A Longing for Home
Going Deeper: Near the end of a 70-year exile, the Prophet Zechariah recorded this book of stories, dreams, and visions for a weary nation of Israel—to challenge them to remain faithful to their Covenant with God and to inspire hope for the future Kingdom of God.
The longing for home is an internal pull, a tug at our hearts with relentless yearning. Home is more than the physicality of a place; it's the embodiment of comfort, familiarity, and a sense of belonging.
Zechariah 14:9 is an answer to this heartfelt yearning: "The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name."
Near the end of Israel’s 70 years in exile, the prophet Zechariah wrote to a weary nation to remind them of God’s goodness, to remain faithful to God, and to inspire hope for the coming Kingdom of God.
Imagine the weariness of a nation estranged from their homeland for 70 long years, facing doubt and uncertainty about their future. Zechariah’s words are not just a historical record; they are a lifeline, reminding a people worn by exile that their journey isn't without purpose or end. His words paint a picture of restoration—a glimpse into a future Kingdom where God's sovereignty reigns supreme.
Today, you may feel distanced from God’s purpose or promises for your life. If you’re longing for the comfort and belonging, Zechariah's encouragement holds true, even today. God's unwavering goodness and faithfulness never cease, and God has promised His followers that He will bring them home one day to a restored Kingdom (Revelation 21).
We can trust in a future Kingdom to come. Home is not that far off.
Someone Greater
Someone Greater
There’s a battle happening all around us—a battle for your heart, your mind, and your soul. A battle that’s not only physical, but also spiritual. A battle with literal enemies who impact the seen and unseen world.
John wrote:
“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”
1 John 4:4 NLT
Yes, we are in a real battle.
Yes, we have a real enemy.
Yes, the kingdom of darkness is constantly fighting against the kingdom of light.
But for those who are trusting in the finished work of Christ, greater is the One living inside of us than the one who is living in this world.
We have a real Savior.
This story isn’t close to over.
The kingdom of darkness will never prevail against the kingdom of light.
Our enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. To pervert, manipulate, and confuse, distract, divide, and disable.
But God is greater than the doubts that clutter your mind, the enemies that frustrate your plans, the heart-wrenching and even soul-crushing situation that’s currently consuming your thoughts.
You can fight from a place of victory because the battle has already been won.
Jesus has already conquered death. And now, while we wait for others to come to salvation and for God to bring all things to completion under Christ’s authority, we can fight with a confident hope.
There’s a battle happening all around us—a battle for your heart, for your mind, for your soul. But greater is the One living inside of you than the one who is living in this world.
Do Not Fear
Do Not Fear
In Isaiah 43:1, God speaks to His people with a message of hope and encouragement:
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."
These words are not just a reassurance—they are a reminder of who we are, and whose we are.
God is both our Creator and Redeemer. He is the one who formed us, knitting us together in our mother's womb (Psalm 139:13), and He is the one who redeemed us, bringing us back into relationship with Himself through Jesus.
We can rest in peace and confidence knowing are not forgotten or abandoned, but intimately known and cared for by the God of the universe.
When God says, “Do not fear,” He is not ignoring the challenges you face. He is acknowledging the reality of fear and offering comfort in His presence. Fear often arises from feeling alone or uncertain, but God’s promise is clear: He has called us by name, and we belong to Him. We are His, no matter what we face.
Whether you are walking through a season of uncertainty, facing personal challenges, or carrying burdens that weigh heavy on your heart, this verse invites you to rest in the truth that you are redeemed, known, and loved.
God’s call on your life is unshakeable. Today, stand in that assurance and walk forward with courage, knowing you are never alone and always held in His loving care.
Don't Overthink It...
Don’t Overthink It
How much time do you spend thinking about what to eat or worrying about what to wear? Do you obsess over having—or being—enough?
While there’s nothing wrong with meal planning for the weeks ahead or creating an annual budget, Jesus explains that worrying doesn’t help:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”
Matthew 6:25 NIV
Jesus never said not to think about your basic needs. He did say not to worry about them.
God knows what you need before you do. God knows your prayers before you pray them.
Recognizing your physical needs can remind you of your spiritual needs—an invitation to trust your ultimate Provider.
