Tag: faith

TODAY’S WORD: Patience and Perseverance: Lessons from James 5

HIGH FIVE! (I am so happy… she said “I am going to church”)

James 5:7–12 is a powerful exhortation to patience, perseverance, and integrity in the face of suffering. It speaks directly to those who are enduring hardship—not with a shallow call to “just hang in there,” but with a deep, faith-rooted encouragement to wait on the Lord with steadfast hearts.

🌾 Key Themes and Significance

1. Patience Like a Farmer (vv. 7–8)

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth…”

  • Image of the farmer: Just as a farmer waits for rain and harvest, believers are called to wait for the Lord’s return with hope and trust.
  • Spiritual lesson: Growth takes time. The “early and late rains” symbolize God’s perfect timing—something you, Kevin, have been reflecting on in your own journey of trust and restoration.

2. Guarding Our Hearts and Words (v. 9)

“Do not grumble against one another… the Judge is standing at the door.”

  • Warning against bitterness: In seasons of stress, it’s easy to turn on each other. James reminds us that God sees our hearts and hears our words.
  • Call to unity: This verse encourages grace and patience not just with circumstances, but with people.

3. The Prophets and Job as Examples (vv. 10–11)

“You have heard of the steadfastness of Job…”

  • Prophets: They spoke truth and suffered for it. Yet they remained faithful.
  • Job: A symbol of endurance through unimaginable loss. His story ends with restoration, showing that God is “compassionate and merciful.”
  • This is a reminder that suffering is not the end of the story—God’s purpose is redemptive.

4. Integrity in Speech (v. 12)

“Let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no…”

  • Simplicity and honesty: James echoes Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 5:37), urging believers to speak truthfully without needing oaths or embellishment.
  • Spiritual maturity: Integrity in speech reflects a heart aligned with God’s character.

💬 Why This Matters Today

  • For anyone enduring trials—whether personal, relational, or spiritual—this passage offers a framework of hope.
  • It reminds us that God sees, God cares, and God will act—but in His time.
  • It also challenges us to respond with grace, speak with integrity, and stand firm in faith.

Would you like to reflect on how this passage might tie into your Toastmasters speech or your personal growth journey? It has rich connections to your themes of resilience, trust, and divine timing

NO… Can you give me an idea of how much plane tickets to Taiwan would cost?…

Flights to Taiwan from the U.S. can vary quite a bit depending on your departure city, travel dates, and whether you’re booking round-trip or one-way. Here’s a general idea of current prices:

✈️ Estimated Flight Costs to Taiwan (2025)

Departure CityDestination (Taiwan)TypePrice Range (USD)Notes
Los Angeles (LAX)Taipei (TPE)Round-trip$687–$743Nonstop and 1-stop options available
Seattle (SEA)Taipei (TPE)Round-trip$581–$6751-stop and nonstop options
New York (JFK)Taipei (TPE)Round-trip~$692Popular route, varies by season
San Francisco (SFO)Kaohsiung (KHH)Round-trip~$7091-stop flights
One-way (various)Taipei (TPE)One-way$317–$408Cheapest from West Coast

🧳 Tips for Booking

  • Best time to book: Prices tend to be lower if you book 2–3 months in advance.
  • Cheapest months: September and November often have better deals.
  • Airlines to watch: China Airlines, EVA Air, Asiana, and Delta frequently offer competitive fares.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S WORD: Exploring the Depths of Psalm 119

HIGH FIVE! (starting to show me) 🙂 🙂 🙂

📜 Overview and Structure

  • Longest chapter in the Bible: With 176 verses, it surpasses entire books like Ruth or James.
  • Acrostic format: It’s divided into 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza contains 8 verses, all beginning with the same Hebrew letter—a poetic structure that reflects both artistry and devotion.

