Weekly Verse and Song for Tonight Weeks 630 - 638
February 4, 2026
Week 630
Organization
Genesis 6:14
So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out.
One of the things I started doing last week was organizing the work that I am doing. I have been spending time with a friend, and I was trying to figure out a healthy balance. Last week, I was able to sort that out, as this was something I felt I was led by God to do. As I thought through this, I began looking for a biblical example of organization and its importance. In tonight’s verse, we come to the pages of Genesis 6:14:
So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out.
I recall my mom getting upset with me one week because she could not find a piece of paperwork she had set aside. From a young age, I liked things to be orderly. On this occasion, Mom—knowing this—thought I had thrown something out, but we eventually found it. When I think about this now, I realize Mom had her own way of organizing her “stuff.”
That is analogous to the passage for tonight. God commanded Noah to build the ark and described exactly how it should be built, including how it was to be structured and what animals were to be brought aboard (Genesis 6:13–22). God is a God of order, and His instructions to Noah were detailed and intentional.
Organization, when guided by God, becomes an act of obedience rather than control.
As Christians, we should strive to keep our lives orderly in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord. This isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about living in a way where our priorities are clear and our first place belongs to the Lord.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you Mom, and I love You, Lord.
Home with the One we place first.
Phil Wickham – What an Awesome God (Official Music Video)
Week 630
Organization
Genesis 6:14
So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out.
One of the things I started doing last week was organizing the work that I am doing. I have been spending time with a friend, and I was trying to figure out a healthy balance. Last week, I was able to sort that out, as this was something I felt I was led by God to do. As I thought through this, I began looking for a biblical example of organization and its importance. In tonight’s verse, we come to the pages of Genesis 6:14:
So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out.
I recall my mom getting upset with me one week because she could not find a piece of paperwork she had set aside. From a young age, I liked things to be orderly. On this occasion, Mom—knowing this—thought I had thrown something out, but we eventually found it. When I think about this now, I realize Mom had her own way of organizing her “stuff.”
That is analogous to the passage for tonight. God commanded Noah to build the ark and described exactly how it should be built, including how it was to be structured and what animals were to be brought aboard (Genesis 6:13–22). God is a God of order, and His instructions to Noah were detailed and intentional.
Organization, when guided by God, becomes an act of obedience rather than control.
As Christians, we should strive to keep our lives orderly in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord. This isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about living in a way where our priorities are clear and our first place belongs to the Lord.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you Mom, and I love You, Lord.
Home with the One we place first.
Phil Wickham – What an Awesome God (Official Music Video)
February 11, 2026
Week 631
Being Confident
Psalm 118:8
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in humans.
One area of my existence that I would like help with is being confident. This week, I learned a bit more about confidence, where I needed to get something done, and scheduled this week. I seemingly waited until the last minute, but it wasn't on purpose — it was more because I was not considering the time of the year. In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of Psalm 118:8:
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in humans.
When I was younger, I recall my mom being so worried for me after I graduated from college. I chose a degree that I felt was not going to get me anywhere “workwise.” Shortly before I graduated, my brother gave me a newspaper clipping about getting various computer certifications. I ran with it and felt like I had a plan after graduation. But my brother and mom were not sure. I recall that after I graduated, I found myself sitting down trying to study. My mom was so worried about me and the future that she was standing outside my room, looking at me, so concerned.
However, one thing that I knew was that I was going to do what I set out to do, even if no one understood. At the time, I was not as studious in my relationship with God, but there was something I knew — that God was with me. This was childlike faith that I seem to lose at times.
Today, I must admit that as life continues, this confidence — this childlike faith — seems to lessen from the one I had. My solution for this is by putting three things into practice, and, as Christians, I think we all should:
Look back – reminding ourselves of what He HAS done
Look up – reminding ourselves to place our FOCUS on Him
Look forward – reminding ourselves of ALL that He has done and therefore what He WILL do
-credit: Dr. Charles Stanley
Try putting these into practice and see how your confidence — your childlike faith — increases, because our confidence is in God; therefore, we grow in this.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One whom we have confidence in
Aaron Shust – My Hope Is In You
Week 631
Being Confident
Psalm 118:8
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in humans.
