This Week’s Thought

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By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Trinity Church, seen here in my photo, is a congregation of Episcopal believers first formed in the year 1697.  The stately and ornate building stands on the corner of Wall Street and Broadway in Lower Manhattan in New York City.  Although this particular church building is about 150 years younger than the first building, it is a beautiful historical structure to behold.

In the extremely neat and well-kept church yard, wrapping around both sides of the property, lie buried the bodies of notable characters such as Alexander Hamilton, his wife Eliza, and son Philip.  The graveyard and church building are completely surrounded by massive skyscrapers and countless people who pass that way as they go about their daily routines.  We walked up to purposefully explore for a bit.

Street carts carrying things like art, flavored teas, and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs are mere steps from the church’s front entrance.  Security guards are stationed at every door and gate to the church and graveyard.  It is definitely a church thriving within a huge bustling city.

In the world, but not of it.  That’s what we as the Lord’s children are commissioned to be.  While the world is literally steps away in all directions, with its hustle and bustle, we are to be light and salt – an extension or arm of His Church.

Whether you worship with a large congregation or in a church house as historical as this, or in a much more rural setting just off a tree-lined gravel road, remember that the world is very near.  And that world is filled to the brim with folks who desperately need to hear about and see the love of Jesus.  They are busy.  Many pass that way without ever pausing to reflect on the love of God or the compassion of His mercy and grace.  We must show them the way, be it in New York City or in your little corner of the world.

Just a thought.

Weekly Inspiration: Seeing the Best in Others

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Friends

Every person we encounter is fighting battles we may never see. It is easy to notice flaws, shortcomings, or mistakes, but Christ calls us to look deeper. He sees every individual as someone created in His image, worthy of grace, compassion, and love. Imagine how our relationships, workplaces, churches, and communities would change if we intentionally chose to see the potential in others instead of focusing on their imperfections.

Loving others does not mean ignoring wrong or pretending people are perfect. It means choosing mercy over judgment, encouragement over criticism, and understanding over assumption. When we extend the same grace that God has so generously given to us, we become a reflection of His love to those around us. Sometimes the kind word, patient response, or simple act of compassion we offer may be exactly what someone needs to experience hope.

Jesus demonstrated this throughout His ministry. He welcomed the overlooked, forgave the broken, and loved people before they had their lives together. As His followers, we are called to do the same. When we ask God to help us see others through His eyes, He softens our hearts and reminds us that every person has immeasurable value in His sight.

This week, challenge yourself to look for the good in someone who may be difficult to love. Offer encouragement where others expect criticism. Extend kindness where others may choose indifference. You may never know the impact your love has on another person’s life, but you can be confident that every act of genuine compassion reflects the heart of Christ.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”
Ephesians 4:32

May we strive each day to love others as Christ has loved us, seeing people not simply for who they are today, but for who God created them to become.

This Week’s Thought

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Picture of Hawk

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

One afternoon recently, I counted as many as eighteen very energetic squirrels running and playing in our back yard.  A couple of them even seemed to notice that I was watching through the large window, and one tapped at the glass later as if to get my attention again.  The little critters are interesting to watch.

Then, just a few days later, I realized I hadn’t seen many.  That’s when I noticed this other majestic creature – a hawk.  I’m quite sure the squirrels had seen the bird overhead, and many had hidden from the danger.  But, alas, one of the fuzzy nut-gatherers became lunch for the hawk that day.  The beautiful bird was in the middle of his meal when I took his photo.  Then, shortly, it gracefully took to the sky, his take-out meal clutched tightly in his talons, and took roost in a tree at the back of the pasture.

All of God’s creatures are beautiful and amazing to watch.  I wondered about this particular encounter, and I did a little digging.  Now, first a disclaimer.  I don’t focus on or put trust in any spiritual superstition, but I found this information interesting nevertheless.  Did you know that the hawk supposedly represents “spiritual vision, focus, and swift action,” while the squirrel symbolizes “preparation, hoarding, and frantic busyness?”

Well, the swift hawk certainly took care of that frantic squirrel.  I can’t help but wonder if I’m swift to notice the chaos and busyness around me, could I tame it and bring it under control by simply being focused with a spiritual vision?  Certainly I can.  To focus my vision on the Lord and His Ways for my life, the frantic busyness of the chaos that surrounds me can definitely be quieted.

