Sometimes we focus too much on what is said and not enough on what it means. For example, when someone says, do not walk across the frozen pond, that does not mean you cannot walk across the bridge above it. You minimize your options when you focus on what you cannot do and can accomplish more by focusing on what you can do. Today’s devotion is an exercise on understanding how sometimes God’s words show a restriction that gives more freedom.

We are great at planning things. I remember someone saying that a failure to plan is a plan to fail, and I believe that. However, I also learned that there are some things it is better to trust what you were gifted to do. You might think there is no plan to that, but as today’s devotion notes, there was always a plan for that …

We all set goals for ourselves. Sometimes it is to acquire something. Other times like Christmas, it is to budget for shopping. It could also include building something like a patio deck or home entertainment center. It is important to set clear goals because without them, how would you know if you made progress? If you believe that being a Christian is different, I will argue that maybe you are not doing Christianity right. Here’s why …

Have you ever had someone who you could hear their voice amongst the crowd? My father was someone who I could hear no matter how he talked. A friend remarked in amazement when I heard my Dad call me from the other end of the household. It was a sign not only of keen listening but also respect for who he was. There is another voice we can hear no matter where we are. We just have to listen to Him. It’s a wonderful thing, and that’s what today’s devotion is about …

I wrote about the subject of accountability on my leadership newsletter (Subscribe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7097077110774632448 ). Someone later asked me about my newsletter and how much of it integrated with the teachings of Jesus Christ. I said that they were intertwined. So much so that it made sense to show how here …

We are not bound to tradition, ritual or legalism. Jesus came to set us free and break every chain.

My father once told me it is not the clothes that make the man. It’s the man that makes the clothes. Keep this in mind because my dad was always well dressed. That being said, I always love the man he was. My mom? Always immaculate. She is also the smartest person in the room. We often see people for what they wear or often things they say. However, most acknowledged actions speak louder than words. Yet, if you align what you say with who you are, it always travels well. Learn why here …

Growing up, there are some traditional hymnals that I remember even to this day. For example, I can recite ‘Blessed Assurance’ as if it is on my current playlist. In my mind, I even hear the organist playing. It is funny to me now because as I focus on the words, it has more relevancy in my journey of faith than ever before. It gives me comfort to know that is the relationship that I have with God. Where can you find comfort with God? Today’s devotion may give you some insight into that …