Correct Way To Talk To The Holy Spirit - Billy Graham

The Holy Spirit is not an abstract force, an impersonal power, or merely the influence of God at work. The Holy Spirit is a person. He has a mind, a will, and emotions. He speaks, leads, teaches, and comforts. He is the third person of the trinity co-equal with the father and the son fully divine fully present and actively engaged in the life of every believer. When Jesus was preparing his disciples for his departure, he spoke of the Holy Spirit not as a thing, not as a mere power, but as a helper, a comforter, and a guide.

He said, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper to be with you forever." John 14:16. The Greek word for helper is paricletos, meaning one who comes alongside, one who speaks on behalf of another, one who strengthens. This is not the description of an impersonal force. It is the description of a living divine being who walks with us, speaks to us, and empowers us. Throughout the scriptures, the Holy Spirit is seen doing what only a person can do. He speaks. In Acts 13:02, while the believers were praying and fasting, the

Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me, Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them." He did not merely influence them. He spoke and gave them direct instruction. He teaches as Jesus said in John 14:26, "But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." An impersonal force does not teach. A person teaches. The Holy Spirit has intelligence. For Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:101 that the spirit searches all things, even

the deep things of God. Only a conscious thinking being can search and comprehend. He also has emotions. Ephesians 4:30 warns, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." You cannot grieve an impersonal force. You cannot cause sorrow to something that has no feelings. Yet the Holy Spirit can be grieved when we disobey God, when we resist his voice, when we choose sin over righteousness. He is not indifferent to our choices. He longs for us to walk in holiness. And when we stray, his heart is

burdened. The Holy Spirit has a will. He makes decisions. In 1 Corinthians 12:11, Paul says, "But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as he wills." The gifts of the Spirit are not handed out randomly or according to human preference. The Holy Spirit decides who receives which gifts, when, and for what purpose. He exercises divine authority in the church. He leads and directs. In Acts 16 6:7, Paul and his companions were traveling to preach the gospel. But the Bible says they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach

the word in Asia. Then when they attempted to go into another region, the spirit of Jesus did not allow them. This was not a coincidence. It was a divine direction. The Holy Spirit was guiding them not as an impersonal force, but as a divine person actively involved in their mission. The Holy Spirit intercedes. Romans 8:26 says, "Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. An impersonal force does not pray. The Holy

Spirit sees our struggles, understands our weaknesses, and intercedes on our behalf before the Father. To recognize the Holy Spirit as a person is to understand that he is not merely a doctrine or a theological concept. He is God dwelling with us and in us. He is our comforter, our counselor, our teacher, our guide. He desires fellowship with us. He speaks to us in the quiet of our hearts. He convicts us when we go astray. He empowers us to live holy lives. He strengthens us in times of trial. He leads us into all truth. If we

see the Holy Spirit as only a force, we will seek to use him rather than allowing him to lead us. But when we understand that he is a divine person, we will submit to him, honor him, and walk in close relationship with him, we will speak to him, listen to him, and obey his voice. Approaching the Holy Spirit with reverence is essential to developing a true relationship with him. Too often, people treat the Holy Spirit as an abstract force or a distant influence rather than acknowledging his divinity and holiness. But the Holy Spirit is God

just as the father is God and just as the son is God. He is not separate from them but one with them. This means that the same all worship and honor that we give to the father and the son must also be given to the Holy Spirit. The Bible makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is holy not just in name but in nature. He is called the Holy Spirit because holiness defines his very being. The word holy means set apart, pure and sacred. He is unlike anything else in existence. When we speak to him,

when we invite him to guide us, when we welcome his presence into our lives, we must do so with the deepest reverence. He is not a casual presence, nor is he someone to be taken lightly. He is God in us. The very spirit of the living God dwelling within believers. Throughout scripture, we see that God's presence demands reverence. When Moses stood before the burning bush, God told him, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Exodus 3:E 5. It was not the ground itself that was holy. It was the

presence of God that made it holy. When Isaiah had a vision of the Lord in the temple, he cried out, "Woe is me, for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips. For mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts." Isaiah 605. The overwhelming holiness of God made Isaiah realize his own unworthiness. The same reverence should be in our hearts when we approach the Holy Spirit. He is not merely present among us. He lives in us. The Bible says

in 1 Corinthians 6:19, "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you whom you have from God?" If the Old Testament temple was a place of sacred worship, how much more should our very lives reflect that same reverence when we carry the Holy Spirit within us? One of the greatest dangers in the Christian life is becoming too casual about the things of God. It is easy to lose sight of the Holiness of the Holy Spirit when we treat him as merely a source of power or a

helper in times of need. Some seek his gifts but neglect his presence. Others ask for his guidance but do not yield to his authority. This is a mistake that leads to a powerless and ineffective spiritual life. The Holy Spirit is not a tool to be used. He is the living God to be honored and obeyed. Reverence for the Holy Spirit is not about fear in the sense of being afraid. It is about a deep and abiding respect for his presence. It is an attitude of humility recognizing that he is the all powerful, all- knowing, and

everpresent God. When we approach him in prayer, we should not rush into his presence carelessly. We should come with a heart that is surrendered, with an awareness of his holiness, and with a willingness to listen and obey. Jesus warned about blaspheming the Holy Spirit, saying in Matthew 12:31, "Therefore, I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men. But the blasphemy against the spirit will not be forgiven." This is a serious statement that underscores the sacredness of the Holy Spirit. To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to reject his work, to resist his voice,

or to treat him with dishonor. This shows that how we regard the Holy Spirit has eternal consequences. When we revere the Holy Spirit, we make room for him to move in our lives. When we acknowledge his holiness, we create an atmosphere where his power can work in and through us. The Holy Spirit does not force himself upon anyone. He moves where he is welcomed. He speaks where he is listened to. and he works where he is honored. If we treat him casually, if we ignore his prompings, or if we resist his conviction, we limit what

he can do in us. But when we give him the reverence he deserves, we open ourselves to his transforming power. The reverence we show to the Holy Spirit is reflected in our obedience. A heart that truly honors the Holy Spirit will seek to live in a way that pleases him. The Bible tells us in Galatians 5:16, "Walk in the spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." When we revere the Holy Spirit, we do not grieve him with disobedience. Instead, we align our lives with his leading. We seek his wisdom, and we

desire to live in purity and holiness. Many believers acknowledge the Father and the Son, but often fail to recognize the Holy Spirit's presence and work in their lives. He is frequently treated as an afterthought, someone to be called upon only in times of trouble or crisis rather than as an everpresent guide, teacher, and source of power. This neglect weakens the spiritual life of many Christians. For the Holy Spirit is not an optional part of the Christian faith. He is essential. The Holy Spirit is not a distant observer. He is deeply involved in every aspect of

a believer's life. From the moment of salvation, he dwells within, sealing believers as God's own possession. Ephesians 1:13 says, "Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit." This means that the Holy Spirit is not just a visitor in the life of a Christian. He is a permanent resident. Yet despite this reality, many fail to acknowledge him daily, forgetting that he is the one who empowers them to live a victorious Christian life. One of the reasons the Holy Spirit is often overlooked is that his work is not always as visible

or dramatic as other aspects of faith. People can easily recognize the father as the creator and the son as the savior. But the holy spirit's role is more subtle, working in the background, transforming hearts, convicting of sin, and guiding believers in truth. Because his voice is gentle and his leading requires sensitivity. Many go about their daily lives without giving him much thought. But this is a grave mistake. To neglect the Holy Spirit is to neglect the very power of God at work within. Jesus emphasized the importance of the Holy Spirit when he told his disciples

in John 16:7. It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. This statement is profound. Jesus himself said that it was better for him to leave so that the Holy Spirit could come. Yet many today live as though the Holy Spirit is a secondary figure in their faith rather than embracing him as the very presence of God in their lives. The Holy Spirit is the one who brings understanding of God's word. Without him, scripture

remains merely words on a page. In John 14:26, Jesus said, "The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." This means that every time a believer reads the Bible, the Holy Spirit is ready to bring revelation, to open spiritual eyes, and to deepen understanding. Yet many attempt to study scripture without asking for his help, relying on their intellect rather than seeking divine insight. Prayer is another area where the Holy Spirit is often treated as an afterthought. Many pray

without inviting the Holy Spirit to lead them, unaware that he is the one who intercedes on their behalf. Romans 8:26 says, "The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. The Holy Spirit knows what is needed, even when words fail. Yet, how often do believers rush into prayer without seeking his guidance. When believers ignore the Holy Spirit, they miss out on his power. He is the one who gives boldness to witness, who strengthens in times of trial, who

