Seven I AM Statements of Jesus
Scripture References Exodus 3:13-14 John 8:58-59 John 6:35 John 6:47-51 Matthew 6:33 Introduction New spring series: the seven “I AM” statements in John, running through Easter. Leader: Caleb. Ice-breaker: each man completed “I am ___” (e.g., “cool dude,” “loved,” “so grateful,” “duck-hunter,” etc.). Purpose: last summer’s seven signs revealed Jesus’ divinity; the seven “I AMs” show how that divinity meets human need. Key Points / Exposition 1. Cultural Longing Quotes and songs that capture restless desire: “To thine own self be true” (Hamlet), “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” (Rolling Stones), “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” (U2), “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (Green Day), Coldplay’s “The Scientist.” Observation: society keeps admitting, “I’m not content.” 2. Humanity’s Contingency Every personal “I am” statement is dependent on something outside ourselves (success, ducks, candy, etc.). Question raised: “Are we contingent beings?” Consensus: yes – ultimately dependent on God. 3. God’s Self-Disclosure (Exodus 3:13-14) Moses asks God’s name; God replies, “I AM WHO I AM.” “I AM” (YHWH) is simultaneously complete and open-ended: God is self-existent, the answer to every “Are you…?” question. 4. Jesus’ Claim (John 8:58-59) Jesus: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” Pharisees attempt to stone Him because He unequivocally claims deity. 5. First “I AM” – Bread of Life (John 6:35, 47-51) “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” Contrast with manna: ancestors ate and died; Christ offers eternal life. Jesus is not offering symbolic motivation but true, self-sustaining nourishment. 6. Testimony (Jason) Years spent chasing money, status, and especially pornography. Hidden sin wrecked marriage; confession led him to Christ, recovery ministry, genuine relationship with God. Illustration: any vice can replace pornography in his story – the need and the remedy are identical. Major Lessons & Revelations “I AM” (YHWH): a deliberate, self-referential, circular expression affirming God’s eternal, self-sufficient being. Jesus as fulfillment: each “I AM” in John answers Israel’s wilderness needs (bread, light, shepherd, etc.). Bread motif: physical bread gives temporary energy; Christ supplies eternal life. Matthew 6:33 connects longing and priority: seeking God first aligns all other needs. “The problem is not that we want too much; the problem is that we settle for too little.” Practical Application Identify “what you’re currently feasting on that leaves you starving.” Action step from John 6:35 – “Whoever comes to me…”: Turn away (repent) from the empty source. Come to Jesus daily in Word, prayer, and dependence. Replace isolation with community: confess to trusted brothers and invite accountability. Seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33); allow God to reorder lesser desires. Group discussion: participants named cultural “indulgences” (food, alcohol, status, possessions, etc.) – most admitted never fully experiencing satisfaction apart from brief glimpses. Practical brainstorm: confession, surrender, repentance, Scripture intake, godly community, accountability groups (e.g., Regen). Conclusion & Call to Response Jesus is the only “I AM” who fully satisfies; every other identity anchor is contingent and will eventually fail. The spring series will trace each “I AM” statement through to Easter, showing how Christ meets every dimension of human need. Prayer Freedom from addictive indulgences (pornography, materialism, etc.). Deeper hunger for Christ as true bread. Courage for honest confession and sustained repentance among group members. References & Resources Seven “I AM” statements series in the Gospel of John Regeneration (Regen) recovery ministry Insights Because Jesus is the timeless I AM, He alone defines life, value and you; no other voice has the authority to tell you who you are, so rest your identity in His name. Every playlist and purchase shouts that we are hungry, yet only Christ whispers satisfaction; the Bread of Life fills the ache consumer culture keeps exposing, leaving hearts nourished instead of endlessly craving. Jesus invites weary strivers to trade circular tail-chasing for communion, promising, ‘Whoever comes to Me will never hunger or thirst again’; approach Him today and discover rest that performance can’t deliver. Confession turns us from empty man-made delicacies to a feast of grace; when we come away from sin and toward Jesus, our starving souls finally taste real life and learn freedom’s flavor. We are fragile, contingent breaths, but He is self-existent, needing nothing; leaning on the One who cannot fail transforms dependence from weakness into worship and lifts us above every shifting circumstance. The tragedy of sin is not wanting too much but settling for crumbs; Christ spreads an eternal table where holy abundance replaces the glazed-croissant crash of worldly pleasure, inviting us to feast deeply.
