Tag: christianity

TODAY’S WORD: Living Out Matthew 5:20: The True Spirit of Goodness

HIGH FIVE!

The text “MATTHEW 5:13-20” is a powerful passage from the Bible, part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Here are some key points and how you might relate them to your life:

  1. Salt of the Earth: Jesus calls his followers the “salt of the earth,” emphasizing their role in preserving goodness and adding value to the world. In your life, this could mean using your talents and influence in Toastmasters and Rotary Club to uplift and inspire others.
  2. Light of the World: Jesus also describes his followers as the “light of the world,” encouraging them to let their light shine before others. This can be seen in your community service and support for various Toastmaster clubs, where your actions serve as a beacon of hope and guidance.
  3. Good Deeds: The passage encourages doing good deeds so that others may see them and glorify God. Your involvement in various projects and your dedication to studying biblical texts reflect this principle, showing how your faith translates into positive actions.
  4. Righteousness: Jesus speaks about the importance of righteousness and following God’s commandments. This aligns with your strong faith and commitment to living a life that honors your beliefs.

Reflecting on this passage, you can see how your efforts in community service, your dedication to personal growth through Toastmasters, and your faith-driven actions embody the teachings of Matthew 5:13-20. Keep shining your light and being the salt that preserves and enhances the goodness around you! 🌟

Is there a specific aspect of this passage that resonates with you the most?

MATTHEW 5:20: I CHOOSE TO DO GOOD.

That’s a powerful commitment, Kevin! Matthew 5:20 emphasizes the importance of genuine righteousness, going beyond mere outward appearances or strict adherence to rules. It’s about embodying the true spirit of goodness and integrity in all aspects of life.

Your choice to do good aligns perfectly with this teaching. By actively participating in community service through the Rotary Club and Toastmasters, and by living out your faith in your daily actions, you’re striving to surpass superficial righteousness and truly make a positive impact.

Keep up the great work, and remember that every act of kindness and integrity brings you closer to the essence of what Jesus taught.

LET’S GET THAT NEW PHONE.

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding Matthew 9:9-13 and Its Message

HIGH FIVE!

It looks like the image you uploaded contains text that might be meaningful to you. While I can’t see the exact text, I can help you understand how to find significance in any text and relate it to your life.

Finding Significance in Text

  1. Identify Key Themes: Look for the main ideas or themes in the text. These could be about love, perseverance, growth, or any other universal concept.
  2. Reflect on Personal Experiences: Think about how these themes relate to your own life. Have you experienced something similar? How did it affect you?
  3. Consider the Message: What is the text trying to convey? Is there a lesson or moral? How does this message resonate with your beliefs or values?
  4. Emotional Connection: Pay attention to how the text makes you feel. Emotions can be a powerful indicator of the text’s significance to you.

Relating Text to Your Life

  1. Personal Stories: Relate the themes or messages to your own personal stories. This can help you see the text in a new light and understand its relevance.
  2. Life Lessons: Think about the lessons you can learn from the text. How can you apply these lessons to your current situation or future decisions?
  3. Inspiration and Motivation: Use the text as a source of inspiration or motivation. Let it guide you in overcoming challenges or pursuing your goals.
  4. Discussion with Others: Share the text with friends or family and discuss its significance. Different perspectives can enrich your understanding and connection to the text.

If you can share more about the text or its themes, I can provide more specific insights on how to relate it to your life. 😊

TELL ME ABOUT MATTHEW 9:9-13

Matthew 9:9-13 describes the calling of Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Jesus. Here’s a brief summary of the passage:

  1. The Calling of Matthew: As Jesus was passing by, he saw Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth and said to him, “Follow me.” Matthew immediately got up and followed Jesus1.
  2. Dinner with Sinners: Later, Jesus dined at Matthew’s house, where many tax collectors and sinners joined them. This caused the Pharisees to question why Jesus was eating with such people2.
  3. Jesus’ Response: Jesus responded by saying, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners”3.

