Tag: Faith

What Does It Mean to Worship “In the Spirit”?

In John 4, Jesus has an unexpected conversation with a Samaritan woman. As they talk, the topic of worship comes up. The woman points out that Jews worship in Jerusalem, while her people, the Samaritans, worship on Mount Gerizim. She’s focused on the location — the outward, physical expression of worship. But Jesus turns her understanding upside down when He says, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

At that time, worship was deeply tied to physical places and rituals. For the Jews, worship meant making sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem. For the Samaritans, it was about their sacred site on Mount Gerizim. Worship involved tangible, fleshly acts like offering animals, burning incense, and performing rituals. It was all very external, based on visible actions that could be seen and measured.

But Jesus reveals something revolutionary: true worship isn’t about the right location or the right ritual. Worship is about connecting with God on a deeper, spiritual level — “in spirit.” God is not confined to one place or bound by physical forms. He is spirit, and so our worship must be spiritual too.

What does it mean to worship in spirit?

Worshipping in spirit means engaging with God beyond external acts. It’s not about just attending a service, singing songs, or going through the motions. It’s about our hearts being fully involved — a connection that goes beyond what we do and reaches into who we are. It’s a worship that is alive, personal, and sincere.

Reflect for a moment: How often do we let worship become a routine? Do we sometimes show up physically but forget to show up spiritually? Worshipping in spirit challenges us to move past the surface. It calls us to dig deeper, to approach God with genuine reverence and openness.

This doesn’t mean we abandon the outward expressions of worship. Attending church, singing, and praying together are all important. But the key is what’s happening inside. When we worship, are we really connecting with God? Are we letting the Holy Spirit guide our hearts and minds, or are we just checking off a box?

What about worship in truth?

Jesus adds that we must worship in truth. This means that our worship is based on a real understanding of who God is. It’s rooted in the truth of Scripture and the reality of God’s character. Worship in spirit without truth can become emotionalism — a vague sense of connection without a firm foundation. But worship in truth without spirit can become dry and mechanical, just going through the motions without real engagement.

Think about your own worship: Do you feel deeply connected to God, and is that connection grounded in the truth of His Word?

Why does this matter today?

In our modern world, it’s easy to let worship become just another part of our schedule. We attend church, sing the songs, say the prayers, but it’s possible to go through the motions without engaging our spirit. Jesus calls us to something more — to a worship that’s alive, personal, and real.

God desires our hearts, not just our attendance. He wants us to connect with Him in a way that transforms us from the inside out. Worshipping in spirit and in truth allows us to move beyond ritual and enter into a real relationship with the living God. It’s not about getting everything right on the outside; it’s about letting God work deeply on the inside.

Next time you’re in a moment of worship — whether it’s at church, at home, or anywhere in between — pause and ask yourself: Am I worshipping in spirit and in truth? Am I fully engaged with God? Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my heart and mind, while grounding my worship in the truth of who God is?

From Bloodline to Faith: Jesus’ Better Covenant

John’s powerful rebuke to the crowds gathered at the Jordan River reveals a profound shift in God’s plan for salvation. When John tells the crowd that their claim to Abraham as their forefather isn’t enough to save them (Matthew 3:9), he’s laying the groundwork for a new covenant that Jesus would usher in—a covenant that wasn’t based on bloodline but on faith. This is a critical moment in understanding the transition from the old way of thinking, where lineage determined your identity as part of God’s people, to the new way, where it’s faith in Christ that defines who belongs to God.

In the Old Testament, the promise to Abraham was deeply connected to his descendants—God chose Abraham and promised that through his offspring, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). The Jewish people took pride in being Abraham’s physical descendants, as this bloodline represented their covenant relationship with God. But John’s rebuke highlights a truth that had been foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament: salvation has always been about more than just physical descent.

Even before Jesus came, there were those who were saved not by their bloodline but by their faith. Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, was not part of the family of Abraham by blood, yet she is included in the genealogy of Jesus because of her faith and her actions in protecting the Israelite spies (Joshua 2, Matthew 1:5). Similarly, Ruth, a Moabite widow, was not an Israelite by birth, but her faithfulness to God and her trust in His provision brought her into the fold of God’s people (Ruth 1:16, Ruth 4). These women—outsiders by all human standards—were saved by their faith, and they became part of the lineage through which Jesus, the Savior, came.