produces the fruit of the spirit in the life of every Christian. Galatians 5:22, "The spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These are not characteristics that can be developed through human effort alone. They are the result of living in constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit. But when he is treated as an afterthought, spiritual growth is stunted and believers struggle to live the life God has called them to live. Another reason the Holy Spirit is neglected is because many associate him only with dramatic experiences or manifestations of power such as miracles,

healings, or speaking in tongues. While these are certainly part of his work, they do not define him entirely. The Holy Spirit is just as present in the quiet moments of conviction, in the daily nudges to walk in obedience, in the gentle whispers of encouragement during difficult times. He is not just a presence to be felt during powerful church services. He is a constant companion ready to lead in every moment of life. To avoid treating the Holy Spirit as an afterthought, believers must cultivate an awareness of his presence. This means acknowledging him daily, seeking his guidance

in every decision, inviting him to be part of every conversation, and yielding to his prompings. It means listening when he convicts, obeying when he instructs, and trusting when he leads in unexpected directions. The more a believer recognizes and honors the Holy Spirit, the more they will walk in his power and experience the fullness of God's presence in their lives. Faith is the foundation of the Christian life. It is the confidence in things unseen, the unwavering trust in God's promises, and the assurance that he is who he says he is. Yet many believers struggle with doubt,

allowing it to shape their words, weaken their prayers, and limit what God can do in their lives. Scripture makes it clear that what we speak matters. Our words reflect the condition of our hearts. And when doubt fills our hearts, it will find its way into our speech. Jesus said in Mark 11:23, "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, "Go, throw yourself into the sea," and does not doubt in their heart, but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. These are not empty words. They are a declaration

of spiritual truth. Faith is not just believing silently. It must be spoken. What we confess with our mouths reveals what we truly believe in our hearts. A person may say they trust God, but if their words are filled with fear, negativity, and doubt, they are not speaking from a place of faith. Doubt is a thief. It robs believers of their confidence in God, causes hesitation and obedience, and creates barriers between them and the blessings God desires to give. James 1 6 and7 warns, "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one

who doubts is like a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord." Faith must be steadfast. It must be declared with certainty. A wavering heart produces a wavering confession, and God calls his people to stand firm in their faith. Speaking in faith does not mean ignoring reality or denying challenges. It means choosing to declare God's truth above the circumstances. When faced with sickness, instead of saying, "I will never get better," faith says, "By his stripes, I am healed." When financial difficulties arise, instead

of saying, "I will never have enough," faith declares, "my God shall supply all my needs according to his riches in glory." When fear tries to creep in, instead of saying, "I don't know what to do," faith proclaims, "The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?" Faith is not blind optimism. It is trust in the unchanging word of God. The enemy wants believers to speak in doubt because he knows that words have power. Proverbs 18:21 says, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its

fruit. Words create realities. They shape attitudes, influence decisions, and determine outcomes. When doubt is spoken repeatedly, it takes root and begins to grow, becoming stronger than faith. But when faith is spoken, even in the smallest measure, it has the power to move mountain. Abraham is an example of someone who spoke in faith, not doubt. Romans 4:20-21 says, "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Abraham did not deny

the reality of his old age. He did not ignore the natural impossibility of having a child, but he did not allow doubt to dictate his confession. He continued to speak in faith, trusting that God's promise would come to pass. Faith must be guarded, and the tongue must be trained to align with God's word. This requires an intentional decision to reject negative speech and replace it with the truth of scripture. It means choosing to declare victory even when the battle is still raging. It means confessing hope even when circumstances appear hopeless. It means praising God for

his promises even before they are fulfilled. Faith is not passive. It is active. It speaks with authority. It declares with confidence and it refuses to give doubt a place to grow. God responds to faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." This means that faith is not optional. It is essential. When believers speak in faith, they align themselves with God's will. They step into a place where miracles happen, where prayers are

answered, and where mountains are moved. Listening is one of the most important disciplines in the Christian life. Yet, it is often neglected. Many people rush into prayer, pouring out their requests, worries, and desires before God, but they rarely take the time to be still and listen for his voice. The Holy Spirit speaks, but he does not compete with the noise of a restless mind or a heart that is too busy to wait on him. When believers learn to listen more than they speak, they position themselves to receive divine wisdom, direction, and peace that cannot be

found anywhere else. Throughout scripture, God emphasizes the importance of listening. In Ecclesiastes 50:2, it says, "Do not be quick with your mouth. Do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few. This verse is a powerful reminder that prayer is not just about speaking. It is about reverence. It is about recognizing that God's wisdom is far greater than human understanding. It is about approaching him with humility, acknowledging that his ways are higher and waiting for his voice rather than

filling the silence with unnecessary words. Jesus himself modeled the importance of listening in John 5:19. He said, "Very truly I tell you, the son can do nothing by himself. He can do only what he sees his father doing because whatever the father does, the son also does." Jesus did not act on his own. He listened to the father and moved in obedience. If the son of God prioritized listening, how much more should his followers? Too often people make decisions based on their emotions, their fears, or the opinions of others instead of waiting for the Holy

Spirit to speak. When believers listen more than they speak, they allow God to guide their steps rather than relying on their own understanding. Listening requires stillness. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God." In a world filled with distractions, noise, and endless demands, stillness has become rare. Many people struggle to quiet their minds long enough to hear the Holy Spirit's leading. But without stillness, it is difficult to recognize his voice. The Holy Spirit does not shout. He speaks in a gentle whisper like the still small voice that Elijah heard in 1 Kings

19:12. If the heart is too restless, if the mind is too cluttered, that voice will go unheard. One of the greatest dangers of speaking too much and listening too little is that it leads to a lack of discernment. Proverbs 18:13 warns to answer before listening, that is folly and shame. When people speak without first seeking God's wisdom, they risk making decisions based on their own limited perspective rather than his divine insight. They may pray for guidance, but if they do not pause to listen, they will miss the answer. Prayer is not meant to be a

one-sided conversation. It is a dialogue, a communion with God where both speaking and listening take place. The Holy Spirit is always ready to give direction, but he will not force his voice upon anyone. He speaks through the word of God, through the inner witness in the heart, through circumstances, and through the council of godly wisdom. But to recognize his voice, believers must be intentional about listening. Jesus said in John 10:27, "My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me." A shepherd does not have to beg his sheep to listen. They recognize

his voice because they have spent time with him. In the same way, those who spend time in God's presence, who meditate on his word, and who cultivate a heart of listening, will have no trouble discerning his voice when he speaks. Listening also deepens faith. Romans 10:17 says, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Hearing is not just about physically listening. It is about spiritual understanding. When believers listen with open hearts, faith is strengthened. They become confident in God's promises, assured of his presence, and bold in their obedience. But when they neglect

to listen, doubt creeps in, fear takes over, and they become uncertain about God's will. A heart that listens more than it speaks is a heart that remains teachable. Proverbs 105 says, "Let the wise listen and add to their learning." No matter how much a person knows, there is always more to learn from the Holy Spirit. The moment someone believes they have all the answers is the moment they stop growing spiritually. God is always speaking, always revealing, always leading, but only those who listen will receive his instruction. The battle between the spirit and the flesh is

one of the greatest struggles in the Christian life. The flesh represents human nature apart from God. Its desires, impulses, and tendencies are rooted in selfishness, pride, and sin. The spirit on the other hand is the presence of God within a believer leading them into righteousness, truth and holiness. These two forces are constantly at odds pulling in opposite direction. Galatians 5:17 says, "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit and the spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want.

This conflict is real and every believer must make a choice daily to be led by the spirit or to be controlled by the flesh. Being led by the spirit means surrendering to God's will rather than being driven by human desires. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide decisions, actions, and thoughts instead of letting emotions or worldly influences take control. Romans 8:05 says, "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires, but those who live in accordance with the spirit have their minds set on what the spirit desires."

