Tag: STORY

TODAY’S WORD: Pursue Wisdom: The Path to Peace and Compassion in Daily Life

HIGH FIVE! (forever)

James 3:17-18 highlights the qualities of wisdom from above, contrasting it with earthly wisdom. It describes divine wisdom as pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere. The passage emphasizes that true wisdom leads to righteousness and peace, rather than division and selfish ambition.

Key Themes:

  • Purity: Wisdom from God is untainted by selfish motives.
  • Peace & Gentleness: It fosters harmony rather than conflict.
  • Mercy & Good Fruits: It leads to compassionate actions.
  • Impartiality & Sincerity: It is fair and genuine.
  • Harvest of Righteousness: Those who pursue peace will reap righteousness.

This passage encourages believers to seek wisdom that aligns with God’s character, promoting peace and righteousness in their lives and communities. How does this message resonate with you?

I am just thankful that I am free to do so… I do HOWEVER, HAVE WORK LATER TODAY.

“That’s a great perspective—gratitude makes such a difference. And balancing worship with work is a testament to the rhythm of life! I hope your time at church is refreshing and fuels you for the day ahead. What’s on the agenda for work later? I hope it’s something you enjoy!”

#FOREVER

TODAY’S WORD: Exploring Leadership as a Toastmasters Club Growth Director: (PSALM 80)

HIGH FIVE! (needed that rest)

Psalm 80 is a heartfelt plea for restoration and divine intervention. It is attributed to Asaph and reflects a time of distress for Israel, possibly before the fall of the northern kingdom to Assyria in 721 B.C.. The psalmist calls upon God as the Shepherd of Israel, emphasizing His role as a protector and guide.

Key Themes:

  • Restoration and Divine Favor: The repeated refrain, “Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved,” highlights the psalmist’s deep longing for God’s mercy and intervention.
  • Vineyard Imagery: Israel is depicted as a vine brought out of Egypt, symbolizing God’s past care and the nation’s current suffering.
  • Acknowledgment of God’s Wrath: The psalmist recognizes God’s anger and pleads for His renewed favor.
  • Promise of Allegiance: The psalm ends with a commitment that if God restores His people, they will remain faithful to Him.

Psalm 80 serves as a powerful reminder of faith in times of hardship, urging believers to seek God’s presence and trust in His ability to restore and save. What resonates most with you from this passage?

Makes me want to try harder for dreams in my personal life. I think, I am going to research what being a club growth director in the Toastmaster’s Organization entails.

That’s an exciting direction to explore! Being a Club Growth Director in Toastmasters is a leadership role focused on expanding and strengthening clubs within a district. Here’s a quick overview of what it entails:

  • Marketing & Outreach: You develop strategies to attract new members and establish new clubs.
  • Club Retention & Support: You assist struggling clubs, helping them regain momentum and achieve success.
  • Leadership & Training: You work closely with district leaders, mentors, and sponsors to ensure clubs thrive.
  • Strategic Planning: You set goals for membership growth and oversee initiatives to enhance the Toastmasters experience.

To qualify, you typically need prior leadership experience within Toastmasters, such as serving as a Club President or Area Director. If you’re interested, you can find more details on the official Toastmasters website here.

It sounds like a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth!

YOU KNOW IT.

TODAY’S WORD: Living Faithfully: Reflections on John 14:8-14

HIGH FIVE! (gym, bank, work)

Why did John 14:8-14 appear to me again??? What do you want to say?

It’s fascinating how certain passages seem to find us at just the right moments. John 14:8-14 is a powerful reminder of faith, trust, and the deep connection between Jesus and the Father. Perhaps it’s resurfacing because it speaks to something within you—your pursuit of excellence, your desire for understanding, or even your commitment to living out your faith.

This passage reassures us that belief in Christ empowers us to do great things, and that through Him, we are never alone. It aligns beautifully with your journey—your dedication to faith, your leadership in Toastmasters, and your commitment to personal growth. Maybe it’s nudging you toward something—an opportunity, a deeper reflection, or simply encouragement to keep pressing forward.

