Tag Archives: Spiritual Growth

The Pursuit

Pursuit and Restoration

Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Who Provides

O Lord, my God, You are my Provider.
In the wilderness of my soul, You give what I need.
Your mercy flows like streams in the desert;
Your love satisfies my every longing.
You call me to trust like a child, unburdened and free,
For You delight in those who come with simple faith.
Teach me to depend on You fully,
And to seek not the treasures of this world, but the riches of Your heart.

Jehovah Rapha – The Lord Who Heals

Jehovah Rapha, You are the Healer of my wounds.
Restore the broken places of my spirit, O God.
Where pride has scarred, Your grace humbles;
Where doubt lingers, Your peace restores.
You hide Yourself in deep darkness, drawing me near,
Teaching me to walk by faith, not by sight.
Heal me, Lord, that I may see You clearly,
And declare Your goodness in the land of the living.

Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord Our Righteousness

O Lord, my Righteousness, let Your justice reign in my heart.
Search me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.
Rain down Your righteousness like a flood,
And wash away all that is not of You.
You hide from the proud but reveal Yourself to the humble;
Those with childlike hearts find refuge in Your truth.
Teach me to walk upright before You,
To love what is good and hate what is evil.

Jehovah Shalom – The Lord Is Peace

Jehovah Shalom, You are the calm in the storm.
When the winds of life rage around me, You are my peace.
In the stillness of Your presence, my soul finds rest.
Let Your peace, which surpasses understanding, guard my heart.
O Lord, You reveal Yourself to the trusting,
But to the self-reliant, You remain hidden in mystery.
I will lay aside my striving and rest in Your embrace,
For Your peace fills every longing of my heart.

Pursue the Lord with all your heart

Jehovah Nissi – The Lord Is My Banner

Jehovah Nissi, You are my victory.
When the battles rage, You raise Your banner over me.
In You, I triumph over my enemies;
In Your strength, I stand unshaken.
Lift my eyes to see Your banner of love,
And remind me that the battle belongs to You.
As a child trusts in their father’s strong hand,
So I will trust in You, my Warrior and King.

Jehovah Rohi – The Lord Is My Shepherd

Jehovah Rohi, You lead me in paths of righteousness.
You restore my soul and guide me with Your staff.
Even in the valley of the shadow, I will fear no evil,
For You are with me, and Your rod comforts me.
You call me to come like a child, unafraid and dependent,
To trust Your voice and follow wherever You lead.
You are my Shepherd, Yeshua, and in You, I lack nothing.

Jehovah Elohim – The Lord, My God

Jehovah Elohim, You are my Creator and King.
Before the foundations of the earth, You knew me.
You knit me together in my mother’s womb,
And Your plans for me are good and perfect.
You hide Yourself from the wise in their own eyes,
But You show Your face to those with childlike faith.
O Lord, my God, I seek Your face alone.
You are my beginning and my end, my all in all.
Let my life be a reflection of Your glory,
And may I dwell in Your presence forever.

Selah.

Beloved, hear the call of the Lord today. He is not far from you; He waits with open arms, longing for you to come to Him. Have you grown weary in your pursuit? Have the distractions of this world stolen your gaze from His face? Return to the Lord with all your heart!

He delights in the faith of a child—a heart that trusts without reserve, a spirit that runs to Him without hesitation. Stop striving in your own strength, stop seeking answers in what cannot satisfy. The Lord calls you to lay down your pride, your self-sufficiency, and come to Him with humility, with desperation, and with an unrelenting desire for more of Him.

The time is now to pursue Him with all your might. Chase after Him as though your very life depends on it—because it does. “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6, AMP). Do not delay! He is the God who provides, who heals, who restores, and who reveals Himself to those who hunger and thirst for Him.

Turn from the fleeting things of this world and set your heart on eternal treasures. Let your cry be, “More of You, Lord, less of me!” Seek His face and His righteousness with every ounce of your being. For when you seek Him, you will find Him. When you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you (James 4:8, AMP).

Do not settle for hollow religion or empty ritual. Run into the arms of the living God, the One who loves you with an everlasting love. He is waiting to restore what was lost, to rain down His righteousness upon your life, and to fill you with His peace and joy. Pursue Him, for He alone is worthy.

