Always holding someone up ∙

Always holding someone up ∙

You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. – John 15:16

John 5:24 I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
John 1:12 But to all who have received him – those who believe in his name– he has given the right to become God’s children

On the afternoon of June 18, 1956, ten people were in a powerboat on Schroon Lake. Suddenly, a wave struck the boat, hurtling two of them into the water, a young girl and Dawson Trotman. Dawson held the young girl above water long enough for her to be rescued. Dawson, however, drowned. Time magazine published his obituary with the caption under Dawson’s picture, “Always holding someone up.”

The Father took Dawson home at the time appointed by Him in eternity past. Dawson had spent 30 years in Christian ministry. He founded the Navigators, which focused on discipleship and Bible memory. But things did not begin that well for Trotman.

His father was an atheistic cowboy who wound up living in Arizona. Trotman was on a gallop down the same dusty trail until the Father intervened. He was arrested for driving under the influence. The policeman asked, “Do you like this kind of life?”

Trotman replied, “Sir, I hate it.” Three hours later, he sobered up. He pledged to do better, and the policeman returned his keys to him.

He soon found himself in a church and began memorizing Scripture. He memorized John 5:24 I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. Trotman realized that he did not have eternal life. He prayed, “O God, whatever that means, I want to have it.”

A verse flashed into his mind, “But as many as received Him [Jesus], to them he gave the power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (John 1:12). Immediately, Dawson pleaded with God, “Whatever it means to receive Jesus, I do it right now.”

His life changed. And he began to devour the word of God, memorizing as he went. He taught a sailor named Les Spencer how to live for Christ. Another sailor asked Spencer what secret had changed his life. Spencer brought the man to Trotman and asked him to teach the other sailor. Trotman told Spencer, “You teach him!” That was the beginning of the Navigators. It was 1933.

Spencer and his shipmate were soon teaching 125 men aboard the USS West Virginia. They, in turn, taught others aboard many other ships. Lamentably, several of those ships were destined to be sunk at Pearl Harbor.

At the core of his ministry were many important scriptures; one that stands out is, You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name (John 15:16).

Dawson Trotman was born and then reborn to reproduce.

What about the rest of us?

REFLECT & PRAY

“Soul winners are not soul winners because of what they know, but because of Who they know, and how well they know Him, and how much they long for others to know Him” (Dawson Trotman).

Father, thank You for choosing us as Your children. Thank You for inviting us into the family business of redemption. Please enable us to go and produce lasting fruit.

INSIGHT

Pause a moment to grasp the magnitude of what the Lord Jesus Christ has done. Reflect on His words in John 15:15, where He says, “I no longer call you slaves because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends since I have told you everything the Father told me.”

This is truly astonishing. The Lord Jesus Christ has invited us to become friends with Him, not simply as followers or servants. It is even more incredible to realize that we are already His friends! We became friends when He declared, “Now you are my friends.” Our friendship was initiated by Him, the Son of God! How should we respond to such an awe-inspiring fact? The only fitting response is a wholehearted, unreserved “Yes! A thousand times, Yes!”

Can you imagine a better BFF than the Lord Jesus Christ? I can’t.

But friendship with Christ isn’t just about personal connection. It is purpose-driven. Jesus has called us to bear fruit. What kind of fruit? To answer that, we must first ask another question: What kind of business is the Father God in? Scripture makes it clear—He is in the Redemption Business. His heart desires that no one perishes but that everyone would possess eternal life. He offers eternal life to all.

Revelation 22:17 beautifully extends this invitation, saying, “Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.

Here’s where we come in. The Father has invited us to join Him in His redemptive work. We are not just recipients of His grace but participants in His mission. He has appointed us to go and produce lasting fruit. What does this fruit look like? Lasting fruit are people just like us. They hear the message and come to the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ in faith.

William Barclay described the rhythm of this calling beautifully, saying, “Jesus chose us, first to come to Him, and then to go out to the world. And that must be the daily pattern and rhythm of our lives.” Relationship with Christ flows into partnership with Christ.

Now think about this—can we truly bring joy and glory to the Father? Yes! John 15:8 reminds us, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great honor to my Father.” “Jesus chose us, first to come to him, and then to go out to the world. And that must be the daily pattern and rhythm of our lives” (Barclay).

How do we bear this fruit? Jesus shows us the way in John 15:1-5:

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.”
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing.”

