PROVERBS 31

Proverbs 31:25-26, 30-31 (NLT)
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”

I have a friend I’ve known for nearly 25 years. We met at The Naz just a few months after my husband and I were married, and shortly after she and her husband had experienced the devastating loss of their four-year-old son. It wasn’t a coincidence that the four of us came to know Jesus around the same time and found ourselves in a new believers class together. We became fast friends, and over time, we all grew in love and in relationship with our Lord Jesus.

My friend has endured more than her share of heartache when it comes to her children and family—losing a toddler, caring for a grandchild born addicted, and walking through many other life crises too numerous to name. And yet, she has come through it all with the love of God and His grace deeply rooted in her heart.

I’ve seen her remain faithful to the Lord through it all. She prays constantly—for her children, for her family, and for anyone else in need. And God has been faithful to her. Through her and her husband’s witness, most of their family has heard the gospel and many are now following Jesus—or are well on their way.

My friend is truly clothed with strength and dignity. Her words, even now—whether written on an erasable pad or sent through a text—are always wise and kind. Her laughter is contagious. And there is no fear in her short future, because she reveres her God and praises Him all day long.

My friend has ALS. Though she can no longer speak, and though she grows weaker with each passing day, her message remains loud and clear: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37–38)

This woman—my friend—exemplifies the beautiful heart, mind, and soul of the woman described in Proverbs 31.
She is the most beautiful woman I know.

PRAYER

My Jesus, I thank You for my friend and for the care and love you show her every day.  Lord, she gives You all the glory for her life.  I pray for this wisdom, strength and grace to be cultivated in my own life and to be rooted in an always deepening relationship with You. May I love with a heart that honors and reflects You to those around me above all else.  Help me to always trust You for the future, knowing You hold every minute in Your hands.  In Your name, Jesus, I pray - Amen

PROVERBS 30

Proverbs 30:5
“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him."

God is the perfect source of wisdom and truth. This verse reminds us with great clarity and comfort: “Every word of God is flawless.”

So let me end with a few honest questions—ones I ask myself just as much as I pose to anyone reading this:
• Why do we struggle to trust God with everything?
• Why does it sometimes feel like He’s our last resort instead of our first call?
• Why is it that we only fully turn to Him when we’re already knee-deep in a mess?

Years ago, I read a book by John Bevere titled Under Cover. In it, he talks about how we often try to fix things on our own instead of trusting God. He paraphrases God’s response to our self-reliance something like this: “Okay, you think you’ve got this—go ahead. Call Me when you’re ready to trust Me.”

And isn’t that the truth? The more we try to handle things ourselves, the more tangled everything becomes. We don’t invite God in at the start—we wait until the situation feels almost unrepairable before asking Him to intervene.

It reminds me of our family vacations growing up, spent fishing on Houghton Lake in Michigan. As a kid, I was great at making a mess of my fishing line. When I got older, I’d try to fix it myself. My dad would kindly ask, “Need any help?” And almost every time, I’d respond, “No, I’ve got it.”

But 99% of the time, I didn’t. And before long, that tangled line would end up in my dad’s hands—only now the mess was ten times worse. Still, with incredible patience, he’d sort it out while I stood there sheepishly. In truth, he probably spent more time untangling my mistakes than fishing himself.

Our relationship with God often looks the same. He gently asks, “Do you need help?” But instead of handing Him the line, we insist we’ve got it under control. And before we know it, we’ve made a mess far worse than it ever needed to be.

But here’s the good news: God’s Word is flawless. His wisdom is trustworthy. And when we take refuge in Him—when we surrender our pride, our plans, and our problems—He becomes our shield, our guide, and our peace.

Let’s stop trying to untangle life alone. Let’s start trusting Him first, not last.

PRAYER

God, as we draw near the end of these 31 days, please teach us to trust You more deeply. Help us to lean into Your flawless Word and rest in Your perfect wisdom. Show us Your heart, so that we might live the way You’ve called us to live. We love You, Father—and we thank You for Your patience, Your protection, and Your truth. Amen.

PROVERBS 29

Proverbs 29:25
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”

One Sunday, our pastor spoke about trusting God, with the word “trust” displayed on the screen behind him. As I looked at it, something struck me—the first letter is “t,” which reminded me of the cross Jesus died on. The rest of the word spells “rust.”

When I think of rust, I picture a steel wool pad—messy, ugly, and falling apart. It’s meant to be useful, but once it rusts, it starts to break down and loses its purpose. That’s what our lives can feel like when we don’t believe Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins—when we fail to put Him first. But adding the “t”—the cross—at the beginning of rust transforms the word into trust. A new word. A new meaning.

When we put Christ first in our lives, everything changes. He gives us new life—one that is meaningful, productive, and protected from the grip of evil. Through Him, we are able to live with purpose and confidence, fully equipped to follow His calling.

