Devotional

Context Matters

Very often scriptural promises are memorized and quoted to boost oneself with good intent. The Word of God does not return empty (Isaiah 55:11) so we should absolutely memorize and hold onto the truth it holds. However, we may fail to grasp the scripture if taken out of context. Here are a few common ones that come to mind:

Receiving Blessings Beyond Measure

Promise:

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬)‬‬

Context (preceding verses): 

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” ‭‭(2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬-‭7‬)

Taken in context, abundant blessings in all aspects of life are provided to those who are generous and give cheerfully.

Knowledge of Truth Bringing Freedom 

Promise:

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John‬ ‭8‬:‭32‬)

Context (first part of verse):

“.... Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.”(‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬)‬

Taken in context, truth and liberation comes from obeying Jesus’ teaching and becoming a true disciple not just listening to what He says, but doing it.

Asking and Receiving Anything from God

Promise:

“......ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John‬ ‭15‬:‭7‬)

Context (first part of verse):

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you….” (John‬ ‭15‬:‭7‬)

Taken in context, this powerful promise we all love to quote is premised on abiding in Jesus, the Vine, and obeying what He tells us first.

These 3 passages are great examples that remind us to make sure we get the FULL context of the verses we read in the Bible, and not just the convenient or soothing portions of scripture.

Health Nuggets

Best Natural Foods to Improve Bone Density Beyond Calcium Supplements

While it’s easy to pursue supplements for improving calcium levels, consider these natural alternatives:

1. Sardines with bones (calcium plus Vit. D3 and omega-3s that support bone mineral density)

2. Kale and collard greens (more bioavailable calcium per calorie than milk, plus Vit. K1)

3. Grass-fed cheese (Vit. K2 directs calcium into bone rather than arteries)

4. Sesame seeds and tahini (exceptionally high calcium content per serving)

5. Prunes (unique bioactive compounds shown to directly reduce bone reception)

6. Eggs with the yolk (Vit. D, which is essential for calcium absorption)

Also consider resistance training plus these foods. That is the combination the research supports to maintain bone density.

Calcium from foods is so much better than a supplement which can calcify the arteries to the heart. Try implementing these changes one food at a time. 

Note: Health Nuggets are opinions and not medical advice.

Tech Update

AI Companions

On August 26, 2026, Meta Platforms reached an $18 billion settlement with 29 U.S. states to resolve a massive federal lawsuit. The case focused on allegations that Meta intentionally engineered Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to children, causing widespread mental health harms and misleading the public regarding platform safety. As part of the agreement, Meta will implement several changes to their Apps to protect children, including daily usage limits, nighttime blocks, and enhanced age assurance measures. While this is a great win for child safety, it’s like a slap on the wrist for Meta which has about $91B cash and short term investments.

This brings us to the topic of AI Companions, which is becoming another danger to our children to safeguard against.  

What are AI Companions?

They are generative AI-driven chatbots designed to act as virtual friends, romantic partners, or counselors. Unlike standard utility-focused AI (like those used for searching or coding), these systems are specifically engineered to foster emotional attachment, intimacy, and long-term relationships with users. You can see the danger this poses especially to adolescent brains that have to navigate through emotions and relationships as they develop. Having a virtual relationship with an AI companion may also prevent teens from developing real authentic ones, or being confused about what’s real or not. These bots have been known to provide dangerous advice, engage in sexualized role play, and promote bias that all can damage our youth.

In July of this year, China banned AI companions for anyone under 18 years old because of the concerns over mental health harm they pose. Other countries are likely to follow suit but have not taken action.

At the end of the day, it is ultimately the responsibility of parents to safeguard their children and take the necessary steps to do so from online, AI and digital tools.  As a Christ follower, it’s imperative we adhere to the age old wisdom found in Proverbs:

Let’s not wait for government regulations or class action lawsuits. As parents, guardians and teachers, take action to lead our children and set guardrails necessary to benefit their mental health.

Financial Update

The Overlooked Business of Insurance Brokers

Every business faces risk. Buildings can burn, employees can get injured, executives can be sued, computer systems can be hacked, and supply chains can fail. Companies purchase insurance to protect themselves, but between the business buying coverage and the insurer assuming the risk often sits another highly profitable industry: the insurance broker.

Commercial insurance brokers help companies identify risks, compare insurers, negotiate coverage, and manage increasingly complicated insurance programs. In return, brokers typically earn commissions and fees. The interesting part is what they generally don't do: pay the insurance claims themselves.

That distinction creates an unusual business model. Arthur J. Gallagher, for example, explicitly states that it generally does not assume insurance underwriting risk. Instead, insurers and other underwriting companies provide the capital necessary to cover losses. The broker can therefore participate in the economics of insurance without taking most of the balance-sheet risk associated with hurricanes, fires, accidents, or other insured losses.

Aon generated $17.2 billion in revenue in 2025, including approximately $11.3 billion from its Risk Capital division. Its Commercial Risk Solutions business alone generated roughly $8.5 billion, while companywide organic revenue grew 6%. Arthur J. Gallagher has grown into the world's third-largest insurance broker by revenue, with brokerage activities accounting for approximately 87% of its 2025 revenue.

Why is demand so persistent? Businesses continually need property, liability, workers' compensation, cyber, professional liability, directors and officers, and numerous specialized insurance policies. Many of those policies renew annually. As businesses grow, acquire property, hire employees, expand internationally, or encounter new risks, their insurance needs can become even more complicated.

Brokers can also benefit when the value and cost of what is being insured increases. Marsh McLennan explains that commission-based compensation is frequently related to the premiums customers pay. Rising property values, construction costs, wages, litigation exposure, cyber threats, and other risks can therefore increase the amount of insurance businesses need, and potentially the revenue opportunity for brokers.

Consolidation provides another growth engine. Large brokers routinely acquire smaller agencies and specialized firms, combining local customer relationships with broader insurance-carrier access, technology, and expertise.

Investor Takeaway
Investors looking for direct exposure can research Marsh McLennan (MMC), Aon (AON), Arthur J. Gallagher (AJG), and Brown & Brown (BRO). Brown & Brown generated approximately $5.76 billion in commissions and fees during 2025, up 22.5% from the prior year, although acquisitions contributed significantly to that increase.

Commercial insurance brokers provide an important investing lesson: sometimes the attractive position isn't owning the risk, it's getting paid to help everyone else manage it.

As businesses become larger and their risks more complicated, insurance remains essential. And every year when those policies need to be reviewed, negotiated, and renewed, the broker has another opportunity to collect its fee.

Trivia Corner

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