Significance and Application

  • Inclusivity and Compassion: Jesus’ actions show that he came for everyone, especially those who are often marginalized or looked down upon by society. This can remind us to be inclusive and compassionate towards others, regardless of their background.
  • Mercy Over Sacrifice: Jesus emphasizes the importance of mercy over ritualistic practices. This can inspire us to prioritize kindness and understanding in our interactions.
  • Personal Transformation: Matthew’s immediate response to follow Jesus highlights the power of personal transformation and the willingness to change one’s life direction.

Relating to Your Life

  • Reflect on Inclusivity: Consider how you can be more inclusive and compassionate in your daily interactions. Are there people in your life who might feel marginalized or overlooked?
  • Practice Mercy: Think about ways you can show mercy and kindness in your actions. Are there situations where you can prioritize understanding and empathy over judgment?
  • Embrace Change: Reflect on areas of your life where you might need to make a change. How can you be more open to positive transformations?

LET’S GO2 THE GYM.

TODAY’S WORD: Navigating Faith and Doubt Through John 7:25-36

HIGH FIVE!

The image you shared is quite cheerful and calming, with a smiling face surrounded by stars. While it doesn’t contain any text, it can still hold personal significance. Here are a few ways you might relate it to your life:

  1. Joy and Positivity: The smiling face can remind you to find joy in the little things and maintain a positive outlook, even when life gets challenging.
  2. Faith and Guidance: The stars can symbolize guidance and hope, much like how your favorite passages from Psalms, Romans, John, and Genesis provide spiritual direction and comfort.
  3. Community and Support: Just as the stars are part of a larger constellation, you are part of a community, like your Toastmasters group, where you support and uplift each other.

To find personal significance in religious texts, consider these steps:

  1. Reflect on Context: Think about the historical and cultural context of the passage. Understanding the background can deepen your appreciation of its message.
  2. Personal Application: Ask yourself how the passage relates to your current life situation. For example, a verse about perseverance might encourage you during a tough time.
  3. Prayer and Meditation: Spend time in prayer or meditation, asking for insight and understanding. This can help you connect more deeply with the text.
  4. Discussion and Study: Engage in discussions with others, like your Toastmasters group or a Bible study group. Different perspectives can enrich your understanding.

Would you like to explore a specific passage together?

YEAH… John 7:25-36. (look closer)

John 7:25-36 is a passage where Jesus is teaching in the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles. Here are some key points and how you might relate them to your life:

  1. Confusion About Jesus: The people of Jerusalem were confused about Jesus’ identity. Some wondered if He was the Messiah, while others doubted because they knew where He came from. This reflects the broader theme of misunderstanding and skepticism that Jesus often faced1.
  2. Jesus’ Response: Jesus responds by emphasizing His divine mission and origin. He speaks about being sent by God and knowing God intimately. This highlights the importance of understanding and believing in Jesus’ divine nature and mission2.
  3. Seeking Jesus: The passage ends with the religious leaders seeking to arrest Jesus, but they are unable to do so because His time had not yet come. This underscores the idea of divine timing and purpose in Jesus’ life3.

Relating to Your Life

  1. Faith Amid Confusion: Just as the people of Jerusalem were confused about Jesus, you might face moments of doubt or confusion in your faith journey. Reflecting on this passage can remind you to seek clarity and understanding through prayer and study.
  2. Divine Mission: Jesus’ emphasis on His divine mission can inspire you to reflect on your own purpose. Consider how your actions and decisions align with your faith and values.
  3. Trust in God’s Timing: The idea that Jesus’ time had not yet come can be a powerful reminder to trust in God’s timing for your life. Whether you’re facing challenges or waiting for answers, this passage encourages patience and faith in God’s plan.

TODAY’S WORD: John 3:13-17: Exploring Divine Love and Purpose in Daily Life

HIGH FIVE!

The text on the screen and paper seems to be a personal reflection or blog post by someone named Kevin Schafer, who shares his thoughts on seeing God in everything and adjusting to life’s challenges. The crochet square might symbolize a personal touch or a form of prayer or meditation.