We can trust God to love us, provide for us, and protect us—just like a good shepherd. He equips us with the armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. These are not just symbolic—they are real tools for real battles.

He never leaves us. As Psalm 91:4 promises: “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

When we live in trust—not rust—we live in the shelter of His strength.

PRAYER

Dear heavenly father, Thank You for being such a wonderful God, in whom we can truly trust. Thank You for always being in control and knowing what is best for us. Thank You for Your great love, faithfulness, mercy, and always keeping Your promises. Thank You for our salvation through Jesus Christ. You are our mighty God and fortress. We can never say thank You enough for all that You have done, all that You will do, and all that You are.

PROVERBS 28

Proverbs 28:2
"When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability."

When reading this verse, I couldn’t help but think about the United States. If you watch the news or scroll through social media, you’ll see the moral rot. You’ll see the infighting. We’re becoming more and more divided. Before we know it, our government could topple. We can’t even agree on the simplest things anymore.

But why is this today’s devotional?

In short: we need to make changes—or things will change dramatically.

As Christians, we are not called to sit on the sidelines. If we do, someone else will take our place. If I may speculate for a moment: ever wonder why Israel stands alone at the end of time? This could be one reason—Christians sitting out instead of advancing wise, God-fearing leaders.

We need to change that.

For too long, we’ve sat back and checked a box for whoever loosely aligned with our political views. Maybe we didn’t agree with everything they said or did, but they were “good enough.” That’s no longer enough. Now, we need to be involved—at the local level, the state level, and the federal level. We need to stop the moral rot from spreading through our country.

Barna did a study right before the last presidential election that found only 51% of Christians planned to vote. That wasn’t for one candidate—that was total. Many probably said they didn’t like the candidates. That’s fair—but how did we end up with those choices?

The more Christians withdraw from our nation’s political system, the worse it will get. The rot will keep spreading. We must stop it where it is and fix the problem before it’s too late.

So before you decide not to vote—or before you complain about what’s going on—ask yourself: How can I stop the rot?

Maybe you need to get involved.

Maybe you are the candidate.

God may be calling you to help. Jesus isn’t just Lord on Sundays—He’s Lord over everything we do.

And He wants the rot to stop too.

PRAYER

Jesus we are sorry we haven’t been as involved in what is going on in politics because we are afraid of what others think. But we desire for you to take back our nation. We pray for you to send the right people to stand up. We pray for you to guide us to these candidates. We pray that you help us and show us how to stop the rot that is only getting worse in this nation. Help us to bring you back into the center of our lives. We love you Jesus, Amen!

PROVERBS 27

Proverbs 27:17
"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."

Friendships are a part of every season of life—but the real question is: what kind of friends do we have, and what kind of friend are we?

Over the years, I’ve had many different kinds of friends—some who were good influences and others, well, not so much. I think back to my closest friends from high school, many of whom I’ve reconnected with in recent years. At one point in life, they weren’t necessarily pushing me toward the best version of myself. But time has passed—we’ve all grown up, started families, and taken very different paths in life. Reconnecting with them has been a gift. We laugh a lot now at the ridiculous things we used to do. And just to be clear—we weren’t terrible teenagers. We were just typical teens. But even then, I sensed God had different plans for my life, plans that might require me to leave the comfort of my hometown in order to fully step into His calling.

As I've gotten older, my circle of close friends has become smaller—but deeper. God has blessed me with two close friends, both ironically sharing the same first name, who consistently challenge me to be a better husband, father, and follower of Christ. One of them has been in my life for over 30 years, and the other serves alongside me in full-time ministry. I’m incredibly thankful for both.

What makes these friendships so meaningful is the healthy friction and accountability they bring. Just as iron sharpens iron, real sharpening happens when there’s enough closeness and trust to allow for honest conversations—even when they’re uncomfortable. Growth often requires some constructive tension. It takes truth spoken in love, the courage to confront and encourage, and a mutual desire to see each other become who God created us to be.

Having friends who push us, challenge us, and bring out the best in us is essential for a healthy spiritual life. That's why it's so important to be intentional about who we allow to "brush up against" us. Proverbs is clear: godly friendships lead to growth, wisdom, and strength (Proverbs 12:5; 15:22; 17:17), while ungodly companions can steer us down paths of destruction (Proverbs 13:20; 22:24–25; 23:20).

When I was 17, I prayed a prayer much like the one below. That prayer led me away from some friendships I had known for years. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary—and God honored it by bringing the right people into my life at just the right time.

PRAYER

Father, give me the courage to step away from relationships that are not helping me grow in You. Surround me with friends who will sharpen me, challenge me, and point me toward Your truth. Help me to trust You with every area of my life—including my friendships—and make me the kind of friend who helps others grow in You too. Amen.