The mind is a battlefield. What a person focuses on will determine whether they walk in the spirit or gratify the desires of the flesh. If the mind is constantly consumed with the temporary pleasures of this world, with selfish ambitions or with sinful cravings, the flesh will dominate. But if the mind is set on the things of God, on his word, his truth and his presence, the spirit will lead. One of the signs of being led by the spirit is obedience. The Holy Spirit does not force anyone to follow him. He leads, but it is up

to the believer to obey. Jesus said in John 16:13, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth." The Spirit's role is to lead, to direct, to instruct, but he does not override free will. Many people feel the prompting of the Holy Spirit but resist it because it requires surrender. The flesh will always try to justify disobedience, but the spirit calls for submission. A life led by the spirit is marked by a willingness to obey even when it is difficult, even when it requires sacrifice. The flesh thrives on

immediate gratification. It seeks comfort, pleasure, and approval. It resists anything that requires patience, self-control, or discipline. But the spirit leads in a different way. He leads according to God's timing, his wisdom, and his higher purpose. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the spirit as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not qualities that come naturally to the flesh. They are the result of a life surrendered to the spirit. A person who is led by the flesh will struggle with impatience, anger, selfishness, and a lack of self-control. But a person who

follows the spirit will bear the fruit that reflects the nature of Christ. Being led by the spirit also means walking by faith, not by sight. The flesh depends on human reasoning, on what is seen and understood in the natural, but the spirit operates on a different level. He calls believers to trust in what they cannot yet see. Romans 8:14 says, "For those who are led by the spirit of God are the children of God." This means that true sons and daughters of God do not rely on their own understanding. They trust in the leading of

the Holy Spirit even when it does not make sense, even when it requires stepping into the unknown. The flesh wants to be in control, but the spirit leads by faith. The consequences of being led by the flesh are serious. Romans 8:6 warns, "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the spirit is life and peace." A life controlled by the flesh leads to spiritual decay, to separation from God, to a path that ultimately results in destruction. But a life led by the spirit brings peace, purpose, and true fulfillment. There is

no greater freedom than walking in step with the Holy Spirit. No greater joy than living in obedience to his guidance. The more a person surrenders to the spirit, the more they experience the fullness of God's presence, his power, and his blessing. This is not a one-time decision, but a daily choice. Every moment presents an opportunity to follow the spirit or to give in to the flesh. Temptation will come, distractions will arise, and the world will pull in one direction while the spirit leads in another. But the promise of God is sure. Those who walk by

the spirit will not gratify the desires of the flesh. They will live in the abundance of God's grace. They will grow in spiritual strength. And they will fulfill the purpose for which they were created. The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force. He is a divine person who desires to be actively involved in the life of every believer. He convicts, guides, teaches, and empowers, but he does not force himself upon anyone. The Bible warns against resisting or grieving the Holy Spirit because when a person does so, they hinder his work in their life and distance

themselves from the fullness of God's presence. The Holy Spirit longs to lead, to fill, to transform. But when he is resisted or grieved, his influence is diminished. And the believer walks in spiritual dryness rather than in the power of God. To resist the Holy Spirit is to reject his leading. Acts 7:51 says, "You stiff- necked people, your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors. You always resist the Holy Spirit." Steven spoke these words to the religious leaders of his time, men who had knowledge of the scriptures but refused to yield

to God's spirit. Their hearts were hardened, their ears were closed, and instead of embracing the truth, they resisted it. This is what happens when a person chooses their own way over God's way. The spirit speaks, but they ignore him. He convicts, but they push him aside. He calls for repentance, but they refuse to surrender. Resisting the Holy Spirit can happen in many ways. It happens when a person knows what is right but chooses to do wrong. It happens when God is calling them to step forward in faith but they refuse to move. It happens when

the spirit's voice is drowned out by the distractions of the world, by pride, by selfish desires. Every time the Holy Spirit speaks and his voice is ignored, the heart becomes harder and it becomes easier to resist him. Again, grieving the Holy Spirit is different but equally dangerous. Ephesians 4:30 says, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." To grieve the Holy Spirit is to cause him sorrow. To bring pain to the heart of God through disobedience, rebellion, and sin. The Spirit is not indifferent to

the way believers live. He is deeply involved. And when sin is chosen over holiness, when bitterness is chosen over love, when pride is chosen over humility, it brings grief to him. The Holy Spirit desires to produce the character of Christ within every believer. But when he is grieved, that process is hindered. The fruit of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control cannot flourish in a life where sin is nurtured. The spirit's power cannot be fully manifested in a heart that refuses to yield. Many believers struggle with a lack of joy,

a lack of peace, a lack of spiritual strength, not because God has abandoned them, but because they have grieved the spirit through persistent disobedience. The danger of resisting and grieving the Holy Spirit is that it leads to a place of spiritual numbness. The more a person resists, the quieter his voice becomes. The more he is grieved, the more distant he feels. This is why scripture calls believers to remain sensitive to the spirit, to walk in step with him, to be quick to repent when convicted, and to yield fully to his leading. Isaiah 63:10 speaks of

Israel's rebellion, saying, "Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy, and he himself fought against them. A life that continuously resists and grieves the spirit will experience the painful consequences of separation from his guidance and protection. The spirit desires close fellowship. He does not speak to condemn, but to correct, to lead people into the life that God intended for them. He calls for surrender, for obedience, for a heart that is open and willing to follow where he leads. When the spirit convicts, it is an act of love, an

invitation to turn away from anything that hinders spiritual growth and to walk in the fullness of God's presence. To welcome the Holy Spirit's work is to live in harmony with him, to allow him to shape thoughts, actions, and desires. It is to live with a heart that says, "Lord, have your way in me." It is to cultivate an awareness of his presence, to listen for his voice, to respond in obedience. The spirit does not seek to control, he seeks to transform. He does not force, he invites. And when he is welcomed rather than resisted. When

he is honored rather than grieved, his power flows freely. His peace fills the soul and his presence becomes the guiding force in every part of life. The Holy Spirit is not a distant or passive presence. He is the living active spirit of God sent to dwell within believers to guide to teach to convict and to empower. He is a person, not an abstract force. And he desires a real and intimate relationship with those who follow Christ. To approach him with reverence, to speak in faith rather than doubt, to listen more than to speak, and to

be led by the spirit rather than the flesh. These are the marks of a life that honors him. When he is treated as an afterthought, resisted or grieved, his power is hindered and the joy, peace, and direction he offers are lost. But for those who yield to him, who walk in obedience, who welcome his voice rather than silence it, the blessings of the spirit are limitless. He brings clarity in confusion, strength in weakness, boldness in fear, and comfort in sorrow. He leads into truth, empowers for purpose, and transforms the heart to reflect the image of

Christ. To live in step with the Holy Spirit is to live in the fullness of God's will. It is to know his presence, to experience his power, and to walk in the divine purpose for which every believer was created. How do you start your day when your eyes open in the morning? What's the first thing you reach for? Is it your phone? Is it the news? Is it your to-do list? Or is it God? Many don't realize it, but their morning routine is slowly pushing God out of their lives. And the truth is, you don't

have to reject God with your words to push him away. You simply have to replace him with something else. Number one, the first priority matters. When you wake up in the morning, what is the first thing you think about? What is the first action you take? These small decisions may seem insignificant, but they hold the power to shape the course of your entire day. The truth is, whatever takes first place in your morning as a way of ruling the rest of your hours. If you do not begin your day with God, something else will take

his place. And that something else often seems small at first, harmless, routine, necessary. But over time, it begins to dominate your life in ways you never expected. Many people wake up and immediately reach for their phones. The first thing they see is a flood of notifications, emails waiting for a response, messages from friends, news updates, social media alerts. Before they have even set foot out of bed, their minds are already filled with the concerns of the world. They are thinking about work before they have thought about worship. They are scrolling through news before they have

sought wisdom. They are reading the words of men before they have opened the word of God. And yet many do this without realizing the spiritual impact. They wonder why they feel anxious throughout the day, why they are so easily irritated, why they struggle to hear God's voice. They assume these things are just part of life. But in reality, their morning habits have set them up for spiritual weakness. A heart that begins the day with the world will struggle to find peace in God. But what if it was different? What if the first thought upon waking

up was thank you Lord for another day? What if the first action was not to reach for a phone but to reach for the Bible? What if before reading the headlines, before responding to messages, before thinking about work, you chose to start with prayer? Not a rushed obligatory prayer, but a real conversation with God. One that sets the foundation for the rest of the day. The Bible makes it clear that the first moments of the day matter. In Mark 1:35, we see that Jesus himself understood this. It says, "Very early in the morning, while it

was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place where he prayed." Think about that. The son of God, the one who had all wisdom, all power, all authority, still made it a priority to begin his day alone with the father. He did not let the demands of the crowds dictate his mornings. He did not allow distractions to steal his focus. He made time to seek the father before anything else. If Jesus needed to prioritize his relationship with God in the morning, how much more do we? If he who

was sinless and perfect saw the necessity of spending those first moments in prayer, how can we think we can live without it? Yet so many of us rush into our day without so much as a single moment with God. We say we will make time later, but later rarely comes. The busyiness of life consumes us and before we know it, we have spent an entire day without truly acknowledging God. It is not enough to fit God into our schedule when it is convenient. He must come first. Just as the foundation of a house determines its

strength. The way we start our day determines our spiritual stability. A house built on sand will not withstand the storm. and a life built without God as the first priority will crumble under the pressures of this world. There is a reason the Bible tells us in Matthew 6:33, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you first." Not second. Not when we have time. Not squeezed in between appointments. First. Because when we put God first, everything else falls into place. When we choose to give him our

mornings, we will find that he gives us the wisdom, the strength, and the peace we need to face the rest of the day. Some might say, "I just don't have time in the morning." But the truth is, we make time for what matters to us. If something is important enough, we will find a way to prioritize it. The question is, does God matter enough to be first? Is our relationship with him valuable enough to take precedence over our notifications, our emails, our routines? Because if he is not first, then something else has taken his place.

