F4S: September 2025

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

The Canceling Of The Cross Verses The Culture That Just Loves to Cancel. Think About That Contrast.

Contrary to all the negativity we've been seeing with the Cancel Culture, here's something positive for you to meditate upon: 

At the Cross, on that lonely hill called Calvary, Jesus literally canceled Satan and his hideous gang (I sometimes call this loser, Mr. Lu-Cifer, with his lying fallen-angel thugs [all deceptive losers]). Yes, they were permanently defeated there. 

You know, since The Fall, there's been so much destructive negativity stemming from them and the lost Liberal human mobs, with all their funding and cancel culture activities. We've been seeing it often, but what Christ did for us is WAY BETTER THAN EXCELLENT for humanity!

You and I can rejoice and celebrate His type of canceling. What are you even talking about, Kurt? 

Believer, Jesus Christ completely canceled the record of the charges against you and me -- He took it all away by nailing it to the cross. He completely destroyed the record of real spiritual debt that we each owed, effectively erasing our sins and the legal demands of the law by having it all nailed! It was pinned down on two wooden beams, thus disarming spiritual authorities and freeing us from their claim.

The Bible says, "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities 2 and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." Colossians 2;13-15 esv 

"When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time. Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions." Col. 4:5,6

All our minutes are important. Look for common ground and keep the dialogue open as best you can. Some can take bluntness and others cannot so be discerning. Build a bridge rather than burn a bridge down (a.k.a. permanently canceling people). 

I love God's type of canceling on that tree, but I can't stand the world's type of cruel canceling.  

Who killed Jesus?

What trials did Jesus face before His crucifixion?

Why was Jesus crucified?

Was Jesus crucified on a cross, pole, or stake?

What is the history of crucifixion? What was crucifixion like back in the day?

On what day was Jesus crucified?

What can we learn from the thief on the cross?

Was Jesus crucified on the Day of Preparation?

Did God sacrifice Himself?

Where was Jesus for the three days after His physical death?

Why did Jesus say “Father, forgive them” on the cross?

What time was Jesus crucified? What time did Jesus die on the cross?

Who was responsible for Christ's death?

What does it mean that “it is no longer I who live” in Galatians 2:20?

Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ SO important?

Is there any proof outside the Bible that Jesus was resurrected and is now alive?

Was Jesus resurrected? How can you prove Christ's physical resurrection?

The Bible gives us Christians the proper response to an offender who truly repents of sin: 

Real restoration. Paul instructs us: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). The goal is not to shame an enemy into oblivion but to restore a broken brother gently.

We have a clear, higher calling than the mob's rage. Lost people sin because they are lost people (dead in their human spirit) who desperately need to repent unto receive Christ's forgiveness by faith, and a new nature inside. When we win them to Jesus, regeneration and change immediately start to happen inside. We witness with the gospel, and God does His part, turning our hateful enemies into friends. You can change your mind and have a new start right now!

We love because He first loved us. Believer, you and I are to model the very love that was shown to us, the love that covers a multitude of sins (See 1 Peter 4:8).

Where Some See Calls for Accountability, Others See Censorship and Severe Punishment.

That ugly "cancel culture" we often see in our day has led to a whole lot of hate, bullying and harassment. It creates a climate of fear that stifles open dialogue, honest conversation between those who disagree, and it inflicts serious punishment that is way disproportionate to what "the offended" feels is the original offense of him who disagrees. Many young people have defended this type of canceling as a way to hold powerful figures accountable. 

What begins as a reaction to a genuine offense can quickly turn into a massive online shaming campaign that offers no room for nuance, context, or forgiveness.

There's an irreversibility with it. Because social media posts are often permanent, some individuals can be condemned for a single misstep done years in the past, without the opportunity for growth, learning, or redemption. Many people who are "canceled" describe feeling that they are not given a chance to apologize or change their behavior.

While powerful public figures often have the resources to weather the storm of cancellation, ordinary individuals are more likely to suffer devastating consequences, such as losing their jobs or livelihoods. 

It's from a mob mentality (that quickly becomes harassment, threats, and public ridicule), Cyberbullying (it's less about fair justice and more about performative outrage, creating a toxic environment), and bystanders experience fear and anxiety from witnessing others get "canceled." There's a fear of saying or doing the wrong thing according to the mob, and this stifles open and healthy discourse; therefore, many individuals, even on college campuses, choose to self-censor.

Has there been trauma from the world's canceling? Uhh yes. More horrible political polarization happens as a byproduct. This dynamic of mean canceling reinforces "echo chambers," and it pushes people further into their ideological corners.

Yes, this modern Social Justice culture has created an epidemic of trauma, intolerance, and fear (though they claim to be so tolerant). A 2020 study by the Cato Institute found that 62% of Americans say the current political climate prevents them from saying things they really believe in and want to discuss, a figure that includes a significant portion of younger, conservative-leaning individuals. This is not dialogue; it is stifled discourse enforced by the threat of digital stonings.

