Tag Archives: Pursuing God

Come Higher: Lay It All Down Before the Lord

{Day Six}

Beloved, do not be deceived—there is always more of God to be found. Have you tasted the sweetness of His presence, only to realize how little you have truly known Him? Has the fire of His revelation burned away the illusions of your past faith, leaving you undone? Do not shrink back. This is His mercy drawing you deeper. Remember, there is always a chance for more of God no matter the cost.

Many say they know Him, yet they walk in shadows, content with a dim reflection of His glory. But you—He is calling you higher. He is shaking the very ground beneath you, removing what can be shaken, so that only He remains. Will you resist Him? Will you cling to the old, lifeless things He is tearing away? Or will you fall before Him and say, Take it all, Lord—only give me more of You!

The Fire of His Presence Demands Everything

Isaiah saw Him and cried out, “Woe is me!” (Isaiah 6:5). Moses trembled before Him and removed his sandals (Exodus 3:5). Peter fell at Yeshua’s feet, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord!” (Luke 5:8).

What will you do when the weight of His glory comes upon you? Will you shrink back in fear, or will you press in, crying, “Burn away every impurity, Lord—only let me know You!” This is the journey of seeking more of God no matter the cost.

The Spirit is calling, but the cost is high. You cannot hold onto your comfort, your pride, your reputation, your control. He is asking for your entire life. Nothing less. All that you are, laid at His feet.

“If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23 NASB)

Many have stopped at salvation, satisfied that they have escaped hell. But there is more, far more. Yeshua did not die merely to rescue you from destruction—He died to bring you into the fullness of Himself. His cross was not the end of your journey but the beginning. Will you press on, or will you settle for less? Choose to seek more of God no matter the cost.

Break the Illusions—Come Into the Light

You thought you knew Him before. Perhaps you did. But now you see—there is an ocean of glory you have yet to dive into. Every revelation, every breaking, every fire He allows is an invitation: Come closer. See more. Be transformed.

Paul, a man who saw the risen Lord, who was caught up into the third heaven, who performed mighty signs and wonders, still cried out:

“I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Yeshua my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8 NASB)

Are you willing to count all things as loss? Your past experiences, your reputation, your plans—will you lay them down, if only to have more of Him? This is the path of desiring more of God no matter the cost.

The lukewarm will not see His face. The comfortable will not taste the depths of His presence. But to the hungry, to the desperate, to those who cry out, “More of You, Lord!”—He will reveal Himself.

Will You Answer His Call?

This moment is holy. He is drawing you now. You feel the stirring, the weight of His voice calling you out of shallow waters. Will you listen? Will you follow?

Do not delay. Do not harden your heart. Lay everything down and run after Him. He is waiting to fill you with more of Himself than you ever thought possible. Truly, you can have more of God no matter the cost.

A Prayer of Surrender

Father, I hear You calling, and I will not turn away. I lay my life at Your feet—every dream, every plan, every comfort. Burn away everything that is not of You. Take me deeper. Open my eyes. Break me if You must, but do not let me remain as I am. I want You, Lord—more of You, no matter the cost. I give You my whole heart. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

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Day Two: God’s Call to Refocus on Him

Beloved, God’s faithfulness is unshakable. Though the mountains crumble and the hills quake, His covenant of peace will never fail (Isaiah 54:10). Like the mountains that surround Jerusalem, El Shaddai surrounds you with His steadfast love and protection, both now and forever (Psalm 125:2). This truth reminds us that no matter the storms or uncertainties we face, the Creator of heaven and earth holds us securely in His hands, calling us to refocus on Him.

Yet, in His unfailing compassion, Yeshua calls us to a deeper walk with Him. He reminds us that our energy, our heart, and our very lives belong to Him. So often, we chase after the fleeting comforts and distractions of this world—things that will one day fade away. But He calls us higher. He calls us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), to lay aside the weight of worldly pursuits, and to press into His presence with all our heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-6), responding to God’s call to refocus on Him.

The mountains, though mighty, stand in awe of His works (Psalm 65:8-9). How much more should we—redeemed by the blood of Yeshua HaMashiach—offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God? (Romans 12:1). This is our true worship: to love the Lord with every ounce of who we are, pursuing Him with undivided hearts, and letting Him renew our minds so we might live according to His perfect will, obedient to God’s call to refocus on Him.

Common sins often weigh us down, keeping us from fully pursuing God’s call on our lives. These include pride, greed, lust, envy, bitterness, laziness, idolatry, and unchecked anger. Even good things like comfort, entertainment, and the pursuit of material wealth can become distractions when they take priority over God. Which of these are distracting you from seeking God’s face and walking more fully in His will? Take a moment to reflect and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything in your life that needs to be surrendered to Him, so you can refocus on God’s call.