PROVERBS 26

Proverbs 26:20
"Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down."

While riding my bike on the first day of spring, I found it oddly entertaining to see all kinds of things being thrown out for trash day. As I turned the corner onto a side street, a gust of wind sent a big, black, fully stuffed trash bag flying down the sidewalk.

A school bus had just dropped off two kids—a boy and a girl who looked about seven years old. They were walking up the sidewalk when they saw the trash bag barreling toward them. Instead of jumping out of the way, the little girl faced it head-on, grabbed it, and said, “I wonder whose trash this is.”
She was small, but something about her felt strong and courageous. In that moment, she had a decision to make:
Should she place it neatly on the curb so it would be taken away?
Should she open it and share bits of it with her friends and neighbors?
Or should she carry it with her—dragging it while she played, ate dinner, slept, and went to school?

You might think the choice is obvious. But the real question is: what do we do with the trash that blows into our lives?

Trash shows up easily.
Do we listen to gossip and pass it along, or do we walk away?
When we pick up bad habits, do we recognize them for what they are?
If we’re watching a movie, show, or reading something unwholesome, do we turn it off or toss it aside? Or do we stick with it just to see how it ends—even if it quietly chips away at our spirit?

The truth is, there’s always a cost. It may not be instant, but trash—if left unchecked—accumulates and weighs us down.

Hebrews 12:1 reminds us: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

So the decision is ours:
Would we rather live like a strong little race car, built to run with purpose—
or like a big, stinky garbage truck, carrying around things that were never meant to stay?

Let’s choose to lay it down.

PRAYER

Dear heavenly father, You closed the mouths of the lions that Daniel faced, so we ask that you close our mouths when we are tempted to say things that would hurt. Help us to speak to each other with encouragement, love and peace, to build up your kingdom, and to lead others to Jesus. Please give us the courage to say the right words in the right way. Help us to see, hear, and do only what you want, while we let go of the trash. We give you all the glory and honor as you guide us to be more like Jesus

PROVERBS 25

Proverbs 25:26
"If the godly give in to the wicked, it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring."

In one of the previous devotionals, one of my counterparts referenced one of the greatest series ever filmed: Star Wars. In Episode III, we see Anakin turn into Darth Vader. He’s promised more power, more knowledge—but most importantly, a way to save Padmé. She was carrying his children, and he foresaw her death. Palpatine promised he could help save her.

But it was all a lie. Palpatine only wanted Anakin because he was vulnerable. Anakin gave in to wickedness, and it consumed him.

In many ways, we do this too.

The devil and his demons are constantly looking for ways to creep into our lives. They’ve helped normalize darkness in our everyday world, promising us power and knowledge. Magic is woven into our kids’ shows, books, movies, and media. Yoga, originally created for Eastern religious worship of false gods, has now become a common stretching class in the West. We’re seeing a rise in witchcraft across the country. People visit New Age shops and buy crystals and statues, thinking they’ll ward off evil spirits—not realizing they’re opening doors instead of closing them.

We’re agreeing with louder cultural voices that say things like “love is love,” “you were born in the wrong body,” “let them choose what’s right and wrong,” or “Jesus would’ve done this.” We’re polluting our fountains and muddying our springs. We’re no longer reading what Scripture says—we’re just listening to the voices around us.

To some, this may not seem like a big deal. But in doing these things, we’re trying to start a fire. We keep tossing matches on the wood, waiting for it to ignite. And eventually, it will catch fire.

As Christians, we are called to be in the world but not of it. That means we’re supposed to live differently than the world’s standards.

God made you in the body you are in. He created you to love—but not to follow your every desire. He wants us to pursue what He has for us, including who He has for us—if He has someone for us. And if not, that’s okay too.

Our God is a jealous God. He wants our worship—our full devotion—not trendy “religious” items or mystical practices.

Remember what Proverbs 1 says: Wisdom keeps calling out, but she’s being drowned out by the fool. Wisdom is screaming to you—but can you hear her?

Will you start to listen?

PRAYER

Jesus shine a light on what we need to fix. Lord if we have let things into our homes or lives that are opening a door, shut that door. Show us what that is so we can get rid of it. Help us to be more about you and what you want and less about ourselves. Help us to not give in to our desires. Help us to hear wisdom calling. Jesus we ask for you to fill our lives with you. Show us the right path. We love you Jesus, Amen!

PROVERBS 24

Proverbs 24:3-4
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”

I can remember being a teenager and, like most teenagers, thinking my dad didn’t know what he was talking about. But somewhere between the ages of 25 and 30, something shifted. I began to realize that my dad was much wiser than I had given him credit for. The things he said, the lessons he tried to teach me—they weren’t just words. They were wisdom passed down from someone who had lived, learned, and wanted to help me avoid some of the mistakes he had made. In his own way, he was helping me build my life—my “house”—just as he had built his.

