Tag: 1 Corinthians 16:14

There are times when we feel one way inside, but we show something completely different on the outside.
It’s a bit like driving down a gravel road—inside the truck, everything’s rattling and clanking, but from the outside, you look like you’re just rolling along steady and smooth.

This week, when I spoke at a public meeting, I felt my nerves running like a deer in hunting season.
But when I watched the video later, I looked calm enough that someone might’ve thought I was reading the weather report.

And that contrast reminded me of something:
God often strengthens us in ways we don‘t even notice in the moment.

Love First, Always

I began my comments with gratitude.
Not because everything is perfect, but because Scripture says:

Let all that you do be done in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14

Love sets the tone.
Love keeps our words steady.
Love helps people listen—even when the message is tough.

It’s like when a neighbor brings you a plate of cookies before asking if you can help them move a sofa.
The cookies help.

Truth Matters — But How We Share It Matters Too

Jesus tells us:

I am the way, the truth, and the life.

John 14:6

Truth is important.
And sometimes speaking the truth means pointing out things that don’t look quite right—confusing reports, missing information, and unclear processes.

Inside, I felt warm enough to heat a cast-iron skillet.
But on the outside, the Lord gave me a calmness I didn’t realize I had.

That’s grace.
God steadies our voice even when our hearts are running laps.

Calmness Isn’t Weakness — It’s Strength Under Control

One of the supervisors addressed me by name.
It may seem small, but it meant something.

Names matter in small towns.
They show respect.
They show we’re not strangers—we’re neighbors.

Sometimes God uses those little moments to remind us that He’s opening doors we couldn’t open ourselves.

Honest Conversation Builds Trust

After the meeting, the finance director spoke with me, and county leadership invited me to a longer discussion.

That’s how God works—
not always with big flashes of lightning,
but with steady conversations around tables.

Proverbs reminds us:

Iron sharpens iron.

Proverbs 27:17

And sometimes iron sharpens iron a little slowly, with a lot of patience…
and probably a cup of coffee.

Stewardship Is a Calling for Everyone

Stewardship isn’t only about money.
It’s about caring for what God has placed in our hands—homes, families, communities, and, yes, even how things are managed.

Jesus brings order.
He brings clarity.
He brings peace where there’s confusion.

And when we ask for clear information or fair processes, we’re practicing stewardship—not politics.

It’s the same principle as keeping the barn organized:
You’re not criticizing the farm—you’re helping it run better.

Keep Showing Up — The Lord Sees the Effort

Galatians 6:9 tells us:

Do not grow weary in doing good.

Galatians 6:9

Some days, doing good looks like speaking at a meeting.
Some days it looks like asking a tricky question.
Some days it’s simply showing up when you’d rather stay home.

But God sees every bit of it.

And He blesses steady, faithful effort—
the kind this community understands well.

Conclusion: Trust Jesus With Every Step

Jesus is the path.
Jesus is the truth.
Jesus is the calm in our nerves and the strength behind our quiet words.

He calls us to:

• Speak with love
• Stand for truth
• Show respect
• Be patient with one another
• And keep walking in His grace

Even when we feel nervous, even when our voice shakes, the Lord goes before us and steadies our steps.

May everything we do—whether in public, in private, or in everyday life—reflect His love.

Amen.