A Personal Journal of Grace and Discipleship
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,who loved me and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20
From the blog
The Exchanged Life: Finding Freedom and Wholeness Through Spirituotherapy
In a world filled with competing counseling models, it’s not uncommon to find contrasting views on what “biblical” or “Christian” counseling truly means. Searching for answers can feel overwhelming, and the terms alone—“biblical counseling” versus “Christian counseling”—can spark endless debates on how, or whether, secular counseling methodologies fit within a Christian framework.
Risen With Him, Resting in Him
The Lord’s deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea is more than an inspiring historical moment—it’s a picture of complete salvation. Every foe was defeated. Not one Egyptian remained on the shore to chase them again. In the same way, every person who places their trust in Jesus Christ has passed from death to life, from bondage to freedom. The cross didn’t merely begin the process of salvation—it finished it. Our enemies, including sin and death, are silenced at the cross. We are complete in Him, risen with Him, and secure in Him.
Not Out From Myself: A Window into Christ's Way
T. Austin-Sparks draws our attention to a singular window—a clear view into the life and character of Jesus Christ. Through this devotional, we’re not offered a list of spiritual techniques or moral rules, but an invitation to gaze into the Spirit-dependent life of Jesus, who never once acted independently of His Father. Over and over again, the Gospels reveal Christ’s absolute reliance—not just for power, but for direction, timing, and motive. He never spoke or moved “out from Himself.” Every word, every step, every silence was tethered to the Father's will.
When He Stands Beside You Again
Today’s devotional from Ray Stedman reflects on a tender moment in Paul's journey: after his disobedience and resulting discouragement, the Lord Himself stands beside him and says, “Take courage!” Though Paul had knowingly gone against the Spirit’s leading by insisting on going to Jerusalem, Jesus doesn’t scold him or lecture him. Instead, He meets Paul right where he is — discouraged, likely ashamed, limited by chains — and restores him with grace.
Anchored by the Faithful One
Some promises in life are only as dependable as the people who make them. We've all experienced broken promises, sometimes made with good intentions but without the power or consistency to see them through. But when God makes a promise, He is both fully able and completely faithful to fulfill it. Today's devotional focuses not only on God's power—His ability to act—but also on His trustworthiness. He is never careless with His word, never distracted, never unreliable.
Every Need Is an Invitation
Today’s entry from A.B. Simpson invites us to reconsider our trials, not as interruptions, but as containers—vessels that God Himself provides for the infilling of His Spirit. It challenges the restless striving we often default to when surrounded by problems. Instead of rushing into action or fretting over outcomes, we’re told to do something surprisingly simple: bring the need to Jesus.
Sanctified from the Inside Out
In today’s devotional, Oswald Chambers reveals a vital distinction often missed in modern Christian thinking—sanctification is not the result of striving to imitate Christ, but the reality of Christ Himself being expressed through us. The holiness that God requires is not a refined version of our own self-discipline; it is Jesus’ very own life, infused into ours the moment we yield to Him in faith. We are not called to act holy—we are called to receive holiness, because holiness has a Name, and His Name is Jesus.
Willing to Be Spent
Today’s reflection from Miles Stanford draws us into the deeper cost—and privilege—of sacrificial service. God’s mercy is not only the means of our salvation but also the foundation of our service. We are not asked to serve from obligation or guilt, but by the mercies of God, as those who have already received everything in Christ. His mercies inspire us to yield our very lives to Him in love, not just in words but in action.
From Stone to Son: Living in the New Age of Grace
In today’s reading from Witness Lee, a clear line is drawn between the old religious order and the new reality ushered in through Christ. John the Baptist, addressing the Pharisees and Sadducees, declared that God was no longer building His people on the foundation of natural lineage or inherited status. The old markers—bloodline, rule-keeping, and outward religiosity—had no place in the kingdom of the heavens that was breaking in. Instead, this new kingdom would be made up of those born from above—living children of God birthed through faith, not the flesh.
The Fullness I Already Have
E. Stanley Jones draws our attention to Ephesians 1:3, which celebrates a staggering truth: we’ve already been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Not some. Not most. Every single one—past tense, already ours, located in Christ, where we too are spiritually seated. The implications are breathtaking: nothing essential for our life in God is found outside of Christ. All that the human soul needs—peace, identity, security, meaning, fulfillment—is wrapped up in the Person of Jesus.
