The Nevers #Nightlight #RTTBROS

The Nevers #Nightlight #RTTBROS 

The "Nevers" of Life: Finding Faith Beyond Fear

"For with God nothing shall be impossible." - Luke 1:37 (KJV)

When the "nevers" of life bombard our hearts and minds, it's easy to surrender to despair. "I'll never find a job." "This will never get better." "I'll never have the child I long for." These statements aren't just expressions of doubt—they're declarations of defeat that can suffocate our faith.

But the Bible reminds us that God specializes in demolishing our "nevers." When Mary questioned how she, a virgin, could possibly bear a child, the angel responded with one of Scripture's most powerful promises: "For with God nothing shall be impossible." This wasn't just encouragement for Mary—it's a timeless truth for every believer facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Our human reasoning often tells us to abandon hope when prayers remain unanswered. The minutes turn to hours, hours to days, and days to years. We begin to drive nails into the coffin of our dearest longings. Yet it's precisely in these moments of waiting that our faith is refined and strengthened.

God's timing rarely aligns with our expectations, but His promises never fail. When we're tempted to believe the lies that whisper "never," we must instead cling to the God who declares "I will."

"God's plan for your life is bigger than your disappointments, greater than your dreams, and beyond your wildest imagination." - Adrian Rogers

#FaithOverFear #WaitingOnGod #NeverSayNever

 

 

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The Battlefield #Nightlight #RTTBROS

The Battlefield #Nightlight #RTTBROS 

The Battlefield of Prayer: Unleashing God's Power in Your Life

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" — Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)

There's a profound truth that God often brings into our lives people with complementary personalities and gifts. My brother Norman and I exemplify this divine design. While I'm an extrovert and quick thinker, he's an introvert and deep thinker. I tend to fly by the seat of my pants, while he carefully plans ahead. This complementary relationship isn't accidental—it's God's way of making us more complete together than we could ever be apart.

This principle extends beyond our podcast partnership. We see it in marriage, business relationships, team sports, and throughout the Church. God strategically places different personalities together so that in our weakness, another's strength can shine. Together, we become a more complete reflection of Christ's body.

Norman has been digging deep into the concept of prayer, developing tools and practices to help believers pray more effectively. For me, prayer has always been my weakest area. Study comes easily—it's invigorating and engaging. But prayer? Prayer is hard work. It demands discipline and persistence.

This morning, God awakened me thirty minutes before my usual time. I felt His gentle nudge to walk through my home, stopping to pray at each of my children's doors, and then over my wife as she slept. Afterward, I spent time in prayer for myself, addressing the weak areas of my life where I desperately need God's strength to be manifested.

Currently, I'm navigating circumstances that leave me feeling somewhat helpless—situations where I cannot change what others think or do. Yet I have one tremendous advantage: I serve a God who holds both my best interests and the interests of the other person in His loving hands. He can work actively in ways beyond anything I could hope or imagine.

Consider this: if we have access to this prayer power, and Satan is actively trying to prevent us from praying by making it difficult, perhaps that's precisely the arena where we need to focus our energy. It's striking that immediately after Paul describes the armor of God for believers in Ephesians 6, he transitions directly to prayer. This suggests that prayer is the battlefield where spiritual victories are won.

Sometimes we achieve physical victories in our lives, but they prove temporary because the spiritual victory hasn't yet been secured through prayer. Perhaps prayer is difficult precisely because God receives the glory when victory comes through prayer, whereas we take credit when we accomplish something in our own strength.

"God help us!" indeed.

What might change in your life if you became a person of prayer and God began to manifest the miraculous in your situation? What about your marriage? How would your relationship with your children transform? What about your business or job? What about your roles and goals in church? What if you committed to praying for leaders around you, whether in your community or church?

In other words, what might God do if His power was unleashed in our situations through a more effective prayer life?

As E.M. Bounds once wrote, "Prayer is not preparation for the battle; prayer is the battle." And Charles Spurgeon observed, "Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work."

The armor of God—the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit—these are all defensive and offensive weapons. But prayer activates them all. Prayer is where we stand in God's strength against the enemy's schemes.

Today, I challenge you to consider where your prayer life stands. Have you relegated it to a mere ritual, or is it the beating heart of your spiritual warfare? When was the last time you allowed God to awaken you early, to lead you into intercession for those closest to you?

Perhaps today is the day to recommit yourself to the battlefield of prayer—not because it's easy, but because it's where God's power is unleashed in ways we cannot accomplish on our own.

"Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1) remains the most important request we can make. For in learning to pray effectively, we unlock the very power of heaven on earth.

#PowerOfPrayer #SpiritualWarfare #VictoryInChrist

 

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Peek-A-Boo #Nightlight #RTTBROS

Peek-A-Boo #Nightlight #RTTBROS 

 Veiled but Present: Finding God in Seasons of Silence

Scripture teaches us that our journey with God includes both moments of clear communion and seasons where His presence seems hidden. Like infants who must learn that objects continue to exist even when out of sight, we too develop spiritual maturity by trusting in God's unchanging nature even when He feels distant.

The Lesson of Object Permanence

Just as a child gradually discovers that a parent hiding behind their hands during "peek-a-boo" hasn't vanished, believers must cultivate the spiritual understanding that God remains constant regardless of our ability to perceive Him. In Hebrews 13:5, the Lord promises, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." This divine commitment transcends our fluctuating emotions or circumstances.

The Silent Teacher

Consider Job, who cried out, "Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!" (Job 23:3). Throughout his trials, God's apparent absence wasn't abandonment but rather a profound teaching moment. Like a teacher who remains silent during an examination, God's temporary withdrawal often serves to strengthen our faith and reveal our true character.

 Finding Peace in His Permanence

Isaiah 45:15 acknowledges this divine pattern: "Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour." Even in His concealment, God remains our Saviour, working purposefully through seasons of silence. These times invite us to develop a deeper, more mature faith—one that rests not on feelings or immediate answers but on the bedrock truth of God's unchanging character.

When we cannot see God's face, we must remember that He hasn't disappeared—He is cultivating in us the spiritual maturity to trust His permanent presence even when it feels veiled. Like the Psalmist, we can declare, "When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek" (Psalm 27:8).

In your own seasons of divine silence, remember that God is not absent—He is teaching you the profound spiritual lesson of His permanence, preparing you for deeper relationship and greater purpose.

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Peace In Uncertainty #RTTBROS #Nightlight #TrustInGod #UncertaintyIsNotTheEnd #PeaceInTheStorm

Peace In Uncertainty #RTTBROS #Nightlight #TrustInGod #UncertaintyIsNotTheEnd #PeaceInTheStorm

 

"Finding Peace in Uncertainty: How to Trust God When Life Gets Scary"

KJV Verse: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

Quote: "Uncertainty is not the absence of faith; it's an opportunity to exercise trust. When we don't know what tomorrow will bring, we can choose to lean on God and His promises." - Dr. Charles Stanley 

 Life can be unpredictable, and uncertainty is a natural part of the human experience. But as Christians, we have the privilege of knowing that our God is always good and always powerful – even when life gets scary. The Bible tells us that all things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28). This verse isn't just a promise; it's a reminder that our circumstances are not beyond God' s control.

 When we're faced with uncertainty, we can choose to trust in His sovereignty and goodness. Dr. Charles Stanley reminds us that uncertainty is not the absence of faith; it's an opportunity to exercise trust. When we don't know what tomorrow will bring, we can choose to lean on God and His promises. We can ask for wisdom, guidance, and peace as we navigate uncertain times.

 Take time today to reflect on any areas where you're feeling uncertain or anxious about the future. Ask yourself: "What am I really afraid of?" Is it losing control? Losing someone we love? Failing at something important? Once you've identified what's driving your fear, take those concerns to God in prayer. Share them with Him as if He were sitting right beside you (because, in a sense, He is!). Ask for His wisdom, guidance, and peace. As you do this, remember that uncertainty doesn't have the final say over our lives. 

When we choose to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when life gets scary, we're exercising faith – and that' s where true peace comes from.

 #TrustInGod #UncertaintyIsNotTheEnd #PeaceInTheStorm

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The Promise of the Empty Tomb #nightlight #rttbros

The Promise of the Empty Tomb #nightlight #rttbros

The Empty Tomb's Promise: How Christ's Resurrection Changes Everything

"And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great." - Mark 16:2-4

The women approached the tomb that morning with heavy hearts and heavier questions. How would they move the massive stone? How would they properly care for their Lord's body? Their concerns were practical, mundane even—the logistics of grief.

But God had greater plans. The stone wasn't just moved—it was completely rolled away. The tomb wasn't just accessible—it was empty. The impossible had happened, not by human hands, but by divine power.