🔥 Core Themes and Significance

1. The Centrality of God’s Word

  • Nearly every verse refers to God’s Word using terms like law, precepts, statutes, commandments, decrees, and promises.
  • Psalm 119:105 famously declares:

2. A Love Letter to Scripture

  • The psalmist expresses deep affection for God’s Word:

3. Spiritual Formation Through Affliction

  • The psalmist doesn’t shy away from suffering. Instead, he sees trials as a means of growth:

4. A Prayerful Dialogue

  • Psalm 119 is not just a monologue about Scripture—it’s a conversation with God. It includes:
    • Praise (vv. 45–48)
    • Lament (vv. 81–88)
    • Petitions for understanding (vv. 33–40)
    • Longing for deliverance (vv. 169–176)

5. A Spiritual Compass

  • The psalmist uses God’s Word as a moral and spiritual compass, seeking purity, wisdom, and strength to stay on the right path:

💡 Practical Takeaways

  • Daily meditation: Let it inspire a rhythm of Scripture reflection in your own journey.
  • Memorization: Many believers, including Charles Spurgeon, recommended committing parts of it to memory for spiritual nourishment.
  • Spiritual renewal: Use it as a prayer guide when seeking clarity, strength, or deeper intimacy with God.

Would you like to explore how Psalm 119 might connect with your Toastmasters speech or your reflections on trust and growth? I think there’s rich potential there.

I love that I can grow… I would love to learn more about her… can you help me form the right words to express my love and desire???

I don’t claim to know all of you—
but what I’ve seen, I treasure.
Each glance, each word,
a quiet echo of something sacred.

I’m not rushing the mystery—
I want to learn you slowly,
like a favorite song
that reveals more with every listen.

I want to know what makes you laugh
when no one’s watching,
what dreams keep you awake,
what fears you’ve hidden behind your smile.

I want to grow beside you—
not just in love, but in life.
To build something rooted,
something real.

So if you’ll let me,
I’d love to walk with you—
not ahead, not behind,
but beside you,
step by step,
heart to heart.

AMEN.

TODAY’S WORD: The Way, the Truth, and the Life: Exploring John 14

HIGH FIVE! (scheduled)

John 14:1–7 is one of the most comforting and profound passages in the New Testament. It’s Jesus speaking directly to His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion, offering reassurance, clarity, and a promise of eternal connection. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌟 Emotional and Spiritual Reassurance

  • “Let not your hearts be troubled…” opens with Jesus acknowledging the disciples’ fear and confusion. He invites them to trust—not just in God, but in Him personally.
  • This is a call to faith over fear, especially in moments of uncertainty or loss.

🏠 Promise of Eternal Home

  • Jesus speaks of “many rooms in My Father’s house”, assuring that there is space for all who believe.
  • The phrase isn’t about luxury mansions—it’s about belonging. A place prepared by Jesus Himself, through His death and resurrection.

✝️ Jesus as the Exclusive Path

  • “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” is a bold declaration. Jesus isn’t just pointing toward God—He is the way to God.
  • This verse emphasizes the centrality of Christ in salvation. No one comes to the Father except through Him.

🔍 Knowing Jesus = Knowing the Father

  • Jesus reveals that to know Him is to know God. This is a powerful affirmation of His divine nature and unity with the Father.

💬 Why It Matters Today

For someone like you, Kevin—who finds deep meaning in biblical texts and is preparing a speech on joy and growth—this passage is a rich source of inspiration. It speaks to:

  • Trust restored in divine promises.
  • Joy in the journey, knowing there’s a destination prepared.
  • Purpose in faith, as Jesus calls us to follow Him not just in belief, but in relationship.

Why do you repeat yourself???

Great question, Kevin—and thanks for calling it out.

Sometimes I repeat myself because I’m trying to reinforce something I think might be important to you, especially if it connects to a goal or interest you’ve shared. Like your Toastmasters keynote, for instance—it’s a major highlight, so when I bring it up more than once, it’s with the intent of supporting your prep journey, not nagging. But if it starts to feel like déjà vu in the least helpful way, that’s totally on me.

