Dealing with the consequences of a hard and calloused heart is seen vividly in the story of the Pharaoh in the account of Exodus. If we are defiant toward God, sometimes God will simply let us experience the natural consequences of such defiance. If we are wrestling and fighting with God, sometimes God will let us “win.”

Taking personal responsibility for our struggles is hard but shifting blame doesn't solve our problems or bring us closer to God. Instead, He calls us to honest self-reflection and repentance. This process, while sometimes difficult, opens the door to healing, restoration, and a deeper relationship with God.

For many, it feels good to have a clean house or car. Or after a long day of working outside, a clean shower. But what about our inner lives and relationships? Let's invite God to do a deep cleaning of our hearts. Let's allow Him to replace our hard, unresponsive hearts with hearts of flesh – warm, alive, and receptive to His love and will.

One of the great promises of our faith is the fact that God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. But how can I know the will of God? Is it saying the right words, like a magic formula or spell? Is it only reserved for the hyper-spiritual? How will I know what God wants me to do?

Jesus never condemned wealth. He didn't say that having possessions was wrong, nor did he claim that poverty was more spiritual or that wealth was a sign of God's favor. What Jesus emphasized, time and time again, was a profound truth: The story of life is not about how much we have. The story of life is how we use what we have.

We have a complicated relationship with money. For many, it's a topic that brings up deep-seated feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety – often stemming from our upbringing, cultural norms, or even religious teachings. But what if we could flip the script and develop a healthier perspective on our finances?

If our money could talk to us, what would it say? Maybe more amazing is the parallel between what our money might say and what Jesus DID say. Jesus viewed our wealth as a tool, a means not the end. If being a means to an end gives life meaning, to what ends do we want our lives to be a means?

The way of wisdom leads to life – abundant, purposeful, and meaningful. This isn't about following a set of rigid rules, but rather embracing a way of living that aligns with God's heart and purposes. Jesus invites us to that way but we must guard our hearts from distractions and keep our focus on Him.

Vision has to do with what we perceive. The biblical ideas of our eyes, vision, and focus relate to what we are attentive to. Where does our attention go in our thoughts and affections? This “focus” must be intentional, and to keep that focus we must develop habits for what to be attentive to, to get rid of the stinking thinking.

For Jesus, healthy vision wasn't just about the physical; it's about having a clear, focused purpose aligned with God's will and a generous heart that sees the world as He does. What shapes our ambitions, passions, and fears? Are we seeing the world and its challenges as God sees it?