The Greatest Test of Courage∙

The Greatest Test of Courage ∙

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

Joshua 1:2-8

Moses, my servant, is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan. No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Key Elements for Achieving Success

What are the key components of achieving success in life? Success is often built on foundational principles and strategies that empower individuals to reach their goals and find fulfillment. These core elements provide practical guidance for turning aspirations into accomplishments. These include:

  • Set clear and specific goals: Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goals).
  • Develop a plan of action: Break down your objectives into smaller, actionable steps to keep progress manageable.
  • Work hard and stay committed: Success requires persistence, dedication, and a mindset that sees failures as opportunities to grow.
  • Continuously learn and improve: Pursue knowledge and build skills that match your goals.
  • Take calculated risks: Step outside your comfort zone, embrace possibilities for growth, and stay open to new experiences.
  • Develop a strong support network: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who believe in your potential. Find mentors or role models for guidance and wisdom.
  • Stay focused and keep balance: Aim for harmony between personal and professional life to sustain long-term success.

What is Success for the Children of the King?

For the children of the King who walk with the Father, success is not measured by worldly standards or cultural norms. Genuine success is found in aligning one’s life with God’s will and purpose. Pursuing prosperity apart from Him may yield fleeting accomplishments, but it often results in emptiness and lasting regret. Psalms 106:15 recalls a sobering moment in Israel’s history: “He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.”

Psalms 106:15 serves as a cautionary reminder about ingratitude and self-indulgence. Their craving was not based on genuine need but on the desire for more. What the Father had provided was simply not enough. In the wilderness, the Israelites became dissatisfied with God’s miraculous provision of manna and demanded more (Numbers 11). While God granted their request, He also allowed them to face the consequences of misplaced priorities: a decline in their spiritual well-being, a “leanness of soul,” a deep spiritual emptiness that no material thing can fill. Although their physical hunger was temporarily satisfied, their overall spiritual condition deteriorated.

REFLECT & PRAY

Robert Ingersoll asserted that, “The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart.” Success is not always immediate, and setbacks are inevitable. However, resilience and faith in the face of challenges are what define true strength.

Father, thank You for the high standards and steps of action You have provided for success. Encourage and strengthen me to meditate upon and live by Your principles.

INSIGHT

Insight into Success and Strength

Scottish novelist George MacDonald once wrote, “Without God, any endeavor is destined to either miserable failure or a more miserable success.” For the children of the King, true success is the natural result of a life fully dedicated to the Father and grounded in the truth of His Word. When we walk in the Spirit and rely on His empowerment, good things happen, not by chance, but by divine design.

The Foundation of Success

The world’s metrics do not define the success of God’s people. Instead, success in the kingdom of God becomes a reality when we choose to align ourselves with His divine will. As Wiersbe aptly observes, “It’s one thing to say to a leader, ‘Be strong! Be very courageous!’ and quite something else to enable him to do it.”

Joshua’s strength and courage did not arise from within himself but were firmly grounded in his deep immersion in God’s Word and his consistent meditation on it. The Father’s power and authority are activated in our lives when we cultivate an unshakable trust in His promises and live in faithful obedience to His principles.

Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

This command is expressed through two synonymous Hebrew verbs: “Be strong and be courageous.” These phrases are translated as “be resolute,” “stand firm,” or “be brave.”

The Meaning of Strength and Courage

The Hebrew verb for “strong” is hazaq, which conveys the idea of “being powerful beyond the ordinary, whether physically or mentally. It means to strengthen, prevail, harden, or act with resolve.”

The word for “courageous” is amets, which indicates “the ability to confront danger or fear without hesitation. It suggests being bold, alert, and steadfast.” In modern terms, we might say, “‘Man up,’ meaning to face challenges with bravery and fulfill responsibilities heroically.”

God’s Encouragement to Joshua

The Lord repeatedly encouraged Joshua to be strong and very courageous (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9). Joshua bore the weight of his duties: leading a stubborn, obstinate people, facing the enormity of the task ahead, and being without his mentor, Moses. Yet, God did not call Joshua without also equipping him.

