Category: Priceless Minute

When the High Becomes a Hiding Place (Part 1)

Date: November 12, 2021

Bible Verse:

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV)

Message (Part 1):

I’ve watched a friend’s life take a path that’s all too common today. Let’s call him “Ryan.” Ryan was someone who had a passion for life. He loved his work, stayed active, and had dreams he talked about endlessly. Traveling, starting a business, maybe even learning to cook gourmet meals. But that was before marijuana became his escape.

It started innocently enough. Ryan said he wanted to relax after stressful days, and he loved how marijuana helped him “take the edge off.” At first, it was an occasional thing. But over time, “occasionally” turned into “regularly.” He got his medical marijuana card, which gave him an excuse to use legally.

At first, Ryan seemed fine. He was still fun to be around, still working, still keeping up with life. But slowly, things started to change. His focus began to slip, his energy waned, and his once-bold dreams took a back seat to just “getting through the day.”

Studies show that long-term marijuana use has consequences most people don’t realize. For instance, regular use over five years can lower IQ by an average of 8 points. I saw this happening with Ryan, his sharp wit dulled, and he wasn’t as quick to think things through. But the changes went deeper than that.

Ryan stopped doing the things he loved. He traded hobbies like hiking and photography for sitting at home, zoning out to the latest show. His standards of living shifted too. Once proud of his space, he stopped caring about cleanliness. His meals turned from home-cooked creations to fast food. The things that once gave his life richness fell away, replaced by a cycle of highs and complacency.

And then there was his health. He brushed off the coughs and the lack of motivation, saying it was just part of life. But as his focus faded, so did his care for his body. I saw the lines of morality blur too. Not in huge, obvious ways, but in small, subtle shifts. His sense of right and wrong wasn’t as sharp, and his priorities became harder to understand.

In Part 2, I’ll share how this journey played out for Ryan and explore the deeper impact marijuana had on his life. But for now, I want to leave you with this: Marijuana might promise relaxation or relief, but it often delivers something far more destructive.

Bible Promise:

God calls us to stay sober-minded so we can live fully in His purpose.

“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6, NIV)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for opening my eyes to the subtle ways that distractions like marijuana can lead us astray. Help me to stay alert and of sober mind, seeking fulfillment and healing through You alone. 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 opening my eyes to the subtle ways that distractions like marijuana can lead us astray. Help me to stay alert and of sober mind, seeking fulfillment and healing through You alone. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

The Blessing of Serving Others

There’s a unique blessing that comes from serving others. When we give our time, energy, and resources to meet the needs of those around us, we not only bless them… we’re blessed in return.

I’ve experienced this truth firsthand. During a season when I felt depleted, I chose to serve at a local outreach event. What I thought would be draining turned out to be life-giving. God used that experience to renew my spirit and remind me of His purpose for my life.

Serving others shifts our focus from ourselves to God’s work in the world. It reminds us that true joy comes from giving, not receiving, and that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has serving others blessed you in unexpected ways?
  2. In what areas can you step out of your comfort zone to serve and bless others?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the blessing of serving others and for using it to renew my spirit. Teach me to give selflessly and to trust in Your provision as I meet the needs of those around me. Help me to find joy and purpose in reflecting Your love through service. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

The Ark: A Vessel of Salvation

The ark Noah built wasn’t just a vessel to survive the flood, it was a symbol of God’s salvation. Designed with specific dimensions (Genesis 6:15), the ark was large enough to carry Noah’s family and representatives of all land-dwelling creatures. Its construction speaks to the precision and purpose of God’s plan.

Archaeologists and explorers have long sought evidence of the ark. While some claim sightings on Mount Ararat in Turkey, no definitive remains have been confirmed. However, the biblical dimensions of the ark align with what scientists consider seaworthy for surviving turbulent waters.

The ark points us to Jesus, our ultimate salvation. Just as Noah and his family entered the ark to escape judgment, we are invited to enter into a relationship with Christ to find eternal safety and peace. The ark reminds us of God’s mercy and His desire to save.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the ark foreshadow God’s plan of salvation through Jesus?
  2. What does the story of the ark teach you about trusting God’s instructions, even when they don’t make sense?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the ark as a symbol of Your salvation and mercy. Teach me to trust in Your plan and to find refuge in You. Help me to share the hope of salvation with others, pointing them to Jesus, our ultimate Savior. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Listening for God Through Scripture

God speaks to us through His Word, guiding us and revealing His will. Meditation allows us to pause and listen, focusing on His truth and seeking His direction.

There have been times when I’ve read a familiar passage, only to have it take on new meaning through meditation. As I reflected on the words, God illuminated something I needed in that moment… whether it was comfort, conviction, or encouragement.

Meditating on Scripture is an opportunity to invite God to speak into your life. By slowing down and reflecting on His Word, you create space for His Spirit to lead you and shape your heart.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you create space to listen for God’s voice through Scripture?
  2. What passage has recently spoken to you, and how can you meditate on it further?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for speaking to me through Your Word and for using it to guide my steps. Teach me to meditate on Scripture with an open heart, listening for Your voice and trusting in Your wisdom. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

The Healing Power of Forgiveness

Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. It doesn’t just hurt our relationships; it hurts our hearts. True forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves as much as it is a gift to others.

Jesus reminds us that when we extend mercy, we position ourselves to receive His mercy in return. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning what happened, it means releasing the hurt to God and allowing Him to heal our hearts.

