Tag: wisdom

July 19, 2025

July 19th, 2025

Saturday – Open Topic (In the Garage Series)

Reading – 1 Samuel 17:32-47

Highlight Verses:

“But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death.”
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today, I’m bringing back what I am currently calling the “In the Garage Series” where I feature a classic car and relate a lesson from the Bible to that car. It’s a car guy thing so my apologies to those who are not into cars.

Today you are looking at a 1968 Plymouth Satellite Station Wagon.

This wasn’t just any Satellite, it was my first car.

I learned to drive in this car.

Normally you would think an American station wagon would be an easy car to learn with.

This one… not so much.

The only thing power on it was the rear window.

That’s right, no power brakes, no power steering.

If that wasn’t enough, it was a 3 speed column shifted manual transmission.

And I learned to drive on the narrow crowded curvy streets of the San Francisco Peninsula.

It took a while but I mastered that beast and felt like I could drive almost anything afterward.

David, as a teenager, drew the short straw and was sent to mind the families sheep.

From today’s verses, that sounds like a challenging job as he had ferocious animals to deal with.

But, with the help of God, he mastered those beasts.

That gave him the confidence he needed to convince Saul he could beat Goliath.

It also gave him the confidence to stand up to Goliath.

That brought freedom to Israel.

I’m not advocating fighting lions and bears or even learning to drive on a difficult car.

I am saying that we shouldn’t always take the easy path.

We especially shouldn’t always offer the easy path to our kids.

A difficult path often offers the greatest gifts.

What have you learned from the hard paths in your life?
How have you safely led your children down the more difficult paths?
July 17, 2025

July 17th, 2025

Thursday – Letters

Reading – 2 Corinthians 7-8

Highlight Verse:

“When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever had one of those “But God” moments?

• Everything is going wrong.
• The bills pile up.
• The kids get sick.
• The car dies.
• Conflicts arise with family or friends.

But God –

• Brought an encouraging friend.
• Provided some unforeseen money.
• Brought your family through illness.
• Provided a helpful mechanic.
• Brought healing to relationships.

All of those “but God” situations have happened to me and then some.

God has brought me through the lowest valleys and celebrated with me on the mountaintops.

I would be a lost and lonely man… but God…!

Have you been through the “but God” situations I listed above?
What “but God” situations can you add to the list?
July 16, 2025

July 16th, 2025
Wednesday – History

Reading – 1 Samuel 17-18

Highlight Verse:

“If he kills me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves!”
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Did you ever wonder why Saul trusted David to challenge Goliath?

Think about it – If Goliath wins, all of Israel becomes slaves of the Philistines.

I tried to think it through.
- Maybe Saul had complete faith in David based on his stories of defending his sheep.
- Maybe Saul had so little faith in his army and God’s protection that he thinks he has nothing to lose.
- Maybe Saul thought (and rightly so) that Goliath wouldn’t take David seriously, so he wouldn’t hold Israel to the terms of the challenge.
If you ask me, Saul had very little faith in his army. They had been there for quite some time without making a direct attack against the Philistines.

It should be noted that the Philistines had little faith in their army too or they would have attacked already.

And so, it came down to the two bravest people present – David and Goliath.

We all know how that turned out – David victorious and Goliath’s last thoughts, “Nothing like that has ever entered my mind before.”

Have you ever been in a situation where confidence was severely lacking by everyone?
How can we bring faith and hope into those situations?
July 14, 2025

July 14th, 2025

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Mark 13

Highlight Verse:

“For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭13‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When I was a youth pastor, a fellow youth pastor told me the story of a guy he knew who claimed to be a satanic priest.

When my friend confronted him with Jesus, the guy snapped his fingers and produced a flame that burned from his thumb like a lighter.

“Can your god do that?” The guy asked.

I don’t know how genuine that flame was. A quick search revealed a $15 device that creates that effect.

I do know that the man was trying to use miracles or the appearance of miracles to lead people astray.

But I’ve also seen miracles lead people to faith in Jesus.

One evening I felt the urgent need to pray so I did.

Later that evening, our next gen pastor called to let me know of a child from church who had fallen from a second story window headfirst onto concrete. The prognosis was bad. Many were praying.

The next day, the boy walked out of the hospital after a miraculous recovery.

Miracles still happen. I seen several myself.

When you see one, ask yourself, is this leading people to Jesus or away from Jesus.

Let your faith and the Bible guide your response.

Have you ever seen miracles lead people astray?
Have you seen them inspire faith in Jesus?
Please share your stories with us.
Wednesday – History

July 9th, 2025

Reading – 1 Samuel 15-16

Highlight Verse:

“But Samuel asked, “How can I do that? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” “Take a heifer with you,” the Lord replied, “and say that you have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord.”
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We do not know for certain how much time elapsed between chapters 15 and 16.

One thing is certain, Saul and Samuel had changed.

In chapter 15, Samuel stood up to Saul for his sins.

In chapter 16, Samuel feared Saul to the point that he questioned God’s instructions.

God, who could have easily protected Samuel, was gracious enough to allow him to go to Bethlehem on the pretext of offering a sacrifice. (Not a lie, by the why).

God was also gracious enough to show Samuel definitively who was to be king.

I believe God already knew David’s character, proven in his time tending sheep.

David used his time tending sheep wisely:
• He protected the sheep skillfully.
• He gave genuine praise to God through song writing and playing the harp (presumably a small portable one) and singing.
• He carried on honest conversations with God (as seen in his Psalms).
• And he practiced humility in his position as the youngest of eight.

