Tag Archives: faith

Advent

The Arrival of Grace and Truth

During Advent, we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, who entered the world to bring salvation and hope. The Arrival of Grace and Truth can be seen in Luke 1:30-31, where the angel Gabriel delivers a message to Mary that is as awe-inspiring today as it was then:

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace (free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness) with God. And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:30-31, AMP). This marks the arrival of grace and truth.

The Grace That Finds Us

Mary’s story reminds us of the incredible grace of God. The angel declares she has “found grace,” not because of her works but because of God’s sovereign choice. This same grace is available to us today through Jesus Christ, marking the arrival of grace and truth. Ephesians 2:8 echoes this truth: “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God” (AMP).

Like Mary, we do not earn God’s grace; we simply receive it through faith. Grace is the unmerited favor of God, freely given to transform lives and bring us into a relationship with Him.

A Son Named Jesus

When Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus, he also declared His name. The name Jesus means “The Lord saves.” This name encapsulates His mission: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10, AMP). This mission signifies the arrival of grace and truth.

In that moment, the eternal God stepped into time, clothing Himself in humanity to bring redemption. “And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [one and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, AMP).

The Son born to Mary would live a sinless life, die on the cross for our sins, and rise again, securing eternal life for all who believe in Him.

The Call to Respond

Mary responded to the angel’s message with faith: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38, AMP). Her willingness to embrace God’s plan is a model for us. As we reflect on Christ’s coming, we are invited to say “yes” to God’s grace in our lives, embracing the arrival of grace and truth.

Advent is a season of preparation—not just for the celebration of Christmas but for the continual renewal of our hearts as we wait for Christ’s return. Let us follow Mary’s example, trusting God’s promises and allowing His grace to work in us and through us.

A Prayer for Advent

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of grace that was revealed through Jesus Christ. Just as You showed favor to Mary, You have extended Your love and kindness to us. Help us to prepare our hearts this Advent season to receive more of You. Increase our faith to say “yes” to Your plans, no matter how unexpected they may be. Let us live with the hope and joy that comes from knowing Jesus, Your Son and our Savior. In His holy name, we pray. Amen.

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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

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

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

Faith

Faith That Clings

Beloved, reflect on the faith of Jairus. He came to Jesus not just for healing but for life itself. His daughter lay at the point of death, and he knew that only the Lord could save her. He cast aside all pride and doubt, falling at Jesus’ feet and crying out for Him to come to his house. Yet, on the way, the news came that shattered any hope he might have held in the natural: “Your daughter has died. Why bother the Teacher any further?” (Mark 5:35, AMP).

How often have you felt the same? You’ve prayed, you’ve believed, but the situation has gone from bad to worse. What you hoped for seems lost. But listen to the words of Jesus to Jairus, words that still speak to you today: “Do not be afraid; only keep on believing” (Mark 5:36, AMP). Even when it seems like the promise has died, even when the delay feels endless, trust in the One who has power over death and life.

Jairus didn’t turn back. He didn’t let the news of death stop him. He clung to Jesus, walking with Him all the way to his house. His faith wasn’t just in what Jesus could do—it was in who Jesus is. This is the kind of faith you must have: a faith that clings to Jesus even when the situation seems hopeless, even when the world declares it is over.

When Jesus arrived at Jairus’ home, the mourners laughed at Him. To them, the situation was final. Death had already taken hold. But Jesus dismissed them, declaring, “The child is not dead but sleeping” (Mark 5:39, AMP). Beloved, what seems dead to you is only asleep in the hands of the Savior. When the Lord enters the house, life returns, healing flows, and restoration begins.

Even now, the Lord is coming to His house—His Church. He brings not just healing for what is broken but resurrection for what is lost. But will you walk with Him in faith? Will you trust Him even when the promise seems delayed, even when the situation appears beyond repair? The faith of Jairus calls you to cling to the Lord, to press into His presence, and to believe that His power is greater than any loss.

Pressing in Until Full Restoration

Jairus didn’t stop at the news of death, and neither should you. When the Lord enters His house, He comes to restore not partially but completely. Jairus’ daughter was not only healed; she was brought back to life. The Lord doesn’t just give back what was taken; He restores it abundantly. The thief must repay sevenfold (Proverbs 6:31), and the Lord promises to restore the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25).

