Money Is a Worship Issue


1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

Money isn’t the enemy.
But when it becomes the object of your trust, affection, or identity—it’s no longer a tool. It’s a false god. And it will fail you every single time.

We love to quote 1 Timothy 6:10, but notice what it actually says:
“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
Money itself is neutral—it’s a tool. But the moment we start loving it, serving it, or letting it define us, we’ve crossed a line. We’ve moved from stewardship to idolatry.

That’s exactly what happened in the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:2–5).
Both brothers brought an offering to the Lord—but only one was accepted. Why?
Because Abel brought his first and best, while Cain gave from his leftovers.
The difference wasn’t just in what they gave—it was in the heart behind it.

Abel gave in faith. Cain gave in obligation.
And to this day, God still blesses faith over leftovers.

Proverbs 3:9–10 says:
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
In other words—God doesn’t bless your tips. He blesses your trust.

I had to wrestle with that myself. There was a time when giving to God felt like one more bill. I gave what was convenient, not what was consecrated. But I started to realize—money reveals what you really worship.
Jesus said it best in Matthew 6:21:
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

If I spend everything on me and give God the scraps, I’m not honoring Him—I’m just managing guilt. But when I choose to give to God first, I’m declaring, “You’re my Provider. My source. My security.”
That’s worship.

And here’s the paradox: the more I’ve released my grip on money, the more peace I’ve gained around it.
Because money makes a terrible god—but it makes a powerful servant.

The world says “get rich.”
Jesus says “be rich in good works” (1 Timothy 6:17–19).
The world says “hold on tight.”
Jesus says “freely you’ve received—freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

To truly win with money, you have to settle the heart issue first.
God doesn’t need your money—but He wants your heart.
And when your heart is surrendered, generosity becomes a joy—not a burden.

So here’s the question we all have to answer:
Do I own my money, or does my money own me?

Give God your first.
Steward the rest with wisdom.
And trust that when God is first—everything else finds its proper place.

A Father’s Day Dadvotional: Standing Strong in Love

I’m about halfway through writing a series about here on Dadvotionals—a journey I expect will span 8 or 9 posts when all is said and done. I am not 100% sure where its leading me – but I am just going with it. If you’ve missed it here they are:

You Were Made to Produce

Present Your Gift

Honesty is a Big Deal

Blessing is Attached to Diligence

But I felt compelled to hit pause and insert a special word for Father’s Day. This day means a lot to us here. It’s more than a card, a tie, or a backyard grill session. It’s a holy reminder of the weight and wonder of fatherhood.

I think about my sons today—about how fiercely I love them and how deeply I desire to be the kind of man they can look up to. I want to show them what it means to love sacrificially, laugh wholeheartedly, and work diligently. Those were lessons my dad taught me well before he went home to be with the Lord.

He didn’t need a platform or a pulpit. He taught with his life. My dad would admit that he was far from perfect, but he taught me so much, by his actions and his words. In his last few days, we had some wonderful and life changing conversations. And today, I know he’s looking down, proud of the man I’ve become and the men I am raising.

I also think of my father-in-law. A man who has walked through his own valleys and come out standing. His love is quiet but steadfast. His story is one of grace and redemption—reminding me that the best fathers are not the perfect ones, but the ones who let Christ perfect them over time. I’m grateful for the example he sets in humility, forgiveness, and renewed strength. He has taught me to do the next right thing, one step at a time, with love and compassion.

As fathers, we carry a high calling. The Bible reminds us:

“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” – Psalm 103:13

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13–14

That last one gets me. Be strong… but let everything be done in love. This world teaches us that strength is dominance, independence, even emotional distance. But the Gospel redefines fatherhood: it’s about love, presence, and godly conviction. This verse reminds me to forget what the world says about being a man, do it God’s way.

So today, I want to encourage every father, every grandfather, every spiritual dad reading this:

Stand strong in love. Be the man who doesn’t conform to the ways of this world. Be the man your children know will pray for them, fight for them, and lead them in truth. Be the father your Heavenly Father is calling you to be.