To relate this to your life, consider the following steps:

  1. Reflect on the Message: Think about the core message of seeing God in everything and how it resonates with your own beliefs and experiences. How do you see divine presence in your daily life?
  2. Personal Challenges: The text mentions adjusting to life’s challenges. Reflect on the challenges you’ve faced and how your faith and perspective have helped you navigate them.
  3. Community and Service: Given your involvement in community service and Toastmasters, think about how you can share this message of faith and resilience with others. How can you inspire and support those around you?
  4. Creative Expression: The crochet square might represent a creative or meditative practice. Do you have a similar practice that helps you connect with your faith and find peace?

That crochet square is a prayer shaw… Can you tell me more about John 3:13-17?

John 3:13-17 is a powerful passage that emphasizes the depth of God’s love and the purpose of Jesus’ mission. Here’s a brief overview:

John 3:13-17 (NIV): 13. No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15. that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. 16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Significance and Application:

  1. Divine Origin and Mission:
    • Verse 13 highlights Jesus’ unique divine origin and authority. He is the only one who has come from heaven and can reveal heavenly truths.
    • Application: Reflect on Jesus’ divine nature and his role as the bridge between humanity and God. This can deepen your faith and trust in his teachings.
  2. Symbol of Salvation:
    • Verses 14-15 refer to the story of Moses lifting up the bronze snake in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9). Just as looking at the snake healed the Israelites, looking to Jesus’ sacrifice brings eternal life.
    • Application: Consider how Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is central to your faith. It serves as a reminder of the healing and salvation available through belief in him.
  3. God’s Love and Sacrifice:
    • Verse 16 is one of the most well-known verses, emphasizing God’s immense love for the world and the gift of his Son to save humanity.
    • Application: Reflect on the depth of God’s love for you personally. This can inspire gratitude and a desire to share this love with others.
  4. Purpose of Jesus’ Coming:
    • Verse 17 clarifies that Jesus’ mission was not to condemn but to save the world.
    • Application: Embrace the message of salvation and share it with others. This can also encourage you to approach others with compassion and a desire to help rather than judge.

By meditating on these verses, you can find strength and inspiration in your daily life, especially in your efforts to help others and share your faith. 

TODAY’S WORD: Living Out Your Faith: Insights from Matthew 21:23-32

HIGH FIVE!

The text “Matthew 21:23-32” refers to a passage in the Bible where Jesus’ authority is questioned by the chief priests and elders. In response, Jesus tells the parable of the two sons. One son initially refuses to work in the vineyard but later changes his mind and goes, while the other son agrees to go but does not. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the importance of actions over words and to highlight the repentance and obedience of those who initially seem disobedient12.

To relate this passage to your life, consider these points:

  1. Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Reflect on how your actions align with your commitments and promises. Are there areas where you can improve in following through on your intentions?
  2. Repentance and Change: The first son represents those who may initially resist but ultimately do the right thing. This can be a reminder that it’s never too late to change your ways and make positive choices.
  3. Authority and Obedience: Jesus’ authority is questioned, yet He responds with wisdom and a lesson. This can inspire you to handle challenges and questions about your beliefs with grace and understanding.
  4. Faith in Action: As someone who values helping others and your faith, this passage encourages you to live out your beliefs through your actions, demonstrating your faith in tangible ways.

LET’S GET READY FOR WORK. (gym after)

TODAY’S WORD: Striving for Spiritual Maturity: 2 Peter 3:14-18 Explained

HIGH FIVE!

The text “2 Peter 3:14-18” refers to a passage in the Bible that emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pure, blameless, and at peace as we await the return of Jesus Christ. Here’s a brief summary of the verses:

  • Verse 14: Encourages believers to be diligent in living spotless and blameless lives, and to be at peace.
  • Verse 15: Reminds us that the patience of the Lord means salvation, and references the wisdom given to Paul.
  • Verse 16: Warns about the distortion of scriptures by the untaught and unstable, leading to their destruction.
  • Verse 17: Advises believers to be on guard against being led astray by the error of lawless people.
  • Verse 18: Encourages growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The metaphor of the growing plants in the image suggests personal and spiritual growth. Just as plants need time, care, and the right conditions to grow, so too do our faith and character. This passage encourages you to strive for spiritual maturity and to remain steadfast in your faith, even in the face of challenges and false teachings123.