This week, I read something that caught my attention. It said that today’s generation has all the knowledge in the world at their fingertips, but what they often lack is wisdom. That phrase jumped off the page at me. The truth is, it’s not just this generation—it’s all of us. We live in a time where we are constantly informed, yet we don’t always make wise choices.

There’s a clear difference between being knowledgeable and being wise. To be knowledgeable is to be well-informed. To be wise is to take that knowledge, add life experience and discernment, and apply it with sound judgment. I can have all the information in the world and still make a poor decision. But wisdom helps me see more clearly, respond more carefully, and live more faithfully.

This proverb offers us a powerful picture: wisdom is what builds the house—it lays the foundation. Understanding keeps it grounded and secure. And knowledge adds beauty, depth, and richness to the spaces within. But it all starts with wisdom.

So this week, don’t just seek to be informed—seek to be wise. Let wisdom be what shapes your decisions, guides your relationships, and builds your life.

PRAYER

Father, today I ask for Your wisdom. Knowledge I have—but wisdom is what I truly need. Teach me to be wise like You, so that the choices I make are grounded in Your truth, guided by Your Spirit, and full of Your grace. Amen.

PROVERBS 23

Proverbs 23:4-5 (NLT)
"Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle."

For a long time, I thought life was all about working harder so I could have more. More money, more things, more status. But no matter how much I achieved, it never felt like enough. This verse from Proverbs speaks directly to that tendency in all of us—to keep striving after things that don’t last.

I remember seasons when I was so focused on chasing the next promotion or buying the next upgrade that I barely noticed the good things already in my life. I was worn out, stressed, and always thinking about the future instead of enjoying the present. Even when I reached my goals, the satisfaction was short-lived, and soon I was on to the next thing.

Over time, I’ve learned that contentment doesn’t come from having more—it comes from appreciating what I already have. When I started slowing down and really looking around, I realized I was surrounded by blessings I hadn’t taken the time to enjoy. Simple things like a warm home, people who care about me, and quiet moments when I could breathe and be grateful.

God doesn’t want us to wear ourselves out trying to collect stuff that can disappear in an instant. He invites us to trust Him with our needs and to find joy in the gifts He’s already given. Learning to be thankful and content has brought me a kind of peace that chasing after more never did.

If you feel like you’re always striving but never satisfied, maybe it’s time to pause and ask yourself what really matters. Wealth will come and go, but gratitude and contentment last. God knows what we need, and He promises to take care of us when we put our trust in Him.

Today, I’m choosing to enjoy what I have, to be thankful for each blessing, and to stop wearing myself out trying to find security in things that don’t last.

PRAYER

God, thank You for all the blessings You’ve already placed in my life. Help me to see them clearly and to be content with what I have. Teach me to stop chasing after things that won’t satisfy and to trust that You will always provide. Fill my heart with gratitude and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PROVERBS 22

Proverbs 22:7
"Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender."

Payroll.com did a study in 2023 that found 78% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. You may be one who falls into this category. The question we all have to ask ourselves is: How can we get out of living paycheck to paycheck?

It’s hard, because everything has gotten more expensive. Houses are becoming much harder to afford. New and used vehicles are climbing in price. Then we have food, childcare, insurance, entertainment, and whatever else comes our way. The bills keep coming, month after month. We all continue to feel the pressure.

But do we have to stay this way? The short answer is no. But it will be a long process. God doesn’t necessarily want us to be poor, but He warns us how hard it can be for the rich to enter Heaven. That warning is more about the heart than the wallet—but that’s a topic for another devotional.

As a Church, we have to start tackling this part of our lives and become wiser with how we spend our money. One of the most recognizable names in the Christian finance world is Dave Ramsey. Love his style or hate it, he’s lived the life of not having enough—and now has plenty. Some of what Dave teaches may feel extreme, but it works. And if you’re looking to begin the hard journey of no longer being a servant to lenders, take a look at what he teaches.

In fact, our church offers a class based on Dave Ramsey’s curriculum. Go sign up for it.

What we all eventually learn is that most of the stuff we think we “need” ends up collecting dust. But in the moment, it feels essential. We have to break out of that mentality—because what we want isn’t always what we need.

Let’s break free from this mindset together. We’ll be able to do greater things when we’re not strapped by bills every month.

PRAYER

Jesus, we ask that you take over our finances. We ask that you help us be smarter with what we buy. Jesus, we need you to show us what our next steps are. We know there are marriages that are struggling because of money and Lord we pray that you help them. Help us to take back our finances. Help us to get smarter. Help us to take the next step, maybe that is to get into a class to start a new era in our lives. Maybe it is just sitting down and writing out a budget. Lord guide to our next steps. We love you Jesus, Amen!

