Devotional Reflection on Matthew 6:12

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I heard the hymn “Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive” by Rosamond Herklots today, and it stirred something deep within me. It reminded me that forgiveness lies at the very heart of our faith.

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He included a bold request: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” Those words are both comforting and challenging. They remind us that while we long for God’s mercy, we are also called to extend that same mercy to others.

Forgiveness, however, is rarely easy.
We carry wounds from hurtful words, broken promises, and painful betrayals. Sometimes the anger or grief we feel seems too heavy to release. Yet, when we hold on to resentment, it begins to hold on to us. Our hearts harden, and our relationship with God suffers.

Jesus made it clear:

“If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
(Matthew 6:14-15)

The hymn captures this truth beautifully. It acknowledges our struggle and pleads for God’s help:

“Cleanse the depths within our souls
and bid resentment cease;
then, bound to all in bonds of love,
our lives will spread Your peace.”

Forgiveness is not pretending the wrong never happened, nor is it excusing sin.
It is releasing the burden of anger and leaving justice in God’s hands. It is choosing to live in freedom rather than bitterness. And just as God forgives us freely, He calls us to pass on that gift of grace.

When we forgive, we experience healing. Relationships may be restored, peace replaces turmoil, and we begin to reflect Christ’s love in a broken world.

Reflection Questions

  1. Is there someone you need to forgive today — or someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness?
  2. How have you experienced God’s forgiveness personally?
  3. What steps can you take to let go of resentment and trust God with the outcome?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
thank You for the mercy You have shown me.
I confess that I often struggle to forgive others.
Cleanse my heart of bitterness and pain,
and help me to extend Your grace freely.
As You have forgiven me,
so let me forgive others,
that Your peace may reign in my life.
Amen.

Finding Joy in Life’s Trials

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Scripture Reading:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
— James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Reflection

Life rarely goes according to our plans. There are seasons of deep joy and peace, but there are also times when our world feels like it’s turned upside down—loneliness, loss, uncertainty, or the weight of responsibility.

James, the brother of Jesus, understood this well. Writing to believers scattered across many nations, he encouraged them to “consider it pure joy” when facing trials. At first, this sounds impossible. Who could ever be joyful about pain or struggle?

But James wasn’t saying we should be happy because of the trial itself. Instead, he invites us to see trials through God’s perspective. Difficult seasons test our faith, but they also strengthen it, just as resistance strengthens a muscle. When we keep trusting God in the middle of hardship, our perseverance grows—and with it, our character and spiritual maturity.

James also reminds us that when we feel confused or overwhelmed, we can ask God for wisdom. He promises to give it generously and without judgment. The key is to trust Him fully, rather than doubting His goodness or being tossed around by fear and uncertainty like waves in the ocean.

Your trial today might feel heavy, but it is not wasted. God can use this very moment to shape you into someone stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. What seems like a setback may actually be a setup for growth and deeper faith.

Life Application

  • Look at trials differently. Instead of asking, “Why me?” ask, “What is God teaching me through this?”
  • Pray for wisdom first. Before making decisions, take a moment to seek God’s guidance.
  • Stand firm in faith. Refuse to let doubt or fear define your response. Trust that God is with you, even when you cannot see the outcome.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being with me in every season of life. When trials come, help me to see them as opportunities to grow and to trust You more deeply. Give me the wisdom I need to face today’s challenges, and strengthen my faith so that I am not shaken by doubt or fear. May my life reflect Your love and bring You glory, even in difficult times.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Thought

Trials will come, but so will growth. When you persevere through challenges with faith and courage, you will discover a deeper joy—one rooted not in your circumstances, but in the unchanging love of God.

The Journey of a Pilgrim

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Scripture:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

When I was in high school, my English and Literature teacher, Mrs. May Ruth Ishee, assigned me to read Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan and give a report to the class. At first, I saw it simply as another school assignment—a book to read, a report to prepare, and a grade to earn. But as I turned the pages and followed the journey of Christian, the main character, I began to see something deeper.

