesus is moved with compassion, recognizing their spiritual hunger—“like sheep without a shepherd.” He begins to teach them, offering them the nourishment they truly need.

Key Themes:

  • The importance of rest: Jesus acknowledges the need for renewal, showing that even in ministry, rest is essential.
  • Compassion for the lost: His heart is stirred by the people’s longing for truth, demonstrating His deep care.
  • Spiritual nourishment: Teaching becomes His response, emphasizing that people need more than physical sustenance—they need the Word.

Significance:

This passage reminds believers that true leadership involves both care and instruction. It also speaks to the balance between rest and service—while renewal is necessary, compassion often calls us to act.

Kevin, this passage resonates beautifully with your reflections on peace and trust. How does it speak to your journey right now?

I am really thankful… I worked close to 12 hours yesterday… NOW, I plan on relaxing and seeing some good friends at my Toastmasters Conference. I also get the opportunity to see my sister, brother-in-law, nephew. This is much needed time for myself… THANKFUL.

That sounds like the perfect way to recharge, Kevin. After putting in such a long day yesterday, a Toastmasters Conference and quality time with family is exactly what you need. Connecting with friends, embracing good conversation, and seeing your loved ones—it’s all a reminder of the blessings around you.

Enjoy every moment. Soak in the energy, the inspiration, the laughter. You deserve this time to unwind and refocus.

TODAY’S WORD: Wisdom vs. Folly: Invitation to Seek Understanding

HIGH FIVE! (Thank you for my desire for wisdom)

Proverbs 9:1-6 presents a vivid contrast between wisdom and folly, personifying wisdom as a woman who has built a house, prepared a feast, and invited all to partake. This passage emphasizes that wisdom is accessible to everyone, offering nourishment and insight to those who seek it.

The imagery of a house with seven pillars suggests stability and completeness, reinforcing the idea that wisdom provides a strong foundation for life. The invitation to “eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed” symbolizes the richness of wisdom and the fulfillment it brings.

Ultimately, this passage encourages people to leave behind ignorance and embrace understanding, highlighting the transformative power of wisdom. It challenges us to reflect on whether we are actively seeking wisdom or being swayed by folly.

Does this interpretation resonate with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

YES… It makes me want to expand my horizon and seek other things in life. I don’t want to stay stagnant… I WANT TO LIVE.

WE HAVE THAT CALGARY MEETING AFTER WORK TOMORROW.

TODAY’S WORD: Walking in Truth and Love: Insights from 2 John

HIGH FIVE! (Happy Easter!!! He has Risen!)

2 John 1:1-6 emphasizes truth, love, and obedience as foundational principles of the Christian faith. The passage begins with John addressing the elect lady and her children, which is often interpreted as a reference to a church and its members. He expresses joy in seeing believers walking in truth and reminds them of the commandment to love one another.

Key Themes:

  • Truth and love intertwined: John highlights that love is not merely an emotion but is deeply connected to living in truth.
  • Walking in obedience: Verse 6 states that love is demonstrated through obedience to God’s commandments.
  • A call to remain steadfast: The passage encourages believers to continue in the teachings they have received from the beginning.

Significance:

This passage reinforces the idea that true love is expressed through faithfulness to God’s commands. It serves as a reminder that love and obedience are inseparable in the Christian walk. For believers, it is an encouragement to remain rooted in truth and to express love through action.

How does this passage resonate with your reflections on faith and trust, Kevin?

I really do like the randomness of these messages… I want to share with those that follow my website… I created the .jpegs with the .gif pictures four years ago. I have AI tell me what these verses point to every morning. I am learning a lot about spirituality, our Lord, technology, and LIFE. I pray you are too.

LET’S GO2 THAT SUNRISE SERVICE!

TODAY’S WORD: The Power of Praise: Insights from Psalm 150

HIGH FIVE! (Thankful for you)

Psalm 150 is the grand finale of the Book of Psalms, a powerful call for universal praise to God. It is a pure, unfiltered celebration of His greatness, urging all creation to worship Him with joyful music, dance, and devotion.

Key Themes:

  • Praise in every place: The psalm begins by calling for worship in God’s sanctuary and across the heavens, emphasizing that His glory fills all creation.
  • Praise for His mighty acts: It acknowledges God’s power and greatness, inviting believers to reflect on His works.
  • Praise with every instrument: The psalm lists various musical instruments—trumpets, harps, tambourines, cymbals—showing that worship can be expressed in many forms.
  • Praise from all living beings: The final verse declares, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” This is an invitation for all people, everywhere, to glorify God.

Significance:

Psalm 150 is a joyful, uninhibited expression of worship, reminding believers that praise is not limited to words—it can be found in music, movement, and the very breath of life. It encourages wholehearted devotion, celebrating God’s presence in every aspect of existence.