In some remarkable way, the children of the King have become fused to the Lord Jesus Christ. We are united with Him. This is the key to fruitfulness—remaining united with Christ. He is the vine, and we are the branches. Our role is to stay connected, allowing His life force to flow through us. Grapes don’t grow on the main vine; they grow on the branches. And for fruit to flourish, the branches need to stay attached to the vine and abide.

What does this abiding look like? Simply put, it means staying close to Jesus. “Hang in there. “ He does the rest. “Continue to be a part of me even as I am a part of you” or “continue to be joined to me even as I will remain joined to you” (UBS). The result is much fruit.

Jesus reminds us that we are not slaves. Slaves were considered tools in Greek law, existing to obey orders without understanding the reasoning behind them. But Jesus declares, “You are not my slaves; you are my partners.” He has opened His heart and shared His mind with us. Everything He has heard from the Father, He has shared with us. We are His friends and partners, co-laborers in the mission of leading the world to God. “Needs help and then this stuff is left over and I can’t do it The tremendous choice laid before us is that we can accept or refuse partnership with Christ in the work of leading the world to God” (Barclay). The choice is ours.

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© Dr. H 2025

Living as Disciples

Partnership with Christ requires commitment. To live as His true disciples, we must cultivate a teachable spirit, allow His Word to shape our hearts, and stay rooted in His love. We are called to a life of excellence and growth, continually seeking deeper understanding and connection with Him.

2 Timothy 2:15 challenges us to “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” This is not a casual calling—it demands diligence, persistence, and zeal. The original Greek word for “work hard” (spoudazo) carries the sense of doing our utmost with eagerness and passion.

We are the children of the King, and there is no room for complacency in our faith. To know and share God’s Word requires effort, intention, and a deep-rooted commitment. Paul reminds us that this isn’t optional; it’s the path to living a life of purpose and honor before God.

Fruit That Lasts

If, at times, you find yourself faltering, prone to foolishness or distraction, take heart. Commit yourself afresh to abiding in Christ. Set your focus on bearing fruit that glorifies the Father. Strive for excellence in all you do, seeking wisdom, understanding, and a deeper relationship with God.

You’ve been invited into the most extraordinary partnership imaginable—friendship with the Son of God and a shared mission in the Father’s kingdom. Say yes to this friendship. Say yes to this calling. And with His strength, go and bear fruit that lasts.

A waste of words ∙∙∙

A waste of words ∙∙∙

Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice. – Proverbs 23:9

Matthew 13:12-15

12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.”

15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears, they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.

When we drive, frustrating things often happen. From being cut off to losing a parking spot, annoying moments happen all the time. Some people respond with Road Rage, an outburst of anger directed at other drivers. But here’s the question—does getting angry actually solve anything?

There’s another response that many of us might recognize in ourselves. It’s less dramatic but just as unproductive—talking to the cars around us. Maybe you’ve done it or at least seen someone do it. Suddenly, it’s as if the cars have personalities, and we scold them for their behavior. We chide them for cutting us off, going too fast, going too slow, “stealing” our parking spot, or sitting still after the light turns green. But we all know the truth—cars are not sentient beings. They don’t listen, respond, or apologize. They only honk.

Here’s the thing—trying to talk to cars is a waste of time. And in life, dealing with certain people can feel just as futile. Some individuals may hear your words, but they never truly listen. They cling to stubbornness, refusing to open their minds to others, even if it is common sense or based upon years of experience.

Proverbs 23:9 makes this clear: “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.” The issue isn’t about intellect or comprehension. It’s about sheer hardheadedness. A fool is not lacking in intelligence but in willingness. They are resistant, thick-skinned, and impervious to reason. Have you noticed how exhausting it is to explain something over and over to someone who refuses to see the truth? It’s like shouting into the wind—your words are carried off and disappear.

The Lord Jesus Christ spoke to this as well in Matthew 7:6, reminding us to “not waste what is holy on people who are unholy.” This wisdom isn’t a call for harshness but for discernment. You can’t force someone to accept the truth if their heart is closed. It’s a tragic reality, but some people choose blindness. They shut their ears and close their eyes, ignoring what’s right in front of them.

The Bible warns of the end result of such stubbornness. Matthew 13:15 says, “For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me cure them.” The refusal to listen isn’t just a minor flaw—it has serious consequences. A hardened heart distances itself from wisdom, grace, and, ultimately, redemption.

Perhaps the lesson here is twofold. First, don’t waste precious energy trying to force change on those who refuse to accept it. Second, don’t allow yourself to become a fool who turns away from understanding. Life is already filled with frustration—whether it’s on the road or in our relationships. But instead of wasting time talking to cars or pleading with closed minds, we can choose to discern when it’s worth speaking and when it’s better to walk away. Sometimes, the wisest thing you can do is to stop and move on, keeping your peace intact and your heart open to God’s truth.