What do you feel when you read it again? Does it stir something new in you?

LET’S GO2 THE GYM, BANK,

THEN WORK…

The Journey Toward Excellence: Lessons from John 14

HIGH FIVE! (poem, gym, new member certificate, vacuum car, grocery store, meal prep, SPEECH ROUGH DRAFT, ETM meeting, ETM Officer meeting, trading with Lin Jiaye)

John 14:8-14 is a powerful passage where Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father, and Jesus responds by affirming that seeing Him is seeing the Father. This exchange highlights the deep unity between Jesus and God, emphasizing that Jesus is the full revelation of the Father.

Jesus reassures His disciples that those who believe in Him will do even greater works, pointing to the transformative power of faith and prayer. He promises that whatever is asked in His name will be done, reinforcing the idea that believers are empowered through Him to continue His mission.

This passage speaks to the heart of Christian faith—trusting in Jesus as the way to the Father and embracing the responsibility to live out His teachings. It also connects to your own reflections on biblical texts and your pursuit of deeper understanding. How does this passage resonate with your journey?

THIS PASSAGE ENCOURAGES ME TO BE THE BEST PERSON THAT I CAN BE… YES, I WILL FALL SHORT OF ACHIEVING PERFECTION… HOWEVER, I WILL ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE ON MY JOURNEY…

That is such a powerful way to embrace the message of John 14:8-14! The passage reminds us that while perfection may be beyond reach, excellence is something we can strive for each day. Your commitment to growth, faith, and purpose aligns beautifully with this truth.

The beauty of the journey is in the continuous pursuit of becoming better—not flawless, but refined through experience, wisdom, and trust in something greater. Your path reflects that pursuit, from your dedication to your faith and community to your resilience in physical and personal goals.

Excellence is a noble pursuit, Kevin, and I admire your resolve. What steps are you taking today to live out this commitment?

(poem, gym, new member certificate, vacuum car, grocery store, meal prep, SPEECH ROUGH DRAFT, ETM meeting, ETM Officer meeting, trading with Lin Jiaye)

TODAY’S WORD: Why a Scarcity of Divine Guidance Matters Today

HIGH FIVE! (YEAH)

Amos 8:11-13 is a powerful passage that speaks of a spiritual famine—not a lack of food or water, but a scarcity of hearing the words of the Lord. The prophet Amos warns that a time will come when people will desperately seek divine guidance but will not find it. This judgment is directed at Israel, which had turned away from God, embracing corruption and idolatry.

The passage emphasizes the consequences of rejecting God’s word. Just as physical famine leads to suffering, a famine of God’s truth leads to spiritual despair. People will wander, searching for meaning and direction, but without God’s voice, they will be lost. The mention of young men and women fainting from thirst symbolizes the deep longing for divine wisdom that will go unfulfilled.

This passage serves as a warning about the importance of valuing and seeking God’s word while it is available. It highlights the dangers of ignoring spiritual truth and the inevitable consequences of turning away from divine guidance.

Does this interpretation align with what you were thinking?

YOU KNOW… praying for her.

LET’S GET IT.

TODAY’S WORD: The Transformative Power of Faith in Psalm 22

HIGH FIVE! (let’s go2 work)

Psalm 22 is a deeply profound passage that captures both human suffering and divine redemption. It begins with the anguished cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”—words later echoed by Jesus on the cross, directly linking this psalm to the Passion narrative.

Written by David, Psalm 22 expresses intense feelings of abandonment and distress, yet it transitions into unwavering trust in God’s deliverance. The psalm vividly describes suffering, including imagery of being surrounded by enemies, physical weakness, and even the piercing of hands and feet—elements that many Christians see as prophetic references to Christ’s crucifixion.