Let today be a turning point. Lay down every distraction, every sin that entangles, and every idol that has stolen your focus. Set your eyes on Him, the Author and Perfecter of your faith. When you choose to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, your heart will overflow with His light, His peace, and His purpose (Matthew 6:19-24) as you heed God’s call to refocus on Him.

God surrounds you, strengthens you, and calls you. Pursue Him. Press in. Give Him your all, and answer His call to refocus on Him.

Prayer:

Abba Father, I come to You, humbled and ready to surrender all that has taken my focus from You. Forgive me for chasing after the temporary when You are eternal. Surround me with Your steadfast love and draw me closer to Your heart. Help me to lay down every distraction and press into Your presence, seeking first Your kingdom and righteousness. Transform my mind and renew my spirit so that my life reflects Your glory. I want more of You and less of me. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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Purity Reflects Truth

God’s truth is eternal and unchanging. It calls us to more than knowledge—it calls us to transformation. In this article, we’ll explore how living in God’s truth and engaging with God’s Word leads to purity, sanctification, and a life aligned with His moral standards.

What is God’s Truth?

The truth of God is perfect and steadfast. As Paul reminds us, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure… think about these things” (Philippians 4:8 NASB). Yet, while God’s truth is pure, our understanding of it is often shaped by our human limitations.

Just as clay bears the imprint of the potter’s hand, so does truth bear the imprint of the mind that receives it. Our response to God’s Word determines how deeply His truth transforms us and helps us in living aligned with God’s Truth.

Truth Requires an Active Mind

Truth does not passively shape us; it demands an active pursuit. As Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2 NASB). This renewal happens when we actively engage with Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth (John 16:13 NASB).

Without this engagement, truth may remain untouched by the heart. God’s truth requires not just intellectual acknowledgment but spiritual submission. When we allow His Word to guide our thoughts and actions, it transforms us from within, reflecting living in God’s truth.

Purity Reflects the Truth You Hold

The moral standards of God’s people reflect how fully they have embraced His truth. If our lives fail to reflect purity, we demonstrate that His Word has not taken root in our hearts. Yet, Scripture assures us that God’s Word is eternal: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8 NASB).

Living in alignment with God’s truth requires daily sanctification. As Jesus prayed for His disciples, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17 NASB). This sanctification is not a one-time event but a continual process as we press into God’s presence, thereby living in truth.

How to Live in God’s Truth

To live in purity and truth, you must actively seek God. Here are three steps to guide you:

  1. Pursue God Daily

Spend time in prayer and Scripture each day. As Jeremiah reminds us, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13 NASB). Prioritize time with God, allowing His Spirit to guide your understanding and allowing you to live in God’s truth.

  1. Renew Your Mind

Let go of worldly patterns and align your thoughts with God’s truth. Meditate on passages like Philippians 4:8, focusing on what is true, honorable, and pure.

  1. Reflect His Holiness

Your life should mirror God’s truth. When you embrace His Word, it changes how you think, speak, and act. Aim to be a reflection of His light in a dark world.

A Prayer for Purity and Truth

Father, I come before You, seeking Your truth. Renew my mind, purify my heart, and align my life with Your perfect will. Sanctify me through Your Word, and let me walk in the light of Your holiness. Help me in living in Your truth. In the name of Yeshua, Amen.

Final Thoughts on Truth and Purity

God’s truth is not only to be understood but to be lived. As you press into His Word, allow it to shape every aspect of your life. Seek Him daily, renew your mind, and reflect His holiness to the world around you. This is what living in God’s truth entails.

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The Soul’s Great Paradox: Finding God and Still Pursuing Him

A.W. Tozer beautifully described a profound truth when he wrote, “To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love.” This mysterious and exhilarating paradox lies at the heart of the Christian life. It speaks to the tension between contentment and longing, between satisfaction in God and the unquenchable desire for more of Him. 

At first glance, the paradox seems contradictory. How can we have found God—beholding His glory, experiencing His love, and walking in His presence—yet feel a yearning to seek Him further? But this is the nature of the infinite God. He is so vast, so boundless, that even eternity will not exhaust the depths of His being.

The Satisfaction of Finding Him

When we first encounter God, our souls are filled with a peace and joy we never thought possible. We realize that He alone satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts. Every restless search for meaning and fulfillment finds its resolution in the love of God. This is the profound contentment of the believer—to know that in Christ, we are fully known, fully loved, and fully secure.

“O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good; How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP)

This is the first step in the paradox: to know that in Him, we lack nothing. We are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10), and we rejoice in the abundance of His provision for our souls.

The Hunger for More

Yet, as we taste God’s goodness, an unexplainable hunger begins to stir within us—a longing for more of Him. This is not dissatisfaction; it is the recognition that the more we experience God, the more we realize there is to know, love, and worship. Our hearts, awakened to His glory, are drawn deeper into the pursuit of His presence.

