1 Corinthians 2:11 says, “For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” There are times when it feels like God has gone silent simply because we aren’t hearing Him. But the question isn’t whether He’s still speaking—for God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it (Job 33:14). The real question is whether we are slowing down long enough to sit in His presence and listen. We cannot continually know the thoughts of God unless we are continually in His presence. This is why we must choose to live in His presence every day. My Dad once said, “If you don’t start your day with God, then don’t complain to Him how it ends!” I think this is an important reminder that at some point everyone needs to hear! He desires to have communion with us, so the loss of communication is never on His end! Psalm 25:14 says, “The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.”

This weekend, let’s focus on real, intentional preparation for Christmas—not just the decorations, the gifts, or the meals, but our hearts. Here’s your challenge: 1️⃣ Reflect Daily: Spend 5 minutes each day thinking about what Jesus’ birth truly means for you. 2️⃣ Act of Kindness: Do one intentional act of love or service for someone else—no strings attached. 3️⃣ Gratitude List: Write down 5 ways God has shown His goodness to you this year. Share one in the comments! 4️⃣ Pray for Others: Lift up at least 3 people by name in prayer—friends, family, or someone in our community. 5️⃣ Focus on Jesus: Pick one holiday tradition and intentionally center it on Christ—let it point back to Him. Let’s enter this Christmas season with hearts ready, eyes fixed on Jesus, and hands open to serve. Comment below once you complete your challenge and encourage someone else in the community! 💛

This week’s devotional is one of the most powerful we’ve released yet. It asks one simple question: “How close do you want to be to God?” Inside, we talk about how God isn’t distant, far-off, or passive — He is a Father who invites us to draw near. From Moses to Joshua to the early church, the ones who walked in faith weren’t the ones who just saw miracles… they were the ones who chose intimacy. This devotional will challenge you, stretch you, and remind you that the throne room is WIDE OPEN because of Jesus — and God is waiting for you to come close. ❤️🔥 ✨ The full devotional is now live inside the classroom and ready for you to read. FREE: https://www.skool.com/aaronandjulieschilling/classroom/bfea5ede?md=883c834f2a3642d5929ba8b07339c170 PREMIUM: https://www.skool.com/aaronandjulieschilling/classroom/e74d3959?md=575484acc62940a68f4f3a541b25b707 👇 Drop a comment and tell us: What’s one step you’re taking this week to draw closer to God? Let’s grow together. Let’s seek Him together. He’s closer than you think. 🙌🔥

Preparing Our Hearts For Christmas As the Christmas season approaches, it is easy to get caught up in the plans, the gifts, and the busy schedules, but the most important preparation happens inside our hearts. This is the time to slow down, breathe deep, and remember why we celebrate in the first place. Jesus stepped into our world to bring hope, peace, and salvation, and when we prepare room for Him, everything else finds its place. Let this season be less about rushing and more about refocusing on the Savior who came for us. Bible Verse: “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” Matthew 3:3

You don’t have to have it all figured out — just stay faithful where you are, and let God handle what’s next. 🙌 He’s not asking for perfection, just obedience. One “yes” at a time still moves mountains. ⛰️ 💬 Drop a “🙌” if you’re saying yes again today.