God’s glory and His presence is in, and with, each and every one of us who have put our faith and trust in Jesus. God’s glory dwells in us, and we have the privilege of seeing His beauty manifested in us, and through us.

Living in a world that is filled with anger and pain, when we feel threatened, our “fight or flight” sensation can override the ability to pause and seek God’s peace in how we respond. I know that when I give the pain, mistreatment, or disappointment in relationships to God and seek His mercy – not revenge – that choice will lead hurt people to see the power and majesty of God.

Today, may your hunger and desperation for God increase. You have been set apart, equipped with the armor to prevail. Stay hungry so that when the ‘wilderness’ comes, you are strong in the Lord and able to take a stand against all that’s thrown at you.

If we make space for God, He will meet us right where we’re at. Where is God inviting you to make room for Him?

Let me give you a true and timeless Truth for keeping you close to Jesus when your sin is keeping you distant from Jesus. Here it is: God is generous with His grace and thorough with His discipline. Not to pay you back. But to bring you back… to Himself.

Have you ever had someone tell you that you look like one of your parents? There’s a family resemblance - the sound of your voice or the way you smile. I remember when people used to tell my mom and I that it was evident we were mother and daughter. Our facial features gave it away!

We have the riches of the Word of God and the testimonies of those who have gone before us, who tell of the praiseworthy deeds of our God, of His power, and all the wonders He has done.

As the saying goes, we’re better together. So, stop and evaluate today. Who are you doing life alongside just like Daniel and his squad? And are you, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, doing the best you can to support, uplift, and reflect God’s image as you navigate life’s fiery furnaces one day at a time?

We all have friends we look to in moments of need because we know they are the best suited to fulfill them. But when was the last time you took a moment to realize the consistent moments you run to different sources for a lesser version of the security, safety, joy, and longevity that Jesus offers you today?

How do you respond when you have sinned? Let’s learn from David and take radical ownership of our mess.