Dear friend, how are you? Are you weary, frustrated, thirsty for more but unable to accomplish even the bare minimum? Do you lack joy?
Let's look beneath the surface, below the soil, to the root system. Are you abiding in the Vine? The art of abiding is living in the awareness of God's presence, and one way we do this is by immersing ourselves in the Word of God.
I. Spiritual Anemia
Sometimes, we feel dry because we don't receive what we desperately need—more of Jesus. It isn't that we set out to be hurried, but we live in a culture that offers quick fixes and hot takes, which often spill over into our time in the Word.
If we aren't careful, we start making time with Him more of a box to be ticked rather than thoroughly enjoying Him. We can think that reading the daily verse or scrolling through a few biblically based posts is enough to fill us for the day, but we often find ourselves thirsty before we even begin.
Let’s consider what the Bible says:
“Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.”
Jeremiah 15:16.
We are to remain in the word until we experience Him and His joy produced in us. My husband and I were conversing that we shouldn't leave the time with the Lord until our cheeks are so filled with His goodness that we cannot help but overflow with His loving kindness to all we meet.
And I am not pushing legalism. The word is our very life. If we are not being nourished, we will be anemic. Anemia leaves fewer blood cells available and reduces the capacity to carry oxygen throughout the body. Friends, if you know anyone who has suffered severe anemia, they become fatigued, weak, lightheaded, short of breath, sometimes suffer chest pain, and even crippling anxiety. Anemia can lead to death if untreated. If physical anemia can have such untoward consequences, imagine what happens when we allow our spiritual lives to drift on cruise control.
How can we be spiritually anemic and effective in and for the Kingdom?
“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
Matthew 4:4
We must learn to quiet ourselves, free ourselves from distractions, and beloved, the biggest distraction is often us. Time with Him allows us to be filled with the Spirit and walk as wise people, redeeming the time.
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15-16.
—Selah.
II. Positioned for Honor.
The days of fluff Christianity are long gone and, in reality, should never have been. Deep cleansing is happening in the House of God, and if you aren't privy to it or, nowadays, “feeling it,” maybe slow down, exit the hustle, and be still before Him.
Look at this very telling verse:
“For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not.”
Isaiah 30:15
I love this verse and declare it often; however, I usually focus on the first part. However, I don't want us to miss the last four words today. It is disheartening that the Lord is inviting His people in their time of need, but they fail to see it, having come short of receiving it. Friends, Jesus is inviting us to enjoy more of Him, to sneak away and be alone with Him, so we are prepared for Him.
Jesus is coming!
When we come into the Father’s fold through the perfect work of the Son, we dwell in the garden of the Father where His love abounds. In His love, we live with the cadence of Christ’s perfect peace: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind stays on You because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
I cannot emphasize enough that we must distinguish ourselves from the world. One of the most significant differences between us and them is living in the place of His divine rest. Rest, peace, and grace are foreign in a world that has turned entirely off its head.
And yes, they will know us by our love. Let's remember that love isn't hurried. It takes its time, is patient, and is kind. If we walk at the same hurried pace, how will anyone differentiate? How will they experience love if we are wound tight? How will they experience Him if we are so preoccupied with our own plans and dreams?
The sickness of human hurry reveals that we prioritize what we think we need to do, want, us, over His rest, joy, and peace—over Him. We are His love letter to humanity, living proof of the power within the Gospel, where His grace sets the pace, and the Truth shapes our reality! I wonder, when people read us, what do they think about Him?
If we desire to be used as vessels of honor, we must be pliable in the Master’s hands, no longer striving against the Potter but surrendering to His will, able to excute His plans. And friends, when we walk in what He has called us to do, there will be peace, and it will be effective. Miracles, signs, and wonders will follow because we believe.
I want to remind us not to overlook the small but significant moments in our days. When a couple prone to arguing makes it through with peace, when a prodigal calls home, when a friend steps outside free from anxiety, or when you find the strength to do something you’ve longed for—these are all answers to prayer.
The enemy will try to sweep these precious moments away in the busyness of the day, but don't let him. These are glimpses of God’s glory, genuinely worthy of being called miraculous. We won't miss anything when we slow down, our eyes fixed on the King.
We, like Mary, must take our place at Jesus' feet, and we will see that He is breathtaking. Mary sat and listened. Mary’s obedience is a stunning example of our posture and the fact that we receive the best when choosing the One thing.