Later in the same chapter, Jesus reminds His disciples that if God provides for the birds and the flowers, He will provide for His people that much more. Then He adds, “but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
Life is more than the food we eat, the drinks we consume, and the clothes we wear. In fact, Jesus is life. He is “the way, the truth, and the life,” to be exact (John 14:6).
So, let’s seek Him first. Let’s do the work entrusted to us while trusting in Him for provision. And let’s not waste another second overthinking it.
He Started It
He Started It
When the Apostle Paul was locked in a Roman prison for telling people about Jesus, he sent a letter of hope to his friends back in Philippi. A portion of it said:
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Philippians 1:6 NLT
Though Paul was writing to specific people in the first-century Church, his words are just as true for the global Church today.
Think about it: Who started this thing we call life? Who made this world and everything in it? Who fine-tuned the universe to actually make sense? Who put you here—at this specific time in history? Who handcrafted your body, your mind, your strengths, and your unique-to-you personality? Who began this good work?
Before you were ever born, God already had you in mind. Before you could even walk or talk or have dreams for yourself, God already had a plan. Before you knew to look to Him or to follow Him or to worship Him, God was already at work—in you, around you, and through you.
Sometimes it feels like we’re just wasting time and taking up space, without real purpose. But—it turns out—God is intentional and He makes no mistakes. To top it off…
God always finishes what He starts.
The story isn’t over. When Christ returns once and for all, the work of God through His people will finally be complete.
Until then, let’s commit to God’s good work inside of us.
Let’s magnify Him in everything we do.
Let’s believe that He’ll finish what He has begun.
Immeasurably More
Immeasurably More
What’s the boldest prayer you can think to pray? Or the most incredible thing you can dare to imagine?
Did you know that God can top it?
Paul said it like this:
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”
Ephesians 3:20 NIV
You know those quiet dreams in your heart? God put them there. You know that ache for something better than this broken world? God gave you that desire. You know the deepest longings of your soul? God knows how to fulfill them.
Like Paul said, God can do more than we ask or imagine, but we also must remember the second part of his words: according to his power at work within us.
It’s all God’s power and His plan. But He has invited us into it.
So what’s our part in this process?
We can give glory to Him—knowing that it’s Him who gives us the desire and power to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13). He created us, loves us, and has entrusted us with sharing His message with the world.
We can submit ourselves to His plan—knowing that it’s all God, but He chooses to work in and through His people to accomplish His purposes. He doesn’t need us to be perfect, He just wants us to be willing.
We can trust Him with the process—knowing that He is good, righteous, worthy, strong, and eternal. We don’t have to know all the answers because we already have Him, and He can do more than we can ask or imagine.
Pursue What Matters Most
Pursue What Matters Most
In the book of Romans, Paul begs Christians to give their entire lives over to God because God sacrificed everything for them. Jesus gave up His life so that we could experience His unending love and grace.
We cheapen His gifts if we refuse to align our lives with the way Jesus lived. But we give our lives to God by making Him the one thing we pursue above anything else.
So here are 5 steps you can practice—right now—to help you put God first:
GIVE THANKS
“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.”
Psalms 75:1 ESV
Right now, take a moment to thank God for what He’s already done for you. Reflect on His faithfulness, and recount the stories you have seen and heard of His wonderful power.
SPEND 5 MINUTES IN SILENCE
“Abide in me, and I in you.”
John 15:4 ESV
Abiding in Jesus starts with stillness. So right now, pause, take a deep breath, and give anything concerning you over to God. Spend 5 minutes centering your heart on the One who matters most.
REMEMBER WHOSE YOU ARE
“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV
God loves you. The price He paid for you cost Him everything. So remind yourself of whose you are, and reflect on some of the things God says about you.
MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD
“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”
Psalms 119:97 ESV
One of the best ways to find out how Jesus wants you to live is by spending time in Scripture. As you do, ask God to speak to you through His Word about what His will is.
FOCUS ON WHAT IS EXCELLENT
“…If there is any excellence… think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8 ESV
You have been given the mind of Christ. If you’re not sure what you should think about, try asking yourself: What is praiseworthy? What thoughts and actions would honor God? Make a list of whatever comes to mind, and pursue those things.