REFLECT & PRAY

There are moments when speaking to others feels like a wasted effort, their foolishness blocking the way to understanding. But as I ponder this thought, I must ask myself—am I any different at times? Do I play the fool? Do I resist seeking wisdom? Do I close my heart to instruction and correction?

Father, too often, I fall short. I fail to listen to the wise counsel You place in my path. I ignore the nudges to grow, to understand, to change. Soften my heart and teach me to be humble and discerning. Open my ears to wisdom and my heart to correction so I may grow in Your truth.

INSIGHT

The Father reminds us of the importance of listening through a simple object lesson. He has given us two ears and only one mouth—an indication that we should listen more than we speak. Yet, for many of us, this is a daily struggle.

James 1:19 offers clear guidance in this area: “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Still, we often charge ahead, quick to voice opinions while ignoring the value of listening, not even allowing others to finish their sentences.

Opinions are like belly buttons; everybody has one. We all naturally assume our own opinions are correct; no one thinks. I believe this because I know it is untrue. Wise people, however, seek out and listen to contrary views to see if they might have made a mistake; fools do not (Stanley).

Proverbs 12:15 says it bluntly: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” It’s a sobering thought, isn’t it? How often have we been so sure of ourselves that we refuse to acknowledge another perspective? And yet, the Father is not deceived by our certainty. Proverbs 16:2 reminds us that “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the motives.”
Fools are so sure of themselves and do not seek advice or guidance. They do not seek out contrary points of view or insight. They think they know it all. It never occurs to them that their motives may be skewed by self-interest or confirmation bias.

The Father, however, sees clearly. He examines not just our actions but our hearts. Jeremiah 17:10 affirms this truth: “But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives.”

None of us will “arrive” in this life. Our understanding is always subject to refinement as new insights and aspects of the truth unfold. Whether it’s breakthroughs in science or a deeper grasp of the Scriptures, we must be willing to reassess and, if necessary, adjust our beliefs. This is a mark of wisdom—an openness to lifelong learning.

There is no shame in seeking correction. On the contrary, it’s a sign of maturity and humility. To cultivate a teachable spirit is to acknowledge that discipleship is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment.

2 Timothy 2:15 encourages us to be diligent in this pursuit: “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”

The Greek word translated as work hard, be diligent, study, do your best is spoudazo. Spoudazo refers to “putting the utmost effort into some activity and trying as hard as possible.” It refers to “putting the utmost effort into some action;” hence, “make every effort” (UBS). The word has nuances of “being eager and zealous.” Guthrie writes that spoudazo contains the notion of “persistent zeal’” (George W. Knight). Wuest suggests the following translation, “Do your best, make haste, give diligence, hurry on, be eager to show yourself approved unto God.”

The Father is the CEO of the kingdom of God. The children of the King are His workers. There is no room for slackers among His children when it comes to knowing and sharing the Word of God. Yet how many children of the King are remiss in this area? Sadly, too many are content with a shallow understanding of Scripture when we are meant to dig deep, making it a part of who we are. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us of the living, active power of God’s Word, which should transform us from the Inside Out.

Paul’s instruction in 2 Timothy 2:15 isn’t merely a suggestion. He points us toward a life of diligence and purpose, urging us to be workers without shame when our efforts are examined. Are we living up to this call? If not, what steps of action can we undertake?

Here are some suggestions for those of us who want to remain teachable and avoid the pitfalls of foolishness:

  1. Develop Humility – Put aside pride and self-justification. Acknowledge that you don’t know everything and remain open to correction.
  2. Actively Seek Wisdom – Don’t wait for advice to come to you. Pursue counselors, mentors, and resources that can help you grow.
  3. Be Diligent in Studying the Word – Go beyond surface-level understanding. Strive to deeply know the Scriptures, allowing them to shape your thoughts and actions.
  4. Self-Reflect Regularly – Ask yourself tough questions. Are you truly seeking God’s truth, or do confirmation bias and a personal agenda drive you?

By striving for excellence and diligently pursuing truth, we honor Him and fulfill our role in His kingdom. To be a student, a disciple of Christ, is a lifelong calling—one we must never take lightly.

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© Dr. H 2025

Can intolerance solve intolerance? ∙∙

Can intolerance solve intolerance? ∙∙

We must obey God rather than men. – Acts 5:29

Revelation 3:1-3

1 “I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”
2 “Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.”
3 “So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore, if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.”