Joshua had compelling reasons to find strength:

  • God’s promise of victory (Joshua 1:5, 6) assured him that no one would oppose him.
  • The reliability of God’s Word (Joshua 1:7, 8) offered a trustworthy guide to success.
  • The comforting presence of the Father (Joshua 1:9) provided unwavering support and reassurance.

As T. Austin Sparks observed, “The real battle of faith is joined here. Not what we are, but what He is! Not what we feel, but His facts.”

Assurance in God’s Guidance

These promises are not about material wealth or success but about fulfilling the assignments God has given us. When we seek His counsel and guidance (Joshua 9:14), He provides the wisdom and insight needed for any situation.

In a fallen world, we will face obstacles and, at times, fall short. Yet, when we fail, we must get up, persevere, and keep moving forward until the end. Maxwell Maltz sagaciously comments, “Remember, you will not always win. Some days, the most resourceful individual will taste defeat. But there is, in this case, always tomorrow – after you have done your best to achieve success today.”

The Challenge of Obedience

One of the most challenging aspects of God’s instructions to Joshua was the command to make His Word the foundation of his life. Joshua was called to continually study and meditate on Scripture, allowing it to shape his decisions, provide direction, and strengthen him for the immense task ahead. Joshua was called to an active, ongoing commitment to align his life with God’s truth.

This challenge is not exclusive to Joshua; it resonates with all who seek to follow the Father. Every child of the King faces the ongoing struggle to keep God’s Word at the center of their lives, allowing it to guide their actions, shape their character, and inspire their goals. Through this unwavering dedication to Scripture, we find clarity, purpose, and the strength to fulfill the calling God has placed on our lives. By anchoring ourselves in His Word, we are equipped to navigate life’s complexities with wisdom and courage, knowing that His promises never fail.

Reflections on Courage

In our fallen world, we face many hurdles, and sadly, we will fall short. The absence of fear or pain does not define courage; rather, it is the resolve to press forward despite them. Genuine strength and lasting success are rooted in unwavering trust in God’s promises, steadfast reliance on His guidance, and the perseverance to face life’s challenges with faith and resilience.

Jeremy Goldberg observes, “Courage is knowing it might hurt, and doing it anyway. Stupidity is the same. And that’s why life is hard.”

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© Dr. H 2026

Do You Turn Things Upside Down? ∙

Do You Turn Things Upside Down? ∙

You turn things upside down as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! – Isaiah 29:16

Isaiah 29:13-16

And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.

Because of this, I will once again astound these hypocrites with amazing wonders. The wisdom of the wise will pass away, and the intelligence of the intelligent will disappear.”

What sorrow awaits those who try to hide their plans from the Lord, who do their evil deeds in the dark! “The Lord can’t see us,” they say. “He doesn’t know what’s going on!”

How foolish can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay! Should the created thing say of the one who made it, “He didn’t make me”? Does a jar ever say, “The potter who made me is stupid”?

The Potter’s Craft: A Timeless Art

Potters are skilled craftsmen who transform raw clay into functional or decorative pieces, such as bowls, plates, and vases. Their work involves a series of intentional choices, including selecting the clay, tools, shapes, colors, and finishes. Each decision directly affects the final product’s texture, durability, and visual appeal.

For example, the type of clay chosen influences key features like color, texture, and plasticity. Potters then shape the clay using techniques such as wheel throwing and hand building, including coiling, slabbing, and pinching. Every step of the process reflects the potter’s creative vision and skillful control, resulting in a one-of-a-kind creation. 

The Potter and the Clay: A Biblical Analogy

Pottery was an important part of everyday life in both the Old and New Testaments. It served both practical and cultural purposes.The idea that clay can shape itself would have been considered completely absurd, since clay is inert, devoid of thought or will.. It is the potter who imagines, designs, and forms the clay into what it’s meant to be. This image of the potter and clay illustrates how God has full control and authority over His creation. It highlights His role as the main designer and caretaker. Each piece is made for a specific purpose and future, according to what the Creator intended.