One area of my existence that I would like help with is being confident. This week, I learned a bit more about confidence, where I needed to get something done, and scheduled this week. I seemingly waited until the last minute, but it wasn't on purpose — it was more because I was not considering the time of the year. In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of Psalm 118:8:
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in humans.
When I was younger, I recall my mom being so worried for me after I graduated from college. I chose a degree that I felt was not going to get me anywhere “workwise.” Shortly before I graduated, my brother gave me a newspaper clipping about getting various computer certifications. I ran with it and felt like I had a plan after graduation. But my brother and mom were not sure. I recall that after I graduated, I found myself sitting down trying to study. My mom was so worried about me and the future that she was standing outside my room, looking at me, so concerned.
However, one thing that I knew was that I was going to do what I set out to do, even if no one understood. At the time, I was not as studious in my relationship with God, but there was something I knew — that God was with me. This was childlike faith that I seem to lose at times.
Today, I must admit that as life continues, this confidence — this childlike faith — seems to lessen from the one I had. My solution for this is by putting three things into practice, and, as Christians, I think we all should:
Look back – reminding ourselves of what He HAS done
Look up – reminding ourselves to place our FOCUS on Him
Look forward – reminding ourselves of ALL that He has done and therefore what He WILL do
-credit: Dr. Charles Stanley
Try putting these into practice and see how your confidence — your childlike faith — increases, because our confidence is in God; therefore, we grow in this.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One whom we have confidence in
Aaron Shust – My Hope Is In You
February 18, 2026
Week 632
Our Everything
2 Timothy 4:7-20
Personal Remarks
9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
I commented a few weeks ago in my BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) group, while studying the book of Zechariah, that it seems God brings people into my life and then removes them. This is something I have noticed over time—people who were once my friends and close to me are either no longer my friends or are not as close as they once were. In tonight’s passage, we come to the pages of 2 Timothy 4:7-20:
Personal Remarks
9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Mom said to me once, “…remember your mom is your best friend.” Mom said this to me on one of my most important days. It was such a nice thing my mom told me, and one that I carry with me. I had a lot of dependence on Mom growing up, and we “took care of each other” as I got older.
One thing I realize is that, like Paul in tonight’s verses, we, too, have friends who come and go. However, the Lord is the One who stands with us, as Paul remarked (2 Timothy 4:17–18).
Just this week, I was chatting with a friend, and she said something that bothered me. I was hurt. In people, I think I am sometimes looking for something that can only be found in the Lord. As I struggled with my thoughts this week, the Lord reminded me that He is my Rock. He is my everything. I am not to look to someone else for my everything, but to Jesus.
God brings people into our lives for a season. That season can last a long time, even until death. However, as Christians, we are to remember that God is our everything. No one else can be that for us.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who is our Everything.
Shane & Shane – 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
Week 632
Our Everything
2 Timothy 4:7-20
Personal Remarks
9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
I commented a few weeks ago in my BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) group, while studying the book of Zechariah, that it seems God brings people into my life and then removes them. This is something I have noticed over time—people who were once my friends and close to me are either no longer my friends or are not as close as they once were. In tonight’s passage, we come to the pages of 2 Timothy 4:7-20:
Personal Remarks
9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Mom said to me once, “…remember your mom is your best friend.” Mom said this to me on one of my most important days. It was such a nice thing my mom told me, and one that I carry with me. I had a lot of dependence on Mom growing up, and we “took care of each other” as I got older.
One thing I realize is that, like Paul in tonight’s verses, we, too, have friends who come and go. However, the Lord is the One who stands with us, as Paul remarked (2 Timothy 4:17–18).
Just this week, I was chatting with a friend, and she said something that bothered me. I was hurt. In people, I think I am sometimes looking for something that can only be found in the Lord. As I struggled with my thoughts this week, the Lord reminded me that He is my Rock. He is my everything. I am not to look to someone else for my everything, but to Jesus.
God brings people into our lives for a season. That season can last a long time, even until death. However, as Christians, we are to remember that God is our everything. No one else can be that for us.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who is our Everything.
