Tag: Live

TODAY’S LESSON: Confidence in Eternal Life: Insights from 1 John 5

HIGH FIVE! (run is getting easier)

1 John 5:13–21 is John’s final word to a community wrestling with doubt, deception, and spiritual uncertainty. It’s a passage that gathers the entire message of the letter into a set of strong, anchoring assurances. The search results reinforce this: the passage centers on confidence in eternal life, confidence in prayer, clarity about sin, and certainty about who truly holds us.

Below is a clear, structured walk‑through of its significance, with the depth you appreciate and the practical, leadership‑minded lens you tend to bring to Scripture.

✨ The Significance of 1 John 5:13–21

🕊️ 1. Assurance of Eternal Life (v. 13)

John states his purpose plainly: He writes so believers may know they have eternal life.

This is not wishful thinking or spiritual optimism. It’s settled confidence rooted in the testimony about Jesus (5:6–12). John ends where he began: true faith produces true assurance.

  • assurance of eternal life: the foundation of Christian confidence.

🙏 2. Confidence in Prayer (v. 14–15)

John moves from assurance of salvation to assurance in prayer: If we ask according to God’s will, He hears us—and hearing means responding.

This is not a blank check; it’s alignment. Confidence grows when our desires are shaped by God’s desires.

  • confidence in prayer: boldness rooted in relationship, not performance.

🤝 3. Interceding for Others (v. 16–17)

John shifts from personal assurance to communal responsibility.

If a believer sees a brother or sister sinning in a way “not leading to death,” they should pray, and God will give life.

This is pastoral, not punitive:

  • We don’t gossip about the struggling.
  • We don’t shame the stumbling.
  • We intercede.

The “sin leading to death” is debated, but the consensus in the sources is:

  • It refers to persistent, hardened rejection of Christ, not ordinary moral failure.
  • interceding for others: prayer as spiritual rescue work.

🛡️ 4. Three “We Know” Statements (v. 18–20)

John ends with three declarations that function like spiritual guardrails:

Table: The Three “We Know” Anchors

StatementMeaning
We know the one born of God does not continue in sinBelievers are kept by Christ and not dominated by sin.
We know we belong to GodEven though the world lies under the evil one’s influence, believers are secure.
We know the Son of God has comeJesus gives true understanding and real relationship with God.

Source:

These are not guesses. They are declarations of identity, protection, and truth.

🛑 5. Final Warning: “Keep Yourselves from Idols” (v. 21)

This abrupt ending is intentional.

In a world full of false teachings, false gods, and false versions of Jesus, John’s final command is:

Guard your heart from anything that distorts the true God revealed in Christ.

  • keeping yourself from idols: protecting the center of your worship and identity.

🌱 Why This Passage Matters for Life and Leadership

For someone like you—who blends spiritual reflection with practical leadership—this passage offers a framework:

  • Identity: You know who you are in Christ.
  • Confidence: You approach God boldly and lead others from that place.
  • Intercession: You carry others in prayer, especially those struggling.
  • Discernment: You stay rooted in truth amid competing voices.
  • Integrity: You guard your heart from subtle idols—success, approval, performance, even ministry itself.

It’s a passage that steadies the soul and strengthens the leader.

LET’S GO2 CHURCH.

TODAY’S LESSON: The Role of Memory in Psalm 106: A Leadership Guide

HIGH FIVE! (like my wrapper???)

Psalm 106 is one of Scripture’s most powerful reflections on God’s mercy in the face of repeated human failure, and the search results reinforce that theme clearly.

Below is a full, structured exploration that fits how you love to connect scripture with leadership, stewardship, and spiritual formation.

🌿 The Significance of Psalm 106

Psalm 106 is essentially Israel’s national confession—a sweeping retelling of their history that highlights a painful pattern: God saves → the people forget → they rebel → God disciplines → they cry out → God saves again.

It is the mirror opposite of Psalm 105. Psalm 105 says: “Remember His mighty deeds.” Psalm 106 says: “They forgot His mighty deeds.”

This contrast is intentional and deeply instructive.

🧭 Major Themes of Psalm 106

1. God’s mercy despite repeated failure

The psalm opens with: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His mercy endures forever.”

That line sets the tone: God’s mercy is not fragile. It outlasts human inconsistency.

2. A historical confession of sin

The psalmist recounts Israel’s failures—at the Red Sea, in the wilderness, with idols, with foreign nations. This is not history for history’s sake; it is repentance through remembering.

3. The danger of forgetting God

The repeated refrain is that Israel “did not remember” God’s works. Forgetfulness leads to rebellion. Memory leads to faithfulness.

4. God’s faithfulness to His covenant

Even when Israel was faithless, God acted “for His name’s sake” to save them. His commitment to His people is rooted in His character, not their performance.

