The Joy Dealer #RTTBROS #Nightlight
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." — Proverbs 17:22
You know, I got an email the other day that hit me right between the eyes. It said something I needed to hear: "Your wife doesn't need another burden to manage. She needs a joy dealer." And friend, I sat there staring at that line because it convicted me in the best possible way.
See, somewhere along the journey, a lot of us Christian men got this idea that maturity means being serious all the time. Heavy. Intense. Always grinding, always stressed, always carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. We think if we're not worried, we're not responsible. If we're not intense, we're not spiritual.
But that's not leadership, and it's not biblical manhood. That's just exhaustion with a spiritual veneer on it.
Think about Jesus for a minute. He was the strongest leader who ever walked this earth, yet people were drawn to Him. Children ran to Him. His disciples followed Him for years, and they didn't just endure His presence, they enjoyed it. He didn't repel people with heaviness. He attracted them with life.
I love what Nehemiah said: "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). Did you catch that? Joy isn't some optional add-on to the Christian life. Joy IS strength. When God is first in your life, when your order is right, joy flows naturally because your peace doesn't depend on circumstances.
Here's what I'm learning, and I'm too soon old and too late smart on this one: rigid men repel, but joyful men attract. If your wife isn't drawn to you, if your kids seem to avoid you, maybe it's time to check your energy. Are you fun to be around? Do you bring life into the room, or do you suck it out with stress and intensity?
Paul tells us in Galatians 5:22 that joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It's not something we manufacture, it's something that flows when we're walking with God. A man filled with the Spirit doesn't need substances to relax or entertainment to unwind. He's enjoyable because God's joy lives in him.
Your family doesn't need another manager. They need a joy dealer. Someone who brings life, not drains it. Someone who's strong AND joyful. That's not weakness, friend. That's what it looks like when a man is anchored in the presence of God.
Let's pray: Father, forgive us for being exhausting instead of life-giving. Help us to find our joy in You so we can be joy dealers in our homes. Teach us that maturity isn't misery, and that following You should make us more enjoyable, not less. In Jesus' name, Amen.
#Faith #ChristianLiving #BiblicalManhood #Joy #Marriage #Family #DailyDevotion #SpiritualGrowth #RTTBROS #Nightlight
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Adapt and Overcome #RTTBROS #Nightlight
"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
I remember my old boss telling me something he learned during his military career. Three simple words that became his motto for life: Adapt and overcome. At first, I thought it was just another one of those tough-guy military sayings, you know? But the more I sat with it, the more I realized how deeply biblical that concept really is.
Life has this habit of not going according to our plans. The car breaks down when you can't afford the repair. The job you thought was secure disappears. And we're left standing there wondering what just happened.
Here's what I've learned: God isn't nearly as concerned with our comfort as He is with our character. He's not shocked when things go sideways. In fact, He's already working on Plan B while we're still trying to figure out what happened to Plan A.
Think about the Apostle Paul in Acts 16. He had big plans to preach the gospel, but he kept running into closed doors. The Spirit wouldn't let him preach in Asia. He couldn't go into Bithynia. But then he had a vision of a man from Macedonia saying, "Come over and help us." Paul adapted, changed direction, and ended up bringing the gospel to Europe for the first time. That one adaptation changed the entire course of Christian history.
Adapt and overcome isn't just about toughing it out. It's about trusting that God is redirecting, not rejecting. It's about being flexible enough to follow where He leads, even when it's not where we planned to go.
The military teaches adapt and overcome because in battle, nothing ever goes exactly according to plan. Well, friend, we're in a spiritual battle, and our enemy isn't going to make things easy. But here's the good news: we serve a God who specializes in taking our messes and making them into messages, our tests into testimonies, our trials into triumphs.
Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things work together for good to them that love God. Notice it doesn't say all things ARE good. It says they work together FOR good. That's adaptation. That's overcoming.
So whatever you're facing today, whatever has gone wrong, remember: God's not done yet. He's teaching you to adapt and overcome. And when you do, you'll look back and see that history really is just HIS story, and He was writing a better chapter than you could have imagined.