Number two, distractions over devotion. From the moment you wake up, the battle for your attention begins. The world is calling, demanding, pulling you in every direction before your feet even touch the floor. The moment your eyes open, your mind is flooded with thoughts, things to do, people to respond to, deadlines to meet. And for many, the first instinct is to reach for the phone, scroll through notifications, check messages, catch up on the latest news, or browse social media. Before even acknowledging God, the noise of the world has already taken center stage. This is how so

many people begin their mornings. Not in stillness before God, not in quiet prayer or in the word, but in distraction. And they wonder why they feel spiritually empty throughout the day. They wonder why anxiety follows them, why they struggle to find peace, why their minds are constantly racing. They assume it's just the way life is, but in reality, their habits are shaping their hearts in ways they don't even realize. The enemy does not need to destroy your faith overnight. He does not need to convince you that God is not real. All he has to do

is keep you too distracted to seek him. If he can flood your mind with busyiness, if he can keep your focus on everything but God, then he has already won half the battle. Because when your attention is divided, your devotion weakens. And when your devotion weakens, your spiritual life begins to drift slowly at first, almost unnoticeable, until one day you wake up and realize you have no fire left for God. Distraction is one of the greatest tools the enemy uses against believers today. It is not always something evil or obviously sinful. Often it is the

seemingly harmless things that steal our time and attention. Endless scrolling, non-stop entertainment, constant noise. These things in and of themselves may not be wrong, but when they replace time with God, they become a barrier between us and him. Think about it. How often have you intended to start your morning with prayer? Only to be interrupted by a notification on your phone? How many times have you planned to read the Bible, but a text message or an email suddenly demanded your attention? How easy is it to spend an hour on social media yet struggle to spend

10 minutes in prayer? And yet scripture is clear about the importance of focus. In Psalm 46:10, God says, "Be still and know that I am God." But how can we be still when our minds are constantly occupied with everything but him? How can we truly know him when we spend more time consuming the voices of the world than listening to his? Jesus himself gave us an example of devotion over distraction. In Mark 1:35, it says, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a

solitary place where he prayed. He intentionally removed himself from distractions. He did not allow the demands of the day to dictate his time with the father. He sought communion with God before anything else. Yet many of us do the opposite. We let the world speak to us before we let God speak to us. We check social media before we check scripture. We open emails before we open our Bibles. We give our time and attention to everything else first and then if there's any time left, we try to squeeze in a prayer or a quick verse

and then we wonder why we struggle spiritually. The reality is this. What we give our attention to shapes our hearts. If we constantly feed our minds with distractions, we will struggle to hunger for the things of God. If we constantly fill our time with noise, we will struggle to hear his voice. If we prioritize the world's demands over time with him, our spiritual lives will suffer. Martha knew this struggle well. In Luke 10, we see the story of Martha and her sister Mary. Jesus had come to their home and while Mary sat at his feet

listening to his words, Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She was so caught up in serving, so focused on the tasks at hand that she missed the most important thing being with Jesus. And when she finally spoke up, asking Jesus to tell Mary to help her, he responded, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." How many of us live like Martha, busy, distracted, caught up in the

demands of life while neglecting the one thing that truly matters? How many of us choose tasks over time with God, busyiness over stillness, distraction over devotion? Number three, neglecting prayer and scripture. There is a quiet danger that creeps into the life of a believer, not through sudden rebellion, not through open rejection of God, but through neglect. It happens slowly, almost unnoticed. At first, it's a single morning where prayer is skipped because the alarm went off too late. Then, it's a day when the Bible remains closed because the schedule is too full. Soon, days turn into

weeks, and before long, the heart that once burned with a passion for God grows cold. All because of simple neglect. Many don't intend to push God away. They love him. They believe in him. They want to grow in faith. But life gets busy. Responsibilities pile up. The demands of work, family, and personal goals consume every hour. They tell themselves they will pray later. They will open the Bible when they have more time. But later rarely comes, and time never seems to slow down. And so without realizing it, they have placed God at the bottom of

their priority. Prayer and scripture are not optional parts of the Christian life. They are the foundation. Just as the body cannot survive without food and water, the soul cannot thrive without communion with God. Yet so many believers go through life spiritually malnourished because they are not feeding on the word or drinking from the well of prayer. They wonder why they feel distant from God, why their faith feels weak, why temptation seems so strong. But the truth is a life without prayer and scripture is a life without power. Prayer is not just something we do when

we need something from God. It is the lifeline of our relationship with him. It is how we communicate with the one who created us. How we align our hearts with his will. Yet for many prayers become an afterthought. It is something they rush through at the end of the day if they remember at all. It is reduced to quick words before meals or a desperate cry only when trouble come. But true prayer is more than that. It is the place where battles are fought and won. It is where burdens are lifted, where strength is renewed,

where peace is found. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. This does not mean we must be on our knees 24 hours a day. But it does mean that prayer should be a constant part of our lives. It means waking up with a heart that immediately turns to God, speaking to him throughout the day, and ending the night in his presence. Prayer is not just about asking for things. It is about knowing God, drawing near to him and allowing him to shape our heart. And yet prayer alone is not enough.

Without the word of God, our prayers lack direction. The Bible is how God speaks to us, how he reveals his truth, how he guides our steps. It is called the lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Psalm 119:15. Yet many are trying to navigate life in spiritual darkness because they refuse to pick it up. There is power in the word of God. It corrects, convicts, strengthens, and transforms. It is the weapon against the lies of the enemy, the shield against deception, the anchor in times of uncertainty. Yet so many believers neglected relying

instead on secondhand faith, sermons, devotionals, and inspirational quotes while failing to open the scriptures for themselves. Jesus himself showed us the importance of both prayer and the word. He often withdrew to pray, seeking solitude with the father. And when the enemy came to tempt him in the wilderness, he did not argue with opinions or feelings. He responded with scripture. He said, "It is written." If the son of God relied on prayer and scripture, how can we think we can live without them? Neglecting prayer and scripture does not just weaken our faith, it leaves us vulnerable.

A life without them is like a soldier going into battle without a weapon. Like a traveler trying to find their way without a map. And the enemy knows this. He knows that if he can keep you too busy, too tired, too distracted to pray or read the word, then he can keep you weak. He does not need to destroy your faith. He just needs to starve it. And many are walking around spiritually empty because they have not taken the time to be filled. It does not happen overnight. It happens little by little. A miss prayer

here, a neglected Bible there. Until one day, the fire that once burned bright has dimmed. The passion that once drove you to seek God has faded. Not because you stopped believing, but because you stopped feeding your soul. Number four, chasing the temporary. Life moves fast. Every day, people wake up and step into a world that constantly pushes them to chase more. More success, more money, more status, more approval. The pursuit never stops. Society tells them that happiness is found in achievement, that fulfillment comes from possessions, that security is built on wealth. And so they run

tirelessly chasing things that seem urgent, things that seem important, things that promise satisfaction. But no matter how much they gain, it never seems to be enough. The promotion they work so hard for brings only a temporary sense of accomplishment before they start striving for the next one. The possessions they saved up for lose their excitement after a few months. The admiration of others feels good for a moment, but fades just as quickly. And so the chase continues, leaving them exhausted, restless, and empty, wondering why the things they work so hard to obtain have failed to

satisfy them. The reason is simple. Everything in this world is temporary. Every material possession, every achievement, every human applause, every comfort will eventually fade away. The house that once felt so new and exciting will one day need repairs. The car that seemed like a dream will one day break down. The wealth that took years to accumulate can be lost in an instant. Even the strongest body will grow weak and the longest life will one day come to an end. Jesus warned about this when he said,"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth

and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21. Yet many continue to build their lives on things that will not last. They sacrifice their time, their energy, and even their relationships to gain what the world calls success. But in the process, they neglect what truly matters. They spend their best years chasing after money, but spend little time seeking after

