I don’t think I’ve ever thought about the passage of Jesus calling the little children to Him as a place to observe His communication skills, but I truly love how Jim Burns brought about that thought and meditation in our hearts on Sunday.
 
Jesus was the ultimate communicator. He knew how to reach people, and He so obviously had the Spirit of God working in and through Him to reach right to a person’s heart. A good communicator can read the room, but also, a good communicator can listen and understand the very person right in front of them.
 
What I noticed about this passage in particular is that Jesus wanted to give space and time and even His prayers to these little children — those who were considered “second class citizens” in that day and age. It’s hard to picture that isn’t it? Because we live in a society where children are highly valued in the family. But back then, they were on the same level as women…the second class idea ran deep throughout their culture and children were not to be disruptive of more important things like “ministry” - or so the disciples thought.
 
But Jesus saw these children as His prime ministry. He didn’t separate in His mind the “more important people” to talk to and the “less important” — all were important to Him. We see that throughout His entire time on earth…He talked to tax collectors, Samaritans, women, servants, and Pharisees. His heart was to open the eyes of the blind and set the captives free. It didn’t matter what society thought of this person, what mattered is that Jesus had a divine appointment with them.
 
In this passage, Jesus had an appointment with these little children. I would’ve loved to be there to hear what prayers He prayed over them…wouldn’t you? What did He say? What were the blessings He gave? Was it powerful, lengthy, short, or simple? Was it filled with joy and excitement, maybe a smile or a chuckle in his voice or a twinkle in His eye?
 
Jesus had a tenderness for these little ones. And we learned from him in this story that they deserve to be communicated to just as much as the adults in the room.
 
One thing that really stood out to me was the way Jim said, “these children were listening to what Jesus said about them.” And one thing I do know from being a mom is that they are always listening!
 
They are always hanging on your every word and they often catch things that you think are completely oblivious to them. Their little brains are constantly being formed, and our words matter. What we say about them in front of them matters. And Jesus took this opportunity to remind them of how important they really are.
 
“…the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14b, NIV)
 
He spoke about them in front of them. He lifted them up and then He prayed.
 
I pray that we can do this as well. Can we praise people in front of them? Can we take a moment to encourage them to another person as we are all talking and conversing? Can we follow Jesus’ example and lift one another up?
 
I had a few dear friends do that for me this week and it meant the world to me. As I was getting ready to speak at Bible study, our group text was buzzing with things like “Erika I am praying for you!” Or “I’m so excited to hear what God puts on your heart.” I am so thankful for these women God has placed in my life to support me. And it really reminds me of how Jesus held up these little children!
 
Let’s take the time to do that for our friends, for our children, for our spouses, for our coworkers and for our parents and family members. Let’s go out of our way to encourage, exhort, and strengthen people with what we say. We bring the aroma of Christ everywhere we go, so let’s not forget to spread it around to those who need it!

Erika Pizzo

With the passing of the anniversary of 9/11 on Friday, I was struck by a particular video that came across my social media feed. It was of this man who works at the memorial of 9/11, cleaning the pools by the memorial showcasing all those who died during the attacks.
 
Racking up over 42 million views, James Maroon tells his perspective of working the night shift as he cleans the pools of the memorial. Something he said really stuck with me — “When I’m cleaning the pool, I think most of the time I’m thinking, did I do this well?”
 
We all have that thought in life don’t we?

Lord, am I doing this well? Am I living for you? Am I a “good Christian?”
 
While none of us are truly good (only Jesus is!), we do wonder…how can I be better at this? How can I live a life worthy of my Savior who gave His for mine?
 
This Sunday Pastor Jason shared with us that every committed and covenant relationship comes with privileges and responsibilities. I thought about James Maroon who cleans those pools every night, and how he takes this responsibility very seriously. You could tell from his words that there is a real pride in his work, and while some would see it as just “cleaning a pool,” he sees it as so much more. I have to wonder if that’s why it went “viral” — because looking at the comment section, everyone was inspired by this man. They were inspired by the reverence he had for his work.
 
At the end of Sunday’s message we talked about being a friend of God. This is honestly one of my favorite things to talk about. If you and I were sitting down for a cup of coffee, I would gladly discuss this for hours and hours! Because becoming a friend of God, and being a good friend to Him, is one of the main goals of my entire life.
 
I consider friendship with Him my greatest treasure. And I love how Pastor Jason pointed out that Abraham was God’s friend, and this came with responsibility, but also some beautiful privileges - like knowing the secrets of God. Like hearing Him, and seeing His plans play out and being a part of that. Like sitting at His feet and just spending time with Him.
 
