Tag: prayer

TODAY’S WORD: Facing Mortality: Hezekiah’s Powerful Testimony

HIGH FIVE! (Do Your Own Research)

Isaiah 38:10–20 is a deeply personal and poetic reflection from King Hezekiah after he was miraculously healed from a terminal illness. This passage is significant for several reasons—spiritually, emotionally, and theologically:

🌿 Context and Content

  • Hezekiah’s Lament (v.10–14): Hezekiah begins by expressing sorrow over his impending death. He feels cut off “in the prime of life,” lamenting that he will no longer see the Lord or dwell among the living. His imagery is vivid—comparing his life to a tent being pulled up or a weaver cutting off the thread. It’s a raw, vulnerable cry from a man facing mortality.
  • God’s Intervention (v.15–17): After his healing, Hezekiah reflects on the mercy of God. He acknowledges that his suffering had purpose—“Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish.” This shows a shift from despair to gratitude, recognizing that God not only spared his life but also transformed his heart.
  • Praise and Testimony (v.18–20): Hezekiah declares that only the living can praise God, and he commits to telling future generations of God’s faithfulness. His words become a testimony—a reminder that deliverance should lead to worship and witness.

🔍 Key Themes and Lessons

  • The Power of Prayer: Hezekiah’s healing came after earnest prayer. His story reminds us that even in dire circumstances, turning to God can change the outcome.
  • God’s Sovereignty Over Life and Death: The passage affirms that our lives are in God’s hands. Hezekiah was told to “set your house in order,” yet God extended his life by fifteen years.
  • The Importance of Gratitude and Testimony: Hezekiah doesn’t keep his healing private—he turns it into praise. This teaches us to honor God not just in private devotion but through public testimony.
  • Mortality and Meaning: Facing death led Hezekiah to deeper reflection. His words echo the universal human experience of grappling with time, legacy, and divine purpose.

Kevin, this passage feels especially resonant with your journey—your reflections on legacy, your care for your mom’s will, and your desire to live with purpose and praise. If you’d like, I can help you craft a poetic meditation or prayer inspired by Hezekiah’s words, woven with your own voice.

NO THANKS… LET’S ASK CUSTOMER SUPPORT IN SDX SOME QUESTIONS…

LET’S GO WORKOUT.

TODAY’S WORD: Unlocking the Power of Prayer: Matthew 7 Insights

HIGH FIVE! (10k… GOAL MET)

Matthew 7:7–11 is a profound invitation to trust, engage, and persist in prayer, nestled within Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🔑 Key Themes and Insights

🙏 The Power and Promise of Prayer

  • Jesus uses a threefold command: Ask, Seek, Knock—each representing increasing levels of engagement:
    • Ask: Bring your needs before God in prayer.
    • Seek: Pursue deeper understanding and relationship.
    • Knock: Persist with faith, even when answers seem delayed.
  • These actions reflect a dynamic, ongoing relationship with God—not a one-time request but a lifestyle of spiritual pursuit.

👨‍👧 God as a Loving Father

  • Jesus compares God’s generosity to that of earthly parents:
    • If flawed humans know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more will the heavenly Father give good things to those who ask Him.
  • This portrays God not as distant or indifferent, but as eager, attentive, and kind—delighting in giving what is truly good.

💡 God’s Definition of “Good”

  • Importantly, God’s gifts are rooted in His wisdom and love—not always what we ask for, but what we truly need.
    • He’s not a genie or vending machine; He gives according to His perfect will.
    • This aligns with Matthew 6:10: “Thy will be done,” reminding us to align our desires with God’s purposes.

🌱 Spiritual Application

  • Encouragement: You’re never bothering God. He welcomes your prayers—big or small.
  • Challenge: Are your prayers aligned with His will, or driven by fleeting desires?
  • Comfort: Even when answers don’t come immediately, persistence in prayer deepens your faith and intimacy with God.

I want to workout… LET’S GO2 THE GYM AND KICK SOME ASS.

🏋️‍♂️ Pre-Workout Pep Talk

  • Mindset: You’re not just lifting weights—you’re lifting your spirit, your discipline, your future.
  • Focus: Every rep is a declaration: I’m here. I’m strong. I’m unstoppable.
  • Fuel: Got your water? Your playlist? Your reason why? Let’s lock in.

🎶 Hype Playlist Suggestions

  • “Till I Collapse” – Eminem
  • “Stronger” – Kanye West
  • “Can’t Hold Us” – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
  • “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor
  • “Remember the Name” – Fort Minor

🧠 Mental Reps While You Train

  • Think about one goal you’re chasing—
  • Let every drop of sweat be a seed planted toward that vision.

