MAY 26, 2026

    " I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life..."

― Henry David Thoreau

1 CHRONICLES 17-19

7“Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. 8I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name like the names of the greatest men on earth. 9And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning 10and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also subdue all your enemies.(17:7-10)

JOHN 10:1-21

14“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

JOURNAL 

Several things this past week hit me in ways that feel significant. The first was the death of Kyle Busch at only 41 years old. From the outside, his life seemed full. Intentional. Successful. A man with purpose, family, influence, and still so much ahead of him. Something about it caught me off guard because it was a reminder that none of us are promised some future moment where we finally start living fully. We only get today.

It made me think again about the tension I constantly fight within myself. There is a part of me that wants ease. Comfort. To coast a little. To avoid hardship and difficulty whenever possible. But I recently read the idea that our bodies and minds were not designed primarily for comfort and ease as much as they were designed for challenge, responsibility, hardship, and growth. When we spend our lives trying to escape difficulty, we slowly diminish our capacity to become who we were created to be.

That immediately brought me back to the spirit of what Henry David Thoreau wrote in Walden. He described the desire to truly live deeply and fully rather than sleepwalk through life in resignation and comfort. I have always resonated with that because deep down I think most people long for a life that feels awake and meaningful, not merely safe.

That same theme runs through the passages in 1 Chronicles and John.

In 1 Chronicles 17, God reminds David that He called him out of ordinary places and into purpose. David started as a shepherd in a field, yet God had been with him through every battle, every uncertainty, and every hardship. The struggles were not separate from the calling. They were part of what formed him into the man he was meant to become.

Then in John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who willingly lays down His life for His sheep. There is incredible intentionality in that image. Jesus was not drifting through life trying to avoid pain or preserve comfort. He lived with complete clarity of purpose and complete surrender to the will of the Father. Real life was found through sacrifice, love, courage, and surrender rather than self-protection.

I think that is part of why Dead Poets Society impacted me so deeply when I first watched it the summer before my senior year of high school. Something about that movie stirred this awareness in me that life was meant to be lived boldly and intentionally. It awakened this longing to not waste my life. To become something meaningful. To live courageously instead of passively drifting through the years.

And honestly, I believe that longing is from God.

In John 10, Jesus contrasts His mission with the work of the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The enemy wants distraction, numbness, fear, passivity, and comfort to slowly drain the life out of us. But Jesus says He came so that we could experience life to the fullest.

Not a shallow life.
Not merely an easy life.
A full life.

A life where we love deeply, risk greatly, create boldly, serve faithfully, and refuse to waste the time we have been given.

Because in the end, the goal is not simply to arrive at death safely and comfortably. The goal is to fully become who God created us to be before we get there.

 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

JOHN 10:10

MAY 25, 2026

  “The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes.” 

― Winston S. Churchill

1 CHRONICLES 14-16

 8Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;

make known among the nations what he has done.

9Sing to him, sing praise to him;

tell of all his wonderful acts.

10Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

11Look to the Lord and his strength;seek his face always.34

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

35Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior;

gather us and deliver us from the nations,

that we may give thanks to your holy name

and glory in your praise.”

36Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

from everlasting to everlasting.

JOHN 9:24-41

35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

36“Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.”

37Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”

38Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.

39Jesus said,^a “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

40Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?”

41Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

JOURNAL 

The Pharisees desperately sought to undermine Jesus, unable to conceive that someone outside their ranks could be chosen by God. Their resistance was rooted in arrogance and traditionalism, unable to see beyond their preconceived notions of who the Messiah should be (John 9:24-29).

This resonates deeply, reminding me that God often chooses the most unlikely individuals to achieve extraordinary things—overturning human expectations and norms. David, a shepherd boy turned king, or Peter, a fisherman chosen as an apostle (1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 4:18-20). Reflecting on this, I recognize my frequent anxiety about future uncertainties. My mind tends to wander into the unknown, seeking comfort in imagined scenarios that have not occurred. Scripture clearly instructs us that worry achieves nothing and distracts from the joy and purpose of today (Matthew 6:34).