5. A personal plea for restoration

The psalmist shifts from national history to personal prayer: “Remember me, O LORD… help me when You save Your people.”

This is a beautiful move: The story of God’s people becomes the story of one person seeking mercy.

🔥 Why Psalm 106 Matters for Today

Here’s where this psalm hits home for spiritual leadership and daily life:

  • It teaches humility — we are not above the patterns of forgetfulness.
  • It teaches gratitude — God’s mercy is the foundation of our confidence.
  • It teaches vigilance — forgetting God is the first step toward drifting.
  • It teaches hope — God’s covenant love is stronger than our cycles of weakness.
  • It teaches intercession — leaders stand in the gap, like Moses did in the psalm.

This is a psalm for anyone who has ever said: “I’ve messed up again… but I still want to come home.”

🧩 A Quick Table Summary

ThemeSignificance
Confession of national sinIsrael acknowledges its repeated failures across generations.
Contrast with Psalm 105Moves from celebrating God’s deeds to confessing forgetting them.
Cycle of rebellion and mercyShows God’s consistent rescue despite human inconsistency.
God acts for His name’s sakeHis faithfulness is rooted in His character, not human merit.
Personal plea for inclusionThe psalmist asks to share in God’s salvation and favor.

Sources:

🌱 A Leadership Reflection (tailored for you, Kevin)

Psalm 106 is a reminder that leaders remember what others forget. Where the people drift, the leader anchors. Where the people repeat old mistakes, the leader names the pattern and redirects. Where the people despair, the leader points to God’s enduring mercy.

It’s a psalm that says: “You don’t lead because you’re perfect. You lead because you remember.”

LIKE MY WRAPPER???

(yeah… let’s go2 work)

TODAY’S LESSON: Clinging to God: The Modern Echo of Jacob’s Cry

HIGH FIVE! (thanks for reading)

The two Bible passages referenced on the button—Acts 1:15–26 and 1 John 5:9–13—carry deep spiritual significance, especially when paired with the quote: “I will not let you go until you bless me.” Here’s how they connect:

🔄 Acts 1:15–26 – Restoration and Divine Selection

This passage recounts the moment when the apostles, led by Peter, chose Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot. Key themes include:

  • Faithful leadership: The early church prioritized restoring the twelve apostles, symbolizing completeness and continuity.
  • Divine guidance in decision-making: They prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart,” trusting God to reveal the right choice.
  • Redemption after betrayal: Despite Judas’s fall, the community moved forward with hope and unity.

This mirrors the persistence in the quote—refusing to let go until God’s blessing and purpose are revealed.

✝️ 1 John 5:9–13 – Assurance of Eternal Life

This passage emphasizes the certainty of salvation through belief in Jesus Christ. Key themes include:

  • God’s testimony is greater than man’s: Believers carry the inner witness of truth.
  • Eternal life is found in the Son: “Whoever has the Son has life.”
  • Confidence in salvation: The passage was written so believers may know they have eternal life.

This aligns with the quote’s spiritual tenacity—clinging to God’s promise until the blessing of life and assurance is received.

Together, these verses reflect a journey of faithful persistence, trust in divine selection, and confidence in God’s promises. Would you like to explore how this connects to the story of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32, where the quote originates? Or dive deeper into spiritual perseverance or leadership restoration?

no thanks, no time… I feel really bad about falling asleep yesterday early… I DID HAVE A RELAXING DAY THOUGH… Thank you.

“I will not let you go until you bless me,” the verses from Acts 1:15–26 and 1 John 5:9–13 offer powerful implications for today’s spiritual leadership, personal perseverance, and faith-filled living:

🌱 Implications of Acts 1:15–26 for Today

  • Leadership requires surrender and discernment: Just as the apostles prayed and trusted God to choose Matthias, today’s leaders—whether in ministry, clubs, or family—are called to seek divine wisdom rather than rely solely on human strategy.
  • Restoration after failure is possible: Judas’s betrayal didn’t derail the mission. In our own lives, setbacks or broken trust can be redeemed when we return to God’s purpose.
  • Community matters: The apostles acted together, modeling how spiritual decisions today should be made in unity, prayer, and scriptural grounding.

🔐 Implications of 1 John 5:9–13 for Today

  • Faith gives assurance, not uncertainty: In a world of shifting values and doubts, this passage reminds us that belief in Christ offers confidence—not just hope—in eternal life.
  • God’s voice is greater than the noise: With so many opinions and influences, this verse calls us to anchor ourselves in God’s testimony, which is trustworthy and life-giving.
  • Living with purpose: Knowing we have eternal life should embolden us to live with joy, courage, and clarity—especially in service, stewardship, and leadership.

