FIVE ON FRIDAY - JUNE 20, 2025

 

Five things that have inspired and encouraged me this week: 

1. BIBLE VERSE I'M MEMORIZING

7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”  1 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT

I am meeting with a young man once a week for discipleship and relationship building. Last week we committed this verse to memory. Our focus is on the word "train" which is where we get our word "gymnasium" from. It was a word used of athletes training for a competition. 

Paul tells Timothy to train himself to be godly. Often in my Christian life I have "tried" to be godly, but when I would fail (which I inevitably do), I would give up and give in. But "training" is not the same thing as "trying." When you train for something, you don't give up when you fail, you keep working at it, until you are equipped to be successful. My focus these days is training myself to follow Jesus, and when I stumble and fail, I don't give up, I get up and keep training. Memorizing this verse is part of the training that keeps me moving forward. 

2. BOOK I'M READING

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

If you have been reading my "Five on Friday" for a while, you are probably picking up that I am a pretty eclectic reader. Most of the things I read are Christian books, often related to ministry or spiritual growth, but I don't limit myself to one genre of literature. I am trying to grow as a person, so I want to gain as much information as I can to help me. 

I heard Rubin on a podcast recently and I've had her book on my shelf for a while, and decided to go ahead and give it a shot. Rubin is a lawyer turned writer who was happily married and mother of two children, but didn't believe she was as happy as she could be. She decided to take a year-long journey to see if she could make improvements in her life that would push her "happiness meter" a little higher. 

I'm not too far into the book, but I can say that it is less about "happiness" and more about working on yourself to be a better person. She focuses on the aspects of her life that she believes would bring her more happiness, if she improved in those areas. So far, it is a pretty good read, but I'll let you know. 

 

3. SONG I AM WORSHIPING WITH

What An Awesome God by Phil Wickham

Years ago, in my brief stint as a Youth Director in the late 1980's I also attempted to become a Youth Choir Director. If you've heard me lead the hymn on Wednesday nights you can probably guess what a disaster that was. However, there was one song that I felt we did pretty good on, Rich Mullins' classic "Awesome God." It is a powerful yet simple song, tailor-made for an aspiring choir leader. 

Recently Phil Wickham, alongside co-writer Jonathan Smith, created a new version built around Mullins' unforgettable chorus. It was released in a year that would have marked Mullins’ 70th birthday, a great tribute to his impactful legacy. 

I love the song because of the powerful lyrics, and the memories it stirs of a time when I thought I could sing 😊. Check out Wickham's "Sunset Walk" version. 

4. QUOTE I AM PONDERING 

"How is it possible to know you have great faith, humility, and love, unless God put you into great trials, that you may know whether you have them or not." George Whitefield

George Whitefield (1714-1770)  was a well-known evangelist during the Evangelical revival in England and America, and often a co-laborer with John and Charles Wesley. After being ordained to the ministry, Whitefield felt a great burden for those who  would never darken the doors of the church, so he took the gospel to them through "open-air preaching." He would go to fields or street-corners or anywhere people were, and preach the gospel of salvation. 

His success also brought enemies, from both inside and outside the church. Many people would come to hear him preach just to mock and ridicule him. But the more aggressive persecution came from pastors, bishops and other church leaders who despised his unorthodox methods and criticized his open-air practices. They believed him to be undignified and often sought legal means to stop him from preaching. He could speak first hand of persecution. 

One of his more famous sermons was titled, “Persecution Every Christian’s Lot.” In it he presented a biblical perspective on Christian suffering. His conclusion was that one of the reasons God allowed His servants to be persecuted, was to reveal to them their own faith, humility, and love. It was primarily in the context of suffering persecution that the true character of the servant of the Lord came through.

5. DAD JOKE I'M DIGGING

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FIVE ON FRIDAY - June 13, 2025

 

Five things that have inspired and encouraged me this week: 

1. BIBLE VERSE I'M MEDITATING ON

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.  Acts 20:24

This verse was highlighted for me when I read about a pastor who had this verse tattooed on his arm as a visual reminder to stay focused on his ministry to the end of his life. I'm not really a tattoo guy (though if I ever decided to get one, this verse would definitely be in the running), but I am committing this verse to memory. 

