Weekly Verse and Song for Tonight Weeks 639 - 647
April 8, 2026
Week 639
Trusting
Mark 5:36 NIV
36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Sometimes in our lives, things look unrepairable and impossible. Just this past week, my friend and I had a great Easter Sunday together. At the end of the night, I felt a bit bad, as it seemed through a series of discussions, my friend may have consciously or subconsciously stopped trusting me. I walked away feeling very nervous and wondered if there was anything I could do to earn it back. In tonight’s verse, we come to the pages of Mark 5:36:
"Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”"
It's easy as kids to trust your parents when you are younger. They are, for the most part, the first people we know, and immediately our trust goes to them. For me, I trusted my mom with everything. The issue, though, as I got older, was that there were disagreements we would have. That did not change the feeling that my mom was someone I trusted.
We had discussions, and my friend didn’t seem to think she trusted me any less. However, I felt there were some changes, as my friend did admit that she may have pulled back a bit. I mentioned to her that I would work to earn it back, as if we don’t have trust, we don’t have anything. As I thought through this, I looked at it from a Christian worldview and realized God was showing me, through human interactions, how our trust in Him is affected when we only look at our circumstances and not toward Him.
As Christians, let’s understand that when we do have disagreements in life, it can point to trust issues we may have with someone. However, the human side can view the godly side and realize that God is teaching us about Him and how our trust in Him is paramount. To say it another way, our earthly lives reflect our heavenly lives.
So the next time you encounter trust issues, understand that it reflects the Lord and how much more we are required to trust Him.
Praise God, knowing that everything we go through here on earth points us to our Savior.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who we place our trust in.
I Adore - Hillsong Worship
Week 639
Trusting
Mark 5:36 NIV
36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Sometimes in our lives, things look unrepairable and impossible. Just this past week, my friend and I had a great Easter Sunday together. At the end of the night, I felt a bit bad, as it seemed through a series of discussions, my friend may have consciously or subconsciously stopped trusting me. I walked away feeling very nervous and wondered if there was anything I could do to earn it back. In tonight’s verse, we come to the pages of Mark 5:36:
"Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”"
It's easy as kids to trust your parents when you are younger. They are, for the most part, the first people we know, and immediately our trust goes to them. For me, I trusted my mom with everything. The issue, though, as I got older, was that there were disagreements we would have. That did not change the feeling that my mom was someone I trusted.
We had discussions, and my friend didn’t seem to think she trusted me any less. However, I felt there were some changes, as my friend did admit that she may have pulled back a bit. I mentioned to her that I would work to earn it back, as if we don’t have trust, we don’t have anything. As I thought through this, I looked at it from a Christian worldview and realized God was showing me, through human interactions, how our trust in Him is affected when we only look at our circumstances and not toward Him.
As Christians, let’s understand that when we do have disagreements in life, it can point to trust issues we may have with someone. However, the human side can view the godly side and realize that God is teaching us about Him and how our trust in Him is paramount. To say it another way, our earthly lives reflect our heavenly lives.
So the next time you encounter trust issues, understand that it reflects the Lord and how much more we are required to trust Him.
Praise God, knowing that everything we go through here on earth points us to our Savior.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who we place our trust in.
I Adore - Hillsong Worship
April 15, 2026
Week 640
Trials
James 1:2-4 NIV
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
It was just this past week that I suddenly found myself in a trial that felt very emotionally debilitating. I was surprised by how I felt and how hard it was. I reached out to my sister and a friend for help. In tonight’s passage, we come to James 1:2–4 (NIV):
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
This verse was not something I was thinking of.
My mom always reminded me as a kid to read my Bible and to pray. This reminder was meant to provide me with truth. When I was in my emotionally debilitated state, it was so hard that I didn’t even want to pray.
I’m big into lifting weights, and using this as an analogy, as Christians we will all encounter trials. These trials are like weights, and the weight of a trial can either crush us or make us stronger. I am learning to think of it like this: the trial, being a weight, will produce stronger faith, like a muscle, and make us stronger.
