There is oil in this house—a call for the Bride of Christ to be purified, anointed, and ready for His coming.

Like Esther, we are in a season of preparation, immersed in the oil of the Holy Spirit and the fragrance of prayer. The anointing oil sets us apart in holiness, and our prayers rise like sweet perfume before the throne of God.

As a church, we are to be filled with the fire of His presence, releasing a fragrance that welcomes the King.

1 Corinthian 2

2 Christian brothers, when I came to you, I did not preach the secrets of God with big sounding words or make it sound as if I were so wise. ² I made up my mind that while I was with you I would speak of nothing except Jesus Christ and of His death on the cross. ³ When I was with you, I was weak. I was afraid and I shook. ⁴ What I had to say when I preached was not in big sounding words of man’s wisdom. But it was given in the power of the Holy Spirit. ⁵ In this way, you do not have faith in Christ because of the wisdom of men. You have faith in Christ because of the power of God.

When I look at Paul’s story, I see how it mirrors my own—how the gospel doesn’t just change our past or secure our future, but it transforms our present. Even in my weakness, I am not left to rely on my own wisdom, understanding, or maturity. Instead, I have a God who is near, whose Spirit dwells within me, guiding and strengthening me.

The good news is not just a part of my life—it is my life. It is the lens through which I now see everything. Because of Christ, nothing remains the same. My identity, my purpose, the way I navigate struggles, where I find peace and security—all of it is redefined by Him.

Like Paul, I pray that my life would be marked by one thing: to speak of nothing except Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. Because in Him, I have been given all I need for life and that truth changes everything.

Saw this verse in church on Saturday and it's a powerful reminder that God is a promise keeper. Just as He assured Jacob of His presence and fulfillment of His word, He remains faithful to us today. No matter where we go or what season we are in, He is with us, guiding, protecting, and fulfilling every promise in His perfect time.

We need true rest. That’s not a state of forced idleness or the absence of striving. True, Sabbath rest is a function of delight, wonder, and presence.

Jesus does not need more Marthas in this world. He calls for more Marys who choose the one thing Jesus calls necessary.

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42).

So in the decisions of life whether big and small — let’s choose Jesus.

Love has to keep growing.

As I ponder whether our love for God is truly evident in how we love and pray for others, I’m reminded that love isn’t stagnant—it must keep growing, deepening, and reaching beyond ourselves. If we claim to love God, it should be seen in our intercession for others, our acts of compassion, and our willingness to extend grace even when it’s difficult. True love is active, always increasing, always reflecting Christ. This is a call to move beyond words into action, making love our daily lifestyle.

His promise is that He remains sovereign over all things, and in the stillness, we can trust that He is working, even when the storm rages around us. We can find peace in His presence, knowing that every storm will pass and His glory will be revealed.

I too am torn between the two—desiring to be with Christ, but understanding that it is more necessary for me to remain here for the sake of others. I choose to continue, to labor for the progress and joy in the faith, knowing that my life will bring glory to Christ. Through it all, I will rejoice and continue to boast in Christ, for He is my hope and my strength.