This Easter, we're reminded that our greatest obstacles—the immovable stones in our lives—have already been addressed by a God who specializes in the impossible. The resurrection isn't just a historical event; it's a present reality that transforms our darkest moments.

The empty tomb tells us that death doesn't have the final word. Pain doesn't have the final word. Sin doesn't have the final word. Christ has the final word, and that word is life.

As we celebrate Easter, may we approach our lives with the same surprise and wonder as those first witnesses, realizing that the stone has already been rolled away, and new life awaits us beyond what we thought possible.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for the miracle of Easter morning. Help us to live as resurrection people, confident that You have already overcome our greatest challenges. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Debt Rom 6:23 #Nightlight #RTTBROS

The Debt Rom 6:23  #Nightlight #RTTBROS 

The Debt We Cannot Pay

Verse: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:23 (KJV)

In this story, a British pastor and his young son entered an expensive store with a strict policy: "Do not touch any breakages, much must be purchased." Despite the clear warning, the pastor found himself gently touching the items around him. However, his 4-year-old son, Michael, was not as gentle and accidentally knocked over a large, expensive item.

The store manager appeared, simply pointing to the sign. The pastor knew he couldn't leave the store and expect his young son to pay for the damage he had caused. Michael was unable to pay the debt he owed.

This story serves as a powerful reminder of our own spiritual condition. We all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Just like Michael, we have created a debt that we cannot pay on our own. The wages of our sin is death, and we are unable to redeem ourselves.

But God, in His infinite love and mercy, provided a way for our debt to be paid. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus paid the price that we could never afford. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).

Just as the pastor had to pay for his son's damages, our Heavenly Father has paid our sin debt through Jesus Christ. When we accept this precious gift by faith, our debt is canceled, and we receive the promise of eternal life.

Let us give thanks for the incredible love and sacrifice of our Savior, who paid a debt He did not owe because we owed a debt we could not pay. May we live our lives in gratitude and devotion to Him.

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The Power Of Purpose #RTTBROS #Nightlight

The Power Of Purpose #RTTBROS #Nightlight 

 

Living With Divine Purpose: God's Blueprint for Longevity

Proverbs 9:10-11 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased."

How profound that modern science is now discovering what Scripture has taught for thousands of years! The wisdom of God's Word continues to be validated even in our technological age. A functional medicine researcher recently observed that studies suggest having a profound purpose can add approximately seven years to one's lifespan—a health benefit that surpasses any other lifestyle change.

This revelation should not surprise those who walk with the Lord. Throughout Scripture, we see that God designed us for purpose—not merely to exist, but to thrive with meaning. When Jesus declared in John 10:10, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly," He wasn't speaking only of eternal life, but of a rich, purposeful existence here and now.

Consider how many biblical figures lived long, impactful lives once they aligned with God's calling: Abraham embarking on a journey of faith at 75, Moses leading the Israelites at 80, Caleb claiming his mountain at 85, declaring in Joshua 14:11, "As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in."

What sustains such vitality? Purpose. When we surrender to God's plan, we receive not just direction but divine energy. The prophet Isaiah wrote, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

Purpose fuels resilience. It transforms challenges from devastating blows into meaningful tests that strengthen us. As Paul testified in Philippians 3:13-14, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Today, let us embrace God's purpose for our lives with renewed fervor. Whether you're twenty or seventy, it's never too early or too late to align with His divine blueprint. Ask yourself: "What has God uniquely equipped me to do? How can my life bring glory to Him?"

Remember, a life of purpose isn't measured merely in years added, but in the depth and impact of those years. As we yield to His calling, we may indeed live longer—but more importantly, we will live fuller, experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me discover and embrace the purpose You've ordained for my life. Align my heart with Your will, that I might not only live longer but live more abundantly for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

#DivineBlueprint #PurposeDrivenLife #BiblicalWellness

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Extra Strength Divine Strength #RTTBROS #Nightlight

Extra Strength Divine Strength #RTTBROS #Nightlight 

 

DIVINE STRENGTH: YOUR ULTIMATE MEDICINE

When life's storms rage and your strength fails, the world offers temporary solutions—but there's a higher remedy available: Jesus Christ. Like the most potent medicine strengthens a weakened body, God's power perfectly fills the gaps of our human frailty.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." — Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

This divine promise isn't just ancient wisdom—it's your daily spiritual prescription. While earthly remedies eventually expire, Christ's strength never diminishes, never runs out, and remains eternally available to every believer who calls upon Him.