Shane & Shane – 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
February 25, 2026
Week 633
Respect For Each Other
Matthew 7:12
12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Just this past week, I came across something that a friend had posted a few years ago. The post was made before we met, but it led me to feel concerned and somewhat disrespected. In tonight’s verse, we come to the pages of Matthew 7:12:
12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Growing up, one of the things my mom taught me was respect. It started at home—being respectful to her and to each sibling. That might have been a different story when we were kids, but today there is a strong level of respect that we have for each other. One of the common themes through it all is that respect is given to each person, regardless.
Each person we meet may have a different perspective on what respect looks like. Taking this into consideration, one of the points I shared was that there may be things others do not think about that matter to me, and things I may not think about that matter to them. The main point is this: in our relationships with one another, we should always ask ourselves—are we treating others the way they want to be treated?
It is important to understand this because it is a Biblical mandate given by our Lord.
As Christians, we should follow what Jesus teaches so that we treat each person with respect and care.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who is our Everything.
Shane & Shane: There Is A Fountain (Full of Love)
Week 633
Respect For Each Other
Matthew 7:12
12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Just this past week, I came across something that a friend had posted a few years ago. The post was made before we met, but it led me to feel concerned and somewhat disrespected. In tonight’s verse, we come to the pages of Matthew 7:12:
12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Growing up, one of the things my mom taught me was respect. It started at home—being respectful to her and to each sibling. That might have been a different story when we were kids, but today there is a strong level of respect that we have for each other. One of the common themes through it all is that respect is given to each person, regardless.
Each person we meet may have a different perspective on what respect looks like. Taking this into consideration, one of the points I shared was that there may be things others do not think about that matter to me, and things I may not think about that matter to them. The main point is this: in our relationships with one another, we should always ask ourselves—are we treating others the way they want to be treated?
It is important to understand this because it is a Biblical mandate given by our Lord.
As Christians, we should follow what Jesus teaches so that we treat each person with respect and care.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who is our Everything.
Shane & Shane: There Is A Fountain (Full of Love)
March 4, 2026
Week 634
When Others Are Overwhelmed
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
I was working with a friend today, explaining a few things to her and showing her how to complete a task. As I was walking her through it, she slowly became quiet. I asked her how she was feeling, and she said she felt overwhelmed. In tonight’s passage, we come to First Epistle to the Corinthians 13:4–8:
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
Growing up, I remember a time when I struggled with math. My mom tried to help me understand multiplication and division; however, I just wasn’t getting it. Mom was patient with me and understanding. I kept trying to learn because I truly wanted to understand, but at the time, it simply would not make sense to me.
As I was assisting my friend, I thought about how I would feel if I were learning something new. I shared with her how something similar had once been difficult for me. With that in mind, I found myself showing greater understanding and care. I did not want my friend to feel pressured or discouraged by the way I was teaching her.
As Christians, we must give proper care—whether that is patience, kindness, or gentleness—to those who need it, when they need it. It would not be Christ-honoring to push someone further when they are already feeling overwhelmed. God calls us to love others and to meet them where they are (Hebrews 10:24–25).
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love You, Lord.
Home with the One who meets us where we are.
Gateway Worship – Gratitude + Great Are You Lord (feat. Zac Rowe)
Week 634
When Others Are Overwhelmed
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
I was working with a friend today, explaining a few things to her and showing her how to complete a task. As I was walking her through it, she slowly became quiet. I asked her how she was feeling, and she said she felt overwhelmed. In tonight’s passage, we come to First Epistle to the Corinthians 13:4–8:
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
Growing up, I remember a time when I struggled with math. My mom tried to help me understand multiplication and division; however, I just wasn’t getting it. Mom was patient with me and understanding. I kept trying to learn because I truly wanted to understand, but at the time, it simply would not make sense to me.
As I was assisting my friend, I thought about how I would feel if I were learning something new. I shared with her how something similar had once been difficult for me. With that in mind, I found myself showing greater understanding and care. I did not want my friend to feel pressured or discouraged by the way I was teaching her.
