We all feel it—this world is inundated with noise. Both on and off the Internet, the countless voices that vie for our attention make it a challenge to know what to let in versus what to shut out. Consequently, this chaos of the natural world often makes it even more difficult to discern the voices in the spiritual world. It's no wonder well-meaning people frequently confuse the enemy as God.
Henri Nouwen once said, "The whole message of the gospel is this: Become like Jesus." It's a sentence that feels almost too simple for something as vast and debated as the gospel. Yet in its simplicity lies its weight. Nouwen doesn't point us to doctrines to defend, arguments to win, or systems to uphold. He points us to a person to become like. Not admire from a distance. Not quote selectively. Not use as a badge of identity. But to actually become like Jesus in how we live, love, respond, and engage with the world around us.
Jesus is raising up strong leaders, who are firmly established in their personal relationship with Him. Those who are humble, have integrity and unwavering obedience. These are the ones who will transform and shake the nations with the glory of God. The Holy Spirit gave me this word today for those of you who have known The Lord for some time but have become complacent in your relationship with Jesus. If you reflect on the past 2-5 years, you will notice a lack of growth in your spiritual life. Your relationship with the Lord may feel stagnant and unfruitful because you lost your original vision and purpose.
Modern thinking has trained us to see covenant as an agreement—conditional, fragile, and heavily dependent on our performance. We assume the burden is on us to meet the requirements, prove our worth, and maintain the relationship through flawless obedience. This mindset quietly shapes how many believers relate to God: striving, negotiating, and living under constant pressure to "get it right." But from a biblical—Hebraic—perspective, covenant is something entirely different. Covenant is not initiated by the lesser trying to qualify for the greater. Covenant is initiated by the greater for the sake of the lesser. This distinction changes everything.
In life, we all go through seasons of trials and tests of our faith as we continue to rely on the promises of God. In my own experience, I have been through this many times, and what I have learned is that God is always with us and he will never leave or forsake us. As promised, the things he has promised will be fulfilled in his perfect timing. I recall before going on a trip out of the country, I received some news contrary to God's promises, and the enemy was constantly speaking to get my attention away from God.
I have not seen it yet, yet some people are or seem pretty good at it! But too many seem to want to be "the judge" of it all and don't realize how many they run off. Now when you are sharing real truth, some people are just going to get offended because they don't see it the same way you do! Or they have not experienced what you have, and we presume they should just know because we do! Some groups want you so "sterilized" that any bit of "wrong appearance" will disqualify you to them!
I'm not asking what you believe as a matter of doctrine; I'm asking about how you are actually living "today." (Heb.3:5-4:7; Mt.6:34) More than ever before, God's people must know truly know Him by the Spirit He placed within, making us forever to be His own, and be willing, able, committed and follow what He reveals. (Deut.29:29) In my notes from my 2026 message delivered last month, I made it a point to mention that "God will use these times to dig deep within the hearts of all people." To expound a bit, below is an excerpt of an upcoming message.
The people of God were never meant to be a people of stagnation, but a people of movement. Stagnation breeds decay. When the Holy Spirit shows up, we call it a move of the Spirit. God is ever at work, drawing His people into His movements, into His procession. He is a King and whenever He moves there is a Procession. Every procession has order, protocol, and qualification. All are invited, but not all may enter. Those who seek to usurp the King's glory cannot remain.
It is a time for reflection, but it will also mark an inversion or inflection point. A mirror shows you the same thing but from an opposite perspective. It's a time of release. We need to let go of things that are burdening us, that we were never meant to carry. Toxic relationships, control, anxiety, bitterness, unforgiveness, and anything else that is not from God. A newfound freedom will come forth as you simplify and discard the "former things," God will show us better ways to think, live, and do things.
God's grace is amazing, abounding, powerful, and freely given through the Sacrifice and High Cost of Love on Calvary! Yet, grace misunderstood, misused, or reduced can lose its impact, potency, and potential in our lives. Our salvation is not determined by the kindness others show us, but by our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Human kindness should never be mistaken for the acceptance or affirmation of every choice we make or the lifestyle we choose. Grace does not eliminate truth, and kindness does not cancel consequences.
Follow Up