The constant exposure to this online outrage and the spectacle of public shaming is so emotionally draining for the masses of those who keep witnessing it.

The hate can so quickly go public and turn into serious physical violence. Charlie Kirk got cancelled by haters--this was a real martyrdom. His work will go on far more impactful!

I've heard.. and you've heard a lot about Cancel Culture today. So many decent people have been cancelled. 

“Cancel culture” has become the modern mob’s megaphone — swift to shame, eager to silence, and determined to erase. It is more than calling out evil or seeking justice; it’s the attempt to banish any person, idea, or voice that dares to offend the ever-changing dogmas of our age. A single tweet, a decades-old remark, a difference in conviction — and a life’s work can be dismantled in a day.

This phenomenon is not new. It is the child of political correctness, which polices language, and postmodernism, which denies objective truth. Together, they have produced a society where “tolerance” is the supreme virtue — until you disagree. Then, the same culture that preaches acceptance becomes mercilessly intolerant. As G.K. Chesterton warned, “Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions.”

But God’s Word exposes the very roots of cancel culture — and calls believers to a radically different way of life.

  1. The cancel culture is rash and reckless. Driven by outrage rather than real evidence, it dispenses judgment before truth. Yet Scripture calls us to sober thinking: “Ponder the path of your feet” (Proverbs 4:26). “Be sensible,” Paul urges (Titus 2:12). Wisdom waits on the Lord's gentle, kind, biblical leading; cancel culture rushes in to hurt people. Sin always hurts God when He sees the people He loves getting hurt and destroyed. 

  2. The cancel culture is cruel and spiteful. Hatred fuels the mob. Names are dragged through the mud, reputations shredded. But Jesus commands the opposite: “Love your enemies… bless those who curse you” (Luke 6:27–28). As John Newton wrote, “I am a great sinner, but Christ is a greater Savior.” Grace, not Liberal or Rino venom, must shape our speech.

  3. The cancel culture is hypocritically judgmental. Cancel culture scours the past for reasons to condemn, yet offers no grace to others — or itself. Jesus warns, “Judge not, lest you be judged” (Matthew 7:1). We who have been shown mercy must extend mercy.

  4. The cancel culture is unforgiving. Once “canceled,” a person is beyond redemption to them. There is no second chance, no restoration, no new beginning. But listen: the gospel offers what cancel culture never can offer us--grace: Forgive one another.. as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). The real Church (I don't mean many so-called churches that are off with what they teach) must be a community where kind grace is greater than guilt and religiousity.

Surveys today show us that over 60% of Americans self-censor today for fear of a social backlash (George Barna, 2023). Yet silence is not our calling, Christians. We are to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) — to continue boldly, graciously, tactfully, faithfully. Fear of man is not to silence us with the gospel message. It didn't silence Him. Think about Him and His finished work again and again! Pray about what your part can be in spreading the Good News.  

Here is the deeper irony: in the most profound act of “cancellation” in history, God canceled sin itself and Satan. On the cross, “He forgave us all our trespasses, canceling the record of debt.. nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13–14). Yes indeed, at Calvary, Christ “completely de-platformed” Satan so to speak, “disarming the rulers and authorities.. and triumphing over them” (v.15).

The corrupt world system cancels and condemns people, but Christ cancels all their condemnation if they let Him. The mob says, “You are beyond redemption and you must pay!” The gospel says, “No one is beyond free grace.”

The hymn writer nailed it here:

“My sin — oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more…”

So, let the culture rage on. We can counter the violent counterculture with Christ's agape love. 

We will not trade compassion for their type of contempt, or grace for grudges. We will speak the truth with courage and love (like Charlie Kird did), knowing that redemption is real, forgiveness is possible, and no one needs to stay a lost cause on into a real place called hell.

Because while cancel culture screams, “I hate you! Now be gone forever,” the Savior whispers, “Come home right now. Don't put it off--I love you. Yes, get home before dark.”

Thomas Sowell said, "When you want to help someone, you'll tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you'll tell them what they want to hear."

Please tell em what's really so.. as much as they can handle at that moment. 

Friday, September 26, 2025

Put the Phone Down and Pick Up the Sword (the Word, Yes, that Floppy Physical Bible), Hit two knees and Fight! That Thief that Rings, Buzzes, Vibrates and Pings can Steal Your Peace.

Today, what could most easily distract you away from your relationship with God, from His written Word, and from doing His will for your life?

Could it be busyness? Gettin' too busy on your phone, or off the phone? Could it be something else?

Remember when Martha got too busy serving and lost her peace when she could have settled down, hearing the Lord's words?