But restoration requires faith that presses in. Do not let go after the first sign of healing. Stay close to the Lord. Like Jairus, walk with Him all the way. Trust Him to bring life to every area where the enemy has brought death. Trust Him to restore joy, hope, and purpose. And trust Him to give abundantly more than you could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

A Call to Faith

Beloved, the Lord is coming to His house, and His presence will bring healing and restoration. But will you trust Him fully? Will you cling to Him when the promise seems delayed, when the report seems final, when hope feels lost? Do not be afraid; only keep on believing. The One who enters the house has power over every situation. He will restore everything the enemy has stolen—and more.

Let your faith rise, even in the face of death. Press into the Lord until His presence fills the house and His promises are fulfilled. Cling to Him, trust in Him, and believe that His restoration will be complete, overflowing, and abundant.

A Prayer for Faith and Restoration

Lord Jesus, we thank You for the faith of Jairus, who trusted You even when all seemed lost. Help us to cling to You in the same way, to walk with You through every delay and doubt, and to believe in Your power to restore. We invite You into Your house, Lord—into our lives, our church, and our circumstances. Bring healing where there is brokenness, life where there is death, and restoration where the enemy has stolen. We trust You for more, Lord, even to the overflow. In Your mighty name, we pray. Amen.

See Also

Christian Living

The Ancient Ministry

Beloved, the call to preach God’s salvation and redemption is eternal, stretching from the beginning of days unto eternity. Hear now, for this is the truth that was from the beginning and endures forever: God alone is our salvation and our Redeemer.

From ancient times, the faithful have cried out to Him, waiting in the depths for His deliverance. Like Jacob, who awaited the Lord’s salvation on his deathbed, saying, “I wait for Your salvation, O Lord” (Genesis 49:18), we, too, are invited to trust in the One who delivers. And when Israel, oppressed and fearful, stood at the edge of the Red Sea, God’s salvation shone forth in power, and Moses said, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13). Just as He parted the sea for Israel, so does He make a way through every trial, rescuing us from the hands of darkness.

Jesus, the Light of Salvation

When the fullness of time had come, the Son of God Himself walked among us. As John declared upon seeing Him, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”(John 1:29). Jesus, the perfect image of God’s love, came proclaiming repentance and the kingdom of heaven. Like a shepherd searching for a single lost sheep, Jesus called out to the broken, the weary, and the sinful, saying, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Through Him, the salvation of God took flesh and walked among us, a light to those lost in darkness.

How many souls sat in shadows, awaiting this light! He healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, and taught of the kingdom. This, dear reader, is the salvation of God revealed—not in mere words, but in the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. He came not to condemn but to save, to lift us from sin and give us life. The apostles saw, heard, and touched the Word of Life, and they went forth proclaiming that salvation belongs to our God.

Our Redeemer Lives: The Eternal Hope

And this salvation is not impersonal or distant, for God Himself is also our Redeemer. Job, amidst suffering, cried out in faith, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (Job 19:25). This is the hope we carry—that in the face of trials, there stands One who redeems us. He is near, more faithful than a friend, more constant than the rising sun. David sang of this Redeemer as his rock and fortress, a refuge in every storm (2 Samuel 22:2-3). And Isaiah proclaimed, “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer…‘I am the Lord, your Savior’” (Isaiah 49:26). The prophets and saints longed for the day when the Redeemer would come, and in Christ, that longing has found its answer.

The Mystery of Redemption and the Gift of Christ

In Jesus, God’s redemption is fulfilled. Paul, seized by the weight of this mystery, wrote, “There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:5-6). Imagine, dear reader, the love that moved God to come in flesh, to offer Himself in our place! This is not the redemption of silver or gold but of His own blood, shed for us. Through Him, we are no longer slaves to sin but children of God, called into His kingdom, redeemed by His unfailing love.

He is the Good Shepherd who seeks the lost, lifting us from darkness and setting our feet upon the Rock. As a lost lamb is carried tenderly on a shepherd’s shoulders, so He carries each one who calls on His name. This is our salvation—Christ’s redeeming love that pulls us from death to life.

A Call to Proclaim His Salvation and Redeemer

And now, beloved, we are called to lift our voices, to testify of this salvation. Like the apostles who went forth with boldness, let us proclaim that our Redeemer lives, and His salvation is for all who believe. Let us not be silent, for the world groans in longing, and many walk in darkness. The psalmist sang, “I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great assembly” (Psalm 40:9). So must we, with courage and love, lift high the name of Jesus, declaring that salvation belongs to our God.