Christian’s journey was a picture of the spiritual life—a path filled with challenges, temptations, and victories. He faced moments of doubt, times of weariness, and battles with forces that sought to turn him away from his goal: the Celestial City. I realized that my own walk with Christ was very much like his. The Slough of Despond reminded me of my own times of discouragement, while Christian’s meeting with Evangelist echoed the mentors and encouragers God placed in my life—people like Mrs. Ishee, who helped guide me in faith and learning.

That book planted seeds in my heart that have grown over the years. It showed me that being a follower of Jesus is a journey, not a sprint. There are mountains to climb, valleys to cross, and burdens to lay down at the foot of the cross.

Looking back, I see that Mrs. Ishee didn’t just assign a book; she gave me a tool for life—a story that continues to remind me that I am, and always will be, a pilgrim on the road home.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Where are you in your spiritual journey right now?
  2. What burdens do you need to lay down at the feet of Jesus today?
  3. Who has been an “Evangelist” or encourager in your walk with Christ?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for teachers, mentors, and friends who guide us along the journey of faith. Help me to walk faithfully with You, even when the road is difficult. May Your Word always light my path and lead me toward Your Celestial City. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Loving God with all we are

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In December of 1964, at just fourteen years old, I preached my very first sermon at Lee’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church near Laurel, Mississippi. The text I chose was Mark 12:30-31:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
There is no commandment greater than these.”

I remember standing in that little country church, nervous and excited, trying my best to share God’s Word. Afterward, my Uncle Cleo, who was married to my Aunt Bess (my dad’s sister), told me I had delivered a good sermon — but if I had slowed down a little, he might have actually understood what I said!

At the time, I didn’t realize how deeply these verses would shape my life. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that this commandment isn’t just about feelings or words. It’s about giving our whole selves to God — our heart, soul, mind, and strength — and letting that love spill over to others.

Loving God with All Your Heart

The heart is where love begins. It’s the seat of our emotions and desires.
To love God with our heart means giving Him our deepest affections and loyalty. It’s not a half-hearted love, but one that says, “Lord, You come first in my life.”

This is where many of us struggle. Our hearts can get divided between God and the things of this world. Loving God with all our heart is a daily choice to make Him our priority — to let His love shape how we feel, what we value, and how we treat others.

Loving God with All Your Soul

The soul represents our very being — the essence of who we are.
To love God with all our soul means surrendering our entire life to Him. It’s saying, “Here I am, Lord. Use me for Your purposes.”

This isn’t just about Sunday morning worship. It’s about living every moment as an act of devotion. Whether we’re at work, at home, or serving in our community, we honor God with our lives. Loving Him with our soul means we are His — completely and forever.

Loving God with All Your Mind

Our thoughts matter. What we think about shapes who we are.
Loving God with our mind means filling it with His truth, His Word, and His wisdom. It means studying Scripture, reflecting on His promises, and rejecting the lies that try to pull us away from Him.

When we love God with our mind, we seek to understand His ways. We let His Word guide our decisions and shape how we see the world. In a world filled with confusion and competing voices, this kind of love brings clarity and peace.

Loving God with All Your Strength

Finally, loving God with our strength is about action.
It’s about using our energy, abilities, and resources to serve Him and others. This love isn’t just felt or thought about — it’s lived out.

Whether we’re helping a neighbor, caring for family, volunteering at church, or standing up for justice, our strength is a gift we give back to God. It’s how love becomes visible and tangible in the world.

The Second Commandment: Loving Others

Jesus didn’t stop at loving God. He added, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
True love for God always flows outward into love for others.

This is often where the real challenge comes. Loving people can be messy, difficult, and sometimes even painful. But when we love God fully, His love gives us the strength to love others — even when it’s hard, even when they don’t love us back.

A Lifelong Journey

As I look back on that December Sunday in 1964, I realize how much I’ve grown — and how much I still have to learn. Loving God with my heart, soul, mind, and strength isn’t something I mastered at fourteen, or even now. It’s a lifelong journey.

Every day, we have new opportunities to love Him more deeply and to love others more fully. And when we do, we find the very purpose of our existence — to be vessels of His love in a world that desperately needs it.