You’ve got the heart of a warrior and the soul of a poet. Today, the gym is your battlefield. Go kick some ass, Freebird. 🦅🔥

YEAH!!!

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: 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.

The Power of Waiting on the Lord: Lessons from Psalm 130

HIGH FIVE! (lay that foundation)

Psalm 130 is a Song of Ascents, a heartfelt cry from the depths of despair, seeking God’s mercy and redemption. It is considered one of the penitential psalms, emphasizing repentance and trust in God’s forgiveness.

The psalmist begins by crying out to God from the depths, acknowledging human frailty and the weight of sin. He recognizes that if God were to keep a strict account of iniquities, no one could stand. Yet, the psalm shifts to hope—God is merciful, and with Him, there is forgiveness and redemption.

A key theme is waiting on the Lord. The psalmist expresses deep trust, likening his anticipation to a watchman waiting for the morning. This imagery conveys unwavering faith in God’s timing and deliverance.

Ultimately, Psalm 130 calls upon Israel to place their hope in the Lord, affirming that His love is steadfast and His redemption is abundant. It resonates with anyone seeking renewal, reminding us that God’s mercy is greater than our failures.

How does this passage speak to your journey, Kevin?

I have come to realize in my life… That reading a psalm in the morning really portrays strength to the outside world… Some people do not like that, they want to remind you of your weaknesses to make you feel inferior… DON’T LET THEM.

That realization is powerful, Kevin. Starting your day with a psalm strengthens your spirit, centers your mind, and prepares you to walk in truth, regardless of how others perceive you. There will always be people who try to dim your light, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them succeed.

Psalm 130 itself speaks to this—acknowledging weakness but placing full confidence in God’s mercy and redemption. Strength isn’t about never faltering; it’s about knowing where to turn when the world tries to shake you. You are standing on truth, and that is unshakable.

Keep rising, keep reading, and keep embracing the wisdom that sets you apart. Your strength isn’t just in what the world sees, but in the faith that sustains you. Let them doubt—your foundation is greater than their words.

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!

TODAY’S WORD: The Significance of Jesus’ Healing in Mark 3:7-12

HIGH FIVE!

Mark 3:7-12 describes a significant moment in Jesus’ ministry. Here’s the passage:

Mark 3:7-12 (NIV): > 7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. > 8 When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. > 9 Because of the crowd, he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. > 10 For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. > 11 Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” > 12 But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.

Significance:

  1. Growing Popularity: The passage highlights the increasing popularity of Jesus. People from various regions flocked to see him, demonstrating the widespread impact of his ministry.
  2. Healing Power: Jesus’ ability to heal the sick is emphasized. The crowd’s eagerness to touch him shows their faith in his healing power.
  3. Authority Over Evil Spirits: The recognition of Jesus by impure spirits as the “Son of God” underscores his authority over the spiritual realm.
  4. Messianic Secret: Jesus’ command to the spirits not to reveal his identity reflects the “Messianic Secret” theme in Mark’s Gospel, where Jesus often instructs others to keep his identity hidden until the appropriate time.

These verses illustrate Jesus’ divine authority, compassion for the suffering, and the tension between his growing fame and his desire to control the revelation of his true identity.

TODAY… WE ARE GETTING AN APARTMENT GUIDE.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kevin-schafer-dtm-mba-532098104_time-management-activity-7275160582255742976-JJqC?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

LET’S GO WORKOUT.

Understanding Jesus’ Call: Insights from Mark 1:14-20

HIGH FIVE!

In Mark 1:14-20, we see the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and the calling of His first disciples. Let’s break down the significance of these verses:

Proclamation of the Good News (Mark 1:14-15)

  1. Jesus’ Announcement: After John the Baptist is imprisoned, Jesus begins preaching in Galilee. He announces, “The time has come,” referring to the fulfillment of God’s plan and the arrival of the Kingdom of God.
  2. Call to Repent and Believe: Jesus calls people to repent and believe in the good news, emphasizing a turn away from sin and an acceptance of Him as the Messiah. This sets the tone for His entire ministry.

Calling of the First Disciples (Mark 1:16-20)

  1. Simon and Andrew: As Jesus walks along the Sea of Galilee, He sees Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew casting nets into the lake, as they are fishermen. He calls them to follow Him, promising to make them “fishers of men,” indicating their future role in evangelism.
  2. Immediate Response: Simon and Andrew immediately leave their nets and follow Jesus, demonstrating their willingness to leave everything behind and trust in Him.
  3. James and John: Jesus then sees James and John, sons of Zebedee, in a boat preparing their nets. He calls them too, and they immediately leave their father in the boat with the hired men to follow Jesus.

