Impact Leadership Alliance

#🟦 It is important to understand GOD's Truth -- which is central to living fully -- in light of the world we are living in today.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.5.NLT

To read The Bible in 1 year, read and engage deeply with this today. It is the difference between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and TRUE Intelligence (TI):
John 21
2 Samuel 7, 8
Psalm 63
(Proverbs 11)

https://www.365promises.com/daily-promise/promise-162-thursday-june-11-2026

https://consurge-veritas.org/f/06112026-bible-study-journal

“At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.”
‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.21.4-6.NLT
The resurrected Jesus takes them back to the original miracle He worked when He first called Peter, James, and John from Luke 5. This is the turning point in time when they would all soon connect with the Holy Spirit, and through them He would begin to transform all of humanity and world culture.

“After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”
‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.21.15-17.NLT
Peter denied Jesus 3 times at His trial, and here Jesus restores Peter, but not without challenging him with very hard questions. The first two questions, Jesus is referring to ’agapao’, which is more of a sacrificial love. It is the Greek version of ‘agape’, or the love of God, which is a self-sacrificing love—which Jesus demonstrated for all of humanity, for all time! And Peter responds both times with ‘phileo’ rather than affirming the challenge to self-sacrificial love. And Jesus doesn’t seem to entirely accept Peter’s answer. So, with His third challenge, Jesus effectively asks Peter, “Are you even my friend?” (Phileo). Put yourself in Peter’s shoes! Jesus didn’t settle for superficial answers from Peter, and He isn’t going to settle for superficial responses from us today. As Christ-followers (versus ‘Christians’) today, we are called to lay down our lives for our families and then our brothers and sisters.

“Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?” Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.””
‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.21.20-22.NLT
Immediately after being restored, “Mr. Impetuous” takes is eyes off Jesus—physically and spiritually—and seeks comparison with John. Jesus rebukes the question and reiterates His Command to follow him. Therefore, whatever ministry you are working in, don’t compare it with others to evaluate your level of success. However, yes, collaborate and seek better ways to improve and spread the Gospel more effectively every day.

“So the rumor spread among the community of believers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?””
‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.21.23.NLT
Jesus makes a veiled reference here to the Imminence of His return for the church prior to His Second Coming after His Ascension, the arrival of the Holy Spirit, widespread teaching of the Gospel, and Peter’s death at a ripe old age [MBC p.1663]. All of these prophesied events have happened. Therefore, the catching away (a.k.a., The Rapture of The Church), can happen at any moment. This may not jive with the common interpretation of this verse and this passage, but either way, this is at least Jesus confirming yet again that He is coming back!

“I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth!”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.7.9.NLT
If you are known by God as someone who is after God’s own heart, then your enemies will be destroyed and your name will be famous in Heaven.

“For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong…Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’””
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭12‬, ‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.7.12.NLT
This is my prayer for all of my grandchildren and all of my descendants from now until the New Jerusalem comes down from Heaven to the New Earth.

“…Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?…And now, O Lord God, I am your servant; do as you have promised concerning me and my family. Confirm it as a promise that will last forever…For you are God, O Sovereign Lord. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant. And now, may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you have spoken, and when you grant a blessing to your servant, O Sovereign Lord, it is an eternal blessing!””
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭18‬, ‭25‬, ‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.7.18.NLT
What an amazing family you have given me and what an amazing life! The word, “Blessing” is appropriate, but somehow it seems inadequate. Your promises are true and Your Love is completely unfathomable to me!

“So David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭8‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.8.15.NLT
This verse characterizes King David’s reign. It was marked by justice, which is commanded in Deuteronomy 16. And justice is a key attribute of God’s character and His Laws of human relationships. As Christ-followers we must always seek Justice for the impoverished, the infirm, the unborn, and victims of abuse and oppression, whether in our communities or across the globe.