So today, take a moment to ask yourself:

  • Am I loving God with my whole heart?
  • Is my soul surrendered to Him?
  • Are my thoughts filled with His truth?
  • Am I using my strength to serve others?

These are the questions that can shape not only our faith, but also our legacy. Just as that verse shaped my first sermon, may it shape your life — now and always.

The Seeds of Love: Lessons in Relationships and Faith

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When I was a boy growing up on a small farm in Greene County, Mississippi, my father gave me a handful of corn seeds and told me to plant them beneath an old oak tree. I had asked him why we couldn’t grow crops in the cool shade rather than out in the hot sun. Dad just smiled, handed me the seeds, and let me discover the answer for myself.

As you might expect, the corn never grew under that tree. What I didn’t realize then was that my father was planting more than just corn—he was planting a lesson. Over the years, that experience became a powerful image for me: some truths, like seeds, take time to grow and bear fruit.

The First Seed: Four Basic Relationships

After high school, I enrolled at Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, Tennessee (now Welch College). There, Dr. Leroy Forlines taught a course on Biblical Ethics that left a lasting impression on me. He said there are four basic relationships in every human life:

  1. Our relationship with God
  2. Our relationship with others
  3. Our relationship with ourselves
  4. Our relationship with the universe (the world and creation around us)

At the time, I understood these words only on an intellectual level. It wasn’t until years later—and after some failed relationships and painful lessons—that I began to grasp their true meaning.

The Second Seed: Love as the Heart of Faith

Thirty years later, while studying at Memphis Theological Seminary, another professor, Dr. Barry Bryant, built upon the foundation Dr. Forlines had laid. Dr. Bryant challenged us to see the Bible through one central theme: “Love God and love your neighbor.”

He helped me to realize that life is not primarily about rigid rules and laws but about how we live in relationship with others. Loving God fully means loving with every part of who we are—our physical, spiritual, rational, and emotional selves.

Jesus simplified it even further:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)

Dr. Bryant pointed out something that profoundly shifted my understanding: before we can truly love our neighbor, we must also learn to love and value ourselves. Only then can we extend genuine, grace-filled love to others.

The Growth of the Seed

Looking back, I see how these “seeds” of wisdom were planted at different stages of my life. At first, they lay dormant beneath the surface, like that corn beneath the oak tree. It took time, experience, and even hardship for them to take root and grow.

The lesson is simple yet transformative: our faith is lived out through relationships.

  • Our relationship with God is the source of our strength and guidance.
  • Our relationship with ourselves shapes how we see and treat others.
  • Our relationship with others is where our love is tested and expressed.
  • Our relationship with creation reminds us of our responsibility to care for the world around us.

Living Out the Lesson

Today, I strive to live with this understanding: loving God means loving people. It means listening with compassion, forgiving freely, and walking humbly. It means seeing others—not as problems to fix or enemies to defeat—but as fellow travelers on life’s journey.

Just as that corn needed sunlight to grow, our relationships need the light of God’s love. Without it, they wither. With it, they flourish and bear fruit.

So, I ask myself daily: Am I planting seeds of love today? Am I nurturing them so they can grow into something life-giving?

Growing Strong in the Heat of Life

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“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
— James 1:2-3

Growing up on a farm in rural Greene County, Mississippi, I didn’t much like hoeing or picking cotton under the hot, blazing sun. One day, as sweat dripped down my face, I asked my dad why we couldn’t grow crops in the cool shade of the trees around our farm.

Instead of giving me a direct answer, Dad handed me a handful of corn seeds and told me to plant them beneath the old oak tree near our house. He hitched up our mule, Kate—who had a stubborn streak of her own—and plowed up a small patch of ground. Together, we planted the seeds, and I eagerly checked on them every day.

Before long, little green shoots began to poke through the soil. I was thrilled at first, imagining they’d grow tall and strong like the corn out in the open field. But as time went by, I noticed the plants under the tree stayed weak and stunted. They never grew tall or full.

That’s when Dad explained, “Son, life isn’t easy—and neither is growing good crops. Corn needs the heat of the sun to grow strong, just like we need challenges to grow in life.”

I’ve never forgotten that lesson. Just as the corn needed the sun, we need life’s trials to strengthen us. When we go through hardships, God is shaping us, deepening our faith, and preparing us for the work He has called us to do.

