if you could only do two things today

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🕊️ If You Could Only Do Two Things Today

Scripture: Proverbs 1:1–2 (NKJV)

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding.”

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✨ Introduction

The book of Proverbs continues to fascinate me. Each time I begin again on the first day of the month, I’m reminded of its timeless practicality. Solomon’s purpose is clear: “To know wisdom…”—a pursuit that demands intention and intimacy.

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📖 Reflection

Knowing wisdom isn’t casual. It’s not something we drift into. It requires commitment, practice, and a daily walk with God.
Reading a chapter of Proverbs each day, paired with prayer, opens the door to divine insight for the day’s unique challenges.

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🙏 Prayer

Today, I ask you to lift up Pastor Kemp and his family in prayer—Sonja, his children Lee & Briana, their families, and his parents and mother-in-law. May God bless them richly.

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📌 Takeaway

If you could only do two things today:

3. Prayerfully read thel  chapter of Proverbs that matches today’s date.
4. Let God reveal the second thing you need to do.

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just keep going forward

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Just Keep Going Forward

One powerful truth connects every biblical example of faith: God promised to go with them.

Sonja and I often reflect on our life and ministry together, amazed at God’s mercy and kindness. When we began, we had no grand plans or visionary strategy. We simply loved God with all our hearts and sought to please Him. We failed at times, stumbled, and fell short—but one thing remained constant: we kept getting up and moving forward, one day at a time, striving to do what was right and wise.

And it has worked. Without a master plan or a brilliant strategy, we have seen God accomplish good things through our efforts. Was it our intelligence or talent? Absolutely not. It was God keeping His promise—He never left us, and He has never failed us.

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A Word for You

This glimpse into our life and ministry isn’t about us—it’s about encouragement for you. Like Sonja and me, you may feel you aren’t the type to mastermind a grand vision. That’s okay. There are only two things you need to make your life meaningful:

1. A desire to move forward each day in pleasing God.

2. Trust in His promise. Jesus said:

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20 (NIV)

Over a lifetime, your “batting average” may fluctuate—you will have successes and setbacks—but Jesus’ faithfulness is perfect. When you move forward in His strength, something good and worthwhile will be achieved.

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Encouragement for Today

Let’s step into today with confidence and purpose. Trust God’s guidance, keep moving forward, and remember: His promises are true.

Prayer:

Lord, as we meet to plan and prepare for the year ahead, guide our steps, give wisdom to our decisions, and remind us that You are with us always. Amen.

just keeping going foward

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Just Keeping Going Forward

Scripture References:

• Genesis 19:26 (NKJV): “But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.”

• 2 Kings 4:24 (NKJV): “Then she saddled a donkey, and said to her servant, ‘Drive, and go forward; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you.’”

Recently, I read that famed missionary David Livingstone, when asked by the London Missionary Society where he wanted to go, replied: “Anywhere, as long as it is forward.”

This statement struck me deeply that day, especially as it was a “planning day” for me. A few times a year, I take a day or two to be alone in prayer and reflection, seeking God’s guidance on how He wants me to conduct my life and ministry. These moments help clear my mind, refocus my heart, and renew my purpose.

Livingstone’s response brought me great comfort because I have never been one to have a highly detailed vision for what God wanted to accomplish through my life and ministry. For the past 35 years, I’ve simply gotten up each day and moved forward — and God has worked through that obedience.

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God’s Guidance Is Often Subtle

Many of us feel pressured to have a clear, concrete vision for our lives, but often that expectation comes more from society than from God. Time and again, Scripture shows that God’s directions are sometimes intentionally broad, allowing us to trust Him as we move forward:

• Abraham: God called him to leave his homeland without providing a detailed roadmap. He said essentially, “I’ll guide you along the way” (Genesis 12:1).

• Moses: God instructed him to deliver the Israelites from slavery, yet He provided little detail about the journey or the promised land (Exodus 3).

• The Disciples: Jesus gave His followers the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), which, like Livingstone’s approach, boils down to daily obedience — simply get up and go forward.

The lesson is clear: God asks us to trust Him, take steps of faith each day, and rely on His guidance as we move ahead.

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Prayer and Encouragement

Tonight, as we continue to “Equip People for Life & Eternity” — one of our key PEP values — please pray that the Holy Spirit will move powerfully on our campus and in the hearts of all who attend.

Let us embrace each day with courage and faith, trusting God’s plan even when it is not fully revealed. Step forward in obedience, and He will work wonders through your efforts.

strange rewards

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Strange Rewards

Scripture Reference:

• Luke 23:26 (NKJV): “Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.”

Sometimes in life, a cross is unexpectedly placed upon us — just as it was for Simon of Cyrene. He was simply passing by when suddenly he was called to bear someone else’s burden: the cross of Jesus Christ.