“And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.”
Luke 10:39
“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:42
Here is a further revelation: this same Mary would perform one of the most radical acts, which we continue to discuss today. She poured out an expensive bottle of Nard and washed our Lord’s feet with her hair before He went to the Cross.
“It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.”
John 11:2
What is masterful about this is that on the third day of His burial, women were coming to the tomb to do the very act of anointing Him, but they couldn't, for He had risen.
The honor, this honor was given to Mary alone!
She demonstrates the importance of soaking with and in the Word. When we do, we will be at the right place and time to do the right thing—the very center of His will.
—Selah.
As we consider the call to rest and abide in His presence, we are reminded that this positioning is for our benefit and His glory. Abiding prepares us to walk in step with His Spirit, to carry out His plans effectively, and to live as containers of His love and grace. In this posture of surrender, we can reflect the cadence of Christ’s peace in a restless world.
But this preparation is not merely for the present moment—it is a preparation for eternity. Abiding in Him aligns us with His purposes and purifies our hearts, filling us with the hope of His glorious return. This hope is not passive but transformative. It refines us, fuels our obedience, and keeps our lamps burning brightly as we await the Bridegroom.
III. The Blessed Hope that Purifies.
The importance of abiding, resting, and meditating positions in alignment with what He is doing. There is still much more land to be possessed here, friends. Let us not grow weary in the purpose of our Lord or grow distracted, attempting to chart our own course. Only what we do through and for Christ will last. And I am reminded that the story is not ours but God’s! He holds the pen. We can get confused, but this is why we must be continually cleansed by the Word and remember He is coming for us.
Much of our frustration comes from building a house on the sand. We suffer setbacks and disappointments because when we build apart from Him. Instead of surrendering, we ask Him to bless what we want to do, which may not be what He called us to do. This labor produces temporary happiness but not sustained joy. But when we rest on the Rock of Ages and build upon what He has begun, we keep in step with the Spirit, able to hear Him.
Friends, Jesus is speaking volumes to His Bride. We love Him, and all He reveals to us in this most favorable hour. We delight ourselves in Him, ensuring our lamps are filled with oil. Our hearts are one, set on reflecting the Light to a world that is perishing.
We declare the Gospel, and what empowers us to stay the course is the Spirit of the Lord within us. One of the ways we endure has been forgotten: the hope of His coming. Some may call us heretics, others false prophets. Know this: He is coming!
And if you are listening to and looking for Him (not the anti-Christ), you’ll hear Him wooing you with the details of Harpazo.
Whether we have our affairs in order.
Whether we accomplished our goals.
Whether we met the quota or do the thing.
Nothing, and I mean nothing, is stopping the plans of the Lord our God, who is glorious and mighty.
Jesus is coming!
Declare it from the rooftops because it is the blessed hope that purifies.
“And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” I
John 3:3
The blessed hope reminds us of the cross—the finished work of Jesus, which we now walk in. This hope defines our purpose, aligns our process, and causes us to live in Him boldly because we know the time is near.
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.”
Titus 2:11-15
When mockers and scoffers come, they only confirm the words of the Apostle Peter:
“Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” II Peter 3:3-4.
“For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”
II Peter 3:5-7
“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” II Peter 3:8
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
II Peter 3:9
Beloved, we are on God’s prophetic timeline, not our own. With each passing moment, we are coming closer to His coming.
Do you know someone who hasn't heard? Share the Gospel with them.
Do you know someone living on the fringe? Be the hands and feet of Jesus to them.
“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”
Romans 13:11
—Selah
Journal Prompts For Reflection
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Experiencing God’s Word: Reflect on a recent time when you immersed yourself in Scripture. How did it bring joy and transformation to your heart?
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Quieting the Soul: Identify distractions that hinder your time with God. What steps can you take to cultivate a more focused and fulfilling devotional practice?
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Embracing Spiritual Readiness: Contemplate the concept of being spiritually prepared for Jesus’ return. In what ways can you align your daily life to reflect this anticipation?
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Reflecting Christ’s Light: Consider how your life distinguishes you from the world. How can you reflect Christ’s love and peace more effectively to those around you?
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Surrendering to the Potter’s Hand: Consider areas where you might resist God’s shaping. How can you surrender more fully to His will?






Song: SEU Worship Slower I Go.
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