The Spring and Summer of 2020 brought the world to a moment of reckoning. Outrage was rightly directed at the horrific injustice of a citizen’s egregious, seditious murder by a police officer in Minneapolis. Crowds gathered voices rose, and there was a rallying cry for change. Violent mobs joined peaceful demonstrators. But what began as peaceful protests advocating for justice quickly devolved into chaotic riots, destruction, and acts of anarchy.

At some point, the calls for genuine social reform transformed into a demand for ideological conformity. Regrettably, this soon began to overshadow the essential pursuit of racial justice. The needed discourse about justice mutated into a bloody, destructive battleground. Those advocating for change, a.k.a. the “woke,” took the underlying flames of “cancel culture” and stoked it into a blazing inferno. Public shunning and expulsion quickly supplanted open dialogue.

On July 7, 2020, Harper’s Magazine published an open letter signed by 153 prominent figures addressing the growing suppression of thought in society. It stipulated that “the free exchange of information and ideas, the lifeblood of liberal society, is daily becoming more constricted.” The erosion of the unencumbered exchange of ideas was replaced by a culture intolerant of dissent. Freedom of thought and expression granted under the Constitution of the United States has been assaulted by intolerance. It is being aggressively and violently coerced into silence.

In its place emerged an oppressive environment of compulsory conformity: “an intolerance of opposing views, a vogue for public shaming and ostracism, and the tendency to dissolve complex policy issues in a blinding moral certainty.” Presumed violations were met with harsh chastisement.

The letter highlighted practices like hasty punishments, the firing of writers and academics, and the vilification of individuals for perceived missteps. It warned against the penalties of narrowing conversation under the guise of justice, reminding us that silencing debate undermines the very freedom needed to achieve true justice. It emphasized that battling bad ideas demands reason, persuasion, and discourse—not the silencing of opposing views. Justice and freedom, it noted, are not competing ideals but inseparably bound to one another.

The letter contended that injustice cannot be reversed by even greater injustice and mob rule. “The restriction of debate . . . invariably hurts those who lack power and makes everyone less capable of democratic participation. The way to defeat bad ideas is by exposure, argument, and persuasion, not by trying to silence or wish them away. We refuse any false choice between justice and freedom, which cannot exist without each other.”

“More troubling still, institutional leaders, in a spirit of panicked damage control, are delivering hasty and disproportionate punishments instead of considered reforms. Editors are fired for running controversial pieces; books are withdrawn for alleged inauthenticity; journalists are barred from writing on certain topics; professors are investigated for quoting works of literature in class; a researcher is fired for circulating a peer-reviewed academic study, and the heads of organizations are ousted for what are sometimes just clumsy mistakes. Whatever the arguments around each particular incident, the result has been to steadily narrow the boundaries of what can be said without the threat of reprisal.”

Society itself, American culture, and civilization were under assault. Intolerance cannot be adequately countered by further intolerance.

How, then, are we, as children of the King, to respond? It is tempting—and all too easy—to point fingers and condemn those whose actions and beliefs differ from ours. But Scripture compels us to look inward. “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

It is not enough to scrutinize others; we must evaluate the authenticity of our own faith and actions. Are we living in obedience to the Father? Is our faith dynamic, alive, and burning with love for Christ, or have we become apathetic and complacent? Where necessary, we must repent and change our way of thinking. Are we truly living out our faith, or are we just going through the motions?

The admonition given to the Ephesian church in Revelation 2 is strikingly relevant here. The Lord commends their hard work, endurance, and resilience but sternly rebukes them for abandoning their first love. “I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first” (Revelation 2:4-5).

Revelation 2:2-5

2 I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars.
3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.
4 But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!
5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.

These verses should lead us to reflection. Does our passion for God still burn hot within our hearts, or has it dimmed with time and complacency?

If we genuinely wish to address the brokenness in our world, we must begin by examining our own lives. Are we reflecting the righteousness, mercy, and humility of Christ? Are we standing steadfastly for truth without falling into the trap of contemptuous judgment? The narrow path the Lord Jesus Christ calls us to requires maturity, courage, and grace—a delicate but essential balance of uncompromising obedience to God and unwavering love for others.