Let's pray: Father, when our plans fall apart, help us trust that You're not surprised. Give us the strength to adapt to what You're doing and the faith to overcome what stands in our way. In Jesus' name, Amen.
#Faith #Resilience #ChristianLiving #DailyDevotion #TrustGod #BiblicalWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #OvercomingObstacles #RTTBROS #Nightlight
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Pastoral prayer: transitions #RTTBROS #nightlight
Stop Running #RTTBROS #Nightlight #Running #Salvation #WalkwithGod
Living Legacy #RTTBROS #Nightlight
Promise Keeping God #RTTBROS #Nightlight
Building New Pathways
The Power of Practiced Truth #RTTBROS #Nightlight
Taking Thoughts Captive
The Story of Martin Luther's Stand #RTTBROS #Nightlight
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds)." — 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
Last night we talked about those automatic negative thoughts, those ANTs that swarm through our minds. Tonight, I want to tell you about a man who understood this battle better than most: Martin Luther.
Now, Luther was a monk who struggled terribly with his thoughts. He would spend hours in confession, sometimes confessing the same sins over and over because his mind kept telling him he wasn't truly forgiven, that he wasn't good enough, that God couldn't possibly love someone like him. His superior finally told him to stop coming to confession unless he had committed murder or blasphemy, something real to confess.
But here's where Luther's story gets interesting. When he finally discovered the truth of justification by faith, when he understood that we're made right with God through faith in Christ alone, not by our works, everything changed. He realized that those thoughts that kept condemning him were lies. They were real thoughts, yes, but they weren't true thoughts.
Luther used to say that you can't keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair. Sound familiar? He understood what Paul was teaching in 2 Corinthians 10, that we have weapons mighty through God for pulling down strongholds, for taking thoughts captive.
Here's the thing about taking thoughts captive: you can't do it by just trying harder to think positive. That's not what Paul is talking about. He's talking about confronting those automatic negative thoughts with the truth of God's Word. It's not about pretending the thoughts aren't there or trying to force yourself to feel differently. It's about recognizing a lie when you hear one and standing your ground with truth.
When that thought shows up telling you you're worthless, you don't have to argue with it or try to convince yourself otherwise. You just need to know what God says: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (1 Peter 2:9). That's not positive thinking, that's truth thinking.
When that automatic thought tells you you're all alone and nobody cares, you don't have to try to talk yourself out of feeling lonely. You just need to remember what Jesus said: "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). Again, not positive thinking, truth thinking.
Luther learned to fight his ANTs with Scripture. When those condemning thoughts would swarm, he would literally speak truth out loud. He'd say, "I am baptized. I am God's child. Christ died for me." Simple truths that cut through the lies like a sword.
You see, you can't control the first thought that pops into your head, but you can control what you do with it. You can take it captive. You can hold it up against God's Word and say, "Does this match what God says about me? Does this match what God says about my situation?" If it doesn't, then it's a lie dressed up as a thought, and it needs to be taken prisoner.
Tomorrow night, we'll talk about what to do for the long haul, because this isn't a one-time battle. But tonight, practice taking one thought captive. Just one. When that ANT shows up, grab hold of it with a truth from God's Word and don't let it run wild.
Let's pray: Father, give us courage to confront the lies in our minds with Your truth. Help us to be quick to recognize when our thoughts are not lining up with Your Word. Teach us to fight with the weapon of truth. In Jesus' name, Amen
Ants automatic negative thinking
Handling Anger #RTTBROS #Nightlight
The Real Thing #RTTBROS #Nightlight
the responsibility of privilege #rttbros #nightlight
Human Becoming #RTTBROS #Nightlight
Finding God in the Passionflowers
Reading: Psalm 46:10 – "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
You know, I've got this tendency that keeps tripping me up. I become what I call a "human doing" when God is calling me to be a "human being," or better yet, a "human becoming."
