Temporary Satisfaction

Throughout my life, I’ve had moments where I sought things that would only provide me with temporary satisfaction.

I worked hard to become a college tennis player. Today, I couldn’t beat a kindergartner. I planned many vacations with my wife. Each has come and gone and life is back to “normal.”

I’ve had friends that I’m no longer acquainted with. I’ve been in small groups that did not last. And certainly there are things that I have done that I do not remember. Each one providing temporary satisfaction. 

In this passage, Paul is teaching us to focus our lives on doing things that honor God. When we live our lives for Christ, we fix our eyes on what is eternal. That’s the way to live. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10; Psalm 44:9-26; Proverbs 22-13

The god Of This Age

Years ago, I first learned the meaning of this passage. It was an eye opener. The battle that is happening in and around us is one that will be won by God. However, God has given the enemy dominion on the earth. 

During this season of time, the enemy is free to do what he wants to a certain extent. God places parameters on him so that the damage he does is only what God allows. Believers in Christ are immune to the enemy in that we have an Advocate who warns us of the enemies tactics and steers us clear of them if  we will listen. 

Non-believers do not have an advocate, therefore they fall quickly and often. Many of them think that God does not exist. They have “proof” of it. They will show you things that have happened in their lives, times they’ve “prayed,” and other situations that point to the “fact” that God does not exist. They are wrong!

Apart from the Holy Spirit, no person can know God. The Holy Spirit urges you towards the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, but you must choose Him. He does not indwell you until you invite Him in by accepting what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin. 

Until a person does that, they are at the mercy of the enemy. Accept Christ’s sacrifice and live by the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s waiting for you. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Corinthians 4:4

4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 4:1-12; Psalm 44:1-8; Proverbs 22:10-12

God Responds To Everything

As Christians, we sometimes think people are getting away with injustice. Someone does something that hurts a believer and nothing happens to them. We think, “that’s not fair.” 

God responds to everything. We don’t get away with anything. Neither does the non-believer. What seems like injustice will always turn to justice in the hands of God. We need to be patient, trust Him, and allow Him to do what He’s going to do. 

Far too often we take matters into our own hands. I encourage you not to do that. If you’re the reason why something has gone wrong, repent. God may choose to have mercy on you. If you’ve done nothing wrong, trust. God will have mercy on you. 

This is the end of the matter, God sees and hears everything. Trust that He will respond justly. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 22:8

8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.

2 Corinthians 3; Psalm 43; Proverbs 22:8-9

Asked and Answered

Psalm 42 is one of my favorite psalms for a couple of reasons. First it’s the title of one of my favorite hymns, As The Deer. 

Second is because of this passage, which also appears in verse five. The psalmist asks the question then answers it in a way. He tells himself to put his trust in God. It’s as if he’s saying, “All that God has done for you in your life and you’re letting THIS get you down. What’s wrong with you? Put your trust in God. He’s never failed you.”

Do you need that reminder? How easy is it to let the cares of this world slip in, take a front row seat, and distract us from the Answer to all our issues. God is always present and He’s always ready to be your Source. But He will never demand that you choose Him. He leaves that choice to you, daily. 

So every day, wake up and choose God! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 42:11

11 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 2:12-17; Psalm 42; Proverbs 22:7

Start Them Well

The translation of this passage I am most accustomed to reading begins with “train up.” I think I like this translation of the same word in the Hebrew. Whether we “start” or “train up,” the key is to introduce our children to God early in life and trust Him to guide them when you’re not around. 

I have watched my daughter’s relationship with God survive one attack after another. I do not believe that’s because she’s a special human being or her mother and I were special parents. God sustains her. 

Troubles in this world are coming; Jesus promised that. Introducing your children to God through Jesus Christ is critical in their ability to withstand the issues that will come. 

Are you starting your child off well? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 22:6

6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11; Psalm 41; Proverbs 22:5-6

Stay Humble My Friend

A well known drink company has a series of commercials in which they tout the most interesting man in the world. At the end of his commercials he says, “stay thirsty my friends.” 

As I read this passage in Proverbs, I thought about how important it is for us to remain humble. The writer says that humility is the fear of the Lord. Earlier in Proverbs we learned that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. 

David writes that a contrite heart God will not despise. Contrition and humility are blood related. Both lead to a life well lived for the Lord. 

As I conclude this devotional I can’t help but say, “Stay humble my friends.” Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 22:4

4 Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 1:1-11; Psalm 40:11-17; Proverbs 22:2-4

A Good Name

In the summer of 1985, I attended a family reunion on my father’s side. We all got shirts and on the back it said, “A Good Name…Pr 22:1.” I asked one of the organizers what it meant. She told me to look it up. 

Almost six years earlier, I had given my life to Christ, but I did not love Him as I should. I did not read my Bible regularly. In fact, I rarely read it. Therefore, when she said, “look it up,” I almost did not. But I did and I’m grateful for it. 