🔥 Modern Echo of Jacob’s Cry

The quote “I will not let you go until you bless me” becomes a rallying cry for today’s believer:

  • Hold on through uncertainty: Like Jacob, like the apostles, like every believer—cling to God in prayer, in leadership, in waiting.
  • Expect blessing through struggle: Whether organizing a contest, stewarding finances, or caring for family, the blessing often comes after the wrestling.
  • Declare your identity: Jacob was renamed Israel after his struggle. These verses invite us to claim our identity as chosen, assured, and sent.

“Rested. Ready. Relentless.”

TODAY’S LESSON: Embracing Life’s Seasons: Insights from Ecclesiastes 3

HIGH FIVE! (Thank you for your inquisitiveness)

🌿 The Significance of Ecclesiastes 3:1–15

(“For everything there is a season…”)

Ecclesiastes 3:1–15 is one of Scripture’s most poetic and profound reflections on time, purpose, and God’s sovereignty. It teaches us how to live faithfully within the rhythms of life rather than fighting them.

Below is a structured, clear breakdown grounded in the sources you pulled up.

🕰️ 1. Life Moves in God‑Ordained Seasons

The passage opens with the famous list of contrasts—birth and death, weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing. These aren’t commands; they’re observations about the human condition.

  • Life’s seasons are inevitable: We don’t choose them; we move through them.
  • Every season has purpose “under heaven”: God weaves meaning even into the moments we don’t understand.

This is deeply freeing: you don’t have to force a season to be something it isn’t.

🌱 2. Human Effort Alone Cannot Control Outcomes

The Teacher asks, “What gain has the worker from his toil?” (v.9). This isn’t despair—it’s realism.

  • Human striving has limits: We cannot bend time or outcomes to our will.
  • God’s purposes stand above our plans: His timing is wiser than our urgency.

This is a call to humility and trust.

🔍 3. God Has Placed Eternity in Our Hearts

Verse 11 is the theological center of the passage:

“He has made everything beautiful in its time… yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

This means:

  • We long for meaning beyond the moment: God wired us with eternal hunger.
  • We see beauty in pieces, God sees the whole tapestry.

This tension—yearning for eternity while living in time—is part of the human spiritual journey.

🙌 4. The Proper Response: Receive Life as a Gift

The Teacher concludes that the best way to live is to:

  • Enjoy the good God gives—food, work, relationships, joy.
  • Recognize these as gifts, not achievements.

This isn’t hedonism; it’s gratitude. It’s learning to say: “This moment is enough because God is in it.”

🕊️ 5. God’s Work Is Eternal and Unchangeable

Verse 14 is the anchor:

“Everything God does will last forever… God does it so that people will fear Him.”

This teaches:

  • God’s purposes are unshakeable.
  • Reverence grows when we realize our limits and His permanence.

In a world of constant change, God’s constancy is the believer’s stability.

🔄 6. The Cyclical Nature of Life Points to God’s Sovereignty

Ecclesiastes 3:15 says:

“Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before.”

This isn’t fatalism—it’s reassurance.

  • History is not random.
  • God is actively involved in every generation.

The cycles of life are not meaningless; they are held in divine hands.

📌 Summary Table

ThemeSignificance
Life’s seasonsGod appoints times for every experience.
Human limitationWe cannot control outcomes or timing.
Eternity in our heartsWe long for meaning beyond what we can see.
Receiving life as giftJoy comes from gratitude, not striving.
God’s eternal workHis purposes endure; ours are temporary.
Divine sovereignty over cyclesLife’s rhythms reflect God’s order and presence.

Sources:

Kevin, why this passage hits deeply

Given your heart for leadership, stewardship, and spiritual grounding, this passage speaks directly to the way you navigate seasons—family care, financial discipline, creative work, and service.

It reminds you that:

  • You don’t have to rush the season you’re in.
  • God is doing something beautiful even when the timing feels slow.
  • Your role is faithfulness; God handles the outcomes.

Thanks for this… (LET’S GO2 THE GYM)

YES Kevin! 💪 You’re moving with purpose and rhythm—just like Ecclesiastes 3 says: “a time to build up… a time to dance.” This is your time to train, to sweat with intention, and to let your body echo the discipline you’ve been living spiritually and financially.

Here’s your mantra for today’s workout:

“I move with purpose. I build with strength. I honor this season with sweat and focus.”

THANKS BE TO GOD.

WHO IS THE TEACHER???

TODAY’S LESSON: Unlocking Spiritual Wisdom in 1 Corinthians 2:1–10

HIGH FIVE! (FOCUS)

Here’s a rich, grounded look at 1 Corinthians 2:1–10, drawing from the search results and weaving it into the kind of spiritual‑leadership reflection you value. Citations included.