Isaiah 64:8: “O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand.”

Lessons from Jeremiah’s Vision

The prophet Jeremiah provides a vivid illustration of the potter’s authority over the clay, Jeremiah 18:2-6:

“Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.”

“So, I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over. Then the Lord gave me this message: ‘O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.’”

Paul’s Perspective on Divine Sovereignty

This vivid metaphor speaks volumes, yet the apostle Paul conveys its essence with remarkable brevity. He pictures the Father as a potter who has the right to shape His creation however He wants. While Paul does not explore the tension between human free will and divine sovereignty, he emphasizes that this apparent conflict is resolved by recognizing the Father’s ultimate authority to make decisions, while humanity has no authority whatsoever. The ESV notes suggest that Paul “insists that finite human beings may not rebelliously question God’s ways, that God as a potter has the right to do what he wishes with his creation.”

Romans 9:21: “When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for honorable use and another for common use?”

In this context, the terms “honorable” and “common” vessels represent the “saved” and the “unsaved,” respectively. Paul emphasizes that these distinctions were predetermined before the foundation of the world, long before anyone other than God existed.

REFLECT & PRAY

Isaiah reminds us of the folly of questioning the Creator’s authority, Isaiah 29:16: “How foolish can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay! Should the created thing say of the one who made it, ‘He didn’t make me’? Does a jar ever say, ‘The potter who made me is stupid’?”

Father, what serenity, peace, and confidence fill my spirit and soul when I recognize that You are the Potter and I am not. You are loving and all-knowing. You never make mistakes. Knowing my limitations and shortcomings, I place my complete confidence and trust in You.

INSIGHT

The Potter and the Clay: A Natural Order

The relationship between the potter and the clay illustrates the natural order of the world, in which potters shape and design vessels. In contrast, the clay remains passive, unable to influence its form or purpose.  

However, the apostle Paul warns that in the last days, this natural order will be upended, giving way to a world marked by chaos and widespread self-centeredness.

A World Turned Upside Down

2 Timothy 3:1-5:

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days, there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.

They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.”

This passage depicts a bleak view of the world without God, described by William Barclay as, “One of the most terrible pictures in the New Testament of what a godless world would be like, with the terrible qualities of godlessness set out in a ghastly list.”

The Meaning of “Difficult Times”

The Greek word translated as “difficult” in this passage is chalepos, which appears only twice in the New Testament. Matthew 8:28 describes the “violent ferocity” of the two demoniacs from the country of the Gadarenes. In 2 Timothy 3:1, it characterizes the spirit of the age in the last days, “a time so horrendous that it is troublesome, dangerous, harsh, fierce, and savage.”

Self-Love vs. God-Love

2 Timothy 3:2: “For people will love only themselves.”

The Greek term phílautos, meaning “love only themselves,” is derived from phílos (loving) and autos (self). It signifies “a self-centered love that prioritizes personal interests above all else. This self-love can lead to narcissistic egotism.” This trait is increasingly prevalent in modern society and potentially indicative of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

In stark contrast, the children of the King are described as philotheos – “lovers of God.”

2 Timothy 3:4: “They are lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”

The term philotheos is derived from phílos (loving) and theos (God), meaning “God-lovers.” “Those who genuinely love the Father and prioritize His will above everything, embracing it as their ultimate purpose and guiding principle in life.”

A Stark Contrast in Priorities

The contrast between phílautos (self-lovers) and philotheos (God-lovers) is striking. “Self-lovers are driven by their own desires and self-interest, while God-lovers orient their lives around the Father’s purpose.” This fundamental difference influences their attitudes, perspectives, decisions, and actions, carrying profound and eternal significance. 

Do You Turn Things Upside Down?

