Morning With Jesus

There is a stirring in the hearts of many, a quiet but persistent sense that something more is needed. We go about our daily lives, we attend church, we pray, but deep down, there is a longing for a fresh encounter with the living God. We look at the state of our world, our communities, and sometimes even our own hearts, and we recognize that a simple status quo is no longer enough. This deep spiritual hunger is a sign that it is time for a revival—a reawakening of our souls to the power and presence of God in a transformative way.

We live in a culture that often categorizes truthfulness on a sliding scale. We have serious lies, which we agree are wrong, and then we have "little white lies," which we tend to excuse as harmless or even necessary. These are the small untruths we tell to avoid awkwardness, to spare someone’s feelings, or simply to make our own lives a little easier. We tell a friend we are busy when we just want to stay home, or we offer a compliment we don’t truly mean to smooth over a conversation. It is easy to convince ourselves that these minor dishonesties don't really count, but from a spiritual perspective, the size of the lie matters far less than the condition of the heart that produces it.

We have all felt it—the deep, unrestrained belly laugh that leaves our eyes watering and our spirits lifted. Laughter has a remarkable way of breaking through tension, diffusing stress, and connecting us with others in a moment of pure, shared joy. The old saying suggests it is the best medicine, and Scripture beautifully affirms this idea. A cheerful heart, filled with the kind of joy that bubbles over into laughter, truly does bring healing to our souls and bodies. This gift of laughter is not a mere accident; it is a reflection of the joy that originates in the very heart of God.

It happens at the most inconvenient times. You are rushing out the door, arms full of bags, mind racing through the day's to-do list, when suddenly you freeze. You pat your pockets, check your purse, and scan the counter, but they are gone. Your keys are missing. Panic sets in as you frantically retrace your steps, checking couch cushions and coat pockets, feeling increasingly helpless with every passing minute. That sinking feeling of being stuck, unable to move forward or access what you need, is universally frustrating. It stops us in our tracks and forces us to search until what was lost is found.

It is easy to look around and feel overwhelmed by the darkness. The news cycle is often filled with stories of conflict, suffering, and division. If we focus solely on these headlines, our hearts can quickly become heavy with despair. We might start to believe that goodness is scarce or that hope is a foolish sentiment. However, the world God created is still brimming with His beauty, if only we have the eyes to see it. Looking for the good is not about ignoring the pain; it is a spiritual discipline of choosing where to rest our attention.

There is a unique kind of energy that comes with a fresh start. Whether it is the first page of a new journal, the first day of a new job, or simply the sunrise of a new morning, beginnings hold the promise of potential. Yet, for many of us, starting something new can also be terrifying. We get comfortable in our routines, even if those routines no longer serve us or help us grow. The familiar feels safe, while the unknown feels risky. We hesitate to take that painting class, start that business, or mend that broken relationship because we are afraid of failure or uncertainty. But God is a Creator who is constantly in the business of renewal. He delights in new beginnings and often calls us to step out of our comfort zones to experience the fullness of His plans.

If you were asked to name your most cherished possession, what would come to mind? Perhaps it is a sentimental piece of jewelry passed down through generations, a collection of photographs capturing precious memories, or the house you have worked so hard to make a home. We all have items that hold deep personal value. These possessions can be wonderful gifts that enrich our lives, but they are all temporary. They can be lost, broken, or left behind. In our quietest moments, God gently invites us to consider a deeper question: where do we store our ultimate treasure?

The darkness of Friday and the silence of Saturday have passed. Today, the world awakens to the most glorious news in history: He is risen! Easter Sunday is not merely a day of remembrance; it is a vibrant, earth-shattering celebration of victory. The tomb is empty, the stone is rolled away, and death has been defeated. Jesus Christ, who was crucified and buried, has conquered the grave and is alive. This single event changes everything, turning our deepest sorrow into unending joy and our greatest despair into unshakable hope.
You can read today’s devotional and past reflections at followingtheleader.org.