Tag: Broken Dreams

Bad Doesn’t Last Forever

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After You Have Suffered for a Little While

By Jimmie Aaron Kepler

Life’s got a way of wearing a body down sometimes, doesn’t it?
Some days it feels like you’re getting dragged through a barbed-wire fence — slow and painful — and just when you think you can’t take another step, something shifts.

This morning, sitting with my second cup of coffee, I found myself thumbing through 1 Peter. My worn old Bible practically falls open to the good parts by now, and sure enough, my eyes landed on this:

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
— 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

I must’ve read that verse a hundred times over the years, but today it hit a little different.
Maybe because lately, I’ve been feeling that “suffered a little while” part in my bones.

The Promise in the Pain

Peter doesn’t sugarcoat it, does he?
He doesn’t say if you suffer. He says after you suffer — meaning it’s a sure thing. Part of the journey. No shortcuts. No easy outs.

But here’s the part I don’t want us to miss: suffering isn’t the end of the story.
It’s just a page in the chapter, not the whole book.

God’s promises aren’t empty words stitched on a throw pillow. They’re blood-bought, tear-stained, Spirit-breathed assurances. And one of those promises is this:
After the suffering, comes the restoring.

God himself — not an angel, not a preacher, not some well-meaning friend — but God himself will step in and do what only He can do:

  • Restore what’s been broken.
  • Confirm what’s been wavering.
  • Strengthen what’s been weak.
  • Establish what’s been uncertain.

He doesn’t leave us bruised and limping.
He binds up the wounds and stands us back up on solid ground.

A Little While

I know sometimes a “little while” can feel like an eternity.

Waiting on healing. Waiting on answers. Waiting on a prodigal to come home.
There’s a heaviness in waiting that can wear you slick out.

But compared to forever, it’s just a blink.
God’s timing isn’t measured in microwave minutes — it’s measured in the slow, steady beat of eternity.

So hold on, friend.
Grip that plow a little tighter.
Trust the One who sees the end from the beginning.

What This Means for Today

If you’re walking through fire today, know this:

  • You are not forgotten.
  • You are not being punished.
  • You are not stuck forever.

You’re in the “little while” part.
And the restoring is already in motion — even if you can’t see it yet.

Maybe you just need a reminder today that God’s not finished.
He’s still in the business of putting broken folks back together better than before.

You’re not just going to survive.
By His grace, you’re going to stand tall again.

Final Thoughts

This old world can break your heart — but it can’t break the One who holds your heart.

Today, I’m leaning into the God of all grace.
Not the god of “second chances” (though He gives those),
Not the god of “do better and try harder,”
But the God who restores, confirms, strengthens, and establishes — when all my strength is gone.

Take heart, friends.
The same God who called you to glory is walking with you through the valley.
And after you’ve suffered a little while — just a little while —
He will make you whole again.

And that’s a promise you can count on.

Stay faithful, stay kind, and keep walking.

Grace and peace,
Jimmie

If this encouraged you today, feel free to share it with a friend who might be in their “little while” season.
You’re not alone — and neither are they.

More reflections like this at jimmiekepler.com and jimmiekepler.substack.com

Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at Jimmie’s books available in paperback, ebook, audio, and large print.

You Are Handcrafted

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You Are Handcrafted

Ephesians 2:10 KJV — 📖 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

There’s a slow kind of beauty in knowing you weren’t mass-produced.

You weren’t slapped together on an assembly line.
You’re not a barcode.
You’re a masterpiece—handcrafted by the Creator of the heavens and the earth.

That’s what Ephesians 2:10 reminds me.
God made you on purpose, with a purpose.
And not just to be—but to do.
To walk in good works He already laid out, like stepping stones in a stream.

I’ll be honest…
That changes how I look at today.

Makes me want to take it slow—
notice the morning light dancing through the blinds,
sip my coffee just a little longer,
and ask, “Lord, what’s my good work today?”

Maybe it’s writing a kind word in a note that’s long overdue.
Maybe it’s forgiving somebody who hasn’t even asked.
Maybe it’s showing up and listening when someone’s hurting.