David expressed this paradox beautifully: “As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, so my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God. My soul [my life, my inner self] thirsts for God, for the living God. When will I come and see the face of God?” (Psalm 42:1–2 AMP)

This longing is not a reflection of emptiness but of love. As lovers desire to know each other more deeply, our love for God compels us to seek Him more intimately.

The Eternal Pursuit

The paradox reaches its fullness when we realize that the pursuit of God is eternal. Even in heaven, when we stand in His presence, we will not cease to seek Him. We will see Him more clearly than ever, yet His infinite nature continually invites us into deeper awe and worship.

Paul writes, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and decisions and how unfathomable and inscrutable are His ways!” (Romans 11:33 AMP). This unsearchable depth ensures that our relationship with God will never grow stale or routine. There will always be more of His beauty to behold, more of His love to experience, and more of His glory to reflect.

The Call to Press In

In this life, the soul’s paradox calls us to press into God daily. We must never settle for a surface-level faith or a shallow understanding of Him. The satisfaction we find in Him is the very thing that fuels our desire for more. Like the Apostle Paul, we say:

“[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely]…” (Philippians 3:10 AMP)

This pursuit requires intentionality. It is a daily choice to seek His face, to dwell in His Word, and to commune with Him in prayer. It means pushing past distractions, laying down idols, and surrendering fully to His Spirit. 

Living the Paradox

The soul’s great paradox transforms how we live. It keeps us humble, for we recognize that we have only scratched the surface no matter how much we know of God. It keeps us hungry, for deeper intimacy is always possible. And it keeps us hopeful, for we are assured that the God we seek is faithful to reveal Himself to those who earnestly pursue Him.

“But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 AMP)

The Invitation

This paradox is not a burden but a blessing. It is the evidence of a living relationship with the infinite God. To have found Him and still to pursue Him is the hallmark of a heart that truly loves Him. The question is: will we embrace the paradox? Will we allow the satisfaction of His presence to stir within us an unrelenting desire for more of Him?

Let us pray:

Father, we thank You for the mystery of knowing You. You have given us Yourself, yet You call us to seek You continually. Teach us to embrace this paradox, finding joy in Your presence and pressing into deeper intimacy with You each day. Stir within us an unquenchable hunger for more of You, that we may reflect Your glory and know the fullness of Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

See Also

Pursuing the Savior Who Transforms Everything

Beloved, tonight the heavens declare the most profound truth: God has come near. The child born in a manger is no ordinary child—He is the Savior of the world, sent by God to redeem you, love you, and draw you into an eternal relationship with Him. Christmas Eve is not just a celebration; it is an invitation to press into God with all your heart and find Him waiting for you. This season reminds us of the importance of Christmas pressing into God.

Let this night awaken a holy longing in your soul—not for earthly comforts but for the One who came to bring you life. Do not settle for less than the fullness of His presence. Press in, pursue Him, and discover the joy of knowing Jesus Christ, the Savior born for you.

The Pursuit of God

Scripture promises us: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13, AMP). Christmas is the story of God’s pursuit of us—He stepped down from heaven to dwell among us, so that we could be brought near to Him. But this relationship is not one-sided. God calls us to seek Him, to press into His presence, and to pursue Him with passion and faith. This Christmas, pressing into God can bring renewed hope.

Do not let the busyness of the season distract you from this holy pursuit. Let your heart hunger for more of Him, and He will fill you with the peace and joy only He can give. Just as the wise men followed the star to find the King of Kings, pursue Him tonight, and He will guide you into the light of His love.

Surrendering in Faith

Beloved, the pursuit of God begins with surrender. What are you holding back from Him this Christmas Eve? The angel declared to Mary: “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37, AMP). The God who came to earth as a baby is the same God who holds the power to redeem every part of your life. Turn it all over to Him—your worries, your fears, your plans—and trust Him to work all things together for good.

Do not let the weight of your burdens keep you from pressing into God’s presence. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, AMP). Lay it all at His feet tonight, and pursue Him with a heart full of faith.

Anchored in the Savior

On that first Christmas Eve, the angel proclaimed: “For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, AMP). This truth is not just for the world—it is for you. The Savior has come to transform your life, to draw you close, and to satisfy the deepest longing of your soul. This special night calls us to focus on Christmas by pressing into God with faith and devotion.

Pursue Him, beloved, as He has pursued you. Just as the shepherds left their flocks to seek Him, and the wise men traveled far to worship Him, let nothing keep you from the Savior. His birth is the beginning of the greatest story ever told, and it is a story that invites you to be a part of it.

A Call to Press In

This Christmas Eve, make the decision to pursue God with your whole heart. Do not settle for traditions or fleeting joys. Press into His presence, pursue Him in prayer and worship, and surrender fully to the Savior who came to redeem you. Christmas is not about what you can get; it is about the God who has already given you everything in Jesus Christ.