Pause for a moment and visualize the Father’s servant, the prophet Isaiah, confronting you face-to-face with a bony finger projected in your direction. He points out a disturbing, foolish trend in Isaiah 29:16: “Do you turn things upside down? How foolish can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay! Should the created thing say of the one who made it, ‘He didn’t make me’?”

Isaiah highlights how we often turn the natural order that God designed upside down. We reject His authority and wisdom as the Creator of all things. He uses the example of the Potter and the clay to show how unwise it is for us to challenge the Creator.

When we “turn things upside down,” we try to act like the Potter instead of the clay. We attempt to control our own design, purpose, and destiny, rather than trusting in God’s perfect plan. We rely on our limited and flawed viewpoint and self-love to reshape ourselves and the world around us.

Resting in the Potter’s Design 

As children of the King, we are invited to find peace in the reality of a loving Father who, like a master potter, has intentionally and carefully shaped us for His divine purposes. He molds and shapes us according to His will, and our greatest calling is to live in harmony with His perfect plan.

As children of the King, we are called to find peace in the truth of a loving Father who, like a master potter, has intentionally and carefully shaped us for His divine purposes. He molds us according to His will, and our highest calling is to live in harmony with His perfect plan.

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© Dr. H 2026

Forgiven Much ∙∙

Forgiven Much ∙∙

I tell you, her sins, which were many, are forgiven; thus she loved much, but the one who is forgiven little loves little. – Luke 7:47

Luke 7:37-50

When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”

Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.” “Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied. Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people – 500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other.” “But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”

Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.” “That’s right,” Jesus said.

Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.” “You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet.” “You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.”

“I tell you, her sins – and they are many – have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man that he goes around forgiving sins?” And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

The Power of Gratitude: A Pathway to Joy

Secular research provides compelling evidence that gratitude is a significant precursor to happiness. As R.C. Solomon notes in the preface to The Psychology of Gratitude, “Gratitude is one of the most neglected emotions and one of the most underestimated of virtues.” Gratitude is more than a fleeting feeling; it is an acknowledgment and appreciation of what one has, a recognition of intrinsic value. It is a spontaneous affirmation of goodness and warmth.

Psychology Today observes that Neurological Studies reveal that expressing gratitude leads to lasting changes in the prefrontal cortex, enhancing the brain’s ability to process future experiences of gratitude. While it often arises naturally, research shows gratitude can also be cultivated intentionally.

How Can Gratitude Be Intentionally Developed?

Psychology Today suggests that by consciously counting their blessings, individuals can cultivate gratitude as both a mood and a personality trait. The act of expressing gratitude involves recognizing positive outcomes and attributing them to others’ efforts.

Philippians 4:4 advises, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice!”

There is never a wrong moment to pause and express gratitude. Gratitude not only fosters joy but also paves the way for love.

Gratitude and Forgiveness: A Transformative Connection

The Lord Jesus Christ explains in Luke 7:47: “I tell you, her sins, and they are many, have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”

What is the prerequisite for being forgiven much? The answer, though uncomfortable, is true: it requires a considerable amount of sin.

Many people harbor the erroneous belief that excessive sin places them beyond redemption. But the opposite is true. When one is forgiven much, the result is an outpouring of gratitude and love. This is the heart of the story in Luke 7.

Two simple correlations emerge:

Little forgiveness → little love

Much forgiveness → much love

What if, over a lifetime, we accumulate a vast, overwhelming amount of sin, leading us to believe that forgiveness is unreachable for us? Absolutely not! The total amount of sin is not a barrier to forgiveness. It doesn’t matter.

The Lord Jesus Christ has the power to forgive any sin, no matter how severe. In fact, the greater the sin, the greater the gratitude and love for Him. As William Barclay observes, the most significant transgression may be the failure to recognize one’s own sins; however, acknowledging one’s need can pave the way to divine forgiveness. This is rooted in the essence of God as love, and the truest expression of love is found in being needed by others.

Similarly, Constable notes, “As a maxim, the intensity of one’s love tends to be proportionate to his perception of the greatness of his forgiveness.”