When I struggled to forgive someone who had wronged me, I carried bitterness like a weight on my shoulders. But as I prayed for God to help me forgive, I felt His peace replace my anger. Forgiveness brought healing and freedom that I didn’t realize I needed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has holding onto unforgiveness affected your emotional or spiritual well-being?
  2. What steps can you take to invite God into the process of healing and forgiveness?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the healing power of forgiveness. Teach me to release my hurts to You and to extend mercy to others, just as You have shown mercy to me. Help me to walk in freedom and peace, trusting You to bring healing. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Archaeological Evidence for the Flood

The story of Noah’s flood is one of the most well-known accounts in the Bible. While skeptics view it as myth, archaeology and geology offer compelling evidence that aligns with the biblical narrative. Across cultures, there are over 200 flood legends, many of which share striking similarities to the Genesis account. This points to a shared historical event remembered by civilizations worldwide.

Geological evidence, such as sediment layers spanning vast regions and marine fossils found on mountaintops, also supports the idea of a catastrophic flood. In Mesopotamia, archaeologists have uncovered ancient flood layers in cities like Ur and Shuruppak, dating to around the time biblical scholars suggest the flood occurred.

While science cannot “prove” the flood, the evidence strengthens our confidence in the Bible’s reliability. The flood is not just a story about judgment, it’s a story of God’s mercy and His covenant with humanity, reminding us of His promise and faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the evidence for the flood strengthen your faith in the Bible’s reliability?
  2. What lessons about God’s character can you take from the story of Noah’s flood?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth of Your Word and the evidence that supports it. Teach me to trust in Your promises and to see Your hand in both history and creation. Help me to share the story of Your mercy and faithfulness with others. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Answering the Problem of Evil

One of the most common objections to Christianity is the problem of evil: If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow suffering? While this is a difficult question, apologetics provides biblical and logical answers that point to God’s character and ultimate plan.

The Bible doesn’t shy away from the reality of evil and suffering. Instead, it reveals a God who is both sovereign and compassionate. Evil exists because of humanity’s free will, yet God works through suffering to accomplish His purposes and draw us closer to Him (Romans 8:28).

Ultimately, the cross is God’s answer to the problem of evil. In Jesus, we see a God who enters into our suffering, bearing the weight of sin and offering redemption. Apologetics helps us articulate this truth while also empathizing with those who are hurting, reminding them that God is present even in the darkest moments.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you respond compassionately to someone who struggles with the problem of evil?
  2. What does the cross teach us about God’s love and sovereignty in the midst of suffering?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your compassion and grace, even in the face of suffering and evil. Teach me to trust in Your sovereignty and to share the hope of the gospel with those who are hurting. Help me to point others to the cross as the ultimate display of Your love. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

The Difference Between Freedom and Bondage

For many, alcohol represents freedom, the freedom to relax, celebrate, or unwind. But the line between freedom and bondage is thinner than we think.

I once spoke with someone who described drinking as their “reward” for a long day. They didn’t drink excessively. Just enough to “take the edge off.” But over time, that reward became a routine, and that routine became a reliance. What started as freedom turned into something that had a grip on their life.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:12 that while some things may be permissible, not all are beneficial. The question isn’t just “Can I do this?” but “Should I?” Does this choice bring glory to God? Does it reflect His love and holiness in my life?

Even moderate drinking can lead to dependence, dulling our sensitivity to God’s voice and creating a reliance on something other than Him. True freedom comes when we allow Christ to fill the spaces we’re tempted to numb.

If alcohol has become a regular part of your life, I challenge you to reflect: Is this truly beneficial? Or has it started to master you in ways you didn’t realize?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the true freedom that comes from knowing You. Help me to evaluate my choices and to let go of anything that has taken Your place in my life. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

The Power of Persistent Prayer

Prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have as believers, yet it’s often underutilized. When Paul instructs us to “pray without ceasing,” he isn’t asking us to spend every moment in formal prayer but to cultivate a heart that remains connected to God throughout the day.

Persistent prayer doesn’t wear God down, it builds us up. It aligns our hearts with His will and strengthens our faith as we see His hand at work. I’ve experienced seasons where consistent prayer carried me through challenges that seemed insurmountable. The act of coming to God daily reminded me of His faithfulness and sovereignty.

Prayer is not about perfect words or long speeches; it’s about a relationship. It’s an ongoing conversation with the One who loves us most, inviting Him into every area of our lives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you create a habit of persistent prayer in your daily life?
  2. In what ways has persistent prayer deepened your relationship with God?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of prayer and the invitation to remain in constant connection with You. Teach me to pray without ceasing, trusting You with every area of my life. Help me to seek Your presence daily and to align my heart with Your will. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.

Writing Your Prayers

Journaling your prayers is a powerful way to deepen your connection with God. When we write down our prayers, we create a tangible record of our conversations with Him, a testimony of His faithfulness over time.

There have been seasons in my life when I felt stuck or unsure of what to pray. Journaling helped me process my thoughts and emotions, giving me clarity and focus. It also allowed me to look back and see how God had answered prayers in ways I didn’t expect.

Writing your prayers slows you down and encourages intentionality. It helps you reflect on God’s Word, express your heart authentically, and cultivate gratitude for His work in your life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can journaling your prayers help you grow in your relationship with God?
  2. What answered prayers or spiritual insights would you like to capture in writing?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of writing and the opportunity to record my prayers. Teach me to use journaling as a tool to draw closer to You, reflect on Your faithfulness, and grow in gratitude. Help me to be intentional in seeking You through written prayers. I give You all honor, all the glory, and all the praise. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen & Amen.