Fly

Happy Friday, Friends!

I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama! Spring is almost here!

 

Before diving into this week’s Happy Friday, I want to respectfully ask you to pray for all of those who serve in the armed forces. Perspective changes things; as the Dad of two active-duty military personnel, I see things differently when someone dies in the line of duty. No, my family and I did not receive that news, but somebody's family did, and it breaks my heart. Please pray for those brave souls who protect our freedoms, and the families that love them.

 

Well, God made this week’s Happy Friday explicitly clear to me. I listen to several different messages a week and read a couple of different devotionals every day. I swear, Pastor Steve, Pastor Craig, Pastor Joel, Our Daily Bread, and Jesus Calling, all had a similar message at some point in time or another this week. I got it!

 

Before I start, please let me make this statement on the front end: if you are being mentally, physically, or sexually abused, please seek help immediately. As scary and terrifying as it might seem, please contact law enforcement and get the help you need. You matter, your life is unexplainably valuable, and this is not the life you were created to live. What I am about to share does not pertain to mental, physical, or sexual abuse.

 

How do you feel about challenges? You want some? For most of us, if we are being honest, the answer is “no.”

 

I want to kick this off by sharing a story I learned about this week when reading Our Daily Bread. It is titled The Struggle of the Butterfly, and the version I am sharing comes from spiritualgrowthevents.com. You can read it here https://spiritualgrowthevents.com/butterfly-struggle-spiritual-story/

 

The Struggle of the Butterfly

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through the little hole at the end.

 

Eventually, the butterfly stopped making progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. The man decided to help the butterfly, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily, but it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

 

The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.

 

Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

 

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were nature’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

 

I believe it was Pastor Joel Osteen who pointed out that most of us, if given the choice, would like to be removed from our troubles. However, if we were just immediately removed, not only would we not have 1) to rely on God, 2) a testimony, but 3) we would not develop the strength that the storms of life are intended to develop in us so we can become all that we were created to become. In essence, we would become the butterfly that never could fly. Shifts the perspective, doesn’t it?

 

My Mom absolutely loved Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence, a 365 Daily Devotional by Sarah Young. For my Mom, she gave a copy to everyone…it was her ministry. Here is the message from March 5^th:

 

MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE PROBLEMS IN YOUR LIFE. Though many things feel random and wrong, remember that I am sovereign over everything. I can fit everything into a pattern for good, but only to the extent that you trust Me. Every problem can teach you something, transforming you little by little into the masterpiece I created you to be. The very same problem can become a stumbling block over which you fall, if you react with distrust and defiance. The choice is up to you, and you will choose many times each day whether to trust Me or defy Me.

 

The best way to befriend your problems is to thank Me for them. This simple act opens your mind to the possibility of benefits flowing from your difficulties. You can even give persistent problems nicknames, helping you to approach them with familiarity rather than with dread. The next step is to introduce them to Me, enabling Me to embrace them in My loving Presence. I will not necessarily remove your problems, but My wisdom is sufficient to bring good out of every one of them.

 

I told you it has been all week!

 

Look, I am not trying to minimize anyone’s problems or challenges; I totally get it. There have been many nights I have laid my head on the pillow at night, tears streaming down my face as I poured out my heart to God begging Him to take the problem or challenge away. Not once have I been magically taken out of a situation; however, time and time again, I have found the wisdom, strength, and courage to make it through the next day, and then the next one, and then the next one… As I sit here and reflect back over time, I see the wisdom, strength, and courage that were developed in the storms. Did I like them? Absolutely not! Did I grow from them? Take steps to become the man, husband, father, leader, and friend God created me to be because of them? Without question!!!

 

When I read my Bible, I am not told if I have troubles, but when I have troubles. Nothing that has, or will, happen to us is a surprise to God. And the beautiful part, He promises He will be with us in the storm.

 

I just want to encourage us all to shift our perspectives. While we don’t wish for problems, when they arrive, let’s hold onto the hand of Jesus with everything that is within us, and then let’s drain the potential for wisdom, strength, and courage out of it!

 

I want to close by sharing several scriptures that address problems, and they mean the world to me. I have memorized most of them and have repeated them 100s, perhaps 1,000s, of times. Perhaps you will find them helpful, too.

 

Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version)

10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

Deuteronomy 31:6 (New Living Translation)

6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

 

Romans 5:3-5 (New International Version)

3 Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

 

Romans 8:28 (New International Version)

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.

 

John 16:33 (New International Version)

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

Please feel free to contact me at any time if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.

 

Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, please cherish your precious family, and please stay well!

 

Kev

What Are You Soaking In?

Happy Friday, Friends:

I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama!

 

Let me ask a question, Friends; what are you soaking in?

 

“The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.” – Marcus Aurelius

 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

 

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

 

What are we soaking in, Friends?

 

I want to share two quick stories.