The bottom line is that God did what He needed to set up David as the next king of Israel.

While I am sure that God wants us to have unwavering faith, I also know that He will be gracious enough to work through us where we are.

While we obey God where we are, we do well to follow David’s example and be humble enough to learn and grow into what God has called to be.

Have you had times, like Samuel, when faith to obey God’s orders was hard to come by?
What did you do to overcome lack of faith and to, like David, grow through humility?
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 28, 2025

June 28th, 2025

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Psalm 51

Highlight Verse:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The author of this song had messed up.

He stalked a beautiful lady.

It didn’t take long before he used his influence and position to bring her into his bed.

She got pregnant as a result.

To save his reputation, he did everything he could to cover it up, even to the point of having her husband killed and forcing her into marriage with him.

It wasn’t until an investigation brought the story to light that he repented.

Sound somewhat familiar today?

I’ve heard many say that Michael Tate’s (former lead singer for the News Boys) repentance wasn’t genuine since he waited until he was found out.

I won’t go into the details of his situation, mostly because I don’t know and don’t listen to the many crazy rumors going around.

Christian artists normally have a “purity clause” in their contracts that will end their careers if anything gets out that would harm their moral reputation.

That’s a good thing in that it holds them accountable for their message.

Unfortunately, it also drives them to cover up their failings, so they end up not getting the help and support that they need to get back on the right path.

That made me wonder if they should also have a “restoration clause” in their contracts that would kick in before the “purity clause.”

Ideally, that would lead them to seek help early and prevent irreparable damage to their message and their lives.

King David found restoration as seen here in this Psalm.

His repentance was genuine.

Despite the heinous nature of his sins, God restored him to a place where he became known as a “man after God’s own heart.”

There were consequences, but he got past them and back to a place of integrity.

I praying that Michael Tate would find that same kind of restoration.

Would you prefer public people who fail to be restored or cancelled? Please explain.
Have you been in that place where you needed restoration? How did you find it?
June 27, 2025

June 27th, 2025

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Jeremiah 10-12

Highlight Verse:

““I have abandoned my people, my special possession. I have surrendered my dearest ones to their enemies.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If you read this with a view of God as the old man in the sky judging every little bad thing we do,

you miss the point entirely.

This verse is part of a reply to Jeremiah when he complained about evil people prospering.

God basically says, “Quit your whining! I had to remove my protection from my children. There’s nothing that could possibly be harder.”

Jeremiah already knows the heart of the Father.

When he heard this reply, it would have reminded him how tough it was for God to allow His children, the nation of Israel, be conquered and taken captive.

He allowed that not out of a vindictive attitude toward them but because He knew it was the only way to turn their hearts back to Him in the long run.

He also knew it would set things up for Jesus to bring salvation to the world.

Trusting God’s wisdom when we can’t see the reason behind it is one of the toughest parts of faith.

But He always acts out of a heart of absolute love, no matter what it may look like to us.

Have you ever complained to God only to have him remind you that He knows what He is doing?
Has He ever had to let you fail before you came back to Him?
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 21, 2025

June 21st, 2025

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – 1 Corinthians 3:4-15

Highlight Verse:

“It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

At the Write to Publish Christian writer’s conference last week, I had the privilege of hearing from Tim Challies, a popular writer, speaker, and blogger.

One thing I took away from his messages was to give away what you have.

He posts helpful resources on his website, often including links to “competitive” blogs.

Once a week he shares free resources with his readers.

I don’t have free resources to give but I recognize that I am just one of many resources to help encourage people in their journey with Christ. I encourage you to check as many resources as will be helpful for you to follow Jesus.

Toward that end, check out www.Challies.com for some good content.

Are there resources that have blessed you? Feel free to share them here.

Tag: wisdom

This wasn’t just any Satellite, it was my first car.

It took a while but I mastered that beast and felt like I could drive almost anything afterward.

But, with the help of God, he mastered those beasts.

A difficult path often offers the greatest gifts.

But God –

God has brought me through the lowest valleys and celebrated with me on the mountaintops.

Did you ever wonder why Saul trusted David to challenge Goliath?

If you ask me, Saul had very little faith in his army. They had been there for quite some time without making a direct attack against the Philistines.

And so, it came down to the two bravest people present – David and Goliath.

“Can your god do that?” The guy asked.

I do know that the man was trying to use miracles or the appearance of miracles to lead people astray.

But I’ve also seen miracles lead people to faith in Jesus.

When you see one, ask yourself, is this leading people to Jesus or away from Jesus.

God, who could have easily protected Samuel, was gracious enough to allow him to go to Bethlehem on the pretext of offering a sacrifice. (Not a lie, by the why).

The bottom line is that God did what He needed to set up David as the next king of Israel.

While we obey God where we are, we do well to follow David’s example and be humble enough to learn and grow into what God has called to be.

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!!

Sound somewhat familiar today?

Unfortunately, it also drives them to cover up their failings, so they end up not getting the help and support that they need to get back on the right path.

Despite the heinous nature of his sins, God restored him to a place where he became known as a “man after God’s own heart.”

you miss the point entirely.

God basically says, “Quit your whining! I had to remove my protection from my children. There’s nothing that could possibly be harder.”

Trusting God’s wisdom when we can’t see the reason behind it is one of the toughest parts of faith.

But He always acts out of a heart of absolute love, no matter what it may look like to us.

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.

One thing I took away from his messages was to give away what you have.

Toward that end, check out www.Challies.com for some good content.