By practicing these steps every day, you can create habits that will help you pursue intimacy with God and put Him first above everything else.
Knowledge of God
Knowledge of God
Everywhere you look you can learn something about God. The earth is filled with information about Him. Psalm 19:1 says that the skies proclaim the wonders of God’s handiwork. And Romans 1:20 also says that since the beginning of creation, God’s attributes have been visible in the world.
Learning about God’s character through nature is called General Revelation. These are the things that anyone can learn about God by observing creation. Special Revelation is knowledge about God and salvation that only comes through His Word.
One example of Special Revelation is Habakkuk 2:14, which talks about a future day when the earth will be filled with true knowledge of God. When this was first proclaimed, the nation of Israel was in the midst of exile. They were experiencing injustice at the hands of their enemies. But God gave them a promise in the middle of their hopeless situation…
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Habakkuk 2:14 NIV
A day will come when all people will know God. Knowledge of Him and His glory will cover the earth. Those who trust in God as their Savior will be with Him eternally in Heaven. But those who do not know Jesus will experience Him as their Judge, and be separated from God eternally.
When Jesus first came to earth, humanity got a glimpse of God’s glory. And because the Holy Spirit is still at work through the global Church—we still get glimpses of that glory. But on the day Jesus returns, all people will recognize Him as the true King. At that time, it will be too late for us to share the life-saving news of Jesus’ death and resurrection with others. That’s why we should use every opportunity we have to help people know Jesus as their Savior before it’s too late.
As Christians, we should pray for the day when Jesus returns and fills the earth with His glory. We should seek God continuously, and read God’s Word to be filled with knowledge of Him. But we should also be looking for opportunities to share the knowledge of God with others—right now.
So take some time today to consider who you can share the hope of Jesus with. And pray for those who do not know Jesus yet—ask that God would use you to help others get to know Him.
Putting Faith Into Practice
Putting Faith Into Practice
Faith is essentially trust, which is a pivotal part of following Jesus.
Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God..." And Ephesians 2:8 explains, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
So we shouldn’t put too much faith in our own faith, but put our faith in God. Only He can create, save, and sustain. We can't know all things, but we can know Him—who knows all things. Which is why we would be wise to put our trust in Him.
But putting our faith into practice isn’t always easy. The writer of Hebrews tells us that faith begins with having confidence in the things we hope for. More than that, it is having assurance for things we cannot see.
While this sounds like a contradiction, faith actually requires us to believe in something outside of ourselves. If we could see it and measure it, it wouldn’t require faith. For instance, we read in Scripture that God created the earth and everything in it. But we weren’t there when it happened. It requires faith to believe that.
Jesus says that those who believe in Him will inherit eternal life—but that’s a promise that has yet to come. We have to have faith that Jesus will keep His promise, and that one day we will be in heaven with Him.
Faith is the assurance that what God promised will happen. It is the confidence that what Jesus said is actually true. This is why people in Scripture faithfully waited for God to fulfill His promises toward them. Most of them might not have seen that fulfillment in their lifetime, but they had faith that God would still follow through.
Take some time to consider your own faith. Is your faith filled with confident hope? Pray for God to give you the assurance that all of His promises will come true. And as you do that, learn from the stories mentioned in Hebrews 11 on what it means to put faith into practice.
A Triumphant Victory
A Triumphant Victory
For over 400 years, the people of Israel waited and wondered as they endured persecution and painful abuse at the hands of harsh, foreign rulers. For weeks and months and decades, they clung to words from prophets like Isaiah and Zechariah that foretold of a time when their enemies would be destroyed.
The Jewish people were waiting for a powerful man who would overthrow the Roman Empire and take his rightful place as king and conqueror. And then one day, a renowned Rabbi (who had just raised a man from the dead) came to the capital city of Jerusalem, riding on a donkey—an animal often associated with kingship and peace.
But Jesus wasn’t just a man—He was God and man. And this wasn’t just a triumphal entry into Jerusalem: it was a determined, faith-filled march toward the crucifixion that awaited Him.
He would become king: but not in the way the Jews were expecting. However, His followers knew there was something special about Him, shouting and singing...
