There’s something inside all of us that wants to get the last word, the final jab, or the “last lick.” We want to be right, to prove our point, to make sure they know they didn’t get away with it.
But true strength doesn’t come from getting the last lick—it comes from walking away with your peace intact.
Every time you choose not to retaliate, not to respond with sarcasm or anger, you win a battle that most people never even see. You rise above the moment and refuse to let someone else’s actions control your character.
Proverbs 15:1 says:
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
You don’t have to stoop to someone else’s level to prove your worth. You don’t need to return fire with fire. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is not respond at all.
Choosing not to seek the last lick doesn’t make you weak. It means you’ve mastered the art of self-control and discovered the freedom that comes from letting things go.
So today, take the high road. Keep your joy. Protect your peace. Don’t waste your energy on battles that don’t build you.
Let them have the last word—while you move forward in purpose.
Is 40:28-31. Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Every man has two lives, and the second starts when he realizes he has just one.” — Confucius
Story:
Don’t underestimate the power of the word. The movie, stand And Deliver portrayed the story of Jaime Escalante who was an incredibly successful teacher in a rough high school.
In his class were two students named Johnny. One was a bright student and a joy to teach. The other wasted his talent and bucked authority. At the first PTA meeting for parents, Johnny’s mother asked Jaime for a report on her son’s progress. Jaime’s reply was, “Johnny is a joy to have in my class. I’m glad he is there.”
The next day, rebellious Johnny walked into the classroom with a new attitude and demeanor. He ran up to Mr. Escalante and said, “My mom told me what you said about me. I’ve never had a teacher who wanted me.” He became a model student. Mr. Escalante had thought that Johnny’s mother was the mother of his best student. His comments were meant for the other Johnny but the results were dramatic. The word -spoken at the right moment -carefully crafted -caused dramatic change. Encourage someone. Ah, communication is an art!
Excerpt from “Live First, Die Last” by J D Canter
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And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
Humor:
This story may/may not be true but sure makes a point!
A cantankerous old man (who claimed atheism) lived next to a poor Christian woman. One day while working in his yard near her house, he overheard her praying for food… she didn’t have money to buy it. He, intending to prove that God wasn’t real, decided he would buy the groceries, set them on her porch, and lie in wait to see if she gave credit where credit was due. When she saw the groceries she immediately raised her eyes toward heaven and proclaimed, “Thank you, Lord, for answering my prayer!” The old man jumped out of the bushes and shouted, “Aha, God didn’t answer your prayer, I did!” She again looked up saying, “Thank you, Lord, for answering my prayer and using the devil to do it!”
If you can’t find five minutes, can you spare one or two?
Two taxidermists stopped before a window in which an owl was on display. They immediately began to criticize the way it was mounted. Its eyes were not natural; its wings were not in proportion with its head; its feathers were not neatly arranged; and its feet could be improved.
When they had finished with their criticism, the old owl turned his head…and winked at them.
Source Unknown.
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Goals are like a compass—they give your life direction. Without them, it’s easy to drift through each day, reacting to life instead of reaching for something greater.
But here’s the truth: Goals without action are just wishes.
It’s not enough to dream big—you’ve got to plan, commit, and move. Whether your goal is physical, spiritual, financial, or personal, progress happens step by step, day by day. Consistency beats intensity every time.
Don’t be afraid to start small. A small goal achieved builds momentum for bigger ones ahead. And don’t get discouraged by setbacks—they’re just part of the journey.
Philippians 3:14 says:
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
That word “press” means there’s effort involved. Reaching your goals might not be easy, but it will be worth it.
So today, revisit your goals. Are they clear? Are they meaningful? Are they yours—not someone else’s expectations?
Now take one step toward them. Just one. And tomorrow, take another.
Because the dream only becomes reality when it meets daily discipline.
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.=
If you can’t find five minutes, can you spare one or two?
8/8– Can You Spare A Minute?
A young man with a very bad temper received about a thousand nails from his father. The father told his son that every time he felt rage, he should take a deep breath and hammer a nail into the fence.
On the first day, the boy pushed 39 nails into the fence. The following days, he pushed about 30 nails each time. And as the days went by, he realized punching through the fence took time and effort.
Because he didn’t want to keep doing this anymore, the young man strategized. He decided to do his best to control his temper. So day after day, the number of nails he had to hammer slowly decreased.
Not long after, the day came when he didn’t get an urge to use any nails. That moment, it dawned on him that he can already control his temper. With this exciting news, he rushed to his father. His father was proud of him.
Then the father took the young man to see the fence where the nails were hammered. And he left him with an important lesson:
It’s important to control your temper and find a solution to make it go away. Like the nails you hammered into the fence, your anger will always be there. And the more frequently you get angry, the more scars you leave.”
Success doesn’t often come to those who wait—it comes to those who prepare.
Being prepared is more than just a good habit—it’s a mindset. It’s living today with tomorrow in mind. It’s understanding that opportunities don’t come with a warning label. The doors you’ve been praying to open might swing wide at any moment, and the real question is: Will you be ready to walk through them?
Think of the story of the five wise and five foolish virgins in Matthew 25. The wise ones brought extra oil for their lamps. They were ready when the bridegroom came. The foolish ones? They were scrambling, unprepared, and missed out on the celebration. The difference wasn’t intelligence or intention—it was preparation.
Preparation builds confidence. It keeps you calm when chaos hits. It gives you peace when life throws a curveball. Whether it’s your spiritual walk, your career, your relationships, or your health—getting prepared is a gift you give your future self.
Want a better job? Prepare your resume and sharpen your skills.
Want deeper faith? Start building your prayer life now.
Want to impact others? Start serving where you are.
As the saying goes, “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” Don’t wait for the storm to learn how to build a shelter. Start now. Today is not just another day—it’s a chance to get prepared for the breakthrough you’ve been hoping for.
Be ready. Stay ready. Walk boldly into your tomorrow.
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Quote of the Day:
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
Let August 8 be your wake-up call: Preparation is not a pause—it’s progress.
2 Cor 4 :3-6. 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;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
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