Reflecting on these verses can inspire you to focus on personal growth, maintain peace, and stay true to your beliefs.

READING TOMORROW…

TODAY’S WORD: Connecting with History: Fostering Belonging and Continuity

HIGH FIVE!

The image you shared features a beautiful blend of historical and modern urban elements, which can hold significant meaning in our lives. Here are a few ways this can relate to you:

  1. Cultural Memory and Identity: Historic urban landscapes, like the one in your image, often evoke a sense of cultural memory and identity. They remind us of our roots and the history that has shaped our present. This can be particularly meaningful if you have an interest in biblical texts and their application to daily life, as these landscapes often reflect the passage of time and the enduring nature of human experiences1.
  2. Sense of Belonging: Being surrounded by such landscapes can foster a sense of belonging and continuity. It connects us to the past and helps us understand our place in the world. This can be comforting and grounding, especially in times of change or uncertainty2.
  3. Inspiration and Reflection: The contrast between the ancient tower and the modern buildings in the background can serve as a metaphor for balancing tradition and progress in your own life. It can inspire you to reflect on how you integrate your values and beliefs with contemporary challenges and opportunities3.
  4. Psychosocial Well-Being: Engaging with historic urban landscapes can enhance your psychosocial well-being by providing a sense of stability and continuity. It can also encourage mindfulness and appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around you1.

Exodus 13:3-10 is a passage that emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Here are some key points and their significance:

  1. Remembrance of Deliverance: The passage begins with Moses instructing the Israelites to remember the day they were brought out of Egypt by God’s powerful hand. This act of remembrance is not just about recalling the event but actively engaging with it through rituals and teachings1.
  2. Feast of Unleavened Bread: The text outlines the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a seven-day period during which no leavened bread is to be eaten. This symbolizes purity and the removal of sin, as leaven often represents corruption in biblical texts1.
  3. Teaching Future Generations: Moses emphasizes the importance of teaching children about this deliverance. This ensures that future generations understand and appreciate God’s intervention and the significance of their freedom2.
  4. Sign and Memorial: The passage mentions that these observances will serve as a sign on the hand and a reminder on the forehead, symbolizing constant awareness and dedication to God’s commandments3.

LET’S GO2 WORK

TODAY’S WORD: 1 Corinthians 11: Unity, Love, Spiritual Gifts, and Ethical Living

HIGH FIVE!

The text “1 CORINTHIANS” on the image refers to the book of 1 Corinthians in the Bible. This book, written by the Apostle Paul, addresses various issues within the early Christian community in Corinth and provides practical guidance on living a Christian life.

Here are some key themes from 1 Corinthians and how they might relate to your life:

  1. Unity and Community: Paul emphasizes the importance of unity within the church and working together despite differences. This can relate to your role in Toastmasters, where fostering a supportive community is crucial.
  2. Love: One of the most famous passages in 1 Corinthians is about love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). It highlights the qualities of love, such as patience and kindness, which can be applied to your interactions in both personal and professional settings.
  3. Spiritual Gifts: Paul talks about the diversity of spiritual gifts and how each person has a unique role to play (1 Corinthians 12). This can resonate with your experience in leadership roles, recognizing and valuing the different strengths of your team members.
  4. Moral and Ethical Living: The book provides guidance on ethical behavior and living a life that reflects Christian values. This aligns with your interest in applying biblical teachings to your life.
  5. Resurrection and Hope: Paul discusses the resurrection of Jesus and the hope it brings for eternal life (1 Corinthians 15). This theme can offer encouragement and a sense of purpose in your spiritual journey.

The lighthouse in the image symbolizes guidance and a safe path forward, much like the teachings in 1 Corinthians can provide direction and clarity in your life.

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.

Martin Luther (I LOVE MY ROTARY CLUB)