We don’t always get it right—but praise God, He’s still working on us. And that’s something to celebrate this Father’s Day.

Happy Father’s Day, men. Keep standing. Keep loving. Keep leading. In other words, keep acting like men.

Blessing Is Attached to Diligence

Proverbs 10:4 – “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

One of the biggest lies we’re sold today is that success is about luck.
Right place, right time. Right connection. Right break.

But when I look at the people I admire most—those who’ve built something lasting, those who live with purpose and peace—it’s not luck that got them there.
It’s diligence.
It’s faithfulness in the small things, long before anyone was watching.

I’ve learned that God isn’t looking for perfection—He’s looking for persistence. He is looking for obedience.

Early in my career, I kept praying for breakthrough. For doors to open. For opportunities to come. And God, in His grace, began to open those doors—but not before teaching me a key lesson: He won’t multiply what you won’t commit to.

Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
There’s a pattern here: steady effort leads to steady blessing.

I’ve seen this play out on the hard days—when showing up early, staying a little later, solving the problem no one wanted to touch, or delivering excellence even when no one noticed became an act of worship.
Diligence isn’t glamorous. It’s not loud. But it’s powerful.

And let me be clear on this: you can’t earn your salvation.
We are saved by grace through faith, not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8–9).

But diligence isn’t about earning God’s love—it’s about living in response to it.
It’s obedience.
It’s stewardship.
It’s saying, “God, I’m going to give my best—not to get saved, but because I am saved.”

Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
That verse reframed everything for me. It reminded me that I don’t work just for a paycheck or a promotion—I work for God. And He sees every faithful hour, every small win, every time I choose excellence over ease.

We love to pray for favor. But sometimes, I think God is looking at us and saying,
“You’re asking Me to bless what you haven’t built yet.”
Faith is not the opposite of hard work. It fuels it. It gives it meaning.

So if you’re in a season where the grind feels long and the reward feels far off—don’t quit.
Keep showing up. Keep being the one who finishes what they start.
Keep being the problem-solver, the table-setter, the go-the-extra-mile kind of person.

Because in God’s economy, diligence is never wasted.
And the hands that stay faithful?
Those are the ones He fills.

Honesty Is a Big Deal

Ephesians 4:28 – “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”

I’ve worked in environments where cutting corners wasn’t just accepted—it was expected. I’ve seen leaders fudge numbers, coworkers stretch the truth, and deals made in ways that left integrity in the dust. And here’s the thing: on the surface, it often looked like those people were winning.

But over time, you start to see the cracks.
Trust erodes. Reputations weaken. And what once looked like success reveals itself as something much more fragile.

That’s why I’ve made a choice: I won’t conform to the culture of compromise.
Romans 12:2 says it plainly: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That includes how we work. That includes how we lead. That includes the choices we make when no one’s watching.

Honesty still matters. Not just because it’s the “right thing”—but because it reflects the God we serve.
Proverbs 10:9 says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
In other words, the truth may cost you something up front—but dishonesty costs you far more in the long run.

What I’ve come to believe is this: Character compounds.
Over time, consistent integrity builds something money can’t buy—trust, respect, and legacy. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t always feel fast, but it’s firm. And God honors it.

I think about Joseph in Genesis 39. He had every excuse to compromise when Potiphar’s wife came calling. No one was around. He had been treated unfairly. But he didn’t make excuses—he made a stand. And God used that integrity to position him for leadership.

We live in a world where “fast money” and instant results are glorified. But Proverbs 13:11 says, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”

So here’s my encouragement to you:
Keep your hands clean.
Tell the truth, even when it’s inconvenient.
Own your mistakes.
Lead with integrity.

You might not make headlines, but you’ll make a difference.
And the fruit of honest work? It’s peace. It’s purpose. It’s knowing you laid your head down each night without a mask, without a cover-up, and without regret.