The Bible warns us all, "Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.
40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.
42 “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38 nkjv

How are Digital Distractions Robbing the Souls of Many?

If the devil can’t make you sin, he’ll tempt you.. and make you busy. He doesn’t need to destroy your faith outright — he only needs to keep you too distracted to notice that it’s fading. And in our time, nothing steals our attention more effectively than the small glowing rectangle in our pockets and then in our hands.

What.. how many times does a Westerner touch their phone per day?

It buzzes, we reach for it before we rise, we scroll before we sleep, and by day’s end, the average American has touched their phone over 2,600 times.¹ The tragedy isn’t just lost time — it’s lost intimacy with God. Like Martha in Luke 10, we’re “worried and troubled about many things,” while the “one thing needed” — sitting quietly at Jesus’ feet — slips through our fingers.

This was based on research firm dscout that tracked the phone use of nearly 100 Android users in the United States.

The top 10% of users in the dscout study logged more than 5,400 touches a day.

Average American phone checks (2025): The research firm DemandSage reports that Americans check their phones an average of 144 times a day.

Average American phone interactions (2025): The blog SlickText, citing earlier data, says the average American smartphone user reaches for their phone 352 times per day.

Average iPhone unlocks: Apple has stated that iPhone users unlock their phones approximately 80 times per day.

“If Satan can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” – Corrie ten Boom

If Mr. Lu-Cifer and his gang can't pull you back into old works of the flesh and sin, he will push you to become too busy for time alone with Jesus. 

The Subtle Theft of the Genuine Sacred by iPhone or Droid Sadly, Happens. 

Distraction isn’t neutral. It’s first a spiritual matter. Are you a more disciplined person? Every notification that pulls you from prayer, every buzzing alert that interrupts your reading of the Scriptures, is an assault on the very thing that nourishes your soul. And the enemy knows it. Why tempt you with obvious rebellion when a DM, text message or TikTok will do?

Our devices train our minds to crave novelty and speed. But the voice of God is often heard in stillness. He ain't too slow or quiet for you. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). A heart constantly lasered-in on swiping left or right cannot fully hear Him.

Why Not Make An Old Physical Bible Matter To You More Than A New Digital One (Beep, Chirp)?

"Get back, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Get back, get back
Get back to where you once belonged
Get back Jojo" ~ John Lennon and Paul McCartney

Choose to get back to the old paths. Man, what are those ancient paths in Jeremiah 6:16?

I'm mainly talking about gettin' you back to God--getting right with Him. Americans need the living Word and a spiritual Awakening. Nothing beats living with Him in His will! 

Is an old Bible an old path, really? Naw, it's a Book -- it's a good old idea! 

Speaking of those old paths, God called His Jewish people. And He calls you and me to seek Him first biblically and to acknowledge Him (see Proverbs 3). Yes, to view Him as our God and treat Him accordingly (Ecclesiastes 12). Those ancient paths explain our lostness and our need for a savior (Isaiah 64:6), and they explain how God provided that Savior (Isaiah 53). Those ancient paths show us that the road to redemption is a simple one—belief in Him (Genesis 15:6Habakkuk 2:4)—and that He is faithful to all who believe (Psalm 37:25). In the final chapters (what we call the New Testament) of His revealed Word, we are given much more detail and specific guidance about how God has worked and is working. Those chapters stand as evidence that the ancient paths are not archaic or inaccessible or irrelevant. Rather, they are indeed a light to our old path (Psalm 119:105).

I'm not against all digital Bibles in phone apps. Personally, I love filling in the gaps with my audio Bibles, app ones too, and some good audiobooks ..but for devotional time alone, it's about grabbing my floppy leather-bound one. And grasping ahold of Him with His plan. 

What does God mean when He says, “Return to Me, and I will return to you"?

How should Christians respond to someone they care about who gets all distracted and drifts off into left field, you know what I mean, who leaves the faith?

Why can't I stop sinning? Please help get me back like Jojo to where I once belonged!

Will God ever give up on me?

What does it mean that if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you? 

Yes, Bible apps are so convenient. But if we’re honest, they’re often where distraction begins. Before we even open the Word in the morning (the Bible), we’ve checked the news, the weather, replied to messages, and glimpsed headlines that weigh heavily.. that pull down the soul. 

Grabbing a physical Bible while whispering a prayer, on the other hand, is so  gloriously NOT useless. Pray, and it will be uplifting!

This hardcopy Book could become useless if it's solely a dust collector, but it is not a useless tool for connecting and communion with God. Listen, it doesn’t ping or vibrate. It doesn’t tempt people in any way. It simply sits there, sort of like a faithful friend, waiting for you to open it.

When you pick it up, it's profitable! Your whole person can learn something edifying. This moment is to be set apart. It's reserved, it's dedicated, it's consecrated for the glory of God. Your hands feel its weight. I like the smell of leather with those pages. Your fingers turn those pages, instead of screens. Your eyes trace words that have fed instead of fleeced saints for centuries. And your soul knows this isn’t just another task — this is holy ground you're on.

