Daily Inspirations by Rev. Dr. Precious Prothro

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I don’t subscribe to the thought that God “takes” a loved one just to get our attention. He doesn’t have to do that. The fact is, we all have an appointed time to leave this world (Ecclesiastes 3). I do believe the consequences of our actions often serve as wake-up calls. Sometimes, those consequences are opportunities to try again; other times, they are fatal. Whatever the case, we must stop blaming God for what results from our own choices.

God is in control—I am crazy enough to believe that! However, when we choose to obey man rather than God, when we follow evil rather than righteousness, we can’t be surprised when destruction follows.

The Bible warns us in Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Our way is not always the right way.

So, we must make a choice. Will we continue to straddle the fence, deciding when and how we will serve God? Will we trust man more than we trust our Father?

Joshua made it plain: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

It’s time to choose. Who will you serve?

Have a blessed day!

Ministry—of any kind—is not without struggle.

This morning, I found myself reflecting on the challenges I’ve faced since my ordination in January 2023. My faith, trust, health, temperament, decision-making, finances, and spiritual life have all been tested. I realize—it’s not the title that brought the trials. It’s growth.

We all have a cross to bear. If we desire to grow, we must endure challenges. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 16:24, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Most of the time, we can’t fully explain the weight of our own cross, but we feel it. And if we are followers of Christ—whether in ministry or not—we will experience suffering (II Timothy 3:12).

Here’s the encouragement: The struggle of this moment is temporary. The suffering we endure is nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

Stay the course, my brothers and sisters. Your labor is not in vain.

Have a blessed day in ministry!

I read a lot about self-regulation, especially as I look for ways to help my little ones manage their emotions. Many articles emphasize that one of the best ways to teach this skill is through demonstration. In other words, if I want my children to learn self-regulation, I have to model it myself.

But how do I actually do that? It’s not easy, y’all. Recognizing, acknowledging, and correcting ourselves sounds simple, but it takes real effort and intentionality.

One key to self-regulation is learning to hear the Holy Spirit. The truth is, we can’t control ourselves by sheer willpower alone. We are always under some kind of influence—we just have to decide which one.

When we allow the Spirit of the Lord to lead us, He discerns our thoughts, refines our hearts, and strengthens us to be better (Hebrews 4:12). The Spirit even prays for us and intercedes in ways we can’t fully understand (Romans 8:26-27).

With everything going on in the world, it’s easy for our emotions to be all over the place. So, let’s stay before the Lord, seeking Him for His regulations, as we teach our children and others to do the same.

Lord, please help us learn how to regulate our hearts, minds, and actions through Your Spirit so that we may honor You in all we do.

Have a blessed Sunday!