As you pursue Him, He will meet you. He will fill your heart with His peace, and He will lead you into the fullness of His love. The pursuit of God is not the end of the journey—it is the beginning of the life you were created to live.

A Prayer for Christmas Eve

Heavenly Father,

On this holy night, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Stir in our hearts a hunger to pursue You above all else. Help us to press into Your presence, surrender everything to You, and trust You with our lives. Fill us with the joy and peace that come from knowing You. Let this Christmas Eve be the start of a deeper, richer walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This Christmas Eve, press in and pursue God with all your heart. He is waiting for you, ready to pour out His love and transform your life. Do not settle for anything less than the joy of knowing Him and living fully in His presence.

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The Pursuit: Seeking to Know Christ Fully

Beloved, there is no greater calling in life than the pursuit of knowing Jesus Christ. This isn’t a passive relationship—it is an active, daily commitment to seek His face and grow in intimacy with Him. The Apostle Paul expressed this longing beautifully:

“And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]” (Philippians 3:10, AMP).

Paul’s words resonate with a deep hunger to not just know about Christ but to know Him personally—experientially. This isn’t a pursuit of knowledge alone, but of transformation, rooted in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. This is the heart of the Christian life: to seek Him, to know Him, and to reflect His glory.

The Call to Seek His Face

The Bible consistently calls us to seek God with our whole hearts. “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually [longing to be in His presence]” (1 Chronicles 16:11, AMP). To seek His face is to desire intimacy with Him, to press into His presence and make Him the focus of your life.

Charles Spurgeon, in his commentary on Psalm 27:8 (“When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, O Lord, I will seek.’”), writes that God’s invitation to seek Him is one of grace and love. Spurgeon describes it as the gentle whisper of a Father calling His children home. This pursuit begins with God drawing us and inviting us into deeper relationship, but it requires our response.

The Power of Pursuit

The pursuit of Christ is not without reward. As we seek Him, He promises to reveal Himself to us. “Draw near to God [with a contrite heart] and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8, AMP). This promise assures us that God is not far off. He desires to be found by those who earnestly seek Him.

Furthermore, this pursuit transforms us. As Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit” (AMP). When we seek Him, His Spirit works in us, making us more like Christ—refining our hearts, renewing our minds, and aligning our lives with His will.

The Fellowship of Suffering

Paul’s words in Philippians 3:10 remind us that knowing Christ deeply involves more than experiencing His power—it also means sharing in His sufferings. While this may sound daunting, it is through these trials that we grow closer to Him. Suffering teaches us to depend fully on God, stripping away our self-reliance and drawing us into a deeper trust in His goodness.

Commentary on this passage often highlights that the “fellowship of suffering” is a sacred bond. When we endure hardships for the sake of Christ, we come to understand His heart more fully. Suffering is not meaningless—it is a path to deeper intimacy with the One who suffered for us.

Shining His Light in the Darkness

As we pursue Christ, His light begins to shine through us. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory and majesty of God [clearly revealed] in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6, AMP). The more we know Him, the more His love and truth radiate from our lives.

In a world filled with darkness, this light is desperately needed. Jesus calls us to be His witnesses, to reflect His glory and point others to the hope we have in Him. “You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14, AMP). Your pursuit of Christ is not just for your benefit—it is a testimony to the world of His transforming power and grace.

The Daily Call to Pursue Him

Brother, this pursuit is not a one-time event; it is a daily commitment. Jesus Himself said, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]” (Luke 9:23, AMP).

Each day presents a new opportunity to seek Him, to know Him more, and to walk in His ways. Don’t let the distractions of life pull you away from this sacred calling. Press in, for the One you seek is faithful and will meet you in your pursuit.

Life Application Questions:

  1. Are you actively pursuing a deeper relationship with God, or has your faith become passive?
  2. What distractions in your life might be keeping you from seeking God’s face daily?
  3. How can you make time each day to intentionally draw near to Him through prayer, worship, or reading His Word?
  4. Have you experienced the power of Christ’s resurrection in your life? How can you share that testimony with others?
  5. Are you willing to embrace the fellowship of His sufferings, trusting that God will use trials to conform you to His image?
  6. How can you let Christ’s light shine through you in your workplace, home, or community this week?
  7. What specific steps can you take to grow in your knowledge of God and live out your faith more boldly?
  8. Are you trusting God to meet you in your pursuit, believing His promise to draw near when you seek Him?

A Prayer for the Pursuit

Father, we long to know You more. Teach us to seek Your face with all our hearts. Draw us into deeper intimacy with You, and let nothing stand in the way of our pursuit. Help us to embrace both the power of Your resurrection and the fellowship of Your sufferings, knowing that You are working all things for our good and Your glory. Transform us into the image of Your Son and let our lives shine as a beacon of Your light in the darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

See Also