Despite its sorrowful beginning, the latter half of the psalm shifts toward hope and restoration. David proclaims that God does not ignore suffering but ultimately brings salvation. This transformation from despair to praise reinforces the idea that even in the darkest moments, faith prevails.

Given your deep connection to biblical texts, how does Psalm 22 resonate with your understanding of perseverance and faith?

WE HAVE A NEW LEARNING CENTER FOR EMPLOYEES STARTING IN THE HR OFFICE. (let’s check it out)

That’s exciting! A new learning center means fresh opportunities for growth and development. Whether it’s leadership training, skill-building workshops, or professional development resources, this could be a great way for employees to level up in their careers.

Do you have any specific goals for engaging with the learning center? Maybe there are courses or programs that align with your passion for community leadership or personal growth. Let’s explore how it could contribute to your journey!

THANKS BE TO GOD.

TODAY’S WORD: Resilience and Perseverance in Biblical Context

HIGH FIVE! (Let’s go2 that GYM this morning)

Mark 14:26-31 is a deeply significant passage that highlights both Jesus’ foreknowledge and the disciples’ human frailty. After singing a hymn, Jesus and his disciples go to the Mount of Olives, where he predicts that they will all fall away, citing the prophecy, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” (Zechariah 13:7) This moment underscores the inevitable fulfillment of scripture and the testing of faith that is about to unfold.

Peter, in his characteristic boldness, insists that even if all others fall away, he will remain steadfast. However, Jesus solemnly tells him that before the rooster crows twice, he will deny him three times. Peter, along with the other disciples, vehemently denies this possibility, declaring his willingness to die rather than betray Jesus.

This passage serves as a powerful reminder of human weakness in the face of fear and adversity. It foreshadows Peter’s denial and the disciples’ abandonment, yet it also sets the stage for redemption. Peter’s failure does not define him; rather, his later repentance and restoration demonstrate the grace and forgiveness available through Christ.

Given your deep interest in biblical texts, how do you see this passage influencing your understanding of faith and perseverance?

I attended a Toastmasters conference this past weekend… One of the Educational Speakers touched me deeply… He spoke about his life experiences and the resiliency we have when overcoming life’s challenges… WE NEED PERSERVANCE AND CONSISTANTCY TO FEARLESSLY GO FORWARD AND OVERCOME OUR CHALLENGES. (my faith is telling me that I am headed in the right direction)

That sounds like an incredibly powerful experience, Kevin. Resilience, perseverance, and consistency—those are foundational qualities that shape not only personal growth but also faith itself. It’s inspiring to see how this message resonated with you and affirmed what you already believe in your heart.

Your dedication to overcoming challenges with steadfast faith aligns beautifully with biblical teachings. Just as Peter faced moments of weakness yet found redemption, you are embracing the journey with courage, trusting that you’re headed where you’re meant to be.

This reflection seems to echo the path you’ve been carving—whether through your leadership in Toastmasters, your commitment to community service, or your personal pursuit of peace and stability. Keep pressing forward with fearless determination. Your faith is guiding you, and that conviction will carry you through whatever lies ahead.

FEARLESSLY FORWARD.

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding Revelation 7: Hope and Victory

HIGH FIVE! (walking this morning… GYM tomorrow)

Revelation 7:13-17 is a profound passage that highlights divine redemption, eternal comfort, and the victory of the faithful. In this scene, one of the elders asks John about the identity of those clothed in white robes. The answer reveals that these individuals are those who have come out of the great tribulation, having washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb2.

Key Themes:

  • Victory through Christ: The white robes symbolize purity, achieved through the sacrificial blood of Jesus.
  • Deliverance from suffering: These individuals endured tribulation but are now in God’s presence, free from hunger, thirst, and pain.
  • God’s eternal care: The passage promises that the Lamb will shepherd them, leading them to living fountains of water, and that God will wipe away every tear.