“The Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” – Charles Spurgeon

And unlike your phone, a physical Bible grows with you. The ink-stained notes, the tear-soaked margins, those faithful, unchanging highlighted promises — they become a map of sorts for your journey Home. To your Father in Heaven (grab a hand and bring a friend with you). 

Long after apps are updated or obsolete and those phones discarded, that worn copy still speaks of prayers prayed and promises kept. Mark it up in such a way that you can still read the ink parts. 

Distraction’s Cost but Christ Calls

According to Grorge Barna, 82% of Christians say they want to read the Bible more often, yet less than 30% do so daily.² 

Many cite “lack of time.” But the truth is much harsher: it’s not that we lack time — it’s that we’ve traded it for lesser things (beep, buzz, ping). “Redeem the time,” Paul urged, because wasted moments are great spiritual losses.

The Bible says, "Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil. Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17 amp

I love using my digital Bible and tools to do searches, but not first thing in the morning. Consider this: the same device that delivers Scripture can also deliver temptation. The same phone that pings at cha with a verse of the day or has your yearly plan can ping with gossip, fear, noise, or with a sensual image designed for you to be lusting. Why invite that battle into your devotional time when you don’t have to? Let your mind be set apart for candid prayer and the living Word. 

“Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees.” – William Cowper

A physical Bible is more than paper and ink — it’s a prayer weapon to use against the enemy, not against people. Never let it become some religious weapon to maim people with. The accusatory (dead inside) Pharisees did that sort of thing. When Jesus was tempted by the enemy, He quoted appropriate scriptures for the moment. 

“The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). And a sword is far more effective when it’s in your hand, not buried among iPhone apps and algorithms. 

Need some Peace Again? Reclaiming Peace and Victory is Possible. 

Confess, repent, reapproprite the Spirit's comfort and calm. Hear Him first. Say thanks and ask him questions all day long. 

Try this for a week: every morning, before you reach for.. or touch your phone, touch the Word first. Make it a habit that the first voice you hear is not the world’s but God’s. Find a chair, open those pages, and linger. Thirty unhurried minutes in the Word will do more for your soul than three hours of scrolling ever could.

How can we recognize the voice of God?

How can I know if I am hearing Godhearing Satan, hearing the voice of the flesh, or of the world?

Why does Acts 9:7 say that those traveling with Paul heard a voice, but Acts 22:9 says that they heard no voice?

Does God ..for real.. still speak to His kids?

What does it mean that “my sheep hear my voice” (John 10:27)?

What if I'm really just hearing my own thoughts?

How can I recognize the voice of God?

How do I hear from God?

How do we actually have and keep God in our Lives?

What is the meaning of, “Today if you will hear His voice, do not let your hearts harden?

What is the key to hearing God's voice?

Have you experienced..encountered some distractions lately and want to stop hearing or seeing them? 

Forty-seven secs (yep, only 47 seconds) refers to the average time a person spends focused on a single screen today before switching to another one. 

That's not their total attention capacity in one day per se, but this is quite astonishing (from research by Dr. Gloria Mark, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, who studies digital distractions).

Hymn writer Helen Lemmel once penned, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim..” 

When we look up from our screens and fix our gaze on Christ, the distractions will lose their power, and peace returns.


What Are After-Thoughts

If you feel like God is far away.. guess who moved. Have you drifted some? God hasn’t changed. His promises haven’t changed. His Word hasn’t changed. Maybe we have — and maybe it’s time to return to the simple, very practical practices that God used to shape the saints before us. Close those apps. Set the phone down.. it probably needs charging anyway. Open the Book. Sit still. Listen up.. and long.

Because when you trade distraction in for devotion, you don’t just read the Bible — you hear your Loving Lord lead. And that voice, once heard, is worth silencing the world's voice for.

Listen to the Word and find new peace:

  • Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you".
  • Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God".
  • Psalm 85:8: "I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly".
  • John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid".
  • John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world".
  • Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you".
  • Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God".
  • Psalm 85:8: "I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly".
  • John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid".
  • John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world".
  • Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus".
  • Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness".
  • Romans 8:6: "To be controlled by the flesh is death, but to be controlled by the Spirit is life and peace".

It’s amazing how little time it actually takes to drift.. just minutes to pull our hearts off course. Most of the time, it’s not some blatant sin — it’s some good things that quietly crowd out the best thing (time with Jesus, hearing Him)

Like Martha, we can become so busy "serving the living Word" that we no longer have time for the Word Himself. We can lag behind Him. or be doing, doing, doing things for Jesus.. running out ahead of Him that are not being with Jesus. He calls us to Himself.. to follow Him closely not run out ahead of Him. Why be out serving Him in your own power with your own ingenuity?  

