When they are authentic, complements are a beautiful thing. However, if the words have no worth attached, they are much like water running off a duck's back. I am honored when someone tells me that I've done a good job, when they celebrate my accomplishments, or when they show a desire to involve me in their endeavors. All these things are special.
In Romans 8, Paul declares the beautiful inheritance of salvation–the spirit of sonship. It is our seal of adoption. It anchors us in our true identity as sons and daughters of the living God. Operating out of the spirit of sonship as an heir with Jesus Messiah frees you to embrace your true Kingdom identity. You're empowered to walk according to the path and purpose God has planned for you.
I recently heard a rabbi sharing a message from the book of Exodus. During his sermon, he pointed out the many times that water was a major focal point of the events that the children of Israel experienced. He started with the parting of the waters of the Red Sea. He went on to talk about the water coming from the rock in the wilderness. Then he shared about the bitter waters we read about in Exodus 15.
I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23 ESV How did I get here? At what point did I determine I knew better than God how to run my life? They say that stress is a silent killer. But it is also a loud bullhorn that should be heeded. We think we're just being responsible. Perhaps multi-tasking better than anyone else. Or we're simply over achievers who are determined to do everything on our weekly list in a single day.
How powerful is the word that Jesus spoke concerning the Father? He said the Father is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. This He spoke to the woman at Jacob's well as He revealed His glory to her. The Father seeks such worshippers. Of all the things that God could be seeking out, He is looking for true worshippers.
We live in a world where disagreement feels like a declaration of war. Where differing opinions can cost friendships, split churches, and divide families. It seems like we've forgotten how to disagree without disrespect; how to stand firm in truth without standing against people. But grace invites us to something better. Grace says, "You don't have to think like me for me to love you." It reminds us that relationship is not built on sameness. It's built on sacred worth. Every person we encounter is made in the image of God, even those whose opinions we find frustrating, offensive, or just plain wrong.
I've often heard jokes about women talking too much and not listening enough. However, as I read through the gospels, I see women who dared to lean in and listen to Jesus. As a result, they were greatly used by Him, and their stories continue to be told through generations. I want to be a woman whose life is marked by listening. I've had to grow quite a bit in this area and still, honestly, have a lot farther to go. However, as I stay intentional, listening becomes a little easier. As I practice listening to God, I slowly become more attuned to His voice.
When God came to Abram, it wasn't a polite invitation. It was a radical challenge. Leave everything you know. Step out of the familiar. Walk away from comfort, certainty, and even understanding. And for what? A promise you can't see yet. A future you can't yet touch. A destiny only God Himself can unfold. With the challenge came promises beyond imagination: I will bless and protect you. Your descendants will outnumber the sand on the seashore. Through you, every nation will be blessed.
Our value and worth in the eyes of our heavenly Father is not dependent upon our good works; it is dependent on the value and worth of His Son, Yeshua-Jesus Christ and what His death, burial and resurrection accomplished for us. When we finally learn to connect to the Father's heart, we will tap into our true identity. From that realization we begin to transform from the inside out. We take on the very nature of our Lord.
Have you ever been in a faith community where it seems like you missed the "formula" and are over here thinking... differently? Does standing out feel like standing against? Often, I sat in a room full of believers and felt like the square peg trying to fit into a round hole again. Everyone looked the same. Talked the same. Quoted the same safe verses. And one day, I realized something terrifying: My desperate need to fit in was slowly killing the very calling God placed on my heart.