"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
Luke 19:38 NIV
In just a few short days, Jesus’ triumphal entry into the city would turn into a triumphant victory over the strongest enemies of all: death, the devil, and eternal separation from God. But this victory would cost Jesus His life, and His death would be cheered by some of the same crowd praising His arrival.
His sacrifice cost Him everything—but it gave us everything.
It’s because Jesus sacrificed Himself for us that we can now come unashamedly before Him.
So today, reflect on how Jesus’ faith-filled obedience resulted in your permanent reconciliation with God. Then, spend some time blessing and praising the King who came in the name of the Lord.
Humble Confidence...
Humble Confidence
At the top of John chapter 5, John explains that anyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ—the prophesied Messiah—has become a child of God.
When we become children of our Heavenly Father, we not only inherit a forever kingdom and an incorruptible legacy, but we’re also granted the privilege of approaching the King of all kings.
John said it this way:
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
1 John 5:14 NIV
As the text continues, John reiterates the fact that God loves to give us what we ask for—when it’s asked with the right motive.
Think about it this way: is a child concerned about approaching his loving parent for a snack, for a hug, for advice, or for help?
When we come to God with a similar childlike confidence—in sincerity, humility, trust, and even desperation—we can be certain that He hears us. When we submit a request, we might get a yes, we might get a no, or we might get a not yet. But regardless…
We can know that God hears us as we trust Him with our prayers.
The author of the book of Hebrews put it eloquently: “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT)
Whether you need wisdom, direction, or practical help, you can come boldly to our gracious God. You can come to God with your praises and doubts, opinions and concerns, thankfulness and questions.
And when you ask for something that aligns with His will, you’re never a bother or annoyance or nuisance, for it gives God great pleasure to give you all that you need (Luke 12:31-32).
A Lasting Solution...
A Lasting Solution
Have you ever faced an enormous problem that didn’t have an immediate solution? Some problems in life take time to find proper resolution.
In Romans 3, Paul begins to introduce the solution to a massive problem—sin. Sin is an act of disobedience toward God’s commands. And because God is holy and does not sin, our sin separates us from a relationship with God.
Paul goes on to explain that every person has fallen short of God’s standard for living
—we have all sinned (Romans 3:23). All of us have been separated from God.
The solution to our problem is found in Jesus. Paul says that Jesus came as a representative on our behalf, and that His death atoned for our sin problem. This means that Jesus took care of the penalty that we deserved, and He made a way for us to have a relationship with God again.
All of this was made possible through his death and resurrection. Jesus provided a permanent solution to a very serious problem, and we can partake in this gift for free. There are no prerequisites or payments necessary—other than having faith in Jesus (Romans 10:9).
Jesus’ death and resurrection not only made atonement for our present sins, but for both our past and future sins as well. This demonstrates that God is still just in dealing with our sins, but He made a way for us through Jesus.
Are there past sins you are still holding onto that have been forgiven by God? Remember that Jesus paid for every single sin so that you could walk in freedom.
Safe with Him...
Safe with Him
When life feels overwhelming or the world seems extra dark, there's an ultimate security that comes from trusting God.
King David, the author of Psalm 16, faced all kinds of physical, emotional, and spiritual stressors throughout his life. And yet, he had an overwhelming sense of peace and joy—knowing that His soul was safe in God's hands.
He wrote...
"No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave."
Psalm 16:9-10 NLT
Scripture tells us that—because of sin—our temporary bodies can bleed, our bones can break, and these physical shells can (and will) eventually wear out. But praise God, even death and the grave will not get the final say! Because Jesus has already paid the ultimate price (giving His own life) to redeem us, and because He refused to stay dead, He has cleared the way for us to have eternal life.
In the following verse and final declaration of Psalm 16, David went on to say...
"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever."
Psalm 16:11 NLT
Jesus was and is the long-awaited Messiah, the Perfect One, God in the flesh—who lived the life we couldn't, died the death we should've, and even did the impossible by conquering the grave. When we accept the grace and love that He offers, not only will He never abandon us, but we'll also be empowered by His Spirit and given access to forever with Him!
