Devotional

Chosen Last

Growing up I humbly recall being one of the last two boys to be picked for teams on the school playfield. It was never fun not being chosen until the end.

This childhood memory came to mind when reading about Matthias being picked up as a replacement for Judas Iscariot, by the remaining eleven elite apostles in Acts chapter 1. Let’s be honest, when asked to name the 12 apostles, how many of us remember Matthias over the name Judas?

Interestingly, during the replacement selection process, Peter said they needed someone who had been part of Jesus ministry since the beginning from His baptism. Imagine you’re Matthias. You spend three plus years with Jesus, witnessing all His miracles and listening to His teaching, but you never get mentioned in any of the four Gospels. Then almost like a footnote, your name is only mentioned in Acts 1:23-26, and never again in the New Testament. We may have a lot of questions to ask this backscene ‘chosen last’ apostle one day in heaven.

Bringing this back home, how often do we feel like a Matthias? You are hanging out with Jesus daily in your devotions and pitching in to serve as needed, but never get acknowledged. Yet, God has called each and everyone of us because His Word says so:

“And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” (Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭30‬)‬‬

Since you are called, you also have a role to play in building His Kingdom, here and now on earth. 

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬)‬‬

So, don't worry about the lack of recognition or feeling like you are being chosen last. Rather, let’s serve our King diligently, for great is our reward in heaven.

Tech Update

Wildfires and Air Quality

Most of us have been subjected to air quality warnings the last few weeks due to over 850 out of control wildfires across Canada. In fact, in mid July, Toronto’s air quality was recorded as the worst globally for all major cities, resulting in severe warnings and forcing residents indoors for health reasons. 

Wildfires emit soot, black carbon, and various combustion byproducts which are dangerous for those with pre-existing cardiovascular, respiratory, or kidney conditions. Children, elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic asthma or heart issues are at the highest risk. 

The primary health hazard posed by these fires is from fine particulate matter, specifically PM2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter). These particles are significantly more dangerous than standard urban air pollution since they can penetrate deep into the lower respiratory system, including the lungs and possibly entering the bloodstream.

If you live in an area subject to wildfire smoke, monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) and take caution if it rises above 200.

Here are some helpful tips when air quality levels are dangerously high:

• Stay indoors and minimize outdoor activity

• Check home air filters  and make sure they are clean. I suggest replacing them more frequently than you normally would and use ones with a high MERV rating.

• Eat healthy and boost your immune system with supplements as needed

• Wear a high quality mask, like N95, if you need to be working outdoors

On the spiritual side, when seeing the images of the sun been obscured by smoke and not giving its light provided a reminder of what’s coming in Revelation during the tribulation period:

I don’t believe we’re in the tribulation, but it provides a reminder of the last days we are in. 

Financial Update

Why Warehouses Are Becoming Critical Infrastructure

Years ago, when I became a co-owner of an auto repair shop, I couldn’t help but notice how much unused space there was (besides storing junk). One of my first tasks when taking over was cleaning, rearranging, and then figuring out how to best utilize the unused space in the warehouse, which surprisingly began to generate a significant amount of income.

Today, that demand for warehouses continues to grow as a critical component of America's economic infrastructure, supporting everything from manufacturing and healthcare to food security, energy development, and the rebuilding of domestic supply chains.

One of the biggest forces driving warehouse demand is the reshaping of global manufacturing. Over the past several years, companies have increasingly focused on strengthening their supply chains by moving production closer to customers, reducing reliance on overseas suppliers, and building more resilient operations. This trend, often referred to as reshoring or nearshoring, requires strategically located industrial facilities to store raw materials, components, and finished products.

The growth of advanced manufacturing is also creating new demand. Semiconductor facilities, electric vehicle plants, pharmaceutical companies, and clean energy manufacturers require specialized logistics networks to support their operations. Warehouses are no longer simply storage facilities; they are becoming essential hubs that connect suppliers, manufacturers, and customers.

Another major driver is healthcare and food infrastructure. Pharmaceutical companies require temperature-controlled storage for medicines and vaccines, while the growth of grocery delivery and food distribution requires increasingly sophisticated cold-storage facilities. These specialized warehouses use advanced refrigeration, automation, and monitoring systems to protect products and improve efficiency.

Technology is also transforming the warehouse industry. Modern facilities are incorporating robotics, artificial intelligence, automated inventory systems, and advanced tracking technology to move goods faster and reduce operational costs. While technology is improving warehouse efficiency, the underlying need remains the same: businesses need reliable physical infrastructure to operate.

For investors, warehouses represent a way to gain exposure to several long-term economic trends. Industrial real estate companies such as Prologis (PLD), Rexford Industrial Realty (REXR), and First Industrial Realty Trust (FR) own and operate large portfolios of logistics facilities benefiting from long-term demand. Companies involved in warehouse automation, such as Rockwell Automation (ROK) and Zebra Technologies (ZBRA), provide exposure to the technology improving modern logistics operations.

Investors may also consider broader real estate ETFs such as the Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) or industrial-focused funds that provide exposure to logistics and infrastructure companies.

The warehouse industry represents an important investment lesson: many of the most critical parts of the economy operate quietly in the background. While consumers may notice the products arriving at their doors, the infrastructure that makes those deliveries, manufacturing operations, and essential services possible often receives far less attention.

As America continues rebuilding supply chains, expanding domestic manufacturing, and modernizing infrastructure, warehouses may become one of the most important yet overlooked pillars of economic growth.

Health Nuggets

Vitamin D (Hormone) and the Sun

We cannot learn enough about the benefits of being in the sun every day. For decades, they’ve put fear in us about being in the sun, covering up with SPF cream, staying inside or under an umbrella. No wonder we are testing low in vitamin D.

Dr. Stasha Gominak was interviewed by DOAC (The Diary Of A CEO), a very popular podcast, and she explains how everything works. Click here to listen to it.

Note: Health Nuggets are opinions and not medical advice.

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