Lift your heart, lift your voice, and chase after the Lord your God with all that you are. He will meet you in the pursuit. He will be your strength, your hope, your everything. O, return to Him, and find life—abundant, eternal, and full!

See Also

Advent

Prepare the Way: The Shepherd Has Come

The Shepherd has come, fulfilling God’s promise to redeem His people. From eternity, God planned for the Messiah to arrive, not in grandeur, but in the humblest of circumstances. “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not in any way least among the leaders of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel” (Matthew 2:6, AMP). This prophecy reveals the profound truth that God chooses the unlikely to accomplish His greatest work.

When Herod heard of the Messiah’s birth, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him (Matthew 2:3, AMP). Why? Because Christ’s arrival disrupted their comfort, pride, and self-reliance. Today, the message of Jesus still challenges us. His light exposes our sin, and His rule demands our surrender. Yet, for those who recognize their need, His coming brings joy and hope. “The people who walk in [spiritual] darkness will see a great Light” (Isaiah 9:2, AMP).

The Humility of Bethlehem

God chose Bethlehem—a small, insignificant town—as the birthplace of the King. This choice reflects God’s character. He exalts the humble and brings low the proud. “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27, AMP). From this small town, the Ruler and Shepherd of all nations entered the world. His name is “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, AMP).

The Response of the Faithful

Notice who responded to this incredible news. The shepherds, keeping watch over their flocks, were the first to hear. 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). Their response was immediate—they went with haste to see the Christ. Similarly, the magi from the East traveled long distances to bow before the King. These examples show us the right way to respond: with humility, eagerness, and worship.

In contrast, Herod resisted. He clung to his earthly throne and rejected the Messiah’s reign. His response reminds us of the danger of pride and self-interest. The Shepherd calls you to follow Him, but you must choose whether to accept His invitation or turn away.

The Call to Prepare

This Advent, prepare your heart for Christ. Like the shepherds and the magi, seek Him with all your heart. Turn from distractions, pride, and fear, and let Christ reign in your life. The Good Shepherd came to lead, restore, and save. “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep” (John 10:11, AMP). His coming is the greatest gift, offering eternal life to all who follow Him.

A Prayer for Advent

Gracious Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the Good Shepherd and Ruler of all. Open our hearts to receive Him fully this Advent season. Lead us in humility to seek His presence, turn from sin, and worship Him with our whole lives. May our hearts be like Bethlehem, prepared for Your glory to dwell. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Shepherd has come, and He invites you to follow Him. Will you respond with humility and faith? Let this Advent be the season you draw nearer to Christ, who reigns forever. Seek Him now, for His light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

See Also

The Pursuit

The Pursuit of God

Beloved, you were created to know God intimately, to walk with Him in deep communion. This is the highest and holiest calling of your life: the pursuit of God. The Scriptures speak of this pursuit with urgency and promise. “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13 AMP). This is no idle search. It is an all-consuming journey that calls for the surrender of our entire being.

God’s Word reminds us of His nearness: “Draw near to God [with a contrite heart] and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8 AMP). He is not distant, but He waits for us to turn our hearts fully to Him, to press past the distractions and noise of the world into His holy presence. The pursuit of God is not for the casual or complacent; it is for those whose hearts burn with a longing to know Him as He truly is.

The Simplicity of Seeking Him

Scripture shows us that God calls us to approach Him with childlike faith. Jesus said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking], and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3 AMP). To pursue God, we must let go of the pride and self-reliance that complicate our approach to Him.

Our pursuit must be stripped down to its essence: a longing to be with God. This simplicity is echoed in David’s cry: “One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord and to meditate in His temple” (Psalm 27:4 AMP). David’s singular focus reminds us that to pursue God is to desire Him above all else.

Gazing on His Glory

The pursuit of God is not merely about asking for His blessings or guidance; it is about worshiping Him for who He is. Moses cried out, “Please, show me Your glory!” (Exodus 33:18 AMP). This longing to behold God is the heartbeat of every true seeker. In His presence, words often fall away, and we are left in silent awe of His majesty.

To worship God is to recognize that He alone satisfies the deepest hunger of the soul. “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” (Psalm 42:1-2 AMP). This thirst is quenched not by fleeting experiences, but by dwelling in His presence continually.

Dying to Self, Living for Him

The pursuit of God requires a life fully surrendered. Jesus declared, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23 AMP). To pursue God, we must let go of our own ambitions, desires, and plans. We must echo the heart of John the Baptist: “He must increase [in prominence], but I must decrease” (John 3:30 AMP).