So keep walking the honest road. It may be narrow, but it leads to freedom.

Present Your Gift


Proverbs 18:16 – “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.”

For years, I felt like I was chasing a job title more than I was chasing purpose. I looked at what everyone else was doing and thought, “Maybe I should be doing that too.” But that pursuit led to frustration and fatigue. I was trying to squeeze into shoes that didn’t fit—ignoring the ones God had already set at my feet. I then went through a career change and wanted nothing to do with being a leader. For years I hid from a role that was chasing me, one similar to the one I left. I could not understand how my career and my field of expertise had anything to do with building God’s Kingdom – or why it had any divine purpose at all.

The turning point came during a season where I started saying yes to small opportunities that aligned with what I was good at—even if they didn’t seem impressive on the outside. I stopped trying to be someone else and started leaning into who God actually made me to be.

That’s when things started to shift.

I realized that your gift is your edge. It’s the unique way God wired you to impact the world. And Proverbs 18:16 is clear: your gift makes room for you. It opens doors that hustle can’t. It brings you before the right people, in the right places, at the right time. But here’s the catch—it only works if you use it.

A lot of people sit around waiting for clarity—waiting for a “sign” before they move. But in my experience, clarity follows motion. God directs the man who’s moving, not the one making excuses. Like a GPS, God doesn’t steer a parked car. He guides you as you go.

I had to stop overthinking it and start using my gifts where I was – instead of looking for a place that my gifts were needed. I said yes to leading a small project. Then another. I was put in charge of a team, and then another. I led, served, built—sometimes clumsily, but always prayerfully. Little by little, I found my lane. It didn’t feel like striving. It felt like breathing.

Let me say this as clearly as I can: You don’t have to beg to be used by God. You just have to bring what’s already in your hand.

Whether it’s a talent for fixing things, encouraging others, organizing chaos, or teaching truth—your gift matters. Don’t wait for someone to crown you. Start using it now. Serve where you are. Grow it. Steward it. Sharpen it. God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called.

The world doesn’t need more carbon copies. It needs you, fully alive in the lane God designed for you.

So ask yourself today:
What do I do effortlessly that helps others?
What stirs my heart and makes time fly?
Where do I see results when I show up with passion?

That might just be your gift talking.
If it aligns with scripture and if you’ll use it, God will multiply it.

So stop waiting. Start building. Present your Gift to the world, as God intended.

You Were Made to Produce

Genesis 2:15 – “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”

I used to think work was a curse. Like many, I bought into the idea that work is what you have to do so you can eventually afford what you want to do. But somewhere along the way—between a soul-deep burnout and a humbling moment in prayer—I realized something that changed everything: God gave Adam a job before He gave him a wife.

Before there was sin, there was work. That means work isn’t a punishment—it’s a purpose.

That truth hit me hard in a season when I felt aimless. I had a decent job and a decent paycheck, but inside, I felt like I was just clocking in and clocking out. No spark. No drive. I had lost sight of what I was made for. But when I opened Genesis and saw that God placed Adam in the garden to work it and keep it, it reframed everything.

Work isn’t just about making money—it’s about making meaning. God designed us to build, solve, lead, and create. That doesn’t mean everyone’s supposed to be an entrepreneur or a CEO. It means that whether you’re swinging a hammer, typing code, raising kids, or teaching third graders, your work can reflect the character of a God who is always creating, always cultivating.

I used to feel guilty for wanting to succeed. I thought that maybe ambition was at odds with humility. But then I realized—it’s not ambition that’s wrong. It’s selfish ambition. There’s a difference. God honors the man who wakes up early, works with his hands, and sees his job as a form of worship.

I’ve started to ask a different question in the mornings—not, “What do I have to do today?” but, “What do I get to build today?”

Some days it’s small—organizing a meeting that actually helps instead of wasting time. Other days it’s bigger—leading a team through a tough season. But every day, I’m learning to see my work not as something separate from my faith, but as a part of it.