As Christians, we must give proper care—whether that is patience, kindness, or gentleness—to those who need it, when they need it. It would not be Christ-honoring to push someone further when they are already feeling overwhelmed. God calls us to love others and to meet them where they are (Hebrews 10:24–25).
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love You, Lord.
Home with the One who meets us where we are.
Gateway Worship – Gratitude + Great Are You Lord (feat. Zac Rowe)
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March 11, 2026
Week 635
Living Pure
Colossians 3:2
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Just this past weekend, I was hanging out with a friend, and things seemed to be going very well. We were talking a lot. Then the next day, she brought something to my attention and mentioned that she was surprised by some of the things I was saying because she had never heard me talk like that before. I simply said, “Oh, OK, I understand.”
The next day, after BSF, I suddenly began to feel convicted about the things I had said. In tonight's verse, we come to Colossians 3:2:
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
As a kid, I recall a time after my mom disciplined me when I had thoughts of anger and thought things that were not very Christ-like. Even as a young adult, I remember having a lot of anger toward my mom over certain things. As time went on, God allowed a period of separation between my mom and me, where I came to understand that those emotions were wrong. I started seeing things very differently.
I approached my friend the following day and apologized for the words I used in our conversation this past weekend. She mentioned that the conviction I felt was from the Holy Spirit. I thought through many verses, and one thing that came to mind was living pure (Philippians 4:8). The idea of living pure in my thoughts and actions is very powerful to me.
As tonight's verse reminds us, all of this begins in our minds. As Christians, we are not to live according to earthly thinking or say, “I am just human.” Instead, we are to focus our hearts and minds on Christ, who is above and who lived a pure life for us. As followers of Him, we should strive to live lives of purity by focusing our minds and hearts on Jesus.
This week, ask yourself: Are your thoughts pure? If not, focus on Christ. Keep the word “purity” on your heart and mind, and let it echo back to you throughout the day.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who is Pure
Rend Collective - My Lighthouse (Church Online)
Week 635
Living Pure
Colossians 3:2
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Just this past weekend, I was hanging out with a friend, and things seemed to be going very well. We were talking a lot. Then the next day, she brought something to my attention and mentioned that she was surprised by some of the things I was saying because she had never heard me talk like that before. I simply said, “Oh, OK, I understand.”
The next day, after BSF, I suddenly began to feel convicted about the things I had said. In tonight's verse, we come to Colossians 3:2:
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
As a kid, I recall a time after my mom disciplined me when I had thoughts of anger and thought things that were not very Christ-like. Even as a young adult, I remember having a lot of anger toward my mom over certain things. As time went on, God allowed a period of separation between my mom and me, where I came to understand that those emotions were wrong. I started seeing things very differently.
I approached my friend the following day and apologized for the words I used in our conversation this past weekend. She mentioned that the conviction I felt was from the Holy Spirit. I thought through many verses, and one thing that came to mind was living pure (Philippians 4:8). The idea of living pure in my thoughts and actions is very powerful to me.
As tonight's verse reminds us, all of this begins in our minds. As Christians, we are not to live according to earthly thinking or say, “I am just human.” Instead, we are to focus our hearts and minds on Christ, who is above and who lived a pure life for us. As followers of Him, we should strive to live lives of purity by focusing our minds and hearts on Jesus.
This week, ask yourself: Are your thoughts pure? If not, focus on Christ. Keep the word “purity” on your heart and mind, and let it echo back to you throughout the day.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who is Pure
Rend Collective - My Lighthouse (Church Online)
March 18, 2026
Week 636
Self-Control – In the Midst of an Argument
Proverbs 25:28
28 Like a city whose walls are broken through
is a person who lacks self-control.
This past weekend, I was out with a friend, and we were playing pool. Before we started, a bet was made, and during the course of the game, a few things escalated that resulted in me becoming upset to a much higher degree than was really necessary when I look back on it now.
In tonight’s verse, we come to the pages of the Book of Proverbs, chapter 2528:
28 Like a city whose walls are broken through
is a person who lacks self-control.
When I was younger, I saw many different things growing up, based on the neighborhood we lived in and various family situations. One thing I remember is that when my siblings and I had disagreements, things could get pretty rough. However, Mom was always ready to put us in our place because she did not want us acting out.