When we abandon self-reliance and pride, we open the door to deeper intimacy with God. This surrender is not loss but gain. “The kingdom of heaven is like a very precious treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again; then in his joy he goes and sells all he has and buys that field [securing the treasure for himself]” (Matthew 13:44 AMP). God Himself is the treasure worth everything.

The Invitation

Dear reader, this is your invitation to pursue God with all your heart. Do not settle for knowing about Him when you can know Him intimately. Do not be satisfied with shallow faith when you are called to deep waters. God’s presence is the place where your soul finds its true home. He is inviting you to come closer, to seek Him with purity and passion.

The pursuit of God is not a fleeting effort but a lifelong journey. It is not marked by striving but by surrender. Come before Him, lay aside the weights of this world, and behold the One who satisfies every longing of your heart.

Prayer

Lord, You are our greatest treasure and the deepest desire of our hearts. Forgive us for the times we have pursued lesser things. Teach us to seek You with childlike faith and to come before You with simplicity and surrender. Draw us deeper into Your presence, and let our hearts burn with longing to know You more. May we lay down our lives in pursuit of You, for You alone are worthy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

See Also

The Pursuit

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

Prophetic Symbolism

Grace of the Plumb

“For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.” — Zechariah 4:10 (AMP)

Beloved, the Lord teaches us not to scorn small beginnings, for what seems insignificant in human eyes is often the foundation of His greatest works. Zerubbabel’s temple, modest compared to Solomon’s, began with a single plumb line in his hand. Yet, this was no ordinary moment—it was the fulfillment of divine purpose and the grace of the plumb. The “seven eyes of the LORD” represent His perfect wisdom and vigilant care, watching over every step of the process. God rejoices in the faithful work of His servants, no matter how small, because every act of obedience moves His plan forward.

The plumb line, a tool for alignment and accuracy, reflects the Lord’s commitment to precision and righteousness in His work. The construction of Zerubbabel’s temple serves as a profound image of God’s spiritual work in His people. Just as the plumb line ensures a building’s integrity, so does God’s Word and Spirit align our lives with His holiness. “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plummet,” says the Lord (Isaiah 28:17, AMP). Anything that is misaligned must be corrected, for the temple of the Lord must be perfect and unshakable by the grace of the plumb.

Consider this: the “day of small things” is not a day of insignificance, but of preparation. When the people saw the beginning of the temple, they lamented its simplicity, forgetting that the Lord often uses what is small to confound the mighty. He chose David, the youngest of his brothers, to slay the giant. He took a small band of disciples to change the world. “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27, AMP). The plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand is a symbol of this divine paradox: what starts small in the hands of man is mighty when guided by the hand of God.

The seven eyes of the Lord, scanning to and fro throughout the earth, remind us of His sovereignty and omnipresence. Nothing escapes His gaze; every stone, every line, every effort is seen and judged by Him. This is both a comfort and a challenge, for He rejoices in faithfulness but removes anything unworthy of His temple. “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He repeatedly prunes so that it will bear more fruit” (John 15:2, AMP). The pruning and alignment may be painful, but they are necessary for the completion of His work.

Jesus, the true Master Builder, is the fulfillment of Zerubbabel’s work. He is the cornerstone, chosen and precious, upon whom the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord (1 Peter 2:6, Ephesians 2:20-21, AMP). He holds the plumb line of righteousness in His hand, and He will not rest until the capstone is laid with shouts of grace and glory. The grace of the plumb is evident in His work. The Lord’s pleasure prospers in His hand, and He will not fail (Isaiah 53:10).

Let this truth encourage your heart: the work He has begun in you, though it may seem small, is being carefully constructed by His wisdom and power. He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6, AMP). Trust in His process. Submit to His plumb line, and rejoice in the grace of the plumb, for His hand will bring all things into perfect alignment.

O Lord Jesus, the true Builder and Redeemer, we praise You for Your faithfulness to complete what You have started. Align our hearts and lives with Your righteousness, remove what is misaligned, and strengthen us to trust in Your perfect timing. May we see Your work rise in glory, as every stone is set in place to reflect Your majesty. Amen.