I think I may have some form of ADD of life because I get distracted so easily. It's usually good things that get my attention, but "good things" and "THE THING" are not the same thing. God called me to preach the gospel, and regardless of what else is going on in my life, I want to stay focused on that calling. I pray memorizing this verse will help. 

2. BOOK I'M READING

Prayer: Key to Revival by Paul Y. Cho 

Paul Cho was the founder and longtime pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea, the largest church in the world. He started the church in a tent with four other people, just after the Korean War. Today the church hosts services of some sort every day of the week, and has more than 800,000 registered members who meet in cell groups (LIFE groups) all over the city. Cho attributes the success of the church to one main thing - prayer. The church owns a mountain called Prayer Mountain and every morning at 5:00am thousands of people gather to pray. They have a 10,000 seat auditorium for corporate prayer meetings as well as some 250 "prayer grottos" where individuals can go to spend time with the Lord.  Prayer meetings continue in some form throughout the day. Though Pastor Cho passed away in 2021, the church continues to thrive and impact the world for Christ. 

Though I wouldn't agree with all of Cho's theology, I'm learning a lot from his teachings on prayer. From the cover of the book: 

"It has been historically true that prayer has been the key to every revival in the history of Christianity ... No man can schedule a revival, for God alone is the giver of life. But ... when the fullness of time has come and prayer ascends from a few earnest hearts, then history teaches it is time for the tide of revival to sweep in once more." 

Amen! Do it again LORD!

 

3. JOURNAL I'M TRYING OUT

 Moonster Leather Journal Refillable Notebook

I've been a "journaler" most of my adult life but I don't really have a regular, consistent way of doing it. Most recently I've just been journaling in Google Docs and printing them at the end of each month and putting them in notebooks (praying that after I am gone my family will want to know a little more about who I really was). But I've always like the feel of putting pen to paper, so I thought I would give this little journal a try. Been using it for about a week now and there are some good things I like about it: 

• It's compact - I didn't want a full size notebook, or a notecard sized one either. This is a good "middle of the road" size. 
• I love the classic look and the leather feel. It's soft, durable and comfortable in my hands. 
• It's refillable - this was the big thing for me. I've had leather journals in the past, but when you fill them up, you have to buy a whole new one. This one you can just replace the notebook inside, which is a pretty standard size. 

I'm looking forward to using it on our upcoming trip to Alaska

4. VIDEO I AM WATCHING 

 Speaking of the upcoming trip to Alaska, our mission team will be based in the village of Tok, Alaska. A couple of weeks ago I came across this video from "Backroads Buddies" who traveled to Tok and shared some beautiful pictures from the area around it, as well as some sights in the village. Check it out. 

5. DAD JOKE I'M DIGGING

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FOCUSED TO THE END

 

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy,  and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 

Acts 20:24 NKJV

Those words were spoken by the Apostle Paul as he was traveling to Jerusalem. He had been warned that trouble and suffering was waiting for him there, and many of his friends begged him not to go because of the danger. A prophet had even warned him that if he went, he would be bound and arrested. 

But Paul was a man of focus and he knew the Lord was sending him there, and for Paul, the most important thing in his life was doing what the Lord had called him to do. Nothing else mattered, not even his own life. 

That kind of focus is powerful and makes a difference! In my opinion, next to Jesus, no one else in history has done more for the kingdom of God than Paul. And God was able to use Paul in such a great way because he focused on the Lord and His call on his life. 

A famous quote that is often attributed to D.L. Moody "The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him." This quote was actually spoken by Henry Varley to Moody. Moody then famously responded, "By God's help, I aim to be that man.” God certainly did great things through Moody, but he was following the example of the Apostle Paul who stayed focused on the task of preaching the Gospel of grace, to the end of his life. 

The above verse and Paul’s example of focus have been causing me to reevaluate my life and ministry. I know God has called me to “preach the gospel”; those were the words I heard, but I often allow myself to get distracted by other things, including “ministry” things. 

If you’ve read this far, I ask you to say I pray for me, that I may have the kind of focus to finish my calling of preaching the gospel for the rest of my days in this life. I want to be focused all the way to the end.

