Daily Inspirations by Rev. Dr. Precious Prothro

---

Honoring Those Who Pour Into Us

Last night, we began the celebration of our beloved Pastor and First Lady—two faithful servants who continue to labor diligently in the gospel. In honoring them, we’re simply following the Word:

Romans 13:7 — “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

We give glory to God for the leaders He’s given us, and we find it no burden—but a joy—to speak to the love and legacy of those who pour into our lives.

Who do you honor?

Do you make it a practice to acknowledge those who serve you with their time, support, wisdom, and prayers? Gratefulness is an art—and a discipline.

In Luke 17, ten lepers cried out to Jesus for healing. He healed them all, yet only one returned to say “Thank You.” How does that happen?

Let’s not be like the nine—so caught up in the gift that we forget the giver. May we never miss a chance to thank those God has assigned to bless, teach, and lead us—and above all, may we always thank God for every good and perfect gift.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the people You’ve placed in our lives who pour into us—through their time, kindness, wisdom, prayers, and presence. Help us to recognize their sacrifices and not take their generosity for granted. Teach us to be thoughtful, intentional, and quick to express our gratitude. May we never be so focused on what we receive that we forget to honor those who give. Amen.

Plan. Prepare. Follow Through.

These three words are my anchor right now.

Plan your day with intention. Prepare your heart, mind, and spirit. Follow through with grace—even when you’re exhausted.

As the school year winds down, everything seems to ramp up. If you’ve ever worked in education, you know—this stretch is no joke. We’re mentally drained, physically tired, and emotionally stretched. And yet, we press on.

Yesterday, I almost let my frustration win—but I caught myself. That’s growth. And today, I have to be even more intentional.

Scripture reminds us: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you…Be sober, be vigilant… resist the devil, and be steadfast in the faith.” (1 Peter 4:12 and 5:8 & 9).

These verses affirm it: we will be tested, but we are not without power.

So today, and in the days to come—plan, prepare, and follow through with prayer, purpose, and praise.

Self Reflection: What’s one area in your life right now where you need to pause, plan, prepare, and follow through? Let this be your reminder to do it—with God, not just for God.

Prayer: Lord, help us not just survive these long, exhausting days—but walk through them with purpose. Help us plan wisely, prepare deeply, and follow through faithfully. Give us the strength to show grace under pressure and the discernment to hear Your voice. Help us finish strong. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ready or Not?”

We kicked off graduation clearance yesterday—where seniors return items, pay fees, and confirm they’ve met all requirements to walk across the stage. It’s always a fun day… until it’s not.

Every year, there are students who show up hoping to get cleared, knowing they still have things left undone. Some even get frustrated, as if we’re the ones holding them back.

It had me thinking—what about us?

One day, we’ll stand before God for a final kind of clearance. Not for a ceremony, but for eternity. Will we hear “Well done,” or will we realize too late that we’re not ready?

There won’t be a makeup day at Heaven’s gate.

It’s not expected of us to be perfect—we must be willing and obedient to God, having willing hearts, surrendered lives, and obedient steps. We’ve got time right now to get it right. So, we must work to live righteously while we have the chance.

Matthew 7:21 reminds us, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom… but only the one who does the will of my Father.”

Let’s not just show up hoping for a pass. Let’s do the work now.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for grace and second chances. Help us not to waste them. Guide us to live with purpose and obedience so that when the time comes, we’ll be ready. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jealousy and Gratitude Don’t Mix

This morning I was reading about King Saul (1 Samuel 18–19). He started off strong—chosen by God, full of potential—but somewhere along the way, jealousy crept in. And that changed everything.

Instead of being secure in his calling, Saul got caught up in comparing himself to David. He let envy and pride take over, and it cost him God’s favor—and his peace.

It’s a reminder for us, too. God hasn’t run out of blessings. He’s not stingy with His anointing. So there’s no need to tear someone else down or resent their success. We’re all here to build each other up, not compete and compare.

Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.”

But Saul didn’t do that. He tried to take David out—and even roped others into his plan. Some followed blindly. Others stayed silent. It makes me wonder: Are we bold enough to stand for what’s right, even when it’s not easy?

Truth is, Saul’s story isn’t ancient history—it’s happening now. In leadership, politics, church, and everyday life. Envy still ruins people. Disobedience still destroys purpose. Let’s not be part of that cycle.

Prayer: God, check our hearts. Keep us from jealousy and comparison. Remind us that there’s room for all of us to shine. Give us the strength to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. Lord, search our hearts. Remove envy and anything that would cause us to war against those You’ve called. Help us to celebrate, not compete—to walk humbly, love deeply, and obey You fully. Amen.

Today, I just want to whisper a gentle reminder: Be patient and be thankful. Patient with your progress. Patient with the people around you. Thankful to God for the winding, stretching, sacred journey you’re on.

There’s a song by Sons of Sunday that says, “I’m a sinner grace is still healing. I’m a story time is revealing…I’m a fighter caught in a struggle. A survivor rising above it. I’m all of these things, but mostly, I’m thankful. ’Cause You gave me one more day.”Isn’t that us? Those lyrics speak to the truth of where many of us are right now—living in the present tense of our lives. We are still becoming, still learning, still growing. Still healing. Still unfolding. Still pressing through the fog of struggle.Still trying. Still rising, but still here. And that means we will stumble, but grace allows us to stand again. And if we’re here, grace is still working. We’ve been given another day. Another chance. So no, all is not lost.Let Psalm 37:7a remind you: “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.”And Romans 12:12 encourages us to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Prayer: God, thank You for this day, for the breath in our lungs, and the mercy that meets us every morning. Teach us the rhythm of patience, the beauty of progress, and the power of gratitude. Even when we fall, remind us that Your grace lifts.Even when we wait, remind us that Your timing is perfect. And through it all, help us to say—not just with our lips, but with our hearts—thank You. Amen.

An Open Letter to Mothers: Joy, Pain, and God’s Grace

I cannot imagine what Mary, the mother of Jesus, felt as she watched her son be tormented and crucified. I cannot imagine the pain of mothers who have lost their children—at any age. I cannot imagine the heartache of a mom who has to speak to her child from behind a glass wall, unable to hug or touch them.

But I do know the heartache of longing to be a mother, wondering if it would ever happen. I know the anxious hope of waiting to sign the final papers, praying that the children I’ve grown to love will officially become mine. I know the anxiety of having a child in and out of the hospital, the uncertainty that grips the heart every time.

I know what it feels like to raise a neurodivergent child—one I love deeply but don’t always understand.

What I’m saying is this: Motherhood is layered. Our journeys may not be the same, and we may not fully understand each other’s stories, but we do understand the deep joys and the crushing pains, the sunshine and the rain, that come with being a mother.

So, if there’s a mother in your life—whether by birth, adoption, mentorship, or spiritual guidance—thank her. Hug her. Call, text, love on her. The truth is that most of us are trying so hard to get it right. We won’t ever be perfect, but if we keep trusting God to guide us, we will continue raising His little ones in a way that honors Him.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” — Proverbs 31:31

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of motherhood—the beauty, the burden, the bond. Strengthen every mother who is tired, grieving, hoping, or unsure. Remind us that You chose us to nurture the children in our care, not because we are perfect, but because You are. Give us wisdom, patience, and peace as we walk this sacred road. Help us love our children the way You love us—steadfastly and sacrificially. Amen!