We fill our days with work, texts, tweets on X, scrolling, errands, meetings — and before we know it, our Bibles are long collecting dust and our prayers feel so rushed.

I'm a hard worker that get's busy. Busyness in and of itself isn’t evil, but it’s so dangerous when it keeps us from the “one thing needed.” I am to abide in the Vine, not strive in the flesh. 

Mary understood that. She stopped and listened up. She sat still, and soaked in His words. The truth is, we all could become more like Mary or more like Martha. 

Do you really want to prove our worth through activity and good works? You can't earn more grace that way. But Jesus gently reminds us that intimacy with Him is worth more than any to-do list done.

Maybe the question isn’t “Am I doing too much?” but “Am I making room for Him first?” Let Him be Lord of all, because if the enemy can’t make us bad, he’ll make us too busy.

How can I stay focused on Christ?

What is a quiet time?

What does it mean to be still and know that I am God?

Who was Martha in the Bible?

It's so interesting to see Bible verses about different topics.

What is contemplative prayer?

What are some Bible verses about laziness?

How much self-discipline do you have?

What does the Bible say about mental health?

What does the Bible say about discipline?

What does the Bible say about tough love?

Biblically speaking, how does one achieve a proper work-life balance?

What does the Bible say about workaholism?

What is escapism?

Are the spiritual disciplines in the Bible? What benefit are there with em?

Are you a fairly disciplined kind of person? What are some healthy spiritual disciplines?

What does it mean to watch and pray?

Why are some Millennials so distracted?

What are some Bible verses about discipline?

What are some Bible verses about busyness?

What does the Bible say about busyness? You know, being too busy for time with God?


Where your treasure is today, cuz guess what.. there your heart will be also (See Matthew 6:21). What does that even mean?



But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth can't chew it up.  





"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Isa. 36:3

According to a 2019 study by Lifeway Research, approximately 32% of Americans who regularly attend a Protestant church read the Bible every day. The same 2019 study revealed that 27% of churchgoers who attend less frequently than four times a month read the Bible every day.

Stir it up instead of get all distracted. Jesus warned us, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). 

Why attempt to serve both God and the dopamine drip of our digital devices? We start the day with good intentions and get distracted. I've been there before, planning to read Scripture first, but an email pulls me into work. 

It happens to many of us. We open our Bible app, only to be lured by a notification. The result? God’s Word gets drowned out by a thousand lesser inferior voices.

It’s costing us dearly says George Barna. He reports that while 82% of Christians say they wish they would read their Bibles more, but less than 1 in 3 actually read it daily.³ The number one reason given? “I’m just too busy.” 

Is it truly a lack of time, Sport, or just a lack of attention?

Letting distractions rip you off has gotta stop -- say NO to this spiritual danger.

  • “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

  • “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).

  • “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

If the enemy can keep you from this stillness I'm talking about, he can keep you from transformation.


Mary and Martha: That's an Ancient Picture of a Modern Problem.. but we have phones in our hands. 

Reread the story again slowly. It’s an old story with a painfully modern lesson. When Jesus visited Bethany, Martha busied herself with chores, while Mary sat quietly at His feet hearing His words. Martha, flustered and frustrated, begged Jesus to rebuke her sister. Instead, He gently said:

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part..” (Luke 10:41–42).

Our phones have simply given us more ways to be Martha — SO “many things” to become troubled about. But Mary reminds us that the better portion is not found in constant activity, but in a Person.. in unhurried time before the presence of Christ.


Again, Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Focus On Him. 

  1. Set Apart Sacred Space Early as you Can. Decide that when it’s time for Scripture, your phone goes in another room. Guard that time like a meeting with a king — because it is.

  2. Begin the Day with Prayer & Bible-First. Before you check messages or headlines, check in with God. “In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice..” (Psalm 5:3).

  3. Anchor Your Soul Daily. Thirty minutes of focused, uninterrupted time with God will do more for your soul than hours of distracted skimming.


I need to put on.. to keep wearing the helmet of salvation and take up the sword of the Spirit every day. 

The Word of God is called “the sword of the Spirit” (the only part of the armor that is for offense instead of defense, Ephesians 6:17) — but a sword is useless if you never draw it. Every ping that pulls you away from Scripture is a skirmish the enemy wins without firing one shot.

The question isn’t whether we can make time for God’s Word — it’s whether we’re willing to stop and fight for it?

So put that phone down. Keep it down early. Pick the Word up, pray an honest prayer with some thanksgiving too. Sit at His feet. Praise His Holy Name. And watch how quickly peace returns to your heart when the noise is silenced and the Shepherd’s voice is the one you hear most clearly.

¹ Dscout Research, “Mobile Touches Study,” 2023
² Barna Group, “State of the Bible,” 2024

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Humility is the soil in which every other good virtue really grow, and the only doorway through which grace flows.