Significance:

This passage offers hope and assurance to believers, affirming that those who remain faithful will experience eternal peace and joy in God’s presence. It speaks to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise—a life free from suffering, guided by Christ Himself.

Kevin, this passage resonates beautifully with your reflections on peace and trust. How does it speak to your journey right now?

I never understood this book… it takes too much of my time to try to understand it… I like those PSALMS BETTER.

I hear you, Kevin. Revelation can be incredibly complex—it’s filled with deep symbolism, prophetic visions, and layered meaning. It takes time, patience, and often a lot of discussion to unpack it all.

Psalms, on the other hand, are more immediate, heartfelt, and poetic—they speak directly to the human experience, offering comfort, praise, and raw emotion. They resonate with where you are right now—seeking peace, trust, and renewal. That’s why you’re drawn to them.

You don’t have to wrestle with Revelation if it doesn’t feed your spirit the way Psalms do. Lean into what brings you closer to God and strengthens your faith. Whether it’s poetry, hymns, or scripture that speaks plainly to your heart—embrace it.

TODAY’S WORD: Understanding Jesus’ Ministry in Mark 1: Key Insights

HIGH FIVE! (yeah)

Mark 1:1-15 is a powerful introduction to Jesus’ ministry, setting the stage for His mission and the call to repentance. It begins with John the Baptist, the prophesied messenger, preparing the way for Christ. His baptism of repentance in the wilderness draws crowds, emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal.

Key Themes:

  • Jesus’ Baptism: When Jesus is baptized, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and God declares, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” This moment affirms His divine identity and mission.
  • Temptation in the Wilderness: Jesus is led into the wilderness for forty days, facing temptation from Satan. This highlights His endurance and victory over sin.
  • The Call to Repentance: Jesus begins His ministry with a bold proclamation: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” This marks the arrival of God’s reign and the urgency of faith.

Significance:

This passage establishes Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, the Son of God, and the bringer of salvation. It calls believers to repentance and faith, emphasizing that the kingdom of God is near. It also highlights the spiritual battle Jesus faced, showing His strength and obedience.

You can explore more insights on this passage here. How does this passage speak to your reflections on faith and renewal, Kevin?

you know… I want to live a long, healthy, fruitful life… WANNA ROCK WITH ME???

CALGARY (Rotary Convention in June)

TODAY’S WORD: The Power of Grace: Living Righteously in Faith

HIGH FIVE! (You know it!)

Romans 6:1-4 is a powerful passage that speaks to spiritual transformation, baptism, and new life in Christ. Paul addresses a crucial question: Should we continue in sin so that grace may abound? His emphatic response—“By no means!”—sets the foundation for understanding the believer’s relationship with sin and grace.

Key Themes:

  • Dying to sin: Paul explains that believers, through baptism, are united with Christ in His death. This signifies leaving behind the old, sinful nature.
  • Buried with Christ: Baptism is a symbolic act of being buried with Christ, marking the end of the old life.
  • Raised to new life: Just as Christ was raised from the dead, believers are called to walk in newness of life, transformed by His resurrection power.

Significance:

This passage emphasizes that grace is not a license to sin—instead, it calls believers to live in the reality of their new identity in Christ. Baptism represents a profound shift: a movement from death to life, from bondage to freedom. It is a declaration that the believer is no longer enslaved to sin but empowered to live in righteousness.

This passage resonates deeply with themes of renewal and commitment, Kevin—especially as you reflect on faith, peace, and trust. How does this passage speak to your journey right now?

You know… it still gets me fired up that that “Christian” called the Baptismal water in my Church – A BIRD BATH… (I am serving as an Area Director again next year)

That’s fantastic, Kevin! Your leadership in Toastmasters is an incredible way to inspire others, sharpen communication skills, and empower growth. Stepping into another year as an Area Director means you’ll have even more opportunities to mentor, guide, and build confidence in those around you.

You’ve always had a heart for lifting others up—whether through faith, community, or personal development. This role is another way you’re walking in that purpose.