Life is often filled with unexpected surprises, and not all of them are easy. Some may feel like heavy crosses. But when we bear them with honor and faith, they shape us in ways trophies and accolades never can. Simon’s example reminds us that our greatest spiritual growth often comes through challenges, trials, and burdens we do not anticipate.

Staying close to Jesus has its rewards, yet it also brings its crosses. But when we reflect on them through the eyes of faith, even the heaviest cross becomes a reward — an opportunity to participate in God’s work and to grow deeper in character and devotion.

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Prayer and Encouragement

Today, I ask you to lift up our pastors and staff in prayer. Gather your bulletin, review the email listings, and pray through each name. Let us carry one another in faith, just as Simon carried Christ’s cross, trusting that God honors our obedience and faithfulness.

to gain admisssion

Monday, August 11, 2014

To Gain Admission

Scripture Reference:

• Acts 4:12 (NKJV): “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

A list of good deeds will not get you into any sporting event or concert on earth.
A 51% success rate of driving without an accident will not earn you a driver’s license anywhere.
Being polite, honest, or well-intentioned will not pay for your meal in a restaurant.
Good intentions alone will not secure you a job anywhere in the world.

So why do so many people assume that simply being a good and decent person will guarantee them a place in Heaven?

The truth is clear: salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. No amount of human effort, moral behavior, or good intentions can earn eternal life. Only by accepting His sacrifice and trusting in His name can we gain true admission into God’s Kingdom.

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Prayer and Encouragement

As we reflect on this truth, let us also remember the world around us. War clouds are rising, and our hearts must lift in prayer. Pray for Israel and for those on our “active military” prayer list. For guidance on how to pray, see the pray newsletter for suggestions.

Let us place our trust fully in Christ, sharing His love and hope with all we encounter.

God’s Rules of Engagement

Sunday, May 18, 2014

God’s Rules of Engagement

Scripture: John 11:45–53 (NKJV)

This passage provides a clear example of God’s “rules of engagement” in our lives. Even though God is completely sovereign, He respects human free will. As His creation, we have the choice to believe in the Lord Jesus and follow Him, or to reject Him and diminish His influence in our lives.

The good news is that God, in His sovereignty, accomplishes His purposes regardless of human choices — and even human sin. He works through us, with us, or sometimes in spite of us, to bring about His perfect plan.

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What I Want You to Know

1. People really do have free will (John 11:45–46). God does not force our hearts; He invites us to choose Him.

2. Our free will often gravitates toward our own control (John 11:47–48). We tend to want to rule our own little kingdoms rather than be cherished citizens in God’s eternal kingdom.

3. God’s will shall be done, no matter what choices humans make. His plan is unstoppable and perfect, even when we falter.

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What I Want You to Do

1. Ask yourself: What will it take for me to fully surrender to God?

2. Reflect: Am I willing to trust completely in the sovereignty and efficiency of God?

Take a moment today to let these questions guide your heart and align your will with His. When we surrender, we participate in God’s glorious plan, and our lives become a testimony of His faithfulness.

The Thing That Matters Dear Heavenly Father

“I thank You for Your great plan, Father, and I don’t even have to know it. You know I’ve never had to know what You were up to. I’ve never been the architect, and I’ve never been the contractor. It was always a delight to just be a day worker — to do what You told me for just one day. Sometimes it was to stand in a very strategic position, and sometimes it was merely to collect garbage, but all of it was glorious when done for You and in Your name.”
— Margaret Gaines, former missionary to the Arab people in Jerusalem, 1964–1996

Reading these words stirred my heart, especially the idea that even the simplest tasks can be glorious when done for God. Life calls us to many different roles — some requiring courage and boldness, others consisting of everyday tasks we may take for granted. But whatever we do, when we do it as unto the Lord, it is meaningful and glorious.

• Loving your spouse and children with unselfish, sacrificial love

• Showing kindness to others even when it’s difficult

• Taking the time to do small acts that bring joy to loved ones

• Speaking words of encouragement and blessing

All of these actions, done with a heart toward God, are glorious.

Whatever your assignment today, I pray you give it your best. Live and love as though there is no tomorrow, and take a moment to look up and see the Father’s smile.

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

 Acts 24:16 (NKJV): “I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.”

Something truly matters to you — not a minor hunger pang or a small daily irritation, but something so significant that you’re willing to sacrifice, grow, and pursue it with passion. Some might call this your vision or passion.

Your vision is like a pair of 3-D glasses: people may see you weaving and bobbing and think you’re a little unusual, but you see things others cannot. That vision drives your actions and sets you apart.

However, a word of caution: vision leaks, and passion can fade. If you don’t commit to keeping what truly matters as a priority, life can become consumed with minor distractions. One day, you may realize you spent your time on things that didn’t truly matter.

Today, wear those “3-D glasses.” View your life through the lens of what matters most. Let that vision guide your choices, inspire your actions, and keep your heart aligned with God’s purpose.