Essentially, Mom was disciplining us so that as we grew up, we would become better people and learn to exercise self-control.
Tonight’s verse teaches us as Christians the importance of self-control. It compares a lack of self-control to a city whose walls are broken through. In the ancient world, a city without walls was defenseless. The proverb teaches that self-control is like those walls. Without it, we can easily be invaded by emotions, temptations, or outside pressures that can damage our lives.
We must be aware when these thoughts enter our minds and take control of them, as Scripture teaches in 2 Corinthians 10:5.
Is it easy? I can tell you—no. But with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can become aware of our emotions and stop ourselves before things escalate. Many times, situations never need to escalate very far at all.
As Christians, let’s practice something: when emotions begin to overwhelm us in the moment, consciously ask the Lord for help.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who keeps our thoughts in check.
Chris Tomlin – Lord I Need You
Week 636
Self-Control – In the Midst of an Argument
Proverbs 25:28
28 Like a city whose walls are broken through
is a person who lacks self-control.
This past weekend, I was out with a friend, and we were playing pool. Before we started, a bet was made, and during the course of the game, a few things escalated that resulted in me becoming upset to a much higher degree than was really necessary when I look back on it now.
In tonight’s verse, we come to the pages of the Book of Proverbs, chapter 2528:
28 Like a city whose walls are broken through
is a person who lacks self-control.
When I was younger, I saw many different things growing up, based on the neighborhood we lived in and various family situations. One thing I remember is that when my siblings and I had disagreements, things could get pretty rough. However, Mom was always ready to put us in our place because she did not want us acting out.
Essentially, Mom was disciplining us so that as we grew up, we would become better people and learn to exercise self-control.
Tonight’s verse teaches us as Christians the importance of self-control. It compares a lack of self-control to a city whose walls are broken through. In the ancient world, a city without walls was defenseless. The proverb teaches that self-control is like those walls. Without it, we can easily be invaded by emotions, temptations, or outside pressures that can damage our lives.
We must be aware when these thoughts enter our minds and take control of them, as Scripture teaches in 2 Corinthians 10:5.
Is it easy? I can tell you—no. But with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can become aware of our emotions and stop ourselves before things escalate. Many times, situations never need to escalate very far at all.
As Christians, let’s practice something: when emotions begin to overwhelm us in the moment, consciously ask the Lord for help.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who keeps our thoughts in check.
Chris Tomlin – Lord I Need You
March 25, 2026
Week 637
Memories Shape the Future
Philippians 3:13-14
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Today is a very personal day for me. It marks 14 years since I arrived back in Chicago after a short time in another city and state. However, it also marks the beginning of the final six months during which I would see my mom alive on this earth.
This day has been difficult ever since, and today is no exception.
In tonight’s verse, we come to Philippians 3:13-14:
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
My mom was always there for me, always helping me. Then, six months after this day 14 years ago, everything changed. Each year when this day comes around, it brings a sense of anxiousness and sadness. At times, I just want to be left alone. It’s a pattern that keeps returning.
One of the things I often ask is: When will this feeling go away?
But these verses tonight tell us something very important. The Apostle Paul says he does not consider himself to have already achieved the goal Christ has set for his life. Instead, he chooses to move forward, forgetting what is behind, not in the sense of erasing it, but in not allowing it to control or hinder his pursuit of Christ.
This is the goal of every Christian, not to let the past define us or hold us back as we draw closer to Christ. It is not that the past did not matter, or that the pain was not real, it is that we are not meant to stay there. Christ is the only thing that is truly important, everything else is just noise. We must seek Him and pursue Him as our ultimate goal.
As Christians, when times, days, seasons, or years remind us of difficult moments, we can recall that in those very times, Jesus was right there with us, protecting, guarding, and standing beside us. Even when it feels like He was not there, we can trust that He was.
So trust in Him, and let the past remain in the past. Do not let it hinder your future, but let it shape how you continue to move forward in Christ.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom. And I love You, Lord.