The Significance of 1 Corinthians 2:1–10

Paul is teaching the Corinthians—and us—something essential about how God works, how spiritual wisdom is received, and what true power looks like.

Below is a structured breakdown with highlighted exploration points you can tap into anytime.

1. Paul Rejects Human Impressiveness

Paul reminds the church that when he first came to Corinth, he did not rely on eloquence, rhetoric, or philosophical flair. Instead, he came in weakness, fear, and trembling, preaching Christ crucified.

  • Paul’s refusal to rely on human eloquence
  • His choice to center everything on Christ crucified
  • His posture of weakness and trembling
  • The Spirit’s power validating the message

This is a leadership lesson: God’s power is most visible when we stop trying to impress and start trying to be faithful.

2. True Wisdom Comes From God, Not the Age

Paul says there is wisdom—but it’s not the kind the world celebrates. It is a hidden, spiritual wisdom that God ordained before time for our glory.

  • The contrast between worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom
  • The “secret and hidden wisdom” God prepared
  • The rulers of this age failing to understand it
  • The crucifixion as the ultimate example of misunderstood wisdom

This wisdom is not discovered through intellect but revealed.

3. Human Eyes and Ears Cannot Grasp God’s Plan

Paul quotes Scripture to show that God’s plans are beyond human imagination—no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared.

  • The limits of human perception
  • God’s prepared blessings for those who love Him
  • The contrast between revelation and speculation
  • The Spirit as the bridge between God’s mind and ours

This is a reminder that God’s purposes exceed human categories.

4. The Holy Spirit Reveals the Deep Things of God

Verse 10 is the climax:

“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit…”

The Spirit searches the deep things of God and makes them known to believers.

  • The Spirit’s role in revealing God’s wisdom
  • The “deep things of God”
  • Why spiritual truth requires spiritual discernment
  • The Spirit as the interpreter of God’s mind

This is not about mystical secrets—it’s about God graciously making Himself known.

A Leadership & Spiritual Formation Lens (tailored for you, Kevin)

This passage speaks directly into the kind of leadership you practice—whether at Hershey’s, Toastmasters, or in your spiritual life:

A. Your strength is not in polished delivery but in Spirit‑empowered authenticity.

Paul’s trembling reminds us that God works through honest weakness, not performance.

B. Your wisdom comes from revelation, not reputation.

You don’t need to “keep up” with the world’s standards of cleverness. You need to stay aligned with the Spirit.

C. Your calling is to steward what God reveals, not what people expect.

The hidden wisdom of God is entrusted to those who love Him.

D. Your leadership becomes powerful when it is Spirit‑led, not self‑driven.

This is the heart of Paul’s message.

Summary Table

ThemeMeaningApplication
Weakness over eloquencePaul avoids human impressivenessLead with authenticity, not performance
God’s hidden wisdomSpiritual truth is revealed, not discoveredSeek God’s voice, not worldly validation
Human limitsGod’s plans exceed human perceptionTrust God beyond what you can see
Spirit‑given revelationThe Spirit reveals God’s deep thingsDepend on the Spirit for discernment

If you want, we can go deeper into how this passage shapes your leadership or how it connects to your current season of stewardship and service.

INTERESTING… When are we volunteering at the food bank next?

Home

Great question, Kevin — and the link you shared gives us everything we need.

Here’s the clear answer based on the page you provided:

🗓️ Your Next Food Bank Volunteer Night

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Central PA Food Bank 3908 Corey Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109

And here are the key details, each one highlighted so you can explore them further:

  • Joint service event with the Rotary Club of Harrisburg
  • Volunteer parking in the front lot
  • Avoid agency pick‑up spots near the garage doors
  • Carpooling encouraged due to limited parking
  • Wear work boots or closed‑toe shoes
  • Gloves recommended for the shift
  • Register with Rotary and also with the Food Bank

This lines up beautifully with your heart for community service, and it’s another chance to live out that steady, boots‑on‑the‑ground leadership you bring to everything — Hershey’s, Toastmasters, church, and Rotary.

If you want, I can help you prep a reminder, a calendar note, or even a quick message to invite someone to join you.

Would you like to explore writing a reminder message, adding this to your planning rhythm, or drafting an invite for another Rotarian?

I can’t plan for this yet… the work schedule did not come out yet… I will know if I can attend this event next week. I will keep this idea in my memory bank… I love helping out humanity… Speaking of, TODAY, let’s craft those emails for …

Perfect timing, Kevin. Let’s channel that heart for service and leadership into today’s mission: email crafting for Toastmasters Area Speech Contest functionaries.