One-Flesh Living
Scripture References Genesis 2-3 Deuteronomy 24 Malachi 2 Matthew 19:3-9 Ephesians 5:21 1 Corinthians 7:10-16 Revelation 19:6-9 Introduction Marriage Weekend launched with light-hearted giveaways, prayer for couples, and a clear warning that the message would be candid about marital intimacy. Sets stage for new series “Investigating Jesus,” beginning with society’s top question: What did Jesus teach about gender, marriage, divorce, and sexuality? Pastor frames marriage as a primary spiritual battleground – strong families produce generational disciples. Key Points / Exposition 1. Marriage: From Garden to Glory Bible opens with a wedding (Adam & Eve, Genesis 2) and closes with a wedding (Lamb & Church, Revelation 19). Satan appears immediately after the first wedding (Genesis 3), signaling that he targets marriages to thwart godly offspring (Malachi 2). Application: Your spouse is not your enemy; you have a common enemy who wants to turn “husband and wife” into “husband versus wife.” 2. The Authority Question: “Have You Not Read?” Jesus answers Pharisees’ divorce test by appealing to Scripture, not culture (Matthew 19:4). Contrast: God’s plan (Word) blesses; Satan’s plan (world) curses. Modern statistics confirm biblical wisdom: church-attending, Bible-believing couples show far lower adultery and divorce rates and report the most satisfying intimacy. 3. God’s Design for Marriage Creator “made them male and female … a man shall leave … be united … and the two shall become one flesh” (Matthew 19:4-6). Design features: One biological man + one biological woman. Leave parents, cleave to spouse, become one. Covenant, not contract – what God joined, humans must not sever. Practical “oneness” arenas: shared home, bed, last name, bank account, values, mission. 4. Three Easy Ways to Kill Your Marriage Prioritize career (often men) or children (often women) above spouse. Elevate parents or in-laws over spouse – failure to “leave” prevents “cleave.” Live as takers, not servants – marriages become battles (two takers) or abuse (one giver, one taker) instead of blessings (two servants, Ephesians 5:21). 5. Understanding Divorce & Remarriage Jesus’ “exception clause” – sexual immorality may permit (not command) divorce (Matthew 19:9). Paul’s abandonment clause – if an unbelieving spouse deserts, the believer “is not bound” (1 Corinthians 7:15). Abuse: persistent, tangible harm requires immediate safety; separation (and often civil/legal action) is warranted. Remarriage: where God permits divorce, He permits remarriage; otherwise repent, seek forgiveness, honor current covenant. Church posture: hate divorce, love divorced people; offer mercy and restoration. 6. Legacy Matters Max Jukes vs. Jonathan Edwards family trees illustrate how one marriage decision influences generations – brokenness or blessing. Major Lessons & Revelations Scripture, not societal opinion, is the reliable blueprint for flourishing marriages. Oneness is holistic – spiritual, emotional, physical, financial, relational. Servanthood is the oxygen of a thriving marriage; selfishness suffocates it. God’s grace can resurrect dead marriages just as surely as He raised Christ. Your marital choices today shape descendants you may never meet. Practical Application Daily choose Scripture over social media for marital counsel. Schedule a weekly “oneness check-in”: ask “How can I serve you this week? I love you because…”. Re-order priorities: God to Spouse to Children to Vocation/Ministry to Extended Family. If cohabiting or in sexual sin, text “MARRIAGE” to 20411; church will help legalize covenant this week. Attend Next Steps class (text “NEXT” to 20411) to grow as disciples. Seek counseling or safe separation immediately if abuse is present – church will assist with authorities and care. Conclusion & Call to Response Invitation to high faith: sitting under God’s Word sets miracles in motion. Couples urged to repent, forgive, and speak fresh “I’m sorry / I forgive you.” Individuals undecided about Christ challenged to trust, not test, Jesus. Commitment: “We have decided to be one; by God’s grace nothing will separate us.” Prayer “Father, renew minds and marriages; restore what Satan has broken; give open hearts that hear and obey. Make every couple a testimony of Your redeeming power for their lives, lineage, and legacy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” References & Resources Marital-intimacy Q&A podcast (link provided via “MARRIAGE” text). Rooted discipleship groups (testimony of Coleman & Kayleen). Harvard Human Flourishing study; Institute for Family Studies data on divorce & church attendance. Insights Strong families start when a husband and wife cling to Christ and to each other, because the moment they say ‘I do,’ hell trembles at their unity and heaven releases generational blessing. Every marriage faces two blueprints – the world’s shaky opinions or God’s solid Word; when couples choose Scripture as their compass, the Spirit builds a house no storm can collapse. Because Jesus rose, no relationship is beyond resurrection; two sinners can become new creations, forgiving and forgiven, so that a dead marriage walks out of the tomb alive with hope. God’s design is simple: leave, cleave, become one; when spouses prize each other above careers, kids and culture, the unity they guard becomes a living sermon their children cannot ignore. Satan whispers, ‘be normal,’ yet normal is broken; Jesus calls us higher, and when we obey His counter-cultural commands, peace replaces chaos like light flooding a once-dark room. When couples join hands and pray, surrendering their story to the Father, they set a miracle in motion that ripples through grandchildren they have not yet met.
