one day during camp in the war era, a sickly rhys pukes out that night's dinner, aka oscar's cooking.
oscar was the nearest at that time so he rushes to rhy's side and frantically offers some support by rubbing the medic's back, checking his temperature, then bringing him to the nearest medical tent. rhys nearly passes out and clings onto oscar, muttering repeated apologies for ruining his cooking, tears falling down his eyes.
this isn't the first time rhys had to puke out oscar's cooking, but he truly truly felt like he offended the knight for wasting the food that he worked hard to cook for the camp. if they weren't stressed out by the war, rhys wouldn't have spiraled down like this. he had never hated his own illness more than anything.
luckily oscar is far too understanding when he shushes rhys's mumbling, that it was alright, it wasn't his fault, he should it take it easy and rest for now. oscar didn't resent rhys one bit for what happened.
rhys almost wishes that oscar wasn't kind, then maybe he could control his stomach more and waste less of oscar's hard work. nonetheless, he's ever so grateful for his companion's unyielding compassion which he needed more than ever during a time when anyone can die anytime soon.
My car got totaled in January. But that ain’t stopping nothing. I had something to do yesterday and got on the bus. The bus ends up passing by where my beauty supply store and salon suite used to be.
That blew me because what are the odds. I had no idea the bus route was gonna go that way. But I just know my comeback story bout to crazy. In Jesus name 💛
FEBRUARY 7, 2026, SATURDAY
Entry: 8:17am, Fairview QC
VERSE OF THE DAY:
1 TIMOTHY 4:8
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.
STAYING IN SPIRITUAL SHAPE
When Paul wrote 1 Timothy 4:8, he acknowledged something we all probably know at heart - physical health matters.
In Paul's time, athletic training was a sign of discipline and strength. Today, we also recognize how sleep, nutrition, and exercise impact our well-being. Taking care of our bodies is important because they are a gift from God.
But Paul reminds us that while physical training has value, it's not enough on it's own. We need something more-something deeper that sustains us beyond the ups and downs of life. That something is godliness.
Godliness isn't just about avoiding bad habits. It's about shaping our lives around God's presence and purpose. Just as physical training strengthens our bodies, spiritual training - through prayer, Scripture and obedience- strengthens our souls.
When we seek Him first, we discover that godliness doesn't just prepare us for eternity, it also transforms how we live right now. A healthy life-mentally, physically, and spiritually- starts with seeking Him first.
BE ENCOURAGED
Just as physical training strengthens our bodies, spiritual training, -prayer, studying Scripture and walking in daily obedience strengthens our souls.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
When we make a habit of seeking God, we learn that godliness doesn't just prepare us for eternity-it also transforms how we live and love right now.
God, thank You for caring about my hole being-body, mind, and soul. Help me to train not just for physical godliness. Not just for what's temporary, but what will last forever. Shape my thoughts, actions, and purpose to align with Your will. Strengthen me to pursue with truly lasts. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
HEBREWS 1:3
The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.
When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
Spend some time mediating on this verse. How does it shape your view of Jesus?
Give God whatever glory or adoration comes to mind.
MATTHEW 6:7
When you pray, don't babble on and on as the gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.
Take a few moments to honestly talk to God about what's concerning you today
Lord, please help me understand what Your will really is. I don't want to spend my life unsure of who You are or what pleases You. So please strengthen my faith, and draw me closer to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE READING:
LEVITICUES 1-3
MATTHEW 24:1-28
PROCEDURES FOR THE BURNT OFFERING
PROCEDURES FOR THE GRAIN OFFERING
PROCEDURES FOR THE PEACE OFFERING
JESUS SPEAKS ABOUT THE FUTURE
“Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”
“Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, They will deceive many. don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.
PHILIPPIANS 2:1-4, 14-20
HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF CHRIST
Is there any encouragement form belonging to Christ?
Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
SHINE BRIGHTLY FOR CHRIST
Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is evern more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.
INSIGHT
Paul sets the context for his theme of humility early in this letter. Writing while imprisoned, he says, “All of you share in God’s grace with me” (Philippians 1:7). Being equal recipients of His grace ought to have motivated the Philippian church to “value others above [themselves]” (2:3). Key to this is the way they were to live before a watching world. By living blamelessly, they’d be “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation” (v. 15). As they lived lives of humble service to the world, they’d “shine among them like stars in the sky” (v. 15) and be fountains of encouragement.
By: Tim Gustafson
FOUNTAINS OR DRAINS?
Sometimes a bit of wisdom drops in when we least expect it. That happened recently as I was reading an article about American football player Travis Kelce. A frustrated coach once told him, “Everybody you meet in this world is either a fountain or a drain.” You can probably figure out which one Kelce was being!
Perhaps all of us have a bit of both elements in us. But at any given moment, we’re likely behaving one way or the other. And our call to follow Jesus means becoming more fountain, less drain.
I hear a similar idea in Philippians 2, where Paul challenges us to imitate Jesus’ humility and focus on others. Paul contrasts what drains life from others with what fills them up: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (vv. 3-4). A bit later in this chapter, he adds bluntly, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing” (v. 14).
What does it look like to be a drain? Being self-focused and arrogant; complaining and arguing. And being a fountain? Paul says of Timothy, “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare” (v. 20).
Are we being more like a fountain or a drain? That’s a question worth pondering as we seek to bless others.
By: Adam R. Holz
REFLECT AND PRAY:
What can cause you to be more like a drain than a fountain in your relationships? How can you be more of a fountain to others?
Dear Father, please help me to be a fountain of life who pours encouragement and hope into everyone I encounter.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
ALL THE FEELS - LEADING OUR EMOTIONS
STRESSED/OVERWHELMED
If someone asked about your daily schedule, how would you describe it? Are you excited and optimistic about the days, weeks or year ahead? Do you have margin for meaningful conversations with neighbors, co-workers or unexpected family needs?
How about undistracted time with your kids, date night out or enjoying your favorite hobby?
Most adults report they live in a constant state of hurry, stress and feeling pulled in too many directions. Overcommitment fuels the sense of pressure and causes us to go on rushing from one thing to the next, missing the moments that we are meant to savor.
So how can we change this? Well, no one can change your schedule but you. Decide what is most important before God and together with your spouse or family.
Jesus reminds us what it looks like to love our neighbors through the story of the Good Samaritan, (Luke 10:30-37, NIV) but are we too busy to even see the people in our path that need love, help or encouragement?
If this applies to you, take a couple days off work, get in a quiet space and prayerfully assess what needs to shift in your schedule. Write out a list of Spirit led priorities, passions and purpose. Then list the things that discourage, drain or distract you.
Schedule your life based on the things that fuel you instead of letting your schedule continue to overwhelm you.
LUKE 10:30-37
“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.
37The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
JOHN 10:10
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
EPHESIANS 2:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
MATTHEW 6:33
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
EPHESIANS 5:15
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
ECCLESIASTES 4:6
And yet,
“Better to have one handful with quietness
than two handfuls with hard work
and chasing the wind.”
ECCLESIASTES 5:18-19
18Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. 19And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God.