Society will often draw lines and demand allegiance to ideologies or trends that may conflict with our faith. But for the children of the King, the course is clear. We must continually return to the One who holds the truth and surrender to His work within us. And as He strengthens what remains, we can move forward—renewed in heart, reignited in love, and steadfast in our commitment to Him. Our world is desperate for hope, authenticity, and lives that truly glorify God. Let us meet this call through repentance, faith, and action rooted in the abiding love of Christ.

REFLECT & PRAY

Proverbs 21:2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart.

Father, You know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from You (Psalms 69:5). Open the eyes of my heart that I might see, recognize my own faults, repent, change my ways, and walk humbly with You.

INSIGHT

Each of us must decide where we stand. What do you believe in? Where is your foundation? Once you know, stand firm. The Bible calls us to have courage and resolve. Ephesians 6:13 reminds us, “Each of us must determine where we stand in our beliefs. And then take a stand and stand firm.” And again, 1 Corinthians 16:13 declares, “Be on guard, stand firm in the faith. Be courageous, Be strong.” This is a timeless charge to live with unwavering commitment to truth

Make no mistakes—standing for our faith often comes with resistance. There is something insidious lurking beneath the surface. Protesters and writers had been attacking federal buildings, businesses, and law enforcement officials. But on August 01, 2020, something changed. What began as demonstrations against inequality evolved into attacks on symbols of faith and order. On August 1, something deeply troubling occurred—Bibles were burned in the streets of Portland. Yes, Bibles!

Ask yourself: Why is there an urge to torch the Scriptures? What does this act have to do with the pursuit of justice? What drives such disdain toward the Word of God? Does it reveal a deep-seated hatred towards God’s Word? Does it transcend mere protest and signify a direct challenge to centuries of religious freedom, tradition, and values that are founded upon biblical principles?

Jordan Davidson wrote, “As they turn to burning Bibles, Portland rioters show their true colors” (https://thefederalist.com/2020/08/01). Who burns Bibles? What exactly does burning the Bible have to do with protesting for social and racial justice? Is it nothing more than a not-so-veiled attempt to dismantle centuries of tradition, freedom of religion, and Western civilization itself?

Take a moment and reflect on the courage of those throughout history who stood firm in the face of opposition. Consider the prophet Daniel. A righteous man, he served as a trusted government official. His enemies, envious of his integrity and success, sought to bring about his downfall. They schemed to entrap him through an unjust law, knowing that the only way to trap him would be through his faith. Daniel 6:5 reveals their plan: “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.”

These men tricked King Darius into signing an unjust law that would condemn Daniel for his steadfast devotion to God. What was the punishment for his “crime?” Being thrown into a den of hungry lions—an inevitable and gruesome death. Daniel faced a choice that many of us can relate to. Would he compromise his devotion or stand firm in his faith?

We know how the story ends: Daniel refused to waver, and God rewarded his faith, trust, and devotion. You know the rest of the story. The Father sent His angel, and the lion’s mouths were shut, and Daniel’s life was preserved.

The lesson is clear: Standing firm in faith may come with risk. At times, it may even feel like we’re walking into a lion’s den. Yet, what matters more? The approval of men or the approval of God? Acts 5:29 compels us to remember, “We must obey God rather than men.”

This world is filled with pressures to conform or silence our beliefs, but we are called to courage. Like Daniel, we must recognize that though the challenges are real, our God is greater. If Daniel’s example teaches us anything, it’s that faithfulness will always be met with God’s steadfast presence—even in the darkest of trials.

We may have to risk becoming lion food for our faith and convictions.

Compromise is easy, but conviction is rare! Stand firm! Stand strong! But know this—your stand can ripple far beyond yourself, shining as a beacon of hope and faith for others. Take courage, be bold, and trust that God is with you always!

Dare to be a Daniel!

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© Dr. H 2025

A finisher mindset ∙∙

A finisher mindset ∙∙

I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. – Philippians 1:6

Luke 14:28-30

28 But don’t begin until you count the cost. Who would start building construction without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?

29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you.

30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’

How often do we set ambitious goals only to leave them unaccomplished? It’s common to start strong with high aspirations but falter before reaching the finish line. Dreaming big is easy, but following through is where the real challenge lies. Cultivating the mindset of a finisher isn’t something that comes naturally to most. Yet, possessing a finisher mindset empowers you to stick with what you start and see it through to the end.

There are practical ways to nurture this mindset. Start by clearly defining your ultimate goal. Know what you’re aiming for. Then, break it down into smaller, bite-sized tasks. When each step feels manageable, progress becomes achievable. Trying to tackle everything at once can overwhelm even the most determined individual, often resulting in procrastination or giving up entirely.

