Edification - Pausing with Jesus: Finding Rest in His Presence

Friends, have you ever had a moment when Scripture stops you in your tracks and changes how you see your faith? That happened to me recently while reading about Lazarus in John 12:1–3. I was caught up in my usual rush—planning, serving, trying to be a “good Christian”—when I came across Lazarus, not striving or performing, but simply reclining at the table with Jesus. This man, brought back from death, wasn’t hustling to prove his gratitude. He was just there, resting in the presence of the One who gave him life. That image hit me hard: Jesus wants my heart, not my hurry.

I hadn’t thought about pausing before. I was so used to measuring my faith by what I did—how many prayers I said, how much I served—that I forgot to just be with God. Reading about Lazarus felt like God whispering, “Slow down. Sit with Me.” It was a wake-up call to stop chasing approval and start resting in His love. That moment shifted something in me, like a deep breath after running too long.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV) echo this truth: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Isn’t that beautiful? Jesus doesn’t demand our performance—He offers rest. He invites us to pause, to learn from His gentle heart, and to find a lightness that comes from being with Him.

I think of Mary, too, in Luke 10:38–42, sitting at Jesus’ feet while Martha buzzed with tasks. Jesus called Mary’s choice the “better part”—not because serving is wrong, but because His presence is the source of everything we do. Pausing with Jesus isn’t lazy; it’s trusting that His grace is enough. It’s letting Him carry the weight we’re not meant to bear.

Here’s a simple way to start: take five minutes today to pause. Find a quiet spot, maybe with a cup of tea or by a window, and just sit with Jesus. Whisper, “I’m here, Lord,” and let His presence fill you. No need to perform—just rest. I tried this after reading about Lazarus, and it felt like coming home, like God was reminding me I’m loved just as I am.

Friends, you don’t have to earn Jesus’ love—it’s already yours. Pause today, like Lazarus at the table, and let His presence be your rest. Share your moment of pause in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re finding peace with Jesus!

A Prayer for Pause
Lord, You are our rest and refuge. Help us pause in Your presence, trusting Your grace over our efforts. Teach us to sit with You, finding peace in Your love. Let our hearts rest in You, bearing fruit for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Edification - Choosing to Love Yourself: A Journey of Faith and Movement

Friends, have you ever felt like the world’s constant pull to consume—whether it’s social media, material things, or even fleeting distractions—keeps you from truly caring for yourself? I’ve been reflecting on this lately, and I want to share a truth that’s been stirring in my heart: when we let consumption take over, it can pull us away from loving ourselves the way God intends. But when we choose to care for ourselves—body, mind, and soul—we step into a freedom that aligns with His design for us.

This realization hit me one morning while I was on the elliptical. I cranked the resistance from 10 to 11—not because I was forcing myself or trying to prove something, but because I wanted to feel my body move, to embrace the experience of being alive and active. It wasn’t about willpower; it was a decision born out of love for myself. That moment felt like a gift, a reminder that caring for ourselves can be an act of worship, a way to honor the body God gave us.

Scripture reminds us of this truth in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” When we exercise, rest, or make choices that nurture our well-being, we’re not just taking care of ourselves—we’re saying yes to God’s call to steward the life He’s entrusted to us.

But here’s the thing: it’s so easy to fall into misdirected love. We chase after things that seem fulfilling—scrolling endlessly, comparing ourselves to others, or seeking approval—but these can lead us to abandon ourselves. They pull us away from the peace and joy God offers. I’ve been there, caught in cycles that left me feeling empty, wondering why I wasn’t showing up for myself the way I wanted to.

Lately, I’ve been learning that moving my body—whether through a walk, a workout, or even stretching—changes something deep within. It’s not just about physical health; it’s about aligning my heart with God’s purpose. There’s a spiritual defiance in it, too—a way of saying no to the forces that try to control us, whether it’s the pressure of culture, the noise of the world, or even the enemy’s lies that tell us we’re not enough. A wise friend once said that taking care of yourself is like “sticking it to the man,” because the world’s systems often want us to stay distracted and disconnected. But when we choose to move, to care for ourselves, we’re reclaiming the life God gave us, rooted in His truth.

This isn’t about perfection or pushing ourselves to exhaustion. It’s about small, intentional choices. Maybe it’s choosing to step away from the screen for a walk in the fresh air. Maybe it’s savoring a moment of gratitude for the strength to move, even if it’s just a little. These acts of self-love ripple outward, helping us do harder things—not out of obligation, but because we’re anchored in God’s joy and strength.

Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” When we care for ourselves, we’re walking that path of life, trusting God’s guidance to fill us with His joy. It’s a rebellion against the chaos of the world, a declaration that we belong to Him.

So, here’s my encouragement to you today: take one step to love yourself the way God loves you. Move your body, even if it’s just a short walk or a moment of stretching. Pause to pray and thank God for the gift of your life. Let go of the distractions that pull you away from His purpose. You don’t have to do it all at once—just start where you are, with a heart open to His grace.

Prayer for the Journey
Lord, thank You for creating us with purpose and love. Help us to care for ourselves as temples of Your Holy Spirit, choosing actions that honor You. Give us the strength to say no to distractions and yes to Your path of life. Fill us with Your joy and peace as we move, grow, and trust in Your sufficiency. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Evangelism - Heartbeats of Grace

While waiting for my coffee at McDonald's on North Glenstone, I had an evangelism encounter. As I usually do, I was connecting, praying for my wife and family, and preparing my heart for the week. A 71-year-old man, from the sounds of it, had been through a lot. He questioned who God is, doubting Jesus as the Messiah. The Holy Spirit prompted me to pray for him as we spoke, though it was hard to discern the truth of his words. I shared John 3, where Jesus told Nicodemus we must be born again through repentance and trust in Him. When he questioned Jesus’ divinity, I pointed to His resurrection. He disagreed, saying one person can’t bear all sins and God is just the universe’s creator. I prayed for him, left him to reflect, and wished him a great day. Please join me in praying: Heavenly Father, touch this man’s heart. Reveal Your truth and love through Jesus, our Savior. Heal his past hurts and guide him to Your peace. Amen. #Faith #Evangelism