PROVERBS 21

Proverbs 21:3
"To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."

Doing what is right isn’t always easy. Sometimes it costs us nothing—and other times, it costs us everything. But consistently, it’s what God calls us to.

Proverbs 21:3 reminds us that obedience—expressed through righteousness and justice—matters more to God than religious rituals or outward sacrifices.

This truth became even more real to me as I listened to Pastor Yoshua share the story of his and his wife’s obedience in leaving the comfort of Kansas City to follow God’s call to Grove City. (And I know we’re all grateful they said yes.)

Many of us have faced similar moments—times when God nudges us to take a step of faith. Sometimes we respond with a confident “yes,” other times with hesitation, and occasionally—if we’re honest—with a “no.” I’ve responded all three ways throughout my journey.

Yet looking back, there’s a clear pattern: the moments of deepest joy and peace came when I chose to do what was right and just—when I said “yes” to God, even when it was difficult. And in the moments I hesitated or refused, I can’t help but wonder what blessings I may have missed.

If God values our obedience more than our sacrifices, then why do we delay? What are we clinging to that keeps us from fully stepping into His will?

The truth is, God isn’t impressed by empty routines or religious performance. What pleases Him is a heart that seeks justice, walks in humility, and lives with mercy. As Micah 6:8 so clearly reminds us:

“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

So let me ask you: Are you more focused on outward sacrifice—or on truly walking in step with God’s righteousness?

PRAYER

Father, today I invite You to search my heart. Reveal where I am walking in step with You, and where I need Your gentle correction. I don’t want to bring you empty sacrifices—I want to live in faithful obedience. As the psalmist prayed: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23–24) Amen.

PROVERBS 20

Proverbs 20:24 (NLT)
"The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?"

I’ve always been the kind of person who likes to have a plan. I’d map out where I wanted to be in five years, what I thought my life should look like, and how I expected everything to fit together. But life rarely goes exactly the way we picture it—and for a long time, that frustrated me.

When I started reading the Bible and learning about God, this verse from Proverbs stopped me in my tracks: “The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” I remember reading that and feeling both relief and conviction. Relief, because it meant I didn’t have to carry the burden of figuring everything out. Conviction, because I realized how often I acted like I did.

I thought that trusting God meant I’d always feel confident and certain. But I’ve learned that real trust often looks like taking the next step without having all the answers. It’s saying, “God, I believe You see what I can’t, and I’m going to follow—even if I don’t understand.” That has been freeing for me. I don’t have to pretend I know it all. I don’t have to act like I’m in control of every detail. And honestly, I’ve found more peace in surrender than I ever found in trying to manage it all myself.

If you’re someone who likes to have it all figured out—or if you feel anxious because you don’t—this verse is an invitation. It’s okay not to know. It’s okay not to have a perfect plan. God sees the full picture, and He promises to direct our steps when we trust Him.

The more I practice letting go of my need to control, the more I notice His faithfulness. Looking back, I can see how He was guiding me even when I felt lost. And I’ve realized that submitting my life to Him fully doesn’t make me weak—it makes me stronger, because I’m no longer carrying the weight alone.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for seeing what I can’t see. Help me to trust You with every step, even when I don’t understand. Teach me to let go of my need to control and to follow You with an open heart. Thank You for guiding me and for being faithful every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PROVERBS 19

Proverbs 19:11
"Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs."

Many of my friends from high school wouldn’t recognize the man I am today. We hear it all the time: when Jesus walks with you, your life changes. For me, one of the biggest areas of change was my temper.

When I finally decided to let Jesus take over, that part of me began to shift. I became less quick-tempered and more level-headed. Don’t get me wrong—my temper still gets the best of me sometimes, but it’s nothing like it used to be. And in the world we live in today, we need more sensible people.

Take, for example, a recent Facebook post that was circulating. A man had some things stolen from him in the middle of the night. Instead of reacting in anger, he asked people to be on the lookout—not to catch or punish the thief, but to help. He believed the person must have been in need and offered to give them money, no questions asked.

People praised his post, and for good reason. It was a gracious gesture. He could have taken a different route, hoping the thief would get what they "deserved," and honestly, that post probably would’ve gotten a lot of support too. But he chose grace over anger. He chose to overlook being wronged.

Now, if I’m being honest, I understand his side—but I also see the side of justice. "Thou shall not steal" is still a commandment, and actions have consequences. But as believers, we’re also called to forgive and overlook wrongs.

Of course, it gets harder the more deeply we’re affected. It’s easier to overlook smaller offenses like a lie or gossip. But when someone takes something from you—when it feels personal—it’s a lot harder. I remember when my CD player was stolen from my car back in college. It felt like a violation, but in the end, I let it go. It was just stuff.