God. They work endlessly to secure their future, but give little thought to their eternity. They strive to build a name for themselves, but forget that one day everything they have built will be left behind. The rich and powerful of history are a testimony to this truth. Kings who once ruled nations, businessmen who once controlled empires, celebrities who once had the admiration of millions, all of them are now gone. their wealth, their fame, their influence, all of it faded. And the same will happen to every earthly pursuit. No matter how much a person gains, they cannot

take it with them. The world keeps turning. And what once seemed so important, is eventually forgotten. King Solomon, the wealthiest and wisest man of his time, experienced this firsthand. He had everything. riches beyond measure, wisdom beyond comparison, power, fame, and every pleasure the world could offer. And yet, after all of it, he came to one conclusion. Meaningless. Meaningless. Everything is meaningless. Ecclesiastes 102. He realized that no amount of wealth or success could satisfy the deep longing of the human heart. True fulfillment does not come from what is temporary, but from what is eternal. The world

says to chase success, but Jesus says to chase righteousness. The world says to build wealth, but Jesus says to store treasures in heaven. The world says to seek personal glory, but Jesus says to deny yourself and follow him. The world says to hold on to life, but Jesus says those who lose their life for his sake will find it. What a person pursues reveals what they truly value. If they chase only what is temporary, it means their heart is set on the things of this world. But if they seek after God, if they hunger for

his presence, if they invest in what will last beyond this life, they will find something greater than anything this world can offer. The question is not whether they are chasing something. The question is are they chasing the right thing. Number five, the enemy's strategy. The battle for the soul is not fought with swords or armies. It is fought in the unseen places in the heart and mind of every believer. The enemy does not always come with open destruction. He does not always attack in ways that are obvious. Instead, he works in subtlety, in deception, in

distractions that pull people away from God without them even realizing it. His strategy is not always to make people reject God outright, but to slowly weaken their faith until they are powerless, ineffective, and distant from the one who gives them strength. From the very beginning, Satan's strategy has been deception. In the Garden of Eden, he did not come to Eve with a weapon. He came with a question. Did God really say? Genesis 3:1. That single question planted doubt in her mind, causing her to question God's word, his goodness, his truth. That is the same tactic

he uses today. He whispers lies, twisting the truth just enough to make it seem reasonable. He convinces people that sin is not really that bad, that they can live however they want without consequences, that God's commands are too restrictive. His next tactic is distraction. He does not need to make people deny God. He just needs to keep them too busy to seek him. If he can fill their lives with endless responsibilities, endless entertainment, endless noise, then he can keep them from prayer, from scripture, from time in God's presence. A distracted believer is a weak believer.

A distracted believer is one who has no time for spiritual growth, no time for worship, no time to truly hear God's voice. And when distraction takes hold, spiritual drift begins. But the enemy does not stop there. He also uses discouragement. He makes people believe that they are too broken, too sinful, too far gone for God to love them. He reminds them of their past failures, their mistakes, their weaknesses until they begin to believe that they will never be good enough. He takes their struggles and magnifies them, convincing them that God is distant, that he does

not care, that their prayers are unheard. And so many fall into despair. Convinced that their faith is too weak to continue, then comes division. The enemy knows that a house divided cannot stand. He seeks to break apart marriages, families, friendships, and churches. He stirs up offense, pride, bitterness, and resentment, causing people to turn against each other instead of standing together. When believers are isolated, they are easier to attack. When they are in conflict with one another, their witness to the world is weakened. Division within the body of Christ is one of his greatest weapons because

it keeps people fighting each other instead of fighting against him. Temptation is another tool in his strategy. He knows the weaknesses of every person. He knows exactly what desires to exploit, what sins to present as harmless, what shortcuts to offer in exchange for compromise. He makes sin look attractive. He makes it seem like the easier path, the more pleasurable choice. But what he does not show are the consequences. He does not show the brokenness that follows, the regret, the separation it causes between a person and God. Perhaps his most dangerous strategy is complacency. If he

cannot make a believer fall into sin, if he cannot discourage them or distract them, he will try to make them comfortable. He will convince them that they are doing just fine, that they do not need to seek God more, that their faith is strong enough as it is. He replaces urgency with apathy, passion with routine, and slowly, without realizing it, the fire that once burned bright begins to dim. The enemy's strategy is not new. He has been using the same tactics for generations. But the good news is his strategy is not hidden. God has already

revealed his schemes through scripture, and he has given believers the power to overcome them. But victory does not come through human strength. It comes through staying rooted in God, through prayer, through scripture, through putting on the full armor of God and standing firm in the truth. The enemy's greatest fear is a believer who knows who they are in Christ, who knows the power of God's word, and who refuses to be deceived, distracted, or discouraged. Number six, reclaiming your mornings. The way a person begins their morning often sets the tone for the rest of the day.

The first moments after waking up are powerful. They shape the mind, direct the heart, and determine where attention will be placed. Yet for many, mornings have become rushed, filled with distractions, and dominated by everything except God. Instead of starting the day in his presence, they wake up to the demands of the world. They reach for their phones before they reach for the Bible. They check emails before they check in with God. They prepare for the day ahead, but neglect to prepare their hearts. And over time, without realizing it, their mornings become controlled by everything except

the one who gave them the day in the first place. Reclaiming the morning is not just about routine. It is about realigning priorities. It is about choosing to put God first before the noise of the world takes over. It is about recognizing that before anything else, the soul needs to be fed. The spirit needs to be strengthened and the heart needs to be anchored in truth. When God is placed first, everything else falls into place. When he is ignored, everything else begins to feel overwhelming. Jesus himself understood the power of mornings. Scripture tells us that

very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place where he prayed. Mark 1:35. The son of God, the one who had all power and authority, made it a priority to seek the father before anything else. If he needed that time, how much more do those who follow him? Yet many have allowed their mornings to be stolen. The world is constantly demanding attention, and if time with God is not intentional, it will always be the first thing to be sacrificed. The enemy knows

that a distracted believer is a weak believer. He does not need to destroy faith. He just needs to make sure it is never fed. He does not need to keep people from believing in God. He just needs to keep them too busy to seek him. And so the morning hours, which should be dedicated to strengthening the soul, become filled with lesser things. But mornings were never meant to belong to the world. They were meant to belong to God. They were meant to be a time of refreshing, a time of worship, a time of connection with

the one who gives breath and life. When a person wakes up and immediately turns their heart toward him, something changes. Anxiety loses its grip. Fear begins to fade. Strength is renewed. There is a clarity that comes from being in his presence. A peace that cannot be found anywhere else. Spending time with God in the morning does not have to be complicated. It is not about checking off a religious duty or following a strict formula. It is about relationship. It is about opening his word and allowing it to speak. About praying not just with words but

with a heart that is fully present. It is about acknowledging him before anything else. surrendering the day into his hands and walking forward with confidence because he goes before his people. A reclaimed morning is a reclaimed life. The difference between a day filled with worry and a day filled with faith often comes down to what was prioritized in the first moments after waking up. Those who seek him early will find that their burdens are lighter, their purpose clearer, and their hearts more in tune with his will. The world will still demand attention, responsibilities will still

exist, and challenges will still arise. But a person who has been with God first is never the same as one who has not. Number seven, a challenge for change. Change is not easy. It requires effort, sacrifice, and a willingness to step beyond what is comfortable. Many people desire change in their lives. They want to grow spiritually, to walk in greater faith, to experience the power of God in a deeper way. But wanting change is not enough. There must be action. There must be a decision to let go of old habits, to break away from distractions,

and to step fully into the life that God is calling them to live. Too often, people wait for change to come to them. They wait for the perfect moment, for a sign, for circumstances to shift in their favor. But change does not happen by waiting. It happens by making a choice. It happens when a person decides that they will no longer settle for spiritual complacency. That they will no longer allow the distractions of this world to pull them away from God. It happens when they recognize that the life they are meant to live will not

come to them by accident. It must be pursued with intention. The greatest barrier to change is often comfort. It is easier to stay in familiar routines, to continue living as before, to keep doing what feels safe. But comfort is the enemy of growth. Nothing great is ever achieved without stepping beyond what is easy. The Bible is filled with people whom God called to something greater, but every single one of them had to make a decision to leave something behind. Abraham had to leave his homeland without knowing where he was going. Moses had to step out

of the wilderness and face Pharaoh. The disciples had to leave their boats, their jobs, their old lives to follow Jesus. There is always a cost to change. It requires surrender. It requires letting go of things that may feel important but are actually holding people back. For some, it means letting go of distractions, cutting down the time spent on entertainment, social media, or other things that consume attention but do not nourish the soul. For others, it means letting go of fear, fear of failure, fear of stepping into the unknown, fear of what others may think. And

