Respond in the feed!

I want to share that I’m experiencing a profound and abiding peace in following Jesus. It’s a deep calm! My heart and priorities have shifted toward seeking His kingdom first, rather than being consumed by the endless concerns and pressures of this world. This doesn’t mean the realities and demands of daily life vanish—they remain present and real—but I’ve discovered that when we diligently chase after His kingdom and righteousness, those earthly burdens lose much of their oppressive weight. There is such a deep, settling calm that rests over my life when I surrender control fully to Jesus. This message draws directly from the wisdom of Scripture: • Matthew 6:33 (TLV/ESV): “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” In the broader context of Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches against anxiety over food, clothing, and the basic pressures of provision. He points to the birds and flowers as evidence of the Father’s care, urging us to reorient our focus. Prioritizing God’s rule and right living isn’t passive escapism—it actively invites His provision and order into every area of life. • Philippians 4:6-7 (TLV/ESV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” Written by Paul from prison amid genuine hardship, this verse beautifully complements the idea of inner calm through surrender. It shows that peace isn’t the absence of problems but the presence of God’s transcendent guardianship when we release control through prayerful trust. This kingdom-first posture creates a transformative tension that many believers navigate daily: the world’s pressures—work responsibilities, health challenges, relationships, financial concerns, and cultural noise—do not disappear, yet their power to dominate our inner world diminishes dramatically. It’s not denial of reality but a deliberate re-centering on eternal priorities. When we “seek first” His kingdom (Matthew 6:33), we align ourselves with the Creator who holds all things together (Colossians 1:17). This alignment often leads to practical outcomes: clearer decision-making, reduced reactivity, unexpected provision, and a steadier witness to others.

What’s something Christian men don’t talk about enough but should?

God's silence is not His absence. Sometimes we aren't listening enough, sometimes He's letting us put into practice what He has taught us, sometimes He's waiting to see if we'll choose Him or our own flesh. I fall into putting God into a box with my Earthly fathers, but He is so much better, He is infallible, He is perfect and wants us to choose Him. For me, a silent Earthly father was an absent one. Not God, He will never leave me or forsake me. Have a great day gentlemen, if you're struggling with His silence today, remember that He is with you and lean on Him not your own understanding.

So my daughter has my "justice gene" and really wants her brother to be punished for his actions. She will often say things like Giddy did this....that's a bad choice, then I'll agree it was a bad choice and she'll say "so he gets a spanking right?" We spank for federal offenses in our house not misdemeanors. Well today, I was cleaning the barn out and she is yelling about how Gideon did something and he needs to be punished for it. I found myself calmly saying "Vivian you are not his daddy, I am, and I get to decide if he gets punished or not." I didn't even get to finish what I was saying before I felt God almost smile and say "NOW, now you are understanding." I judge and say "well he... or well she....they...blah blah blah so why do I get punished more harshly for a "lesser" offense to God. Now I'm understanding 😊 Using my children to teach me lessons. I love it. Do you have any examples of God teaching you through your children?