Here’s a quick plan to get us rolling:

🎯 Email Goals for Today

  • Recruit functionaries for the Valentine’s Day contest (Feb 14, 11 AM–1 PM at St. Joan of Arc)
  • Clarify roles: Judges, Timers, Ballot Counters, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Zoom Master (if hybrid)
  • Set tone: Warm, purposeful, and energizing—like a rally cry with heart

Would you like to tailor this for specific clubs, a follow-up reminder, or a more casual tone for newer members? I can help you build a full email set today.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S LESSON: Unpacking the Significance of Matthew 2:1-12

HIGH FIVE! (Keep Learning, Keep Growing…)

Here’s a rich, grounded look at Matthew 2:1–12, drawing from the search results you triggered and weaving it into the kind of spiritually practical insight you love to carry into leadership, stewardship, and daily life.

🌟 The Significance of Matthew 2:1–12

(The Visit of the Magi)

Matthew 2:1–12 is far more than a Christmas story. It’s a revelation story—a moment where Jesus’ identity is unveiled to the nations, where earthly power is contrasted with divine kingship, and where seekers model what true worship looks like.

Below is a clear, structured breakdown with highlighted exploration points so you can dive deeper wherever the Spirit nudges you.

✨ Major Themes and Their Meaning

1. The Magi Reveal Jesus as King for All Nations

  • The Magi come “from the East”, representing Gentile nations recognizing Jesus’ kingship.
  • Their journey fulfills the prophetic hope that the nations would come to Israel’s light (Isaiah 60).
  • Matthew is showing that Jesus’ mission is global from the very beginning.

2. A Tale of Two Kings: Herod vs. Jesus

  • Herod embodies fearful, self‑protective power, troubled by the idea of another king.
  • Jesus, by contrast, is the shepherd‑king promised in Micah 5:2–4.
  • The contrast exposes the difference between worldly authority and God’s kingdom—something you often reflect on in your leadership roles.

3. God’s Guidance Through Signs and Scripture

  • The star guides the Magi, but Scripture guides them the rest of the way (Micah 5:2).
  • Revelation comes through both creation and the Word.
  • This mirrors how you blend spiritual intuition with grounded, practical wisdom.

4. Worship Requires Movement, Seeking, and Surrender

  • The Magi travel, inquire, rejoice, bow, and give—a full-bodied picture of worship.
  • Their gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh) symbolize kingship, deity, and sacrificial death.
  • Worship is not passive; it’s pursuit, offering, and obedience.

5. God Protects His Purposes Despite Human Opposition

  • Herod’s schemes cannot stop God’s plan.
  • The Magi are warned in a dream; Joseph will be warned next.
  • Matthew emphasizes divine sovereignty—God’s plan moves forward even when threatened.

📘 Why This Passage Matters for Spiritual Leadership

Here’s where it intersects beautifully with your heart for stewardship, Toastmasters leadership, and shepherding at Hershey’s:

– True leadership is revealed in humility, not control

Herod clings to power; Jesus receives worship. You’ve been leaning into shepherd-style leadership—this passage affirms that path.

– Seekers find Christ when they move toward the light they have

The Magi didn’t know everything, but they acted on what they knew. That’s the same spirit you bring to your financial stewardship journey—faithful steps, clarity unfolding.

– Worship is offering your best

Their gifts weren’t leftovers; they were treasures. Your disciplined stewardship and creative service echo that same posture.

– God guides those who are willing to listen

Dreams, Scripture, signs—God speaks in many ways. You’ve been attentive to those nudges, especially in this season of renewed momentum.

🧭 Summary Table

ThemeSignificance
Jesus revealed to the nationsShows His kingship is universal, not limited to Israel
Herod vs. JesusContrasts worldly fear with divine authority
Guidance through signs & ScriptureGod leads seekers step by step
Worship through actionThe Magi model pursuit, joy, offering, obedience
God’s sovereignty over oppositionHuman schemes cannot thwart divine plans

It was good to see my Mom up and at em yesterday before going to my sister’s house. She was in good spirits. She will come back to Pennsylvania stronger. (THIS WILL GIVE ME MUCH NEEDED TIME TO CONCENTRATE ON MY INVESTMENT STRATEGY).

🌼 For My Mom, On Her Birthday

Life will test you—

sometimes with a fall,

sometimes with a fracture,

sometimes with a moment that tries to steal your peace.

But you rise.

Even in pain, you rise.

You are loved—

deeply, fiercely—

by the son who stands by you,

and the daughter who nurses you back to strength.

This driveway tried to break you,

but it didn’t know your spirit.

It didn’t know the family that surrounds you.

So on your birthday,

we celebrate not just another year—

but your courage,

your fight,

your heart that refuses to quit.

We love you, Mom.

And we’re walking this healing road with you

step by steady step.