for many it means letting go of excuses. The belief that they are too busy, too tired, or too far gone for God to do something new in their lives. God is always calling his people to more. He is not a God of stagnation. He is a God of transformation. But he does not force change upon anyone. He invites them into it. He calls them to rise above the distractions, to seek him with their whole heart, to pursue righteousness, to walk in faith, even when the path is unclear. And when they respond to that call, when

they take that step forward, they begin to experience the life that he has always intended for them. The decision for change is personal. No one else can make it. No sermon, no book, no motivational speech can create transformation in a person's life unless they are willing to act. It is a choice that must be made daily to wake up and seek God first, to open his word instead of being consumed by the world, to pray instead of worry, to trust instead of doubt, to obey instead of delay. There will always be reasons to put change

off for another day. There will always be distractions, always be responsibilities, always be things that seem urgent. But the truth is, nothing is more urgent than the condition of the soul. Nothing is more important than drawing near to God and allowing him to shape a life that reflects his glory. And the moment to begin is not tomorrow, not next week, not when life feels easier. The moment is now. Every day, choices are made. Choices that either draw a person closer to God or pull them further away. The way mornings are spent, the priorities that are

set, and the distractions that are entertained all play a role in shaping spiritual life. The enemy's strategy is subtle, working through busyiness, complacency, and temporary pursuits to weaken faith and distance believers from God. But there is always an opportunity to change course, to realign priorities, and to reclaim what has been lost. True fulfillment is not found in chasing after what fades, but in seeking what is eternal. Strength is not found in personal effort, but in surrendering to the presence of God. Change does not come through good intentions alone, but through a daily commitment to put

God first. Those who hunger for more, who refuse to settle for spiritual mediocrity, and who choose to fight against distractions, will experience the depth of God's power and presence in ways they never imagined. The time for transformation is now. The challenge is set. The question is not whether God is willing to move in a life, but whether that life is willing to make room for him. Those who take that step, who wake up each day and seek him first, will find that everything else begins to fall into place, not because life is free of trials,

but because their foundation is unshakable. In a world that pulls us in every direction, there is only one path that leads to peace, joy, and eternal life. The path that draws us closer to God. You may wonder, how do I know if I'm truly growing in my faith? Today, I want to share with you five undeniable signs that God is moving in your life. Sign number one, a deep hunger for God's word. When a person comes to know God, there is a transformation that takes place within the heart. Something shifts. The things that once satisfied

no longer do. The distractions of the world begin to lose their appeal. And there is a stirring deep within. A longing for something more, something eternal. That longing is the hunger for God's word. It is not something we manufacture. It is something he places inside of us. The Bible is not like any other book. It is living. It is powerful. It is the very breath of God spoken through men, recorded so that we may know him. The moment you begin to grow closer to him, you start to realize that the words in this book are

not just ancient writings. They are alive. They speak directly to the heart. They cut through confusion, through doubt, through fear. They bring light to dark places. They open our eyes to the truth and once we taste that truth, we cannot go back. There is a reason why scripture compares the word of God to food. Jesus himself said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Just as our physical bodies need nourishment every day to survive, our souls need the word of God. Without it, we grow

weak. We stumble. We become spiritually malnourished. But when we feast on his word, we grow strong. We begin to see life differently. Our priorities change. Our thoughts change. Our hearts change. Think about a newborn baby. The moment that child is born, it instinctively craves milk. It doesn't have to be taught. It knows that nourishment is necessary for survival. The same is true for a person who has been born again in Christ. The moment we surrender our lives to him, a hunger for his truth is placed inside of us. We begin to crave his voice. We

long to hear from him. But there is an enemy that does not want us feeding on the word of God. The enemy knows that a believer who is saturated in scripture is a believer who cannot be shaken. A believer who meditates on the word is a believer who will stand firm in the face of temptation. So the enemy does everything in his power to distract, to discourage, to keep us too busy, too tired, too entertained, to sit at the feet of Jesus and soak in his truth. The world will tell you that the Bible is

outdated, that it is irrelevant, that it is just a book of rules. But when you open it, when you truly seek God within its pages, you will discover something different. You will find grace. You will find mercy. You will find wisdom that applies to every situation you face. You will find comfort in sorrow, strength in weakness, and direction when you don't know where to turn. David wrote in the Psalms, "Oh, how I love your law. It is my meditation all the day." He understood something that many of us forget. That the word of God is

not a burden. It is a delight. It is not meant to be a dry obligation but a source of joy, peace, and life. Consider a man wandering through the desert, parched and desperate for water. The moment he finds a spring, he doesn't sip cautiously. He drinks deeply. He lets it refresh him, revive him. That is what happens when we truly encounter the word of God. It satisfies a thirst within us that nothing else can. But here's the thing. Hunger is cultivated. The more we feed on the word, the more we desire it, the more we

meditate on it, the more we crave its wisdom. Just as an athlete trains his body by consistently nourishing it with the right food, we train our spirits by consistently feeding on scripture. In the morning, before the world has a chance to fill our minds with noise, the word of God sets our focus. In the evening, when the weight of the day rests on our shoulders, the word of God brings peace. When temptation knocks, scripture is our weapon. When doubt creeps in, the promises of God remind us of who he is. Think about Jesus. When he

walked this earth, he continually pointed people back to the word. When he was tempted in the wilderness, he didn't respond with human reasoning. He responded with scripture. It is written. Those three words carried power. And if Jesus himself relied on the word, how much more do we need it? One of the greatest tragedies today is that so many believers are starving spiritually. They go to church, they say a prayer now and then, but they never truly feed on the word of God. They wonder why they feel distant from him, why their faith feels weak, why

they struggle with fear, with doubt, with sin. It is because they are not being nourished. Imagine trying to live your life by eating one meal a week. It wouldn't be enough. Your body would grow weak. Your mind would lose focus. Your energy would fade. Yet, so many try to survive spiritually on just a sermon on Sunday. The word of God was never meant to be a once- a week experience. It is meant to be our daily bread, our constant source of strength. There is a difference between knowing the word and being filled with it. Many

people can quote scripture, but their lives remain unchanged because the words have not taken root in their hearts. The Bible is not just meant to be read. It is meant to be lived. When you truly hunger for it, you don't just study it, you apply it. You don't just hear it, you obey it. The more you grow in your faith, the more you will begin to see the Bible not just as a book, but as the voice of God speaking directly to you. You will read a passage you have read a hundred times before, and

suddenly it will speak to your situation in a way you never noticed. That is because the Holy Spirit is at work revealing truth, guiding you, teaching you. Some might say, "I don't have time." But the truth is, we make time for what matters to us. We find time for entertainment, for social media, for everything else that fills our days. Yet the most important thing, the very thing that can bring life to our souls is often neglected. If you truly desire to grow closer to God, start with his word. Make it your priority. Read it when

you wake up. Meditate on it throughout the day. Let it shape your decisions, your thoughts, your actions. Because the more you seek him through scripture, the more you will find him. Sign number two, a greater sensitivity to sin. Sin is not a comfortable topic to talk about in today's world. The very idea of sin has been watered down, dismissed, or redefined to fit human desires. But the truth remains. Sin separates us from God. It builds a wall between us and the one who loves us most. And the closer you walk with God, the more aware

you become of the things in your life that do not honor him. When you first come to Christ, your heart is transformed. The things that once felt normal, the habits you never thought twice about, suddenly begin to feel heavy. That's not coincidence. That is the work of the Holy Spirit convicting you, drawing you away from darkness and into the light. Before you may have been comfortable with gossip, dishonesty, pride or impurity. But now something inside you stirs when you engage in those things. What used to bring temporary pleasure now brings discomfort. What you once ignored,

you now recognize as something that grieves God. This is what it means to have a greater sensitivity to sin. It is not about being weighed down with guilt or shame. It is about having a heart that is tender toward God. A heart that longs to please him more than it longs to satisfy the flesh. It is a sign that you are growing in your faith. That you are becoming more aware of what is right and what is wrong. Not by the world's standards. Sin blinds. Before we come to Christ, we don't even realize the depth

of our own sin. The world tells us follow your heart, but the Bible tells us that the heart is deceitful above all things. The world tells us do what makes you happy, but God tells us that sin leads to destruction. The closer you walk with God, the more you begin to see with spiritual eyes. You begin to recognize the things that once seemed harmless for what they truly are, traps that pull you away from him. It is impossible to grow in your relationship with God while remaining comfortable in sin. The two cannot coexist. The Holy

Spirit is constantly at work in the heart of a believer, refining, purifying, transforming. That's why conviction is a gift. When you feel that nudge in your spirit, that uneasiness after saying something harsh, that deep sense of regret after making a wrong choice, that is God's way of drawing you back to him. Think about the life of David. He was a man after God's own heart. But he was not a perfect man. He fell into sin. He made grave mistakes. But what made him different was his response. When confronted with his sin, he didn't make excuses.

