At first glance, the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:34-36 can feel unsettling. He says:

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household."

And in Luke 12:51-53, He adds:

"Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division."

These words seem to stand in stark contrast to how we often think of Jesus—the Prince of Peace who came to heal, restore, and reconcile. How can the same Jesus who preached love and unity also speak of bringing division? If you’ve wrestled with this, you’re not alone. Let’s take a closer look at what Jesus was saying and why it matters for us today.

Jeremiah 30 marks the beginning of a section often called the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30–33). These chapters shift from the stark judgments of previous passages to a breathtaking vision of hope, restoration, and a future shaped by God’s grace.

This chapter speaks not only to Judah’s return from exile but also to a far greater work of redemption—a promise fulfilled in Christ and extended to all who trust in Him.

The grace of God is a gift of infinite value, poured into our lives not because we deserve it but because of His boundless love. In a recent reading from My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers challenges us to examine how we respond to this grace. Do we humbly receive it, or do we inadvertently resist it through false humility or self-doubt?

God’s grace is a miraculous, transformative work that begins deep within the heart. Yet, as a recent devotional from Day by Day by Grace reminds us, the work of grace is not confined to the unseen. It manifests outwardly in ways that others can witness. This observable nature of grace was clearly evident in the early church, as described in Acts 11:21-23:
"The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord… When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad."

Barnabas, sent to witness what was happening in Antioch, didn’t need an explanation to confirm God’s activity. The grace of God was visible in the transformed lives and spiritual fruit of the people. His response? Joy.

Continuing our journey through The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer, Chapter 11 reveals the awe-inspiring wisdom of God. This wisdom, infinitely pure and boundless, invites us to trust Him fully—even in the uncertainties of life.

May these reflections deepen our faith and remind us that His ways, though beyond our understanding, are always perfect.

In a recent reading from Days of Heaven on Earth, A.B. Simpson invites us to explore the deep truths of God’s Word. He reminds us that these “deep things of God” spoken of in 1 Corinthians 2:10 are not merely intellectual insights but truths that demand a prepared and receptive heart. True spiritual depth comes from a foundation of humility, suffering, and unselfishness—a heart cultivated by God to receive and reflect His grace.

One of the most important principles I learned early in my Christian journey was the necessity of placing my trust in Christ alone. Today’s Abide Above devotional reminded me of this critical truth. It’s a lesson that has shaped my faith deeply, teaching me to anchor my confidence not in man but in the unchanging and trustworthy character of God.

In today’s reflection from J.B. Simpson’s Days of Heaven on Earth, we’re confronted with a poignant story of missed opportunity. A young woman, sustained and cared for by a benefactor she had never met, fails to wait for his return. Distracted by fleeting pleasures, she misses the long-awaited moment to meet the one who had given so much for her. Her lapse of focus leads to a life of loss, despite the years of provision and love she had received.

Music has a unique way of giving voice to the deepest parts of our souls. For me, the song Fall to Pieces by Velvet Revolver struck a chord during a particularly difficult season of my life. Scott Weiland’s raw, pained vocals and Slash’s hauntingly beautiful guitar mirrored a longing I couldn’t quite put into words—a yearning for the fellowship with God I had experienced in my early days as a believer.

Words have incredible power. They can heal or hurt, build up or tear down, encourage or discourage. For Christians, our speech holds the potential to reflect the very grace of God, offering hope and truth to those around us. Today’s reflection from Day by Day by Grace reminds us of Jesus’ perfect example of grace-filled words and calls us to follow Him in how we speak.

As believers, we are called to live in the light of Christ—a truth both comforting and challenging. A recent reading from Abide Above reminds us that our position in Christ is already secure. We are no longer in darkness but have been brought into the light of His presence, as Ephesians 5:8 declares:
"You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."

The challenge lies not in earning or finding this light, but in realizing and living out the reality of where we already are: seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6) and walking in His light here on earth.

What does it mean to live in true, vibrant devotion to Jesus Christ? In today’s reflection from My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers confronts us with a reality many overlook: Christianity is not a sentimental religion. It is not about feeling inspired by Jesus or admiring Him as a role model. It is about surrendering to Him as Savior and living in the supernatural power of His Spirit. This kind of faith transforms lives because it is rooted in the absolute authority of Jesus Christ.

If you’ve ever felt like life is turning you inside out, leaving you exposed and broken, you’re not alone. The deep, soul-searching trials we endure can often feel relentless, like a plow cutting furrows through our lives. Today’s reflection from Abide Above reminds us that these painful moments are not meaningless. They are part of the divine Husbandman’s work, preparing us for a harvest of eternal value

Have you ever tried to hide a mistake or keep a secret, only to feel the weight of being found out? Imagine, then, standing before the God who knows every hidden thought, every motive, and every moment of our lives. A. W. Tozer opens this chapter of The Knowledge of the Holy with a stunning reality: God is omniscient—He knows everything perfectly and has never needed to learn.

For some, this truth inspires a deep reverence. For others, it might cause discomfort, especially when we think about the areas of our lives we wish to hide. But for those who are in Christ, God's omniscience is not just a fact—it’s a promise of unshakable love and compassionate understanding.

Spiritual growth is at the heart of a believer’s journey. But how do we truly grow? The example of Jesus’ own development offers clarity and inspiration. When He came into the world, He did so as fully God and fully man, yet He willingly set aside the independent exercise of His deity to live as we live—relying on God’s grace. Through His life, we see how grace develops and matures us spiritually, enabling us to live in a way that pleases God and impacts others.

A recent Abide Above devotional reflects on the weighty responsibility of nurturing and maturing believers in Christ. Quoting from 1 Peter 5:2-3, the devotional highlights the role of spiritual leaders and believers as shepherds: “Feed the flock of God which is among you… being examples to the flock.” But the reflection goes further, challenging us to embrace not just the joy but the labor—the travail—of helping others grow into maturity in Christ.

Spiritual growth is rarely a straight line. The believer in the midst of being "processed" by God is also progressing—though it may not feel like it. This truth, drawn from Miles Stanford’s devotional insights in Abide Above, reminds us that our Father’s work in us is purposeful and transformative, even in the midst of difficulty.

In a world obsessed with results, it's easy to fall into the trap of measuring spiritual success by numbers—decisions made, commitments declared, or seats filled. But as today’s Abide Above devotional reminds us, true fruitfulness doesn’t come from human wisdom or effort. It comes from the life and power of the Holy Spirit working through us. This isn’t just a subtle distinction; it’s the difference between man-made activity and God-ordained transformation.

In Oswald Chambers’ reflection Do You Walk in White?, we are confronted with a striking question: Have you had your “white funeral”? It’s not a question of physical death but of spiritual surrender—the kind of death that leads to resurrection life in Christ.

Chambers challenges us to stop striving in our strength and instead yield completely to God, allowing the old self to be buried so that Christ’s life might flow through us. Let’s explore what it means to walk in newness of life and why this "white funeral" is central to progressive sanctification.

We’re embarking on an exciting journey through David Kuykendall’s Cain-Likeness to Christ-Likeness, a study that invites us to reflect deeply on our transformation in Christ. This powerful work reveals how God’s grace moves us from living in the old patterns of Cain-like attitudes to walking in the fullness of Christ’s character.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll explore this book chapter by chapter, allowing its truths to guide us into a greater understanding of God’s work in our lives. Today, we begin by diving into Chapter One, where Kuykendall lays the foundation for understanding our Cain-like tendencies.