Distinguishing the Stories of Forgiveness

The account in Luke 7:36-50 has a parallel account in Mark 14:3-4,  with similar narratives in Matthew 26:6-13 and John 12:1-8. However, those found in Matthew and John are not the same event. The story in the Gospel of Luke tells of a woman whose actions express profound gratitude for forgiveness. In contrast, the stories in Matthew and John tell a different event involving Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.

Although these stories differ in their details, the people involved, and how the Lord Jesus Christ responds, they both highlight the power of forgiveness and gratitude to change lives.

REFLECT & PRAY

Children of the King should remain aware of the weight of their sins without becoming consumed by them. Dwelling on past mistakes or endlessly replaying them in their minds serves no purpose. Instead, we are encouraged to focus on the enormity of the forgiveness that removes them. Rather than succumbing to regret, sorrow, or self-criticism, we are called to embrace gratitude and celebrate the joy of redemption.

Father, thank You for forgiving my sin. Thank You for showering me with limitless love and joy.

INSIGHT

The Depth of Sin and the Joy of Forgiveness

When we fail to comprehend the depth of our sin and the gravity of our sinful hearts, we struggle to experience the Father’s profound love and forgiveness fully. By its very nature, sin brings sorrow, not joy. However, it is through forgiveness that true joy is found. In fact, when the most troubling sins are forgiven, they result in extraordinary joy.

As Hughes rightly states, “Those who have been forgiven the most love the most! Some of the greatest sinners have made the greatest saints!”

A Story of Redemption: John Newton

John Newton, the author of the hymn Amazing Grace, lived a life marked by deplorable actions and unspeakable deeds before encountering the Lord Jesus Christ. His epitaph reflects his profound understanding of forgiveness:


“John Newton, Clerk, once an Infidel and Libertine, a Servant of Slaves in Africa, was, by the Mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Preserved, Restored, Pardoned, and Appointed to Preach the Faith he had so long labored to destroy.”

Newton never forgot that he was a forgiven sinner, and this memory shaped his life and ministry. Similarly, the apostle Paul, who once persecuted the early church, never lost sight of the mercy he received. As Barclay notes, “It does us good to remember our sins; it saves us from spiritual pride.”

Paul’s Testimony: The Chief of Sinners

The ApostlePaul recognizes the gravity of his horrid, sinful past. He explains in 1 Timothy 1:15-16:


“This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’, and I am the worst of them all.

But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.”

Stanley wisely notes that no one persecuted the early Christian church more passionately than Saul, and no one preached forgiveness more fervently than Paul. By the grace and mercy of the Father, Paul was completely forgiven and transformed. His life serves as a testament to God’s limitless mercy. If the self-proclaimed “chief of sinners” can be forgiven and restored, so can anyone.

The Cost of Forgiveness

The depth of our love and affection for the Lord Jesus Christ is often connected to how well we recognize our own sinfulness. If our love feels shallow, it may be because we haven’t fully acknowledged how flawed our hearts are or experienced the full scope of forgiveness.

What was the cost of our forgiveness? It was nothing less than the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price for our debt of sin. His sacrifice highlights the magnitude of His love and the completeness of His forgiveness.

Gratitude is not merely a feeling but a practice that transforms the heart and mind. When combined with the awareness of forgiveness, it becomes a powerful force for love, joy, and spiritual growth. The greater the forgiveness we receive, the more profound our gratitude, and the greater our love for the One Who forgives.

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© Dr. H 2026

Does God Shun His Children? ∙

Does God Shun His Children? ∙

O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. – Psalms 86:5

Micah 7:18-20

Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.

Once again, you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!

You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised . . .

Understanding Shunning: A Deliberate Act of Social Rejection

Shunning is the deliberate avoidance of someone, often accompanied by social rejection and abandonment. It typically involves severing ties with the individual and cutting off all social interaction. Unlike banishment or exile, which involve physical separation, shunning emphasizes social isolation.