Significance

  • Beginning of Public Ministry: This passage marks the transition from John’s ministry to Jesus’ active public ministry, highlighting the shift in focus from preparation to action.
  • Formation of the Core Disciples: Jesus’ call to the first disciples is significant as it underscores the importance of community and collaboration in His mission. These first disciples would later become key figures in spreading Christianity.
  • Radical Commitment: The immediate and total response of the disciples exemplifies the radical commitment Jesus asks of His followers. It stresses the importance of prioritizing the call of Jesus above all else.
  • Symbolism of Fishermen: By choosing fishermen, Jesus symbolizes the transition from a life of ordinary labor to a life of spiritual significance and purpose, inviting them to participate in God’s mission.

This passage encourages believers to respond to Jesus’ call with the same immediacy and dedication, underscoring the transformative power of His invitation. Is there a particular aspect of this passage or its significance that you’d like to explore further?

How do I know it is Jesus calling???

Understanding the call of Jesus can be profound and personal. Here are some ways people often discern His voice:

Characteristics of Jesus’ Call

  1. Aligned with Scripture: Jesus’ call will always align with biblical teachings. Reading the Bible consistently helps familiarize with His ways and teachings.
  2. Inner Conviction: A deep, persistent feeling or conviction can often be a sign. This is not fleeting but a continuous sense that nudges you towards a particular direction or decision.
  3. Peace and Clarity: Those who experience the call often report a sense of inner peace and clarity, even if the path ahead seems challenging.
  4. Affirmation through Prayer: Spend time in prayer, asking God for guidance. Many find that through prayer, they receive affirmation and reassurance about the direction they need to take.
  5. Continued Confirmation: Jesus’ call might be confirmed through circumstances, advice from spiritually mature believers, or repeated messages through different sources (such as sermons, readings, or even everyday encounters).

Practical Steps to Discern

  • Spend Time in Silence and Solitude: Create space to listen without distractions. Reflect on God’s word and be open to what He might be speaking to your heart.
  • Seek Counsel: Discuss your thoughts and experiences with spiritually mature mentors or friends who can provide guidance and wisdom.
  • Observe Feelings and Signs: Pay attention to recurring thoughts, feelings, or events. Consistent patterns can be indicative of a divine nudge.
  • Evaluate Motivations: Examine your motives to ensure that the direction aligns with God’s purpose and not personal gain or fear.

Personal Examples

  • Biblical Figures: Individuals like Moses, David, and Paul experienced unmistakable calls that transformed their lives. Reflecting on their stories can offer insight.
  • Modern-Day Testimonies: Many contemporary believers share stories of how they’ve felt called to certain vocations, missions, or acts of service. Reading or hearing these testimonies can provide inspiration and context.

Remember, discerning Jesus’ call takes time, patience, and a receptive heart.

TODAY’S WORD: The Power of Prayer in 1 John 5 Explained

HIGH FIVE!

1 John 5:13-21 is a passage from the New Testament of the Bible, and it carries several important themes and messages for Christian believers. Here are some key points of its significance:

  1. Assurance of Eternal Life: The text begins with a promise of assurance for those who believe in the name of the Son of God. It emphasizes that believers can have confidence in their eternal life through their faith in Jesus Christ.
  2. Confidence in Prayer: Verses 14-15 highlight the confidence believers can have in approaching God in prayer. It assures them that if they ask anything according to God’s will, He hears them and will grant their requests.
  3. Intercessory Prayer: The passage also speaks about the importance of praying for fellow believers, especially those who are struggling with sin. It underscores the power of intercessory prayer in helping others find forgiveness and restoration.
  4. Avoidance of Sin: It cautions believers to stay away from sin and to be aware of the dangers it poses. The text encourages believers to remain vigilant and to keep themselves from idols or anything that takes the place of God in their lives.
  5. Knowledge of the True God: The passage concludes by affirming the knowledge and relationship believers have with the true God through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the importance of knowing and abiding in the truth.

This passage is a powerful reminder of the faith, confidence, and responsibility that come with being a follower of Christ. It encourages believers to live a life of prayer, vigilance, and devotion to God.

WHY DID IT HAVE TO SNOW LAST NIGHT???

#TeamKevin

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding Jesus’ Teachings in Mark 11

HIGH FIVE!

The image shows a Bible opened to the Book of Mark, Chapter 11, with what appears to be a “Cast” logo or button overlaid on it. The Book of Mark is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament that tells the story of Jesus’s life, teachings, and ministry.