FIVE ON FRIDAY - June 6, 2025

 

Five things that have inspired and encouraged me this week: 

1. THIS SPECIAL DAY

Today we pause to honor the 81st anniversary of D-Day, one of the most pivotal moments in modern history. On June 6, 1944 the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare began. Part of a larger operation called Operation Overlord, Allies used over 5,000 ships and landing craft to land more than 150,000 troops on five beaches in Normandy, France. The landings marked a turning point in World War II, which ultimately would lead to the defeat of Germany and Adolf Hitler. 

In the invasion of Normandy, more than 4,400 allied troops were killed (2500 American) and more than 5,000 were wounded. Through strategic execution and sheer determination, the Allied forces overwhelmed the German lines to establish a foothold in Europe. What began on D-Day ended with the surrender of Germany less than a year later. 

We owe a debt of gratitude to the brave military personal who accomplished what few people thought possible. There aren't many D-Day veterans remaining today, but I am grateful for all who gave their all for freedom. 

2. BIBLE VERSE I'M MEDITATING ON

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

This verse came out of our last men's group as we were discussing how we sometimes fail to express ourselves in Christ-honoring ways when we are frustrated or angry. One of our Elders said this verse helps him keep a check on his tongue and attitude. I'm committing it to memory so that it will help me also. 

3. PRINCIPLE I AM PRACTICING

I finished reading Greg McKeown's book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. In his chapter on FOCUS, McKeown tells of Larry Gelwix, who served as the volunteer Head Coach of the Highland Rugby team in Salt Lake City Utah for 36 years. He established an unbelievable record of 418 wins and only 10 losses, and was the inspiration for the movie, Forever Strong. 

Gelwix's coaching (and life) philosophy centered on one primary word W.I.N. which stands for "What's Important Now." Gelwix taught his players to play in the moment, forgetting past mistakes and concentrating only on the present situation and the play they were on right now. Throughout the game, they were to always be thinking, "What is Important Now?" and focusing on what they were doing at the present moment to win. If they were thinking about past mistakes, or future possibilities, they would lose focus on what they were supposed to be doing now. 

"What's Important Now" is a great question to ask myself throughout the day. Though I don't think I have ADD or anything like that, I do find myself getting distracted by unimportant, non-essential things (like Social Media, and TV ). I've been asking myself this question a lot lately, and it has helped me stay focused on what is important in the present situation. It also reminded me of what Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus, 

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT

We can W.I.N. everyday by focusing on making the most of every opportunity the Lord gives us. 

4. QUOTE I'M PONDERING

"In many cases, what you hope to learn by reading books or listening to podcasts can only be learned by attempting what you fear. Some knowledge is only revealed through action." James Clear

James Clear is the author of Atomic Habits and I subscribe to his weekly email 3-2-1 Thursday, which he calls "The most wisdom per word than any newsletter on the web." The quote is from his book, but came to me through the newsletter. 

I'm a reader, and I have often heard that if you read 10 books on one subject, you become and expert in that subject. I don't know if that is true, but I do know that I sometimes let reading be an excuse for inaction. 

One of the elements of my spiritual life that I have been convicted about is prayer. I've read more than 10 books on prayer and I can honestly say I am NOT an expert. In fact, I'm guilty of reading books on prayer instead of actually praying. 

James Clear is correct, there are some things you can only learn to do by doing them, and prayer is one of them. So Clear's quote has been motivating me to pray more. I'm still reading books on prayer (more on that next week), but I am also being more disciplined to actually pray as well. 

5. DAD JOKE I'M DIGGING

IN HONOR OF VBS WORKERS THIS WEEK!

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In our church men's group meeting last Thursday night we were discussing how we sometimes struggle with expressing our frustrations in ways that do not honor God. One of our Elders, JBob Dalton said Psalm 19:14 was a verse that had helped him a lot. He didn't quote the verse, just the reference so I had to look it up to see what it said.  Psalm 19:14 is part of a powerful prayer of David: 

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." 

In the previous verse, David prayed, asking God to keep him from "presumptuous sins," that is sins of pride and arrogance. Those are sins that don't often seem like to sin to us. Pride or arrogance are easy to see in other people, but hard to see in ourselves. But presumptuous sins are usually revealed by our words though. As Jesus says in Luke 6:45, "...for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

So in v.14 David isn't just asking for outward "religion," he's praying for a transformed heart that produces pleasing words. He recognizes God as his "rock"—his solid foundation  in a chaotic world. And David calls Him his "redeemer"—the One who buys him back, who sets him free, who makes him new.