What John was doing in his rebuke was preparing the people for the truth that Jesus would soon reveal: that God’s plan had always been bigger than a single nation or bloodline. Jesus came to bring that plan to completion, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham while expanding them. No longer would salvation be confined to those who could trace their ancestry back to Abraham; now, anyone who has faith in Christ is considered a child of Abraham (Galatians 3:7). Jesus took the bloodline of Abraham, the promise made to one family, and fulfilled it so completely that it could be opened up to the whole world.

This is incredibly good news for us today because it means that salvation is not something we inherit or earn through who we are or what we do. It’s a gift of grace that comes through faith in Jesus. Just like Rahab and Ruth, we are invited into God’s family, not by our lineage or our efforts, but by trusting in Him. And just as they were counted righteous through their faith before Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are now made right with God through the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

This message is particularly significant in our time, where people often find their identity in their background, status, or achievements. Jesus’ invitation is open to all, regardless of their past, their family, or their mistakes. The promise that began with Abraham, was carried through his bloodline, and was fulfilled in Jesus is now extended to all who would believe.

In Jesus, the bloodline of Abraham is brought to completion, and a new, better promise is made available to us all: salvation through faith. Just as Rahab and Ruth were brought into God’s family by faith, so too can we become part of His family, united not by blood, but by the Spirit of God that draws us to faith in Christ. That is the true fulfillment of God’s plan and the good news we celebrate today.

Seek God, Not The Wall

In the book of Ezra, the Israelites returned from exile with a daunting task ahead of them—rebuilding the temple and eventually the protective wall around Jerusalem. Here we see that the construction of the temple is allowed and completed, but the wall around the city is delayed. Why was the temple prioritized over the wall, even though the wall provided safety and security?

The temple represented God’s presence among His people. It was the heart of their worship, their relationship with Him, and their identity as His chosen people. Before anything else, their spiritual foundation needed to be restored. The wall, while important, symbolized physical protection, something secondary to their need to reconnect with God. By allowing the temple to be built first, God was teaching them—and us—a vital truth: put Him first, and everything else will follow.

Jesus echoes this principle in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” When our priority is God—His presence, His will, His purposes—He takes care of everything else. If the thing you want isn’t God, but something else like success, security, or even a breakthrough in a tough situation, you’re likely focusing on the wrong thing. Instead of chasing after those desires, we are called to chase after God. He is the one who sees our needs, and when our hearts are aligned with Him, He will ensure that we receive what we need.

The Israelites may have wanted the wall for protection, but what they truly needed first was God’s presence. Once the temple was built, once their hearts were restored to Him, the wall came later. And it wasn’t just a wall of stone; it represented God’s surrounding protection for His people.

This principle applies to us today. If the thing you’re seeking isn’t God Himself, pause and refocus your pursuit. Make Him your priority, and trust that He will take care of the rest in His perfect timing. If we make God our ultimate desire, He will add everything else we need—provision, protection, and even the desires of our heart that align with His will.

Unstoppable: Turning Opposition into Victory

In Ezra 5-6, we witness an incredible story of persistence, faith, and divine intervention. The Israelites, in the midst of rebuilding the temple, are confronted by local authorities who question their right to continue the work. These officials demand proof of authorization, but instead of ceasing their efforts, the Israelites keep building. They work through the uncertainty, trusting that God would provide a way forward.

When the local authorities send a letter to King Darius to confirm the Israelites’ claims, they likely expected the work to be shut down. But instead of halting the project, God turns the situation completely around. Not only does King Darius affirm that the Israelites have the right to continue, but he also commands that their opponents provide financial and material support to ensure the temple is completed. The very people who sought to stop the work were now required to assist it.

This powerful account shows us that when God commissions something, no opposition can stop it. The Israelites faced a daunting challenge—one that could have easily discouraged them or caused them to give up. But they didn’t stop. They continued building while awaiting the king’s response. And because of their faith and persistence, God intervened in a way they couldn’t have imagined, using their enemies to accomplish His purposes.