So, while I may act like a nutty little squirrel most days, I should attempt to take on the characteristics of the hawk in my week ahead.  Tackle the nonsense.  Deal with it.  Then roost above it all, closer to the Father.

Just a thought.

Celebrating 250 Years of America Under God

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250th

As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, we pause to give thanks to Almighty God for His blessings, His mercy, and His enduring presence throughout our history.

From our earliest days, Americans have faced trials, sacrifices, victories, failures, and moments of profound change. Through every generation, we have witnessed God’s faithfulness and His guiding hand. While our nation has never been perfect, we have continually sought to become a more just, compassionate, and faithful people.

Scripture reminds us:

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 33:12

Our history is one of striving. Not for perfection, but for progress. We have worked to expand liberty, defend the vulnerable, protect those seeking freedom, and recognize the God-given dignity and equality of every person, for each of us is created in His image.

There have been times when we have fallen short of these ideals. Yet one of America’s greatest strengths has been our willingness to learn, to repent, to grow, and to continue pursuing “a more perfect Union.” As Christians, we know that true renewal begins with humble hearts seeking God’s wisdom and grace.

Today as we honor 250 years of our nation, let us pray for America. Pray for our leaders. Pray for our communities. Pray that we may continue to be a people who seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with our God, and extend compassion to all.

May we never take for granted the freedoms we enjoy, nor the responsibility we carry to use those freedoms for good. May we continue striving to make our families stronger, our communities kinder, our nation more united, and our world a better place through faith, service, and love.

As we look toward the future, may God continue to bless the United States of America. Not because we are without fault, but because we continually seek His guidance, His forgiveness, and His will.

“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Happy 250th Birthday, America!

Every Ending Is the Beginning of Something New

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new beginnings

Life is filled with beginnings and endings. Some endings arrive with celebration, while others come with a quiet sadness as we recognize that a cherished season has passed. Whether it is the end of a career, the closing of a chapter with family, the completion of a ministry, or simply the turning of another page in life, endings are often bittersweet because they remind us of both what we have gained and what we must leave behind. Yet for the child of God, an ending is never the end of the story. It is simply the place where the Lord begins writing the next chapter.

One of the greatest temptations during times of transition is fear. We wonder what lies ahead, whether we are making the right decisions, or if the future will be as meaningful as the past. But Scripture continually reminds us that our confidence is not found in familiar circumstances. It is found in the unchanging character of God. The same Lord who faithfully guided us through one season is already present in the next. Long before we arrive there, He has prepared the way.

The Bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:1:

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

God never intended life to remain static. He designed it with seasons, times of planting and harvesting, learning and teaching, building and resting. Every season serves a purpose in shaping us into the people He desires us to become. If we cling too tightly to what is ending, we may miss the beautiful opportunities God has prepared in what is beginning.

Change is not something we must simply endure. It is something we can embrace with grace and confidence. Looking back allows us to give thanks for God’s faithfulness, while looking ahead allows us to trust His promises. Every ending carries with it memories worth cherishing, lessons worth remembering, and blessings that have prepared us for what comes next. Rather than fearing change, we can welcome it knowing that the Author of our lives never loses His place in the story.

This week, if you find yourself standing between an ending and a beginning, remember that God is already walking ahead of you. Thank Him for the season that has passed, celebrate the blessings it brought, and step confidently into the future He is unfolding. The God who has carried you this far will not abandon you now. His plans remain good, His timing remains perfect, and His presence will be with you through every beginning, every ending, and every step in between.

This Week’s Thought

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By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

As I finished high school, there was a popular song at the time by Janet Jackson entitled, “What have you done for me lately?”  It asked a very interesting question.  However, in the words of that question are implications of greed, jealousy, and the fact that it should be all about me.  Instead, the Lord reminds us to love our neighbor, which certainly means it absolutely cannot be all about me.  It must be about the others around me.

What you are seeing on this platter is some homemade sourdough bread in the shape of the number “50.”  The bread was made by one friend for another and shared as a surprise during a simple little supper at our church Vacation Bible School recently.  I won’t share their names, at risk of embarrassing them, but one person was turning the big 5-0 that particular day, and the other person knew it and decided to share this surprise in honor of the other person.  One neighbor, one friend, doing a simple little something out of love and friendship for another, with no want for anything in return.

