Tag: boldness

July 10, 2025

July 10th, 2025

Thursday – Letters

Reading – 2 Corinthians 6

Highlight Verse:

“We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This verse always reminds me of the bumper sticker that reads “But did you die?”

When it comes to lengths one takes for the sake of the Gospel, Paul’s answer to that question would be “yes.”

He was all-in.

He gave it all for the sake of the Gospel.

No compromise.

And it can certainly be argued that there has never been a more effective missionary.

I don’t advocate working so hard for the Gospel that you are always exhausted.

Nor should you put yourself in unnecessarily dangerous situations.

But I do recommend following God’s call on your life wholeheartedly and without compromise.

If that brings days of exhaustion and moments of risk,

I believe God will honor and reward that commitment with effective ministry outcomes.

Your life will bear fruit in direct correlation to your level of commitment.

What spiritual fruit have you seen from times of sacrificial commitment?
What can we do to increase our level of commitment?
July 4, 2025

July 4th, 2025

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Jeremiah 13-15

Highlight Verse:

“Then the Lord said, “These prophets are telling lies in my name. I did not send them or tell them to speak. I did not give them any messages. They prophesy of visions and revelations they have never seen or heard. They speak foolishness made up in their own lying hearts.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭14‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Lies come at us from all directions.

Broadcasters cater their news around ratings and advertisers.

Social media influencers put out whatever gains them views and followers.

Even some pastors shape their messages so they don’t offend, even if that means ignoring sound doctrine.

I’m not going to say it’s worse now than ever.

It might be but this sort of behavior has been going on for thousands of years. Paul spoke of it and here, Jeremiah speaks of it too.

What happens when people ignore outside pressures and speak the Gospel boldly in love, without fear as lead by the Holy Spirit?

Revival!!

That can start today.

If you read this on the day I post it, you can remember to be honest, bold and loving as you share Gospel truth with those you meet at Independence Day gatherings.

In the future, you can follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting whenever you meet people.

Are you ready for revival?
Have you seen it? How have you seen it come about?
June 3, 2025

July 3rd, 2025

Thursday – Letters

Reading – 2 Corinthians 4-5

Highlight Verse:

“If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When I see those pretty little signs with inspirational verses, the first thing I often think about is how those verses are taken out of context.

Then I have to remember how many times I’ve taken this, my favorite verse of the Bible, out of context.

So let’s look at it in context.

Before this verse, Paul talks about how hard working and committed he and his people have been.

After it he speaks of the completely different point of view that Jesus has given them.

In earthly human terms, living by faith in those times was nuts.

They were misunderstood, persecuted, punished, and even killed for their faith.

But their commitment stayed firm because of their new perspective, God’s perspective.

They knew that there was nothing anyone could do that would shake their faith.

That’s being 100% sold out to Jesus!

That’s crazy.

That’s awesome!

What is your favorite verse in the Bible?
What context surrounds it?
June 23, 2025

June 23rd, 2025

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Mark 9

Highlight Verse:

“He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I can so relate to Peter – so awkward, but bold enough to speak up.

Proverbs says that even fools will be thought wise if they are silent (17:28).

But Peter wasn’t afraid to be thought of as a fool.

In this case, his words were awkward and showed a misunderstanding of the situation.

They also showed Peter’s devotion and respect for Jesus, Elijah, and Moses; not to mention that he was calm enough to speak in that incredible situation.

So, yes, we should be wise with our words,

but if I am in a situation where my words could bring praise to God, or comfort, hope, and encouragement to those around me, I hope I have the courage to speak up, even if I sound like a fool.

Have you spoken up in an awkward situation where your words ended up having a positive effect?
How do you decide when it is time to speak out?
June 18, 2025

June 18th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Samuel 9-10

Highlight Verse:

“Saul replied, “But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?””
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭9‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sound familiar?

If you’ve read Judges, it should.

Gideon said almost the same thing; except he was from the tribe of Manasseh.

Was it false humility?

I think it was more like fear.

For Gideon it was likely fear of failure.

But here in this chapter, I get the feeling Saul had a fear of responsibility and the inconveniences that came with it.

Saul had a pretty comfy life.

His father was wealthy.

He was well known and had friends all over Israel.

But if He was king, he couldn’t just do what he wanted when he wanted.

We know from history that he took on that responsibility and took it seriously.

Still, he always carried a selfish attitude.

He carried out his kingship caring more about his position and prestige than the well-being of His people.

He did protect Israel from the Philistines with the help of David.

But then He got jealous and drove away that man of God.

Eventually, God corrected Saul’s errors by bringing David into power.

There are times in our lives when God calls us to do more than we think we can do.

When we fully trust God in those times, there’s no limit to what He can do through us.

What do you think it would have been like if Saul had been as faithful as David?
In what areas is God calling you to be strong and courageous?
June 1, 2025

June 1st, 2025

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 66-68

Highlight Verse:

“Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭66‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When I was I kid, I would sing “solo” – So low no one could hear me.

When I was a teen, I heard one worship leader say, “If God gave you a great voice, sing out loud in thanks for it. If He gave you a terrible voice, sing even louder and get even.”

From that moment I’ve sung out loud and unashamed.

I had the privilege not long after that, of attending a little country church in the hills of southwest Virginia.

We had no regular choir, but the song leader would put the call out each week for people to come sit in the choir section.

I always moved to that section.

I am sure that we sounded awesome.

Half of us were off key and too loud but we had undeniable joy.

I had come to church late enough times to know that the sound carried beyond those rafters to resound throughout Spring Valley.

