This is one of those messages that brings two subjects together that may seem very different at first, but they really aren’t. Julie begins with the secret place. There is something that happens when we learn to get alone with God without needing an audience, an agenda, or even an immediate answer. Joshua lingered in God’s presence. David learned to seek Him in hidden places. Jesus regularly withdrew from everyone around Him to spend time alone with the Father. That private history with God matters. It is where our hearts become settled in who He is. It’s where fear loses its grip and our minds are renewed by truth. Over time, we stop simply knowing things about God and begin knowing Him. Then Aaron moves into healing and miracles, including an important distinction between receiving a miracle and learning to walk in what God’s Word says belongs to us. And there is a connection between the two. Faith becomes much different when it flows from relationship. When you’ve spent time knowing the heart of the Father, you’re no longer trying to convince yourself that He is good when you face something difficult. You have history with Him. Some of you may need the healing portion of this message today. Others may realize that you’ve allowed life, ministry, responsibilities, or distractions to crowd out the quiet place where your relationship with Jesus is cultivated. As you watch THIS ONE, pay attention to which part begins speaking directly to where you are right now. Don’t just finish the message and move on to something else. Take whatever the Lord puts His finger on and carry it into your time with Him. Sometimes the most important response to a teaching isn’t another lesson. Sometimes it’s closing the door and getting alone with Jesus. ❤️

As we come to the close of another month together, we’d like to invite you into a simple two-day challenge. For the next two days, begin and end each day in the Word of God. Before you reach for your phone in the morning, spend time reading the Scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to give you one truth to carry with you throughout the day. Before you go to bed, return to that same passage and ask yourself one question: Did I live what I read today? Don’t focus on reading a certain number of chapters. Focus on hearing His voice and responding in obedience. Then, on September 1, come back and share one verse that stayed with you over these two days and one way the Lord helped you put it into practice. Let’s finish August the same way we want to begin every month: with our hearts anchored in His Word.

Every one of us will eventually face a situation that seems bigger than we are. In those moments, the question isn’t whether there is a giant standing in front of us. The question is whose report we are going to believe. In THIS DEVOTIONAL VIDEO, Esther walks through the account of Joshua and Caleb and reminds us that faith sees differently. The other spies saw the same land, the same enemies, and the same obstacles, yet they came home with a completely different confession. Joshua and Caleb were more aware of God’s faithfulness than the size of the giants before them. As you watch this teaching, pay close attention to the words that come out of your own mouth. Is your confession agreeing with your circumstances, or is it agreeing with the promises of God? When you finish the video, take five minutes to write down one promise from Scripture that speaks directly to the battle you’re facing right now. Read it aloud every day this week, and let your confession begin to line up with God’s Word instead of your circumstances. That’s where faith begins to grow.

One genuine encounter with Jesus can accomplish what years of striving never could. This short teaching reminds us that following Christ is not about adding religion to our lives. It’s about becoming a new creation. When Jesus changes a heart, the evidence is seen in the way we live, the way we love, and the direction of our lives. Take a few minutes to watch THIS VIDEO, then pause before moving on with your day. Ask yourself this question: What has Jesus changed in my life since I first encountered Him? Spend a few moments thanking Him for His faithfulness, and if the Holy Spirit highlights an area where He is still doing a work in you, surrender that area to Him today. Then type out your win in the comments. He is faithful to finish what He has begun.

One of the easiest things to do in our walk with God is to become busy doing things for Him while slowly neglecting time with Him. In this DEVOTIONAL VIDEO, Esther walks through the familiar story of Mary and Martha with a perspective that reminds us why Jesus called one choice “the good portion.” Serving has its place. Faithfulness matters. But none of those things can replace sitting at the feet of Jesus. It is in His presence that our hearts are strengthened, our minds are renewed, and our priorities are brought back into alignment. If life has felt busy, noisy, or even spiritually dry, we encourage you to take a few minutes with this teaching. It is a simple but timely reminder that the most important thing we can do is keep our eyes fixed on Him. After you’ve watched it, we’d love to hear what stood out to you or what the Lord has been speaking to your heart.