This story is a reminder to us that when God calls us to a task, He will provide the means to see it through. Even when we face opposition, whether from people, circumstances, or spiritual forces, God is both our protector and provider. He makes a way where there seems to be none and can turn the very obstacles we face into tools for His glory.

For us today, this means that no matter how overwhelming or difficult the task at hand may seem, if it’s God’s will, it cannot fail. There may be times when we face opposition or feel like giving up, but just like the Israelites, we can continue pressing forward in faith. God’s plans will always prevail. The resources, strength, and support we need will come, often from unexpected places. Even those who seek to stop us may end up contributing to the success of God’s work.

So, keep trusting in God’s provision. Just as He did for the Israelites, He will make a way for you, even when opposition rises. He will equip you to fulfill the calling He’s placed on your life, and nothing can stand in the way of His purposes. In moments of uncertainty or challenge, remember that God’s plan is unstoppable, and He is faithful to provide everything you need to succeed.

The All-Knowing God

In Daniel 10-12, we see an astonishing display of God’s foreknowledge through the angel’s revelation of events that would unfold in Israel’s future. The prophecy is so detailed and accurate that many scholars have marveled at how perfectly it aligns with historical events. Some have even questioned whether it could have been written before the events took place, suggesting it must have been written post-facto due to its uncanny accuracy . But that is the very point: Biblical prophecy demonstrates God’s omniscience—His all-knowing nature. He is not bound by time; He sees the end from the beginning. In Daniel’s vision, we are given a glimpse of this truth, and it should strengthen our trust in God’s sovereignty over history and our personal lives.

In Daniel 11, we read detailed accounts of future kings and conflicts, particularly concerning the rulers of the North and South, which align remarkably with the historical conflicts between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties. This level of precision reminds us that nothing surprises God—He knows every rise and fall, every twist in the story of human history. As startling as it is to see these events play out just as God foretold, the prophecies serve a higher purpose than simply proving the Bible’s accuracy. They are meant to encourage us to trust in the God who knows and orchestrates every moment, including our future.

We live in uncertain times. There’s no shortage of things to worry about—economic instability, global conflicts, and personal challenges. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the unknown. But just as God had a perfect knowledge of the unfolding events in Daniel’s time, He knows the details of our lives as well. Nothing escapes His view, and His plans for us are good. This should fill us with hope. If God’s foreknowledge was so exact in ancient times, we can trust that He is in control of our future too.

The prophecy in Daniel also points to a future resurrection, a time when God’s people will be delivered, and all things will be set right. This promise of final victory should remind us that our current trials are not the end of the story. Just as God has shown His power in the past through prophecy, He will continue to fulfill His promises for the future. The God who perfectly predicted the rise and fall of empires is the same God who promises to wipe away every tear, to make all things new, and to be with us for eternity.

As we reflect on these prophecies, let’s remember that they reveal more than just historical accuracy—they show us the heart of a God who is deeply involved in the lives of His people. We don’t need to fear the unknown because we serve a God who knows everything. His foreknowledge is not just a display of His power, but a reassurance that He has a plan for us. When we’re faced with uncertainty, we can rest in the fact that nothing is uncertain to Him.

Trusting in the all-knowing God means we can move forward with hope, knowing that He holds our future. He has already proven His reliability through prophecy, and He will continue to show His faithfulness in our lives.

Not All Help Is Good Help: How to Protect Your Purpose

In today’s reading, the Israelites return from exile with a clear mission: to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This was more than just a construction project; it was about restoring their spiritual connection with God. Yet, in the midst of their work, they faced a dilemma. When neighboring groups offered to help, the Israelites made a bold choice to turn them away, recognizing that their intentions weren’t aligned with God’s purpose. This decision might seem harsh, but it reveals something crucial for us today—the importance of discernment.

Rebuilding anything in our lives, whether it’s our faith, relationships, or even a community, requires wisdom in choosing who we allow to influence us. Not everyone who offers help is on the same page spiritually, and partnering with the wrong people can undermine the very thing God has called us to do. The Israelites understood this, knowing that accepting help from those whose motives were not pure would compromise the integrity of their mission. They weren’t acting out of pride or exclusivity but out of a deep desire to remain faithful to what God had asked of them.

