Week Thirty-Two, 2025
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith (Hebrews 13:7).
All of us have had role models we look up to and try to learn from. Some are well-known individuals, while others are people nobody has heard of. They may be family or friends, or perhaps people you have never met. My greatest role model is my wife.
We have read about Old Testament examples who walked in God’s presence. Now, think across your own life. Who has modeled walking with God for you? What are the practices or habits of that person who sustained an intimate relationship with the Lord?
Recently, I went to breakfast with an individual whom I greatly admire just to tell him how much I appreciated him and how his example helps me in my walk through life, both spiritually and otherwise.
But then, turn the tables and ask, ‘How do your walk and your life become an example to others, so that you may influence them in their walk through life?’ Proverbs 13:20 emphasizes the importance of choosing your friends wisely. It states, ‘Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.’ Essentially, the verse suggests that the people you surround yourself with greatly influence your own character and wisdom. Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).
A good role model is a person who shows us how to live, choose well, face suffering (in some cases), and act wisely in this complicated and difficult world. It is true that we sometimes choose role models for the wrong reasons: celebrity, beauty, athletic prowess, or financial success.
You are never too old or too young or insignificant to be someone’s role model. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12
The Bible tells us how to live from Genesis to Revelation. In Genesis we learn of our beginnings and in Revelation we learn of our future. But it is up to you to determine what you do in between.
Think about who your role models are and how you can be a role model to others.
Sometimes True Stories
We learn to worship in Psalms and to live honestly in Proverbs. We learn to bear suffering in Job. Jonah teaches us not to run from God. We learn how to fall in love in Ruth and love our spouse in Song of Solomon. We learn that God is there even when we don’t see Him in Esther.
In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John we meet the greatest Person in history. We learn that He is still living and loving us in spite of ourselves. We learn to draw near to Him in James. Since we see Jesus reflected throughout the entire Bible, we learn we must ask ourselves, “What am I going to do with Jesus?”
He changes our life and guarantees our eternal future. The answer to that question will be the most important one in your life. I answered “YES” to Jesus nearly 40 years ago.
What’s your answer?
–Rich Jensen
Have you ever looked back in time and wish you had not done some of the things you did? This is called guilt, regret, sorrow, just to mention a few. The more righteous we try to become, the less regret we will have. Everyone sins, but those who admit their sins understand they need God’s help. We are all habitual sinners and only the saving grace of God will save our souls. God appreciates the people who try and walk a straight path and live a righteous life. Tony Ferguson
The chances of an open-faced jam sandwich landing face down on a floor are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet or rug!!
Law of Logical Argument – Anything is possible if you don’t know what you are talking about.
Americans love their pets. More than 94 million households currently own one, according to a recent study by the American Pet Products Association, which also noted growing concerns about affordability.
The APPA projected total pet spending in the United States to exceed $157 billion by the end of this year. This includes $67.8 billion for pet food, $41.4 billion for veterinary care, $34.3 billion for supplies, and $13.5 billion for other services such as grooming and pet sitting.
Quotes You Can Use
Humility makes us gentle to others and generates respect far beyond our understanding. A humble servant is hard to find, but when they surface, they generate teamwork and accomplishments beyond their greatest expectations. Brig. General Dick Abel
My advice to you is not to inquire why or why not, but just enjoy your ice cream while it’s on your plate. Thornton Wilder
Rather than criticize God, we need to learn from Him. We need to have that same love, compassion, and readiness to forgive as God does. Dan Shock
Listen, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Thomas Edison
This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. Elmer Davis
Thank God we can’t escape His presence. Dan Shock
When we have the Holy Spirit, we have all that is needed to be all that God desires us to be. A. W. Tozer
When we give our lives to Jesus and trust him as our Savior and Lord, the Spirit renews our souls and brings the life of God into us. We have joy and peace, and we have a new direction to our lives because the Spirit of God has implanted in us. Billy Graham
Instead of delivering us from the fire, God may choose to deliver us in the fire. Dan Shock
God created us for eternity, not for this finite time and fallen world. This earthly life is, therefore, our “gestation period,” that time during which we are being formed for the life to come. Then, when we “die,” we are “born” into the life for which we were always intended. Jim Denison
Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. Corrie Ten Boom
A friend with an understanding heart is worth no less than a brother. Homer
If we truly love Jesus and want Him in our lives we must use His grace to become selfless. To become selfless requires an attitude of caring about others as much or more than ourselves. Tony Ferguson
God is not satisfied with having just a part of your life. He is not willing to share you with other gods. Dan Shock
Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little. Edmund Burke
If you have ever seen someone with a Bible that is weathered and falling apart from many years of use, you can be pretty sure that its owner is not falling apart. Randy Alcorn
My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person. He believed in me. Jim Valvano
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