THANKS BE TO GOD. (let’s go2 that GYM)

TODAY’S LESSON: God’s Healing Promises in Jeremiah 31

HIGH FIVE! (you rise, you heal, you got your joy back)

Jeremiah 31:7–14 is one of the most hope‑saturated passages in the entire book—a burst of restoration spoken into a season of exile, loss, and exhaustion. It’s the kind of scripture that lands differently when you’re walking through something hard with family, like you are with your mom right now.

Here’s a clear, rich breakdown of its significance, with highlights you can explore deeper if you want.

🌿 The Significance of Jeremiah 31:7–14

1. 🎶 A Call to Praise Before the Blessing Arrives

  • The people are told to sing and shout even though they’re still scattered and hurting. This is faith in motion—praising God before the restoration is visible.

2. 🌍 God gathers the scattered

  • The passage promises that God will bring His people back from the farthest places.
  • It’s a picture of God refusing to leave anyone behind—not the weak, not the wounded, not the grieving.

3. 💧 God leads with compassion, not punishment

  • He guides them beside streams of water, on a straight path.
  • This is the opposite of judgment; it’s tender, restorative leadership.

4. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A family restored

  • The “remnant of Israel” becomes a joyful, unified community again.
  • It’s a reminder that God heals not just individuals but whole households and generations.

5. 🌾 Joy replaces sorrow

  • Mourning turns into dancing.
  • Priests are satisfied with abundance.
  • The people are filled with goodness.
  • This is a complete reversal—emotional, spiritual, and material.

6. ❤️ God’s love is the engine of restoration

  • The whole section is driven by God’s deep affection for His people.
  • He doesn’t just fix their situation; He restores their joy.

🌟 Why This Passage Matters for You Right Now

Jeremiah 31:7–14 is about a God who brings people home—back to strength, back to joy, back to wholeness. It’s about healing after a painful fall. It’s about family stepping in to carry one another. It’s about joy returning after a season of fear.

There’s a quiet echo here of what you and your sister are doing for your mom: lifting her, walking with her, believing for her healing even when the road is slow.

This passage says: God restores. God gathers. God heals. God brings joy back.

God, we lift up my mom with gratitude and hope. Even in this season of pain and slow recovery, we choose to praise You. You are the God who gathers, the God who restores, the God who brings people home.

Bring her back to full strength. Guide her beside peaceful waters as she heals from this fracture. Make her steps steady, her spirit calm, and her body renewed.

Turn her mourning into dancing again. Let joy rise where fear tried to settle. Let laughter return to her house, and peace return to her heart.

Bless my sister as she cares for her. Bless me as I stand by her side. Let our love be part of the healing You are already working.

Fill our home with goodness, abundance, and hope. And let this birthday mark not just another year— but the beginning of restoration, renewal, and joy.

Through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever… Amen.

THANKS BE TO GOD. (let’s go to the GYM)

TODAY’S LESSON: The Transformative Power of Isaiah’s Vision

HIGH FIVE! (Wanna go2 church with me???)

Isaiah 6:1–5 is one of the most powerful “calling moments” in all of Scripture—a collision between God’s holiness and human humility. Your hunger for these passages, Kevin, always tells me you’re looking not just for information but for formation—how the text shapes a leader’s heart, posture, and purpose. This passage does exactly that.

Below is a clear, grounded explanation based on the search results you triggered, with citations included.

🌟 The Significance of Isaiah 6:1–5

Isaiah’s vision is a dramatic unveiling of God’s holiness that exposes Isaiah’s own unworthiness and prepares him for his prophetic mission. According to the sources, this moment is a turning point in Isaiah’s life and ministry.

🔥 Key Themes in the Passage

1. A Vision of God’s Absolute Holiness

Isaiah sees the Lord “high and lifted up,” with the train of His robe filling the temple. This imagery emphasizes God’s unmatched majesty and sovereign rule.

  • God’s throne imagery: His authority is not shaken even though King Uzziah has died.
  • The seraphim’s cry: “Holy, holy, holy” underscores God’s perfection and otherness.

2. A Moment of National Transition

The vision occurs “in the year King Uzziah died”—a moment of political uncertainty.

  • Uzziah’s long reign: 52 years of stability ending creates anxiety for the nation.
  • God’s unchanging rule: Isaiah sees that while earthly kings die, the heavenly King reigns forever.

3. The Overwhelming Presence of God

The temple shakes, and smoke fills the room.

  • Shaking thresholds: Symbolize God’s power and the weight of His glory.
  • Smoke imagery: Often signals divine presence and mystery.

4. Isaiah’s Personal Crisis of Holiness

Confronted with God’s purity, Isaiah cries, “Woe is me! I am ruined!”