Mark 11 is a significant chapter that contains several important events, including:

  1. Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem (often celebrated as Palm Sunday)
  2. The cleansing of the Temple
  3. Jesus’s teachings about faith and prayer
  4. The withering of the fig tree (a demonstration of the power of faith)

Based on what’s visible in the image, there appear to be psalm numbers (100, 101) and references to worship, suggesting this might be in a study Bible or worship guide that includes both scripture and worship materials.

If the “Cast” button has additional significance or context, I’d be happy to discuss that if you provide more information about its purpose or meaning in this context.

It says “EASY” I might be telling you that believing in the power of faith is EASY. Now tell me about Mark 11…

I apologize for misreading the “EASY” text. Let me share about Mark 11, though I appreciate your observation about faith – though interestingly, this chapter shows that living out faith isn’t always as “easy” as it might seem.

Mark 11 is a pivotal chapter that contains several significant events:

  1. The Triumphal Entry (verses 1-11):
  • Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey
  • People spread cloaks and palm branches on the road
  • Crowds shouted “Hosanna!” (meaning “save us”)
  • This fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah
  1. The Fig Tree and Temple Clearing (verses 12-19):
  • Jesus curses a fruitless fig tree (symbolizing spiritual barrenness)
  • He clears the Temple of merchants and money changers
  • He declares “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations”
  • This shows Jesus’s authority and concern for genuine worship
  1. Lessons on Faith and Prayer (verses 20-25):
  • The disciples find the fig tree withered
  • Jesus teaches about the power of faith: “Have faith in God”
  • The famous teaching: “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours”
  • Emphasizes forgiveness as crucial to effective prayer
  1. Jesus’s Authority Questioned (verses 27-33):
  • Religious leaders challenge Jesus’s authority
  • Jesus responds with a question about John’s baptism
  • Shows Jesus’s wisdom in dealing with opposition

The chapter demonstrates several key themes:

  • Divine authority
  • The relationship between faith and action
  • The importance of genuine worship
  • The power of prayer
  • The responsibility that comes with faith

LET’S GO2 WORK…

Volunteering at Central PA Food Bank: Join Me in Service! (MICAH 6:1-8 in ACTION)

HIGH FIVE!

The text “MICAH 6:1-8” appears to be a biblical reference to the Book of Micah, chapter 6, verses 1-8. This passage from the Old Testament is particularly well-known for verse 8, which contains one of the most quoted statements about ethical and moral behavior in the Bible.

The passage, particularly verse 8, states: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Given that this text appears overlaid on what appears to be boxes in a warehouse or storage facility, it could be suggesting a connection between this biblical message about justice, mercy, and humility and what appears to be some kind of charitable or humanitarian work involving the distribution of goods or supplies.

Without more context, I can’t be certain about the specific connection intended between the biblical reference and the boxes shown, but Micah 6:8’s emphasis on justice and mercy often resonates with organizations involved in charitable work or humanitarian aid.

ON NOVEMBER 13, I AM VOLUNTEERING @ THE CENTRAL PA FOOD BANK… WANNA MEET ME THERE? or NEED A RIDE?

Let me help you explore how to apply Micah 6:1-8 to your life. This passage can be broken down into very practical ways:

  1. “Act Justly” (Do what is right):
  • Be honest in your daily interactions
  • Treat others fairly at work, home, and in relationships
  • Stand up for those who are treated unfairly
  • Make ethical decisions, even when it’s difficult
  • Pay people what you owe them
  • Keep your promises
  1. “Love Mercy” (Show compassion):
  • Forgive others when they wrong you
  • Help people who are struggling
  • Show kindness, even to those who may not “deserve” it
  • Be patient with others’ mistakes
  • Look for opportunities to show compassion
  • Give people second chances
  1. “Walk Humbly with God” (Practice humility):
  • Recognize that your achievements and blessings come from God
  • Listen more than you speak
  • Be willing to admit when you’re wrong
  • Serve others without seeking recognition
  • Be open to learning from others
  • Don’t look down on those who are different from you

Practical Application Questions:

  • When faced with a decision today, ask: “What is the just thing to do?”
  • Look for someone who needs mercy – how can you help them?
  • Consider areas where pride might be affecting your relationships
  • Ask yourself: “Am I treating others the way God treats me?”

Remember that this passage emphasizes that God isn’t looking for elaborate religious displays, but rather a genuine heart that pursues justice, mercy, and humility in everyday life. Start with small steps – maybe choose one area to focus on this week, and gradually incorporate these principles into your daily routine.

LET’S GO2 WORK!!! (yeah)