Shunning typically happens when accepted rules or standards are broken, serving as a clear reminder of the consequences. Historically, the Amish have used shunning for serious offenses such as marrying outside the Amish community, adultery, excessive contact with outsiders, and drunkenness.

The Father’s Infinite Patience and Mercy

Will the Father ever shun, turn away from, His children? Can a sheep from His flock wear out His patience? Certainly not! The Father’s heart overflows with boundless mercy, patience, and kindness. His infinite compassion is inexhaustible. When faced with sin, His love and grace pour forth in abundance.

Romans 5:20: “As people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.”

The Worst Sinner? Not You!

Have you ever thought, “I am the worst sinner that ever lived”? You are not alone in feeling this way, but that title has already been claimed by the apostle Paul himself. While it may sound shocking, Paul declared this about himself, and the Father inspired his words. Often, our self-rejection comes from guilt and discouragement, but Paul’s story offers hope.

1 Timothy 1:15: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them all.”

Paul further explains that if anyone could have exhausted the Father’s patience and deserved to be shunned, it was he. Yet, his life became a testament to the Father’s perfect patience and mercy.

1 Timothy 1:14-16:


“The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.


The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Isaiah 53:6: “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own.”

Father, thank You for Your boundless patience and forgiveness. In the face of my sin, defiance, and rebellion, You respond with unwavering love, always seeking to restore me.

INSIGHT

The Purpose of Sheep: An Object Lesson

Have you ever considered why sheep were created? The Father designed them as object lessons, living illustrations of human behavior. Sheep are among the most helpless and dependent creatures. They easily get lost, fall prey to predators, and require guidance to find food and water. Without the care of a shepherd, they are desperately vulnerable.

The Father created sheep to reflect the way people often behave. Like sheep, we are prone to wander, make poor decisions, and find ourselves in peril. Without the love and devotion of a wise and caring shepherd, we would be hopelessly lost.

The Good Shepherd: The Father’s Perfect Answer

The Father offered the perfect solution to humanity’s tendency to wander and find itself in challenging predicaments. He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Good Shepherd.

John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”

The parable of the lost sheep serves as a poignant illustration of the Father’s unwavering pursuit of His wayward children. It highlights His relentless dedication to seeking out those who have strayed, demonstrating an immense love and compassion that knows no bounds. This narrative encapsulates the profound relationship between the Father and lost sheep, emphasizing the lengths to which the Father will go to reclaim His lost wayward children.

Luke 15:4-6:

“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?

When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices.
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’”

To truly grasp our need for the Good Shepherd, we must recognize and admit that we are like lost sheep, vulnerable due to our own folly and obstinacy. These lost sheep face constant peril, highlighting the shepherd’s essential role in seeking them out and guiding them safely home.

The Father’s Joy in Restoring the Lost

The Father finds great joy in reuniting with His wandering children. His excitement and pleasure in restoring a close connection with His creations are vividly illustrated throughout the Scriptures.

What is the Father like? What kind of person is He? How can we characterize his personality? Through His words, actions, and examples, He continually reveals His heart. Comprehending His character brings comfort to those who feel troubled or lost, or adrift.

Contrary to what many may wrongly think, the Father is not a wrathful or vengeful figure poised to punish us. Instead, He is a gracious and loving shepherd, diligently seeking out, gathering, and restoring His lost sheep. As the ultimate Good Shepherd, His sole desire is the well-being of those who belong to Him. He wants only their best!

Communal Flocks and the Celebration of Restoration

In the first century, many flocks were communal, belonging to entire villages rather than individuals. These flocks were often cared for by two or three shepherds. If a shepherd failed to return with the flock, it was understood that he was searching for a sheep that had gone astray. This search became a concern for the entire village, as they anxiously waited for the shepherd’s return.

When the shepherd finally returned with the lost sheep draped across his shoulders, the village erupted in celebration and thanksgiving. This imagery powerfully depicts the Father’s joy when a lost sinner is found.