Whatever it is, I want to walk in it—
not rush past it.
Not miss it.
Because I was made for it.

Friend, you’re God’s workmanship.
You’re not forgotten. Not overlooked.
You’re designed by divine hands.

So take a deep breath.
Walk into today with purpose.
And remember—you’re not walking alone.

Let’s keep walking in grace,
—Jimmie

Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jimmie-Kepler/author/B00IBTG83K.

The article was originally published on Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times.

He Is Risen — Just As He Said

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He Is Risen — Just As He Said

By Jimmie Aaron Kepler

Sunlight crept over the hillside like it had somewhere to be.

The air was still—one of those sacred still mornings when the world feels caught between what was and what’s about to be. Somewhere off in the distance, a rooster let out a crow like it didn’t want to be forgotten. But near the garden tomb, everything held its breath.

And then, just like that… the stone was rolled away.

Not cracked, not broken—rolled. Neat, clean, like someone had opened the door from the inside. The tomb stood wide open. But it wasn’t chaotic or messy. It was peaceful. Finished.

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
— Matthew 28:6 KJV

“As He said.”
Like we should’ve known.
Like He’d already told us, and we just didn’t quite believe it would play out this way.

But that’s the heart of Easter, ain’t it?

A promise made. A promise kept. A Savior who didn’t just talk the talk but walked the long, hard road right through the valley of death—and came out the other side carrying life in His hands.

That morning, the tomb wasn’t just empty. It was victorious.

And friend, here’s what’s been stirring in my soul:

That same resurrection power?
It’s not just for then. It’s for now.

It shows up in quiet hospital rooms when healing comes.
In living rooms where forgiveness finally breaks the silence.
In graveside moments when we grieve with hope instead of despair.
In your heart and mine when we’re ready to give up, and somehow… we don’t.

Because Christ the Lord is risen today.
And He still rolls stones away.

So let’s not treat Easter like a seasonal thing. This is a soul thing. A forever thing.

Today, as the sun rises and songs are sung, and families gather around full tables or quiet ones—remember this:

The tomb is still empty.
The promise still stands.
And Jesus? He’s alive. Just like He said.

Happy Easter, friends. He is risen indeed.

Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jimmie-Kepler/author/B00IBTG83K.

 

Holy Saturday

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Holy Saturday

by Jimmie Aaron Kepler

It’s the in-between day.

The cross is behind us. The empty tomb’s just ahead. And here we sit—in the quiet, the waiting, the wondering.

Holy Saturday doesn’t get much attention. No grand worship services. No trumpets. No lilies. Just stillness. A kind of sacred hush.

Jesus lay in the tomb.

His followers were scattered, grieving, confused.

Heaven seemed silent.

But even then, God was working behind the scenes—doing the kind of soul-deep work that doesn’t shout.

I think of the times in my life that feel like this day.

Not the heartbreak of Friday. Not the hallelujahs of Sunday. Just the waiting. The trusting. The holding on.

Holy Saturday reminds us: when it looks like nothing is happening, God is still moving.

So we wait. With faith. With hope. With quiet hearts leaning forward.

Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jimmie-Kepler/author/B00IBTG83K.

Unwrapping the Gift of Grace

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Unwrapping the Gift of Grace
By Jimmie Aaron Kepler

It was early—before the birds found their song and before the sun had fully rubbed the sleep from its eyes. I was up, wandering through the stillness, cup of black coffee in hand. Steam curled into the air like a prayer, quiet and rising.

I eased into my favorite chair by the window, the one with the cushion worn just right, and opened my Bible—old, leather-bound, its edges frayed from years of use, the spine soft and familiar like a handshake from an old friend.

That morning, my eyes landed on a verse I’ve read more times than I can count, but it met me in a new way—gentle, firm, and full of grace:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”— Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)

Grace. Faith. A gift. Three small words that carry the weight of heaven.

We spend so much of life chasing approval—trying to do enough, be enough, measure up in a world that rarely hands out gold stars. But this verse pulls back the curtain and shows us the heart of it all: salvation doesn’t begin with us. It begins with Him.

Grace doesn’t wait on clean hands. It runs toward messy hearts.