No Acceptable Loss in Jesus Economy
Scripture References Luke 15:1-7 Introduction The leader opened with real-life examples of “acceptable loss”–a 2% inventory shrinkage in his retail business, underperforming investments, parental advice that “goes in one ear and out the other,” errant golf shots, jokes that fall flat, and time that slips away. He asked: Where do you personally allow loss? At what point does a loss stop bothering you? Group members suggested thresholds based on profit margins, emotional investment, or right intentions, but admitted the standards are usually arbitrary. ...
Embracing the Fathers Heart for The One
Scripture References Luke 15 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 Romans 12 Mark 2 Matthew 9 Luke 5 1 Peter 3:15 Introduction The preacher retells Jesus’ parable of the two sons (Luke 15) through a modern father’s voice, spotlighting two radically different children. Purpose: expose both the “rebellious prodigal” and the “rule-keeping elder brother” hearts in all of us, then reveal the welcoming, pursuing heart of the Father. Sermon arises from Jesus’ own context: religious leaders angry that He ate with “tax collectors and notorious sinners,” prompting the three lost-and-found stories of Luke 15. Key Points / Exposition 1. Two Sons, Two Shadows Younger Son: creative, charismatic, impulsive, undisciplined; seeks instant gratification and demands early inheritance (“Dad, hurry up and die”). Represents open rebellion, addiction to desires, chasing “out there.” Older Son: analytical, disciplined, duty-bound; loyal yet rigid, judgmental, entitled, unable to celebrate grace. Represents self-righteousness–“so good he’s bad.” Both hearts are lost in different ways; both break the Father’s heart. 2. The Father’s Love & Freedom Love is meaningless without freedom to choose; the father lets the prodigal go. He waits daily at the gate, ready to run, embrace, and restore. Celebration is instinctive when “lost things get found”; refusal to celebrate exposes a hard heart. 3. You Don’t Have to Hit Rock Bottom Popular myth: “people must crash before looking up.” Preacher counters: repent now; spare yourself deeper wounds and those you love. Returning home is always met with mercy, not probation. 4. The Danger of Elder-Brother Religion Older brother cannot “hear the music”; grace for others feels offensive. Signs: entitlement, comparison, joylessness, forgetting past parties, focusing on merit over mercy. Church leaders in Jesus’ day mirrored this spirit; modern Christians can, too. 5. Captured by the Father’s Heart–Joining the Search God pursues the one sheep, the one coin, the one son; He “infects” the world, not vice-versa. Believers receive the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:17-18). Motto from 1874 life-saving stations: “Although we may not come back, we will always go out.” The church is called to be such a life-saving station, not an exclusive members-only club. 6. Varied Ways to “Go After the One” Intellectual/apologetic (answering questions respectfully). Relational/extroverted (conversations in ordinary places). Testimonial (sharing personal rescue stories; 12-step transparency). Invitational (consistently offering a seat, ride, or link). Intercessory (praying grandparents; daily prodigal list). Servant/behind-the-scenes (fixing the roof, practical kindness–illustrated by “Danny” story). 7. Truth With Gentleness & Respect Tone shapes reception; sarcasm and shouting never win souls. 1 Peter 3:15: always be ready to give reason for hope “with gentleness and respect.” “Love until they ask why”–embody a life so lovely others want to know its source. Major Lessons & Revelations Both blatant rebellion and cold self-righteousness need the same grace. The Father’s love is extravagant, proactive, and unconditional. Celebration of repentance is heaven’s rhythm; refusal to celebrate reveals distance from God’s heart. Every person bears God’s image; no one is beyond rescue. Followers of Jesus inherit His rescue mission–searching, sweeping, standing at gates. Practical Application Self-examination: identify prodigal impulses and elder-brother attitudes; repent. Come home now–don’t wait for rock bottom. Keep a “one list”: name specific people far from God; pray and pursue. Practice “love until they ask why”: consistent kindness, hospitality, and service. Guard your tone: speak truth in everyday conversations with humility and respect. Join/serve in a ministry that functions as a life-saving station–local outreach, trafficking recovery, etc. Celebrate others’ redemption stories; throw figurative (or literal) parties when lost friends come home. Conclusion & Call to Response Invitation to every listener: whichever son you resemble, “come on home and live in the unfailing love of the Father.” Challenge to believers: reject entitlement, embrace the Father’s searching heart, and “always go out” for the one. Prayer “Father, thank You for rescuing prodigals and elder brothers alike. Shape our hearts to mirror Yours–courage to go out, compassion to see people through Jesus’ eyes, and resolve to search even when it costs us. May we love until others ask why, and may many come home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” ...