Interestingly, most finishers don’t begin with grandiose gestures—they start small. The paradox lies in the simplicity, but simplicity works.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” (Lao Tzu).

This is how the Father works in the lives His children. He has an ultimate goal for each of us, a perfect plan for our growth and purpose. Step by step, He moves us closer to that goal, patiently and faithfully shaping our lives. And He has promised to continue His work until it reaches completion. The Father is the ultimate finisher. What He begins, He sees through to the end.

Understanding who the Father is—His character, His unwavering faithfulness—can fill us with steadfast confidence and trust. When He promises to act in our lives, we can rest assured that He will accomplish what He has set out to do. This settled confidence fuels excitement for what’s to come, which in turn blossoms into joy.

But what happens when confidence and hope are missing? Without them, life turns into a monotonous grind, often weighed down by despair and hopelessness. Garland asserts, “The opposite of joy is not gloom but despair, the incapacity to trust in any new and good future. Paul rejoices because he is ‘confident’ of what God’s future holds.”

The call to cultivate a finisher mindset echoes both in our personal goals and in our spiritual journeys. When we trust that the Father is steadfastly finishing the work He began in us, we are incentivized to mirror that in our own lives, starting small, taking one step at a time, and moving forward with confidence.

REFLECT & PRAY

We all desire someone we can trust completely—someone who genuinely has our best interests at heart. Some of us are truly blessed to have already found that person.

Father, I thank You for the incredible gift of redemption You’ve begun in my heart. Thank You for Your promise to finish what You started.

INSIGHT

When the gospel is heard, embraced, and truly understood, it has the power to transform everything. Initially, as spiritual newborns, our understanding of the Father and His ways is limited. But then, we begin to experience His gentle presence—His loving touch and the caress of His loving hands remind us how deeply valued we are by Him. The warmth of His care wraps around us, filling us with a sense of belonging and tenderness. This is where the bond begins, the start of a lifelong relationship with the One who calls us His own. Over time, as we grow in this relationship, we come to see more clearly the depth of His love and the beauty of His ways.

The Father does not merely call us His children. Instead, we lowercase His children when He adopted us into His Forever Family.

What begins in time carries forward into eternity. The Philippians, having accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, entered into a sacred “fellowship of the gospel” (Hughes). The Father’s work in their lives was not a mere momentary act but the start of a process that will reach its magnificent fulfillment when Christ returns.

Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians not from a place of comfort but from a prison in Rome, with the shadow of death looming near. Yet, astonishingly, his words radiate joy. How was this possible? The answer lies in Paul’s unwavering perspective and unshakable focus.

Despite challenging conditions, Paul trusted that the Father was fully in control and working out the unfolding of His eternal plan. Paul was confident that what God begins, He also brings to completion. This confidence wasn’t rooted in Paul’s circumstances but in the character and promises of God. Paul understood that the Father’s guidance in his life, including his mission to spread the gospel, was deliberate and intentional. Through Paul, the Philippians embarked on a spiritual journey that would take them exactly where the Father wanted them to go. The same is true of all children of the King throughout the ages.

Without divine revelation, our limited earthly perspective leaves us in the dark. Paul sheds light on this truth, sharing God’s perspective to offer clarity and hope. When we learn to see through the Father’s eyes, we find the strength to face challenges with renewed determination.

To grow in faith, we are asked to recognize the deficiencies of our limited perspective and abandon flawed thinking and inadequate understanding. Much of the old must be discarded and replaced with the new. The Father seeks that all children of the King let go of wrong thinking. Inadequate reasoning and partial truth are to be discarded. He offers a whole new way of thinking.

The Father desires transformation—a renewal of our hearts and minds. The Apostle Paul reminds us of this in Romans 12:2, calling the children of the King to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Similarly, Ephesians 4:22-23 encourages us to put aside the old, sinful nature and allow the Spirit to renew our thoughts and attitudes: “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”

There is always more to explore in our walk with God than what we have seen, experienced, or known before (Stanley). Each step forward reveals more of His purposes and draws us closer to Him.

Paul captures this assurance in Philippians 1:6, writing, “I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” The Father’s plans for His children were set in motion before the foundation of the world. But He burst into the space-time continuum of our lives at the moment of our salvation. He who is eternal and transcendent irrupted into history and began a new, profoundly personal work within each child of the King, promising that He will complete it.

This work of transformation doesn’t stop until we reflect the image of His Son, as stated in Romans 8:29. The Greek word translated as certain or persuaded is peitho. Peitho “signifies a confidence rooted in certainty.” In the original Greek this verbal form is a perfect participle. A Greek perfect participle that describes an action that began in the past but continues to have lasting effects.