1.      Earlier this week I was listening to the radio. The host was talking about how some workers wanted to play a joke on one of their co-workers. When he got to work at 8:00 a.m. someone said, “How are you feeling today? You look a little off.” He stated that he felt great. A little later, another person came up to him and said, “Did you sleep good last night? You look tired.” He stated he had slept well. A little bit later on someone else came up to him and said, “Do you have a fever? It looks like you are sweating.” He said he felt a little hot. By 10:00 a.m., the person who showed up feeling rested and well had gone home sick.

2.     We were talking about this topic last Sunday at church. Pastor Steve showed a picture of white carnations in different colors of dye. It totally fascinated me so I looked into it. Within an hour of being in the dye, the carnation will begin to show the color it is soaking in on its pedals. Within 24 – 48 hours, the previously white carnation will be whatever color dye it has been soaking in. And this is interesting; if you Google it you will be told that the fresher (Kev’s interpretation – younger) the carnation is, the more it will absorb the color. The more wilted (Kev’s interpretation – older) the carnation is, the less it will absorb the color. I think there is another Happy Friday in that last part!!!

 

I won’t ask the question again but rather make a statement; it would be wise to thoughtfully consider what we are soaking in! What are the things we are reading, listening to, and thinking about consistently? Whether we like it or not, it is shaping us!

 

I am going to close with something that Jon Gordon shared on X yesterday.

“What if the experts are right? What if positive thinking really is delusional? Researchers have found that the people who convince themselves something was possible, even when it didn’t look likely, were often the ones who made it happen. Why? Because belief drives behavior. When you believe it’s possible you don’t give up. You push through adversity. You look for solutions instead of focusing on obstacles. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Most people aren’t held back by reality as much as they’re held back by doubt. So the real question is this: What could you accomplish if you chose to “delude” yourself into believing it was possible?”

 

Please feel free to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.

 

Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, please cherish your precious family, and please stay well!

 

Kev

Wisdom

Happy Friday, Friends!

 

I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day on this glorious new day in my Sweet Home Alabama!

 

I am currently going through a phenomenal Bible Study titled, Men of Wisdom. It is from Impactus Men’s Ministry and was written by J.R. Hudberg. I have shared several days of the plans with others, and today, I simply want to share 3 of the messages with you all. I am highly confident they will encourage and inspire you as much as they have me.

 

Two Roads & An Obvious Choice

Some decisions are obviously complicated.

 

Lists of pros and cons only go so far. Our own wants and desires tend to get in the way. But some choices are not so complicated.

 

The Book of Proverbs helps us uncomplicate some decisions (maybe all).

 

It narrows life down to two paths: wisdom or folly.

 

Not intelligence versus ignorance. Not success versus failure. But wisdom versus folly.

 

And Proverbs 12:15 exposes the real dividing line:

 

Who gets the final say in your life—you, or God?

 

Folly is not loud stupidity. It’s quiet self-confidence that refuses correction. It’s the man who trusts his instincts above Scripture, his experience above counsel, and his feelings above truth.

 

Proverbs says the fool’s way feels right. That’s the danger. Folly rarely announces itself as rebellion; it usually shows up as justification.

 

“This is just how I am.”

 

“I’ve got this.”

 

“I don’t need help.”

 

Wisdom, on the other hand, fairly screams humility. A wise man listens, not because he is weak, but because he knows his limits. Strength without submission becomes pride, and pride blinds. Wisdom invites accountability, welcomes correction, and seeks perspective.

 

Men today are trained to project confidence, decisiveness, and independence. None of those are inherently bad until they replace teachability. When a man stops listening, he stops growing. When he refuses counsel, he chooses isolation. And isolation is where foolish decisions pick up speed and begin to snowball.

 

Proverbs repeatedly reminds us that wisdom is relational. God speaks through His Word, through other godly men, through hard-earned experience, and sometimes through uncomfortable truth.

 

The question is not whether wisdom is available; it is whether we are willing to receive it.

 

Every day presents choices that may seem small, this may include how you respond to criticism, how you ask for help, how you lead your family, how you handle temptation, and how you react when challenged. Each choice places you on one of two roads. One leads toward life, clarity, and strength under control. The other leads toward regret, damage, and self-inflicted (and ultimately avoidable) loss.

 

A wise man does not assume he is right. He tests his path against God’s truth. He listens before he reacts. He submits before he insists. And in doing so, he avoids the trap of being right in his own eyes while being wrong in reality.

 

Choose wisely. Listen closely. Life depends on it.

 

Prayer: Lord, life can be so difficult. There are so many things that call for our attention and present themselves as good and logical choices. I want to be wise. Help me to pursue the wisdom for life that is truly valuable. Help me to be moldable and teachable. Amen.

 

Words of Life or Death

When was the last time you said something you regretted?