Two Primaries, One Ballot: How the 2026 Texas Republican and Democratic Races Compare
Disclosure: This analysis was researched and written with the assistance of Claude Code, Anthropic’s AI coding assistant. All candidate information was sourced from public reporting, campaign websites, editorial board interviews, and polling data. The persuasion scoring reflects the author’s editorial judgment applied through an AI-assisted workflow. Voters should verify claims independently before casting a ballot. I just finished scoring every candidate in every contested race on both the Republican and Democratic primary ballots for Dallas County. Same methodology for both: two independent 1–10 scales measuring how much each candidate relies on facts/data versus feelings/emotions. Now that both ballots are done, patterns jump out. The two primaries are operating in different universes — different emotional registers, different power dynamics, different relationships with money. Here’s what I found. ...
Facts vs Feelings: A Data-Driven Guide to the 2026 Texas Democratic Primary
Disclosure: This analysis was researched and written with the assistance of Claude Code, Anthropic’s AI coding assistant. All candidate information was sourced from public reporting, campaign websites, editorial board interviews, and polling data. The persuasion scoring reflects the author’s editorial judgment applied through an AI-assisted workflow. Voters should verify claims independently before casting a ballot. The March 3, 2026 Texas Democratic Primary ballot for Dallas County is enormous — 31 contested races spanning federal, state, and local offices. I went through my sample ballot (Precinct 12), researched every candidate in every contested race, and scored them on how much they rely on facts and data versus feelings and emotions to make their case. Same methodology as the Republican guide: two independent 1–10 scales. A candidate can score high on both, low on both, or anywhere in between. Judicial races tend to cluster low on emotion, which is appropriate — you probably don’t want a judge who campaigns on rage. One important context note: Democrats haven’t won statewide in Texas since 1994. The primary winner in most Dallas County local races is effectively the general election winner, but every statewide nominee faces long odds in November. ...
Facts vs Feelings: A Data-Driven Guide to the 2026 Texas Republican Primary
Disclosure: This analysis was researched and written with the assistance of Claude Code, Anthropic’s AI coding assistant. All candidate information was sourced from public reporting, campaign websites, editorial board interviews, and polling data. The persuasion scoring reflects the author’s editorial judgment applied through an AI-assisted workflow. Voters should verify claims independently before casting a ballot. The March 3, 2026 Texas Republican Primary ballot for Dallas County is packed — 12 contested races with 47 candidates total. I went through my sample ballot (Precinct 166), researched every candidate in every contested race, and scored them on how much they rely on facts and data versus feelings and emotions to make their case. The methodology is simple: two independent 1–10 scales. A candidate can score high on both (a skilled communicator who uses data and stirs emotion) or low on both (a quiet campaign with little public presence). The scores come from reviewing campaign websites, public statements, news coverage, editorial board interviews, and advertising. ...