As a lighthouse beckons ships home, so may our words and deeds draw others to the Redeemer. Be unwavering in your witness, beloved. Stand firm in the truth, for the time is short, and the harvest is great. Go forth, empowered by the Spirit, proclaiming to all that our Redeemer is mighty to save and His love endures forever.

The Urgency of Now

Dearest reader, now is the time. Do not wait, for “now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Go, preach, and live this gospel. Let your life be a light, a testimony of the One who has redeemed us from death. And may all who hear know that our Redeemer lives, His salvation endures, and His kingdom shall have no end. Go in His grace, and may His Spirit fill you with boldness and joy, for He who calls us is faithful, and His love never fails.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, grateful for Your unending mercy and grace. We thank You, Lord, for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, who gave His life to bring us out of darkness and into Your glorious light. We stand in awe of Your love, that You would not leave us in our sin but send Your only Son to rescue us, to lift us from the depths and set our feet on solid ground.

Lord, we pray that You would fill our hearts with courage and faith, that we might go forth boldly, proclaiming the truth of Your salvation to a world that so desperately needs You. Strengthen us, Father, to be lights in the darkness, to carry the message of Jesus with love and conviction, to every soul You place in our path. May we not grow weary or fearful, but trust in Your Spirit to guide and empower us every step of the way.

We pray for those who are lost, for those who feel far from Your love. Open their hearts, Lord, that they may see Jesus, the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Draw them close, and let them know that there is hope, redemption, and life in Your name. Help us, Father, to be faithful witnesses, that through us, they might come to know the One who is mighty to save.

Father, we surrender ourselves to You. Use us for Your glory, that Your name would be lifted high, and that all might see and know that You alone are God. We thank You for Your promises, for Your unfailing love, and for the assurance that our Redeemer lives. May Your kingdom come, and may Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.

See Also

Spiritual

The Second Temple

Beloved, I invite you to consider the breathtaking promise of our God—a promise that what lies ahead will outshine anything we have seen. He speaks through the prophet Haggai about The Second Temple, saying, “The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former… and in this place I shall give [the ultimate] peace” (Haggai 2:9 AMP). Think on that! The God who holds eternity in His hands declares that His glory is not finished, that greater things are yet to come.

Now, let’s go deeper together. When the Israelites received the law on stone tablets, the glory was so intense they couldn’t even look steadily at Moses’ face. Imagine the brilliance of that moment! But here’s what God tells us: “Now if the ministry of death, engraved in letters on stones… came with such glory… how will the ministry of the Spirit… fail to be even more glorious?” (2 Corinthians 3:7-8 AMP). If that was glorious, how much greater is this new covenant—where God’s Spirit fills and dwells within us, no longer just on tablets of stone but written on our hearts!

Friends, God calls us into a life that shines with this unfading glory. Each of us is building a “temple” with our lives—a dwelling place for His Spirit, a reflection of His heart. And as we do, we are called to anchor ourselves in His Word, to focus not on our limitations but on His promises. Don’t be discouraged by what you see now; God’s glory often works in ways unseen, in moments that seem hidden, yet His faithfulness is sure, and His timing is perfect.

Think of it this way: we may face challenges, we may walk through seasons where God’s work in us feels slow or even distant. But remember, His Word will not return empty; it will accomplish exactly what He has purposed (Isaiah 55:11). He is building a greater glory within you, a glory that does not fade but endures, growing in strength as you yield to His Spirit.

So, what do we do with this truth? We press in. We let go of distractions and pursue Him with all our hearts. We make space for Him to dwell in us, and we anchor our hope in His Word, knowing that He will complete the work He has begun. As we grow in Him, He fills our lives with peace—a peace that the world cannot give and cannot take away. “And the peace of God… which transcends all understanding… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 AMP).

Beloved, let us live with expectancy, knowing that the glory to come is greater than anything we have yet seen. In God’s hands, even our trials and challenges become part of a divine masterpiece. So, anchor yourself in His truth, press in to His presence, and trust that He who is faithful will fulfill every promise.

May your life shine with His unfading glory, a reflection of His love, until the day we stand before Him, complete and radiant, filled with the fullness of His eternal glory. Amen.