 

If you're like me, it doesn’t take long to remember, and it’s sadly not too distant in the past.

 

Words are not simple or harmless. Proverbs 18:21 cuts straight through the idea of casual speech and exposes the truth:

 

What comes out of a man’s mouth carries weight.

 

Not someday. Not in theory. Right now, in real life. Our words create momentum—for good or for destruction.

 

Many men underestimate this. We think strength is proven by action, not speech. After all, "talk is cheap.” We pride ourselves on being blunt, direct, and unfiltered.

 

But Proverbs reminds us that words are never neutral. They either build life up or tear it down. Every utterance plants a seed. Eventually, you eat what you plant.

 

We often say that women speak a lot, but the truth is that men speak constantly—at work, at home, with friends, and under pressure. And our words reveal what’s really ruling us. Anger produces sharp words. Pride produces dismissive words. Fear produces defensive words.

 

But wisdom produces measured, purposeful, helpful words.

 

Proverbs doesn’t tell us to speak less, necessarily; it tells us to speak better. Wise men understand that restraint is not weakness. Silence can be strength. Deliberate words carry authority because they are chosen, not impulsive. A man who controls his tongue can live in self-control in every area of life (James 3:2).

 

Words travel faster and farther than ever. Texts, emails, and posts, once released, cannot be taken back. Once our lips spit a word out, its existence is forever. Proverbs calls attention to the fact that words outlive the moment. A harsh sentence can linger for a long time. A timely word of encouragement can do the same.

 

Men are called to lead with their words. Leadership isn’t volume; it’s direction. A wise man uses his tongue to bring clarity, courage, correction, and hope. He understands that speaking truth requires both conviction and care. He does not weaponize words to win arguments; he uses them to honor God and protect relationships.

 

Proverbs 18:21 forces a daily question: What am I producing with my mouth?

 

Life or death? Trust or distance? Peace or conflict?

 

Words reveal the heart, but they also train it. When a man submits his speech to God, his heart follows. Choose words that give life. You’ll live with the results.

 

Prayer: God, my tongue is so difficult to control. Help me simply understand the power of my words as a first step. Help me to let my words express the life that You have put in me. Amen.

 

To Fall or Not…

“I can do that!”

 

“That’s no big deal.”

 

"I don’t need help.”

 

Any of those sounds familiar?

 

The Book of Proverbs doesn’t warn men about pride casually. Proverbs 16:18 reads like a road sign posted before a cliff.

 

Pride doesn’t suggest danger; it guarantees it.

 

And the fall it brings is rarely sudden. It’s progressive, quiet, and often, self-inflicted.

 

Pride convinces a man he’s fine when he’s drifting. It tells him he doesn’t need counsel or correction. It frames accountability as weakness and humility as optional.

 

Pride is most dangerous because it can masquerade as confidence. It can even feel justified. It feels earned.

 

And that’s exactly why it leads to destruction.

 

Most men don’t wake up aiming to ruin relationships, sabotage leadership, or damage their witness. The fall usually begins earlier with an unchecked attitude. A refusal to listen. An unwillingness to admit fault. A need to be right.

 

Proverbs exposes the sequence: pride first, then fall.

 

Humility interrupts that sequence.

 

Humility doesn’t deny strength; it submits it. It recognizes that everything a man has—ability, opportunity, influence—is received, not owned. A humble man understands his limits and invites God into them. He listens before reacting. He seeks counsel instead of defending his ego. He corrects course before damage is done.

 

In contemporary life, pride is often rewarded in the temporary. Loud confidence gets attention. Self-promotion gets noticed.

 

Proverbs isn’t concerned with short-term applause; it’s concerned with long-term flourishing. Pride may elevate a man quickly, but it cannot sustain him. Eventually, gravity wins. What goes up must (and will) come down.

 

Humility keeps a man grounded. It keeps him teachable under pressure and steady under success. It protects marriages because humility makes room for repentance. It strengthens leadership because people trust men who don’t need to prove themselves. It deepens faith because humility keeps God at the center.

 

Proverbs 16:18 forces every man to ask a hard question: Where might pride be setting me up for a fall? In my words? My decisions? My resistance to correction?

 

Pride doesn’t announce itself, but its trajectory is always the same.

 

God doesn’t expose pride to shame men, but to save them. God may humble, but He will not humiliate. The warning is mercy. The choice is ours.

 

Step down before pride pushes you over. Walk humbly with God, and you won’t have to learn wisdom from the ground up.

 

Prayer: God, humility is hard. It feels like being overlooked and left behind. I know that some of the things that I want to puff myself up for are not things of Your Kingdom. Help me to see where I am putting myself at the front and loudly proclaiming it. Forgive me for any pride that is lurking in me and strengthen me to submit to You. Amen.

 

Please feel free to contact me at any time if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.

 

Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, please cherish your precious family, and please stay well!

 

Kev