Stewardship and the Parable of the Minas
Scripture References Luke 19:11-27 Introduction The group listened to the same passage that was preached in Sunday service and revisited it for deeper discussion. Conversation opened with a light-hearted “button” exercise about risk versus guarantee, which served as a bridge into Jesus’ parable on stewardship, trust, and faithfulness while the Kingdom is “delayed but not denied.” Key Points Super Bowl gathering: host’s home opens 3 PM; finger foods encouraged; worship & prayer will replace the NFL halftime show; spouses welcome; host will ask guests to leave when the evening winds down. Future social: crawfish boil planned “in about a month,” weather permitting. Poll: Half the room chose the guaranteed $1 million; half chose the 50/50 chance at $100 million. Reasons centered on risk tolerance, contentment, and potential impact on others. Financial preparation sidebar: examples of wills, insurance, and saving for family. Theological / Exegetical Points Audience context (v. 11): Jesus corrects the belief that the Kingdom would appear immediately; the parable stresses a long-view faithfulness. Characters: Nobleman/King = Christ. Servants = believers entrusted with resources. Subjects who hated him = the world in rebellion. “Put this money to work” (v. 13): a call to active stewardship, not preservation. Reward mismatch: faithful servants receive “cities,” showing God often rewards with larger responsibilities, not merely more of the same resource. Unused gifts removed (v. 26): a principle that dormant talents, time, or treasure are eventually forfeited. Misreading the Master: the fearful servant misjudged the king’s character; misunderstanding God leads to paralysing disobedience. Interaction & Group Responses Risk exercise provoked lively debate; several cited “mathematical advantage,” others cited “contentment” or desire to “give more away.” Stewardship discussion: Participants agreed the parable applies to money, talents, time, spiritual gifts. Testimonies of tithing: one couple shared that consistent giving, even when maths “didn’t math,” led to unexpected provision (e.g., immediate $8 K fence job). Observation: churches gauge leaders’ maturity partly through consistent giving and service. Reflection on fear: the third servant’s excuse mirrored modern reluctance to give or serve; class noted that deeper relationship with God dissolves fear. Quote captured: “A misunderstanding of God produces paralysed disobedience.” Practical Applications Evaluate personal stewardship: if Christ returned today, what “ROI” would you present–financially, relationally, and in spiritual impact? Strengthen relationship with the “Resourcer” (prayer, Word, community) to increase trust and obedience. Tithe faithfully; view it as untethering the heart from money, not a mere financial transaction. Identify dormant gifts or resources and put them to work for Kingdom purposes. Plan for family and legacy (wills, insurance, savings) as part of wise stewardship. Prayer / Intercession Items Group members facing unnamed hurts and needs (mentioned on GroupMe). Courage to invest time, talents, and treasure rather than “wrapping them in a cloth.” Fruitful outreach opportunities stemming from upcoming social gatherings. Next Meeting / Future Arrangements Super Bowl fellowship: tomorrow, 3 PM at host’s home; worship & intercession during halftime. Crawfish boil slated for next month once the lawn greens up; details forthcoming. Insights Jesus has placed resources, time and talents in our hands, inviting us to trade them for eternal gain; faithful stewardship today will echo as cities of influence in His coming Kingdom. Every step of courageous obedience is a wager on God’s character, and He never loses the battles we trust into His hands; our risk becomes the seed of supernatural return. When we assume the Father is harsh we bury our gifts, but knowing His grace unlocks creative, joyful multiplication for His glory, freeing us from the paralysis of fear. The Kingdom may feel delayed, yet Jesus calls us to ‘do business’ until He returns; every prayer, dollar and hour offered now prepares the celebration that lasts forever. Tithing is not God taking from us but God training us; open hands become channels where heaven’s provision can keep flowing, turning shrinking budgets into stories of worship and wonder. Turning off the halftime noise to sing and pray together reminds the heart that one moment in the Spirit’s presence outweighs every spectacle the world can offer.