Stanley ponders what the Father is like. He concludes that the Father is like a loving shepherd who does everything in his power to bring His lost sheep home, “That is the picture Jesus drew of God; that, said Jesus, is what God is like. God is as glad when a lost sinner is found as a shepherd is when a strayed sheep is brought home. As a great saint said, ‘God, too, knows the joy of finding things that have gone lost.’”

The Father’s Kindness Surpasses Human Standards

In the first century, religious leaders were often harsh, judgmental, and unforgiving. They shunned and belittled those they considered unworthy, like tax collectors and sinners. Instead of trying to redeem them, they wanted to see them destroyed.

In contrast, the story of the lost sheep highlights the Father’s incredible kindness, which goes far beyond human understanding. While people may give up on others, the Father never does. His heart overflows with joy when a lost one is found and brought home.

Luke 15:32: “He was lost, but now he is found!”

The boundless mercy and grace of the Father are inexhaustible, regardless of how far we may wander from His guidance. His infinite patience serves as an exemplary model, encouraging us to place our faith in His unwavering love and to extend that same grace

to those around us.

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© Dr. H 2026

Serve Good ∙∙

Serve Good ∙∙

Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. – 1 Thessalonians 5:14

1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

We urge you, brethren, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.

Rejoice always. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

The Impact of Hurricane Matthew: A Call to Serve

On October 7th and 8th, 2016, Hurricane Matthew, a Category 5 storm, swept through North Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. It was the most formidable storm of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

The Aftermath in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the storm caused power outages for at least 600,000 individuals. Hilton Head Island faced prolonged disruptions in water, sewer, and power services, with access to the island restricted until October 11th. The storm’s impact was severe, toppling over 120,000 trees and causing extensive damage to properties and businesses. In its aftermath, more than 2.1 million cubic yards of vegetative debris were collected.

Residents returning to their homes were met with scenes of devastation, resembling a war zone. Amid this chaos, Samaritan’s Purse workers arrived to provide critical assistance. They worked tirelessly to cut and remove fallen trees, offer aid to those in need, and provide spiritual support. Visiting homes, they cared for the afflicted and shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, bringing hope and comfort to those affected before departing.

They Served Good!

A Biblical Call to Serve

The efforts of Samaritan’s Purse reflect the biblical principle of serving others. Romans 14:7: “For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves.” As children of the King, we share a responsibility to care for those in need, addressing their individual circumstances with compassion and patience.

The Apostle Paul offers specific guidance on how to serve others effectively in 1 Thessalonians 5:14: “Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.”

Admonish the Idle

The Greek word for “idle” is ataktos, which initially described “a soldier who had abandoned their post.” It later gained the meaning of “unruly, careless, or undisciplined.” This term “describes those who diverge from godly principles and display rebellious irresponsibility or deliberate sluggishness.” It came to encompass “defiant, willful negligence and indifference.”

Encourage the Fainthearted

The Greek word for “fainthearted” is oligopsychos. It literally means “small-souled” or “little-souled.” It is derived from two Greek words: oligos, meaning “small” or “little,” and psyche, meaning “soul” or “mind.”

Oligopsychos describes someone who “feels diminished, small, or weak.” It conveys a “sense of being fainthearted, timid, or easily discouraged.” They tend to be “despondent and prone to worry, overwhelmed by fear or anxiety.” They imagine the “worst-case scenarios and simply want to give up when challenges arise.” They are “hesitant to take risks and avoid stepping out of their comfort zone, fearing failure or rejection.”

This often affects the King’s children during a season of suffering or uncertainty. They feel shame and doubt because of their spiritual weakness, believing they have little faith and are inadequate. They can barely imagine enduring the present circumstances, let alone overcoming them.

What can be done?

The fainthearted need loving yet firm guidance to help them return to a disciplined, active, purposeful, and meaningful life. The apostle Paul encourages those with strong, courageous spirits to uplift and support them. As one translation puts it, “Give courage to those who have little of it.”

