Life has a way of presenting us with detours, delays, and disappointments. Sometimes, the path we thought would be smooth turns into a road full of potholes. It’s in these moments that many people are tempted to stop moving altogether. But remember this: progress doesn’t always come from big leaps—it often comes from small, steady steps in the right direction.
Think of a seed buried in the soil. It doesn’t break through the ground overnight. Days, weeks, and sometimes months pass before any green shoot is visible. But beneath the surface, growth is happening. Just because you can’t see immediate results doesn’t mean your effort is wasted.
The Apostle Paul said, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). That’s the key—don’t quit. Keep sowing seeds of kindness, faithfulness, and perseverance. Even if the harvest seems far away, your season will come.
Today, take one more step forward—no matter how small. Make one more phone call. Offer one more word of encouragement. Pray one more prayer. Your persistence will pay off, and when it does, you’ll be thankful you didn’t give up at the edge of your breakthrough.
Reminder for today: Don’t judge the future by what you see today. Keep pressing forward—you’re closer than you think.
Criticism is something none of us can avoid. The only way to escape it is to do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing—and that’s no way to live.
The truth is, criticism can either crush you or shape you. The difference lies in how you receive it. Some criticism comes from a place of love, meant to help you grow. Other criticism comes from a place of negativity, meant to tear you down. Either way, you have the power to choose your response.
Instead of letting criticism discourage you, let it sharpen you. A diamond is formed under pressure, not comfort. If someone points out a real area for improvement, thank them—then work on it. If their words are just noise, let them pass through your heart without taking root.
Remember, the loudest boos often come from the cheapest seats. Focus on the mission God has given you, not the opinions of those who aren’t walking your path.
Criticism can be a steppingstone or a stumbling block—it’s your choice which one it becomes.
Quote of the Day: “To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” — Aristotle
Two donkeys were walking in Jerusalem and one donkey said to the other just yesterday I was carrying Jesus and the people were singing and shouting and throwing down their clothes for me to walk on and today they don’t even recognize me. The other donkey replied that’s how it is my friend without Jesus you’re nothing.
Story:
The little boy and the truck driver and the overpass
Scripture:
Matthew 19:23-24
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Humor:
This is a knock knock joke that Silas Avans, a little boy from our Church told me:
If you can’t find 5 inch can you spare one or two?
Can You Spare A Minute 8/12?
8/12–Two buddies were hiking when they came upon an old, abandoned mineshaft. Curious about its depth, they threw in a pebble and waited for the sound of it striking the bottom, but they heard nothing. They went and found a bigger rock, threw it in and waited. Still nothing.
They searched the area for something larger and came upon a railroad tie. With great difficulty, the two men carried it to the opening and threw it in. While waiting for it to hit bottom, a goat suddenly darted between them and leapt into the hole!
The guys were still standing there with astonished looks upon their faces when a man walked up to them. He asked them if they had seen a goat anywhere in the area and they said that one had just jumped into the mineshaft in front of them! The man replied, “Oh no. That couldn’t be my goat; mine was tied to a railroad tie.”
Ooops. We do make mistakes, don’t we? Thank God for the forgiveness available through Jesus Christ.
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You may be one person to the world but you may be the world to one person!!
It reminds me if the following song:
Song–“Wind Beneath My Wings”
It must have been cold there in my shadow
To never have sunlight on your face
You were content to let me shine, that’s your way
You always walked a step behind
So I was the one with all the glory
While you were the one with all the strength
A beautiful face without a name for so long
A beautiful smile to hide the pain
Did you ever know that you’re my hero
And everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings
It might have appeared to go unnoticed
But I’ve got it all here in my heart
I want you to know, I know the truth, of course
Iknow it
I would be nothing without you
Did you ever know that you’re my hero?
You’re everything I wish I could be
I could fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings
Did I ever tell you you’re my hero?
You’re everything, everything I wish I could be
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings
‘Cause you are the wind beneath my wings
I remember the adults of my childhood, favorable and unfavorable impressions. I remember the ones that took time with me and the ones that had little or no time for me. I remember the ones who were generous and kind and those who were rude and stingy.
The good ones above were my “heroes” and made me want to pattern after them.
We all need heroes and we all should want to be a hero to others. Some young people desperately want and need a hero ( good pattern) in their lives!
Won’t you consider filling one of those spots
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For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
If you can’t find five minutes, can you spare one or two?
8/11–Can You Spare A Minute?
Bette Nesmith had a good secretarial job in a Dallas bank when she ran across a problem that interested her. Wasn’t there a better way to correct the errors she made on her electric typewriter? Bette had some art experience and she knew that artists who worked in oils just painted over their errors. Maybe that would work for her too. So she concocted a fluid to paint over her typing errors. Before long, all the secretaries in her building were using what she then called “MistakeOut”. She attempted to sell the product idea to marketing agencies and various companies (including IBM), but they turned her down. However, secretaries continued to like her product, so Bette Nesmith’s kitchen became her first manufacturing facility and she started selling it on her own. When Bette Nesmith sold the enterprise, the tiny white bottles were earning $3.5 million annually on sales of $38 million. The buyer was Gillette Company and ,,,!,,:the sale price was $47.5 million.
Perseverance isn’t loud. It doesn’t always get noticed. It often walks hand-in-hand with frustration, fatigue, and even tears. But it’s the quiet strength that keeps going when everything else says to stop.
Anyone can start a race. The real champions are those who finish it—especially when the road is rough.
There are moments when quitting seems easier than continuing. But every step you take forward, no matter how small, is proof that you haven’t given up. And that matters.
Think of the heroes of faith, the inventors, the trailblazers. Most of them failed multiple times before they succeeded. What made the difference? Perseverance. They refused to let the hard times define their story.
James 1:12 says:
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life…”
Today, remind yourself: the path may be steep, the journey long, but your persistence is building something stronger in you than comfort ever could.
Keep going. You’re not just surviving—you’re becoming.
Perseverance doesn’t promise the easiest route. It promises the most meaningful finish.
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