Thought For The Day

by Doug

How To Find Rest In God Alone.

Published: Saturday, June 27, 2026 12:18:06 AM


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In a world driven by constant noise, hustle, and the exhausting weight of trying to control our own circumstances, this video delivers a timely reminder: true peace cannot be found in our striving, but in our surrender. Drawing from timeless biblical truths, Doug reminds us that our souls were designed to find their ultimate refuge in God alone. By trading our anxiety for trust and laying down our heavy burdens, we can step out of the frantic cycle of the world and step into a deep, unshakeable rest that only a relationship with the Creator can provide. It is an invitation to pause, breathe, and anchor your heart in the one who is your rock and salvation.

Peace isn't found in a change of pace; it's found in a change of focus. Watch the video to discover how to quiet the noise, then share this with a friend who needs a reminder of God's peace today.
by Doug

Putting God First. Part 2: Practical Tips

Published: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 12:10:25 PM
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In his grounded and convicting message, Deacon Doug tackles a fundamental challenge for every believer: the daily choice of who—or what—sits on the throne of your heart. He reminds us that putting God first isn't a part-time job or a Sunday-only obligation; it is a lifestyle of continuous surrender. When we prioritize our own anxieties, careers, or comfort over our relationship with Christ, our lives quickly fall out of alignment. Deacon Doug challenges us to examine our daily motivations and ensure that God is the driving force behind everything we do, rather than an afterthought.

Practical Tips for Putting God First

To take Deacon Doug's message from Sunday inspiration to Monday reality, try incorporating these practical habits into your life:

  • First fruits of Your Day: Give God your freshest energy. Whether it is 10 minutes of quiet prayer in the morning or a short Scripture reading before you start your commute, give Him your first thoughts before the noise of the world creeps in.

  • The "Consult First" Habit: Before you make a decision, vent to a friend, or react to bad news, pause and take it to God in prayer first. Train yourself to look upward before looking outward.

  • Audit Your Commitments: Look at your weekly schedule and identify what is competing with your time with God. Be willing to set boundaries or say "no" to good things so you can say "yes" to the best thing—your spiritual growth.

  • Serve Out of Love, Not Duty: Shift your mindset from "having to" serve to "getting to" serve. Putting God first means looking for opportunities to show His love to your family, coworkers, and community as a natural overflow of your faith.

Call to Action

If you were to look honestly at the things that consume most of your thoughts and time right now, what is currently sitting in the place that belongs only to God, and what is one practical step you can take today to give Him back His rightful position?

by Doug

Putting God First ...

Published: Sunday, June 21, 2026 4:34:13 AM

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Deacon Doug reflects on the importance of putting God first in our lives - not just in words, but through our choices, priorities, and daily actions. The message encourages us to examine what truly guides us, reminding us that when our relationship with God becomes the foundation, everything else can fall into better perspective.

What is one practical change you could make this week to put God first in your everyday life?  Comment below.
by Doug

How To Hold On To Hope

Published: Sunday, June 7, 2026 5:36:07 AM

How To Hold On To Hope

This video by Deacon Douglass Johnson is titled "How to Hold on to Hope." Rooted in his signature style as a Catholic spiritual leader and motivational speaker, his message focuses heavily on navigating life's trials by anchoring oneself in faith rather than temporary circumstances.

Key Messages

  • Hope as an Anchor, Not Wishful Thinking: Deacon Doug emphasizes that true spiritual hope isn't just a passive "wish" that things get better. Instead, it is a deliberate, active stance—an anchor that steadies your mind when life feels chaotic or overwhelming.

  • Shifting Your Perspective Off the Problem: A central theme is the danger of fixating entirely on your immediate struggles. He explains that when you stare too long at the "storm," you lose sight of God's track record of faithfulness. Holding onto hope requires intentionally shifting your focus toward divine promises.

  • The Power of Endurance: He discusses how trials serve a spiritual purpose, working to build endurance and refine character. Rather than asking why a hardship is happening, he encourages looking at who is walking through it with you.
  • Surrender and Trust: Holding onto hope ultimately requires a level of surrender—releasing the need to control every outcome and trusting that there is a greater plan at work, even when the current path seems unclear.

What is one area of your life right now where you are relying entirely on your own strength, and how can you actively choose to surrender that struggle to find true hope today?

by Doug

Putting God First ...

Published: Thursday, June 4, 2026 12:22:09 AM
Putting God First


Ever feel like you’re running on empty, wondering if the challenges you face day after day truly matter? It is easy to lose sight of hope when life gets complicated, but there is hope available to us that goes beyond our circumstances.

In this uplifting message, we dive deep into what it means to live a life anchored in faith, compassion, and divine purpose. We explore how true hope isn't about achieving a flawless life, but about staying faithful in our daily walk and serving others with genuine compassion.

Key Takeaways:

  • Faith over Perfection: God isn't looking for perfection; He is looking for our faithfulness in the daily practice of serving others.

  • Beauty from Ashes: Discover how God can take your biggest mess and turn it into your message, and transform your hardest test into a powerful testimony.

  • Staying Connected: A reminder to "stay under the spout where the blessings come out"—keeping ourselves immersed in God's grace, mercy, and hope.

If you are navigating a difficult season or simply need a reminder that your life has a distinct destiny, this video is for you. Like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs a reminder of God's comfort today!

We all face moments that test our resolve, but those are often the exact moments where our true testimony is built. What is one "mess" in your life right now that you are ready to trust God to turn into a powerful message? Share your thoughts or a simple prayer request in the comments below—let’s encourage one another!