  • Unclean lips: He recognizes his own sinfulness.
  • Shared brokenness: He identifies with the people’s sin, not above them.

This is the moment where true prophetic leadership begins—not with confidence, but with confession.

🧭 Why This Passage Matters Spiritually and Practically

Here’s a quick table to show how the passage functions on multiple levels:

DimensionSignificance
TheologicalReveals God’s holiness and sovereignty.
PersonalExposes Isaiah’s sin and need for cleansing.
NationalReassures Israel that God reigns despite political change.
LeadershipShows that calling begins with humility and awe.

💬 A Reflection for You, Kevin

Given your heart for leadership, service, and spiritual grounding, Isaiah 6:1–5 speaks directly into your world:

  • Leadership begins with seeing God clearly.
  • Calling begins with seeing ourselves honestly.
  • Transformation begins with God’s initiative, not our effort.

This is the kind of passage that shapes a leader who serves with humility, courage, and clarity—exactly the kind of posture you’ve been cultivating in your roles at Hershey’s, Toastmasters, and church.

Where would you like to go next?

I am gonna go running… Thank you for the information…

“I run with purpose.

I lead with peace.

I move with strength.

I rise with God.”

TODAY’S LESSON: How Psalm 72 Guides Modern Leadership Principles

HIGH FIVE! (what should I do for dinner??? CALL YOUR MOM DURING YOUR LUNCH BREAK)

Psalm 72 is one of the most beautiful and theologically rich royal psalms, and your question fits so well with your rhythm of grounding leadership in Scripture. With the help of the search results, here’s a clear, structured, and deeply reflective look at its significance.

🌿 The Significance of Psalm 72

Psalm 72 is a royal prayer—either written by Solomon or for Solomon—that paints a portrait of the ideal king. But the psalm quickly expands beyond any earthly ruler and points toward a greater, messianic fulfillment.

It becomes both:

  • a model for godly leadership, and
  • a prophetic vision of the Messiah’s reign.

Below is a breakdown of its major themes, each one highlighted so you can explore further if you want.

🌟 Core Themes of Psalm 72

1. Righteous Leadership

The psalm opens with a prayer that the king would rule with God’s justice and righteousness (Psalm 72:1–2). This sets the tone: true leadership flows from God’s character, not human ambition.

2. Compassion for the Vulnerable

The king is called to defend the afflicted, save the needy, and crush the oppressor (v. 4). This is leadership as advocacy—power used to lift others.

3. Flourishing and Peace

Under such a king, righteousness flourishes and peace abounds “till the moon is no more” (v. 7). This is shalom: wholeness, prosperity, and harmony.

4. Universal Dominion

The king’s reign stretches “from sea to sea” and to “the ends of the earth” (v. 8). Solomon never achieved this fully—pointing to a greater King.

5. Blessing to All Nations

All nations are blessed through him, echoing God’s promise to Abraham (v. 17). This is why Christians see the psalm as messianic—fulfilled in Christ’s global kingdom.

6. A Vision of the Perfect King

Psalm 72 describes a ruler who brings justice, compassion, abundance, and universal peace—qualities Solomon only partially embodied. The psalm ultimately anticipates Jesus, the true King of Kings.

🧭 Why Psalm 72 Matters Today

For someone like you, Kevin—who blends leadership, stewardship, and spiritual grounding—Psalm 72 becomes a blueprint:

  • Leadership rooted in righteousness
  • Compassion as strength
  • Justice as a calling
  • Service as kingship
  • Blessing flowing outward to others

It’s a psalm that invites you to lead at Hershey’s, in Toastmasters, and in your church with the heart of a shepherd-king.

🔍 Quick Summary Table

ThemeSignificance
Righteous ruleLeadership aligned with God’s justice
Care for the poorThe king protects the vulnerable
Peace and flourishingRighteousness produces abundance and harmony
Global dominionPoints beyond Solomon to a greater King
Blessing to nationsEchoes Abrahamic promise; fulfilled in Christ

Sources:

Would you like to go deeper?

We can explore:

  • How Psalm 72 shapes modern leadership
  • How Psalm 72 points to Jesus as Messiah
  • How Psalm 72 can become a personal prayer for your daily leadership

Just tell me where you want to go next.

LET’S SWITCH GEARS INSTEAD… “I like this first thing in the morning… gets me fired up and ready to conquer the day”

NEXT WEEK… We have to send out emails for Toastmasters… We are not working and have to find functionaries for our Area Speech Competition… WE WILL HAVE TIME.

That’s the spirit, Kevin—fired up and ready to conquer! 💪 You’re right: next week is prime time to rally the troops and lock in those functionaries for your Area Speech Contest. Since it’s a non-work week, we can go full Toastmasters mode.

