“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13 ESV)

Everybody Stumbles

“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” (James 3:2 ESV)

Deal With It—Don’t Deny or Cover It Up

When you make a mistake, you can either deny it and try to cover it up, or you can acknowledge it for what it is and take appropriate steps to make it right. That may include repentance from sin, making restitution, and seeking forgiveness from those you have wronged—and most importantly, from God.

One biblical example is King David, who committed adultery and then tried to cover it up by having the woman's husband killed. But in Psalm 51, we see David’s genuine repentance:

“Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.” (Psalm 51:1–2 NLT)

Humble Yourself

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6–7 ESV)

“Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:24 ESV)

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)

Therefore

Don’t hide your failures—bring them into the light of God’s mercy. Confess, repent, and walk in humility. God's forgiveness is sure for those who turn to Him. No matter how badly you’ve stumbled, the Lord is able to restore you and use your life to proclaim His goodness.

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19)

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” ( 2 Chron. 7:14)

“If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.” (Mark 5:28–29 NIV)

The Substance of Things Hoped For and the Evidence of Things Not Seen

This is a remarkable story about a woman who, in desperation, reached out and touched Jesus’s clothes—fully expecting to be healed. By that courageous act of faith, she instantly received her healing. Jesus affirmed this by saying, “Daughter, your faith has healed you.”

Elsewhere in Scripture, we are given the definition of faith:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1)

This woman demonstrated what true faith looks like in action—and it brought results.

A Woman in the Crowd with a Longtime Problem

“A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.” (Mark 5:24–26 NIV)

“She Thought, ‘If I Just Touch His Clothes, I Will Be Healed’”

“When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, ‘If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.’ Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.” (Mark 5:27–29 NIV)

“Who Touched My Clothes?”

“At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ ‘You see the people crowding against you,’ his disciples answered, ‘and yet you can ask, “Who touched me?”’ But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it.” (Mark 5:30–32 NIV)

“Daughter, Your Faith Has Healed You”

“Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” (Mark 5:33–34 NIV)

Faith is not passive—it takes action

This woman’s story shows us that when we reach out to Jesus with a believing heart, He responds with power and compassion. She didn’t let the crowd, her condition, or her fear stop her. Her faith moved her to act, and that made all the difference.

Therefore

Today, we may not touch Jesus' cloak physically, but we can still reach out to Him in prayer, trust, and obedience. Are there areas in your life where you need healing—physically, emotionally, or spiritually? Don’t let the crowd of doubt or fear keep you back. Come boldly, expecting that Jesus still sees, still knows, and still heals.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Heb. 11:6 NIV)

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Rom. 8:13 ESV)

Every day we are faced with choices

We decide what to wear, what to eat, what music to listen to, what programs to watch on our devices, how to respond to online posts, and how we treat others. What determines our behavior is where we place our trust. It is either in God—with a desire to please Him—or in ourselves, seeking only self-gratification.

When you seek to please God, it is called “living according to the Spirit.” When you live to please only yourself, it’s called “living according to the flesh.” The Bible has much to say on this subject.

The “Flesh” Defined

“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Gal. 5:19–21 ESV)

Being Made Alive Together with Christ

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” (Eph. 2:1–5 ESV)

Walk by the Spirit

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Gal. 5:16–18 ESV)

Therefore

Every choice we make reveals something about who or what we are living for. Are we feeding the flesh or walking in step with the Spirit? God, in His mercy and love, has given us new life through Christ so that we are no longer slaves to our old nature.

Therefore, let us be intentional in our daily decisions—choosing what honors God, reflects His character, and leads to life. When we live by the Spirit, we not only resist the pull of the flesh, but we also experience the freedom, peace, and purpose that comes from walking closely with our Savior.

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Col. 3:2 ESV)

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At the funeral of a famous personality, his status and wealth were clearly represented in many ways—in the lavish flower arrangements on stands and draped over the expensive casket, the number and prominence of the guests in attendance, and finally, the massive stone already placed at the gravesite. As he was being lowered into the grave, someone whispered the question that was on many people’s minds: “How much did he leave behind?” Someone nearby gave the correct answer: “He left everything!”

It’s true—you cannot take it with you

Billy Graham once said in a sermon, “I’ve never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul.” The fact is, everyone—rich or poor—will eventually die, and none of their earthly possessions will go with them. The only thing that truly matters, and will last, is what was done in obedience to God’s calling—the assignment (ministry) for which each person was created.

The Bible says we will all stand before God and give an account for how we lived our life on earth:

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Cor. 5:10 ESV)

While You’re Still Alive

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Tim 4:1-5)

Therefore

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15)

“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,” (Psalm 103:17)

“The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!” (Prov. 20:7)

“And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15 ESV)

We had accumulated so much stuff!

Susan and I have moved several times over the past fifty-plus years. The first two moves were into larger homes to accommodate our growing family. But as our children grew up and moved away, we found ourselves needing to downsize into smaller spaces.

What has amazed us most is the sheer amount of possessions we’ve managed to accumulate over the years. Our garage and storage sheds became full. Going through it all has been a chore—deciding what to keep and what to toss. A big part of the challenge is that so many of our things are tied to memories, and letting them go can feel like giving away a part of our past. It’s an emotional process.