It's a beautiful picture, isn't it? When we truly grasp that God is our strength and our rescuer, it changes everything. Our words become an overflow of a heart deeply rooted in Him. Our thoughts become more aligned with His truth and grace.

The word that came to mind when I read v.14 was "ALIGNMENT" and I understood the verse as David saying, "Let my words and my thoughts, align with what pleases You, God." I'm working on memorizing the verse this week, and let that be my prayer - that my words and thoughts will line up with God's will and what pleases Him.

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FIVE ON FRIDAY - May 30, 2025

 

Five things that have inspired and encouraged me this week: 

1. BIBLE VERSE I'M MEDITATING ON

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:11 NKJV

This verse speaks to our ability to defeat Satan by the power of God's provision (the blood of the Lamb) and through our testimony of God's grace and faithfulness, and by not loving our lives in this world. Jesus said in John 12:25 "Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity."  

Revelation 12:11 highlights the overcoming power of faith, the gospel message, and the sacrifice of Jesus. 

2. APP I'M USING

Remember Me. Bible Memory App

I've used this app for a few years now for Bible verse memorization. This free app allows you to memorize Scripture from any Bible translation easily, and provides lots of helps with games, strategies, reminders and more. I love it. 

3. BOOK I'M AUDIO READING

Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most, by Greg McKeown

I'm still reading McKeown's better known book, Essentialism, but I came across this book in audio on the Libby App. In Effortless he builds on the foundation he laid in Essentialism. His central idea is that we can accomplish just as much in life with balance and efficiency as we can by working ourselves to death. He highlights a lot of the issues we have with "burning the candle at both ends" and how we are more productive when we are rested and focused. 

"Getting ahead doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it. No matter what challenges or obstacles we face, there is a better way: instead of pushing ourselves harder, we can find an easier path. Effortless offers actionable advice for making the most essential activities the easiest ones, so you can achieve the results you want, without burning out." 

I'm about halfway through and it has a lot of practical helps to simplify life. 

4. QUOTE I'M PONDERING

"There is a peace passing understanding of which the politicians cannot deprive us." John Newton

Newton is most noted for being the author of the great hymn, Amazing Grace" but he also played a significant role in the British abolitionist movement by transitioning from a slave trader to a vocal critic and advocate against slavery, contributing to the eventual abolition of the slave trade. Newton became a close friend and advisor to William Wilberforce, the leading parliamentary figure in the abolitionist movement. Though it took them many years and many political battles, their collaboration was crucial to the success of the abolitionist cause. 

Newton faced a great deal of public scrutiny and criticism launched by political opponents, but he had a deep faith in God which brought him tremendous peace when the political fiery darts were being fired. 

His quote is a great reminder for followers of Jesus in our political climate today. 

5. DAD JOKE I'M DIGGING

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"Happy" Memorial Day?

 

Happy Monday and Happy Memorial Day. 

It seems weird to say "Happy" Memorial Day, since Memorial Day is a day we remember and honor those who have lost their lives in the service of our country. It seems weird to be "happy" about the loss of lives of our soldiers. 

But, while we are remembering and honoring the fallen, we are also celebrating the freedoms we have in this country because of their sacrifice. Their deaths were not in vain because we are free. To honor them and their sacrifice, we must continue to live in the freedom they gave us. 

Thinking about this brings to mind what Paul wrote in Galatians: 

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 NIV 

Christ's death on the cross set us free from sin and death. He set us free from the burden of religious laws and rituals. We honor His sacrifice today by living in His grace and love, and not being slaves to sin or "religious ritual." 

So honor our fallen soldiers by enjoying your freedom today. And honor Christ's sacrifice by living in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

God bless you and God bless America! 