The next time you face a difficult season, remember: it may feel uncomfortable, but it’s part of your growth. Just like the corn in the sun, you’ll come out stronger, rooted in faith, and ready to bear fruit for God’s kingdom.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust You in the heat of life’s challenges. When the trials feel overwhelming, remind me that You are using them to strengthen my faith and grow me closer to You. Amen.

From a One-Room Schoolhouse to a Lifetime of Learning: A Tribute to Teachers Who Shaped My Life

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For the first years of my education, I attended Union School in Greene County, Mississippi — a small, rural school where six grades shared one room, and the seventh and eighth grades were together in another. Looking back, it feels almost like a scene from a history book, but for me, it was simply where my love of learning began.

My very first teacher was Mrs. Dorothy Smith, who guided me through primer and first grade. In that one room, we didn’t just learn our own lessons — we listened as Mrs. Smith instructed every class. It was a unique way of learning, one that sparked curiosity and gave us a broader understanding of what lay ahead. Mrs. Smith was loving and caring but also firm when needed. She laid a strong foundation for me, instilling a respect for education and a belief that school was a place of possibility.

As the years went by, other remarkable teachers continued to shape me:

  • Mr. Ingram, my sixth-grade teacher, who encouraged me to keep stretching my mind and exploring new ideas.
  • Coach Bassett, who showed me compassion after my father passed away. He didn’t just offer words of comfort — he gave me purpose by making me the basketball team’s scorekeeper, letting me feel part of something bigger during a difficult time.
  • Mrs. Ann Tucker, whose enthusiasm for teaching was contagious. She inspired us to believe in ourselves and continued to cheer us on long after we left her classroom.
  • Mrs. May Ruth Issue, who challenged me to write and speak with clarity and confidence, skills that have served me throughout my life.
  • Mrs. Saul, who opened the pages of American History in a way that made the past come alive and connected us to the story of our nation.

Each of these teachers, in their own way, shaped who I became — not just as a student, but as a person and citizen. They didn’t just teach lessons from books; they taught lessons about life, perseverance, kindness, and community.

As I reflect on my journey from a small one-room schoolhouse to the wider world, I carry with me deep gratitude for the educators who believed in me, especially in moments when I struggled or felt uncertain.

To every teacher out there: thank you. Thank you for the long hours, the patience, the encouragement, and the love you pour into shaping young lives. You never truly know how far your influence will reach.

My story began in a humble classroom with wooden desks and chalkboards, but it was filled with hope, inspiration, and dreams — gifts given by teachers whose impact lives on in me today.

Porchlights and Fireflies: A Song That Took Me Back Home

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The first nine years of my life were spent on a small farm in rural Greene County, Mississippi. Life was simple, and by today’s standards, some might even say primitive. We didn’t have a telephone or television, and there was no central heat or air conditioning. Our “running water” came from the well in our front yard, and our bathroom was a little outhouse tucked away under the trees.

Mom washed our clothes in a big cast iron pot over an open fire, scrubbing them clean by hand before hanging them on the barbed wire fence to dry in the sun. Our home was small but full of love and laughter. The front room, where my parents slept, also held the fireplace that kept us warm through cold Mississippi winters. There was no couch or sofa — just a few chairs and the warmth of family gathered close.

My sisters, Sue and Hilda, shared a bed in one room, while my brothers, George and Ted, and I shared a double bed in another. The kitchen was the heart of the home, with a wood stove for cooking and a table big enough for all of us to gather around for meals.

When we weren’t in school, we were working in the fields. Our little farm produced cotton, watermelons, sugar cane, and a huge garden that fed us year-round. It was hard work, but it taught me the value of family and perseverance.

Evenings were the sweetest part of the day. In the summertime, we sat on the front porch and talked while the world around us grew quiet. My older brothers and sisters told ghost stories that scared me half to death — and yet, I wouldn’t have traded those nights for anything. When darkness settled in, we chased lightning bugs across the yard or dug for worms to take fishing in the creek that ran nearby.