That’s how we are to love our neighbors.  Another friend helped me yesterday by pulling a heavy trailer from one location to another where I needed it stored.  When I thanked this friend, the response was, “Y’all are always doing things for us, too.”  No deeds expected in return, but appreciated never-the-less.  One neighbor loving another.

Your life is no doubt full of very similar examples.  And I find it very interesting that the very people who respond with a thankful heart for our kindnesses are just as willing to show the same kindnesses toward us – not because we shared, but because they see and understand the goodness of God as well.

In your very busy week ahead, don’t overlook the opportunities to love on your neighbors.  What may seem like such a very simple gesture on your part may very well be the kindest thing shared with your neighbor this week.  And then give God the thanks for allowing you to be a blessing.  For it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

My friends you are.

Just a thought.

This Week’s Thought

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services
Brick Wall

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your day.

“I’ve hit a brick wall.”  Maybe you’ve heard that phrase, or maybe you’ve spoken it yourself.  This particular brick wall happens to be part of my house.  Your symbolic brick wall could be any number of things.  I enjoy dabbling into the branches of my family tree.  That hobby sometimes consists of hitting a brick wall, so to speak, when the trail on one particular person or branch of the tree suddenly stops or becomes very difficult to follow.

My thoughts sometimes hit a brick wall.  I felt like I struggled through my Sunday sermon at church because I kept stumbling over my own words.  I even seemed to have hit a brick wall as I tried to put together a ‘thought’ for you for this week.  Sometimes the words just won’t come like I think they should.

Maybe the brick wall is something completely different.  When I was a young pre-teen, my mother had a car accident and literally hit a brick wall, shaking her up and damaging the car.

Those brick walls may bring us to a sudden stop, may seemingly prevent us from going any farther, or certainly will slow down our progress.  So, I wonder, what do you see as your brick wall right now?  Are you struggling in your faith?  Your relationship with the Lord?  Are you bogged down in all the “got-to-get-it-done” stuff of the work week?

Keep this in mind.  That brick wall is only as strong as the one who built it.  Walls can be broken down, dismantled, or perhaps even driven through if necessary.  Those brick walls do not have to be a permanent barrier in your day, your week, or even your spiritual growth.

The first step to getting past that brick wall is to first admit you’ve hit it.  Then assess the situation.  Climb over it, go around it, or maybe even plow right through it.  The Lord has work for you to accomplish this week, and He certainly wants to accomplish His work through you.  Are you putting up a brick wall and slowing down the work and growth that could be happening in your walk with Him?

Whatever your brick wall happens to be, allow the Master brick mason to help you conquer it this week!

Just a thought.

When God Does the Impossible

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Praying

There are moments in life when we simply cannot see how things will work out. We pray, we wait, we hope, and yet the answers seem distant or completely different from what we expected. In those moments, it is important to remember that God is not limited by our understanding, our circumstances, or even what we believe is possible. He sees the beginning and the end at the same time, and He is always at work accomplishing His perfect will.

Scripture reminds us in Ephesians 3:20, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Notice that God does not simply meet our expectations—He works beyond them. His plans are often larger, deeper, and more meaningful than anything we could have imagined for ourselves. What appears to be a closed door may actually be His protection. What feels like a delay may be His preparation. What seems like a disappointment today may become tomorrow’s greatest blessing.

One of the challenges of faith is that we rarely understand God’s work while it is unfolding. Joseph did not understand the purpose of the pit, slavery, or prison. Ruth could not see how her loss would lead to redemption. Even the disciples struggled to understand why Jesus had to go to the cross. Yet in every case, God was orchestrating something far greater than anyone involved could comprehend. His ways were perfect, even when they were hidden.

The same is true in our lives. There may be situations that never fully make sense to us this side of heaven. We may never know why certain opportunities disappeared, why some prayers were answered differently than we hoped, or why certain hardships were allowed. Yet we can trust that God never wastes a circumstance. He is weaving together a story that serves His purposes and ultimately works for the good of those who love Him.