When you are facing a trial today, tomorrow, or sometime in the future, do your best to remember that this trial, though weighty, will make your faith stronger. Most importantly, trust God in the trial and know that He is right there with you like a spotter under the bench press.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who is with us in the trial.
Graves into Gardens / Studio Version / Elevation Worship (Lyrics)
Week 640
Trials
James 1:2-4 NIV
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
It was just this past week that I suddenly found myself in a trial that felt very emotionally debilitating. I was surprised by how I felt and how hard it was. I reached out to my sister and a friend for help. In tonight’s passage, we come to James 1:2–4 (NIV):
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
This verse was not something I was thinking of.
My mom always reminded me as a kid to read my Bible and to pray. This reminder was meant to provide me with truth. When I was in my emotionally debilitated state, it was so hard that I didn’t even want to pray.
I’m big into lifting weights, and using this as an analogy, as Christians we will all encounter trials. These trials are like weights, and the weight of a trial can either crush us or make us stronger. I am learning to think of it like this: the trial, being a weight, will produce stronger faith, like a muscle, and make us stronger.
When you are facing a trial today, tomorrow, or sometime in the future, do your best to remember that this trial, though weighty, will make your faith stronger. Most importantly, trust God in the trial and know that He is right there with you like a spotter under the bench press.
Praise God.
Be blessed.
Love you, Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who is with us in the trial.
Graves into Gardens / Studio Version / Elevation Worship (Lyrics)
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)
November 26, 2025
Week 620
Being Determined
1 Corinthians 13:4
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Being Patient
Recently I had a meeting with someone who I have been texting and talking to a lot on the phone. After the meeting things looked positive, then suddenly it seemed like a “game.” As I started thinking about this, and about this week's writing, something I feel the Lord leading me to think about is being patient.
In tonight's verse we come to the pages of 1 Corinthians 13:4:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
Growing up I recall a time when I wanted a new gaming system, the Nintendo NES. I was excited. We did not have a lot, but my mom was able to give us $50 for the summer and $50 for Christmas. I asked Mom to save it so that I could get the gaming system for Christmas. When we finally had the money saved, I went to Toys “R” Us with my mom, only to find out that the Nintendo system was sold out. With that, I had to wait months and months until one day the manager of the store called my mom and said they had it in stock.
This was one of my first memorable experiences of learning to be patient.
One of the things I believe the Lord is opening my mind and heart to is being patient in all things, and this current situation is an example of both.
As Christians, whenever we are experiencing something, the most important thing to ask ourselves is, “What is the Lord trying to show me through this ____ (fill in the blank)?”
The Lord is sovereign over all things, including our interactions with others. Seek Him for answers.
Be Blessed.
Love you Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who teaches us Patience.
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus - Ximdrake Asidor | THE ASIDORS
Week 620
Being Determined
1 Corinthians 13:4
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Being Patient
Recently I had a meeting with someone who I have been texting and talking to a lot on the phone. After the meeting things looked positive, then suddenly it seemed like a “game.” As I started thinking about this, and about this week's writing, something I feel the Lord leading me to think about is being patient.
In tonight's verse we come to the pages of 1 Corinthians 13:4:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
Growing up I recall a time when I wanted a new gaming system, the Nintendo NES. I was excited. We did not have a lot, but my mom was able to give us $50 for the summer and $50 for Christmas. I asked Mom to save it so that I could get the gaming system for Christmas. When we finally had the money saved, I went to Toys “R” Us with my mom, only to find out that the Nintendo system was sold out. With that, I had to wait months and months until one day the manager of the store called my mom and said they had it in stock.
This was one of my first memorable experiences of learning to be patient.
One of the things I believe the Lord is opening my mind and heart to is being patient in all things, and this current situation is an example of both.
As Christians, whenever we are experiencing something, the most important thing to ask ourselves is, “What is the Lord trying to show me through this ____ (fill in the blank)?”
The Lord is sovereign over all things, including our interactions with others. Seek Him for answers.
Be Blessed.
Love you Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who teaches us Patience.
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus - Ximdrake Asidor | THE ASIDORS