Let me tell you what I mean. A few years back, something small happened that made a big change in my life. In the midst of the hustle and hurry of ministry and raising a massive family, I found myself driving by and walking past some of the most beautiful moments in God's creation. I started to notice things I'd been missing: sunrises painting the sky in colors that could only come from the Master's hand, sunsets that reminded me God was still in control when the day was done. Flowers blooming in fields, children playing in the park with that carefree joy we all used to know, pets playing fetch with their families. A storm rolling in with all its power and majesty, the wind blowing through the trees like God's breath over creation. Family dinners around the table sharing the events of our day, those ordinary moments that turn out to be the most sacred. And quiet time with God in the morning, where He speaks peace to my troubled heart.
I'd been blowing by all of these amazing things, these gifts from God's hand, in order to rush to the next thing on my list.
Standing there one morning, finally paying attention, it hit me: I'd been so busy doing God's work that I'd forgotten to be with God. I was like Martha in the kitchen, clanging pots and pans, while Mary sat at Jesus' feet. And you remember what Jesus said? "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part" (Luke 10:41-42).
The Psalmist got it right: "Be still, and know that I am God." Not "be busy and prove you're useful." Not "be productive and earn your worth." Just be still. Be present. Be with Him.
Because transformation doesn't happen in the blur of busyness. It happens when we slow down enough to let God's presence shape us, mold us, change us. It's in those divine interruptions, those ordinary moments made holy, where we stop being human doings and start becoming who God created us to be.
So here's my question for you today: What is God putting in your path that you're rushing right past? What moment is He asking you to stop and notice? Because I promise you, the divine presence you're looking for isn't waiting at the end of your to-do list. It's right here, right now, in this very moment, if you'll just slow down long enough to see it.
Let's pray: Father, forgive us for being so busy doing things for You that we forget to be with You. Teach us to slow down, to notice, to be present in the moments You give us. Help us become human becomings, shaped by Your presence in the journey. In Jesus' name, Amen.
#Faith #BeStill #ChristianLiving #DailyDevotion #PresenceOfGod #SpiritualGrowth #RTTBROS #Nightlight
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Our Doubts Are Traitors #RTTBROS #Nightlight
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." — 2 Timothy 1:7
You know, William Shakespeare wrote something that has stuck with me for years. One of his characters says, "Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt." Shakespeare wasn't a theologian, but he understood something profound about human nature.
Doubt is a traitor. It whispers in our ear just when we're about to step out in faith. And here's the thing, that voice of doubt isn't just our own insecurity talking. The enemy knows that if he can keep us doubting, he can keep us from attempting the very things God has called us to do.
I think about Peter walking on the water. He's actually doing it, defying gravity, moving toward Jesus. But then Matthew 14:30 tells us, "But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." The doubt crept in, and suddenly what had been possible became impossible in his mind.
Satan doesn't have to defeat us if he can just get us to defeat ourselves. All he needs to do is plant a seed of doubt, and watch us talk ourselves out of the very thing God is calling us to do.
Think about all the "almosts" in your life. The ministry you almost started. The person you almost witnessed to. How many of those were stopped not by actual obstacles, but by the traitor of doubt?
Here's what God says: He hasn't given us a spirit of fear. He's given us power, love, and a sound mind. That means when doubt shows up and starts whispering its poisonous lies, we have the authority to reject it.
What would you attempt for God if you knew you couldn't fail? Even if we stumble like Peter, Jesus is right there to catch us. Don't let doubt rob you of the good you might win. Step out in faith and watch what God can do when you refuse to let fear have the final word.
Let's pray: Father, forgive us for letting doubt talk us out of what You've called us to do. Give us courage to step out in faith and trust Your power more than we fear our weakness. In Jesus' name, Amen.