So here’s the reminder I needed—and maybe you do too:

You were made to produce.

You weren’t made for apathy. You weren’t made to coast. God placed something inside you that the world needs.

Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Don’t wait until everything makes sense. Just start. Work the garden God gave you. Get your hands in the dirt.

Because the God who put Adam in Eden still calls men to build today.

And He blesses what you put your hands to.

Leading with Faith

Finding Purpose in the Corporate World

For years, I have wrestled with a lingering question: How does my career in property tax software implementation contribute to God’s kingdom? I have written about this a few times as it is a constant struggle for me to try to reconcile. At first glance, my work seems far removed from traditional ministry. Unlike pastors, missionaries, or those working in faith-based organizations, my role revolves around data, technology, and helping governments manage property taxation. Where does God fit into that?

Whenever I think about this, Proverbs 16:9 comes to mind: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” I may not have set out to work in tax software, but God has placed me here for a reason. And through much prayer and reflection, I’ve come to realize that my calling isn’t necessarily about what I do but how I do it.

Called to Lead, Called to Serve

Over time, I’ve seen that my role isn’t just about implementing software—it’s about leading people. Leadership, when approached through the lens of faith, is an opportunity to serve, uplift, and guide others with integrity. Jesus himself modeled servant leadership, reminding us in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

This realization transformed how I view my work. I am not just a manager or director; I am a shepherd to my team. My leadership is my ministry. Every decision I make, every challenge I navigate, and every person I mentor is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love and character. Whether it’s advocating for fairness in a profit-driven business, supporting a struggling team member, or demonstrating patience in a tense situation, I am called to lead in a way that honors God.

Faith in the Workplace: A Silent Mission Field

One of the hardest aspects of being a Christian in the corporate world is that faith has become almost taboo. Open discussions about God are rare, and expressing Christian values can sometimes feel like swimming against the tide of company culture. Yet, I am reminded of Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

I may not be able to preach openly in my office, but I can still be a witness. My integrity, my work ethic, my compassion, and my commitment to truth all speak louder than words. Colossians 3:23 encourages us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” This verse reminds me that my ultimate employer is not the company I work for—it’s God. If I work with excellence and honesty, not for personal gain but to honor Him, then my career becomes an act of worship.

Navigating the Bottom-Line Mentality with Christian Values

One of the greatest challenges I face is balancing my Christian values with a business culture that often prioritizes profit above all else. The temptation to cut ethical corners or to value efficiency over people is real. But Scripture reminds me to hold fast to righteousness. Proverbs 11:1 states, “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.”

I have made it my mission to be a leader who values people over profit, ethics over expedience, and faith over fear. This doesn’t always mean making the easiest choices, but it does mean making the right ones. And when I face resistance or discouragement, I remind myself that my work has a higher purpose—to reflect Christ in the way I lead and serve.

Purpose Beyond Profit

While I may never see my job listed as “kingdom work” in a traditional sense, I now recognize that God has placed me here for a reason. My career isn’t just about software implementation—it’s about influencing people for the better. It’s about demonstrating Christ’s love through leadership. It’s about being a light in an industry where faith is often pushed to the margins.

If you, too, have ever questioned how your work contributes to God’s kingdom, remember that no job is too secular for His purpose. Whatever your role, He can use you. And perhaps, like me, you’ll come to see that leadership itself is a ministry—one that allows us to serve others, stand firm in our values, and let our light shine in even the most unexpected places.

Finding Answers

Being a Christian is far from easy—but it is simple.

The world often makes faith seem complicated, as if we must decipher some hidden code or figure things out on our own. But God has already given us everything we need to walk this journey. His Word is our guide, our foundation, and our source of wisdom when we have questions.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalms 119:105)

I love this verse because it reminds us that God doesn’t always show us the entire road ahead, but He gives us enough light for the next step. Sometimes, when life feels uncertain—when we don’t know which direction to take, when we’re struggling with decisions, or when we’re weary—His Word shines just enough to help us move forward. We don’t have to see the whole journey, only trust that He will illuminate each step at the right time.

