On more than one occasion, I’ve found myself driving down the road with a heavy foot, trying to get somewhere on time, only to notice a police car positioned just right. Yes, I’m a preacher who likes to drive with intentionality and “godspeed.” But one day, after getting a speeding ticket, something weird happened. I got a copy of my ticket sent back to me in the mail with a cancellation note on it and a smiley face. Somebody at ticket-giving headquarters paid the bill and cancelled the ticket. To this day, I have no idea who. All I know is that it reminds me of Colossians 2:13-14. God has “canceled the charge” of our sin debt, and we know full well who paid our penalty—Jesus! He wrote a check with His life when He died on the cross and paid for all our misdeeds and mess-ups—past, present and future. In Jesus’ final moments on the cross, He made a bold declaration when He uttered a single word: “Tetelastai” (Luke 19:30). Most Bibles translate this single word into the phrase, “It is finished.” But in the original language, it has deeper, richer meaning. It can also be translated as “Paid in full.” In New Testament times, the word tetelestai was written on business documents to indicate that a bill had been “paid in full.” And that’s exactly what Jesus did on the cross for us—He set us free from the penalty we were under because of our sin. Ephesians 1:7-8 puts it like this: Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds.And not just barely free, either.Abundantly free!(The Message). We’re declared not just barely free, but totally free! “Abundantly free!” Are you living like you are “abundantly free”? Does God’s grace shine through your perceptions and actions? Think about how you’d feel if you were under a crushing debt burden—say you owed someone a million dollars. Then imagine how you’d react if you found out that your massive debt had been totally cancelled and forgiven. You’d be pretty excited, right?

The Anchor Question Before the noise of the day rushes in, ask yourself: "What am I choosing today — and why does it matter?" Intentional living isn't about having a perfect plan. It's about refusing to drift — choosing your direction before the current of circumstances chooses it for you. Three Practices for Today 1. Name Your "One Thing" Not your to-do list. Your one thing — the single action, conversation, or decision that, if done well, makes today meaningful. Write it down. Protect it. 2. Pause Before You React Between stimulus and response lives a sacred space. Today, find it. Breathe into it. Let your values answer before your emotions do. 3. Close the Loop Tonight Before you rest, ask: "Did I show up as the person I intended to be?" Not as judgment — as a compass check. Celebrate what aligned. Adjust what didn't. Today's Reflection Intentional living is the daily practice of becoming — not arriving. You are not behind. You are not too late. You are exactly here, and here is where the work begins.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/962070293074230/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v Integrity is one of our Core Values Remaining authentic , in spite of current circumstances. ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Prayer to ponder Father God, I keep my eyes on the prize—knowing the vision You have given me. Now help me to pursue it EVERY SINGLE DAY—even if it’s just for a little bit of progress. Even if I don’t feel like it. Even if no one else sees the benefit of it. Even if life throws a curveball at me. Even if You send unexpected assistance , help me to accept it with appreciation and not disappointment. As long as YOU go before me and stay with me, I will never stop pursuing the destiny that is mine. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/the-light-of-life?ts=1778198400000