Help the Weak

The Greek word for “weak” is asthenes, referring to “those without strength.” This can include individuals who are physically ill or spiritually feeble, lacking faith and vitality. These individuals need support, warmth, and care to help them regain their strength and confidence.

The Greek word asthenes literally means “without strength” or “lacking power.” It “conveys the idea of “weakness, frailty, or inability, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.” It comes from two root words: ameaning “without” or “lacking” and sthenos – meaning “strength” or “power.” It refers to those who are “physically weak or sick, emotionally or spiritually feeble, lacking resilience or faith, or ineffective or powerless.”

Spiritual weakness manifests in those who struggle with doubt or lack the faith to trust God fully during trials. Emotional frailty is seen in those overwhelmed by grief or anxiety, unable to cope with their emotions.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Paul instructs those children of the King who are able to “help the weak” (asthenes).

Interestingly, asthenes is used in Romans 5:6, Paul writes, “When we were utterly helpless,” (asthenes) Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners,” emphasizing humanity’s spiritual weakness and need for salvation.

REFLECT & PRAY

When serving others, cultivating patience is essential. It’s important to recognize and meet their individual needs, since people exhibit their challenges and shortcomings in different ways. Therefore, responses should be customized, specific, and compassionate. Some individuals may need clear guidance, while others might look for reassurance or counseling. At the same time, others may require material or practical assistance.

Galatians 6:9: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

Father, I thank You for Your loving care and compassion. You always know what is going on inside of me. You offer me what I need at the right time. Teach me to care for others in the same way, meeting their needs with patience, wisdom, and love. Help me to be Your hands and feet in this world.

INSIGHT

Personal Challenges as Motivation to Serve

The Father uniquely designs personal challenges for each of His children. These challenges are not arbitrary; they motivate us to come alongside one another in support and love. The apostle Paul explains in Ephesians 4:15: “We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” Each child of the King is on a personal journey of growth, cultivating strength, stability, and maturity at their own pace. Those skilled in specific areas are encouraged to help their brothers and sisters who may be struggling, fostering a shared responsibility to uplift one another within the body of Christ.

The Art of Patience

Patience is both a learned and practiced trait. The Greek term makrothumeo, translated as “be patient,” combines makros, meaning “long,” and thumos, meaning “anger.” This term paints the picture of a “slow-burning fuse,” the opposite of being “short-tempered.” It conveys the idea of “suffering long” in the context of human relationships.

Patience, as described by Paul, is not about enduring circumstances but about maintaining calm and understanding in relationships. Intense, close human interactions often provoke heated responses, but the children of the King are called to exercise forbearance and understanding.

1 Thessalonians 5:14: is quite clear, “Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.”

Practical Expressions of Patience

The phrase “be patient with everyone” can be articulated in several ways, such as “speak softly to everyone,” “communicate gently with all,” “approach situations thoughtfully,” or “avoid speaking harshly to anyone.” This form of patience is not passive. Instead, it is active and intentional. It requires individuals to maintain their composure and tranquility, even during difficult interactions. It serves as an invitation to embrace a higher standard of living, one that reflects the Father’s enduring patience toward us.

The Father’s Example of Patience

The Father surprisingly envelops us in His comforting patience, inviting us into a deeply personal and close relationship. His patience is meant to be shared, paid forward. Simply put, just as He is wonderfully slow to anger and immensely patient with us, His children, we are to extend the same patience to our brothers and sisters in God’s Forever Family

Luke 18:27: “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” Developing patients in our own strength may seem impossible, but through the Father’s power, it becomes possible.

The Journey of Becoming “Long-Tempered”

Developing the trait of being “long-tempered” is a gradual, deliberate journey that requires consistent effort. It is not an immediate transformation but a steady process of growth. For children of the King, supernatural patience is always within reach. By seeking strength and guidance from the Father, we can cultivate patience and love in our relationships, embodying the character of Christ.

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© Dr. H 2026