Too often, tasks—whether mundane or significant—are approached as obligations rather than opportunities for joy and thanksgiving. Whether reading scripture, exercising, or working, the objective is too frequently completion rather than embracing the moment itself. Yet each day, each moment, is a precious gift from God, worthy of gratitude and enjoyment (Psalm 118:24).

Therefore, the true challenge lies in cultivating gratitude and joy within every circumstance, recognizing God's presence and love in the everyday details of life. By living in this mindful state, I honor God and illuminate His grace in the ordinary moments. Indeed, as Christ said, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last,” underscoring the divine reversal of worldly expectations (Matthew 20:16).

16“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” 

- MATTHEW 20:16

MAY 24, 2026

 “I see a world on the edge of a blade. Without balance, it will fall.” 

― Victoria Aveyard

1 CHRONICLES 11-13

15Three of the thirty chiefs came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 16At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 17David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 18So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the Lord. 19“God forbid that I should do this!” he said. “Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?” Because they risked their lives to bring it back, David would not drink it.(11:31-33)

JOHN 9:1-23

1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

3“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

6After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7“Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

JOURNAL 

These passages from Chronicles highlight the remarkable devotion and courage of David's mighty warriors. David was greatly blessed with skilled and committed individuals who supported him wholeheartedly, enabling him to become the celebrated king he was (1 Chronicles 11:10-14). Intriguingly, David's most profound failures often occurred when he acted in isolation or without proper accountability (2 Samuel 11-12).

In John's Gospel, Jesus healing the blind man illustrates spiritual illumination and the disruption it caused among religious leaders. Their inability to grasp Jesus’ identity as the Messiah stemmed from their rigid expectations focused solely on earthly deliverance rather than spiritual transformation (John 9:13-16).

Balance is a critical theme here—how can I achieve and maintain it in my life? Frequently, I struggle between overestimating my significance or underestimating my value. Scripture reminds me my life is precious, imbued with unique gifts and talents by God (Psalm 139:14), yet fleeting, a mere breath in the grand scheme of eternity (James 4:14). Maintaining proper perspective means continually honoring God while avoiding the pitfalls of pride or self-deprecation.

Achieving balance requires daily, intentional spiritual practices: scripture study, prayer, meditation, and surrendering every circumstance and decision to God (Romans 12:1-2). Without this discipline, I risk veering to unhealthy extremes—either inflated self-importance or diminished self-worth, both spiritually detrimental paths.

David himself struggled with this balance, yet scripture transparently portrays his life, allowing me to see both his failures and God's consistent, redeeming grace (Psalm 51). The apostles faced similar challenges, Peter notably exemplifying the balance between human error and divine restoration (John 21:15-19).

Ultimately, balance is found in closeness to God—relying on His guidance and grace through every trial and triumph. God's redemptive power assures that even my mistakes serve His purpose and bring about spiritual growth (Romans 8:28). This divine gift surpasses any worldly success, offering eternal peace and fulfillment.

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

ROMANS 12:1-2

MAY 23, 2026

  “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” 

― Nelson Mandela

1 CHRONICLES 8-10

13So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord and did not obey the Lord’s instructions; he even tried to conjure up underworld spirits. 14He did not seek the Lord’s guidance, so the Lord killed him and transferred the kingdom to David son of Jesse.

JOHN 8:37-59

48The Judeans replied, “Aren’t we correct in saying that you are a Samaritan and are possessed by a demon?” 49Jesus answered, “I am not possessed by a demon, but I honor my Father – and yet you dishonor me. 50I am not trying to get praise for myself. There is one who demands it, and he also judges. 51I tell you the solemn truth, if anyone obeys my teaching, he will never see death.”