You can humble you.. before you get humbled. I like that option. Yes, let's live selfless and great with God (Matthew 20:20–25). Lord, how can I serve you -- I'm really need your grace today. 

It's a daily choice for each of us. Be real. Be Humble (not self-focused or presumptuous), Be Honest (keep all your promises like God does. Keep all your commitments on time or earlier. Why over promise and under deliver or under aka never promise to those you love. Ask God to help you), Be Honorable, Be Holy, Be Confident (not with excessive confidence, aka self-confidence) -- Yup, Live Happy with your Lord. You know how on the horizontal, people can often detect a hint of selfish-hubris, and that closes a lot of doors. Who doesn't want to see a track record of wise, humble, other-oriented decisions made? Do you want that? 

When was the last time you went out of your way to exceptionally serve another person? When did you go the extra mile for your employer beyond their expectations of you?


You can be different and humble you.. before others do ..that.. to you. 

He gives grace to the humble, so choose to live that way. And stay gracious, ehrlich-sincere, straightforward -- be a blessing to be around. Keep all your promises.

You've got this in relationship with Christ -- meekness for today!

  1. Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

  2. Psalm 37:11 – “But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.”

  3. Galatians 5:22–23 – “..the fruit of the Spirit is.. gentleness [meekness]…”

  4. Colossians 3:12 – “Put on…humility, meekness, gentleness, and patience.”

  5. James 1:21 – “Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

  6. 1 Peter 3:4 – “Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart…in the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.”

  7. Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

  8. Ephesians 4:2 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

  9. 1 Corinthians 4:21 – “Do you not know that the meek will inherit the blessings of God?” (paraphrase of the broader principle)

  10. Isaiah 66:2 – “..But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”

Who really could live like that, Kurt – you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
  1. Charles Spurgeon – “Meekness is the strongest quality a man can possess; it is not weakness, but power under control.”

  2. Dietrich Bonhoeffer – “Meekness is not the absence of strength, but the self-restraint of strength for the sake of others.”

  3. John Stott – “The truly meek person is not a doormat, but someone who channels strength in humility and grace.”

  4. A.W. Tozer – “Meekness is the grace that enables us to endure wrongs without bitterness, in the spirit of Christ.”

  5. C.S. Lewis – “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less; meekness is living it out.”

  6. Thomas à Kempis – “A meek soul does not resist when others despise it, nor does it boast when praised.”

  7. John Calvin – “Meekness is the temper of the soul that restrains itself from vengeance, that it may honor God.”

  8. Oswald Chambers – “Christ calls us to meekness, to submit to His will and trust Him even when circumstances are harsh.”

In an age drunk as a skunk or punk.. on self-importance and addicted to self-promotion, (that self-seeking) opt to live humbly. Humility has become a forgotten virtue — dismissed as complete weakness, mocked as irrelevance, and replaced by the relentless chorus of “Hey, believe in yourself.”

Yet Scripture cuts through the fog and noise with a thunderclap of truth: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Those words are not mere suggestions for believers; they are according to a firm spiritual law. Pride stiff-arms the Lord in the face, puts a palm or finger up in his countenance so to speak. You want God’s favor right? Genuine humility before Him (who is loving, yet direct Authority too) flings the door of grace wide open.

You know that humility is not creepy groveling or thinking less of yourself — it is thinking of yourself less.

It is the posture of a heart that knows its real dependence is on God. Do you have a debt of mercy and love to pay?

It was Author C. S. Lewis who once voiced that, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” In truth, it is the soil in which every other good virtue grows, and the only doorway through which grace flows.

From the first breath of salvation, humility is essential. No one receives Christ while clinging to self-righteousness. Jesus told the Pharisees, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:13). Only the one who confesses, “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling,” will taste the sweetness of grace. And beyond salvation, humility remains the pathway to honor. “Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand,” Peter writes, “that He may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). The road upward always begins by bowing low.

But we live in a world that despises that low road. Do you put yourself up? God will lower you. The way up in His Kingdom is down. Jesus came down and graciously served -- so kind and generous of him!

Pride is now marketed as virtue. Social media seems to disciples us into self-glorification; companies aggressively sell us the gospel of self-esteem; even some pulpits (not all) sometimes peddle a say it, claim it, blab it, grab it weird prosperity message of another Jesus who exists to boost our egos and wallet thickness.

Yet pride is still what it has always been: the sin that turned angels into devils, that put low those who were.. who used to live way up high near God (See 1 Timothy 3:6).

Hubris is the poison that corrupts relationships, the rot that tears societies apart. George Barna's research shows us that over 80% of Americans now believe self-fulfillment is the highest moral good — but that's a philosophy that stands in direct contradiction to Christ’s call: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross” (Luke 9:23).
Pride says, “What’s in it for me? I deserve better.”

