Our body is merely the vehicle our true self rides around in. Like a car, they sometimes need repair. They rust, decline in power, occasionally need their ball joints replaced etc. Good maintenance habits and good fuel contribute to better zip. Sometimes, they have warranty repairs or replacements that are offered by the manufacturer.

God made us. He knows what it takes to get top performance out of us. We are wise to read the operators manual. He can be contacted for consideration to repair or replace our parts. When calling, just ask for “Jesus.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You hold the keys to death, hell, and the grave. You also have the power to heal our bodies. We ask for healing in the name of Jesus.

DAILY READING: Proverbs 28-31

Sports competition is fun for players to experience and fans to watch. However, once the game is over, life goes on. It’s back to square one to begin all over again.

The benefit of athletic competition is not only to develop one’s body, but to learn character lessons that can be applied to everyday life … persevering hard work, faithfulness, team-building humility, skill development.

Victory in everyday life is the best prize.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, grace us with championship life habits that truly make a difference in the way we live. Let us be good examples to those around us.

DAILY READING: Proverbs 25-27

The writer of Proverbs identifies pride as the primary source of contention. Also, that less is better when strife is missing.

When we sense contention and strife, we know pride is present somewhere. We are wise to firstly deal with it in our own life and then seek peace in all relationships affected. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” The Kingdom of God is “Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, through our humility and influence, generate the peace necessary to impact the contentious moments of life.

DAILY READING: Proverbs 16-19

Combative words can be hurled as weapons when aimed at people. Although intended to bring pain, a wise and prudent person overlooks them, exercising noble restraint.

Jesus did not strike back at his accusers. His goal was their redemption, not their destruction. He trusted His heavenly Father for His defense.

A gentle answer turns away wrath. [Pr. 15:1]

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, forgive us for our defensiveness. Lift our view to see how You want to use us to minister to those who try to wound us.

DAILY READING: Proverbs 12-15

Proverbs 8 is a beautiful narrative describing the presence of Wisdom [Jesus] with the Creator when it all began. Christ was there. He is still here, and is Himself the glue that holds it all together.

As John said, “He that has the Son has life, and he that doesn’t have the Son of God doesn’t have life.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You hold the keys to life. Let Your manifest presence inspire everything I do today. Lead my by Your Word and Your Spirit.

DAILY READING: Pr. 8-11

Yesterday, little Hope Annalise Caldwell breathed air for the very first time. She finally met her anxious parents, grandparents (me), aunts and uncles, and her big sister.

To me, the two biggest miracles we experience are the natural birth of a child into this world and the spiritual birth of a soul into the Kingdom of God.

God seems to really love children.

DAILY PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for the amazing process of reproduction. Let Your mighty hand be upon our children.

DAILY READING: Proverbs 4-7

Proverbs chapter 3 is a pivotal passage for those seeking the best life can offer. The key ingredient to a long and satisfying life is disclosed; wisdom.

The easiest and most effective way to find wisdom is in a person, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The Apostle Paul distinguishes between the faulty wisdom of men and the supernatural provision God gives by describing Christ as “The power of God and the wisdom of God.” [1 Cor. 1:24]

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, earthly wisdom has let us down. You will never let us down. You have the keys to life. We trust in You.

DAILY READING: Proverbs 1-3

Even inanimate objects like the mountains and hills declare God’s greatness. All elements of nature were created to praise God. How much more should men praise Him. They are the crowning glory of His Creation.

The Lord’s name and His greatness should be our constant theme, continually upon our lips.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, to You belongs all the praise and glory. It is our privilege to show forth Your mighty power to our generation.

DAILY READING: Ps 146-150