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.
The popular notion of "following your bliss" has gained substantial traction, primarily due to the influence of philosopher Joseph Campbell. Campbell's philosophy, while appealing, suggests that discovering and pursuing personal happiness is the key to fulfillment in life. Many Christians have adopted a version of this, assuming that God's will always aligns with their passions and desires.
I think every single one of us can use more strength in life. We can use emotional strength, mental strength, and greater ability to handle life's problems and unpredictable situations. Maybe you're dealing with something right now that seems too big to handle. If so, I have good news for you—God wants to be your strength.
There is an increasing desire in the world today to obtain supernatural power and to investigate phenomena that defy conventional scientific explanations. This fascination often stems from a desire to understand the unknown, seek meaning beyond the physical world, and tap into forces that may offer guidance, healing, or transformation. One has to be careful not to seek guidance, healing, or transformation outside of God and His word.
"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." Hebrews 8:12 When something goes wrong, is your first thought, "Well, this must be happening to me because of the sins that I have committed"? When you have a flat tire or fall sick, do you wonder, "What sin is God punishing me for now?" If your answer to both questions is "yes," you are not alone. This kind of thinking is so prevalent in the church because many believers don't really believe that they are under the new covenant. They believe the opposite of today's Scripture and think God is not merciful to their mistakes and always mindful of their sins.