However, looking at this with common sense—and having dealt with the estates of our own parents—we realize that if we don’t take care of our stuff now, our kids will have to later. So, we’re doing our best to view our possessions through a practical lens and address them accordingly.

Our conclusion

It’s okay to have possessions—but don’t let them have you. In other words, priorities must be in the right order. God must come first in your life. Look to Him alone as your provider, and when you put Him first, He will supply all that you need—including your possessions. (See Matthew 6:33)

Don’t put your hope in the uncertainty of riches

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Tim. 6:17-19 ESV)

Treasures in heaven

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21 ESV)

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26 ESV)

Therefore

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” (Prov. 3:9-10 ESV)

“Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.’ We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” (1 Cor. 10:6–11 ESV)

Warnings

This passage reminds us that the events recorded in Scripture were written for our benefit—so that we would not follow the same destructive patterns of desiring evil, falling into idolatry, engaging in sexual immorality, testing the Lord, or giving in to ungratefulness. These real-life examples from the past serve as serious warnings for us today.

No Longer Taught

There was a time when Bible stories were a foundational part of children’s education. They helped shape a moral framework by clearly distinguishing right from wrong. Sadly, in many public schools today, these stories are no longer taught. As a result, many children grow up without a clear moral compass—and situational ethics have taken their place.

For Training in Righteousness

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16–17 ESV)

For Wisdom for the Future

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” (Prov. 19:20 ESV)

Therefore

Take God’s Word seriously. Let the examples of the past instruct and guide you. Build your life—and help others build theirs—on the solid foundation of Scripture. Read it, live it, and pass it on. The lessons it contains will equip you with wisdom, righteousness, and the strength to walk in God's will.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)

“And to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,” (Eph. 4:23)

Things go wrong sometimes

Recently, on a flight home from a conference I had attended on the opposite side of the country, I faced a very tight connection between flights. Normally, this wouldn’t have been a big deal—but my first flight was delayed by a few minutes, and by the time we landed, my next flight was already boarding.

To make matters worse

I was seated near the back of the plane, so it took extra time to deplane. I had to run to make my connecting flight, which was at a gate halfway across the airport and required a short shuttle ride—usually just a minute or so. But as soon as I boarded, the shuttle broke down. Now I was delayed beyond hope. I missed my connecting flight!

On top of that

In the confusion of everything (thank you, dyslexia), I took a wrong turn and ended up being redirected back through airport security. Even though I had already cleared security prior to my earlier flight with no issues, this time I was flagged for additional screening. They opened everything I had, thoroughly inspected my belongings, and I was both x-rayed and patted down.

I still had to find a new flight home

It was the middle of a long travel day, I was exhausted, and all I wanted was to be home. I found myself growing grumpy and slipping into a negative attitude.

But in that moment

I remembered something important that I had once heard: “Our disappointments are sometimes God’s appointments.” I had recently read about someone who missed an important flight because of a tire blowout and was devastated—until they discovered the flight they missed was one that tragically hit a Twin Tower on September 11.

Perhaps there was a bigger reason I missed my flight connection?

I may never know the reason, sometimes negative things just happen (see John 16:33). But I thought of a comforting promise: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Rom 8:28 NLT)

Joseph’s 13-year journey

The life of Joseph is great example of a brighter end following a dark journey (see Genesis 37–50). From being sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, and thrown into prison, to eventually becoming second-in-command to Pharaoh—God used every step to get him where he needed to be in order to accomplish God’s greater purpose.

Delays, detours, and disruptions can easily steal our peace

If we let them. But Scripture reminds us:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6–7 NASB)

Therefore

“Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.” (Heb. 13:15)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess. 5:16–18 ESV)

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Cor. 15:58 NIV)

Examples of Courage

The dictionary defines courage as firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty. Words like mettle, spirit, resolution, and tenacity reflect the mental and moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship.

The Bible gives us many powerful examples of courage:

• The Hebrew children refused to bow down to an idol, even when it meant being thrown into a blazing furnace (Daniel 3:1–30).

• Young David, with only a slingshot and five stones, bravely faced the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1–58).

• Queen Esther risked her life by approaching the king to intercede for her people (Book of Esther).

Each of them faced danger with boldness, trusting that God was with them.

Be Strong and Courageous in the Face of Adversity, Knowing God Goes with You

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6–8 NIV)

A Command to Be Courageous

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9 ESV)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Eph. 6:10)

Therefore

Take heart! Let courage rise in your spirit as you stand firm in faith. Face today’s challenges knowing that God is with you, empowering you with His strength, love, and peace. Step forward boldly—your labor in the Lord is never in vain.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Tim. 1:7 ESV)

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13–14 NIV)

Singleness of Purpose

Someone once said, “The way to kill a man’s vision is to give him two visions.” How true that is! The key to success is to have a clear, singular focus—and to stay committed to what God created you to do. The apostle Paul said, “This one thing I do.” He knew his mission: to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God had called him heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Like Paul, we are called to focus fully on God's purpose for our lives. When we put God first in everything, everything else will fall into place.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33 ESV)

God Appointed You to Bear Fruit

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
(John 15:16 NIV)

God Will Make It Happen

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thess. 5:24 NIV)

Therefore

Stay focused on the one thing God has called you to do. Let go of distractions, trust His guidance, and press on with purpose. He is faithful, and He will bring it to pass.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28 NIV)