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FIVE ON FRIDAY - May 23, 2025

 

Here are the things that inspired me this week: 

1. Bible Verse I'm Meditating On

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 CSB

The "therefore" reminds us to go back and read the verses before this one, which explains what Christ has done for us. And because of all He has done, we not only have access to the Father in prayer, but we can confidently come boldly into His presence to get help in our time of need. I love that the writer of Hebrews describes God's presence as "the throne of grace," not the throne of judgment or condemnation, but grace; the place we find mercy and grace in our time of need. Don't be timid in prayer - God wants us to come boldly into His presence. 

As John Newton, the writer of "Amazing Grace" once wrote: 

“Thou art coming to a King, large petitions with thee bring, for His grace and power are such none can ever ask too much.” Amen!

2. Song That Stirs Me UP

Gospel artist CeCe Winans' "That's My King" moves my soul! The upbeat rhythm and powerful lyrics brings out something in my heart that I can only describe as TRUE Worship. Winans says of the song, "It's a song to remind us who we serve. We serve a God who has all power, He knows the end from the beginning. He's your Shepherd, He's your provider, He's a father to the fatherless, He's a mother to the motherless. And when you're reminded of who He is in your life, you can't help but give Him praise." AMEN!

3. Quote That Has Got Me Thinking

"The person who learns the most in any classroom is the teacher. If you really want to learn a topic, then 'teach' it. Write a book. Teach a class. Build a product. Start a company. The act of making something will force you to learn more deeply than reading ever will." James Clear

Clear, the author of "Atomic Habits" is spot on with this quote. You always learn more from teaching than anything else. And this is a great truth for following Jesus and making disciples. When you take a step of faith to disciple someone else, it forces you to be more intentional about being a disciple yourself. You learn more about following Jesus by teaching other people to follow Jesus. 

4. Book I'm Reading

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

McKeown writes, teaches, and speaks around the world on the importance of living and leading as an Essentialist. His book is more than a time-management technique. It is a systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so we can make the highest possible contribution toward the things that really matter.

I'm only a couple of chapters into the book, but he asks some important, but tough self-reflection questions to make you think abut what is really important to you and what you are living your life for. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it. 

5. Dad Joke I'm Digging

A church had a picnic and invited the entire community to come. The Pastor placed a basket full of apples on one end of a table with a sign saying, "Take only one apple please - Remember that God is watching."

On the other end of the table was a plate of cookies where one of the children had placed a sign saying, "Take all the cookies you want -- God is watching the apples."

Bonus - Memorial Day

Monday is Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember those who have given their lives for the freedoms of our nation. The roots of Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, emerged from a desire for healing after the Civil War. With hundreds of thousands of lives lost, communities across both the North and South began to decorate the graves of their fallen soldiers. These "decoration days" often involved worship services and the placement of flowers on graves of loved ones.

For many of us today, it is a time to reflect on the reality of selfless sacrifice of those who have given their all for their country. As we observe Memorial Day, we not only honor the sacrifices made by our service members, but we also acknowledge the spiritual courage and conviction that often guided them. It is a day to reflect on the preciousness of freedom, the cost of its preservation, and to renew our commitment to the values for which so many have given their lives. In remembering them, we are called to live lives worthy of their sacrifice. 

This year is significant in that it is the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. I came across this moving Memorial Day tribute: 

I pray you have a great Memorial Day Weekend, and God bless America!

MONDAY ENCOURAGEMENT - Choose How You Will Live

 

A word of encouragement from our Youth Director, Stiel Lovin's great message yesterday. 

Stiel preached about "Living the Dream" from Daniel 6. It was a great message and this verse and a quote stuck out to me. 

When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 CSB 

 The last few words say it all - "just as he had done before." Some translations say, "as was his practice" or habit. Daniel made it a life-practice to pray everyday. Stiel said, 

"We choose how we live every day. Our life today is the result of the decisions we have made every day." 

That is a powerful truth. Who we are and how we live now is the result of the decisions we made in the past. And who we will be in the future is the result of the decisions we are making today. 

It brings to mind another quote I read a while back, "If you want your life to be better tomorrow, make better decisions today." 

Daniel lived a disciplined life that glorified God. He made that decision every day, and God honored him, and we're still learning from him 2500 years later. Thanks for the great message Stiel. 

Praying that you make today count! Have a blessed week.

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FIVE ON FRIDAY - May 16, 2025

 

Here are the things that have had my attention this week. Thanks for reading!