Today, take your spiritual medicine. Surrender your exhaustion to Jesus and watch as supernatural energy flows through your circumstances. His strength doesn't just mask symptoms—it transforms souls from the inside out.

The beautiful truth? You weren't designed to carry life's burdens alone. Christ's power is freely given—no insurance required, no refills needed. Take it daily through prayer, His Word, and faithful surrender, then witness your spiritual resilience multiply beyond imagination.

#DivineStrength #FaithMedicine #ChristEmpowers #SoulRenewal #PhilippiansPromise #UnlimitedGrace #SpiritualPrescription #VictoryInJesus #EternalStrength #DailyDevotion

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Life in a fishbowl #RTTBROS #Nightlight

Life In A Fishbowl #RTTBROS #Nightlight 

 Living as One: A Devotion on Integrity

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

As I would stand to preach each Sunday, I was keenly aware that my life is not my own. In our small town, where everyone knows everyone else's business, there is little room for pretense. The grocery clerk who witnessed my patience during a long line sits in the third pew. The neighbor I helped with a ride to the store is there as well. The widow that I bring cookies to monthly is worshiping with us.

This fishbowl existence isn't a burden but a blessing. When I consider the word "integrity," I'm reminded that it springs from "integer"—meaning whole, complete, undivided. One. There is profound peace in being the same person in all circumstances, before all people.

Contrast this with duplicity, which derives from "duplex"—double, two-faced. How exhausting it must be to keep multiple versions of oneself straight! Which mask for which audience? What stories have I told to whom? The mental accounting alone would drain one's spirit.

I've seen both paths walked in my years of ministry. Those who compartmentalize their faith—Sunday saints but Monday scoundrels—carry a heavy load. Their shoulders sag under the weight of maintaining appearances, of remembering which version of themselves they've presented in each relationship.

But those who walk in integrity stand straight. There's freedom in transparency. When my actions in private align with my public proclamations, I need not fear exposure. The light shines through clear glass with no obstruction.

In our small community, this wholeness of character speaks louder than any sermon I could preach. My family and I live with the awareness that our choices are witnessed, our responses observed, our priorities evident in how we spend our time and resources. This awareness isn't constraining but clarifying—helping us continually align our lives with our professed beliefs.

The Psalmist prayed, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24). This is the prayer of one seeking integrity—inviting divine inspection of both public action and private thought, knowing that congruence between the two brings peace.

Each morning, I ask myself: Will today's choices reflect the whole of who I am called to be? Will my unseen actions align with my public testimony? Will those who observe my life see consistency or contradiction?

In this small-town fishbowl, I'm grateful for the accountability. The watchful eyes around me aren't threats but reminders—each person reflecting back to me whether I am living as one unified self or fractured into competing versions.

True integrity isn't perfection but wholeness—the courage to be the same person in all contexts, to let your yes be yes and your no be no, as our Lord instructed. It's allowing the light within to shine consistently, not flickering with the changing winds of circumstance or company.

That, I believe, is the kind of life that truly glorifies our Father in heaven. 

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Covered In His Dust #RTTBROS #Nightlight

Covered In His Dust #RTTBROS #Nightlight 

Covered In His Dust #RTTBROS #Nightlight 

Covered in His Dust

"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience." - 2 Timothy 3:10 (KJV)

In ancient Israel, disciples had a beautiful saying: "May you ever be covered with the dust of your rabbi." This wasn't about literal dirt but symbolized something profound - following your teacher so closely that when he walked the dusty roads of Judea, his footsteps would kick up dust that settled on you. It was the highest compliment, suggesting intimate discipleship.

This sermon clip highlights how Peter, James, and John - along with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus - weren't special because Jesus played favorites. They were mentioned more frequently because they followed Jesus closely enough to be "covered in His dust." 

When we examine the Gospels, we find these individuals consistently in Jesus' presence, not because of any inherent worthiness, but because they prioritized being near Him. Mary chose to sit at His feet while Martha busied herself in the kitchen. Peter, James, and John were invited to witness moments others didn't see, like the Transfiguration and Gethsemane.

The heartbreak Mary and Martha experienced when Jesus didn't immediately come when Lazarus fell ill reminds us that even those closest to the Lord sometimes feel His apparent absence. Scripture tells us in John 11:21, "Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." The pain in these words echoes through the centuries - they knew Jesus could have prevented this suffering, yet He delayed.

But His delay wasn't indifference. It was divine timing. And when He finally arrived, rather than simply healing Lazarus, He demonstrated His power over death itself.