“I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭63‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.63.4-5.NLT

“Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭63‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.63.7-8.NLT

“But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin. They will go down into the depths of the earth. They will die by the sword and become the food of jackals.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭63‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.63.9-10.NLT
The demonic world doesn’t stand a chance against You, LORD! Thank you!

Proverbs that stood out today:

“Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.2.NLT

“Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.3.NLT

“The godliness of good people rescues them; the ambition of treacherous people traps them.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.6.NLT

“When the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their own feeble strength.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.7.NLT

“The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.8.NLT

“With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.9.NLT

“Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.11.NLT
Hmmm, let’s take a look at the cities around our country and see if we can discern which ones are run by evil people.

“Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.14.NLT

“Godly people find life; evil people find death.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.19.NLT

“The Lord detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.20.NLT

“Evil people will surely be punished, but the children of the godly will go free.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.21.NLT

“Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.24-25.NLT

“If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.27.NLT

“Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind. The fool will be a servant to the wise.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.11.29.NLT

Proverbs 11:29 (NLT) - Those who bring trouble on their fa | YouVersion Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind. The fool will be a servant to the wise.

#🟦 It is important to understand GOD's Truth -- which is central to living fully -- in light of the world we are living in today.

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.27.14.NLT

To read The Bible in 1 year, read and engage deeply with this today. It is the difference between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and TRUE Intelligence (TI):
John 20
2 Samuel 5, 6
(Proverbs 10)

https://www.365promises.com/daily-promise/promise-161-wednesday-june-10-2026

https://consurge-veritas.org/f/06102026-bible-study-journal

“Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.”
‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.20.1.NLT
This did not happen to let Jesus out of the tomb! The stone was rolled away so we could see in the tomb and know that Jesus had risen.

“Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed— for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead.”
‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.20.6-9.NLT
The linen that Jesus was laid in was simply lying there as if it was an empty cocoon; still in the configuration it was in when Jesus was in them, along the the linen head wrapping close by, where one would expect if the body was still there. If this had been the work of grave robbers, they would have taken the linen too because it was expensive and could have been sold for a decent price. Today we believe this to be the Shoud of Turin. This is also the moment that anchors Christianity in all of reality. This is the only world faith that has an empty tomb. It is documented and verified by over 500 people who saw and interacted with Jesus AFTER He walked out of the tomb.

“She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).”
‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.20.14-16.NLT
IMHO I think men can relate to Mary’s inability to immediately recognize Jesus outside the tomb because she wasn’t expecting to see Him. After all, He had died the day before. But imagine the way it felt for her when she heard Jesus speak her name! Many of us (I am one) who have heard Jesus’ voice when we needed to hear from Him most, and that feeling of knowing the God of all Creation is speaking to YOU. It is very powerful! And it has launched my life in a completely different direction ever since. Like a bullet ricocheting off a rock, which is a very apt metaphor, actually.

“Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.””
‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭21‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.20.21-23.NLT
Jesus clearly aligns himself with the God of all Creation, and by His authority Jesus sends out His Disciples—including you and me—into Creation to fulfill the First Commission and the Great Commission. Also consider, this is the same breath that was blown by God into the nostrils of Adam on the 6th day of Creation. This is also the same power that raised Jesus from the tomb. And it is the same spirit that loves us, and leads us, and teaches us, and equips us, and emboldens us, and encourages us for this work in God’s Creation.

“The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.”
‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.20.30-31.NLT

“David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in all. He had reigned over Judah from Hebron for seven years and six months, and from Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah for thirty-three years.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.5.4-5.NLT
Samuel originally anointed David as King of Israel back when he was ~17. So he waited a long time for his anointing to be realized. We need to have the same patience when we wait for God’s Promise in our life to be realized. My challenge personally is to stop myself when I am tempted to take matters into my own hands. Sometimes when I think I’m hearing from Jesus, I am only hearing my own ideas. I can tell that is happening when the voice in my head sounds a lot like me instead of a word from Heaven.