1. Verse I've been memorizing

"Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer." Romans 12:12 CSB

This verse is actually the verse I picked to not only memorize, but to seek to truly live out this year. I am a natural pessimist and a recovering "chronic worrier." It isn't hard for me to get focused on problems and then escalate to discouragement. I prayerfully chose this verse to help me be intentional about being disciplined to rejoice. It also reminds me to be patient and to be persistent in prayer (another area that I am working to improve in this year). 

2. Book I have been reading

THE GRASSHOPPER MYTH

This is a ministry book written by pastor Karl Vaters. He's the author of five books on church leadership. Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry, featuring interviews about topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context. He has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience.

Having read about half of this book, I already wish it had been available 30 years ago. Vaters powerfully combines his personal narrative of struggle and revelation of his place in kingdom work with essential, practical ministry principles aimed at uplifting those in smaller church congregations. I'm excited to read the rest!

3. Quote I have been pondering

“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” 

I came across this quote by Pablo Picasso in Matthew Dicks' book "Someday Is Today." The quote encapsulates the urgency of pursuing dreams and taking action now. I'm also a recovering procrastinator and quotes like this remind me of the importance of "doing now" what needs or should be done according to my values and desires. 

4. Podcast I have been listening to 

I've been listening to The Art of Manliness hosted by Brett McKay off and on for a few years. According to the site, "The Art of Manliness Podcast is a podcast that aims to help men become better men." I've found a lot of good stuff on the podcast over the years. 

A recent, helpful episode I listened is Podcast #955: The Power of NEAT — Move a Little to Lose a Lot; McKay interviews Dr. James Levine, a professor, a co-director of the Mayo Clinic’s Obesity Solutions Initiative, and the inventor of the Treadmill Desk (yes, it's a real thing). They discuss how regular, simple movement during the day can help lose and keep off extra pounds. Since I am participating in the Healthy Eating and Activity Lab study at the University of Tennessee, the topic appealed to me. The episode is pretty entertaining and very informative. 

5. Song I am listening to

I can't get enough of Josiah Queen's My Promise Land ... seriously, K-Love plays it at least once an hour. But it is a great song, and it is at least partially based on Moses' words to the Lord in Exodus 33. After the Israelites had sinned against God, He threatens to send them to the "Promise Land" without His presence. Moses then intercedes for the Israelites, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here." (33:15). Moses and the people understood that the land God had promised to them would mean nothing without the Lord's presence there. God is our Promise Land!

Bonus: Dad Joke I Am Digging 

Thanks again for reading. Have and awesome weekend! 

Every Good and Perfect Gift

 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 CSB  

James says that "every good and perfect gift" comes from God. I've discovered that a lot of times God's gifts don't initially seem all that good or perfect. 

Three years ago I was experiencing severe A-Fib and was diagnosed with HOCM (look it up, too hard to spell it out 😊), and I was facing open-heart surgery. None of that seemed very good or perfect. But that surgery turned out to be life-changing for me. I've lost over 40 lbs, my heart function is better than it has been in many years and I have more energy now than any time I've had as an adult. What seemed scary to me, turned out to be a good thing for me. I didn't see it at the time, but all of it has been a gift from God. 

We say it a lot at church, but "God is (really) good ... All the time. " 

I pray you enjoy His good and perfect presence (and presents) in your life this week. 

Five on Friday: May 9, 2025

 

Here are five things from the week that I hope inspires you!

1. Bible Verse I am contemplating: 

And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:9-10 NLT

I'm studying 2 Timothy with my DGroup and we studied this verse a couple of weeks ago, but has stuck with me. Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel, and then he said, "the word of God cannot be chained." That is the power of God's word! Even if God's messenger is contained, the message cannot be contained. It reminds me of the passage my friend JBob always reminds me of: "so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11 ESV) The word does the work!

2. Quote that inspires me: 

“Your life today is a result of your thinking yesterday. Your life tomorrow will be determined by what you think today.”  John C. Maxwell

John Maxwell is a prolific author and America's "leadership guru." I am audio reading his book, How Successful People Think. This is one of many quotes that has caught my attention. How you think matters, because your life will go in the direction of your thoughts. 