Home with the One who stands beside us
CeCe Winans - Holy Forever (Official Music Video)
Week 637
Memories Shape the Future
Philippians 3:13-14
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Today is a very personal day for me. It marks 14 years since I arrived back in Chicago after a short time in another city and state. However, it also marks the beginning of the final six months during which I would see my mom alive on this earth.
This day has been difficult ever since, and today is no exception.
In tonight’s verse, we come to Philippians 3:13-14:
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
My mom was always there for me, always helping me. Then, six months after this day 14 years ago, everything changed. Each year when this day comes around, it brings a sense of anxiousness and sadness. At times, I just want to be left alone. It’s a pattern that keeps returning.
One of the things I often ask is: When will this feeling go away?
But these verses tonight tell us something very important. The Apostle Paul says he does not consider himself to have already achieved the goal Christ has set for his life. Instead, he chooses to move forward, forgetting what is behind, not in the sense of erasing it, but in not allowing it to control or hinder his pursuit of Christ.
This is the goal of every Christian, not to let the past define us or hold us back as we draw closer to Christ. It is not that the past did not matter, or that the pain was not real, it is that we are not meant to stay there. Christ is the only thing that is truly important, everything else is just noise. We must seek Him and pursue Him as our ultimate goal.
As Christians, when times, days, seasons, or years remind us of difficult moments, we can recall that in those very times, Jesus was right there with us, protecting, guarding, and standing beside us. Even when it feels like He was not there, we can trust that He was.
So trust in Him, and let the past remain in the past. Do not let it hinder your future, but let it shape how you continue to move forward in Christ.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom. And I love You, Lord.
Home with the One who stands beside us
CeCe Winans - Holy Forever (Official Music Video)
April 1, 2026
Week 638
Being Forgiving
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
I'm a pretty sensitive person, and in many cases I can get easily offended. This week I was speaking with a friend, and we were just talking when suddenly she got quiet. I asked what happened, and she said I said something that offended her. I didn't mean to. She then said something to me that was insulting, and I apologized as I took it as a way to get my attention since she was upset.
In tonight’s verse, we come to the pages of Ephesians 4:32:
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
My mom always had my back and was the one who taught me how to respond to others in any situation. My mom taught us this through various means, including leading by example. Ultimately, I learned that respecting everyone is important, and though I may get disrespected, it is important to still be kind and forgive others.
I immediately apologized to my friend, and as time went on, things got better. However, there is something important in tonight's verse that bears the need to be called out—that is, to forgive a person. As a kid, I recall watching the claymation "cartoon" Davey and Goliath. One of the things Davey's father taught him is to forgive and forget. This is something I am trying to remember, because as the verse tonight states, "...forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
As Christians, recall that when we are in Christ—when we have placed our trust in Him—God sees our sins as gone, forgiven, a blank slate. We, as followers of Jesus, need to apply this same mentality when we forgive someone, for when we do so, we are showing them Jesus.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who forgives us.
In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found) - Adrienne Liesching | LYRIC VIDEO
Week 638
Being Forgiving
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
I'm a pretty sensitive person, and in many cases I can get easily offended. This week I was speaking with a friend, and we were just talking when suddenly she got quiet. I asked what happened, and she said I said something that offended her. I didn't mean to. She then said something to me that was insulting, and I apologized as I took it as a way to get my attention since she was upset.
In tonight’s verse, we come to the pages of Ephesians 4:32:
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
My mom always had my back and was the one who taught me how to respond to others in any situation. My mom taught us this through various means, including leading by example. Ultimately, I learned that respecting everyone is important, and though I may get disrespected, it is important to still be kind and forgive others.
I immediately apologized to my friend, and as time went on, things got better. However, there is something important in tonight's verse that bears the need to be called out—that is, to forgive a person. As a kid, I recall watching the claymation "cartoon" Davey and Goliath. One of the things Davey's father taught him is to forgive and forget. This is something I am trying to remember, because as the verse tonight states, "...forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
As Christians, recall that when we are in Christ—when we have placed our trust in Him—God sees our sins as gone, forgiven, a blank slate. We, as followers of Jesus, need to apply this same mentality when we forgive someone, for when we do so, we are showing them Jesus.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who forgives us.
In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found) - Adrienne Liesching | LYRIC VIDEO