Humility says, “I really deserve the cross and hell, so how can I serve the Lord and people better?”

Pride is strangely competitive as it grasps for more power, control and recognition.

Humility stoops down to wash feet. Father, help us obey you. Who did that? Jesus, the King of Glory, “made Himself nothing.. humbled Himself.. even to death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7–8). And because He did that obeying.. that serving, “God exalted Him to the highest place” (v. 9). The pattern is crystal clear: cross before crown, suffering before glory, humility before honor.
History’s giants understood this. Humble self, or others, eventually will. Live honest like God is.
Mr. Augustine observed, “Two cities have been formed by two loves: the earthly by love of self, even to the contempt of God; the heavenly by love of God, even to the contempt of self.”

Mr. Calvin warned that “self-love must be plucked up by the roots.”

Mr. Isaac Watts’ trembling lyrics still humbles the soul if we allow them to: “Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?”

Mr. Charles Spurgeon confessed, “If you are too great for the Cross, you are too small for the crown.”
Yet humility is not just some theological concept to endlessly debate over — it is intensely practical. It heals fractured relationships, it strengthens churches, and it anchors communities, pointing them to the Word of God.

When believers walk humbly, they become conduits of more grace rather than competitors for more glory and positions with name badges and titles.

Got a position or title or nice badge? I encourage you in Him. May the Lord help us all to exemplify what Jesus did. He's the most high, but came so low to help and save people. Are you a soul-winner that serves yet? You can be in Jesus! You've got this in Him.

Humble people forgive more easily (like Erika Kirk just did). Humble people serve more joyfully and love more deeply. It's the happy way of life. As the old hymn pleads, “O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be.”

God’s economy is so upside down compared to ours. The first will be last. The servant will be greatest. WHAT!?

Those who lose their lives will find them. The world tells you to GO FOR IT FOR SELF AND CLIMB HIGHER, GO FOR THE GUSTO, TAKE WHAT YOU DESERVE. If others won't put you up higher, then you do it and climb higher, stepping on people if you need to, but Jesus says the way up is down. Don't step on anyone..step on your old fleshly nature and bad attitude. In God's Kingdom, true greatness does not come by grasping, gripping, or grabbing thrones and crowns for self but by carrying towels towards dirty feet.

So let us each, one by one, turn, believe God's promises, repent of this cult of self (such a lame mentality to have), and rediscover the forgotten strength connected to Jesus and real humility. So easy to say--saying it is the easy part. Can't do this alone, but let Jesus be seen in you.

Let us measure success not by the high seats with the prestigious locations of those seats that we occupy, but by the lowly feet we go wash. It's so refreshing to see great people accessible to the lowly.. hanging out with and helping the commoners like me. I often see this at my church with business leaders and other leaders in Plano, Texas. And when the corrup world calls humility weakness like they do, remember: it is the humble — and only the humble — who receive grace upon grace, who will one day wear a crown (please desire the soul-winners crown!), and even hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21). Like I'm sure Charlie Kirk recently heard.

I'm going to go with the old revelation (the Bible) instead of the alleged new one of crazy charismania. I'm going to go with the old cross instead of some strange new Liberqal one. “The old cross slew men, the new cross entertains them. The old cross condemned, the new cross assures. The old cross destroyed confidence in the flesh, the new cross encourages it. The old cross brought tears and blood, the new cross brings laughter. The flesh, smiling and confident, preaches and sings about the cross. Before that cross it bows, and toward that cross it points with carefully staged historionics. But upon that cross it will not die, and the reproach of that cross, it stubbornly refuses to bear.”

In The City of God, Augustine wrote, “Two cities have been formed by two loves: the earthly by the love of self, even to the contempt of God; the heavenly by the love of God, even to the contempt of self. The former, in a word, glories in itself; the latter in the Lord.”

John Piper says of today's self-love cult, “Today the first and greatest commandment is thou shalt love thyself. And the explanation for almost every interpersonal problem is thought to lie in someone’s low self-esteem. Sermons, articles, and books have pushed this idea into the Christian mind. It is a rare congregation, for example, that does not stumble over the theology of Isaac Watts, who wrote, `Alas, and did my Savior bleed, would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?’”

You and I don't need the world's new self-esteem ideas!

“A chorus of many voices is chanting in unison today that I must at all costs love myself.” ~ John Stott

Why go with the masses when often they are wrong? Self-love with hubris and self-confidence have SO easily been incorporated into the mindset of today's evangelical Christians. Follow God's living word instead.

John Stott said this, “A chorus of many voices is chanting in unison today that I must at all costs love myself.”