Go Deep

Faithful Living

Labor for God with All Your Might

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10, AMP)

Beloved, as evening settles and the weight of the day lingers, let the Word of God stir your heart to action. This life is but a vapor, and the opportunities to serve our Lord are fleeting. The wisdom of Solomon cries out to us: Do not delay, do not withhold, but pour out your life for the glory of God today! For the moments God has given us are sacred; they are not ours to waste but His to redeem.

Do the Work Before You

The Spirit reminds us to begin with what is already in our reach: “whatever your hand finds to do.” This is not a call to dreams of far-off tasks but to faithfulness in the here and now. God’s work begins with today, not tomorrow. We honor Christ not by imagining what we might do, but by faithfully doing what is before us.

Jesus spoke plainly, “He who is faithful in a very little [thing] is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10, AMP). Let not pride despise the small works—whether serving a child, offering kindness to a stranger, or laboring in your daily calling. These humble deeds carry the fragrance of Christ when done in obedience to Him. Matthew Henry reflects, “Let us do with all our might what lies before us, for life is short and eternity is near.” The moments of today are not to be squandered but used for His glory.

Serve with All Your Heart and Strength

Do not give God half-measures, for He is worthy of your whole being. The apostle Paul exhorts us, “Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23, AMP). Let this truth resound: God is glorified when we serve Him with zeal, passion, and excellence.

Beloved, do not fall into the trap of delay. Spurgeon warns, “No man ever served God by doing things tomorrow. The present is the only time we possess.” Now is the moment for action. Now is the moment to honor the One who gave His all for you. Bring Him your best, for He gave you His life.

Draw Strength from God Alone

Where does the strength for such wholehearted labor come from? Not from us, for we are but dust. Our might flows from the Lord of Hosts. As the psalmist declares, “The Lord is the strength of His people [their fortress, their refuge, their stronghold]” (Psalm 28:8, AMP). And Isaiah reassures us: “But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power” (Isaiah 40:31, AMP).

Begin each labor with prayer, trusting the Spirit to empower you. Do not strive in the weakness of your own flesh, but lean on the eternal strength of God. For it is not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit that we fulfill His work (Zechariah 4:6).

Redeem the Time

Paul’s words echo the urgency of Solomon’s: “Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately… making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence]” (Ephesians 5:15-16, AMP). The days are evil, and the enemy delights in stealing time from God’s children. But the Spirit of God stirs us to redeem the moments and labor for the eternal.

John Wesley’s call rings true: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” Beloved, let every breath, every action, and every moment of your life resound with the glory of God.

A Call to Faithful Action

Hear this, dear one: The work God has given you today is sacred. Do not despise it. Do not delay it. Give yourself wholly to it. The moments of today are pregnant with eternal purpose. Whether you labor in the field, tend to a family, or minister to the brokenhearted, let it all be done for Christ. And know this: “Your labor in the Lord is not futile [nor wasted—it is never without purpose]” (1 Corinthians 15:58, AMP).

Let the evening find you faithful. Let the setting sun see the fruit of hands and hearts given fully to God.

Lord, we surrender this day and all its labors to You. Forgive us for delay and for giving You less than our best. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to serve You with all our might. Teach us to redeem the time and labor for Your glory. May every work of our hands reflect the love and grace You have poured into us. Amen.

See Also

Obedience

The Lord Desires Obedience, Not Sacrifice

Throughout Scripture, God’s consistent desire is for His people to obey His Word and follow His commands from the heart. He is not moved by empty rituals or outward displays of religion. Rather, He seeks a relationship with us that is rooted in trust, faith, and love. This truth is clearly expressed in 1 Samuel 15:22, where Samuel rebukes King Saul: “Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obedience to the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (AMP).

In this story, Saul disobeyed God’s clear instructions. Instead of fully destroying the Amalekites and their possessions as God commanded, Saul kept the best of the livestock, claiming he intended to offer them as a sacrifice to the Lord. But God was not pleased. Saul’s disobedience revealed a heart that valued appearances and personal preferences over God’s authority.

Obedience in Our Daily Lives

We, too, face similar temptations today. For instance, a business owner may donate large sums to charity but fail to operate their business with integrity, cutting corners or exploiting employees. A student might attend church regularly but lie or cheat when it’s convenient. These actions may seem small, but they reveal a heart that prioritizes external appearances over internal surrender to God’s will.

