Proverbs 16 - sometimes I look at my accounts and think, if i only shifted my priorities around I could have much more financial stability, it’s a lie from the enemy. Better to have a little with righteousness, than much gain with injustice. It can be tempting to set your morals aside and pursue payouts, the world is built on it. I took a hard look at the way I ran my real estate career about 4 years ago, I felt sick about it and almost left the business. I made a firm choice to run it differently, to the shock of most of my colleagues. I stick to my conviction. Acts 23 - paul could’ve changed his fate by denying Jesus, just as Peter did in the square. But he says “I have fulfilled my duty to god in Good conscience “ - no conviction about not doing the right thing, facing interrogators and immediate flogging, he stayed loyal. 2 Kings - nothing is outside of the lords ability, even inflation… the king was livid at Elisha because of the state of the economy, stating that the Lord was creating hard times for them and couldn’t believe Elisha when he said the Inflation problem will be solved tomorrow… he placed human restrictions on what God can do, I’m guilty of this daily.. what is logical and reality to us is not the same playing field God uses.

Psalm 79 - what is it about destruction or devastation that brings people to prayer? There are so many stories of People who claim no belief in God, yet turn to prayer as a last resort when something shakes their world. God is going to win, one way or another he’ll be acknowledged either on this earth or during judgment. What’s beautiful is how many opportunities he gives the lost to find him, and immediately wraps them up in his arms when they humble themselves to seek him out. Acts 21 - paul is taken by a crowd of Jews and beat up, badly. They were trying to kill him until Roman guards stepped in. Paul’s mission spread much further, and the Lord intervened to ensure that he’d make his way to Rome as previously stated by Paul, and the Lord used an arrest from Roman guards to accomplish his will. He’s always working, he’s always making a way, he’s always paving paths. 2 Kings 5 - Faith. Naaman had kept it and tried everything to get rid of it. He seeks answers from Elisha and is told to wash in the Jordan 7 times. He’d already tried a bunch of things, including washing so he was angry, he felt that God would have some magic and profound way of clearing his condition but that’s not how god works. There are times He has us do small, repetitive, mundane tasks that gain momentum and speed in order to accomplish mighty things. Be disciplined to the small tasks, the ones that are easiest to put off can be the ones that build into the most powerful engines.

Psalm 78 - good leadership can pull a situation out of the fire and set it on solid ground. Humility in leadership is to shepherd, to care for the flock and guide them, to clean up after them, to protect them, to nudge them in the right direction and to intervene when they are facing destruction. Leaders go first, pace the way, and take the blame when things go astray. Leaders set the culture. Acts 21 - paul is accused falsely of preaching against Moses, and the law which is not the case. When you’re a leader there can be a target on your back, some people don’t like the vision and they’ll try to derail it or discredit the leader. They’ll make claims that are stretches of what has been said or led. A leader will continue to act upright, lead with example and integrity, as paul did. He simply continued to live in accordance with the Laws of Moses and the teachings of Jesus. 2 Kings 3 - the king of Israel and Judah both combine to fight another tribe and it’s not going well. Israel had been living in sin and recognizing other gods while Judah served the lord. Because of Judahs faith and obedience, the lord also blessed Israel. It matters who you surround yourself with.

Psalms 78 - The lord is always fighting on behalf of his proof on behalf of me in the background. He’s clearing paths, he’s establishing relationships, he’s planting seeds, he’s tripping up my enemy. thank you Lord for paving the way each day and for your caring and generosity. Acts 20 - paul used words of encouragement to the apostles and people he met along the way to Macedonia. Paul never Traveled alone. He always had other disciples with him, some were his disciples he was mentoring, some were his equals and in roles of encouragement, we need to surround ourselves with others who challenge us, and those we can also speak life into. The Holy Spirit instructs Paul, and tells him he faces hardship and imprisonment at every destination, yet he doesn’t slow down. His mentality is to finish the race and complete the task the lord has given him. I will avoid conversations with people when I am not feeling full of energy, yet paul will go to the most hostile of territory and speak something that nobody wants to hear despite the physical harm and ridicule that awaits him. 2 Kings 1 - the king of Israel was far from the Lord and had felt the lords wrath with fire falling from the sky onto his captains and men at the word of Elijah. The king tried using his earthly authority to intimidate Elijah but the lord was with him, he knows what true authority is, he stands up in situations with confidence and poise because he knows WHO he belongs to and WHO HE is.. he is firm in his identity and purpose. Elijah is taken up to heaven, no death. He ascends up into the sky.

Proverbs 15 - discipline is meant to bring wisdom, it’s meant to spark repentance, but God allows free will and it doesn’t always stick. Humility comes before honor, recognizing errors and blind spots and being open to transformation gives God a fresh canvas to work off of. Proverbs 16 - the Lord weighs my motives, he can see layers deeper than our perspective can see initially. It’s wise to pray for an honoring heart posture. The Lord will establish my Plans, commit to the Lord, he will establish my plans and all will work out to its proper end. Acts 19 - Paul and his crew face pushback in Ephesus because a few of the ironworkers felt his presence and his preaching was going to hinder their business. They placed money and the production of false gods above the word. I’ve seen this play out in life, it’s easy to compromise values and beliefs when it comes to making a paycheck. Human nature is to separate religion and work, and as a byproduct the slope becomes slippery. 1Kings 22 - the king of Israel had a conflict with Micaiah the prophet because his prophecies seemed to speak negatively against the king.. the lords plans will prevail, we can fight his plans but he will humble us.