But what if it wasn’t just stuff? What if it was a life? As a father, I don’t even want to imagine that kind of loss, yet some people live that reality. Some have lost a loved one to violence or tragedy.

How do you respond to that? Again, justice should be served, but as a Christian, you are still called to forgive. To overlook the wrong. To let God handle it.

Most of us won’t have to face something that extreme, but all of us will be wronged in some way—big or small. The key is how we choose to respond.

We have to move ourselves out of the way and let God move in. People will hurt us, disappoint us, and let us down—but only we can choose how we respond.

PRAYER

Father, we pray that no one ever wrongs us again. We pray that if we are wronged that we have a better response than we ever have before. Lord, we pray that our relationship gets so strong with you that we overlook the wrongs that are done to us. That we truly do not care about the things of this world, but care only about what you care about. We pray that we show more compassion and empathy. We pray that we become more like you. We love you Jesus, Amen!

PROVERBS 18

Proverbs 18:24
"A person of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

This verse has always held a special place in my heart. It was handwritten on the inside cover of a book I received at my high school graduation party—a gift from my youth pastor, Mark. Even now, decades later, his influence on my life and faith remains significant. Though time, distance, and life have naturally changed the closeness of our relationship, his impact on my spiritual journey has never faded.

During those formative years—ages 16 to 18—Mark’s guidance shaped so much of who I was becoming. He was the reason I chose Mount Vernon for college, the reason I stepped into ministry, and the reason I stayed the course when I was tempted to drift. His voice was a steady one, gently and consistently pointing me back to Jesus when I wandered. At 18, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of Proverbs 18:24. But now, at 52, I see it with much greater clarity—and I’m grateful for the wisdom he was trying to pass along, even though I likely wasn’t ready to receive it back then.

What he was trying to teach me was this: when life is good, friends are often easy to come by—just like the prodigal son in his early days. But when life gets hard, that’s when your true friends reveal themselves. His note in that book was a quiet promise: “I’m here, no matter what.”

And while Solomon speaks to the importance of meaningful, lasting friendships, his words also point us to the One who embodies this truth perfectly—Jesus. He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother. The One who has promised to never leave us or forsake us. No matter what we’ve done, no matter where we find ourselves, His presence and love remain constant.

PRAYER

Father, thank You for the true friends You’ve brought into my life—both those who are still present and those whom time or distance has taken in a different direction. I’m especially thankful for Your Son, Jesus, the ultimate friend who remains faithful through every season. Thank You for His grace, His love, and His steady presence in my life. Help me to be that kind of friend to others. Amen.

PROVERBS 17

Proverbs 17:6 (NLT)
"Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children."

This verse always makes me think about legacy. Not the kind people write about in history books, but the quiet, everyday legacy we leave with our families. When I read, “Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged,” I’m reminded that what we build with our lives matters—especially to the people who come after us.

I didn’t always live my life in a way that honored God. For a long time, I was more focused on what I thought I needed to be happy—success, recognition, comfort. But as the years went on, I realized those things never truly satisfied me. They were temporary, and when I looked in the mirror, I knew something was missing.

When I came to faith, I worried that it was too late to make a difference. I wondered if my children and grandchildren would only remember my mistakes. But God has this way of redeeming even our past. Over time, as I learned to live differently—to forgive, to serve, to love without conditions—I started to see how my life could be an example. Not of perfection, but of transformation.

I’ve learned that it’s never too late to leave a legacy worth passing on—a legacy that shows the people who matter most that it’s possible to change, to grow, and to trust God. My hope is that when my grandchildren look back, they’ll remember someone who learned to live with grace and humility, even if it took me a while to get there.

If you’re reading this and feeling like you’ve missed your chance, I want to tell you: it’s not too late. God can use the rest of your life to plant seeds that will grow long after you’re gone. Every act of kindness, every moment you choose to forgive, every time you share your faith—it all adds up to a story worth telling.

PRAYER

God, thank You that it’s never too late to start again. Help me to live in a way that leaves a legacy of faith, love, and grace. Show me how to be an example to my family, not because I’ve done everything right, but because You are good and faithful. Use my life to point others toward You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PROVERBS 16

Proverbs 16:21
"The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive"

I remember when I was 19 or 20, working for my cousin as a landscaper. One day, I was driving through town with a trailer and needed to stop at the Circle K. I noticed a guy spraying parking lines, and while I tried to avoid driving over them, I don’t think I did a great job. As I was about to park, he came over and started letting me have it for ruining his freshly painted lines.

Now, the younger version of me was probably ready to snap back. I could’ve even questioned why he was painting lines in the middle of the day. But something came over me, and instead, I was overly kind. I apologized sincerely—and something shifted. His attitude softened, and he suddenly became overly nice in return. He even helped guide me out, and I drove off.