Grace isn’t a reward for getting things right. It’s not a gold medal for spiritual effort. It’s mercy dressed in kindness, given without condition. It’s God looking at us, not with disappointment, but with love.

I still remember a morning years ago—my granddaughter barreling into the house, sticky-faced and giggling, hands covered in jelly and chaos. My late wife opened her arms wide and scooped her up without hesitation. No wiping down, no stern word. Just love.

That’s grace. You don’t fix yourself first. You just run into it.

And faith—it’s not about trying harder. It’s about trusting deeper.

Faith isn’t pretending. It’s not wishful thinking. It’s trust—real, worn-in trust. It’s leaning the full weight of your heart on the One who already carried the cross.

Think of grace as the gift, and faith as the hand reaching out to accept it. The hand doesn’t create the gift. It just says, “Yes, I’ll take that.”

So many of us live like we’re still trying to earn something that’s already been paid for. But God’s not impressed with our striving—He’s moved by our surrender.

Paul makes it clear—this salvation isn’t from us. It’s a gift.

Not earned. Not deserved. Just given.

Like a birthday gift wrapped in love by someone who knows every part of you—and chooses to love you anyway. You don’t open that kind of gift and reach for your wallet. You don’t try to pay for it. You just say, “Thank you.”

If you’ve been carrying the weight of performance-based faith, friend, it’s okay to set it down. If you’ve been trying to prove you’re enough, maybe it’s time to remember that grace was never about proving anything.

God isn’t waiting for your perfection. He’s inviting your presence.

And that old, coffee-stained, leather Bible—the one marked up with prayers and underlines—reminds me every time I crack it open: we come with empty hands, and God fills them. We show up weary, and He gives us rest. We bring our broken hearts, and He binds them back together.

Not because of who we are, but because of who He is.

So wherever this post finds you—sitting on a back porch swing, stuck in traffic, walking through a valley, or just staring at the ceiling in the quiet—I hope you hear this:

His grace is enough.
His love is real.
And salvation is still a gift with your name on it.

Go ahead. Open it.

Thanks for reading. If this reflection stirred something in you, I invite you to explore more of my writing and books at my Amazon author page and maybe you can leave me an encouraging word in the comments below. I can always use some encouragement. And if you liked what you read, why not click the share button below my name. I’d sure appreciate it.

Grace and peace,
Jimmie 

Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jimmie-Kepler/author/B00IBTG83K.

The Test of True Friendship

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The Test of True Friendship
By Jimmie Aaron Kepler

It was early—one of those mornings where the world feels like it’s still holding its breath. The coffee was hot, the sky still yawning open, and my Bible, that worn leather one with years of notes scribbled in the margins, was lying open on the table in front of me.

My eyes landed on a familiar verse, one I’ve read more times than I can count:

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17

And I just sat with it for a while.

It’s easy to talk about friendship when the road is smooth and the sun’s shining. Laughter’s easier when the bills are paid, the fridge is full, and your back isn’t aching. But real friendship? The kind that’s forged in fire and not just around a firepit—that’s something else entirely.

It’s the kind that shows up when your name disappears from the invite list. When your phone stays quiet for weeks—except for that one voice that still checks in. When everything falls apart and you’ve got nothing left to offer but your brokenness… and someone still chooses to stay.

They’re the friend who’ll show up early on a foggy spring morning to share coffee while you sit and share your heart while seated on your favorite park bench.

I’ve been blessed with a few of those friends in my life. Not many—but a few. And I’m learning that’s enough.

One of the Bible stories that always gets me is Job. His friends are easy to criticize for all the words they got wrong—but before they spoke, they sat. Seven days. No words. Just presence. That part gets me every time. Because sometimes a friend doesn’t need to fix it. They just need to sit down beside you in the ashes.

And then there’s David and Jonathan. Now that’s a friendship that defied the odds. Jonathan didn’t let jealousy take root. He didn’t let politics or pride get in the way. He stood by David when everything in his world said he shouldn’t. That’s loyalty. That’s grace. That’s brotherhood.

But the best friend I’ve ever known—well, that’s Jesus.