#Faith #OvercomingDoubt #ChristianLiving #DailyDevotion #TrustGod #BiblicalWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #RTTBROS #Nightlight
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Fresh Word Of God #Rebuild #Nightlight #RTTBROS #Obey #BIBLESTUDY
Ruined To Rebuilt #RTTBROS #Nightlight #Repent #Rebuild #restorarion When Ruins Become Rebuilding"Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah." — Ezra 1:2You know, I've been sitting with Ezra chapter 1 lately, and there's something powerful happening in these verses. The temple in Jerusalem has been destroyed for seventy years. That's a lifetime. An entire generation grew up never seeing the glory of God's house, only hearing stories about what used to be.But here's what gets me, and it's something I heard recently that I just can't shake: when your life lies in ruin from the lies that ruined you, it's time to rebuild.The temple didn't fall because of some random act of nature. It fell because God's people believed lies, lies about who God was, lies about what really mattered, lies that led them away from truth. And now, all these years later, God says through a pagan king no less, "It's time to rebuild."I've been in ministry long enough to know that most of us have some ruins in our lives. Maybe you believed the lie that you weren't good enough. Maybe you believed the lie that this sin wouldn't really hurt anyone. Maybe you believed the lie that God couldn't use someone with your past, so you've been sitting on the sidelines.Here's what I love about this passage: God didn't wait for the Israelites to clean up the mess first. He stirred up the heart of a king, provided the resources, and said, "Now, let's build."Rebuilding always starts with a decision, but it continues with God's provision. The Apostle Paul wrote: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). That's rebuild language right there.Maybe you're looking at the ruins in your life today, thinking it's too late, too far gone, too damaged. But friend, if God could bring His people back from seventy years of captivity and rebuild His temple, He can rebuild whatever lies in ruin in your life.The ruins don't define us, the rebuilding does. And rebuilding always starts with returning to the truth. It's never too late to start again.Let's pray: Father, thank You that You are the God of rebuilding. Where lies have created ruins in our lives, help us to hear Your voice calling us back to truth. Give us the courage to start rebuilding today. In Jesus' name, Amen.#Faith #Rebuilding #ChristianLiving #DailyDevotion #TrustGod #BiblicalWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #RTTBROS #NightlightBe sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe, it helps get the word out.
Handle The Scandal #Submission #Obey #Meekness #Nightlight #RTTBROS
More On Meekness #RTTBROS #Nightlight
Monkey Hand #RTTBROS #Nightlight
Scripture: "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." — Matthew 16:25
You know, I heard a story once about how hunters in some parts of the world used to catch monkeys, and it's stuck with me for years because it says so much about human nature.
They would take a coconut, drill a hole just big enough for a monkey's hand to slip through, and put some rice or fruit inside. Then they'd secure the coconut to a tree. The monkey would reach in, grab the food, and make a fist. But here's the thing, that fist was too big to pull back through the hole. All the monkey had to do was let go of the food and he could pull his hand out and be free. But he wouldn't. He'd sit there, holding onto that food, even when the hunters came. His freedom was literally one choice away, but he'd rather lose everything than open his hand.
I think about that monkey sometimes when I look at my own life. How often do we hold onto things so tightly that we lose our freedom? Maybe it's a relationship that's become unhealthy, but we can't let go. Maybe it's a job that's consuming us. Maybe it's money, or reputation, or control over our kids' lives. We grip these things with white knuckles, and all the while, we're the ones becoming trapped.
Jesus said something that seemed backwards to his disciples: "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25). That's the paradox of the Kingdom. The tighter we hold onto our lives, our plans, our stuff, the more we actually lose. But when we open our hands and surrender it all to Him, that's when we find real life.
I'm too soon old and too late smart on this, but I've learned that God never asks us to release something without giving us something better in return. But we've got to trust Him enough to open our hands first.
So here's what I want you to think about today: What are you holding onto so tightly that it's keeping you trapped? When we hold onto anything more tightly than we hold onto Jesus, we've already lost it. But when we surrender everything to Him, we find that we never really lose anything that matters.
Let's pray: Father, show us what we're gripping too tightly. Give us the courage to open our hands and trust You with the things we're afraid to lose. Help us remember that You are better than anything we could hold onto. In Jesus' name, Amen.
#Faith #Surrender #ChristianLiving #DailyDevotion #TrustGod #BiblicalWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #RTTBROS #Nightlight
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