Tag Archives: surrender to God

Blessing, Faith

Have You Seen? Have You Heard?

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What if I told you that what your eyes have seen is only the smallest glimpse of what God has prepared? That what your ears have heard is but a whisper of the symphony He is composing for those who love Him? The plans of the Almighty stretch beyond imagination, beyond human wisdom, beyond even the deepest longings of the heart. As it is written:

“THINGS WHICH THE EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND THE EAR HAS NOT HEARD,
AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN,
ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” (1 Corinthians 2:9, AMP)

But do you love Him? Do you honor Him with your life, obeying His Word, seeking His face above all else? If you do, then hear this: what you have experienced of Him is only the beginning. You have tasted His grace, but the feast is still before you. You have glimpsed His glory, but the fullness remains hidden, waiting to be revealed. What God has prepared is beyond what we can fathom.

For the prophet declared long ago:

“For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear,
nor has the eye seen a God besides You,
who acts in behalf of one who waits for Him.” 
(Isaiah 64:4, NASB)

Testimony: He Called Me to Lay It Down

I thought I knew beauty. I thought I had heard music that stirred the soul. But I was wrong. I once filled my ears with the sounds of this world—songs written by men, melodies crafted for pleasure but not for glory. I thought they satisfied. But one day, God called me to lay them down. He whispered, “Come away from that which fades, and I will give you something eternal.”

It was not easy. The world had trained my heart to crave what was temporary, but in obedience, I surrendered. And then, He poured out His abundance. What God has prepared was now becoming clearer to me.

Suddenly, I heard music unlike anything I had ever known. Melodies not made by man, but flowing from the throne of God. Worship that pierced the soul, harmonies that resonated in my spirit, songs that were not just heard, but experienced. The heavens opened, and I was swept into a river of praise that had no end.

What I had forsaken was dust compared to what He gave me. I had never heard such music, and yet—it had always been waiting for me. What God has prepared for those who love Him is truly magnificent.

Testimony: The More I Surrendered, the More He Revealed

It was not just music. I once wasted my time on the fleeting things of this world—distractions, entertainment, pursuits that neither satisfied nor remained. But when I laid them down and turned my heart toward Him, He showered me with revelation.

The more time I gave Him, the more He revealed. The Scriptures became alive, His voice clearer, His presence overwhelming. It was as if a floodgate had been opened, and what had once been a trickle of understanding became a torrent of truth. Truly, what God has prepared for those who seek Him is extraordinary.

I did not see with my earthly eyes, but I knew in my spirit. This is what it means to live by faith.

The Call to Press In

“If you have faith the size of a 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, NASB)

My faith was small, but my God was not. I could not see the fullness of what He was doing, but I knew. Just as Abraham believed in a promise he never fully saw on earth, just as the prophets declared things that would only come to pass generations later, I now stand in that same faith. What God has prepared for us surpasses our understanding.

There are things I have never seen with my eyes, but I know them as surely as I know my own name. Even in death, I will hold onto what He has spoken, for His promises are more real than the very air I breathe. What God has prepared for us is truly remarkable.

Have You Seen? Have You Heard?

No, not yet. But you will.

Keep your eyes fixed on Yeshua. Keep your ears tuned to His voice. Do not be distracted, do not grow weary, do not look back. The time of revealing is at hand! The Kingdom is near! The glory of the Lord is coming, and those who wait for Him will see it with their own eyes. Indeed, what God has prepared will be revealed in its due time.

Come, beloved—the best is yet to be revealed!

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Love, The Pursuit

Love the Lord with Your Whole Being

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What Does It Mean to Love God with Your Whole Heart? Loving the Lord with your whole being is a profound and transformative experience.

“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one [the only God]! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength [your entire being].” – Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (AMP)

God is not divided, nor is He one among many. He alone is the true and living God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and He calls for your complete devotion. The greatest commandment is not a suggestion—it is a call to love the Lord with every part of your being.

But do you truly love Him with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength? Or have you offered Him only a portion while keeping the rest for yourself? God does not want lukewarm love; He calls for an all-consuming devotion. Jesus reaffirmed this in the New Testament, saying:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37 (NASB)

Nothing less than everything belongs to Him.

God Held Nothing Back—Will You?

God gave everything for you. The proof is in Jesus Christ:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (NASB)

God did not hold back His only Son. He gave everything so that you might live. Will you now hesitate to give Him your whole life?

The Holy Spirit is still calling, still convicting, still transforming lives.

“Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” – Hebrews 3:15 (NASB)

Yet the world tempts you to hold back—to divide your heart, to love God when it is convenient. But God demands your whole being. He is worthy of nothing less than your full surrender.

Jesus said:

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

This is the love God desires—a love that lays everything down, seeks Him above all else, and forsakes sin to follow Christ completely.

Do Not Hesitate—Respond to His Call

Do not be one who hears and refuses to respond! If hell is real, if sin is death, if the blood of Jesus was the price of salvation—will you hesitate?

Tear down every idol. Forsake every distraction. Let your love for Him be total, consuming, and undivided. This is the only love worthy of the Lord your God.

Understanding the Command: A Word Study on Loving God

A deeper look into the original Hebrew words in Deuteronomy 6:5 reveals the full depth of God’s command:

1. “Love” (אָהַב – ahav)

  • Ahav is more than an emotional feeling—it is a devoted, covenantal love that includes loyalty and action.
  • It is the same kind of love God commands in Deuteronomy 6:5, which Jesus later reaffirms in Matthew 22:37.
  • Loving God is not passive—it is a wholehearted commitment that shapes every thought, decision, and action.

2. “Heart” (לֵבָב – levav)

  • In Hebrew, the heart is not just emotions—it includes the mind, will, and intellect.
  • Loving God with all your heart means surrendering every thought and desire to Him.
  • Scripture commands us: “Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NASB)

3. “Soul” (נֶפֶשׁ – nephesh)

  • Nephesh means “life” or “whole being.” It includes emotions, personality, and the very breath of life.
  • Loving God with all your soul means giving Him everything that makes you who you are.
  • “Bless the Lord, my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” – Psalm 103:1 (NASB)

4. “Strength” (מְאֹד – me’od)

  • Me’od doesn’t just mean physical strength—it means “muchness,” intensity, and everything that you are.
  • It is a call to love God with all your energy, resources, time, and ability.
  • This is the kind of devotion seen in Luke 9:23, where Jesus says: “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Bringing It All Together: A Call to Total Devotion

Loving God with all your heart, soul, and strength is not optional—it is a command. It is a love that consumes everything in you.

This is the love Jesus demonstrated when He laid down His life for you. This is the love the Holy Spirit ignites when you surrender to Him.

God has given everything for you. Will you hold anything back?

A Prayer of Total Surrender

Holy Spirit, search me and expose every place where my love is divided. Let me not be deaf to Your voice or resistant to Your transforming power. Fill me, consume me, and make me wholly devoted to the One who alone is worthy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Faith, Spiritual

Come Higher: Lay It All Down Before the Lord

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{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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Faith, Spiritual

Day Four: The Freedom of His Presence

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“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NASB) This passage beautifully illustrates the concept of Freedom in Yeshua.

“The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.” — Psalm 97:5 (NASB)

Where the presence of Yeshua is, there is true freedom in Yeshua. The world offers a counterfeit—self-sufficiency, fleeting pleasure, and so-called independence that only leads to deeper bondage. But true liberty is found in surrendering to El Shaddai, the Almighty God, who alone breaks every chain.

When His presence fills a place, sin loses its grip. Fear, anxiety, and oppression cannot stand before the radiance of His glory. Just as light dispels darkness, the Spirit of the Lord shatters strongholds that seek to enslave His people. You were never meant to live bound by sin, fear, or the opinions of others. You were created to walk in the freedom of His love, fully surrendered to His will, fully alive in His grace.

But this freedom is not the world’s version—it is not the right to do whatever you please. It is freedom from sin, not freedom to sin. It is the ability to walk in righteousness, to experience the joy of His presence, and to live unshaken by the storms of this world.

Are you carrying burdens that feel impossible to break? Press into the presence of El Shaddai to experience freedom in Yeshua. Seek His face in worship, in prayer, in His Word. The more you abide in Him, the more you will walk in the liberty of His Spirit. Every chain will fall. Every weight will lift. And you will step into the fullness of His freedom.

Prayer for Freedom

Abba Father, I long to dwell in Your presence, where true freedom reigns. Break every chain that binds me, and remove every weight that keeps me from walking fully in You. Let Your Spirit flood my life, filling every corner with Your light and truth. Teach me to abide in You daily so that I may walk in the freedom You have given me through Yeshua. I surrender every fear, sin, and burden to You. Lead me into deeper intimacy with You, for in Your presence, I am truly free. Amen.

