Verse I Like:

Weekly Dose

When watching interviews of successful people who have “made it,'“ most often they say that they aren’t motivated by the money, or that the money—after their basic needs were met—really had no effect on their lives.

Those of us with less financial success always assume that this is just nonsense, or one of those phrases that you’re just supposed to say. But, what if we took them at their word? What if there was more life than just money or sustenance? Can man truly not live by bread alone?

There’s no shortage of suffering in the world. You don’t have to look far to see immense, horrific seas of pain. It is almost certain that at one point or another in your life, hell or high water will come. Sooner or later, there is the likelihood that pain, even excruciating pain, may be a substantial part of your life.

Using this reference to frame life as inherently painful, the appropriate mentality could be to hold pain as a constant. If you’re working and striving towards your goals, it’s a painful process. If you’re stagnating and indecisive, this too is a painful process. And of course, if you’re declining, you're likely spiraling in pain.

This raises the question—how can we justify the suffering? Is there something out there that is vast enough or good enough to justify the pain?

Quotes I Like:

Mane Message

Isaiah is one of the major prophets in the Bible. His ministry occurred during a politically volatile time, with threats from Assyria and Babylon, along with internal corruption constantly banging at the door.

As quoted above, one of my favorite depictions from this book is Isaiah’s recounting of his calling and commission, where he says, “Here am I.” This short sentence says all that we need to know about Isaiah. He doesn’t ask for details or negotiate. He volunteers.

Isaiah leans into the Lord’s purpose for his life. He accepts the mission—knowing the hardship, the hard-heartedness of the people, and the sheer suffering that lies ahead. Despite this, he bears his cross. And through his calling, Isaiah urges the kings not to rely on political alliances, but to trust in the Lord.

The prophetic piece goes on to cover a smattering of topics, like God‘s holiness and sovereignty, judgment and justice, hope and redemption, purpose, trust in God versus human schemes, along with overflowing in prophetic messages about the Messiah and the suffering servant.

Recognize that you will die one day. You are all in. So find the thing that you’re called to do, and properly align it to the divine. This proper alignment will be that which causes you much distress, no doubt, but will justify every ounce of the suffering.

Weekly Ponder

When did ease become the sign of a blessed or good life? Isn’t it possible that the very thing I’m avoiding is where I’m most meant to go?

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