He didn’t just say He’d be there—He proved it. He stuck with the disciples when they were slow to learn, quick to doubt, and nowhere to be found when the cross got heavy. And still, He called them friends. He washed their feet. He fed them breakfast after they’d failed Him. That kind of love doesn’t come from this world.

And I think… that’s the kind of friend I want to be.

Not just when it’s easy. Not just when it fits in my schedule. But when it costs something. When it requires me to show up even when I don’t feel like I have anything to give.

So today, I’m asking myself—who’s walked through the fire with me? And maybe even more importantly… who am I willing to walk through the fire with?

Because at the end of the day, true friendship isn’t built on shared hobbies or matching interests. It’s built on presence. Grace. Faithfulness. It’s built on love that sticks—no matter what.

That kind of friendship reflects something holy. It reflects Jesus. And maybe, just maybe, it’s one of the ways we preach the gospel without ever needing to raise our voice.

So here’s to the ones who stayed. And here’s to learning how to stay, too.

Thanks for reading. If this reflection stirred something in you, I invite you to explore more of my writing and books at my Amazon author page and maybe you can leave me an encouraging word in the comments below. I can always use some encouragement. And if you liked what you read, why not click the share button below my name. I’d sure appreciate it.

Grace and peace,
Jimmie

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Trusting the Unshakable in Uncertain Times

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Introduction

We live in uncertain times. The headlines shout about trade wars, shifting tariffs, and political indecision. Stock markets jump like scared rabbits, businesses hold their breath, and hardworking families feel the tremors in their savings and grocery bills. Many point fingers—some at President Trump’s tariff policies, others at global instability—but as believers, we’re called to look higher. To commit our works to the Lord and rest in His sovereign hands.  

Proverbs 16:3 speaks a truth that transcends economic cycles: 

“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3 (KJV) 

In these trying times, that verse isn’t just a spiritual reminder—it’s a lifeline. Let’s unpack it.

Point One – Commit Your Work to the Lord—Even in Chaos

Explanation

The Hebrew word for commit implies rolling something over onto someone else. It’s a picture of transferring the weight. 

The verse doesn’t say, “Plan perfectly,” or “Trust in leaders,” but instead, “Commit thy works unto the LORD.” 

In the middle of chaos, we place our effort, our livelihood, and our future in God’s capable hands.

Illustration 

A small business owner friend I know imports parts from overseas. When the tariffs shifted, so did his costs—almost overnight. 

Panic crept in. 

But instead of slashing jobs or closing shop, he paused, prayed, and asked the Lord to guide every step. He paused, adjusted, innovated, and is taking each day one at a time. He found peace of mind when others are panicing.

“It wasn’t me,” he said. “It was giving it to God.”

Application

We may not own companies, but we each have work—whether it’s caregiving, volunteering, clocking in, or creating. In this unstable economy, lay your plans before the Lord each morning. 

Say, “This is yours, Lord.” Watch how peace replaces panic, and clarity begins to form where confusion once ruled.

Point Two – God Establishes the Thoughts of the Faithful

Explanation

When we commit our work to God, He aligns our thinking. Not in some mystical way, but through steady guidance. 

He gives us discernment, confidence, and a quiet mind—essential tools when the world feels unsteady.

Illustration

Think of the Apostle Paul shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned—and yet, unshaken. Why? Because his mission was committed to the Lord. 

He didn’t rely on favorable conditions; he relied on God’s direction. Despite external upheaval, Paul’s internal compass pointed true north.

Application 

Are you facing job insecurity? Retirement uncertainty? Rising prices? Rather than letting anxiety rule your thoughts, invite God into the center of them. 

Open your Bible. Quiet your heart. 

Ask Him for wisdom on what to do next. When we do, our thoughts become established—not tossed by every headline or financial forecast.

Point Three – God Is Still on the Throne—Not the White House

Explanation 

Tariffs may rise and fall. Presidents may change their minds or change office altogether. But God’s rule is constant. He doesn’t govern with polls or popularity. His sovereignty is not subject to tariffs or treaties.