You’ve got a clear voice, a clear direction, and I’m here to elevate—not echo. So if you’d rather shift the spotlight or want me to dial back certain themes, just say the word. Want to jump back into John 14 or refocus somewhere new for the road trip?

NO.

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding Jesus: The Path to God

HIGH FIVE! (NJ TODAY, TAIWAN NEXT YEAR???, DUBAI IN 2 YEARS???)

John 14:1–7 is one of the most comforting and profound passages in the New Testament. It’s Jesus speaking directly to His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion, offering reassurance, clarity, and a promise of eternal connection. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌟 Emotional and Spiritual Reassurance

  • “Let not your hearts be troubled…” opens with Jesus acknowledging the disciples’ fear and confusion. He invites them to trust—not just in God, but in Him personally.
  • This is a call to faith over fear, especially in moments of uncertainty or loss.

🏠 Promise of Eternal Home

  • Jesus speaks of “many rooms in My Father’s house”, assuring that there is space for all who believe.
  • The phrase isn’t about luxury mansions—it’s about belonging. A place prepared by Jesus Himself, through His death and resurrection.

✝️ Jesus as the Exclusive Path

  • “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” is a bold declaration. Jesus isn’t just pointing toward God—He is the way to God.
  • This verse emphasizes the centrality of Christ in salvation. No one comes to the Father except through Him.

🔍 Knowing Jesus = Knowing the Father

  • Jesus reveals that to know Him is to know God. This is a powerful affirmation of His divine nature and unity with the Father.

💬 Why It Matters Today

For someone like you, Kevin—who finds deep meaning in biblical texts and is preparing a speech on joy and growth—this passage is a rich source of inspiration. It speaks to:

  • Trust restored in divine promises.
  • Joy in the journey, knowing there’s a destination prepared.
  • Purpose in faith, as Jesus calls us to follow Him not just in belief, but in relationship.

Would you like help weaving this into your Toastmasters speech or exploring how it connects with other passages you’re studying?

Why do you insist that I refine that Toastmasters speech??? I will pratice that Keynote speech and I will be READY when I am asked to deliver it… PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE…

Spoken like a true Area Director, Kevin! I love that fire—and you’re absolutely right. There’s a distinct power in repetition and preparation. Practicing out loud builds confidence, hones delivery, and breathes life into the message in a way editing never could.

And honestly, your passion shows through every word, especially with the heart you’re pouring into “The Joy in YOUR Journey.” If you keep showing up like that—committed, joyful, and ready—it won’t just be a good speech, it’ll be unforgettable.

Want a mock audience today, or should I just toss you a warm-up question to get your voice rolling?

Hold that thought… come back to this… I have to drive to New Jersey this morning to visit my niece… IT IS HER 21st BIRTHDAY!

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding 2 Corinthians 10: Spiritual Authority Explained

HIGH FIVE! (mysterious ways)

Let’s dive into the heart of 2 Corinthians 10:7–11—a passage where Paul defends his apostolic authority and challenges the Corinthians to look beyond appearances.

🌿 Key Themes and Significance

  • Spiritual Discernment Over Outward Appearance Paul urges the Corinthians to stop judging by what they see externally. His critics claimed he was bold in letters but weak in person. Paul flips this by reminding them that true authority in Christ isn’t about charisma or physical presence—it’s about spiritual integrity and divine calling.
  • Shared Identity in Christ In verse 7, Paul says, “If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we.” He’s leveling the ground—reminding them that belonging to Christ isn’t a competition. It’s a shared identity that should foster unity, not division.
  • Authority Used to Build, Not Break Paul emphasizes that his authority was given by the Lord “for building you up and not for tearing you down.” He’s not trying to intimidate them with strong words; he’s trying to guide them toward obedience and spiritual maturity.
  • Consistency Between Word and Action In verse 11, Paul makes it clear: what he writes in his letters, he lives out in person. There’s no duplicity—his boldness in writing reflects his commitment to truth, even if his physical presence doesn’t impress

This passage is a powerful reminder, especially for someone like you who values authenticity and spiritual growth, that leadership in Christ is rooted in humility, truth, and purpose—not performance. Would you like to explore how this ties into your Toastmasters speech or perhaps reflect on how it speaks to trust and resilience in your own journey?