He didn't harden his heart. He repented. He cried out to God, "Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit within." That is the cry of a person who has a sensitivity to sin. A person who does not want anything in their life to stand between them and God. On the other hand, we see what happens when a person's heart becomes hardened. Pharaoh in Egypt saw the power of God again and again. Yet he refused to humble himself. His heart grew harder each time. He ignored God's warnings. That is what sin

does when left unchecked. It dulls the conscience. The first time you compromise, you feel it. The second time it's a little easier. The third time you barely notice. Before long, what once convicted you no longer stirs anything in you at all. That is why sin must be dealt with immediately. The closer you walk with God, the quicker you are to recognize and turn away from sin. You stop making excuses. You stop comparing yourself to others. You stop saying, "Well, at least I'm not as bad as them." Instead, you compare yourself to Christ. You see his

holiness, his purity, his perfection, and you realize how far you fall short. But instead of being discouraged, you let that realization drive you closer to him. You lean on his grace, his mercy, and his strength to overcome the sin in your life. There is a difference between conviction and condemnation. Conviction is from God. It leads you to repentance. It leads you to grace. It leads you to transformation. Condemnation is from the enemy. It weighs you down with shame. It tells you that you are too far gone. It keeps you trapped in guilt. God's desire is

not to condemn you, but to set you free. One of the greatest dangers in the Christian life is growing comfortable with sin. It happens gradually. What once bothered you doesn't bother you anymore. What once felt wrong now feels acceptable. That is why it is so important to stay in the word of God. His word is like a mirror showing us the condition of our hearts. It is like a lamp exposing the hidden areas we need to surrender to him. The Bible says, "Be holy for I am holy." Holiness is not about perfection. It is about

being set apart. It is about allowing God to shape you, mold you, purify you. It is about recognizing that sin is not just about breaking rules. It is about breaking relationship. Every sin, no matter how small it may seem, pulls us away from intimacy with God. When you begin to see sin the way God sees it, your entire perspective changes. You no longer ask, "How far can I go before it's considered sin?" Instead, you ask, "How close can I stay to God?" You no longer justify compromise. You seek purity. You no longer ignore conviction. You

embrace it because you know that every step away from sin is a step closer to him. The enemy wants you to believe that sin is no big deal. He wants you to think that you can handle it, that you can keep certain things hidden, that a little compromise won't hurt. But sin always has consequences. It always takes more than it gives. It always leads you further than you intended to go. That is why God in his love warns us, convicts us, and calls us to repentance because he knows that the fullness of joy is only

found in him. A heart that is sensitive to sin is a heart that is growing closer to God. It is a heart that desires purity, not because of legalism, but because of love. It is a heart that cannot bear the thought of anything coming between itself and the presence of God. It is a heart that is quick to repent, quick to obey, quick to surrender. And that is the kind of heart that God can use. Sign number three, a heart full of love and forgiveness. Love and forgiveness are at the very heart of God. From

the beginning of time, his nature has been one of mercy, grace, and unfailing love. He is slow to anger and abounding in compassion. The greatest demonstration of this love was on the cross where Jesus bore the weight of our sins and offered forgiveness to those who least deserved it. The closer we grow to God, the more we begin to reflect this love in our own life. A heart that is full of love and forgiveness is a heart that has been transformed by the power of God. Love is not just a feeling. It is a choice.

The world defines love in many different ways. But the love of God is unlike anything the world has to offer. It is not based on emotions or circumstances. It is not conditional. It does not come and go like the changing seasons. The love of God is steadfast, unwavering, and eternal. And when he fills our hearts with his love, it changes the way we see the world. We begin to see people not as enemies, not as obstacles, but as souls created in the image of God. We begin to love not just those who are easy to

love, but even those who have wronged us. Forgiveness is one of the greatest expressions of love. It is easy to love those who treat us well. But true love is tested when we are faced with betrayal, with rejection, with hurt. The natural response is to hold on to bitterness, to seek revenge, to build walls around our hearts so that we never have to feel that pain again. But God calls us to something higher. He calls us to forgive. Not because the other person deserves it, but because he has forgiven us. Jesus taught about forgiveness not

just as an option but as a command. When Peter asked him, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me up to seven times?" Jesus replied, "I tell you, not seven times, but 70 times seven." In other words, forgiveness is not about keeping count. It is a way of life. It is a reflection of the grace we ourselves have received. Think about Jesus on the cross. As he was being mocked, beaten and crucified. He looked down at those who had put him there and said, "Father, forgive them for they do not

know what they are doing." That kind of love is beyond human understanding. That kind of forgiveness is only possible through the power of God. And yet, that is what he calls us to. He calls us to forgive even when it hurts. To love even when it is not returned. But forgiveness is not easy. The wounds of the past can be deep. The pain can feel too great. There are some who have been betrayed by those they trusted the most. Some who have suffered injustices that cannot be undone. The idea of forgiving seems impossible. But that

is where God's power comes in. He does not ask us to do this in our own strength. He gives us the grace to do it. Holding on to unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. It does not hurt them. It hurts us. It weighs us down, steals our peace, and keeps us in bondage. But when we choose to forgive, we release the burden. We hand it over to God. We trust him to deal with it to bring justice in his perfect way and his perfect timing. Forgiveness does not mean we

ignore the pain. It does not mean we pretend the hurt never happened. It means we choose to surrender it to God and allow him to heal our hearts. Love and forgiveness go hand in hand. A heart that is full of love does not keep a record of wrongs. It does not seek to repay evil with evil. It chooses to see the good, to extend grace, to believe in redemption. When we truly understand how much we have been forgiven, it becomes easier to forgive others. When we recognize the depth of God's love for us, we cannot

help but extend that love to those around us. Jesus told the parable of the unmerciful servant to illustrate this truth. A man owed a great debt so great that he could never repay it. His master in an act of mercy forgave the entire debt. But instead of extending that same mercy to someone who owed him a much smaller amount, the man became cruel and refused to forgive. When the master heard of this, he was outraged. The lesson is clear. We have been forgiven a debt we could never repay. How then can we withhold forgiveness from

others? A heart full of love and forgiveness is a heart that is free. It is not weighed down by resentment, not consumed by anger, not shackled by the past. It is a heart that reflects Christ. It is a heart that loves even when it is not loved in return. It is a heart that forgives even when forgiveness is undeserved. There is power in love. There is freedom in forgiveness. And there is no greater joy than walking in the fullness of God's grace with a heart that is free from the chains of bitterness and full of

his perfect love. Sign number four, an unshakable peace in life's storms. Peace is one of the most sought after things in life. The world longs for it. Nations strive for it. Individuals chase after it. Yet true peace cannot be found in circumstances, possessions, or even in other people. The peace that comes from God is different. It is unshakable, immovable, and untouched by the storms of life. It is not dependent on whether things are going well or whether problems seem far away. It is a deep abiding peace that remains even in the midst of chaos. Jesus

spoke of this kind of peace when he said, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." This peace is not something the world can manufacture. It is not the temporary calm that comes when life is easy. It is the peace that remains even when life is difficult. It is the peace that carries you through the storms, the trials, and the hardship. It is a supernatural peace that can only come from God.

One of the greatest storms recorded in scripture is found in the Gospels. Jesus and his disciples were in a boat crossing the sea when suddenly a violent storm arose. The waves crashed against the boat. The wind howled and fear gripped the hearts of the disciples. They believed they were going to perish. But in the midst of the storm, Jesus was asleep. He was at rest while the storm raged around him. The disciples full of fear woke him and said, "Lord, save us. We are going to drown." And Jesus with just a few words stood up.