The joy that went out in those rousing renditions of “Power in the Blood” and “Victory in Jesus” could make the dead rise.

When you sing in true praise and worship, proclaiming the greatness of God to the World, people take notice.

Many are those who have thought, “I wish I could be a part of that.”

You can.

And you can bring that joy to others.

What’s your favorite praise or worship song?
What has your experience in praise and worship been like?
April 15, 2025

April 15th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 24

Highlight Verse:

“So they called Rebekah. “Are you willing to go with this man?” they asked her. And she replied, “Yes, I will go.””
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭24‬:‭58‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In a culture and time when arranged marriages were the norm, it struck me as odd that they asked Rebekah whether she wanted to go be Isaac’s wife or not.

She stepped out in faith, said yes, and was rewarded with a place in history.

This is one of the earliest examples of the fair treatment of women in the Bible. At least it seemed fair in the context of that culture.

It is true that her father and brother already agreed to the marriage, but they gave her an out.

While we aren’t given details of her reaction, we can infer at the end of the chapter that she was at least somewhat excited at meeting Isaac.

After all, it was literally a match made in heaven. (And – no, I am not advocating arranged marriages).

What is your reaction to the way Isaac and Rebekah’s marriage was arranged?
What would you have done in Rebekah’s shoes?
March 27, 2025

March 27th, 2025

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Romans 13

Highlight Verse:

“For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I finally figured out how to not get any traffic tickets – obey the traffic laws.

But seriously, I always wondered how Paul could write this as a follower of someone who was crucified for rebelling against authority.

But then I remember that Jesus was God, the ultimate authority.

Beyond that, Jesus submitted to earthly authorities where they aligned with God’s will. That included submitting to carrying the cross and being crucified.

Paul also submitted to authority to the point of imprisonment and death. He never stopped preaching, but he submitted to the earthly consequences for obeying God.

They did not ignore earthly authority. They respected it. They obeyed God. But when earthly authorities punished them for obeying God, they submitted.

Have you ever had to choose to obey God in defiance of earthly authority?
What happened and why?
March 24, 2025

March 24th, 2025

Monday – Gospels

Reading – John 13

Highlight Verse:

“Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.”
‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus knew when He was going to die.

Of course, He also knew He was going to be resurrected but that time before His ascension would also be limited.

He timed His actions accordingly. He made the most of every opportunity to heal people, teach the Gospel, and especially train His disciples.

That brings me to the question, if I knew when I was going to die, how would I live differently?

Certainly, as the day approached, I would value each minute.

The simple truth is, I will die. It could be 30 years from now or it could be next week.

I won’t get any of those minutes back to do over.

I want to make the most of each one by making a difference in the lives of those around me.

That’s why I try to be an involved father for each of my kids. It is why I’ve stayed involved in student ministry. It’s why I write novels. It’s even why I write this.

I miss many opportunities, and I have a tough time figuring out how to prioritize them each day. But I trudge on trying to do my best.

We each have been given the same number of minutes each day. We each have opportunities and gifts given to us.

How will you make the most of the opportunities given to you?
Is there anything you need to change to make more of those opportunities?
March 17, 2025

March 17th, 2025

Monday – Gospels

Reading – John 12

Highlight Verse:

“Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.”
‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When I read this, I had to wonder, how would Lazarus have reacted if he knew he was a target.

Maybe he wouldn’t have worried about it. After all, he’d been dead before, and that turned out alright.

Maybe he would be angry and try to fight back against the priests.

Or maybe he would be afraid, but I suspect he wouldn’t be nearly as afraid as the priests were of him.

The priests were afraid of the one true source of life (Jesus) and any who would lead people to life (like Lazarus).

I hope to bring such light into the world to be considered a threat to the enemy of light.

In this chapter, Jesus brings life to Jerusalem in a way that split history in two.

May we continue to bring that life!

How would you react if the main religious leaders were out to take your life?
Is your faith in Jesus strong enough to face death for His sake?

Tag: boldness

This verse always reminds me of the bumper sticker that reads “But did you die?”

He was all-in.

I believe God will honor and reward that commitment with effective ministry outcomes.

Lies come at us from all directions.

Even some pastors shape their messages so they don’t offend, even if that means ignoring sound doctrine.

Revival!!

So let’s look at it in context.

But their commitment stayed firm because of their new perspective, God’s perspective.

That’s being 100% sold out to Jesus!

I can so relate to Peter – so awkward, but bold enough to speak up.

But Peter wasn’t afraid to be thought of as a fool.

Was it false humility?

He carried out his kingship caring more about his position and prestige than the well-being of His people.

When we fully trust God in those times, there’s no limit to what He can do through us.

From that moment I’ve sung out loud and unashamed.

The joy that went out in those rousing renditions of “Power in the Blood” and “Victory in Jesus” could make the dead rise.

And you can bring that joy to others.

In a culture and time when arranged marriages were the norm, it struck me as odd that they asked Rebekah whether she wanted to go be Isaac’s wife or not.

She stepped out in faith, said yes, and was rewarded with a place in history.

This is one of the earliest examples of the fair treatment of women in the Bible. At least it seemed fair in the context of that culture.

But then I remember that Jesus was God, the ultimate authority.

They did not ignore earthly authority. They respected it. They obeyed God. But when earthly authorities punished them for obeying God, they submitted.

Jesus knew when He was going to die.

That brings me to the question, if I knew when I was going to die, how would I live differently?

I want to make the most of each one by making a difference in the lives of those around me.

When I read this, I had to wonder, how would Lazarus have reacted if he knew he was a target.

I hope to bring such light into the world to be considered a threat to the enemy of light.

May we continue to bring that life!