“As we have noted almost immediately, the Christian public felt warmly at home with their newfound friend. Self-love has been easily incorporated into the mindset of evangelical Christians. All one needs to do to verify this is to walk into a Sunday school class next Sunday morning and ask, ‘Should a Christian love himself?’ He probably will discover quickly that the tide of opinion flows strongly toward a positive response.” ~ Paul Brownback of Talbot Seminary

Should a Christian love himself or herself?’ The Bible says you already love yourself, so show love to God and others now. The honest believer will probably discover that the tide of opinion flows strongly toward a positive response to loving oneself far more than they already do.

I'm no hyper or other type of Calvinist, but I do love a lot of what he said. John Calvin wrote, “For so blindly do we all rush in the direction of self-love that everyone thinks he has a good reason for exalting himself and despising all others in comparison. There is no other remedy than to pluck up by the roots those most noxious pests, self-love and love of victory. This doctrine of Scripture does, for it teaches us to remember that the endowments which God has bestowed upon us are not our own, but His free gifts; and that those who plume themselves upon them betray their ingratitude.”

Statistic / Trend Scripture Christian Quote Insight / Application
62% of Christians prioritize personal success/self-fulfillment over holiness (Barna, 2023) 1 Peter 5:5 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” John Piper: “Today the first and greatest commandment is ‘thou shalt love thyself.’” Modern culture elevates self; Scripture calls for humble dependence on God.
1 in 3 American Christians deliberately practices self-denial for God’s purposes (Barna) Philippians 2:5–8 – Christ humbled Himself even to death Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” Humility is countercultural but central to true discipleship.
Social media increases self-promotion; 70% report social comparison affects self-worth (Pew Research, 2022) Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Charles Spurgeon: “Pride is the devil’s masterpiece. Humility is the Christian’s crown.” Online platforms amplify pride; Christians are called to servanthood and integrity.
45% of Christians admit to envy or resentment toward peers’ success (Barna, 2021) James 4:6 – “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Augustine: “The earthly city is formed by love of self… the heavenly by love of God.” Envy stems from pride; humility fosters contentment and grace.
80% of pastors say congregations struggle with ambition and competition for recognition Matthew 20:26–27 – “Whoever wants to be great must be your servant.” John Newton: “Humility is to make a right estimate of oneself before God.” Church leaders and members alike must model servant leadership.
The average US adult spends 2.5 hours/day on social media, often curating a superior self-image Romans 12:3 – “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” Charles Wesley: “Our lives are meant to glorify God, not self.” Excess focus on self-image undermines humility and discipleship.
60% of millennials believe personal fulfillment > spiritual growth Micah 6:8 – “Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.” John Piper: “When the gospel becomes self-help, the cross is emptied.” Fulfillment without humility is hollow; God calls us to mercy and humility.
Workplace studies: 55% report that pride and arrogance harm teamwork (Harvard Business Review) Proverbs 15:33 – “Before honor is humility.” Calvin: “Self-love blinds, prompting many to despise others and forget God.” Pride disrupts relationships; humility builds collaboration and honor.
40% of young adults identify as “spiritual but not religious,” often embracing self-defined morality Romans 1:30 – “…without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful.” Charles Spurgeon: “A proud heart can never be satisfied with God’s grace.” Rejecting God’s authority fosters pride; humility aligns us with His truth.
Global surveys: happiness correlates strongly with gratitude and service, not wealth (Gallup, 2023) Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “Humility is the foundation of all Christian virtue.” True joy flows from serving others, not self-aggrandizement.

Selflessly Humble > Selfishly Prideful

I know it all (non-learner mentality) < I know so little of what God wants me to know (learner mentality)

Egoism and self-seeking sucks. 

When you ask for glory, would that be kind of selfish of you? Man, what you'd be doing  is asking for pain or affliction (I don't mean intentional pain like the religious folk like to do, who think that will earn them more grace. I don't mean a pain you want or cause yourself--I don't really want pain cuz there is enough without wanting or asking for it. How many know that the path to glory is basically suffering as a servant of Jesus? True. 

You remember reading those words of Jesus before right? "You don’t know what you’re asking." Can I paraphrase some? With all respect, Lady, you are totally clueless here. You don’t even know what you’re talking for. You’re asking for glory, lady; and what you don’t realize is that the path to glory is suffering."

God bitte. Help us follow closely and serve the way Jesus did while here. Father, help us better know that the example of leadership is Christ, who served and gave His life even though he didn't feel like going to that cross for us. Help us to see and find the path to real greatness -- it's the path of genuine humility, of meek-brokenness, of selflessness. Father, we praise and bless Your holy name! We thank You for what You've prepared as a reward for those who have been faithful to Your living Word. You can help us today, Lord, to serve without asking, “Hey, what’s in it for me?”.. to humble ourselves.. to be willing humbly to give all.. that we may in a momentary light affliction receive that eternal glory. Father God, we love you--please keep and use us. All this that Christ may be glorified. Amen.