This is something my wife and I often tell our adult sons: When you’re walking in the path that Christ has set for you, each step is presented in the right way at the right time. There have been so many moments in our lives where we didn’t understand what God was doing in the present, but looking back, we see how each step was placed exactly where it needed to be.

Of course, walking in that path requires us to stay rooted in Scripture. The Bible isn’t just a book of encouragement; it’s our training manual for life.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

This means the Bible doesn’t just inspire us—it corrects us, teaches us, and equips us for what God has called us to do. And sometimes, that correction isn’t comfortable. God’s Word cuts deep, getting to the heart of our thoughts and motives.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

It challenges us, convicts us, and transforms us. And yet, the beauty of following Christ is that while the road may be difficult, the direction is clear: Look to His Word. If you’re searching for answers, if you’re facing decisions that seem overwhelming, or if you’re simply trying to live out your faith in a complicated world—open your Bible. Seek Him first, and trust that He will light your path, one step at a time.

Am I Enough?

If I’m being honest, this is a question I wrestle with more often than I’d like to admit: Am I enough?

Am I a good enough leader at work? Do I belong in the rooms I’m invited into, or am I just faking it until someone finds me out? Am I a good enough husband—loving my wife the way she deserves? Am I a good enough father—raising my kids to be godly men and women in a world that fights against it at every turn?

No matter how hard I try, there’s always something telling me I fall short. And the truth is… that voice is right.

I am not enough.

Not on my own. Not by my own strength, wisdom, or ability. But here’s the good news: I don’t have to be.

This isn’t just a personal struggle. It’s something every man faces at some point in his life. We try to prove ourselves, to push through, to fix things on our own. But deep down, we know the truth: we can’t.

The Bible makes it clear:

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23

“apart from Me, you can do nothing.” — John 15:5

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

We weren’t made to be enough on our own. We were made to be dependent—fully reliant on the Spirit of God, who fills the gaps we can never fill ourselves.

It’s only through Jesus—through His sacrifice on the cross, through His Spirit living in us—that we are made whole. Our job isn’t to strive harder to prove our worth. Our job is to surrender. To lay down the burden of “being enough” and let God’s power work through us.

Because of Christ, I can step into that meeting knowing that my worth isn’t tied to my performance or my background.
Because of Christ, I can love my wife selflessly, even when I feel like I’ve failed.
Because of Christ, I have raised my kids in faith, knowing that He will guide them in ways I never could.

The pressure is off.

I don’t have to be enough—because He is.

It’s Been a Minute

It has been almost three years since I have posted to this site. Three renewals that I could have easily canceled and saved some money. But something was telling me to hang on to it. And every so often I will get a notification that someone liked an old post or viewed the site multiple times. Each notification serving as a reminder that these words are not mine, and are not for just my purposes.

I have said before that I write almost everyday – but only publish what I write when I feel called to do so. I don’t always know why, and I rarely feel like my writings are good enough to publish. But that’s how this all began for me; as an act of obedience and complete surrender to His will.

It is hard to believe that this started five years ago and pretty early in my Christian walk. Life has changed quite a bit since then. My boys are far from boys, independent young men, the oldest is married and working his dream job. My youngest is pursuing his dream job and navigating his spiritual walk faithfully. I could not be more proud of them both. I am 100% certain that they will both impact the world in a positive way, and bring glory to God at a much larger scale than I am able to, in whatever they do.

My sons understand- at a much younger age than I did- that an obedient relationship with and full surrender to God is key to a fulfilling walk through this life. This morning I was reminded about this as I read a devotional that happened to include three of my favorite passages from the Bible.

“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

– Jeremiah 29:11-13

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

-Proverbs 3:5-6

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who give generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

-James 1:5