When I looked up that passage, a seed was planted. It took a while to grow, but now I don’t think about starting my day without reading my Bible. I cannot fathom being well enough and able to read it, yet choosing other things instead. 

What about you? Do you love the Lord to the point that you must be in His word daily? Or do you skip days because, “I don’t have the time?” I want to encourage you that getting in God’s word is mandatory if you want to walk well with Him. You will never know everything in the word to the point that you do not need to read it everyday. 

The good news is, I send you passages daily. Keep up with the readings. In time you will have read the Bible in its entirety. We’ve already done it once or twice. May as well do it again. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 22:1

22 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 16; Psalm 40:1-10; Proverbs 22:1

Stand Firm

As you read the Bible, you will come across the words, “stand firm” multiple times. In this passage, Paul encourages us to stand firm as we give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. 

It can be easy to lose our focus on God when calamity comes. Paul is saying don’t lose focus regardless. When we are doing the work God has set before us, we can be assured that our labor is not in vain. Stand firm. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 15:58

58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 15:29-58; Psalm 39; Proverbs 21:30-31

Born Buried Blessed

As a believer it is important that you understand the significance of what Paul says in this passage. We are almost two thousand years removed from the events identified in this passage, but the people of that day were not. They may have known, personally, some of the 500 witness who saw the resurrected Jesus. Thus authenticating Paul’s claims by there being no “at that time” written rebuttals to what Paul asserted. 

Therefore, understanding the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is key to your witness. Make sure you understand this passage. It’s critical. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 15:3-8

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 15:1-28; Psalm 38; Proverbs 21:28-29

Want Wisdom?

Year’s ago the milk industry had a campaign in which they had famous people wear a milk mustache in their ads that had the caption, “Got Milk.” This passage reminded me of that ad campaign. It inspired me to think, “Want Wisdom.”

The psalmist speaks to the importance of having wisdom. He shares the secret to wisdom. It comes from storing the word of God in our hearts. 

In Psalm 119:11, the psalmist says that he has hidden the word in his heart that he might not sin against God. Reading and learning the word of God is critical to living a life of righteousness.  

How often do you meditate on the word? How often does your faith waver in difficult times? Consider that there is likely a correlation and causation in your answer. 

If you need to make a change to your habit of spending time with God, I suggest you start immediately. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 37:30-31

The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. 31 The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 14:18-40; Psalm 37:30-40; Proverbs 21:27

A True Mystery

This passage is one that I meditate on often. It reminds me of the faithfulness of God. It’s also a true mystery to me. 

In my lifetime, I’ve known some anointed men and women of God. I’ve seen them struggle. Yet, the psalmist says that he has not seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. 

The Holy Spirit reminds me not to think like a human when it comes to the things of God. He tells me to rely on Him for understanding. The ways and thoughts of God are far above mine. Why would I think I can understand His ways. 

Spend time with the Lord today. Seek His wisdom to help you live in a way that honors Him. His promises are faithful. Trust Him. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 37:25

25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 14:1-17; Psalm 37:12-29; Proverbs 21:25-26

Faith, Not Behavior Like A Child

Years ago Jars of Clay had a song titled “Like A Child.” The song says, “they say that I can walk on water if I would follow and believe with faith like a child.” 

The combination of that song and this passage serve as a reminder that we are to have faith like a child, not the behavior of a child. That means when God does not do what we want how we want it, we are not to have a tantrum because we did not get our way. We must behave, in those moments, like a mature adult. 

If we are not careful, we can easily make mistakes in this area. Seek God today and ask Him to show you areas in your life where you have confused childlike behavior for childlike faith. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 13:11

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 12:17-13:13; Psalm 37:1-11; Proverbs 21:23-24

One Body

In this passage, Paul describes the Church like a body. Although the body has many parts with different abilities, it is still one body. The Church is the same. 

Each person has a God given talent. We are responsible to join that talent with a local body of believers to enable it to do all God has assigned it to do. Without all its members, the local church is ineffective. Just like if a body is missing a part, it is not as effective. Though a person may adapt well without the part and thrive, it would be better to have all parts working together. The local church is no different. 

If you are not joined with a body of believers, please fix that. You cannot fulfill all God is calling you to do on your own. You need a body of believers with their respective God given talents to support you as you support them. 

We would love to have you join us. Private message me for more information. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 12:14-16

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 12:1-26: Psalm 36; Proverbs 21:21-22

The Bread The Cup

Our ministry takes communion every week. We do it to be reminded of what Jesus did for us. He sacrificed His life so that we would be able to stand before a Holy God righteous in all our ways. 

Let that marinate. 

Without Christ, you would not be able to stand before God. He would not cast His eyes upon you. He would tell you to depart from Him. 

Jesus is the only reason you have a right relationship with God. When you take communion, remember that. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 21:19-20

Let Us Pray For You

If you do not know, please allow me to share a life update. On September 7, 2025, the Lord allowed a small group of us to begin a home church. In November we took the word “church” out of the name and replaced it with “ministry.”