Illustration  

During the Old Testament era, Israel had many kings—some righteous, some corrupt. Yet God’s purposes prevailed. 

Nations rose and fell, but the faithful who committed their works to the Lord—like Daniel, Nehemiah, and Ruth—thrived, not because of politics, but because of providence.

Application

Don’t hinge your hope on politicians or policy. Be informed, yes. Be wise with your finances and your vote. 

But remember—God doesn’t pace the floors of heaven, wondering how the market will close or what a trade agreement will mean. He invites us to trust, even when we don’t understand.

Conclusion

Proverbs 16:3 is not just a comfort verse—it’s a command and a promise. “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” – Proverbs 16:3

In the swirl of economic confusion, God offers stillness. In the fog of policy and unpredictability, He offers clear direction. 

In a world of shaky foundations, He offers Himself—the Rock that never moves.

Five Takeaways

  1. Roll your daily work onto God’s shoulders. Let Him carry the burden.
  2. Trust God to steady your mind, even when the news unsettles you.
  3. God is sovereign over economies, leaders, and nations—rest in that.
  4. Pray before you plan. Commit before you calculate.
  5. Faithfulness in small things today opens doors to peace tomorrow.

Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jimmie-Kepler/author/B00IBTG83K.

Trusting God When the World Feels Heavy

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Introduction

Some mornings, the world feels like it’s just too much. Turn on the news, and you’re met with more division, rising prices, strained relationships between nations, and new policies that ripple through your pocketbook.

The latest?

Higher tariffs—another load added to an already burdened economy. For the everyday family, the small business owner, the fixed-income retiree—it can feel like carrying bricks uphill in a storm.

In the middle of all this, Jesus speaks:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:28–29 (NIV)

That invitation isn’t just poetic. It’s personal. It’s powerful. And it’s as relevant today as ever.

Let’s take a closer look at what this passage offers us—especially when we’re weary from policies, prices, and pressure.

Point 1 – Come to Me, All Who Are Weary

Explanation

Jesus doesn’t set conditions or qualifications.

He simply says, “Come.” He speaks to all who are tired and weighed down—not just from hard labor, but from life’s uncertainties, emotional fatigue, and yes, even the mental drain of navigating a turbulent economy.

Illustration

Imagine you’re walking through a busy market—prices higher than they were last month, storekeepers apologizing for increases they can’t control. You hear someone mutter, “I don’t know how folks are supposed to make ends meet.”

That’s not just a financial concern. It’s a soul-level weariness. And Jesus sees it.

Application

When the headlines wear you down and you’re tempted to let fear set up camp in your heart, take a breath and go straight to Jesus.

Not to pundits. Not to panic. Just come to Him. In prayer. In stillness.

He is your resting place—not a fix-it man, but the anchor in your storm.

Point 2 – Take My Yoke Upon You and Learn from Me

Explanation

A yoke was a wooden crosspiece fastened over the necks of two animals. It enabled them to pull together in tandem.

But Jesus isn’t offering a burden—He’s offering partnership.

“Learn from me,” He says, inviting us into a life that walks at His pace and under His gentle leadership.

Illustration

Farmers know that a young ox learns best when yoked with a seasoned one. The older ox sets the pace, bears the weight, and shows the younger how to move.

Jesus is that seasoned partner, taking the brunt of what we can’t carry on our own. He doesn’t bark orders. He walks with us.

Application

If tariffs, taxes, or tension have left you angry or anxious, try this: give Jesus your worry, then ask Him what He wants you to learn in this season.

It might be patience. It might be trust. It might be contentment or creative stewardship.

Whatever it is, He teaches with humility, not harshness.

Point 3 – You Will Find Rest for Your Souls

Explanation

The rest Jesus offers isn’t just physical—it’s deep, restorative soul rest.

In a world of breaking news and economic tremors, He gives peace that passes understanding. That’s not just poetic—it’s practical.

Real rest doesn’t mean your situation changes. It means you change in the situation.

Illustration

Years ago, my grandmother would quilt during hard times. Stitch by stitch, she turned scraps into beauty.

While life was tough, her spirit stayed soft. Why?