And rebuked the wind and the waves. Peace. Be still. And instantly the storm. That is the power of God's peace. The disciples saw the storm, but Jesus saw the peace of God. The disciples focused on the wind and the waves, but Jesus rested in the presence of his father. The disciples were shaken, but Jesus was unshakable. His peace was not rooted in the absence of trouble. It was rooted in his unshakable trust in God. Life will bring storms. No one is exempt from suffering. There will be trials that shake the foundation of everything you thought

was secure. There will be moments of uncertainty, loss, and disappointment. The question is not whether the storms will come, but whether you will have peace in the midst of them. The peace of God does not mean the absence of storms. It means you are anchored in something greater than the storm itself. Oh, the apostle knew this peace. He endured suffering, persecution, imprisonment, and hardship. Yet his heart remained steadfast. In one of the darkest moments of his life, sitting in a prison cell, he wrote these words, "do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation

by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." That kind of peace does not make sense to the world. The world expects peace to come from comfort, from success, from security. But the peace of God surpasses understanding. It is the kind of peace that allows a person to stand firm even when everything around them is crumbling. It is the kind of peace that allows a person to sing praises in the middle of a prison, to

remain calm in the face of trials, to trust in God even when the future is uncertain. The enemy wants you to live in fear. He wants you to be consumed by worry, anxiety, and doubt. He wants you to look at the storm and forget the one who is in control of it. But the closer you walk with God, the less fear has a hold on you. The more you trust him, the less the storms of life can shake you. The peace of God does not come from trying to control everything. It comes from surrendering everything

to him. Many people try to find peace in the wrong places. Some look for it in money, believing that if they have enough, they will feel secure. Others look for it in relationships, believing that another person will complete them. Some turn to distractions, entertainment, or even substances, trying to numb the fear and uncertainty within them. But none of these things bring real peace. They may offer temporary relief, but they cannot calm the storms of life. Only God can do that. The closer you grow to God, the more you begin to experience his peace. It is

a peace that comes from knowing that no matter what happens, he is in control. It is a peace that allows you to rest even when the storm is raging around you. It is a peace that is not dependent on what is happening around you, but on who is holding you. Peter experienced this kind of peace when he walked on water in the middle of a storm. He saw Jesus walking on the waves and said, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." And Jesus said, "Come." With faith, Peter stepped out

of the boat and walked toward Jesus. But the moment he took his eyes off Christ and looked at the wind and the waves, he began to sink. That is what happens when we focus on the storm instead of the savior. Fear creeps in and our peace is shaken. But the moment Peter cried out, "Lord, save me," Jesus reached out his hand and pulled him up. That is what God does for us. When the storms of life feel overwhelming, when fear tries to consume us, when we feel like we are sinking, he is there. His peace

is available to us. But we must keep our eyes on him. The moment we allow fear to take over, we begin to sink. But when we trust in him, he lifts us up. There is nothing in this world that can give you the peace that God gives. His peace is not found in perfect circumstances but in perfect trust. It is the confidence that no matter what happens, he is with you. It is the assurance that even when you don't understand, he is working all things together for good. It is the quiet strength that allows you

to stand firm when everything around you is uncertain. The more you walk with God, the more you begin to live in his peace. You stop reacting to every problem with fear. You stop letting circumstances dictate your joy. You stop allowing the storms of life to shake you because you know the one who is greater than the storm. You learn to rest even in the middle of the battle. You learn to trust even when you cannot see the outcome. You learn to live in the unshakable peace that only comes from knowing that your life is in

the hands of Almighty God. Sign number five, a burden for others to know him. When a person truly encounters God, when they experience his love, his mercy, and his power, it is impossible to keep it to themselves. A fire is ignited within them, a burden that cannot be ignored. It is not just a feeling. It is a deep consuming urgency to see others come to know the truth. It is the same burden that moved the prophets to speak. The same fire that drove the disciples to preach. The same passion that led Jesus to the cross.

The closer a person walks with God, the more they begin to share in his heart for the lost. This burden is not something that can be manufactured or faked. It does not come from human ambition or religious duty. It is birthed in the secret place with God. It is the result of spending time in his presence of coming to understand the depth of his love for the world. The heart that has truly been changed by God cannot remain indifferent while others are perishing. It cannot stay silent while souls are wandering in darkness. It must speak.

It must act. It must go. Jesus carried this burden every day of his earthly ministry. He looked at the crowds and was moved with compassion because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He saw their brokenness, their pain, their confusion, and his heart achd for them. He did not see people as just bodies in a crowd. He saw them as souls in need of salvation. That is the heart of God. It is the heart of a shepherd who longs to bring his lost sheep home. It is the heart of a father who desires to see

his children redeemed. This burden is what compelled the disciples to leave everything behind. They could have lived comfortable lives, but they chose to lay it all down for the sake of the gospel. They traveled from city to city facing persecution, rejection, and suffering. But they could not stop speaking about what they had seen and heard. The fire within them was stronger than any fear, any opposition, any hardship. They understood that eternity was at stake. They knew that life was short, but the souls of men and women would last forever. Paul carried this burden with every

fiber of his being. He was beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and stoned. Yet he continued to preach. He said, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel." That was the weight of his calling. It was not an option for him. It was not something he did when it was convenient. It was the very purpose of his life. He understood the love of Christ in such a deep way that he could not keep it to himself. This burden is not just for preachers, evangelists or missionaries. It is for every believer. Every person who has been saved

by grace has been entrusted with the greatest message in history. The gospel is not just good news. It is the only news that can bring eternal life. It is the only hope for a lost and dying world. And those who know this truth carry a responsibility. The question is not whether we are called to share it but whether we are willing to obey that call. There are people all around us who are searching. They may not say it out loud but they are longing for something more. They are chasing after success, relationships, entertainment and everything

the world offers. But they are still empty. They are still restless. Deep down they know that there has to be more to life than this and there is. But how will they know unless someone tells them? How will they believe unless someone shows them the way? Jesus gave the great commission not as a suggestion but as a command. He said go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. This is not just for the few. It is for every follower of Christ. It does not require a stage or a microphone. It requires

a heart that is willing. A heart that is broken for the lost. It requires a love that is willing to step out of comfort and into obedience. A burden for others to know him does not come from guilt or pressure. It comes from love. It is not about trying to force people to believe. It is about showing them the love of God in such a real way that they cannot ignore it. It is about living in such a way that people see Christ in you. It is about praying for the lost, interceding for them, standing

in the gap for those who are far from God. There are people in your family, in your workplace, in your community who do not know him. Some of them have never heard the gospel. Some of them have been wounded by religion and have turned away. Some of them are running from God because they do not realize he is the very thing they are searching for. And God has placed you in their lives for a reason. He has given you a voice, a testimony, a message to share. This burden is what keeps a person awake at

night praying for their loved ones. It is what compels them to share their faith even when they feel afraid. It is what gives them boldness to speak when the world tells them to be silent. It is what causes them to weep for souls they have never even met. This is not a human burden. It is the burden of God's heart placed within a person. The closer you grow to God, the heavier this burden becomes. You begin to see people differently. You stop seeing them as strangers, co-workers, or acquaintances. You see them as souls. You recognize

that eternity is real, that heaven and hell are real, and that every person you meet is heading toward one of those two destinations. That realization changes the way you live. It changes the way you speak. It changes the way you pray. There is urgency in this burden. The enemy wants people to believe that there is plenty of time, that there is no need to rush. But the truth is life is short. No one is promised tomorrow. And that is why the gospel must be preached today. That is why prayers must be lifted today. That is

why love must be shown today. This burden is not meant to be carried alone. It is not about striving in your own strength. It is about partnering with God. It is about allowing him to work through you, to speak through you, to move through you. When you surrender to him, he gives you the words to say. He opens the doors. He softens hearts. He does the work. You simply obey. A heart that carries this burden is a heart that beats with the heartbeat of God. It is a heart that is willing to go wherever he

leads, to speak whenever he calls, to love even when it is difficult. It is a heart that longs to see revival, that prays for the lost, that never stops believing that God can save even the most hardened soul. This is the kind of heart God is looking for. A heart that is not content to sit in comfort while others are perishing. A heart that is willing to step out in faith. To take risks, to love boldly, to speak truth even when it is unpopular. A heart that refuses to stay silent. A heart that is willing

to go after the one lost sheep because that is the heart of God. When a person grows closer to God, the evidence is undeniable. It is seen in the deep hunger for his word. The increasing sensitivity to sin, the overflowing heart of love and forgiveness, the unshakable peace in life's storms, and the burning desire for others to know him. These are not just outward signs. They are the marks of a transformed life, a life that is being shaped by the very presence of God. This kind of transformation does not happen by human effort alone. It

is the result of a heart surrendered to him. A soul that longs to walk in step with the Holy Spirit. The more time a person spends in his presence, the more they begin to reflect his character. They no longer live for themselves but for the one who has redeemed them. Their desires shift, their priorities change, and their lives become a testimony of his grace. God is calling his people deeper. He is drawing them into greater intimacy with him. He is refining them, molding them, and preparing them for his purposes. And as they grow in him,

the world will take notice, not because of their words alone, but because of the undeniable evidence of a life that has been touched by the living God. [Music] Hey. [Music] [Music] Boom. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] [Music] Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. [Music] [Music] Oh. Hey. Hey. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Applause]

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