It is called the Agape Leaders Christian Fellowship Ministry. Our purpose is to live out the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20. We seek to do three things: make disciples, pray for people, take care of the needy. 

We do a live broadcast Sundays at 10:00 am eastern where we teach the word of God, share testimonies of what God is doing in and through our lives, and pray for people. After the live, we gather in our living room for a deeper dive into the word. We invite people to join us via Zoom. 

We conclude each week by praying and taking communion. 

During the week, our members go out into the community to pray for people. The way God has opened doors and opened hearts is incredible. We have also been exposed to the reality that many people do not believe in God and do not want us to pray for them. We walk a few feet away and pray for them anyway. 

The people we are seeking to find are those who have experienced church hurt and refuse to go into a building of people gathered in Jesus’ name. We want to help them heal, then encourage them to find a church home that God will show them. 

If you are one who has experienced church hurt and you are hesitant to join a body of believers to serve the Lord, we invite you to join us. Please send me a private text and I will give you the details. 

Finally, I ask each of you to share your prayer requests with us. You can private text me anytime. We will pray for your requests. 

Thank you for reading this long text. Please join us in prayer as we seek to do all that God has given us. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Chronicles 7:14

14 if my people, who are called by my name,will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 11:1-16; Psalm 35:1-16; Proverbs 21:17-18

I Have My Rights

In the US, we have what’s known as the Bill of Rights. These are rights that are afforded to all US citizens and those who are considered permanent residents of the US. In addition to the Bill of Rights, which are the first ten amendments to the Constitution, there are seventeen more amendments that are inalienable rights. These rights are non-negotiable.

In this passage, Paul is talking about the rights of the believer. But he teaches us that we should not use our rights as a believer to override the rights of our fellow believers. In fact he says that our goal should be to seek the good of others rather than our own good. 

For US Christians, this should be an easy task. If we live a life to please God, then respecting the rights of others becomes a no brainer. 

Is that how you live? Spend time with the Lord today. Ask Him to point out areas in your life where you may be seeking your comfort at the expense of others. When He shows you, change. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 10:23-24

23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 10:14-33; Psalm 34:11-22; Proverbs 21:14-16

In Christ, You Lack Nothing

Lack is what the enemy uses to get Christians to sin. When he approached Eve, he focused her on the one thing she was not allowed to have. Eve didn’t have true lack, she had boundaries. She faltered.

Contrast Eve with Jesus. The enemy also approached Him in His “lack.” Jesus had fasted forty days and He was hungry. Satan focused Him on that lack of food, but Jesus remained focused on God and honoring Him. That’s what we should do when faced with “lack.”

The psalmist says that those who fear the Lord will lack nothing. Taking matters into your own hands in lieu of trusting God will never end well for you. 

No matter the circumstance. Put your trust in God. Things may seem bleak, but one thing’s for sure, God is faithful. Trust Him. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 34:7-10

7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13; Psalm 34:1-10; Proverbs 21:13

God Is Your Shield

A good shield protects well the person who employs it properly. When used effectively, the holder will not feel the attacks of whatever is coming. 

The beautiful thing about this passage in Psalms and others like it is we learn that God is not giving us a shield to protect us. He IS our shield. And when we properly “employ” Him, we will not feel the attacks from wherever they come. 

Our right relationship with God gives us a better perspective on life’s trials. Because God is our shield, we can confidently consider it joy when we face trials of any kind. We know that such trials simply test our faith. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 33:20-22

20 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 9:1-18; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 21:11-12

Known By God

“Depart from me, I never knew you.” These words will be said by God to people who thought they were true believers in Christ. Jesus precedes that message with the words, “Not everyone who says to me Lord Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven.” Why is that?

Paul says it in this passage, “But whoever loves God is known by God.” Sounds good, but what about those people who believed they loved God, why will they be denied entry into the kingdom of heaven?

Heres the simple answer found in John 14:15. Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Loving God is more than saying the words. It’s the action of doing what He’s commanded us to do. 

“What’s that?” You may ask. That’s easy to answer. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. That’s how you keep all God’s commands. It’s the proof that you love Him and He knows you! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 8:2-3

2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. 3 But whoever loves God is known by God.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 8, Psalm 33:1-11; Proverbs 21:8-10

Confess Your Sin

If you’ve ever lived under the “cloud of shame,” which comes with willful sin, you may have experienced the relief that comes with confession. I have. 

In this passage, David is responding to his unconfessed sin with Bathsheba. You are probably familiar with the story. Think about how long he carried that unrepentant sin in his life. Probably for almost one year. Remember, he had a son through that ill fated union. 

The guilt and shame David must have felt was probably eating away at him. However, his confession gave him relief.  Your confession will give you relief. 

Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for each other. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 32:3-5

3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 7:25-40; Psalm 32; Proverbs 21:5-7