52Then the Judeans responded, “Now we know you’re possessed by a demon! Both Abraham and the prophets died, and yet you say, ‘If anyone obeys my teaching, he will never experience death.’ 53You aren’t greater than our father Abraham who died, are you? And the prophets died too! Who do you claim to be?” 54Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worthless. The one who glorifies me is my Father, about whom you people say, ‘He is our God.’ 55Yet you do not know him, but I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I obey his teaching. 56Your father Abraham was overjoyed to see my day, and he saw it and was glad.”

57Then the Judeans replied, “You are not yet fifty years old! Have you seen Abraham?” 58Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, before Abraham came into existence, I am!” 59Then they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out from the temple area.

JOURNAL 

This exchange between Jesus and the religious leaders is compelling. At first glance, some of Jesus' statements seem puzzling. However, I realize that Jesus speaks from a spiritual perspective rather than a purely physical one. He is filled with God's eternal spirit—one that existed before the foundation of the world (John 1:1-3). This spiritual nature is why He claims those who follow His teachings will never truly experience death; the spirit transcends the physical limitations we know (John 11:25-26). The Pharisees misunderstood because their vision was confined to the earthly, expecting a Messiah to deliver them politically from Roman oppression (Luke 17:20-21). But Jesus offered spiritual redemption, freeing humanity from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:6-7).

This message remains profoundly relevant today. Often, my own focus gets trapped by worldly concerns rather than spiritual truths (Colossians 3:1-2). Yet, the redemption and kingdom Jesus offers surpass anything temporal. It empowers and inspires me to look beyond immediate struggles and adversities. It gives me courage and endurance because His spirit has already overcome every obstacle (John 16:33). Through His triumph over death and sin, I find strength and hope to persevere through trials, knowing my ultimate victory is assured in Christ (Romans 8:37-39).

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

 ROMANS 12:9-13

MAY 22, 2026

  “I want to live my life in such a way that when I get out of bed in the morning, the devil says, "aw shit, he's up!” 

― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

1 CHRONICLES 6-7

31These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the Lord after the ark came to rest there. 32They ministered with music before the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, until Solomon built the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. They performed their duties according to the regulations laid down for them.

33Here are the men who served, together with their sons:(6:31-33)

JOHN 8:21-36

31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

33They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”

34Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

JOURNAL 

“Slave to sin.” That phrase hits hard—because it’s true. Not just in the big moral failure kind of way, but in the subtle moments: when I let fear control me, when I snap in frustration, when I internalize rejection or failure as identity. Those are the moments I forget that I’m free. That I have a choice. That I can live free because the Son already made me free.

Reading John 8 reminds me: truth liberates, but only when I hold to it. Not glance at it. Not occasionally agree with it. But hold. Let it shape how I live, think, and respond.

Then I turn to 1 Chronicles and read the list of names—musicians in David’s time. Names I’d usually skim right over. But each one had a story. A life. They served before the presence of God, ministering in music. They weren’t famous. No headlines or miracles attached to their names. But they were faithful. They had a job. They played their part in God’s bigger story.

That speaks to me. Because I spend too much time thinking my life doesn’t matter unless I’m making headlines too. I dwell too much on mistakes, on what could have been, on whether I’ve “done enough.” But maybe the goal isn’t being remembered—maybe it’s being faithful.

A hundred years from now, today’s to-do list probably won’t be remembered by anyone. But it matters to God. It matters to my family. It matters to the people I encounter. And if I wake up every morning resolved to live in such a way that hell takes notice—not because I’m perfect, but because I’m present, surrendered, and standing in truth—then I am part of heaven breaking through on earth.

Every breath is a battleground. Every choice is an opportunity. Every moment is sacred. If those unnamed temple musicians had purpose, then so do I. My story matters—not because I’m the hero, but because I serve the One who is.

Thank you, God, for this breath. For this moment. For the reminder that freedom is not just a feeling—it’s a fight to live in the truth You’ve already given me. Today, I get up in that truth. And I pray the devil does flinch.

Amen.

9“This, then, is how you should pray:

“ ‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

10your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

11Give us today our daily bread.

12And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13And lead us not into temptation,^a

but deliver us from the evil one.^b ’

MATTHEW 6:9-13