Daily Inspirations by Rev. Dr. Precious prothro

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99% Won’t Do

Yesterday, we celebrated students who have had 90% or more attendance this year. Why not 100%? Because we have to motivate them somehow—and school attendance is a pervasive issue.

Some students walked up to the table nervous that their names might not be on the list. Others knew they wouldn’t see theirs but still came to check. It was so cool to watch the excitement over something as simple as ice cream. We hope it motivates them to come more often.

Then I thought about us—and how we must strive for 100% for the Lord. He already knows we’ll never hit perfection because “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Yet, each day when we go before Him, we must:
• Acknowledge our shortcomings (He already knows them),
• Thank Him for the chance to try again,
• Stay diligent about meeting the mark, and
• Give ourselves grace—understanding we’re not called to be perfect, only pure.

So what’s your “ice cream”? What motivates you to keep pressing toward “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14)?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for allowing us to keep trying. Help us not to grow weary in striving toward Your purpose. Remind us that perfection isn’t the goal—purity, progress, and persistence are. Strengthen our hearts to give You our all, every single day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Debt Has Been Paid

Yesterday, I was blessed to be the Communion minister. I encouraged the congregation to reflect on how amazing it is to be covered—completely.

I used an example about going out to eat with family and friends. When I go with my parents and very often my siblings, I don’t have to worry about the bill. But with anyone else, I have to prepare to pay my part. That’s just life—everything seems to come with a cost.

When it comes to salvation, there’s no splitting the bill. No “I’ll cover this much” or “You handle your part.” Jesus paid it all. Not part of it, not most of it—all of it.

We can’t repay Him with money or deeds. What we can do is live gratefully, walk humbly, and keep our hearts turned toward the One who said, “It’s already taken care of.”

Colossians 2:14 (ESV) reminds us: “By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”

Every time we take the bread and the cup, we’re remembering that truth. Every day when we are awakened to a new mercy and compassion, a new day of forgiveness and grace, we must remember that the debt has been canceled, and grace picked up the tab. 

Prayer: Lord, thank You for covering every cost. Thank You for covering the bill of sin that we could never repay. Help us never to take Your grace for granted. Let our lives be a daily “thank You” for the debt You paid in full. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You don’t have to feel qualified to be called—just be obedient.

Today’s Sunday school lesson is so good. It comes from Jeremiah 1:6-10 & 26:8-9, 12-15.

Jeremiah was called by God to prophesy, yet he didn’t feel equipped for the task at hand. He referred to himself as a child, and the people didn’t respect the words he spoke. In fact, they threatened his life after he delivered God’s message.

Still, Jeremiah stood boldly. He told them he had done what God commanded, and they could do whatever they pleased with him. He was at peace because he knew that obedience to God was far more important than approval from man.

Psalm 118:6 & 8 reminds us, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? … It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”

Whatever the Lord instructs us to do, we must do it — even when people don’t understand, even when they laugh, even when they say we’re not qualified. God told Jeremiah, “Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.”

So today, remember this — the same God who called you will also cover you. So, do it anyway!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for calling us even when we feel unqualified. Strengthen our courage to obey You fully, without fear of faces or opinions. Help us to remember that when You are for us, no one can stand against us. In Jesus’ name, amen.