In Micah 6:6-8, the prophet underscores this truth: “With what shall I come before the Lord, [and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with yearling calves? Will the Lord be delighted with thousands of rams, or with ten thousand rivers of oil? … He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), and to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?” (AMP).

Obedience means aligning our lives with God’s Word—choosing justice over injustice, humility over pride, and love over selfish ambition. These are the actions that delight the heart of God because they flow from genuine faith and surrender.

Jesus’ Example of Perfect Obedience

The ultimate model of obedience is Jesus Christ. He humbled Himself, submitting fully to the Father’s will, even unto death on the cross. Philippians 2:8 says, “After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man, He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient to the Father to the point of death, even death on a cross” (AMP). Jesus’ obedience paved the way for our redemption, showing us that true love for God is proven in action, not just words or religious rituals.

The Danger of Sacrifice Without Obedience

Sacrifices, offerings, or religious practices without obedience are meaningless. Isaiah 1:11-17 captures God’s frustration with Israel’s empty rituals: “What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me [without your repentance]? … Bring your worthless offerings no longer [It is futile; their incense is repulsive to Me] … Learn to do good. Seek justice. Rebuke the ruthless. Defend the fatherless. Plead for the [rights of the] widow” (AMP).

The message is clear: God does not want lip service or outward displays of piety. He desires hearts fully surrendered to Him, willing to obey His commands in every area of life.

Choosing Obedience Today

Ask yourself: Are there areas in your life where you have chosen convenience, ritual, or appearance over obedience? Perhaps it’s forgiving someone who wronged you, tithing faithfully, or standing firm in your faith at work or school. God calls us to obey Him, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient, because obedience is an act of trust and worship that pleases His heart.

Let us echo the words of Psalm 51:16-17: “For You do not delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. My [only] sacrifice [acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart [broken with sorrow for sin, thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise” (AMP).

A Prayer for Obedience

Heavenly Father, You are holy and righteous, deserving of all our love and obedience. Forgive us for the times we have chosen our ways over Yours, prioritizing rituals or convenience instead of surrendering to Your perfect will. Teach us to walk humbly with You, to seek justice, and to love mercy. May we follow Jesus’ example of perfect obedience, trusting that Your commands are for our good and Your glory. Help us to love You more deeply and to reflect that love in our actions each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To obey is better than sacrifice. Let us choose obedience daily, trusting that it leads us closer to God and His purposes for our lives.

See Also

Faith

Unleashing faith

The world has taught us to see limits where God sees none. We need to unlearn what the world calls “impossible” and instead embrace the truth of God’s power.

Wednesday, while I was in the shower, water poured down over two bottles on a shelf—one shampoo, one conditioner. Without my glasses, I couldn’t read the labels, and the water distorted my vision. Instinctively, I reached out to push the water aside, as though it were a curtain I could move. Just before my hand reached it, I realized: water doesn’t work that way. But in that moment, a truth struck me—this is the kind of faith God calls us to. A faith so sure, so unshaken by doubt, that we act in bold belief. I feel if I had just pushed through with my faith it would have moved.

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith [that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20 AMP). God invites us to believe in Him beyond what we see or understand. He asks for a faith that trusts His Word completely—without hesitation, without fear.

Yet, how often do we falter? Like Peter walking on water, we begin with bold steps but falter when doubt creeps in. We let what the world calls “impossible” limit our belief in what God can do. But the truth remains: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26 AMP). It is not our strength but God’s power that makes miracles happen.

Let this story remind us to trust God fully. To push past doubt and hold tightly to His promises. Faith calls us to live in bold expectation, knowing that with God, there are no limits.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly Father, we confess that too often we let the world shape our faith instead of Your truth. Help us to unlearn the lies of impossibility and embrace the limitless power of Your Word. Strengthen our faith to act without doubt, to trust You completely, and to believe that all things are possible through You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go Deeper

Truth

Blessed Called Healed and Whole

Beloved, receive this truth spoken over you by the Spirit of God. You are blessed beyond measure, chosen by the Father before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight (Ephesians 1:4). You are called with a holy calling, not according to your works but according to His own purpose and grace (2 Timothy 1:9). The Lord has summoned you by name; you are His (Isaiah 43:1).

You are loved with an everlasting love; therefore, He draws you with lovingkindness (Jeremiah 31:3). You are forgiven of all your sins and washed in the precious blood of Jesus (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 1:7). You are redeemed from the hand of the enemy and transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13).