Surrendered Hearts Bring Healing

“Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NASB)

When we surrender to El Shaddai, He moves through us to heal the land. The power of true surrender is that it does not stop with us—His Spirit works in and through us to bring restoration. His presence transforms us so that His glory may be revealed on the earth.

The world is broken, but Yeshua has given us the ministry of reconciliation and freedom in Yeshua (2 Corinthians 5:18). He calls us to stand in the gap—to intercede, to proclaim His truth, to be vessels of His presence. When we humble ourselves, seek His face, and turn from sin, He responds with healing (2 Chronicles 7:14). This is not just a promise—it is a call to action.

The enemy wants the Church distracted, divided, and silent. But now is the time to rise up in faith. Revival does not begin with a building; it begins with surrendered hearts. And when God’s people move in step with Him, revival spreads like fire.

Let this be our prayer:

Father, we surrender to You. Move through us, cleanse us, and make us vessels of Your healing power. Let Your presence flow from our lives and transform our cities, our families, and our nation. May Your name be exalted as You restore what is broken and bring freedom in Yeshua. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

Draw Near—He is Here

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8 (NASB)

That deep longing—to be held close, to be known, to be secure—resonates in every human heart. Yeshua is near. He does not stand at a distance, waiting for you to figure it all out. He is actively drawing near to those who call upon Him in truth.

Let your heart find rest in Him. He is your refuge, your strength, and the One who carries you when you have no strength left. Press into Him. Seek His face. Let His presence surround you like a shield, for in Him, there is freedom in Yeshua.

He is faithful. He will never let you go.

Abba, hold this heart close. Let Your presence be felt in a way that leaves no room for doubt. Fill every empty space with Your love and draw them deeper into You. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

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Faith

Answering the Call: The Leap of Faith

Beloved, hear the call of the Lord and step boldly into the life He has set before you. Take the leap of faith and trust in His promise.

To trust God is not merely a whisper of faith; it is a resounding act of surrender. It is a leap into His arms, knowing that His promises are sure and His purposes unfailing. Let the cry of your heart be, “Lord, I trust You!” For He is faithful, and He delights in those who rely on Him completely.

1. Surrender Your Comforts

The time has come to lay down the safety nets of the world. Those things you have held tightly—your plans, your fears, and your comforts—must be placed at the feet of the One who holds eternity. Ask the Lord, “Where do You want me to go? How can I trust You more today?” As the Word declares, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5 NASB). Let go, and let God lead. Take the leap of faith.

2. Respond to His Voice

Do not harden your hearts to the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit. When God speaks, whether through His Word, through prayer, or through the encouragement of others, respond with urgency and obedience. For the Scripture reminds us, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves” (James 1:22 NASB). Faith that trusts is faith that acts. Step forward, beloved, for God is with you on the leap of faith.

3. Commit to Community

We are not called to leap alone. The body of Christ exists for mutual encouragement, strength, and unity. Pray with one another, lift each other up, and walk this journey together. As Paul writes, “So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another” (Romans 12:5 NASB). Together, our trust grows stronger, and we take the leap of faith together.

4. Step Into Your Personal Mission

Your life is no accident. God has positioned you in a family, a workplace, and a community for His glory. Shine as His light wherever He has placed you. Every action—whether small or great—matters in His Kingdom. Remember the words of Christ: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14 NASB). Walk boldly in your calling, for He is using you in the leap of faith.

5. Embrace Bold Faith

Trusting God often requires risk—risking your comfort, your pride, or even your security. But do not fear, for God always meets His people in the leap. Let your worship deepen, your generosity expand, and your faith take flight. For the Word proclaims, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6 NASB). Take the leap of faith, knowing He will catch you.

6. Live with Kingdom Vision

Fix your eyes not on the temporary but on the eternal. Trusting God means walking with the awareness that every step you take is part of His glorious plan. Seek His Kingdom above all else, as Jesus instructed: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you” (Matthew 6:33 NASB). Let your trust in Him be your guiding star and embrace the leap of faith.

The Call to Leap

Declare this truth today:

“Lord, I will leap. I will trust You with my whole heart, follow You with unwavering faith, and glorify You in every step. You are my firm foundation, my rock, and my refuge. Use me for Your purposes, and I will walk boldly into the life You have prepared for me. Amen.”

Beloved, trust God and step into the extraordinary. He is waiting to meet you in the leap of faith.

See Also

Remnant, Repent

Awake and Surrender!