So if you're looking for ultimate security, know that you can't be good enough, successful enough, or amazing enough to earn it for yourself. God alone is the keeper of your soul, and you can be confident in Him.
Grief Turned to Joy
Grief Turned to Joy
Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
John 16:20 (NIV)
These words, spoken by Jesus nearly 2,000 years ago, have been a lifeline for countless people facing sorrow. Today, let’s think about the first ones who clung to them: his disciples.
Jesus spoke these words on Thursday of Holy Week in the Upper Room. By Friday, he was crucified, and the world rejoiced in his death. Then came Saturday—a day of grief, confusion, and silence.
Perhaps the disciples were back in that same Upper Room, their tears breaking the quiet. Did the words from Thursday echo in their hearts? “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”
Did they dare believe it?
When Jesus said this, he wasn’t offering wishful thinking. He was declaring a truth written across the story of God’s people. From Abraham’s journey to Israel’s exodus, God had always turned grief into joy. It took time. It often involved loss. And it was always wrapped in mystery. But God was faithful.
If today feels like “Saturday” for you—a day of waiting, mourning, or uncertainty—know this: “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”
Cling to this promise. It is true because of the One who spoke it and the empty tomb that followed.
Your joy is coming. Hold on with hope, because God is still turning mourning into dancing, sorrow into singing, and grief into joy.
No Greater Love
No Greater Love
There is no greater love than the love Jesus showed when He laid down His life—for His friends. For us.
Jesus wasn’t just a good man who died an unjust death. He was the spotless Son of God—sinless, blameless, holy. Death had no rightful claim on Him. And yet, He willingly embraced it. He gave up His life so that others might have eternal life.
That alone would be enough to leave us in awe. But what makes His sacrifice even more astounding are the people He died for.
When Jesus spoke these words in John 15, He was talking to a group of His friends who were far from perfect. A hot-headed fisherman. A skeptical doubter. A tax collector. A political zealot. Brothers who once wanted to call down fire on a village. And beyond that room? Prostitutes. Outcasts. The unclean. Sinners.
And for us, too.
Jesus laid down His life so that anyone might become His friend. So that everyone might receive His love. So that we might know—deep in our hearts—that we are not rejected or forgotten, but known and embraced.
So, take a moment today and rest in this truth: There is no greater love than the love Jesus has for you. He proved it on the cross.
The Bread that Fills Forever
The Bread That Fills Forever
After feeding 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish, the crowd chased after Him, hungry for more bread. But instead of sating their hunger, He tells them to stop hoping for food that spoils. Rather, He says, they should seek food that endures to eternal life.
Jesus knows our physical hunger, but He also knows the greater hunger of our souls. Beneath our roaring stomachs is an even louder cry—for forgiveness, reconciliation, and life with God. That’s why He declares:
"I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
John 6:51 (NIV)
This isn’t about bread that fills for a day; it’s about the bread of His body, given for the life of the world.
Sitting with His disciples in the Upper Room before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus breaks bread with them, saying, “This is my body, given for you.” It’s the first communion, a meal of forgiveness and eternal life.
Today, Jesus still invites us to His table, where grace overflows and every seat is filled with love. He calls us to stop chasing what won’t last and instead feast on what will.
There’s one table, one meal, and one bread that satisfies forever. Let’s come hungry for Jesus and leave filled with his life. “Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
Strength in Every Season...
Strength in Every Season
Philippians 4:13 is a popular Bible verse that you may have seen posted on signs, social media, stickers, or cars. Maybe you’ve heard someone recite this verse before a sporting event or while trying to accomplish a difficult task.
Unfortunately, this verse is often misunderstood. This verse is not saying that we can accomplish whatever we want. Paul isn’t talking about winning a sports game or having the courage to do something daring.
Instead, Paul is actually talking about his time in prison. He is referencing the power of God that was with him during this difficult time of ministry.
In Philippians 4:12 he talks about the power he has to live content in every situation in life. He learned how to live with abundance and with nothing. He learned to live with very little food and resources, and also with a lot of food and resources.
Paul found that regardless of his circumstances, God continued to supply him with the power to do the work of God. He never lacked the strength and resources to tell others about the good news of Jesus—even while he was stuck in a prison.