This lesson is just as relevant for us. We often face situations where we need to rebuild—whether it’s in our personal walk with God, in mending a broken relationship, or in pursuing a new direction in life. But not every offer of support is helpful. Discernment is crucial in deciding who to partner with, and this discernment comes through prayer and seeking God’s guidance. As we seek His wisdom, we begin to see people’s true intentions more clearly.

Jesus tells us that we will recognize people by their fruits. When someone offers to help, we need to ask ourselves: What kind of fruit is evident in their life? Are they walking with God, or could their influence lead us astray? This doesn’t mean we shut people out based on a surface-level judgment, but rather that we carefully examine whether their involvement will help us stay true to God’s calling. The Israelites knew that compromising by partnering with the wrong people would dilute their worship and weaken their resolve. Similarly, we must be vigilant in guarding against compromise, even when it seems subtle.

As we navigate our own rebuilding efforts, we must remain aware that God calls us to stay faithful to His mission. When we surround ourselves with those who encourage us in our faith and challenge us to grow closer to God, we are better equipped to complete the work He’s given us. Discernment isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. Just as the Israelites protected their mission by saying no to the wrong kind of help, we, too, must be willing to make tough decisions for the sake of our spiritual health.

Rebuilding with God’s guidance means knowing when to accept help and when to turn it down. By seeking His wisdom, examining the lives of those around us, and being cautious of potential compromise, we can move forward confidently, trusting that God will lead us in the right direction. Let’s remember that God calls us to pursue His purpose with integrity, surrounding ourselves with those who share our commitment to His ways.

It’s Okay to Grieve

In today’s readings from Lamentations 5, Obadiah 1, and Jeremiah 40-41, we’re reminded that even the most faithful servants of God, like Jeremiah, experience deep grief and sorrow. Jeremiah, who had prophesied the eventual restoration and glory of Jerusalem, was still profoundly affected by the immediate devastation and loss that he witnessed.

This leads us to an important understanding: Joy in the Christian life is not synonymous with constant happiness or a cheerful demeanor in all circumstances. Rather, true joy is rooted in the hope we have in God—a hope that endures even through tears and pain.

Lamentations 5 presents a vivid picture of the suffering and despair experienced by the people of Jerusalem after the city’s destruction. Yet, even in this darkest hour, there is a cry to God—a recognition that He is still sovereign and that restoration is possible. This cry is not a denial of the pain but a hopeful acknowledgment of God’s enduring faithfulness.

Jeremiah himself, though a prophet of hope, did not ignore the realities of his present situation. His grief was real, and it was valid. However, his joy was found not in the absence of sorrow but in the assurance that God’s promises would ultimately come to pass.

This distinction is crucial for us today. We may face circumstances that bring deep sorrow, and it’s important to acknowledge and feel that pain. But biblical joy is the strength that allows us to look to God through our tears, trusting that He is at work and that His promises are true. It’s the assurance that even in our darkest moments, God is with us, and He will see us through to the fulfillment of His good purposes.

Perspective on Perspective

I’ve always said that a change in perspective changes everything else, and that really came to the fore for me today. When we read prophetic books like Jeremiah, it’s easy to imagine that the “wicked people” he rebukes are those far from God, outsiders to the faith. But the more I read them the more a chilling realization set in: these are not outsiders he’s addressing—they’re believers, people who are supposed to be part of the family of God.

This shift in perspective changes everything. The harsh words and dire warnings take on a new weight when we recognize that they’re directed inward, toward those who claim to know God but live as though He doesn’t exist. It’s a reminder that being a believer isn’t just about belonging to the right group or knowing the right things; it’s about living in alignment with God’s will.

God’s rebukes through Jeremiah are a call to self-examination. Are we merely believers in name, or are we actively pursuing a life that reflects God’s holiness and love? The people of Judah had allowed their faith to become hollow, a mere shell of what it was supposed to be. They had the outward appearance of God’s people but lacked the inward devotion and obedience that He desires.

This perspective forces us to ask hard questions about our own faith. Are there areas in our lives where we’re just going through the motions? Do we, like the people of Judah, take God’s grace for granted, assuming that our status as believers exempts us from true repentance and transformation?