The call of God is clear and urgent: “Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine [as dawn] upon you.” (Ephesians 5:14, AMP). This is not a simple invitation to try harder or be better. It is a summons to radical transformation—a complete renewal of your heart that only God can accomplish through His Spirit when you fully surrender to Him. So, awake and surrender!

Let me ask you: Are you fully yielded to the Holy Spirit? Have you given Him access to every area of your heart, or are there parts of your life you’re still holding back? God is not asking for part of you—He is asking for all of you. He desires to awaken your spirit, breathe new life into your soul, and lead you into a vibrant relationship with Him that overflows with His power and purpose. It’s time to awake and surrender your heart.

The Scriptures remind us that transformation begins with surrender. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26, AMP). Is there an area of your life that feels hardened or distant from God? The Holy Spirit is ready to soften that place, to renew you, and to replace apathy with passion for the things of God. Awake and surrender to His work within you.

But this transformation requires action on your part. God is calling you to awaken and take the next step of faith. Have you grown complacent in your walk with Him? Have you allowed distractions, sin, or fear to keep you from walking fully in His light? “The night [this present evil age] is almost gone, and the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here. So let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.” (Romans 13:12, AMP). What is God asking you to fling away today? What is He calling you to take up in its place? Think about what it means to awaken and surrender today.

The Holy Spirit, living within you, is speaking even now. Ask Him: “What is the next step You want me to take? Where do You want to do a deeper work in my heart?” Listen to His voice. He is faithful to reveal what needs to change and to provide the strength to surrender. Remember, awake and surrender to God’s divine guidance.

Repentance is not just turning away from sin; it is turning toward God with a heart fully yielded to Him. “If My people, who are called by My Name, humble themselves, and pray and seek [crave, require as a necessity] My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear [them] from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, AMP). Are you willing to humble yourself, confess your need, and allow God to transform you? Are you willing to seek His face with all your heart? Be ready to awake and surrender completely.

Awake, O sleeper! The Spirit of God is ready to do a new work in you, but He is waiting for your surrender. Will you yield every corner of your heart to Him today? Let Him remove the heart of stone and replace it with a heart alive to His presence. Let His light shine in every area of your life, and allow His power to transform you from the inside out. Radical transformation begins with complete surrender—and God is faithful to finish the work He begins in you. It’s time to awake and surrender fully.

Prayer of Transformation

Lord God, we come before You humbled and ready to surrender. We confess that we cannot change ourselves; we need the power of Your Holy Spirit to transform us. Show us the areas where we are still resisting You, and give us the courage to yield them completely. Remove the hardness in our hearts and replace it with hearts that are tender and alive to Your will. Flood every corner of our lives with Your light and drive out every trace of darkness. We fully yield to You, Lord—do the deep, life-changing work that only You can do. Awaken us, renew us, and make us vessels for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now, ask yourself: Is God calling me to take the next step? Am I holding anything back from Him? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what He desires for your life and respond to His voice. Surrender fully to God today, and let Him do the miraculous work of transforming your heart. Awake and surrender to His will completely.

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Rest and Renewal

Come to the Rest of God

Beloved, hear the voice of the Lord calling to you: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest” (Matthew 11:28 AMP). Do you not sense His tender invitation? He sees your striving, your weariness, and the heavy burdens you carry. He calls you not to a task but to Himself—to the One who gives rest, refreshment, and renewal for your soul. It is an invitation to rest in God.

The world will promise you fleeting relief, but Christ offers you eternal peace. He bids you take His yoke, a yoke that is not harsh, sharp, or pressing but “comfortable, gracious, and pleasant” (Matthew 11:30). Have you not grown weary of carrying burdens you were never meant to bear? Lay them at His feet, for in Him is a rest that no storm can disturb. Find your ultimate rest in God.

The Invitation is for You

From the beginning, God has called His people to enter His rest. Noah was invited into the ark, a refuge in the storm (Genesis 7:1). Through Isaiah, the Lord cries, “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18), and again, “Come, all who are thirsty, come to the waters”(Isaiah 55:1). Do you hear His voice today? It is not the call of a distant God but of a loving Father who longs to ease your burdens and quiet your soul. Now, will you choose to rest in God?

Jesus stands before you now, saying, “Come to the feast, for everything is ready” (Matthew 22:4). He calls you not as a stranger but as a beloved child. His invitation is personal, intimate, and unending: “Come and see” (John 1:39). He is the living water that quenches every thirst, the bread of life that satisfies every hunger. Will you not come?

