Slowing down allows us to truly see the blessings that surround us, shifting our hearts from momentary thankfulness to a posture of ongoing gratitude. When we pause and reflect, we become aware of God’s mercy, the gift of family and friends, and the countless ways He sustains us. Gratitude is more than a fleeting feeling; it is fuel for worship and a recognition of God’s continual grace in our lives. Take time to notice the landscape of your life and let gratitude rise within you, blessing the Lord for all His benefits. [24:37]
Psalm 103:1-5 (ESV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Reflection: What is one overlooked blessing in your life that you can pause to thank God for today, letting gratitude fuel your worship?
Deep, Christ-centered relationships are essential for spiritual health and growth. While it’s easy to make acquaintances, true richness comes from a few trusted friends who know the real you and love you anyway. Jesus calls us to love one another as He has loved us, investing time, trust, and truth into our relationships. Sharing your burdens is not a weakness but a strength, and God uses these connections to shape and support us. Make the investment in relationships that matter most, and let love be the foundation. [28:18]
John 15:12-15 (ESV)
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”
Reflection: Who is one trusted friend you can be honest with about your burdens this week, inviting deeper connection and support?
Our bodies are not our own; they are temples of the Holy Spirit, entrusted to us by God for His purposes. Caring for your physical health is not about vanity or appearances, but about honoring God and having the energy and vitality to fulfill your calling. Stewarding your health is a spiritual responsibility and a form of worship, enabling you to love and serve others as God intends. Ask God for the grace to be consistent in caring for your body, recognizing that your calling matters and your body is a vessel for His glory. [30:12]
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to honor God by caring for your body as His vessel?
True spiritual life comes from seeking God Himself, not just what He can give us. Our souls thirst for God as our bodies thirst for water, and only He can truly satisfy. It’s easy to approach prayer and Scripture out of duty or need, but God invites us to draw near simply to be with Him. Even when motivation is lacking, a simple prayer or a single verse can become a feast for your soul. Don’t seek performance—seek God’s presence, and let your hunger for Him grow. [37:13]
Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV)
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?
Reflection: When was the last time you sought God simply for who He is, not for what He can do? How can you set aside time today to be still in His presence?
Your worth is not defined by your output, roles, or achievements, but by who you are in Christ. You are a child of God, saved by grace, known, loved, and chosen—not because of what you have done, but because of what Jesus has done for you. When your identity is rooted in Christ, everything else—ministry, family, work—flows from that foundation. Rest in the truth that your value is received, not earned, and let this assurance shape every area of your life. [41:30]
1 Timothy 1:15-17 (ESV)
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Reflection: In what area of your life are you most tempted to find your worth in what you do rather than in who you are in Christ? What would it look like to rest in your true identity today?
After a season of rest and reflection, it’s clear how much the pace and noise of life can drown out the gentle whisper of God. Both external distractions and the internal hum of anxiety or self-talk can keep us from truly hearing Him. Yet, God often chooses to speak in a whisper, inviting us to draw near, to slow down, and to listen with intention. When we quiet the noise, we discover the richness of His presence and the clarity of His voice.
Slowing down this summer revealed the depth of blessing in my life. Gratitude is more than a fleeting thankfulness; it’s a posture that recognizes God’s ongoing grace. Taking time to reflect on family, friends, and the church community has fueled a deeper worship and appreciation for God’s faithfulness. Relationships, too, have come into sharper focus—not just the number of connections, but the depth and authenticity of a few Christ-centered friendships. It’s not weakness to share burdens; it’s a necessity for spiritual health.
Physical health is another area God highlighted. Our bodies are not our own; they are vessels for God’s purposes. Stewarding our health is a spiritual responsibility, not just a personal one. It’s about having the energy and vitality to live out our calling and to love others well.
Experiencing God’s creation—whether the vastness of the ocean or the power of Niagara Falls—awakens awe and worship. Creation itself declares God’s glory, and wonder is the doorway to worship. The God who made galaxies and waterfalls knows and cares for each of us personally.
Prayer and Scripture are not just spiritual disciplines or job requirements; they are the lifeblood of our souls. It’s easy to approach God for answers or help, but the deeper invitation is to seek Him for Himself. Our souls thirst for God as our bodies thirst for water. Even when desire is lacking, a simple, honest prayer can open the way for God to meet us.
Ultimately, identity in Christ is foundational. Who we are is greater than what we do. Our worth is not in our output or roles, but in being children of God, saved by grace. When our identity is rooted in Christ, everything else—ministry, family, work—flows from that place of security and rest.
The invitation is to take time each day to quiet the noise, lean in, and listen for God’s whisper. In stillness, we remember Christ’s sacrifice and draw near to the One who loves us beyond measure.
Psalm 103:1-5 (ESV) — > Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
> Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
> who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
> who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
> who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
John 15:12-15 (ESV) — > “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
> Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
> You are my friends if you do what I command you.
> No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV) — > Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
> for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Noise isn't just about sound. Now, there is external noise, right? The kids, the buzzing of your phone, the daily demands, and then there's internal noise, that quiet but persistent hum of anxiety, regret, fear, distraction, or self -talk. You know those loops that keep playing in your mind over and over again. The noise can drown out the whisper of God. Often, we wish that God would shout at us, that he would use a megaphone to speak to us, make it obvious, turn up the volume to drown out the noise. We say things like, God, give me a sign. God, speak to me. Make it obvious. God, help me know the difference between my voice, your voice, and the devil's voice, right? We need discernment on that. [00:18:47] (59 seconds) #DiscernTheDivineWhisper
Gratitude is more than thankfulness. Thankfulness is in the moment for specific things. But gratitude is just a posture of the heart. Thankfulness responds to the moment. Gratitude recognizes ongoing grace. [00:22:54] (18 seconds) #GratitudeIsAHeartPosture
I've been greatly aware of the importance and the power of relationships.Now, those that know me know I'm a very relational person, so this is not really a new revelation, but I've experienced how rich I am in deep, meaningful relationships.I'm a very blessed man.I have an incredibly loving, caring, and patient and very smart wife in Rondi. She's also the most loyal and faithful person I have ever known.I have amazing children and grandchildren. Rondi and I are seeing three generations serve the Lord, all the way down to our three -year -old grandson. [00:25:19] (44 seconds) #RichInRelationships
Seeing both of those places reminds me of God's creativity and his power. The earth is incredibly vast and diverse.But what blows my mind is this earth, as vast and diverse as it is, is a tiny speck in our solar system.And our solar system, a tiny speck in our galaxy. And our galaxy, one of two trillion galaxies in our universe. What? It blows my mind. [00:33:00] (34 seconds) #SoulNeedsGodToLive
I don't need to perform for the Lord I don't need to be a pastor for the Lord I don't need to do ministry for the Lord I just need to rest in who I am in Christ and although I am a sinner and I have out sinned all of you I have been shown grace and mercy through Jesus Christ because of what he has done on the cross and I simply receive that by faith [00:42:17] (38 seconds)
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