Hearts That Burn, Not Hands That Boast
Today’s devotional compiled by Nick Harrison turns our attention away from outward service and re-centers us on the inward reality of Christ’s presence. Without love, without the warmth of personal fellowship with the Lord, even the most devoted church activity becomes hollow—like a bride going through her duties without affection for her groom. The message is simple, yet cutting: A church without heart is a church without Christ.
When Nothing Shows but God Still Works
T. Austin-Sparks invites us into a radical shift of perspective—one that challenges how we measure spiritual fruit and meaningful ministry. The heart of today’s devotional is this: true union with Christ reshapes everything. Instead of initiating great things for God, the yielded soul comes to see that the Christian life is not about doing for God, but allowing God to work through us. The external show of accomplishment is no longer our measure; rather, the unseen movement of the Spirit becomes the focus.
Born From Above to Bear His Life
What is the point of it all? Why did God birth the Church, and why are we called His children? T. Austin-Sparks leads us back to the foundational truth that our existence—individually and corporately—is to express Christ. Nothing more. Nothing less. The Church isn’t a place, a gathering, or a program. It is a living expression of the indwelling Christ. And as Christ is the beginning and the end, so everything in between—every thought, every action, every fellowship—is meant to be an extension of Him.
When Self Tries to Take the Wheel
Today’s devotional from Ray Stedman takes us into one of Paul’s more human moments—one where his reaction shows how easily even the most seasoned believer can slip into flesh-driven responses. Instead of addressing the Sanhedrin with the traditional respect, Paul dives in boldly, calling them “brothers” and defending himself in a way that was both true and emotionally charged. His confrontation with the high priest becomes a picture of what happens when even a godly man momentarily reacts from the soul rather than yielding to the Spirit.
Chosen to Know, Chosen to Yield
In this scene from Acts 22, Paul recounts the moment everything changed for him. Speaking to a hostile crowd, he doesn't defend himself or fight for survival—he bears witness. He shares how God met him through Ananias, restoring his sight and revealing a divine commission that was unforgettable even three decades later.
Eternity is Not Delayed—It’s Guaranteed
Today’s devotional by Bob Hoekstra reminds us that the return of Jesus and the renewal of all things isn’t just a hopeful thought—it’s a promised reality. Though it may feel delayed from our earthly point of view, God is never late. His longsuffering is not a sign of hesitation but of mercy. He is not slow in keeping His promises. Rather, He is patient, allowing more time for people to come to repentance and receive eternal life.
A Promise That Carries Us Home
Jesus gave His disciples a tender, personal promise the night before the cross—a promise not only for them, but for all who would trust Him in the days to come. He knew their hearts would tremble with fear at His departure, so He anchored them in something unshakable: “I will come again and receive you to Myself.” His absence was not abandonment; it was preparation. His return would be reunion.
The Seat at My Table
Today’s devotional from A.B. Simpson reminds us that genuine love for Christ finds expression not merely in thoughts or feelings but in tangible acts of devotion. Words without deeds are hollow when it comes to ministry that truly reflects the heart of Jesus. Just as Mary offered a costly gift at Jesus’ feet, we are called to give from the depths of what is precious to us—not only in spiritual sentiment but in physical, practical service.
The Upward Gaze of Faith
Sometimes we shrink under the weight of our own inadequacy. We imagine that if we were more spiritual, more certain of our place in God’s will, then perhaps we could really trust Him. But today’s devotional from A.B. Simpson reminds us that this thinking is backwards. Faith doesn’t begin by looking inward for certainty—it starts by looking upward in surrender.
Sanctified on the Death Side: Yielding to the Severing Sword of Christ
Oswald Chambers challenges us to reckon with the oft-ignored reality of sanctification: it has a death side. We may gladly embrace the joy of being raised with Christ, but the Spirit first brings us face-to-face with the crucifixion of all that is not of Christ. This “battle royal” Chambers speaks of is the inner struggle to let go of our deepest attachments—our reputation, our relationships, our rights, even our self-image—and submit fully to Christ’s ownership.
Entering Empty-Handed
Oswald Chambers reminds us that Jesus did not come to raise the bar of morality to unattainable heights merely to show us how far we fall short. If we approach Him only as a teacher, we end up defeated—knowing what is right but utterly unable to live it. Jesus didn’t come simply to instruct us; He came to indwell us with the very life that fulfills what He taught.