So the question for us today is simple: How closely are we following? Can others see the dust of our Rabbi on our clothes and in our lives? Are we willing to draw so near to Jesus that His ways become our ways, His words our words, His heart our heart?

The Gospel doesn't call us to casual Christianity but to dust-covered discipleship. As the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 63:8, "My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me."

Today, may we follow so closely that we bear the unmistakable evidence of walking in His steps.

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Master The Minutes #nightlight #rttbros

Make Every Minute Count #RTTBROS #Nightlight 

Redeeming the Time: Making Every Minute Count

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16 (KJV)

By the end of today, I will have driven over 500 miles to attend two important meetings for people I love. I just returned from leading a Revival in Oregon, I maintain a daily podcast, father nine children, work full-time, and serve in local church ministry. Through these experiences, I've discovered something life-changing—a "redeeming the time" mindset.

I'm no expert, but I've found that when thinking about time management, we often focus only on big chunks of time. The reality I've discovered is that to be fruitful in ministry and life, I must use the small moments. If I can master the minutes, the months and years take care of themselves.

This simple approach has helped me memorize entire books of the Bible, maintain an active ministry, and be present in my children's lives. My process might be called "prepared extemporaneous"—like today, I have tomorrow's sermon notes and Bible in the seat beside me, plus an audio version I've listened to while driving.

I've learned to always carry something to "master the minutes." When memorizing Scripture, I keep what I'm memorizing with me to use moments in waiting rooms or other brief pauses. In Christianity, we sometimes say, "I don't have enough time," but I've found everyone has exactly the same amount—the difference is what we prioritize and how we manage what we're given.

This isn't revolutionary wisdom. It's simply something I've stumbled upon that has transformed my effectiveness. The Lord showed me that faithfulness in small moments creates capacity for larger ministry. As the Scripture says, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:10, KJV).

Perhaps you too might find that capturing those seemingly insignificant moments—the five minutes here, the ten minutes there—could multiply your effectiveness for His kingdom. I'm still learning this daily, but the fruit I've seen in my own life encourages me to continue redeeming even the smallest moments for eternal purposes.

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A Race To The Top #RTTBROS #Nightlight

A Race To The Top #RTTBROS #Nightlight 

A Race to the Top

“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”

— 1 Peter 3:9, KJV

There’s a dangerous temptation in human interaction: the urge to strike back when we've been wronged. A sharp word deserves a sharper one. A cold shoulder calls for even more distance. And before we know it, we’re in what could be called a race to the bottom—a back-and-forth of bitterness, offense, and escalating emotion.

But God calls us to something higher.

Instead of returning evil for evil, God calls us to bless. This isn't weakness. It's wisdom. Jesus said, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). He was inviting us to run a different race—a race to the top.

This path is not paved with pride, but with humility. It does not climb by cutting others down, but by lifting others up. It may seem, in the moment, that you're letting someone "get away" with something. But in truth, you're rising above it.

Escalation is easy. Elevation is hard. It takes the Spirit of God to answer anger with gentleness, to respond to cursing with kindness, to refuse the invitation to a petty fight and instead extend an invitation to peace.

I often remind my children: You don’t have to attend every fight you’re invited to. Just because someone sends you an invitation to conflict doesn’t mean you need to RSVP. God never called us to the battleground of petty arguments. He’s called us to the mountaintop of blessing.

Even when Jesus was reviled, He reviled not again. “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). He modeled for us the higher way—the upward path. And now, He calls us to follow Him there.

So today, don’t get in a race to the bottom. When the world pulls you down, invite others up. Respond in such a way that you point them—not to your pride—but to God’s peace.

Prayer:

Lord, help me today to resist the downward pull of offense and reaction. Fill me with Your Spirit so I may bless when I am cursed, and love when I am hated. Lead me in the race to the top, where Your grace abounds and peace reigns. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Stop Holding Your Hurt #RTTBROS #Nightlight

Stop Holding Your Hurt #RTTBROS #Nightlight 

George Foreman shared, “Back when I was boxing in the '70s, Joe Frazier hit me in the face, Muhammad Ali knocked me out, and I got knocked down a couple of times by Ron Lyle before I got back up and claimed victory. All those fights had one thing in common: once they ended, I barely remembered the pain. I forgot about my weak knees, the cuts, and the blood in my eyes. If it weren't for the films of my fights, I would’ve completely pushed those memories aside. It’s the same when you go through tough times; don’t let the pain and disappointment stick around.”

