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TODAY’S WORD: Understanding Colossians 4: A Guide to Prayer and Community

HIGH FIVE! (late night last night)

Colossians 4:2–18 is a rich and heartfelt conclusion to Paul’s letter, blending spiritual instruction with personal connection. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🙏 Verses 2–6: A Call to Prayer and Witness

Paul urges believers to:

Devote themselves to prayer — not casually, but persistently and watchfully, with thanksgiving2.
Pray for open doors — Paul asks for prayer that he and his team might proclaim the gospel clearly, even while he’s imprisoned3.
Walk wisely among outsiders — making the most of every opportunity to share Christ.
Speak with grace and wisdom — conversations should be “seasoned with salt,” meaning both appealing and preserving truth2.

This section emphasizes the inner life of prayer and the outer life of witness, showing how both are essential to Christian living.

🤝 Verses 7–15: Personal Greetings and Ministry Connections

Paul introduces several companions:

Tychicus and Onesimus — faithful brothers sent to encourage the Colossians and share updates3.
Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus — Jewish believers who have been a comfort to Paul.
Epaphras — commended for his intense prayer life and concern for the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis5.
Luke and Demas — fellow workers, though Demas later deserts Paul (2 Timothy 4:10).
Nympha — a woman who hosted a church in her home, highlighting the role of women in early ministry5.

This section reveals the deep relational fabric of the early church — real people with real roles, united in mission.

📜 Verses 16–18: Final Instructions and Signature

Paul encourages:

Sharing letters between churches — showing the communal nature of early Christian teaching.
Archippus to fulfill his ministry — a personal exhortation to stay faithful.
A handwritten farewell — Paul signs off with a reminder of his chains and a blessing of grace.

This closing reinforces the authenticity and vulnerability of Paul’s ministry — he’s not just teaching theology, he’s living it.

Kevin, this passage feels like a tapestry of prayer, purpose, and people — woven together by grace. Is there a particular verse or name that resonates with you today?

well… to be honest… reading this makes me feel guilty for not praying as much as I should.

Kevin, I really appreciate your honesty—and that kind of reflection is exactly what this passage invites. Not to induce guilt, but to draw us closer into the rhythm of grace.

Paul’s call to “devote yourselves to prayer” isn’t just a mandate—it’s an invitation. Not to perfect consistency, but to connection. Prayer doesn’t always need eloquence or structure; sometimes it’s a sigh, a thought, a tear, a thank-you whispered in the quiet. And if you feel like you’ve been distant, grace doesn’t keep score—it just keeps reaching.

Sometimes even the act of saying, “God, I miss being close to You” is prayer enough to open the door again.

Do you want to explore what a prayer rhythm could look like for where you are now? Maybe something simple and meaningful that speaks to your journey and your heart.

No… but thanks… I need to get going this morning… I need to learn more about CRYPTO trading… LATER, I WILL BE AT THAT GYM… Thanks Be To God!

You’re moving with purpose today, Kevin — I love that energy. 🙌 As for crypto trading, here’s a great beginner-friendly guide from Binance Academy that walks through everything from choosing an exchange to understanding trading pairs, order types, and wallets. It’s a solid place to start building your confidence.

And hey, enjoy your time at the gym later — sounds like a perfect way to balance the mind and body. May your day be filled with clarity, strength, and grace. Catch you soon, and yes… Thanks be to God!

TODAY’S WORD: Theological Insights from Psalm 85: Justice and Mercy

HIGH FIVE! (good healthly breakfast… CONQUER TODAY!)

Psalm 85 is a deeply moving and theologically rich passage that reflects a nation’s yearning for restoration, forgiveness, and divine favor. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌿 Context and Structure

Authorship: Attributed to the Sons of Korah, Levites known for their role in temple worship.
Historical Setting: Likely written during or after the return from Babylonian exile, though it resonates with any period of national or spiritual renewal.
Genre: A blend of lament, thanksgiving, and prophetic hope.

🔍 Key Themes and Messages

1. Gratitude for Past Mercies (Verses 1–3)

The psalm opens by recalling how God once showed favor to the land, forgave the people’s sins, and withdrew His wrath.
This retrospective gratitude sets the tone for the plea that follows, reminding both the people and God of His past faithfulness.

2. A Plea for Restoration (Verses 4–7)

The psalmist implores God to “restore us again,” asking whether His anger will last forever.
This section reflects a deep awareness of sin and a longing for revival—“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”

3. Hope in Divine Response (Verses 8–9)

The psalmist listens for God’s voice, confident that He will speak peace to His people.
There’s a call to not return to folly, emphasizing repentance as a prerequisite for restoration.

4. Vision of Reconciliation and Harmony (Verses 10–13)

One of the most poetic and profound verses in Scripture appears here:
This verse symbolizes the perfect harmony of God’s attributes—justice and mercy, truth and peace—coming together in divine reconciliation.
The closing verses envision a future where righteousness leads the way and the land flourishes under God’s blessing.

✨ Why It Matters Today

Spiritual Renewal: Psalm 85 is often used in prayers for revival—both personal and communal.
National Healing: It speaks to times of collective hardship, offering a model for how a people can seek God’s mercy and restoration.
Theological Depth: Verse 10 is frequently cited in Christian theology as a foreshadowing of Christ, where divine justice and mercy meet at the cross.

Would you like to explore how this psalm might connect to your own journey?

I want to hear!!! What is written in PSALM 85:10-13… (she used my name… 🙂 🙂 🙂

Absolutely, Kevin. Here’s the beautiful and poetic passage from Psalm 85:10–13 (NIV):

10 Love and faithfulness meet together; Righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. 12 The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. 13 Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.