She had soul rest—quiet trust in God’s provision. She bore burdens with grace because her soul was anchored, not agitated.

Application

Rest in Christ looks like wise financial planning without panic.

It means voting your conscience without villainizing others.

It’s saying, “Lord, I don’t understand this tariff stuff, but I trust You to provide.”

That’s soul-level peace. That’s the Jesus kind of rest.

Conclusion

We’re living in a time when headlines weigh heavy and pocketbooks feel lighter.

The temptation is to strive harder, shout louder, or worry longer.

But Jesus calls us to something better. He calls us to Himself.

Higher tariffs may shake the economy, but they don’t shake the throne of God.

Presidents come and go. Policies shift. Markets rise and fall. But the invitation remains:

Come to Me.
Take My yoke.
Find rest for your soul.

Rest isn’t found in perfect conditions. It’s found in perfect communion with the One who holds us when life feels out of control.

Key Takeaways

  1. Jesus invites the weary, not the worthy. You don’t have to have it all together to come to Him—you just have to come.
  2. A yoke with Jesus is a relationship, not a restriction. He walks with you, not over you.
  3. Soul rest doesn’t mean life gets easier—it means you get stronger in Him.
  4. God is still sovereign—even when the economy isn’t. No tariff surprises Him. He is still our provider.
  5. Peace begins when we stop carrying burdens alone and start walking with Jesus.

Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jimmie-Kepler/author/B00IBTG83K.

Hospitality Without Grudging: A Heartwide Invitation

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Introduction

Some verses don’t need much explanation—just a little reflection.
1 Peter 4:9 is one of them: “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”

“Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” – 1 Peter 4:9 (KJV)

Simple? Yes.
Easy? Not always.

Hospitality is more than opening our homes—it’s opening our hearts. And doing it not out of guilt or obligation, but with genuine joy.

In a world that often rushes past relationship, this verse invites us to slow down, offer kindness, and let people in.

Let’s look at what this kind of gracious living really looks like—through explanation, illustration, and application.

Point 1 – Hospitality Is a Spiritual Practice

🧠 Explanation

Hospitality isn’t just southern charm or polite manners. It’s deeply biblical. 

The early church grew not in cathedrals, but in homes—over bread, prayer, and community. 

Hospitality is part of our Christian DNA.

📖 Illustration

I once visited a friend’s home where nothing was Pinterest-perfect—dishes in the sink, dog hair on the rug, kids running wild. 

But there was laughter, coffee, and a place for me at the table. That day, I felt more seen and welcomed than at any formal dinner.

🛠️ Application

Don’t wait until your house (or life) is spotless. Invite someone in—maybe for a sandwich, maybe just for a story.

You’re not offering perfection. You’re offering presence.

Point 2 – Hospitality Requires a Grudge-Free Heart

🧠 Explanation

The second half of the verse—“without grudging”—is where the challenge lies. It’s easy to offer a smile but harbor a sigh. 

But grudging hospitality defeats its own purpose. Love can’t be faked.

📖 Illustration

Years ago, I agreed to host a Bible study. But when people lingered long past the end, I caught myself watching the clock and thinking about the dishes. 

My body was present—but my heart wasn’t. And they probably felt it.

🛠️ Application

Check your motives. 

Are you opening your home and heart out of joy or obligation? 

Ask God to help you serve with gladness, not grumbling.

Point 3 – Hospitality Is for Everyone—Not Just Martha Stewart

🧠 Explanation

Sometimes we think hospitality is a spiritual gift reserved for others—the cooks, the decorators, the extroverts. 

But Peter doesn’t say some should show hospitality. He says use hospitality one to another. That means all of us.

📖 Illustration

A widower in my church used to keep two extra lawn chairs on his front porch. He called them “God’s chairs.” 

Neighbors knew they could stop by and sit a while. That porch saw more ministry than some pulpits.

🛠️ Application

Hospitality can be as simple as texting a friend to come over, bringing a meal to someone who’s hurting, or just making space in your day for someone else’s story. 

Start where you are, with what you have.

Conclusion

Hospitality without grudging isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how and why you do it. 

It’s creating a space where people feel wanted, not just welcomed. 