3. Bonus quotes 

I finished reading Kevin DeYoung's Crazy Busy and it was a helpful read. In his chapter on Sabbath and rest (chapter 8, "Rhythm and Blues"), DeYoung offers this insight: 

"By all accounts, we are sleeping less than ever before. The average American gets two and a half fewer hours of sleep per night than a century ago... Though we often brag about how little sleep we get, studies show sleep deprivation is a trigger for problems like diabetes and obesity." 

Later in the chapter, DeYoung quotes theologian D.A. Carson: 

"Sometimes the godliest thing you can do in the universe is to get a good night's sleep - not pray all night, but sleep. I'm certainly not denying that there may be a place for praying all night; I'm merely insisting that in the normal course of things, spiritual discipline obligates you to get the sleep your body needs." 

These passages really spoke to me about the importance of having balance in life. I am a "doer" so sleep isn't something a value. But as I get older I have realized how important getting enough sleep/rest is to my overall health - not just physical health, but spiritual, mental and emotional health as well. I'm thankful for the above words that remind me to take care of myself and get some sleep. 

4. Text message I've earned from 

A few weeks ago I received a text from a friend and church member. This person was hurt by a sermon I had preached. They understood the point of the sermon about serving others, but felt that it turned into something else, and they explained the things that had bothered them. And even before I had finished reading the text, I knew they were absolutely right. In fact, as I was preaching the sermon, I knew I was off-base and preaching more in the flesh than in the Spirit. My words were laden with guilt and borderline abusive. 

 I apologized to my friend, and thanked them for their feedback, assuring them that this kind of feedback was invaluable to a preacher/pastor. As I have been thinking and processing our text conversation, here are three things that I have come to realize: 

a. Even after 33 years of preaching, I sometimes still operate in the flesh rather than the Spirit. This person's text was humbling because they were right, and it was a good reminder to make sure my heart is right and I am preaching in His Spirit, not my own. 

b. I realized what a true friend I have. In 33 years of preaching I have had a number of people leave the church, only to find out through the grapevine that they left because of something I said in a sermon. But they never said anything to me... they just left. I am thankful that my friend loved me enough to contact me and let me know how I had hurt them. It takes a lot of maturity and courage to do something like that. I am blessed to have a friend who loves me enough to be honest with me. 

c. Finally, I've learned that God is still sovereign and can use even my failures for His glory. After I had preached the sermon, another friend and church member told me that the message was exactly what they needed. Even in my weakness, He is strong and even though the messenger failed, God's word did not. 

I am truly thankful for my friend and their text, it has helped me immensely. 

5. Dad joke I'm digging 

Be blessed and have a great weekend!

Seek the Lord

 

Monday Morning Encouragement: 

A little word of encouragement to start the day/week. 

I'm reading in a Youversion Bible plan for my daily reading and this morning I came across this verse: 

Rehoboam did what was evil, because he did not determine in his heart to seek the Lord. Rehoboam was the son of King Solomon who became king when his father died. 2 Chronicles 12:14 CSB 

Not long after he became king Rehoboam made a foolish decision that split the kingdom and it was downhill from there. Though he reigned for 17 years, they were years of turmoil and failure. And in summary, the writer gives this reason - he did evil because he didn't determine in his heart to seek the Lord. It doesn't say he did evil because he had a rough childhood, or because he wasn't taught any better, or even that he was a bad person. He did evil because he didn't seek the Lord. 

To me, it is a great reminder to examine myself and make sure I have my priorities right. I am a "doer" and I'm prone to focus on tasks that need to get done. But I've learned (the hard way) that my first "task" every day is to seek the Lord and make sure my heart is right with Him. Life is different when I have my priorities right. 

Hope this encourages you. Love you guys. Praying you have a great week.

Five on Friday: May 2, 2025

 

Five things from the week that I pray inspires or encourages you!

1. Bible I Am Exploring

I came across clip of a pastor preaching, and in his sermon he said he was going to read from the "Y'all" version of the Bible. My initial thoughts were, this is probably an attempt at southern humor, but surprisingly the pastor read the text in all seriousness and the text communicated his point. I had to investigate and discovered the Y'All Bible Version website (yallversion.com); it's a real thing! According to the introduction, "The goal of Y’all Version (YALL) is to reclaim the Bible as an ancient text written not just for you, the individual, but for y’all, the community of faith in the one true God, whose name is YHWH." It started out as website, but has developed into a unique translation of the Bible that notes where the "you" singular and the "you" plural are used, as well as a few other features such as using "YHWH" as the name for God in the Old Testament. I purchased a paper copy and though I'm just beginning to explore it, I'm enjoying the read. 

