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.

Have you ever stopped to consider what drives your decisions, your desires, or even your daydreams? What do you love most deeply? These loves—or affections—are at the center of who we are. They shape our thoughts, influence our actions, and ultimately reveal the state of our hearts.

The Bible often speaks of affections as central to our relationship with God. In Colossians 3:2, Paul exhorts believers: “Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth” (KJV). This is more than a call to think about heaven—it’s an invitation to align our desires and loyalties with Christ. But how does this transformation happen, and what does it look like in the framework of the exchanged life, where Christ lives in and through us?

The Christian life often brings seasons of suffering, yet these trials are not meaningless. Instead, they are divinely purposed to lead us into deeper intimacy with Christ, refine our character, and teach us the joy of abiding in Him. As today’s Abide Above online devotional by Miles J. Stanford beautifully illustrates, suffering is not simply something to endure—it is a pathway to transformation when surrendered to the Lord.

This morning's Abide Above devotional invites us into the dual gift of freedom found in Christ. As Romans 4:5 reminds us, faith is counted for righteousness—not by works, but by believing in the One who justifies the ungodly. This is the essence of the first gift: freedom from the penalty of sin.

But there’s more. Many of us embrace this first offer, gratefully resting in the forgiveness of sins through Jesus. Yet, the second gift—freedom from the power of sin—often feels elusive. It’s a gift many hesitate to unwrap, believing they must somehow strive or assist in their sanctification.

One of the most well-known teachings of Jesus is His metaphor of the vine and branches in John 15. In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of abiding in Him, promising that those who remain in Him will “bear much fruit.” But what exactly is the fruit Jesus is referring to? Is it measurable accomplishments, such as ministry success or bringing others to faith? Or is it something deeper, more personal, and ultimately eternal?

The question of whether humans have free will has long been debated by philosophers, scientists, and theologians. Recently, some neuroscientific studies, particularly the famous Benjamin Libet experiments, have added fuel to the fire, suggesting that our decisions might be determined by subconscious brain activity before we’re even aware of them. For some, this is evidence that free will is nothing more than an illusion—a comforting narrative we tell ourselves to feel in control.

In Jeremiah 29, we find an extraordinary moment in history. God, through the prophet Jeremiah, tells His people—those exiled in Babylon—to make themselves at home. This must have been a shocking message for those who longed to return to Jerusalem. Yet, God’s words were clear:

“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters... Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:5–7).

I can only imagine how disorienting this must have been. For many of us, life can feel like exile too. We often find ourselves in places or circumstances we wouldn’t have chosen. Yet God’s call remains: Be present. Build. Pray.

Have you ever made big plans for God, only to find out He has an even greater plan for you? That’s what happens in 1 Chronicles 17. David, overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s goodness, decides to build a temple—a house—for the Lord. But through the prophet Nathan, God tells David something astonishing: it is not David who will build God a house; rather, God will build David a house.

And not just any house. This house, this dynasty, will stretch into eternity. God promises David that one of his descendants will sit on the throne forever. This covenant with David isn’t just about ancient Israel; it’s a cornerstone of God’s redemptive plan for humanity, culminating in Jesus Christ.

When Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me”(Luke 9:23), He extended an invitation that would transform every aspect of our lives. It’s a call to a relationship, not just a set of rules. As I reflect on what it means to follow Him, I see how essential it is to walk in daily humility and dependence on our Good Shepherd.

When I first read Jesus’ words, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23), I was struck by their weight. Following Jesus wasn’t just about belief—it was about surrender, humility, and a willingness to let go of my old self. At first, I wrestled with what this meant practically. Did “taking up my cross” mean adding burdens or hardships? Or was it about something deeper—something profoundly freeing?

When Jesus called people to follow Him, He wasn’t inviting them to a casual acquaintance or a part-time commitment. He was asking for their entire lives. “Follow Me,” He said. Those two words changed the lives of fishermen, tax collectors, and many others—and they continue to call us today. But what does it really mean to follow Jesus?

Have you ever had one of those days where every task feels insurmountable? I’ve had plenty of those moments where I was painfully reminded of my own limitations. Whether it’s trying to handle a challenging situation at work, guide someone spiritually, or even just keep my thoughts aligned with God’s truth, it doesn’t take much to realize how inadequate I am on my own. But here’s the amazing part: those very moments of inadequacy are an invitation to live by God’s sufficiency and promises.