You are healed by the stripes of Jesus; He took up your infirmities and bore your diseases (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:17). You are whole, complete in Him who is the head over every power and authority (Colossians 2:10). You are renewed day by day; though outwardly you may be wasting away, inwardly you are being renewed (2 Corinthians 4:16).

You are highly favored, for the Lord is with you (Luke 1:28). His favor surrounds you as with a shield (Psalm 5:12). You are anointed by the Holy One, and His anointing teaches you about all things (1 John 2:20, 27). You are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witness to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

You are a new creation in Christ; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). You are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). You are sanctified and set apart for God’s holy purposes (1 Corinthians 6:11). You are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession (1 Peter 2:9).

You are the light of the world; a city set on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14). You are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). You are an ambassador for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through you (2 Corinthians 5:20). You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:10).

You are victorious, for everyone born of God overcomes the world (1 John 5:4). You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you (Romans 8:37). You are an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony (Revelation 12:11). Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

You are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6). You are a citizen of heaven, and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:3). Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God (1 Corinthians 6:19).

You are protected, for the Lord is your refuge and fortress (Psalm 91:2). No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you shall condemn (Isaiah 54:17). You are safe, for the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10).

You are not alone, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). You are guided, for the steps of a righteous person are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23). You are heard, for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry (Psalm 34:15).

You are strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). You are filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). You are rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17).

You are free, for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). You are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir (Galatians 4:7). You are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24).

You are blessed in the city and blessed in the country (Deuteronomy 28:3). You are blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out (Deuteronomy 28:6). The Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).

May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may He turn His face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24–26).

May His favor be upon you, and a thousand generations, and your family, and your children, and their children, and their children (Exodus 20:6; Psalm 103:17).

May His presence go before you, and behind you, and beside you, all around you, and within you; He is with you (Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 52:12).

In the morning, in the evening, in your coming and your going, in your weeping and rejoicing, He is for you (Psalm 30:5; Romans 8:31).

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still (Exodus 14:14). Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29).

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20–21).

Therefore, beloved, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Let’s come before him today with thanksgiving for everything He has done for us!

See Also

Faith

Let the Word Dwell Richly Within You: Living in Victory and Gratitude

Beloved, I urge you to let the Word of Christ have its home within you, permeating every aspect of your being. As it is written, “Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being], as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16, AMP). Remember, let the Word of Christ dwell richly within you. When His Word dwells richly in your heart, it transforms you, empowers you, and anchors you in His eternal truth.

The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. By hiding His Word in your heart, you guard yourself against sin and stand firm against the enemy’s schemes (“Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, that I may not sin against You” — Psalm 119:11, AMP). Remember how the Lord commanded, “These words… shall be written on your heart and mind” (Deuteronomy 6:6, AMP). Embrace His Word, meditate on it day and night, and let it guide every decision.

As you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, do so with hearts overflowing in gratitude. Singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness, you glorify God and edify others. The Scriptures exhort us: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness endures forever” (Psalm 118:1, AMP). Gratitude is the overflow of a heart touched by His grace.

In all that you do, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17, AMP). His name carries authority and power. Jesus declared, “Whatever you ask in My name [as My representative], this I will do” (John 14:13, AMP). When you act in His name, you align yourself with His will and purpose, and the gates of hell cannot prevail against you (Matthew 16:18, AMP).

Beloved, the gates of hell cannot overcome the Church, for Christ has already secured the victory. Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4, AMP). Press into God, seeking more of Him and less of yourself. Reject hollow religion and empty actions; pursue an authentic relationship with the one true living God. He is faithful, His promises are unshakable, and His love endures forever.

Let His Word dwell richly within you, let gratitude overflow from your heart, and live victoriously in His name. You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you (Romans 8:37, AMP).

A Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that lives within us, guiding and transforming us. Help us to let it permeate every part of our being. We commit to do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to You through Him. Strengthen us to stand firm, knowing that the gates of hell cannot prevail against us. We seek more of You and less of ourselves, desiring an authentic, deep relationship with You. May our lives glorify You in every word and deed. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.

Beloved, let the Word of Christ dwell richly within you, live boldly in His name, and give thanks with a grateful heart. He is faithful, His love endures forever, and His victory is yours.

See Also