This week, take comfort in knowing that God is at work even when you cannot see it. Trust Him not only when His plan is clear, but also when it is mysterious. His wisdom is greater than our understanding, His timing is better than our schedule, and His plans are more beautiful than our imagination. The God who created the universe is still writing your story, and every chapter is being written with divine purpose, perfect love, and eternal perspective.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” — Isaiah 55:8

May we have the faith to trust God with what we cannot understand, knowing that He is able to do far more than we could ever ask, think, or imagine.

This Week’s Thought

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Prickly Pear

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

When my brother and I were very young, we enjoyed our visits to Nanny’s house down Campbell Road.  Our entertainment was in spending as much time outside as possible.  We dug holes in the red clay dirt driveway with silver kitchen spoons.  We chased one another around the yard.  And we played ball.

What we really enjoyed, much to the chagrin of the grown-ups, was throwing the ball back and forth to each other, one in front of the little tin-roofed house, and the other behind it near the woods.  The ball, usually a baseball, not a softer tennis ball or a little rubber bouncing ball, but a hard baseball, would bounce across that tin roof with a boom, boom, boom.  We could only get away with that for a few minutes before the front door flung open and we were being scolded yet again for making so much racket.

Part of that fun was in finding the ball when it went rolling.  Whichever one of us boys was behind the house would have to chase the ball into the kudzu.  Whichever one was out front did our best to keep the ball from rolling into the prickly pear!  That’s what we called the big sprawling cactus plants, just like the ones you see here in my picture.  I wish I had photos of those that I remember, but this pretty one from Arizona will serve the purpose.

Those flowers blooming on the cactus are certainly pretty, and Nanny had taught us to respect the beauty in God’s creation, especially her flowers scattered around the yard.  We also learned to respect the stickers on the cactus as well.  All it would take was for the ball to go rolling into the prickly pear one time, we would reach in one time to retrieve the ball, and that one time would remind us why we were to respect the cactus.

It was as if our hands were magnets and those stickers were metal needles instantly attracted to the magnet!  I can almost still feel the pain even now.

In your week ahead, look and enjoy and respect the beauty, but be ever aware of the prickly pear.  Sometimes you see it, you run around it, and you admire it, but you make the mistake of thinking it won’t bite you.  Then you have one little slip-up and pow, the pain of that one mistake!

Satan is roaming, right in plain sight in the front yard, in among the pretty flowers.  Beware what you dare to stick your hands into.  Life-long lessons can be learned in an instant.

Just a thought.

This Week’s Thought

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Ball up a hill

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

There are those things in life which we run across that make us wonder.  We see things, perhaps hear things, that make us stop and take notice, but we still have no understanding or concept of the meaning.

I walked past this sculpture on the downtown riverwalk in Oklahoma City.  I thought it was interesting, so I snapped this photo.  I didn’t know the name of the sculptor, given on the small brass plaque near its base.  There was no explanation as to its meaning or purpose.  It just looking intriguing to me, so I stopped to take notice.

The man is apparently attempting to push the ball or sphere up a pair of rails.  Maybe it implies strength and courage, fortitude, or even desperation at past failed attempts.  I have no clue.  However, it didn’t stop me from wondering, from pondering, from taking an interest, and from studying what I was seeing.

Do you ignore your Bible simply because you don’t understand what some of the passages mean?  Do you refrain from studying the Word because you have trouble interpreting what you see in those pages?  Or, do you make it a point to keep reading, keep looking, keep studying, and keep pondering even when you have trouble finding its meaning?

I will be the very first person to declare to you that I don’t understand it all either.  I read it, and I make every effort to have some understanding of the Word, especially before I stand to share it.  But, I will never know all that it means.  I will keep pondering, keep reading, and keep studying.

This sculpture was the work of some master of his craft.  Surely he had a purpose in its design and presentation.  And surely the passerby was meant to gain something from the exposure to this work of art.  Perhaps each person who passes it will gain some separate understanding of what he sees there.

Similarly, each person who reads God’s Word may gain a particular understanding of the verses simply because the Master Who wrote it will speak directly to you through His Work.

If you’ve looked but ignored what you see in that great Book, I encourage you to give it another look this week — today even!

Just a thought.