Forgetting What Lies Behind

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 3:13-14, KJV

There is profound wisdom in George Foreman's reflection on his boxing career. The legendary fighter recalls the punishing blows from Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali, and Ron Lyle—moments of intense pain, weakness, and vulnerability. Yet what stands out is not the vividness of these memories but rather their fading quality. Without film evidence, the physical suffering would have disappeared entirely from his recollection.

How often we do the opposite in our spiritual and emotional lives. We cling to past hurts, disappointments, and failures as if preserving them in perfect detail is somehow necessary or beneficial. We carry these wounds not just as memories but as active, festering injuries that continue to cause us pain long after the initial blow.

The Apostle Paul understood this human tendency. In his letter to the Philippians, he speaks of "forgetting those things which are behind." Paul had much he could have held onto—his persecution of Christians, his imprisonment, the rejections he faced while spreading the Gospel. Instead, he chose to release his grip on the past and "press toward the mark."

This deliberate forgetting is not denial or pretending that difficult experiences never happened. Rather, it is refusing to allow those experiences to define our present and future. It is choosing not to dwell in a place of pain when God is calling us forward.

Like a boxer who must recover from one fight before training for the next, we cannot move into God's purposes while anchored to past wounds. Our hands cannot grasp new blessings if they are still clutching old injuries.

Perhaps you are holding onto something today—a betrayal, a failure, harsh words spoken to you, or an opportunity lost. Ask yourself: Is carrying this memory serving God's purpose in your life? Or has it become a weight preventing you from running the race set before you?

The Lord offers us a sacred exchange—our pain for His peace, our wounds for His healing, our past for His future. In surrendering our hurts to Him, we don't diminish their reality but rather prevent them from diminishing our tomorrow.

Today, consider what you might need to release. What film of past suffering are you replaying in your mind? What pain are you preserving that God is inviting you to surrender? In letting go, you may find—like George Foreman—that the memory of the pain fades while the victory remains.

Let us pray: Father, help us to release the hurts we cling to so fiercely. Teach us to follow Paul's example of forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what is ahead. May we not be defined by our wounds but by Your healing touch, not by our past but by Your promised future. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Sweet Sleep Strategy #RTTBROS #Nightlight

Sweet Sleep Strategy #RTTBROS #Nightlight 

Sweet Sleep Strategy #RTTBROS #Nightlight 

Sweet Sleep: Finding Rest in Troubled Nights

"When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet." - Proverbs 3:24 (KJV)

In the stillness of night, when our bodies seek rest but our minds continue to race, we might find ourselves far from the "sweet sleep" promised in Proverbs. Those midnight hours when worries seem magnified and problems insurmountable are actually opportunities God may be presenting to us.

Consider these pathways to peace when sleep eludes you:

First, recognize that God may have awakened you for a divine purpose. Perhaps there is someone who needs your prayers at that very moment. The midnight hours have long been considered powerful times of communion with the Lord. Throughout scripture, we see examples of nighttime prayers and encounters with God.

"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." - Psalm 5:3 (KJV)

Though this Psalm speaks of morning prayer, the principle remains - our prayers are heard at any hour. When daily distractions are silenced, God often speaks most clearly to our hearts. Use this time to intercede for loved ones, listen for God's still, small voice, and allow His peace to quiet your anxious thoughts.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)

If after prayer you find your mind still active, consider the cognitive shuffling technique. This simple exercise works with how God designed our minds, helping transition from analytical thinking to the more random thought patterns characteristic of sleep.

By selecting a letter and generating simple words beginning with that letter, you provide your mind a gentle task that prevents rumination while mimicking the natural patterns of drowsiness. This technique acknowledges the wonderful way God created our minds to transition between wakefulness and sleep.

**"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." - Psalm 4:8 (KJV)**

Remember that sleep is indeed one of God's precious gifts. As you lie awake, trust that He is present in your wakefulness just as He watches over your sleep. Whether through prayer that calms your spirit or simple cognitive exercises that quiet your thoughts, God has provided ways for us to find that sweet sleep promised in His Word.

Tonight, as you rest your head upon your pillow, entrust your wakeful moments to the Lord. Let them become sacred spaces of communion and peace rather than hours of worry. The sweet sleep described in Proverbs isn't just about physical rest—it's about the deep peace that comes from trusting in God's constant care, whether we're awake or asleep.

 

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