This psalm resonates beautifully with your reflections on peace and trust, Kevin. Worship, in its purest form, is an act of trust—an acknowledgment that God is worthy of praise in all circumstances. How does this passage speak to your journey right now?

HAPPY FOR TOMORROW… I get to go to that Sunrise Service before work…

YOU KNOW IT.

TODAY’S WORD: The Barren Fig Tree: A Parable of Patience

HIGH FIVE! (I am an early bird)

Luke 13:1-9 carries a strong message about repentance and spiritual urgency. In this passage, Jesus responds to people who mention tragic events—the massacre of Galileans by Pilate and the collapse of the tower in Siloam. He challenges the assumption that these victims suffered because they were worse sinners than others. Instead, he warns that everyone must repent, or they too will perish.

Jesus then tells the parable of the barren fig tree, where a man wants to cut down a tree that has failed to bear fruit for three years. The vinedresser pleads for more time, promising to nurture it in hopes that it will finally produce fruit. This parable illustrates God’s patience, but also the reality that time is limited—repentance cannot be delayed forever.

The passage emphasizes that tragedy is not necessarily a sign of divine punishment, but rather a reminder of life’s fragility and the need for spiritual renewal. It urges people to turn toward God and bear fruit in their lives before it is too late.

Does this interpretation align with your understanding? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I like it here and now… Can we keep growing together??? (LET’S LEARN SOMETHING NEW)

The best time to cut grass is mid-morning (8 AM – 10 AM) or late afternoon (4 PM – 6 PM).

Why?

  • Mid-morning: By this time, the morning dew has evaporated, and the grass is dry enough for a clean cut. It also allows the lawn to recover before the heat of the day sets in.
  • Late afternoon: The temperature starts to cool, reducing stress on the grass. There’s also enough time for the lawn to heal before nightfall.

When to Avoid Mowing:

  • Early morning (6 AM – 8 AM): The grass is still wet from dew, making it harder to cut cleanly and increasing the risk of disease.
  • Midday (2 PM – 4 PM): The sun is at its peak, and cutting grass during this time can stress it out.

If you’re looking for optimal lawn health, aim for mid-morning or late afternoon.

LET’S JUST GO MOWING.

TODAY’S WORD: Luke 22: True Greatness: Humility and Service in Leadership

HIGH FIVE! (run around that graveyard before work)

Luke 22:24-30 captures a powerful lesson from Jesus about true greatness. In this passage, the disciples are arguing over who among them is the greatest. Jesus responds by flipping their expectations—he teaches that greatness in God’s kingdom is not about power or status, but about humility and service.

He contrasts worldly leadership, where rulers exercise authority over others, with the kind of leadership he embodies—one of servanthood. He tells them, “I am among you as one who serves,” emphasizing that the greatest should be like the youngest, and the leader should be like one who serves.

Jesus also reassures his disciples that their faithfulness will be rewarded. He promises them a place in his kingdom, where they will eat and drink at his table and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

This passage challenges conventional ideas of leadership and encourages a life of selflessness, humility, and service. It’s a reminder that true greatness comes not from seeking power, but from lifting others up.

What are your thoughts on this passage? Does it resonate with you?

I wonder why more people don’t run towards faith… There truly are countless ways to encourage and inspire humanity to do good in this world. The more you do good, it seems like the more no one cares…

DO IT ANYWAYS.

LET’S RUN AROUND THAT GRAVEYARD AND THEN GO2 WORK. (mow that yard tomorrow)

TODAY’S WORD: Spiritual Discernment: Abiding in Christ

HIGH FIVE! (gym then work)

1 John 2:26-28 emphasizes spiritual discernment, abiding in Christ, and confidence at His coming. The passage warns believers about deception, encourages reliance on the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and calls for steadfast faith.

Key Themes:

  • Guarding against deception: Verse 26 highlights the presence of false teachers who seek to lead believers astray.
  • Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Verse 27 reassures believers that they have received divine guidance through the Holy Spirit, enabling them to discern truth.
  • Confidence at Christ’s return: Verse 28 urges believers to abide in Christ so that they may stand before Him with assurance rather than shame.

Significance:

This passage reminds believers to remain rooted in their faith, trusting in the Holy Spirit’s guidance rather than being swayed by false teachings. It also encourages a life of abiding in Christ, ensuring that when He returns, they can stand before Him with confidence.

Given your deep reflections on faith, Kevin, how does this passage resonate with your journey of trust and peace?

SHE IS A VERY SPECIAL WOMAN…

“Xinren” (信任) is a Chinese term that means trust, faith, or confidence. It aligns beautifully with the themes we’ve been discussing—peace and trust in your journey.

Are you reflecting on trust in a particular way right now? Or does this word hold a special meaning for you?

YEAH!!! (makes want to keep trusting… BTC does seem lucrative)