See Also

Apostolic Prophetic

Pressing Towards Glory

Beloved elders, chosen and called by God, hear the word of the Lord spoken over you today. You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses—Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and countless others—who ran their race in unwavering faith, never doubting the faithfulness of the One who called them. They stand as silent witnesses, testifying to God’s goodness and urging you to take hold of the inheritance of faith that has been entrusted to you. As they pressed forward in faith, so too are you called to press on, unwavering and undistracted, toward the upward call of Christ.

The Spirit of the Lord declares over you today: Lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set before you, looking only to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:1-2, AMP). The hour is urgent, and the call is clear—press in, draw near, and let nothing of this world hinder the mighty work God is doing through you. For the Lord is with you, and His Spirit is upon you; He is calling you deeper, summoning you to walk the path of purity and power, to fix your eyes solely on Him, and to bring His glory to the earth through unshakable faith and obedience.

This is a holy calling, not for the faint of heart. Yet you are not alone; the Lord Himself is your strength and shield. As Moses forsook the treasures of Egypt for the promise of God, so too you are called to reject the fleeting allure of the world and to embrace the treasures of heaven. Like Abraham, who stepped out in faith not knowing where he was going, so too you are called to trust in God’s guidance, moving forward in faith even in the face of uncertainty. For He who calls you is faithful, and He will fulfill His promises.

The Word of the Lord speaks to you today, saying: Be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose] (1 Corinthians 15:58, AMP). The Lord sees your faithfulness and delights in your heart of surrender. He is not blind to your sacrifices; He is not deaf to your prayers. Every step of obedience, every act of love, every moment of faith—these are the offerings that please Him, and they are building a legacy of glory that will resound in eternity.

Rise up, elders of the church, for the Spirit of the Lord is upon you! He has anointed you, appointed you, and strengthened you to lead His people into deeper communion with Him. The world will not understand your calling, for it is a holy calling, set apart for His glory. Do not be swayed by the opinions of man, nor distracted by the cares of this life. As Noah built the ark in reverence and obedience, though the world mocked him, so too you must be unwavering in your obedience to God, confident that He is faithful to fulfill every word He has spoken.

Press on, beloved, toward the prize set before you, for Jesus Himself is your reward, your strength, and your crown. This is the high calling—to know Him, to walk with Him, to serve Him with a pure and undivided heart. As the Apostle Paul proclaimed, “I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14, AMP), so too let this be your proclamation. Press on, not as one uncertain, but as one whose eyes are set on the Author and Perfecter of your faith.

Today, I declare over you: the God of all grace, who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you (1 Peter 5:10, AMP). As you press forward in faith, He will lift you up, sustaining you by His Spirit, equipping you for every good work, and carrying you from glory to glory. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, and He will not leave you nor forsake you.

Stand firm, beloved elders, for the Spirit of God is upon you, and His Word is alive within you. Take hold of this mantle with holy reverence, casting aside every weight, pressing on with endurance, and keeping your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. For He is your hope, your peace, your joy, and your victory. And on the day He returns, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades, and you will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Amen and amen.

See Also

Faith, Love

Loving Obedience

Beloved, let us draw near to the Lord, not simply as followers of rules, but as those who love Him deeply. The call to be doers of His Word is woven throughout Scripture—not as a burden, but as the natural response of a heart devoted to God. We do this because we love the Lord. This love compels us to obey, to seek His face, and to live a life of faith and obedience that honors Him above all else.

In 1 John 2:15-17, we are told not to love the world or the things of the world, for they are passing away. Our love is to be set on God alone. To love Him is to place His commandments above the fleeting pleasures and empty promises of this world. Jesus Himself said, “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments” (John 14:15). This obedience flows from love—a love rooted in our gratitude for His grace and our desire to please Him.

From Deuteronomy to the New Testament, we see this theme repeated. God calls us to be doers, not merely hearers, of His Word (James 1:22). Our faith finds its true expression in action, in the living out of His commands. Moses reminded Israel to listen carefully and obey that it might go well with them (Deuteronomy 6:3), and Jesus echoed this call, saying, “Whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). When we love God, we are compelled to act, to live out His teachings in every aspect of our lives.

This love is not born from obligation but from a heart that delights in God. Like the psalmist, we say, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God” (Psalm 42:1). This is the essence of our relationship with Him: we long for Him, we cherish His presence, and we find joy in walking in His ways. Our obedience, therefore, is the fruit of our love, a testimony to the world that we belong to Him.