2. Song I Am Listening To

"a lil Church (nobody’s too lost)" by Toby Mac. Mac is an award winning singer, song-writer and producer who seems to become more reflective with age. The song speaks to me through the chorus, 

"I could use a little church right now

Love to have a little family around

I've been feelin' so overwhelmed

I could use a little church right now" 

He goes on in the third verse to talk about what the Church is - not a building with pews and parking lots, but rather the Church is people who are the hands and feet of Jesus. The song is catchy and the lyrics are encouraging, and I am loving it!

3. Verse I Am Meditating on

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

This is another 'oldie-but-goodie" verse. I memorized it years ago and God still uses it to encourage me, especially when things get tough. The context is interesting; Jeremiah lives in Jerusalem during the first part of the Babylonian Exile, but this verse is part of a letter that he writes to Jews who had been removed from Jerusalem and exiled to Babylon. They were anticipating that the exile wouldn't last long they would be home soon. But Jeremiah writes to tell them that would not be the case - they were going to be there for the next 70 years. Probably not the news they wanted to here, but in the midst of it Jeremiah tells them that God wasn't finished with them yet, and His plan was to give them a future and a hope. It is a good reminder of the old adage that "Life is hard, but God is good."

4. Book I'm Reading

Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung. The book is about developing and maintaining some margins and balance in your life so that in all of the "busyness" of life, you don't lose your mind, health, family or anything else that is important to. DeYoung is a pastor, author, blogger, conference speaker, father and more. He states up front that he is not writing this book as someone who has it all figured out. Rather, he is writing this to help him figure it out. 

I'm only a couple of chapters in, but the line that has stuck with is, "When our lives are frantic and frenzied, we are more prone to anxiety, resentment, impatience, and irritability." (p.26) Busyness isn't just a "problem" it can be dangerous to your soul and your relationships. 

5. Dad Joke I'm Digging

Why don't crabs volunteer? 

                         Because they're "shellfish." (selfish)  😂😂😂

Blessings! have a great weekend!!!

Read my previous blog posts here - https://revglm.blogspot.com/

Jesus Said, "Follow Me"

 

(Almost) every Monday I text a couple of groups of men. I call it "encouragement" because I figure that is what most of them (and I) need on a Monday morning. Many of these guys pour themselves out for their families, and their jobs during the week and their church on the weekends, and I want to try to pour a little back into them. 

I am also trying to be more disciplined in writing and blogging; so to kill-two-birds-with-one-stone so to speak, here is the Monday Morning Encouragement for this week: 

Good Monday morning men. A little encouragement from the Lord's word this morning. 

Yesterday we studied John 21:15-19, where Jesus forgave Peter and restored his faith. At the end of v.19 it says, John 21:19 NLT ... Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” These were the same words Jesus used when He first called Peter to be His disciple. Those two words (follow Me) reveal Jesus' love and grace. They are an invitation to a relationship, or in this case a continuing relationship. Jesus wanted Peter to continue in a relationship with Him, and stay close to Him. 

Sometimes when I sin and fail, I think the Lord is so disappointed in me that He wouldn't want to even be around me, much less want me to identify with Him. Nothing could be further from the truth. The problem with my thinking is that I focus more on myself and my failure than I do on Jesus and His grace. He reminds me that His grace is greater than any and all sin I have committed. Though there may be consequences for my sin and failure, one thing that never happens is that Jesus gives up on me and distances Himself from me. On the contrary, He comes to me, like He did Peter, and restores me and says, "Keep following Me." 

Jesus wants us to stay close to Him even when we have failed. What an amazing Savior!

Love you guys. Praying you have a blessed week!

If you'd like to be added to a text group (guys only 😉) you can comment on this post (only I will see it) and I will reach out to you to get your number (or just text me if you already have my number).

And sometime today, out loud and on purpose, praise the Lord! (DD)