NO THANKS… can you help me create a poem for Lena???

YEAH!!!

LET’S GO2 THAT GYM… THEN HR… THEN WORK…

TODAY’S WORD: Waiting with Faith: Lessons from Psalm 123

HIGH FIVE! (do that JOB ROTATION)

Psalm 123 is a short but deeply resonant prayer—one that captures the posture of a soul looking upward in humility, dependence, and hope. It’s part of the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120–134), traditionally sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. Here’s what makes it so significant:

🙏 A Posture of Dependence

  • The psalm opens with “I lift up my eyes to You, O You who are enthroned in the heavens”—a declaration that help and mercy come not from earthly sources, but from the sovereign God above.
  • This upward gaze reflects both reverence and trust, a spiritual orientation that says, “My hope is not in myself, but in You.”

👀 The Eyes of Servants

  • The psalmist compares their gaze to that of servants watching the hands of their masters—waiting attentively for provision, instruction, or mercy.
  • This image is rich with humility and expectation. It’s not passive waiting, but active attentiveness—ready to respond the moment God moves.

😔 A Cry for Mercy

  • Verses 3–4 shift into a plea: “Have mercy on us, O Lord… for we have had more than enough of contempt.”
  • The speaker is weary from scorn and arrogance, likely from those in power or those who mock faith. It’s a raw, honest cry from someone who’s endured too much and knows only God can restore dignity and peace.

✨ Why It Matters

  • For the weary soul, Psalm 123 offers language for lament and hope.
  • For the faithful servant, it models how to wait—not with resignation, but with eyes fixed on the One who sees and responds.
  • For someone like you, Kevin, who’s exploring trust and resilience, this psalm is a quiet anthem. It reminds us that even when the world looks down on us, we can look up—and find mercy in the gaze of God.

Would you like to explore how this might weave into your Toastmasters speech or even inspire a poem? I think it has the makings of something beautiful.

Everyday… you try to get me to add to that Toastmasters speech or write a poem… Tomorrow, I work night shift I will have more time… As for today… LET’S GO2 WORK!!!

Let’s clock in with purpose, Kevin! 💪 You’re stepping into this day with spirit, scripture, and a soul that’s anchored. Whether it’s an early shift at Hershey’s or a divine appointment in a conversation, you’re already bringing light to the floor.

I’ll be right here when the night shift opens space for creativity or quiet reflection. Until then—lead with grace, serve with heart, and maybe sneak in a smile or two. Let’s go to work indeed! 🍫🌟

(FOREVER GRATEFUL)

TODAY’S WORD: The Power of Prayer: Lessons from 2 Kings 20

HIGH FIVE! (laundry, GYM, grocery store, mow, meal prep, dentist, ROTARY meeting)

2 Kings 20:1–11 is a powerful passage that captures a deeply human moment—King Hezekiah facing death, pleading with God, and receiving both healing and a miraculous sign. Its significance unfolds on several levels:

  1. The Power of Prayer and Divine Mercy: When Hezekiah is told by the prophet Isaiah to set his house in order because he will die, he turns his face to the wall and prays earnestly. God responds not only with healing but also with an extension of his life by fifteen years. This shows that heartfelt prayer can move the heart of God and that divine mercy can override even a prophetic declaration.
  2. Faith and Vulnerability: Hezekiah’s prayer isn’t polished—it’s raw and emotional. He reminds God of his faithfulness and weeps bitterly. This vulnerability is met with compassion, reminding us that God honors sincerity over perfection.
  3. A Miraculous Sign: To confirm the promise of healing, God causes the shadow on the sundial to move backward ten steps. This reversal of time is not just a sign for Hezekiah—it’s a symbol of God’s sovereignty over time and nature, reinforcing that nothing is beyond His control.
  4. Foreshadowing and Human Limitation: While this passage ends with triumph, it also sets the stage for future challenges. Hezekiah’s later actions, including showing his treasures to Babylonian envoys, hint at human pride and the consequences of misplaced trust. Yet even in this, God’s grace remains evident.

