Category: Priceless Minute

Alcohol: The Subtle Enemy of Self-Control

Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit, yet alcohol subtly chips away at that very gift. Even in moderation, alcohol dulls our ability to think clearly, respond wisely, and act righteously.

A friend once told me, “I only drink socially, just to loosen up.” But what they didn’t realize was how alcohol shifted their behavior, making them quicker to anger and slower to kindness. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was noticeable… and it slowly started affecting their relationships.

The Bible warns us about the dangers of letting anything other than the Spirit control us. Ephesians 5:18 draws a clear line: we’re to seek fulfillment in God, not in substances that lead us astray. Alcohol might promise relaxation or courage, but it’s a counterfeit to the peace and confidence found in Christ.

If you find yourself turning to alcohol for any reason, stress, celebration, or comfort, pause and ask yourself: What am I really seeking? And how can I turn to God for that instead?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that true peace and strength come from You, not from the world. Help me to rely on Your Spirit for self-control and to make choices that honor You. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Finding Strength in Surrender

During my time away from ministry, I realized how much I had been relying on my own strength. I thought I could handle everything if I just worked harder, prayed more, or held it together for my family. But the truth is, I couldn’t.

It was in that place of weakness that I learned the beauty of surrender. Admitting that I didn’t have it all together was humbling, but it opened the door for God’s grace to carry me. His strength became my lifeline, reminding me that I didn’t have to do it alone.

Surrender isn’t giving up… it’s giving in to God’s power and trusting Him to work through our weaknesses. When we let go of control, we make room for His grace to shine in our lives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God?
  2. How can you rely on His grace instead of your own strength?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for reminding me that Your grace is sufficient. Teach me to surrender my weaknesses to You, trusting in Your power to work through them. Help me to rely on Your strength and to find peace in Your presence. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Resilience in Parenting

Parenting during a season of heartbreak has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Watching my children process their own pain while trying to remain strong for them felt overwhelming at times. But God has taught me that resilience in parenting doesn’t mean having all the answers, it means staying rooted in Him.

There were moments when I didn’t know how to comfort my daughter or how to guide my son through his disappointments. All I could do was pray, trust God to fill in the gaps, and keep showing up. Resilience in parenting is about consistency, even when you feel like you’re falling apart.

Through it all, I’ve seen God’s faithfulness. He’s given me the wisdom I needed when I asked, the strength to keep going, and the assurance that He loves my children even more than I do.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you rely on God to strengthen you in your role as a parent?
  2. What lessons have you learned about resilience from raising your children?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the privilege of parenting and for walking with me through the challenges. Teach me to trust You with my children and to remain resilient in guiding them toward You. Help me to reflect Your love and faithfulness in all I do. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Alcohol: Even in Moderation

Alcohol is one of the most debated topics among Christians. Some argue for abstinence, while others point to moderation. But even in moderation, alcohol carries risks. Ephesians 5:18 warns us of its potential to lead us away from God’s best and encourages us to be filled with the Spirit instead.

In my own journey, I’ve seen how alcohol, though often seen as harmless, can cause harm to relationships, families, and even our witness as believers. The culture of casual drinking often dismisses the potential for addiction, impaired judgment, or compromised testimony.

Modern alcohol is far stronger than the diluted wine of biblical times. This distinction is critical in understanding why some biblical texts seem to condone moderate use while others offer stern warnings. God’s call for holiness remains the same, and when we prioritize His presence, we don’t need to rely on substances for comfort or joy.

The choice to abstain or use moderation is deeply personal, but it should always be made with prayer and a desire to glorify God in every aspect of life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your view of alcohol align with God’s call for holiness?
  2. How can you prioritize being filled with the Spirit over relying on substances?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance in every area of my life. Teach me to make choices that glorify You, especially when it comes to alcohol. Help me to rely on Your Spirit for joy, peace, and comfort, and to reflect Your holiness in my actions. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

How Music Shapes Your Mind and Spirit

Music has a unique way of shaping our thoughts, emotions, and even our spirit. It’s one of the few things that can bypass our defenses and speak directly to our hearts. This is why what we listen to matters so much.

I used to think I could separate the sound from the message, but the truth is, the lyrics we hear sink deeper than we realize. Secular songs, even if they don’t seem harmful on the surface, often carry messages that subtly shift our thinking. They can influence how we view relationships, success, and even our identity.

Christian music, on the other hand, fills our hearts and minds with truth. It transforms us by reminding us who God is and who we are in Him. Whether it’s worship, contemporary, or even Christian rap or country, the music we choose can either renew our minds or conform us to the world.

Music isn’t just entertainment. It’s a tool that shapes us. When we choose songs that glorify God, we’re not just enjoying good music; we’re inviting His presence into our daily lives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has the music you listen to shaped your thoughts or emotions recently?
  2. What changes can you make to ensure your playlist reflects God’s truth?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of music and its ability to shape our hearts and minds. Teach me to choose songs that reflect Your truth and help me to honor You with what I listen to. Transform me through Your Word and through worship, renewing my mind each day. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Celebrating Our Son’s 21st Birthday

Today we celebrate our son’s 21st birthday, and I couldn’t be prouder of the young man he’s becoming. He has always had a drive and determination that inspires everyone around him. Whether he’s working hard in school, on the field, or simply being the strong, kind person he is, his character shines brightly.