Enter His Rest

Beloved, the rest of God is not merely a cessation of labor; it is the fullness of life in His presence. It is the peace that David knew when he wrote, “He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still and quiet waters” (Psalm 23:2). It is the quiet strength of returning to God, for “in returning [to Him] and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). There is profound comfort when you rest in God.

This rest is not far from you. It is here, in His presence. He has promised, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). Have you not heard? There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9). This rest is for you. It is the inheritance of the weary and the gift of the humble.

Will You Respond?

The Lord is calling you, even now. Do not delay. His rest is not earned; it is given. Simply come. Lay down your striving, your fears, and your doubts. Trust in His promise: “Come to Me… and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).

Come, beloved. Enter His rest. Let the world’s noise fade as you step into the stillness of His love. Trust in the One who calls you, for He is faithful. The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life (Revelation 22:17).

A Prayer of Surrender

Lord Jesus, You are the rest our souls long for. We come to You, weary and burdened, trusting in Your promise to give us peace. Teach us to lay down our striving and to take up Your yoke, which is light and gracious. Lead us into the still waters of Your presence, that we may find refreshment, renewal, and joy in You.

We surrender all to You, Lord. Be our refuge, our strength, and our peace. In Your holy and precious name, we pray. Amen. May we always be reminded to rest in God.

See Also

Advent, The Pursuit

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.

See Also

Spiritual

God Knows You

Beloved, I invite you to open your hearts to the presence of God as we dwell on this life-changing truth: God knows you. He knows the depths of your heart, the struggles you face, the sins you hide, and the desires you carry. Nothing is hidden from Him, and yet He calls you to Himself with love and mercy. This is the God we serve—omniscient, righteous, and full of grace.

Today, let us step into the light of His Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate His truth in our hearts. This is not a message to simply hear but one to receive, to respond to, and to live out.

God Knows You Personally

From the very beginning, God has revealed Himself as the One who seeks relationship with His creation. In the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve hid in shame, God called out, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9 AMP). He wasn’t asking because He didn’t know. He was calling Adam to step out of hiding and into the truth.

Are you hiding today? Maybe you’re carrying guilt, shame, or fear, and you believe no one could understand or forgive you. Hear this: God already knows, and He still calls you. He called Cain after Abel’s murder, not to condemn him outright, but to give him the chance to confess and repent (Genesis 4:9). God’s questions are invitations. Will you respond?

Psalm 139:1 declares, “O Lord, You have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me.” God knows your thoughts, your struggles, and your victories. Nothing is hidden from Him—not even the things you’ve locked away in the darkest corners of your heart. And yet, beloved, He still loves you and calls you by name.

God Knows Your Heart

One of the most sobering truths in Scripture is this: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 AMP). God is not fooled by appearances. He sees your motives, your intentions, and your struggles. This should both humble us and comfort us.

We cannot fake righteousness before God. He sees through the masks we wear and the excuses we make. But this truth also means we don’t have to pretend. God already knows the worst about us, and yet He loves us completely.

David prayed, “Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts” (Psalm 139:23 AMP). Have you invited God to search your heart? It’s not easy to pray this prayer. It’s not easy to ask God to reveal the areas where we fall short. But beloved, it is necessary if we want to walk in the fullness of His purpose.

God Judges Righteously

Because God knows all things, His judgments are always right. He doesn’t guess, and He isn’t swayed by circumstances. Jeremiah 17:10 says, “I, the Lord, search and examine the mind, I test the heart… to give to each one [a reward or punishment] according to his ways.”

This truth should stir us to action. Are we living in a way that pleases God? Are our motives pure? Proverbs 21:2 reminds us, “Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs and examines the hearts [of people and their motives].”

But hear this, beloved: God’s judgment isn’t just about condemnation—it’s about redemption. He knows the areas where you are weak, and He stands ready to strengthen you. He sees the sin you carry, and He offers forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ. His knowledge of you is not to harm you, but to heal you.

God’s Knowledge Is a Comfort

For the believer, God’s omniscience is not a reason to fear—it is a reason to rejoice. Psalm 33:14 says, “From His dwelling place He looks closely at all the inhabitants of the earth.” God sees you, and He knows your story. He sees the battles you’ve fought, the prayers you’ve cried, and the faith you’ve held onto in the storm.

Even the things that seem hidden to the world are clear to Him. Job declared, “Sheol [the place of the dead] is naked before God, and Abaddon [the place of destruction] has no covering [from His eyes]” (Job 26:6 AMP). There is no place so dark that God’s light cannot reach. There is no situation so broken that God’s knowledge cannot redeem it.