Jeremiah’s message is a call to wake up. To see ourselves as God sees us and to let that perspective drive us toward deeper faithfulness. It’s not enough to be part of the family of God in name only; we must live as true children of God, fully committed to His ways.

Making Priorities a Priority

In Jeremiah 2:32, God laments through the prophet, “Does a young woman forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number.” This verse captures a powerful metaphor, comparing the people’s forgetfulness of God to something unthinkable — a bride forgetting her wedding ornaments. It underscores the idea that we naturally remember what is important to us, and it calls into question the priorities of the people of Israel.

In our own lives, this principle remains true. We do not forget the things that hold significant value to us. We remember birthdays, anniversaries, important appointments, and treasured possessions. These things occupy our thoughts and are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Similarly, our relationship with God should be at the forefront of our minds, guiding our actions and decisions.

However, just like the people of Israel, we too can become forgetful. Distractions, busyness, and the pressures of life can cause us to neglect our relationship with God. We might find ourselves going through the motions of faith without truly engaging with the heart of it. This forgetfulness doesn’t happen overnight but creeps in gradually, leading us to prioritize other things over our time with God.

Reflecting on Jeremiah 2:32 challenges us to examine our priorities. Are we giving God the attention and honor He deserves, or have we allowed other things to take precedence? Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our actions reveal what we truly value. If we treasure our relationship with God, it will be evident in how we live our lives.

To combat forgetfulness, we need to be intentional about cultivating our relationship with God. This can include setting aside regular time for prayer and Bible study, engaging in worship, and surrounding ourselves with a community of believers who encourage us in our faith. By making these practices a priority, we keep our focus on God and remain grounded in His presence.

Reflection Questions:

What are some ways you can remind yourself daily of God’s presence in your life?
Are there areas where you have allowed distractions to take priority over your relationship with God?
How can you cultivate a deeper, more intentional relationship with God in your daily routine?

The Unrighteous Righteous

Throughout Kings we have seen David described as righteous over and over again. We are told that he obeyed all the laws and regulations of the Lord and — if you’re like me — the justice side of your brain is hollering, “WHAT!?”

Is this the same David who married foreign women? The same David who forced himself on a vulnerable married woman? Who tried to cover that affair up? Who had the husband killed so he could marry his baby-mama? The one who was too cowardly or distant to discipline his own children? The one who refused to hold his own men accountable? The one who tasked his son to exact revenge on his behalf? That guy? That guy obeyed ALL THE LAWS AND REGULATIONS? Are we sure we’re talking about the same fellow?

Then we read about Solomon marrying 700 women of royal birth. Remember these were treaties signed with foreign nations! So not only was Solomon amassing women who will turn his heart away, but these women are also of royal birth and represent treaties with a great many nations and/or city-states. And, of course, if you are going to maintain good relationships with those peoples with whom you have a treaty, you are going to honour their heritage for fear of upsetting this new ally. You can see something similar today in the way our political leaders in the west will attend a Catholic Mass on Christmas, a Hindu Temple for Diwali, and a Muslim Mosque for Ramadan.

It is clear that both of these men have broken the laws and regulations. So then, why is Solomon found guilty where David is found innocent? Make it make sense!!

The difference was the same then as it is today. We need to pause the ‘JUSTICE!’ part of our brain and examine the ‘grace’ part. In order to bring a better understanding, let’s look to the Apostle Paul. This passage from Romans is talking about Abraham, but it could just as easily refer to David or anyone else who came before Jesus, but trusted in the Lord:

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Romans 4:20-22 (NIV)

Today I was again reminded that David was a man “after God’s heart”. This doesn’t mean that David was PATTERNED after God’s heart, but rather that he was CHASING after God’s heart. His eyes were on the Lord, even if his hands and feet and eyes and… other things… were places they should not have been. And that — to quote Robert Frost — has made all the difference.

This is the same way that God sees us today. This is how our faith is credited to us as righteousness. The righteousness that we could not hope to earn by our works. And so this righteousness is a gift of grace through faith that justifies us in the eyes of the God who will be our ultimate judge.

Justified. Just-as-if-I’d never sinned at all.