Paul grappled with these complex issues years before. He enjoyed the remarkable privilege of having a personal and awe-inspiring encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:15-18). With his keen intellect and theological training, Paul had wrestled with hard questions and found compelling, soul-satisfying answers. This divine encounter and newfound perspective revolutionized his life, and he embraced it fully (Philippians 3:4-14). He was “all in.”

Though the path of faith is not without obstacles, setbacks need not bring utter defeat. The Father assures us of His relentless work within. He encourages us to move forward, knowing that His power sustains us until the day we see Him as He truly is (1 John 3:2). This hope fuels our perseverance and compels us to press on.

Barclay offers a beautiful vision of what is to come. “On the day when Christ comes, it will be like the coming of a King. On such a day, the King’s subjects are required to present Him with gifts to mark their loyalty and show their love. The only gift Jesus Christ desires from us is ourselves.”

And that is the gift we are called to offer—not just on that future day but today and every day as we walk in faith, trusting the One who never leaves His work unfinished.

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© Dr. H 2025

Maximizing the Minimum ∙∙

Maximizing the Minimum ∙∙

So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon and took control. Gideon blew a trumpet as a call to arms. Judges 6:34

Judges 7:9 Now, the same night it came about, the LORD said to him, “Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hands.

During the Battle of Britain, the German Luftwaffe appeared poised for dominance, wielding its vast aerial force against the outnumbered RAF. Hermann Göring, confident in the Luftwaffe’s superiority, expected Britain’s defenses to crumble under relentless pressure. However, that was simply not to be.

On August 5, 1940, remembered as “The Greatest Day,” the Luftwaffe launched its largest assault of the campaign. The raid sent 115 bombers and 35 fighters into the fray, yet it backfired spectacularly. A staggering 75 German aircraft were destroyed, and several others sustained irreparable damage. This dramatic reversal highlighted the RAF’s incredible determination and tactical brilliance despite their limited resources.

Winston Churchill captured the spirit of their efforts in his famous immortal declaration, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” These pilots, dubbed “The Few,” exemplified resilience, demonstrating how to achieve extraordinary outcomes with scant resources. Their tenacity not only turned the tide of the battle but also helped shift the trajectory of the entire war.

The theme of “doing more with less” reverberates through countless moments in history and scripture, including the Book of Judges. The period of the Judges spans over three centuries, covering Israel’s turbulent history from the time of Joshua to the rise of Saul. Israel’s faithfulness to God was inconsistent—like a pendulum swinging between rebellion and repentance. Time after time, Israel’s habitual rebelliousness reared its ugly head. They turned away from God, cycling through seven episodes of defiance, oppression, and eventual deliverance.

Their disobedience triggered divine discipline, as reflected in the familiar refrain, “Then the sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord” (Judges 2:11, 3:7, 3:12, 4:1, 6:1, 10:6, 13:1). Each wave of rebellion led to suffering as neighboring nations subdued them. Yet, it was only in their distress that they cried out to God—not in repentance but in anguish. Block poignantly notes, “There is no hint of repentance, only a cry of pain.”

Still, God, in His mercy, raised up “Judges” to rescue His people.

Judges 2:18-19 states:

18 Whenever the LORD raised up a judge over Israel, He was with that judge and rescued the people from their enemies throughout the judge’s lifetime. For the LORD had compassion on them as they groaned under oppression.
19 But when the judge died, the people returned to corrupt behavior, even worse than their ancestors.

This cycle of forgiveness and restoration brought fleeting peace and prosperity. Yet, generation after generation, the rescued cohort neglected to communicate the dire repercussions of their insubordination against the Father to their children. Thus, a new wave of disobedience would always arise, perpetuating the cycle. Judges 21:25 sums it up succinctly, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Before casting judgment on Israel, it’s crucial to recognize that their struggles mirror our own. Modern children of the King are all too familiar with the same “on again, off again” relationship with the Father. Larry W. Wilson aptly captures this truth, paraphrasing his thoughts: The Bible tells the story of our lives, just with different names. If we lived in those times, how many of us would fall into the same patterns of rebellion and return?

Human nature’s tendency toward defiance and inconsistency remains a painful reality. Each of us can trace moments in our own lives when faith and obedience faltered. If you doubt this, reflect on the ebb and flow of your own relationship with the Father. Like the RAF pilots during the Battle of Britain or the Judges raised up to deliver Israel, we can rediscover resilience and restoration. The key is acknowledging our weakness, turning back to God, and trusting in His power to transform us despite our limitations.