Let this truth settle in your spirit: God sees you, and He is for you.

Respond to God’s Call

The question before you today is simple: How will you respond to the God who knows you? Will you continue to hide, or will you surrender? Will you allow Him to refine your heart, or will you resist?

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that “the Word of God is living and active and full of power… exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Beloved, God’s Word is working even now, cutting through every excuse, every wall, and every lie you’ve believed. He is calling you to repentance, to intimacy, to transformation.

Let us not harden our hearts but instead echo the words of David: “Examine me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind” (Psalm 26:2 AMP). This is a prayer of surrender. This is the prayer of one who truly desires to walk in the light of God’s truth.

A Spirit-Filled Prayer

O Lord, You who know all things, we come before You with open hearts. Search us, O God, and reveal what is hidden within us. Where there is sin, grant us repentance. Where there is brokenness, bring healing. Where there is doubt, strengthen our faith.

Thank You for knowing us fully and loving us still. Teach us to walk in Your ways, to live in the light of Your truth, and to trust in Your perfect knowledge. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may glorify You in all we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Beloved, as you leave this message, remember this truth: You are fully known by God, and He is calling you to surrender. Let today be the day you step into the light of His presence. Trust Him, for He knows the plans He has for you—plans for good and not for evil, plans to give you a future and a hope. Respond to Him with all your heart.

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Faith, Intimacy

Stop Playing Church and Return to the Lord

In His mercy, God allows us to live with free will, even when our choices grieve Him. For many of us, this free will leads to “playing church”—going through the motions of faith without truly seeking God’s presence. We attend services, recite prayers, and check religious boxes, but our hearts remain far from Him. This shallow faith breaks God’s heart, yet He waits patiently, calling us to return to Him wholeheartedly. Let us finally stop playing church and seek His presence anew.

The Bible warns us about hollow worship: “These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me” (Matthew 15:8, AMP). Playing church might make us feel comfortable, but it keeps us from the fullness of God’s power and purpose in our lives. The Enemy is perfectly content to see us busy with religious activity, so long as we remain spiritually ineffective.

But the moment we stop playing church and truly seek God, everything changes. When we move beyond rituals and engage in intimate, heartfelt prayer, when we genuinely repent and surrender our distractions and sins, we become vessels for God’s power. It is in this surrender that the Enemy takes notice—because a church that prays, seeks God’s face, and loves others as Christ does becomes a threat to his kingdom.

The Danger of a Shallow Faith

Playing church keeps us stuck in a cycle of empty actions. We feel busy and religious but lack the intimacy with God that transforms our hearts. Jesus reminds us, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21, AMP). Faith is not about appearances; it’s about obedience, love, and surrender. To stop playing church, we must align our hearts with God’s will and seek true intimacy with Him.

This shallow faith is often sustained by distractions and comfortable sins—the things we turn to instead of God. Whether it’s entertainment, pride, or apathy, these idols dull our spiritual hunger. God calls us to strip away these barriers and return to Him fully.

True Faith Requires Wholehearted Devotion

The Lord does not want us to settle for religious routine. He desires relationship. “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13, AMP). True faith is an all-consuming pursuit of God. It means surrendering our favorite distractions, abandoning our comfortable sins, and seeking Him with an undivided heart. When we stop simply playing church, we embark on a true journey of faith.

This is not easy. It requires sacrifice and humility. But when we set aside our excuses and truly press into God, we experience His presence in ways we never imagined. Revival begins when the people of God stop playing church and start living as the body of Christ—praying fervently, loving sacrificially, and sharing His gospel boldly.

A Call to Stop Playing Church

Beloved, now is the time to stop playing church, and start living out our faith genuinely. God is calling us to lay down our idols, distractions, and sins and return to Him. Imagine a church where believers gather, not out of obligation, but out of a deep hunger for God’s presence. Imagine spontaneous prayer meetings, where hearts cry out to the Lord without concern for schedules or distractions. Imagine a church so on fire for God that the lost are drawn to Him through our love and witness.

This is what God desires for His people. This is what He calls us to.

Prayer:

Father, we confess that we have often gone through the motions of faith without truly seeking You. Forgive us for playing church, for being distracted by our comforts, and for clinging to sins that hinder our walk with You. We lay these things at the cross and ask You to cleanse us. Ignite in us a hunger for Your presence and a desire to live in obedience to Your will. Teach us to seek You with all our hearts and to bring Your love to the world around us. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

See Also