Paul could live in every season of life and accomplish all that God asked of him through the strength that God gave him.
So, instead of God giving us strength to do anything we want, He gives us the strength we need to endure various circumstances and accomplish the mission that He has given us. This means that you will never lack any resource to live a growing and godly life, or to share the good news of Jesus with others.
If you’re in a season of abundance or a season of lack, remember that God is the one who gives you the strength to endure every season. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask God to supply you with the strength that only He can give.
The Urgent Call...
The Urgent Call
Have you ever shared the good news of Jesus with someone in your life?
When Jesus was teaching and training the twelve disciples, he often used imagery and metaphors that were part of their culture to communicate important truths to them. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus relates the work that He is doing to a farmer’s work in the field.
Jesus says that the people who do not know Jesus are like a field of grain that is ready to be harvested. But, there are not enough workers to go and harvest among the fields. Jesus says to pray that God would send more workers to gather the harvest.
Essentially, there are people that are ready and willing to hear and respond to the gospel message, the hope that Jesus brings for every person. But when Jesus says "the workers are few" (Matthew 9:38), what He really means is: there are not enough people sharing the good news with others.
As Christians, we are entrusted with the free gift of eternal life, and we’re tasked with sharing that message with others. However, many Christians keep their faith to themselves.
We are to be bold in sharing the message of the cross with other people so that they can experience new life in Jesus, too.
Take a few minutes today to consider what small step you can take to begin sharing Jesus with other people. Ask your neighbors, coworkers, or friends what their spiritual background is so that you can begin having spiritual conversations. Pray for God to give you courage, and then step out and begin sharing with others.
The Church is God's Sacred Space...
The Church is God’s Sacred Space
In Old Testament stories, God designated sacred spaces for His people to meet with Him.
First, God planted a garden in Eden—a beautiful space in paradise for His prized creations. Next, the tabernacle was a portable space in the wilderness for the Israelites who’d been rescued from Egyptian slavery. Then, the temple was a permanent space in Jerusalem for the people of Israel.
In all instances, these were places of worship, as well as tangible signs of God’s presence.
The Creator of everything that exists can’t be confined to a garden, a tent, or a building, but it was in those sacred spaces where heaven and earth could overlap.
Because a holy God loves sinful people, we have a separation problem. That’s why priests were appointed as representatives—mediators for things like worship, sacrifices, and atonement. And though it worked for a while, it was only a temporary solution.
But when Jesus showed up, He not only fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies and temple purposes, but He also bridged the gap. No longer was there a need for a temple made of wood or stone, but of flesh and blood. No longer was there a need for endless sacrifices, because Jesus, the ultimate high priest, had provided the ultimate sacrifice—Himself. Finally, God’s Spirit could now dwell with and inside of His people, the new and improved “temple.”
That’s why Paul asked the Corinthians:
“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?”
1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV
We serve a God who meets people where they are: in the garden, in the wilderness, in the temple, in themselves.
So if you’re a follower of Christ, remember: You are the place where His Spirit now dwells. You are the vessel in which He lives and moves and works and empowers. You are the place where heaven has crashed into earth.
Closer Than You Think...
Closer Than You Think
When something terrible happens and the world makes zero sense…
The Lord is still close.
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of this: God fights for the Israelites and rescues them from the Egyptians (Exodus 14:13-14). Joshua defeats powerful nations because God fights for him (Joshua 23:10). The Israelites are protected by God as they rebuild Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 4:20).
In Isaiah 54, God reminds the Israelites that He sees their pain, and He has compassion on their circumstances. At the time, the Israelites were in exile. But God promises that their suffering won’t last forever.
God does not abandon His people. Even when they endure intense hardship, God still ultimately shows up, and when they cry out to Him, He fights for them.
And the same God who fought for Israel fights for each of us. This doesn’t mean you won’t face hard things. But even when your mind races and your heart doubts, God is near. He offers you a peace that cannot fully be explained.
Right now, take a few moments to name anything that is crushing your spirit. Then, give yourself permission to sit in God’s presence for a few moments. Give Him all your concerns, and ask Him to show you how He has protected and provided for you.