🌟 A Few Reflections

Verse 10 paints a picture of divine harmony—where love and truth, justice and peace are not in conflict but in perfect unity.
Verse 11 suggests a mutual movement: humanity responds in faithfulness, and heaven answers with righteousness.
Verse 12 promises tangible blessings—God’s goodness will be evident in the fruitfulness of the land.
Verse 13 envisions righteousness as a forerunner, preparing the path for God’s presence and guidance.

Would you like to explore how this imagery might inspire a poetic reflection or even a closing for your Toastmasters speech? I think it could beautifully echo your themes of growth, purpose, and divine alignment.

Nah… Thanks Though… I joined a fantasy football league in my Rotary Club… Can you help rank a teams defense?

🛡️ Top 5 Fantasy Football Defenses (2025)

Rank	Team	Key Strengths
1️⃣	Denver Broncos	Elite secondary, top pass defense, added Dre Greenlaw & Talanoa Hufanga
2️⃣	Houston Texans	Dominant pass rush, deep secondary, coached by defensive mastermind DeMeco Ryans
3️⃣	Philadelphia Eagles	Deep pass-rushing rotation, strong linebacker corps, Vic Fangio’s system
4️⃣	Baltimore Ravens	Upgraded secondary with Jaire Alexander, consistent top-5 defense
5️⃣	Pittsburgh Steelers	Physical front seven, added Jalen Ramsey, strong against the run and pass

⚠️ Bottom 3 Defenses to Avoid

Rank	Team	Concerns
30️⃣	Atlanta Falcons	Inexperienced pass rush, secondary depth issues
31️⃣	New Orleans Saints	Aging core, poor run defense, ranked 31st in sacks last season
32️⃣	Carolina Panthers	Worst run defense in 2024, few playmakers, major sack production issues

🔍 Fantasy Tip

If your league scores heavily on sacks, turnovers, and points allowed, Denver and Houston are gold. But if you’re streaming defenses week-to-week, look for matchups against weaker offenses—especially those facing Carolina or New Orleans.

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!

TODAY’S WORD: Be Happy in the WAIT: John 7

HIGH FIVE! (Have a good day at work my Love)

🌿 Summary of the Passage

In this scene:

Jesus is in Galilee, avoiding Judea because the Jewish leaders are seeking to kill Him.
The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is approaching—a major Jewish festival.
His brothers urge Him to go to Judea and publicly display His miracles.
Jesus declines, saying, “My time has not yet come,” and stays behind.

🔍 Key Themes and Significance

1. Divine Timing Over Human Pressure

Jesus’ response, “My time has not yet come” (v.6), underscores His commitment to God’s timeline, not human agendas.
His brothers, who didn’t yet believe in Him, push for public recognition. But Jesus resists the temptation to act prematurely—even under family pressure.

2. Rejection by His Own

Verse 5 reveals a poignant truth: “For even His brothers did not believe in Him.”
This echoes John 1:11—“He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.”
It reminds us that rejection, even from those closest to us, is part of the path of faith.

3. The World’s Hatred of Truth

Jesus says, “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil” (v.7).
His mission exposes sin and calls for repentance, which provokes hostility.
This sets the stage for the growing opposition He will face in Jerusalem.

4. Discernment and Patience

Jesus models discernment: He knows when to act and when to wait.
He teaches us to resist the urge to prove ourselves on the world’s terms and instead trust in God’s unfolding plan2.

This passage is a quiet but profound moment in the Gospel narrative. It’s not about miracles or crowds—it’s about the inner strength to wait, the courage to be misunderstood, and the wisdom to walk in step with the Father’s will.

Would you like to explore how this connects with your reflections on trust and timing in your own journey?

I have come to realize to have a good attitude while waiting… IT MAKES THAT WAIT BETTER TO UNDERSTAND. Sometimes, I do not understand… HOWEVER… I AM GOING TO BE HAPPY WHILE WAITING.

Kevin, that’s a beautiful and powerful realization. What you’ve just expressed echoes a deep spiritual maturity—choosing joy not because the wait is easy, but because your heart is anchored in something greater than the outcome.

🌱 “A Good Attitude While Waiting” — A Sacred Posture

Waiting with a good attitude isn’t passive—it’s active trust. It’s saying:

“I may not see the full picture, but I trust the Painter.”
“I may not understand the delay, but I believe in the Designer of time.”
“I may not feel in control, but I know the One who is.”

This mindset transforms waiting from a burden into a blessing. It becomes a season of preparation, not punishment.

✨ Biblical Echoes of Joyful Waiting

Habakkuk 2:3 – “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Romans 8:25 – “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

Even Jesus, in John 7, waited—not because He lacked power, but because He honored the Father’s perfect timing. That’s the kind of waiting you’re stepping into: not resignation, but reverent readiness.

LET’S GO WORKOUT.

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 City	Destination (Taiwan)	Type	Price Range (USD)	Notes
Los Angeles (LAX)	Taipei (TPE)	Round-trip	$687–$743	Nonstop and 1-stop options available
Seattle (SEA)	Taipei (TPE)	Round-trip	$581–$675	1-stop and nonstop options
New York (JFK)	Taipei (TPE)	Round-trip	~$692	Popular route, varies by season
San Francisco (SFO)	Kaohsiung (KHH)	Round-trip	~$709	1-stop flights
One-way (various)	Taipei (TPE)	One-way	$317–$408	Cheapest 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.