REFLECT & PRAY

Zechariah 4:6 “It is not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

Father, You can always maximize the minimum and do more with less. Encourage me to have confidence and be faithful.

INSIGHT

The story in Judges 5 captures a moment of victory and deliverance for Israel after two decades of oppression. The people, overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, responded with songs of praise, giving glory to the Lord for His intervention. This triumph ushered in a rare period of peace, lasting 40 years (Judges 5:31).

However, as time passed and that faithful generation died, Israel predictably fell back into its old patterns of disobedience. The allure of Canaanite worship proved too enticing, and Israel, already weakened by prior compromises, succumbed once more. Barry G. Webb describes it aptly, “The allure of Canaanite worship was irresistibly strong, and Israel’s resolve, already eroded by previous lapses, crumbled. Israel slid back into its former ways, and once more, a somber shadow enveloped the land.”

Judges 6 opens with a familiar refrain.

Judges 6:1 “The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. So the LORD handed them over to the Midianites for seven years.”

Under Midianite oppression, the Israelites were reduced to hiding in caves while their crops and livestock were stolen. Desperate for relief, they cried out to God. His response was twofold. First, He sent a prophet to confront them with the painful truth of their rebellion.

Judges 6:8-10 “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of slavery in Egypt. I rescued you from the Egyptians and from all who oppressed you. I drove out your enemies and gave you all their land. “I told you, ‘I am the LORD your God. You must not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you now live.’ But you have not listened to me.”

Second, God sent an angelic messenger to call Gideon to rescue Israel.

Judges 6:12 “The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, ‘Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!’”

What might one anticipate to transpire next? When an angel of the Lord appears, individuals are often struck with awe and instinctively bow in reverence. Gideon’s reaction was less than stellar. Rather than bowing in reverence, he voiced his frustrations and doubts, questioning God’s presence and promises. His response dripped with bitterness.

Question after question pours forth: Why this? Why that? A constant “Why?” echoes. Why has the Lord forsaken us? He could have eliminated the Midianites from the outset. Yet, here we are, languishing and famished. Where has He been all this while? Indeed, He must have forgotten His people and the covenant He formed with them.

Judges 6:13 Gideon replied, “Lord if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The LORD brought us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.”

Unperturbed by Gideon’s whining and grievances, the angel’s resolve did not waver. Like a divine recruitment officer, the angel delivers the message like a World War II Army poster saying, “I Want You.”

Judges 6:14 “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!”

Gideon, apparently, was not impressed or convinced. He protested, listing all the reasons why he was unqualified for such a mission. Gideon sounds like a motorboat: but, but, but.

Judges 6:15 “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!”

The Lord’s response was simple and direct. He essentially says, “Problem solved!” Not only do I have your back, but I will also be with you and destroy your enemies.

Judges 6:16 The LORD said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”

Still, Gideon struggled to believe and demanded proof. He is thinking something like, “That sounds great on paper.” Gideon is still full of doubts. Under his breath, he no doubt mutters, “I don’t know about that.” He wants proof. So, the angel obliges him. Consequently, Gideon is convinced that the Father sent the angel.

Judges 6:22 “When Gideon realized it was the angel of the LORD, he cried out, ‘O Sovereign LORD, I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!’”

Gideon’s first assignment was personal and dangerous. Rather than taking a large army, Gideon took only ten men and tore down an altar of Baal. When the townspeople discovered what he had done, they demanded his death. However, Gideon’s father, Joash, no doubt with a bit of a smirk on his face, stepped in with a sharp retort, challenging Baal’s supposed power. Joash delivers a great one-liner.

Judges 6:31 “Why are you defending Baal? . . . If Baal truly is a god, let him defend himself and destroy the one who broke down his altar!”

From there, Gideon’s faith grew. He sought further confirmation through the famous episode with the fleece, and once assured of God’s promise, he gathered an army of 32,000 men. But God made it clear that this number was too large. He wanted Israel to recognize that victory came from Him, not from their strength. Through a series of reductions, the army was whittled down to just 300 men.

Equipped with nothing more than trumpets, torches, and jars, Gideon and his small band carried out God’s plan. Their actions sowed confusion among the Midianites, leading to a miraculous victory.

Gideon learned to move past his fears and doubts, discovering the truth that with God, less can accomplish infinitely more, maximizing the minimum.

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© Dr. H 2025