As I reflect on his journey, I’m reminded of how faithful God has been in his life. our son’s talents, intellect, and heart for others are gifts that God has given him to make an impact in this world. My prayer is that as he steps into adulthood, he continues to trust in God’s plans and to walk boldly in the purpose He has for him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you encourage the young adults in your life to trust in God’s purpose for them?
  2. What specific prayers can you pray over their future?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for our son and for the incredible young man he is becoming. Teach him to trust in Your plans for his life, knowing that You are guiding him every step of the way. Bless him with wisdom, courage, and a heart that seeks You above all else. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Evidence of King Hezekiah’s Reign

King Hezekiah was one of Judah’s most faithful kings, known for his reforms and reliance on God during challenging times. Archaeological evidence not only confirms his reign but also highlights his achievements, further validating the biblical narrative.

The discovery of Hezekiah’s Tunnel in Jerusalem is one of the most remarkable finds. This underground aqueduct, mentioned in 2 Kings 20:20, was built to secure water for the city during an Assyrian siege. The Siloam Inscription, found within the tunnel, provides a historical account of its construction. Additionally, the Taylor Prism, an Assyrian artifact, records Sennacherib’s siege of Jerusalem, aligning with 2 Kings 19:35, which describes God’s miraculous deliverance of the city.

Hezekiah’s story reminds us of the importance of trusting God in times of crisis. His faith and leadership inspire us to seek God wholeheartedly and rely on Him for wisdom and protection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can Hezekiah’s reliance on God inspire you to trust Him during challenges?
  2. What steps can you take to seek God’s wisdom in your daily life?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the example of King Hezekiah and his faith in You. Teach me to seek You wholeheartedly and to trust You in every circumstance. Help me to rely on Your guidance and strength, knowing that You are always faithful. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Sensuality in Movies: The Subtle Danger

Sensuality in movies often flies under the radar because it’s not as explicit as sexual scenes. It shows up in flirtatious behavior, suggestive clothing, or romanticized lust. While it may seem harmless, it plants subtle messages that can desensitize us to sin.

I’ve caught myself justifying certain scenes or characters because they weren’t “that bad.” But over time, I realized how these moments influenced my thoughts about relationships and purity. Even subtle sensuality can shift our standards and distract us from God’s truth.

As Christians, we’re called to guard our hearts and avoid anything that could lead us astray. Choosing movies that honor God doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy entertainment. It means we’re being intentional about protecting our faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can subtle sensuality in movies affect your perspective on relationships and purity?
  2. What steps can you take to guard your heart against these influences?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the reminder to guard my heart against anything that leads me away from You. Teach me to recognize and avoid subtle dangers in entertainment and to focus on what honors You. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Bearing Each Other’s Burdens

One of the most beautiful aspects of Christian community is bearing each other’s burdens. When we walk alongside one another in difficult seasons, we reflect the love of Christ and fulfill His command to love our neighbors as ourselves.

I’ve seen the power of this firsthand. In times of grief and struggle, the prayers and support of my church family reminded me of God’s faithfulness. Their presence didn’t take away the pain, but it made the burden lighter.

As believers, we’re called to step into each other’s lives with compassion and encouragement. Whether through prayer, practical help, or simply listening, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has someone in your faith community helped carry your burdens?
  2. Who can you support and encourage in your church or small group today?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the blessing of community and the opportunity to bear one another’s burdens. Teach me to walk alongside others with compassion and love, reflecting Your grace in every interaction. Help me to be a source of encouragement and support. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Patience in the Drive-Thru

Date: August 15, 2023

Bible Verse:

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” (James 1:19, NIV)

Message (Longer with a Fun Twist):

I’ll never forget the day daughter and I tried to grab breakfast on our way to church. We were already running late… my hair was half-brushed, daughter was missing a sock, and I was operating on about four hours of sleep. We pulled up to the drive-thru, desperately hoping to save time.

Little did we know, the car in front of us had apparently never seen a menu before. They asked about every single item, from the sausage biscuit to the special “limited-time” breakfast burrito. My stomach growled so loudly, daughter started giggling.

I felt my impatience rising like steam in a kettle. I tapped the steering wheel, checking the clock every five seconds, mentally calculating exactly how many minutes of the sermon we’d miss. The comedic irony? I was on my way to church to preach about patience that day.

That’s when James 1:19 popped into my head. It reminded me that God cares about how we respond in these everyday, inconvenient moments. Patience isn’t tested only in big trials, it’s refined in drive-thru lines, traffic jams, and unexpected sock hunts. I took a deep breath, said a quick prayer for grace, and, believe it or not, felt the tension melt away.

Eventually, we made it through, biscuit sandwiches in hand. We did miss the worship opener, but we still arrived before the sermon started. As I preached on patience, I realized God had just given me a fresh illustration that very morning.

Bible Promise:

God gives us grace to handle the small frustrations in life.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that patience matters even in the smallest moments. Help me to slow down, breathe, and reflect Your love, even when I’m frustrated. May Your grace shine through my actions today. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that patience matters even in the smallest moments. Help me to slow down, breathe, and reflect Your love, even when I’m frustrated. May Your grace shine through my actions today. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.