In this life, the world may dazzle and tempt, but it is fading. Only the one who does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:17). When we anchor ourselves in God’s Word and live as doers, we are building on a foundation that cannot be shaken. Our hearts are set on things eternal, and our reward is with Him.

So, let us love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind. Let us live as those who are devoted to Him, allowing our love for God to shape our actions, guide our steps, and fill our lives with His presence. In loving Him, we find our purpose, our joy, and our eternal home. May our lives be a constant offering of love and obedience, a reflection of His grace and truth, so that we may dwell in His house forever.

What does the Word expect from us?

The New Testament offers clear guidance on what God asks of believers. This calling encompasses faith, love, holiness, and a transformed life that reflects God’s character. Here are twelve key areas that summarize what God asks of us:

  1. Believe in Jesus Christ: Faith in Jesus is essential for salvation and relationship with God. Jesus said, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent” (John 6:29). Through faith, we receive grace and are made righteous (Ephesians 2:8-9).
  2. Love God Completely: We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Jesus declared, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). This love for God is the foundation of our faith and obedience.
  3. Love Others as Yourself: Love for others is a natural outflow of love for God. Jesus teaches, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). This love is sacrificial and humble, embodying Christ’s love for us (1 John 4:7-8).
  4. Obey God’s Commands: Obedience to God demonstrates our love and commitment to Him. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Faith is shown through action, living according to His teachings (James 1:22).
  5. Repent and Live a Holy Life: God calls us to turn from sin and pursue holiness. “Be holy, for I am holy,” says the Lord (1 Peter 1:16). Repentance involves turning away from sin and seeking purity in every area of life (Romans 12:2).
  6. Serve Others Humbly: Jesus modeled servant leadership, saying, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). As His followers, we are called to serve one another with humility and love (Galatians 5:13).
  7. Forgive as We Have Been Forgiven: Forgiveness reflects God’s mercy toward us. Jesus taught, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). We are to forgive freely, just as we have been forgiven.
  8. Be Generous and Care for Those in Need: Generosity is a mark of God’s people. Jesus said, “Give to everyone who asks of you” (Luke 6:30), and the early church cared for each other sacrificially. We are to show compassion and provide for those in need (James 1:27).
  9. Share the Gospel and Make Disciples: Jesus commanded His followers to spread the gospel. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20). Every believer is called to witness, testifying to God’s salvation and grace.
  10. Pray Without Ceasing: Prayer is essential to our relationship with God, connecting us to His presence and guidance. Paul encourages us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer keeps our hearts aligned with God’s will and opens us to His Spirit’s work.
  11. Be Faithful and Persevere: God calls us to remain faithful in trials, enduring with hope. Jesus promised, “He who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13). Perseverance in faith, even in hardships, is a mark of true discipleship (Hebrews 12:1-2).
  12. Walk in the Spirit and Bear Fruit: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live godly lives. Paul teaches, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). As we walk in the Spirit, we bear fruit that glorifies God—love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness (Galatians 5:22-23). (God takes care of the fruiting!)

In these ways, God calls us to a life that reflects His love and holiness, grounded in faith and overflowing with good works. These twelve areas form a path of growth and obedience, drawing us closer to Him and allowing His light to shine through us to the world.

Grace & Mercy

God’s grace and mercy are our daily hope, sustaining us when we fall short. His grace gives us what we do not deserve—salvation, forgiveness, and the strength to live for Him—while His mercy withholds the judgment we do deserve. Each day, we recognize that we are imperfect, frail vessels, prone to sin and weakness, yet God’s mercies are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23), restoring us and drawing us back to Him. Daily repentance becomes our way of humbly returning to the Father, acknowledging our need for His forgiveness and cleansing. As we confess our sins, we trust that “He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). In this process, we are reminded that only God is perfect, yet His loving-kindness invites us to keep pressing on, renewed by His grace to live in a way that pleases Him, even as we stumble and grow.

