FIVE in FRIDAY - August 1, 2025

   

 Five things that have inspired and encouraged me this week:

1. BIBLE PASSAGE I'M FOCUSING ON

"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”  Matthew 7:7-8 NLT

This passage is at the heart of prayer - asking, seeking, knocking. All of those are active words. Prayer isn't a passive activity, it is an act of faith to pray and trust God to deliver.  

2. BOOK I'M READING

Old Testament Wisdom Literature: A Theological Introduction

I will be teaching Wisdom Literature at our local prison this fall for Carson Newman University and I had to choose a textbook for this class. I've never taught this course before, and I don't remember what the textbook was when I took the class back in the dark ages, so this was my best guess for a textbook. I'm about halfway through and I really like it. Some of it is really academic, but much of it is solid interpretation and application. The authors, Craig G. Bartholomew and Ryan P. O'Dowd do a good job of weaving in the practical application with the academic information. I think it will be a helpful book to the students, and to anyone who wants to learn about this unique genre of literature in the Old Testament. 

3. BOOK I'M LISTENING TO

Get Out of Your Own Way: A Skeptic’s Guide to Growth and Fulfillment, by Dave Hollis

Dave is the the husband of Rachel Hollis, a best selling author and sought after conference speaker. Dave is also a former Disney executive who handled business deals for blockbuster movies. 

The book is his journey of victory over alcoholism, depression, mental frustration and anguish, and getting control of his life. He talks about the mental shifts,  resources, and the power of God that enabled him to take full responsibility for his health, life and future. He also teaches about the discipline it takes to not only get back on track and stay on track. 

4. QUOTE I AM PONDERING 

"You have to train your mind as much as your body." Venus Williams

That is a powerful quote from one of the greatest and most successful tennis players in history. For a great "mind-training" program, follow the instructions of Philippians 4:8, "Fix your thoughts (train your mind) on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

5. FRIDAY FUNNY!

Thanks for checking out Five on Friday. Read my other posts at my website. 

GOSPEL PRAYER

 

I shared this text with my Men's Text Group this week: 

A little encouragement from God's word this morning: 

Jeremiah 31:3 NIV The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." 

Several years ago I read J.D. Greear's book "Gospel: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary." In it he gives what he calls "The Gospel Prayer" which has four parts: 

1. There is nothing I have done that could make You love me less, and nothing I could do that would make You love me more. 

2. You are all I need for everlasting joy. 

3. As You have been to me, so I will be to others. 

4. As I pray, I’ll do so according to the compassion You’ve shown at the cross and the power You demonstrated through the resurrection. 

The first part really wrecked my world in a good way. All of my life I struggled to earn God's love and keep Him happy. I could never do enough and always felt like I was failing God. But God used the Gospel book, The Gospel prayer, and the above verse in Jeremiah to fundamentally change my life. 

It finally sunk in that God's love for me wasn't based on my performance, it was based on His character and promises. He loves me with an everlasting love that doesn't fluctuate based on my behavior. When that truth sunk in, my life changed.

 I pray it sinks into your life as well. 

Check out the video version of this devotional HERE

Praying you have a great week.