Here’s what we can prep together:

📧 Email Templates to Send Next Week

  • Functionary Recruitment Email: Clear, motivating message to invite timers, judges, ballot counters, and more.
  • Club Reminder Email: Gentle nudge to clubs to confirm their contest winners and send reps.
  • Contest Promotion Email: A festive invite to attend the Valentine’s Day contest—maybe with a nod to the flyer’s heart theme!

🧩 Functionary Roles to Fill

  • Contest Chair
  • Chief Judge
  • Timers (2)
  • Ballot Counters (2–3)
  • Sergeant-at-Arms
  • Zoom Master (if hybrid or online)
  • Backup Speaker (if needed)

Would you like to start drafting the recruitment email now, or wait until Monday morning when we’re in full planning mode? I can also help you build a checklist or tracker to keep it all organized. Let’s make this contest a celebration of courage, connection, and community.

Veni, vidi, diem vici!

TODAY’S LESSON: Faithful Leadership Lessons from Luke 2:22–40

HIGH FIVE! (forward… EAT THAT FROG)

Luke 2:22–40 is one of those passages that feels quiet on the surface but is absolutely thunderous in meaning. It’s the moment where Jesus is recognized—not by crowds, not by kings, but by two faithful, Spirit‑led elders who had been waiting their whole lives for God to keep His promise. It’s a passage about identity, revelation, and the kind of leadership God honors.

Here’s a clear, structured breakdown of its significance, with the exploration links woven in:

🌿 The Core Significance of Luke 2:22–40

1. Jesus is revealed as the fulfillment of God’s promises

  • Simeon and Anna don’t meet Jesus by coincidence. They represent Israel’s faithful remnant—those who kept watching when others stopped looking.
  • Simeon’s words (“a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for Israel”) declare Jesus as the long‑awaited Messiah for all people.

2. Mary and Joseph model faithful obedience

  • They bring Jesus to the temple for purification and dedication according to the Law.
  • Luke emphasizes that the Messiah enters His mission through humility, submission, and alignment with God’s ways.

3. Simeon’s prophecy reveals Jesus’ mission and the cost of it

  • Jesus will bring salvation—but also division, because truth exposes hearts.
  • Simeon’s words to Mary (“a sword will pierce your own soul too”) foreshadow the cross.
  • This is the first hint that following God’s calling involves both glory and pain.

4. Anna embodies perseverance, worship, and prophetic clarity

  • She has spent decades in prayer, fasting, and worship.
  • She recognizes Jesus instantly and becomes one of the first evangelists, speaking about Him to all who were waiting for redemption.

5. The passage shows God’s pattern for leadership and calling

  • God entrusts revelation to those who are faithful, patient, and spiritually attentive.
  • Simeon and Anna are not powerful by worldly standards, but they are giants in discernment.
  • Their recognition of Jesus affirms that spiritual leadership flows from devotion, not position.

🧭 Why this passage matters for your leadership journey

Kevin, this is one of those texts that aligns beautifully with the way you integrate scripture into your daily leadership—whether at Hershey’s, Toastmasters, or in your spiritual life.

Here’s how Luke 2:22–40 speaks into that:

• Faithfulness prepares you to recognize God’s movement

Simeon and Anna weren’t surprised because they were already tuned in. Your own rhythms—reflection, stewardship, service—create that same readiness.

• Obedience positions you for revelation

Mary and Joseph weren’t seeking a spotlight; they were simply doing what God asked. Leadership often begins in quiet, consistent obedience.

• Your calling will bless others, but it may also cost you

Simeon’s prophecy reminds us that purpose and pain often travel together. Yet the cost is never wasted.

• God honors those who wait well

Anna’s decades of devotion show that waiting is not passive—it’s active, worshipful, and expectant.

🌟 A one‑sentence summary

Luke 2:22–40 reveals Jesus as the long‑awaited Messiah and shows that God entrusts His greatest revelations to those who walk in faithfulness, obedience, and spiritual attentiveness

(Man… taking care of my Mom is definitely a time management challenge… I thought my sister was going to help… now, I have to wait until Monday???)

Kevin… that’s a lot to carry at once, and it makes complete sense that you’re feeling the squeeze. When you’re already balancing Hershey, Toastmasters, church service, stewardship rhythms, and your own goals, adding full responsibility for your mom’s care on top of that isn’t just “another task”—it’s a whole new layer of emotional and logistical weight.

Let me speak into this with clarity and steadiness.

🌿 What you’re feeling is valid

This isn’t just about time management pressure. It’s about being the one who steps up when others don’t. It’s about carrying responsibility you didn’t plan for. It’s about loving your mom enough to rearrange your life.

That’s not weakness. That’s character.

(let’s go2 the GYM) – I GOT THIS.