Our attitude toward grace must be one of reverence and gratitude, not an excuse to sin. Paul reminds us, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” (Romans 6:1-2). Grace is a gift, not a license to indulge in disobedience, and our response to it should be a sincere desire to live righteously. We are called to press on, striving to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1) and aiming for the prize of our high calling in Christ (Philippians 3:14). This does not mean we will be flawless, for we are still human and prone to failure. But when we do fall, grace is there to lift us back up—not as a reason to take sin lightly, but as a reminder of God’s love that motivates us to keep pressing forward in faithfulness. Grace is the safety net that catches us when we stumble, yet it is also the encouragement to rise again and pursue holiness with renewed strength.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our journey as believers is one of faith, love, obedience, and humility, grounded in a deep and reverent love for the Lord. God calls us to live as doers of His Word, to love Him with all that we are, and to love others as ourselves. We strive to honor Him, to pursue holiness, and to serve others, all while relying on His grace to sustain us. Our lives are marked by both effort and dependence, as we press on toward the goal, knowing that we will fall short but that His grace is always there to lift us up. We do not use grace as an excuse to live loosely but as the strength that empowers us to keep walking faithfully, even as we grow and learn each day. In all things, we seek to reflect His character, trusting that He will complete the good work He has begun in us until the day of Christ Jesus.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging Your grace and mercy that sustain us every day. Thank You for calling us to Yourself, for loving us unconditionally, and for giving us the strength to live in a way that honors You. Help us, Lord, to be doers of Your Word, to love You with all our heart, and to walk humbly in Your ways. Forgive us when we fall short, and renew our spirits as we turn to You in repentance. Let Your Spirit guide us and empower us to pursue holiness, pressing on toward the goal You have set before us. May our lives bring glory to Your name, and may we find our joy in living as Your faithful children. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

See Also

Blessing

A Call to Restoration and Healing

Beloved, as you come near to the heart of God, know that His blessing is not as the world gives, fleeting and passing. His blessing is eternal, born of a love that endures beyond all time. When we turn our hearts to Him, He meets us with healing in the deepest places, bringing a restoration that only He can give. His touch renews the soul and strengthens the spirit; His peace fills every empty place, reaching even into the brokenness we carry.

Saying “Yes” to God Invites His Healing and Restoration

“If anyone desires to follow after Me,” Jesus spoke, “let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). When we answer this call, we say “yes” to His invitation. Beloved, this “yes” is a holy surrender, an opening of our lives to His mercy and grace. It is in this yielding that God restores what was lost. Like Isaiah, who heard the voice of God calling, “Whom shall I send?” he answered, “Here am I; send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

So, too, may we respond, for our “yes” brings the Lord near to us. It is in this nearness that His hand mends what is torn, His Spirit breathes life over what feels barren, and He pours out the oil of gladness over all sorrow.

God’s Blessing Brings Lasting Peace

Beloved, when God blesses, He speaks peace that endures. It is written, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26). Picture His face turned toward you, His countenance upon you—He delights in you, fills you with light, and guards your path with His everlasting peace.

This is the blessing of God. It is more than a fleeting comfort; it is an abiding presence that fills us with courage, making us steady even in the storms. His blessing is not merely for the moment, but for eternity. As you receive His peace, know that it is a foundation upon which you can rest, for His Word is true and His love unfailing.

God’s Healing Touch Brings Joy and Hope

In saying “yes” to God’s call, we do not merely receive healing, but a joy that overflows, a hope that anchors us. Paul writes, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13). The blessing of God is not only to heal but to restore the joy of our salvation, bringing a hope that cannot be shaken.

This hope is not as the world gives, uncertain and fleeting. It is a deep assurance, a firm confidence that His hand holds us, and His Spirit within us fills us with joy and peace. In every trial and through every season, this hope remains, for it is rooted in God, who cannot fail.

God’s Abundant Blessing Exceeds All Expectations

Beloved, when you say “yes” to God, His blessings go beyond what we can ask or imagine. Paul reminds us, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20). The Lord’s generosity knows no bounds. His blessings overflow, filling every place of emptiness and need with His abundance.

Trust in His abundance, for He is the One who holds all things in His hands. When we walk in obedience, His blessings do not come in mere measure but in overflowing fullness. He blesses beyond what we can understand, reaching into every hidden place, bringing peace and joy that surpasses understanding.

So, dear one, step into His call, for the Lord is faithful to all He has promised. In your “yes,” He will restore, heal, and bless. His peace will fill your heart, His joy will renew your spirit, and His blessing will surround you like a shield. His love for you endures beyond all things, and His promises are sure.

Walk in the light of His blessing, for He has called you by name. Embrace His peace, knowing that He is with you now and forever. Let your heart rest in His faithful love, for His blessings are eternal, and His favor is upon you.

See Also