That moment has always stuck with me. Things could’ve gone very differently if I had reacted differently. I learned early on that being pleasant can be incredibly persuasive.

As Christians, we have to remember this—especially in how we deal with people. Sometimes, those who call themselves Christians aren’t the easiest to deal with. But people who truly know Jesus are different. They understand that people make mistakes. They know this life is temporary, and we take nothing with us. They don’t sweat the small stuff. They’re quick to admit when they’re wrong.

Sure, there will still be times when we respond poorly—but as believers, those moments should become fewer and fewer. We want to be the reason someone finds Jesus, not the reason they walk away.

So the next time you’re on the verge of losing your cool, remember: pleasant words are persuasive. People enjoy interacting with kind-hearted individuals. They’re more willing to help when we approach them with grace.

You never know what someone else is going through—or what kind of day they’ve had. Being overly kind can make a world of difference.

I’ll leave you with this final story:

A pastor was once heading to a meeting at his church. Running late, he saw two teenage girls stranded on the side of the road. As he was about to pass, he felt the Lord prompting him to stop. He ignored it. Again, he felt the nudge but kept going—until the conviction became so strong that he turned around.

He stopped, talked to the girls, and helped fix the issue. They each went on their way.

Years later, that same pastor was interviewing a woman from his congregation for a staff position. During the conversation, he asked how she came to faith and what brought her to their church.

She said, “One day, my daughters were stranded on the side of the road, and a pastor from this church stopped to help. He was so kind and handled everything with care. That day, I decided we were going to visit his church. Because of his kindness, we started attending—and eventually became Christians.”

Be a pleasant Christian.

PRAYER

Jesus, we thank You. We thank You for all that You’ve done and for what You continue to do in and through our lives. We ask that You teach us to be more understanding, more kind, and more pleasant. When challenges arise, may our first instinct not be anger, but grace. Fill our hearts with compassion and love for all people. Thank You, Jesus. In Your name we pray, Amen.

PROVERBS 15

Proverbs 15:1
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? That moment when we know a soft word would be best—but everything inside us resists. When someone comes at us with frustration or anger, we sense that a gentle response could diffuse the situation… yet our emotions rise, and before we know it, our words come out sharp, defensive, and reactive.

In this simple but powerful proverb, Solomon offers us timeless wisdom: gentle words can calm a storm; harsh words will only stir it up further. And yet, in the heat of the moment, it’s so easy to forget. Our instinct is often to match energy with energy—anger for anger, volume for volume. But more often than not, that only escalates things.

During a previous season in my life, I worked with students who struggled with behavioral issues, and it didn’t take long to see this truth in action. When a student entered my office upset—whether at a situation, another person, or even me—my response almost always set the tone for what followed. If I reacted defensively or sternly, the temperature rose. But if I stayed calm, gentle, and respectful—even when firmness was required—something shifted. They didn’t always respond positively, but more often than not, the atmosphere softened. Tension gave way to trust.

What I learned in those moments applies to every part of life: our response matters. Whether with our spouse, our kids, a coworker, or even a stranger in line at the store, the way we speak can either pour water or gasoline on the fire. A gentle answer doesn’t mean we’re weak—it means we’re wise. It means we’re choosing peace over pride.

So the next time frustration rises—pause. Breathe. Ask the Lord to help you respond with calm and kindness, even when it’s hard. Sometimes, that simple choice can change everything.

PRAYER

Father, help me respond with gentleness, even when emotions run high. Teach me to pause before I speak, and to choose words that bring peace and life rather than anger. Thank You for the gentle way You deal with me—may I reflect that same grace in how I speak to others. Amen.

PROVERBS 14

Proverbs 14:29 (NLT)
"People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness."

I used to have a short fuse. Before I became a Christian, it didn’t take much to set me off. Whether it was someone cutting me off in traffic or a disagreement at work, I’d let my anger take over. At the time, I thought it was just part of who I was—strong, direct, not someone to be messed with.

But the truth is, my anger often left a trail of damage I couldn’t always fix.

I remember one moment that still sticks with me. I lost my temper with someone close to me—said things I didn’t mean, raised my voice, and walked away angry. Even after I cooled down, the silence that followed was louder than anything I’d said. I had hurt someone I loved, and I couldn’t take those words back.

When I started reading the Bible and learning what it really means to follow Jesus, this verse from Proverbs hit me hard: “People with understanding control their anger…” That wasn’t me—not back then.

But God didn’t leave me there.

Over time, He began softening my heart. I started to see that true strength isn’t in outbursts—it’s in self-control. And that kind of control doesn’t come from just trying harder. It comes from letting God change you from the inside out.

I won’t pretend I never get angry—life still has its moments. But now, I’ve learned to pause, breathe, and pray. That simple pause has saved me from countless regrets. It’s also helped heal relationships I thought I’d lost for good.