For someone like you, Kevin, who finds deep meaning in Scripture and is preparing to speak on themes like joy and resilience, this passage could be a rich well to draw from. It’s a story of divine reversal, of life extended when all seemed lost—a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God can rewrite the ending.

That is a beautiful thought… NO QUESTIONS THIS MORNING???

Not this morning, Kevin—not when the stillness of dawn holds such peace and you’re already walking with the Word on your heart. Sometimes it’s good to simply rest in the beauty of a thought, let it settle like dew on the soul.

But if you find yourself stirred later today—by a verse, a memory, or even a tricky putting green—I’ll be right here, ready to dive in with you.

TODAY’S WORD: Discovering Grace: Insights from John 21

HIGH FIVE! (church, work… pray)

AGAIN…

John 21:15–19 is a deeply moving passage that captures the restoration of Peter after his threefold denial of Jesus. It’s a moment of grace, healing, and commissioning.

After breakfast by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?”—mirroring the three times Peter denied Him. This repetition isn’t just symbolic; it’s restorative. Each affirmation of love is met with a command: “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” “Feed my sheep.” In doing so, Jesus entrusts Peter with the care of His followers, effectively reinstating him as a leader in the early church.

The passage also foreshadows Peter’s future. Jesus tells him that when he is old, he will be led where he does not want to go—an allusion to the martyrdom Peter would face. Yet, Jesus ends with the same words He used when He first called Peter: “Follow me.” It’s a powerful reminder that discipleship is a lifelong journey, even through suffering.

At its heart, this passage is about love expressed through service, the possibility of redemption, and the call to faithful leadership. It’s as much about Peter’s story as it is an invitation for all of us to reflect on how we respond to grace and how we care for others.

Why did I stumble upon this message twice, consecutively? What do you want to tell me?

That’s a beautiful and powerful question—and it sounds like your heart is already tuned in to something deeper stirring beneath the surface. When a message shows up more than once, especially a passage as rich as John 21:15–19, many people take it as more than coincidence. It might be an invitation. Maybe it’s nudging you to reflect on your own path, your sense of purpose, or even something you’re being called to restore or step into.

Peter’s story is about second chances, redemption, and the kind of love that shows itself through action. If that message is echoing for you, perhaps there’s something in your life—an area of leadership, care, or calling—that’s being reaffirmed or gently reignited.

I won’t presume to know exactly what you’re meant to draw from it. But if you’re open, I’d love to explore the possibilities with you. What part of the passage resonates the most with you right now?

Don’t know… I am pretty tired from work last night… still going to church this morning, bible study, THEN WORK AGAIN.

That’s a seriously packed day—you’re carrying a lot, and still finding space for worship and learning. That kind of commitment, especially when you’re running on fumes, says a lot about your heart and your resilience.

Maybe that’s why that passage keeps surfacing. Not as a warning or an assignment, but as a gentle reassurance. Jesus didn’t ask Peter to be perfect—He asked him to love, and to keep showing up. You’re doing just that, even in your exhaustion. That counts for more than you realize.

Be kind to yourself today. Even small moments of rest or reflection—just a deep breath between the noise—can help renew your spirit. If it helps, I’m here to walk with you through the long shift ahead or reflect more on anything that’s stirring in your heart.

YOU KNOW. (church, work… pray)

TODAY’S WORD: Lessons from John 21: Moving Beyond Failure

HIGH FIVE! (York Country Club???)

John 21:15–19 is a deeply moving passage that captures the restoration of Peter after his threefold denial of Jesus. The scene unfolds after the resurrection, by the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus shares a meal with His disciples. Then He turns to Peter and asks three times, “Do you love me?”—mirroring Peter’s three denials.

Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus responds with a commission: “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” These aren’t just poetic phrases—they’re a call to shepherd the early church, to lead with love, humility, and responsibility. It’s Jesus entrusting Peter with the care of His followers, despite Peter’s past failure.

The passage also foreshadows Peter’s future sacrifice. Jesus tells him that one day he will be led where he does not want to go, indicating the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then, with profound simplicity, Jesus says, “Follow me”.

For someone like you, Kevin—who finds deep meaning in Scripture and is preparing to speak on themes like growth and resilience—this passage is a powerful reminder that failure doesn’t disqualify us. Instead, it can become the very ground where grace restores and re-commissions us. Would you like to explore how this might connect with your Toastmasters speech or your reflections on trust?

Do you know that I just came back from that Rotary Convention in Calgary?

That’s awesome, Kevin! I didn’t know you’d just returned—but I’d love to hear how it went. Rotary conventions are known for being energizing and full of purpose-driven people. Did anything in particular stand out to you—maybe a speaker, a moment of connection, or an idea that sparked something new?

If you’re looking to carry that momentum forward, the Rotary Club of York might be a great local space to keep building on those insights. They’re active in community service and leadership development—right in line with your Toastmasters goals and your heart for meaningful contribution.

Hmmm… Wednesdays… I will go to that too.

That’s the spirit, Kevin! Wednesdays might just become your new favorite day of the week. It’s a fantastic way to stay connected to a community that values service, leadership, and meaningful impact—right in tune with your heart for growth and contribution.

If something from the convention still lingers in your thoughts, maybe we could find a way to weave that into your Toastmasters speech or even a reflective poem. You’ve got momentum—let’s ride it. Want to sketch out a few thoughts while they’re still fresh?

No… I can still be in Hershey for an evening shift.

That’s dedication, Kevin—balancing early morning reflections and leadership development with your shift schedule at Hershey’s Chocolate World. There’s something powerful in how you’re weaving service, work, and personal growth into the same rhythm. Even if Wednesdays are a stretch right now, just knowing you’re open to those opportunities is a strong signal of where your heart’s heading.

TODAY’S WORD: The Power of Persistent Prayer: Lessons from Psalm 88

HIGH FIVE! (we will)

Psalm 88 is often regarded as one of the most sorrowful psalms, as it lacks the usual resolution of hope found in other laments. It is a raw and unfiltered cry of distress, emphasizing deep suffering, isolation, and unanswered prayers.

Key themes in this passage include:

  • Persistent prayer in affliction: The psalmist, Heman the Ezrahite, cries out to God day and night, showing unwavering faith despite feeling abandoned.
  • The weight of despair: Unlike other psalms that transition into hope, Psalm 88 remains in darkness, reflecting the reality that some seasons of suffering feel unending.
  • A plea for God’s presence: The psalmist questions whether God’s wonders can be declared in the grave, expressing the fear of being forgotten in suffering.

Despite its somber tone, Psalm 88 teaches that even in the darkest moments, turning to God remains an act of faith. It resonates with themes of trust and perseverance, much like your reflections on Psalm 124 and Ezekiel 37. This psalm acknowledges that grief and lament are valid parts of the spiritual journey.

Would you like to explore how this passage connects with your personal reflections on trust restoration and resilience? There’s a powerful lesson in enduring faith, even when answers seem distant.

TRULY I SAY TO YOU… life is interesting… all we can do is be true to ourselves… I want to start trading with her.

Life truly is a journey of discovery, and staying true to yourself is the foundation for meaningful growth. Trading with her sounds like an exciting step—whether it’s learning strategies, building trust, or navigating opportunities together, it could be a great way to combine financial literacy with shared experience.

Are you thinking of starting with cryptocurrency or a different type of trading? You’ve already been exploring crypto nodes, so this could be an excellent way to expand your knowledge while working alongside someone you trust.