When we open our hearts without complaint, we reflect the open-hearted love of Christ Himself.

You don’t need a bigger house or better china—just a willing spirit and a bit of courage.

Key Takeaways

  1. Hospitality is a spiritual discipline, not a social nicety.
  2. A grudge-free heart turns routine hosting into sacred connection.
  3. You don’t have to be fancy—just faithful.
  4. Make room for people in your life, not just your schedule.
  5. Every act of welcome reflects Christ’s love.

Did you enjoy this article?

You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jimmie-Kepler/author/B00IBTG83K.

Be the Example

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Be the Example — Living 1 Timothy 4:12 at Any Age

Introduction

There’s something timeless about the apostle Paul’s words to young Timothy. It’s easy to read “Let no man despise thy youth” and think it only applies to teenagers or those just starting out in life.

But truth is, no matter our age, the call to be an example of the believers still rings true.

Paul wasn’t just talking about reputation—he was talking about responsibility. He encouraged Timothy to lead, to live above reproach, and to shine as a model for others in every area of life.

And that call? It’s for you and me, too.

Let’s explore this verse together and see how we can apply it, not only in our youth, but throughout every season of life.

Point 1 – Be an Example in Word: Let Your Speech Build, Not Break

Explanation

Paul’s first charge is to be an example in word.

Our words carry weight. Whether spoken from a pulpit, across a coffee table, or sent in a late-night text, they reveal our heart and shape the world around us.

Illustration

I remember a time when a few kind words from a friend during a rough patch were more powerful than a sermon. He didn’t preach—he simply reminded me who I was in Christ. His words offered peace when my world was stormy.

We all have the same opportunity every day—to either speak life or tear down.

Application

Ask yourself, “Would I want someone I mentor to talk the way I talk?”

Speak with truth and grace. Let your words reflect Jesus—kind, patient, and seasoned with salt.

Texts, social media, small talk—all of it matters.

Point 2 – Be an Example in Spirit and Faith: Let Your Life Reflect Trust in God

Explanation

Spirit and faith go hand in hand.

Paul is urging Timothy to live with a passionate heart and a trusting soul—overflowing with the Holy Spirit and grounded in unwavering belief.

Illustration

Think of Daniel in the Old Testament. Young, exiled, and under pressure to conform—yet his spirit remained excellent, and his faith never wavered.

He didn’t just talk about trust; he lived it, even when it meant lions instead of luxury.

Application

You don’t have to be a Bible scholar to radiate faith.

Whether you’re waiting on a job, healing, or answers to prayer—how you wait is a testimony.

Stay encouraged.

Trust the process.

Your steady faith in uncertain times just might be the encouragement someone else needs.

Point 3 – Be an Example in Charity and Purity: Let Your Love Be Real and Your Life Be Clean

Explanation

Charity here means love in action—a selfless, Christ-centered love that puts others first.

Purity isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about having a clean heart and clear motives.

Illustration

When I was young, a mentor once told me, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” That stuck.

Later, I saw it lived out in the life of my late wife, Benita. She loved others with no strings attached, served faithfully, and lived a life that matched her faith—no spotlight needed. She was still sends cards with notes of encouragement from her deathbed when under hospice care.

Application

In a world that confuses love with likes and purity with perfection, we are called to something deeper.

Serve with no agenda.

Love with open hands.

Keep your heart aligned with God’s Word.

People are watching—not for perfection, but for authenticity.

Conclusion

Paul’s message to Timothy is a call to all of us—young, old, or somewhere in between.

We are not too young to lead, and we are never too old to be an example.

In our words, our spirit, our love, our faith, and our purity—we reflect the One we follow.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.

Live the kind of life that makes others want to know Jesus more.

Key Takeaways

  1. Your words matter—speak life, encouragement, and truth daily.
  2. Let your spirit be stirred and your faith be strong—especially when things are uncertain.
  3. Love like Jesus—pure, generous, and without expectation.
  4. Your life is your witness—someone’s watching how you live out your faith.
  5. You don’t age out of being an example—you grow into it.

Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jimmie-Kepler/author/B00IBTG83K.