Living with wisdom and restraint hasn’t just brought peace to my own life—it’s brought stability to the people around me.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,”—there’s hope. You don’t have to stay stuck in that cycle. Ask God to help you grow in understanding and control. It won’t change overnight, but it will change.

And that change leads to a life that’s more peaceful, more stable, and filled with far fewer regrets.

PRAYER

God, thank You for being patient with me. Help me to grow in wisdom and self-control. Teach me to slow down, to listen, and to respond with grace. I want to be someone who brings peace, not chaos. Change my heart and help me reflect Your love to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PROVERBS 13

Proverbs 13:18
"If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored."

Let’s be honest—no one likes to be criticized. It’s tough to swallow our pride and admit we need to make some changes. But often, that’s the only way we grow.

Some people hand out criticism freely, while others hold back. Think about it: a lot of companies offer incentives just to get people to leave a review. Why? Because feedback helps them get better. In the same way, the best way to grow into a better version of yourself is to invite honest feedback.

Sometimes, criticism comes through formal settings—like a yearly or monthly review at work. Other times, it comes from friends or family at home. But at the end of the day, what really matters is how you respond to it. Are you willing to listen and grow? Or are you going to brush it off and stay the same?

I used to own a small business, and I got all kinds of feedback—both solicited and unsolicited. Some of it was hard to hear. But I learned to filter what was said based on who was saying it and what their experience was. Even still, I always listened and made tweaks when needed. I’ll never forget my first employee—he gave me honest feedback about how I was leading. I had to humble myself and make adjustments. Honestly, that feedback is part of why the business succeeded. If I had ignored it, I’m convinced it would’ve failed years ago.

The same is true in life. We have to be willing to hear the hard stuff and ask ourselves: Will I work on what needs fixing? Or will I let my pride keep me stuck where I am?

As a dad to young kids, I even get “criticism” from my 3-year-old. If I raise my voice, he’ll say, “My daycare teacher says no yelling.” And you know what? He’s not wrong. Sometimes God uses even the youngest voices to help shape us.

So here’s the challenge: Don’t dismiss the criticism. Filter it, yes—but don’t let pride filter out what actually needs to change. We all want to be better. And small adjustments now can lead to big growth over time.

Accept the correction. It leads to honor.

PRAYER

Father, thank you for criticism. Thank you for the people we have in our lives to help make us better. We pray that we can swallow our pride and accept the correction. Whether it is at work, home, or with friends. We pray that you fill our hearts with thankfulness and love because we know our people are not trying to hurt us. We know they are trying to help us. We pray you use whoever you need to reach us. We love you Jesus. show us where we can better ourselves this week. In Jesus name, Amen.

PROVERBS 12

Proverbs 12:15
"The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice"

Over 30 years ago, when I was just starting out in ministry and stepping into my first full-time role at Mount Sterling Church of the Nazarene, my pastor took me to lunch in Grove City. As part of that visit, he wanted to stop by Grove City Church of the Nazarene and introduce me to their youth pastor—a man named Don Bowman.

The meeting was brief, but I still remember Don’s parting words: “If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to call. We’d love to help.” At the time, I was young and full of confidence—probably too much of it. In my mind, I wondered what someone else could really teach me. What I didn’t realize was that Don wasn’t just any youth pastor—he was one of the most gifted and creative youth leaders in the country. And in my youthful pride, I essentially brushed off a golden opportunity to learn from someone with a wealth of experience.

If I could go back and talk to that 22-year-old version of myself, I’d say, “Slow down. Pay attention. You have so much to learn from people like Don. Humble yourself and listen.”

Thankfully, God in His grace later allowed me not only to serve at The Naz but also to work directly with Don—learning from him and witnessing firsthand the wisdom and creativity he brought to ministry.

Sometimes I wonder how different those early years might have been if I had simply taken Don up on his offer. How much stronger could I have been in my calling? What mistakes might I have avoided? All because I was too proud to seek advice.

Now, with a few more years and miles behind me, I’ve learned the importance of surrounding myself with people who will speak truth into my life—people I trust, who know me and love me enough to tell me what I need to hear, even when it’s hard.

Maybe you can relate. If so, let me encourage you: none of us has all the answers. And God often speaks through wise counselors, mentors, and friends. Are you facing a decision or a challenge right now? Where are you looking for guidance? Are you relying only on yourself—or are you allowing others to speak into your life?

Remember: “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
Wisdom begins with humility.

PRAYER

Father, today I ask You to help me become more attentive to the godly counsel You place around me. Teach me not to rely solely on my own understanding, but to seek Your wisdom—through Your Word, through prayer, and through the voices of trusted people who follow You. Thank You for loving me enough to surround me with truth, even when it’s hard to hear. Keep shaping me into someone who listens well.