Stewards, Not Owners: Faithful With God's Resources
Scripture References Luke 19:11-27 Luke 19:44 Hebrews 13:3 John 1:11 Psalm 24:1 Leviticus 27:30 Proverbs 3:9-10 Matthew 6:24 Luke 6:38 Malachi 3:10 Introduction Pastor opens with testimony of gospel impact in Iran–average of ten daily baptisms amid persecution; calls congregation to remember persecuted believers (Heb 13:3). Series context: “Boot Camp–Training for Team Jesus,” nearing final week; today’s focus is money and stewardship. Reads Luke 19:11-27 (parable of the minas) while congregation stands in reverence. Explains prophetic backdrop: Jesus’ approach to Jerusalem, prediction of temple destruction (Luke 19:44) fulfilled in A.D. 70; therefore His future promises–including judgment and reward–are certain. Key Points / Exposition 1. I Am a Steward, Not an Owner Definition: A steward manages another’s property; nothing truly “belongs” to us–everything is on loan from God (Ps 24:1). False mind-sets “What’s mine is mine” = selfishness. “What’s yours is mine” = stealing (or forced redistribution). Disciple’s mind-set: “What’s mine is God’s.” Illustrations Death rate is 100%–possessions will outlast us, ending up at yard/estate sales. Parent-child analogy: kids claim rooms, money, jeans–but parents own the house; likewise, we live in God’s house and use His resources. Practical conviction: homes, incomes, talents, even life itself ultimately belong to God. 2. Stewards Do the Master’s Will Parable contrast: Servant #1–1 mina to 10 minas; commended and given rule over ten cities. Servant #2–1 mina to 5 minas; rewarded proportionally. Servant #3–fearfully hides mina; called “wicked and lazy.” Faithful stewardship centers on giving God the first and best (“firstfruits”)–the biblical tithe (Lev 27:30; Prov 3:9-10). Tithe = 10% and it is the first 10%, not the leftovers. Giving first demonstrates faith; it costs nothing to give the last. “Ten” as a test in Scripture (plagues, commandments, wilderness tests, etc.). Every paycheck tests whom we trust and enthrone. “King of the Hill” analogy: only one can occupy the throne of the heart (Mt 6:24). Where our treasure is, our heart follows. 3. God Gives More to People Who Know What the “More” Is For In the parable, resources flow toward the proven stewards; even the fearful servant’s mina is reassigned. Principle: God does not primarily give according to need, want, or even prayer alone, but according to stewardship capacity. Clarification: This is not the prosperity gospel. We don’t “give to get” luxury; we give to please the Father. Prosperity teaching uses God to love money; biblical stewardship uses money to love God. Scriptural promises of provision for faithful givers (Lk 6:38; Mal 3:10; Prov 3:9-10). Personal testimony: Pastor’s parents tithed while below the poverty line and experienced timely provision–instilling a legacy, “You’ll never be able to afford to tithe until you tithe… when you return the first to God, the rest is blessed.” 90% with God > 100% without God; congregation invited to witness raised hands affirming God’s faithfulness. Major Lessons & Revelations God owns everything; we are temporary managers. Fear of scarcity disables obedience; faith releases multiplication. Stewardship decisions now determine eternal commendation or loss. Generosity trains hearts–and future generations–to walk by faith, not by sight. Movements move: our obedience fuels global gospel advance, even in persecuted places like Iran. Practical Application Audit heart posture: Identify any area where “mine” overrides “God’s.” Budget with God first–automate the tithe before subscriptions or discretionary spending. Teach children early: give from every allowance, gift, or paycheck. Replace fear narratives (“I won’t have enough”) with faith declarations from Scripture. Remember and intercede for persecuted believers; let global mission shape financial priorities. Conclusion & Call to Response Choice before every believer: embrace the role of faithful steward or remain a fearful, “wicked and lazy” servant. Invitation to step into first-fruit giving, trust God’s character, and secure eternal “well done.” Legacy challenge to parents and grandparents: model faith-filled generosity as the greatest inheritance. Prayer Pastor asks the Holy Spirit to displace fear with sonship, empower obedience, and release generational blessing through faith-filled giving: “No spirit but the Holy Spirit–lead us to put You first in all things.” References & Resources Rooted discipleship groups (local church resource) Testimonies of provision shared by pastor and congregation Insights Even under hostile regimes, King Jesus is gathering a harvest in Iran, baptizing souls daily; our prayers link us to their courage as one worldwide body of Christ, proclaiming His unstoppable gospel. The Father owns every breath and dollar we touch; when we recognize ourselves as stewards, generosity becomes worship instead of loss, and our hearts finally rest in His limitless provision. Because God first loved us through Christ’s costly gift, we honor Him with first fruits; faith writes His name on the top line of every budget and trusts Him to bless the remaining ninety percent. Jesus is returning as the just Nobleman, and He will reward faithfulness; every resource in my hand today is a rehearsal for eternity’s accounting, so I invest boldly in His kingdom now. Only one master fits on the throne of a human heart; when Christ reigns, money becomes a servant instead of a tyrant, freeing us to live fearless and eternally minded lives. The Holy Spirit still puts supernatural stretch on natural resources; families that plant seeds of faithful giving will reap testimonies richer than any earthly inheritance, proving that our Father loves to outgive His children.
Using DuckDB in AWS Lambda
This is going to be short but I wanted to get this down because I did this once before and everything worked out great but then when I tried it again with another lambda project, I had a lot of problems getting credentials setup. First of all, DO NOT go hard coding anything in the lambda. Definitely, DO NOT hard code credential key and secret but do not hard code the region either, unless there is a very specific need for this like you’re running the lambda in one region but say accessing an s3 bucket that is setup in another region. ...