“When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king of Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming, so he went into the stronghold. The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. So David asked the Lord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The Lord replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.” So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “The Lord did it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”).”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.5.17-20.NLT
When we need it most, Jesus will come and give a breakthrough. I have experienced this in my life and it is very, very, real! The Philistines were not seeking David to congratulate him, they were out to kill him—BUT GOD…!


“They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from Abinadab’s house, which was on a hill. Uzzah and Ahio, Abinadab’s sons, were guiding the cart”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.6.3.NLT
When you disobey God, bad things will tend to happen. In this case, the Ark of the Covenant was mishandled. It was supposed to be carried by Levites between 2 poles, and nobody was ever to touch the Ark. Uzzah would find this out the hard way in verses 6-7.

“Then King David was told, “The Lord has blessed Obed-edom’s household and everything he has because of the Ark of God.” So David went there and brought the Ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with a great celebration. After the men who were carrying the Ark of the Lord had gone six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.6.12-13.NLT
After Uzzah was killed by God, David had the Ark kept at Obed-Edom’s home and they were immensely blessed! During that time David must have discovered where he went wrong and moved to correct it. And the celebration was on!

“But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.6.16.NLT
…but Michal was not celebrating. Her bitterness led her to a childless life and I don’t think there is any mention of her after this time.

Proverbs that stood out today:

“The Lord will not let the godly go hungry, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.3.NLT

“Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.4.NLT

“The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.6.NLT

“The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.8.NLT

“People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.9.NLT

“The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.11.NLT

“The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.16.NLT

“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.19.NLT

“The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.21.NLT

“The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.22.NLT

“The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled; the hopes of the godly will be granted.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.24.NLT

“When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.25.NLT

“Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.27.NLT

“The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from the land.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.30.NLT

“The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭32‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.10.32.NLT

Proverbs 10:32 (NLT) - The lips of the godly speak helpful | YouVersion The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.

#🟦 It is important to understand GOD's Truth -- which is central to living fully -- in light of the world we are living in today.

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.10.NLT

To read The Bible in 1 year, read and engage deeply with this today. It is the difference between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and TRUE Intelligence (TI):
John 19
2 Samuel 3, 4
Proverbs 28
(Proverbs 9)

https://www.365promises.com/daily-promise/promise-160-tuesday-june-9-2026

https://consurge-veritas.org/f/06092026-bible-study-journal

“When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” “Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.” The Jewish leaders replied, “By our law he ought to die because he called himself the Son of God.” He took Jesus back into the headquarters again and asked him, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave no answer. “Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?” Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” Then Pilate tried to release him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, “If you release this man, you are no ‘friend of Caesar.’ Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar.””
‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭6‬-‭7‬, ‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.19.6-7.NLT
All of the powers of Heaven and earth were concentrated in one place on this day: The Messiah, sent from God as God; the Jewish High Council Leaders; the Roman Governor; and satan, himself weaving in and out of the interpersonal dynamics at play in this passage. The Jewish Leaders justified their case to their Jewish followers by charging Jesus with blasphemy, and they justified their case to the Romans by charging Him with rebellion—and satan was succeeding in his influence over the Jewish leaders. However, Heaven—that is to say, Jesus—was actually in control the whole time. The Jews were spinning out of control in their demonically inspired anger and jealousy. And Pilate was his usual fearful, sniveling, weasely self. But Jesus knew why He came, and what needed to be done. At this moment, it looked like the Jewish leaders would finally be rid of Jesus, and the Romans would finally appease the Jews, and satan would thwart God’s Ultimate Plan to save humanity. BUT GOD…

“Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.”
‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.19.25-27.NLT
The very first cultural institution God created and ordained was the family. Therefore, from the Cross (can you imagine???), Jesus looks down and makes sure His mom is taken care of. Our Biblical Principle to takeaway from this is that family over-trumps everything; there is no higher priority for Christ-followers as men leading our families, and women as co-equals in our families. Whether Christian work, or career, or recreation, attending to the needs and protection of our families is our #1 responsibility.

“Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.19.28-30.NLT
This marks the end of the hyper-complex sacrificial system from Leviticus to atone for sin in the eyes of God with the blood of lambs, goats, and bulls. Jesus was the ultimate and final Passover Lamb. Therefore, as Christ-followers, we now have direct access to God and Heaven for all of Eterntiy.

“One day Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, accused Abner of sleeping with one of his father’s concubines, a woman named Rizpah, daughter of Aiah. Abner was furious. “Am I some Judean dog to be kicked around like this?” he shouted. “After all I have done for your father, Saul, and his family and friends by not handing you over to David, is this my reward—that you find fault with me about this woman? May God strike me and even kill me if I don’t do everything I can to help David get what the Lord has promised him! I’m going to take Saul’s kingdom and give it to David. I will establish the throne of David over Israel as well as Judah, all the way from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south.” Ishbosheth didn’t dare say another word because he was afraid of what Abner might do.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.3.7-11.NLT
Petty jealousy and a careless accusation bring down Ishbosheth’s ‘kingdom’—such as it is—even though it wasn’t really his rightful position in the order of the monarchy of that day. But this level of character is to be expected from power hungry people.

“Joab then left David and sent messengers to catch up with Abner, asking him to return. They found him at the well of Sirah and brought him back, though David knew nothing about it. When Abner arrived back at Hebron, Joab took him aside at the gateway as if to speak with him privately. But then he stabbed Abner in the stomach and killed him in revenge for killing his brother Asahel.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭3‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.3.26-27.NLT
And then there is the concept of revenge: Joab was not around when David struck the deal with Abner. And Abner had killed Joab’s brother Asahel, so Joab took Abner out, which was a direct affront to David’s rule. David’s handling of this matter would be problematic in the future. IMHO this is a circumstance arranged by satan to bring about a series of bad options for David, The Lord’s anointed.

“They went into the house and found Ishbosheth sleeping on his bed. They struck and killed him and cut off his head. Then, taking his head with them, they fled across the Jordan Valley through the night. When they arrived at Hebron, they presented Ishbosheth’s head to David. “Look!” they exclaimed to the king. “Here is the head of Ishbosheth, the son of your enemy Saul who tried to kill you. Today the Lord has given my Lord the king revenge on Saul and his entire family!” But David said to Recab and Baanah, “The Lord, who saves me from all my enemies, is my witness. Someone once told me, ‘Saul is dead,’ thinking he was bringing me good news. But I seized him and killed him at Ziklag. That’s the reward I gave him for his news! How much more should I reward evil men who have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed? Shouldn’t I hold you responsible for his blood and rid the earth of you?” So David ordered his young men to kill them, and they did. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies beside the pool in Hebron. Then they took Ishbosheth’s head and buried it in Abner’s tomb in Hebron.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.4.7-12.NLT
So here’s the problem with David: He allows Joab to go free after murdering Abner, whom David had just made a diplomatic agreement with. Then, Recab and Baanah murder Ishosheth, and David has them executed on the spot? Confusing! BUT GOD…

Proverbs that stood out today:

“The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.28.1.NLT

“When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.28.2.NLT

“Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.28.5.NLT
Look around and see if you can tell who is on what side of this proverb.

“Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.28.8.NLT

“Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.28.10.NLT

“When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.28.12.NLT

“Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.28.14.NLT

“The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.28.18.NLT

“The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.28.20.NLT

“Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.28.26.NLT

“Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.28.27.NLT

“Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.9.1.NLT
The 7 Pillars of culture

“Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.9.7-8.NLT

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.9.10.NLT

“Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.9.11-12.NLT

“The woman named Folly is brash. She is ignorant and doesn’t know it.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.9.13.NLT

Proverbs 9:13 (NLT) - The woman named Folly is brash. She | YouVersion The woman named Folly is brash. She is ignorant and doesn’t know it.