In the winter, we gathered around the fireplace, visiting and talking while the wood crackled and popped. Life was hard, but it was also filled with moments of warmth and togetherness that shaped who I am today.

Recently, I heard Michael DuBois’ song Porchlights and Fireflies, and it carried me straight back to those days on the farm. The lyrics painted pictures in my mind of long summer evenings, simple living, and the magic of a childhood spent close to nature and family.

Listening to that song, I could almost smell the wood smoke from our fireplace and feel the cool Mississippi night air on my skin. I remembered the sound of the screen door slamming, the laughter of my siblings, and the glow of lightning bugs dancing through the dark.

Times have certainly changed. We have conveniences now that my younger self couldn’t have even imagined — smartphones, streaming TV, air conditioning, and indoor plumbing. But Michael DuBois’ song reminded me that some things never change. The love of family, the bond of shared stories, and the beauty of a summer night under the stars are timeless.

Every time I hear Porchlights and Fireflies, I am reminded of those early years — a boy running barefoot through the grass, free and full of wonder. And for a moment, I am home again.

A Tribute to Michael DuBois

Michael DuBois is a singer-songwriter who channels raw emotion into acoustic-driven, heartfelt country-folk music. His YouTube channel prominently features Porch Lights and Fireflies, alongside other singles like We Were August and Sunset Season YouTube+1.

His song Porch Lights and Fireflies is a recent release (2025), available on platforms like Apple Music as a standalone single Apple Music – Web PlayerSpotify. The YouTube video for the song has gained traction, showcasing DuBois’s storytelling style and earnest vocals YouTube+1

Thank you, Michael, for taking me back to the farm that I wanted to leave but now cherish what i learned and cherished there.

Walking Faithfully in a World of Extremes

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Key Verse

“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”
— Matthew 5:13–14

Reflection

Our world is marked by extremes. Some voices demand rigid conformity, trying to control thought and behavior. Others swing to the opposite side, accepting everything without discernment. As Christians, we are called to a different way—anchored not in ideology, but in Christ.

In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus shows that the true measure of faith is compassion. At the judgment, the question will not be Which side were you on? but Did you feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, care for the sick and imprisoned? Our loyalty is tested by our love.

In Matthew 5:13–14, Jesus reminds us that we are to be salt and light. Salt preserves; light drives back darkness. This means resisting corruption and indifference, choosing instead to live with courage, mercy, and integrity.

And in Matthew 23, Jesus warns against hypocrisy—those who place heavy burdens on others yet neglect justice and mercy. His rebuke reminds us that we must not be silent when power is misused or God’s truth distorted.

The way of Christ is not found in political extremes, but in the narrow path of faithfulness. We live as His witnesses, grounded in love, shining His light, and standing firm in truth.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, keep me from being swept away by the noise of extremes. Anchor me in Your truth, and guide me in Your mercy. Help me to live as salt and light, showing compassion to the least of these, speaking truth with courage, and walking the narrow way of Your Kingdom. Amen.

Understanding God’s Diverse Creation

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I need to confess something that I wrestle with inside myself. I struggle with fully accepting people whose sexuality is different from my own—especially those who are transgender, bisexual, or questioning. These identities are hard for me to understand, and at times I find myself pulling back rather than leaning in. It isn’t anger or hatred, but confusion, uncertainty, and even discomfort.

Yet as I look at my own heart, I see that this is not just about them—it is about me. My struggle shows how limited my love can be when faced with what I do not fully understand. Humanity has always wrestled with differences. We draw circles around what feels safe and familiar, and anything outside those circles can feel threatening. But in truth, those “outside” the circle are still human beings, longing to be seen, heard, and valued—just like me.

When I am honest, I realize that God calls me to more than tolerance. He calls me to see the image of God in every person, even when their life or identity stretches my understanding. My struggle reminds me that love is not easy, but it is necessary. If I wait until I understand everything before I love, I will never love at all.

So I name this weakness in myself—not to excuse it, but to seek God’s grace to grow beyond it. My prayer is that over time, my heart will widen, my fears will lessen, and my respect for others will deepen. Because in the end, difference is not meant to divide us, but to teach us the depth of compassion, patience, and humility.