I want to be a good friend to God, whatever that looks like. And I think what I saw in this story of James Maroon highlighted what it means to be a good friend — you take it seriously. When that person asks you to show up for them, you show up. When they share with you something they are fearful about, you pray. When it’s their birthday or a special event, you are the first one there. That’s a good friend, right?
 
In John 15:14, Jesus says “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” So when God calls us to obedience, if we love Him as deeply as our best friend, it really shouldn’t be hard to say “yes.” Because at the end of the day, we want to do what pleases Him.

His opinion, His desires, His thoughts…they carry the most weight.  
 
As we reflect this week on being a friend of God, I would encourage you in your quiet time to ask Him this question: Lord, what could I do this week that would mean the most to you?
 
And once He tells you what that is, do it with your whole heart. Don’t hesitate, but instead, walk in faith knowing that He will provide everything you need to keep going. See what even a small bit of obedience will do in the hands of your awesome God. It’s all about being a good friend to Him, because that is who He is to us.

Erika Pizzo

It was truly amazing to see this week that as we read through the beginning of John 15 as a church body, my professor at Talbot also covered John 15 at the exact same time! I know you hear me say this often…but I love when God brings things up more than once. I think He knows we need repetition, and He is so kind to show us truths that our hearts need to hear multiple times.
 
For me, I needed to hear the words “abide in Me” this week. My mind tends to go in many different directions at once, considering all scenarios and worrying about all possibilities.

Yet God will often bring me back to this concept of abiding, of resting in Him…of staying near His side. This is one of those concepts that needs repeating in my own heart. I can’t hear these words enough. Because my heart is “prone to wander.”
 
One part of the message Sunday that specifically hit me deeply was this idea of “cutting down” and “pruning” and how painful that can be at times. God does this in our lives out of His kindness and grace, not for some pointless punishment that just feels hard. He has a work to accomplish in us. And on Sunday, Pastor Jason reminded us how much He desires restoration in our lives.
 
Remember when we journeyed through Joel together? And we were given this beautiful promise:
 
“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,
The crawling locust,
The consuming locust,
And the chewing locust,
My great army which I sent among you.”
 
Joel 2:25, (NKJV)
 
I think what happens is we see a promise like that, and we think it will happen instantaneously. Like the blessing will just plop down in our lap, and bam, all of a sudden — everything is restored. I would say most of the time…it doesn’t work like that. The restoration process is long and slow, taking months and often years to see real progress and movement towards completion.
 
We are in this process. The restoration for the parts of our lives that we ache to see whole again takes real time. It simply doesn’t happen overnight.
 
As He works and tends to the gardens of our hearts, the cutting down of dead branches feels like He is cutting down our will, spirit, and motivation. It feels like He is hurting us. But without the hurt of exposing what needs work, He would simply leave us where we’ve always been…no progress, no sanctification.

So in a way, we must embrace the cutting. We must embrace the falling away of dead branches in our lives. It won’t always feel good, but it is so necessary.
 
As I sit here, I can think of a handful of things that God is actively pruning in my life. Each and every time He comes in with the shears, I start to fear that by taking these things away, I will lose a part of myself. I will lose security, or I will lose how I’ve always lived.

But this change is a necessary part of gardening my heart. And now that I can look back, I see the things He took away and a small glimpse of why He did it, and I understand more of Him in the process. I am actually thankful for the way that He has pruned me, because the struggle with those particular sins has faded into the distance. My heart has moved closer and closer to His heart…my desires have started to match what He desires. Has your heart moved closer to Him as well?
 
Friend, as we hold to the promise that He will “restore,” I pray that we can also hold to the promise that this cutting away is for our good. I pray that in your own way, you can embrace the pain of that so you can further understand His heart. As you let go, and change, and move towards Him…I pray that ultimately — your heart will know His peace. Because He is handing that to you, and He wants to do this with you and in you.

Give Him all the things that you are holding so tightly, because at the end of it all, He can transform even the pain into something greater than you could ever imagine.

Erika Pizzo

As we have journeyed through John together, I am loving just spending some special time looking at these final moments Jesus had with His disciples. This week, we saw so many assurances He gave them. And between you and me? I really needed to hear each and every one.
 
The one that stood out to me in particular was this: You have a home.
 
Things have felt unsteady in my life lately as I have been going through so many changes with my schedule and my kids and family stuff. None of it is earth-shattering, but I do have this feeling that things are not consistent and steady right now, and that is hard to keep doing “life” when the foundation feels that way. God knew I needed to hear the words this week that He is my home, that He is my steady and my constant, that I can trust that He will never leave my side.
 
I was thinking about this concept of home as I prepared for launching my book that just came out and celebrating with close family and friends. My mother-in-law came to stay with us for a few days and she so lovingly gave of her self in so many ways to help me get prepared.
 
One thing I always say to my husband when she leaves is this: “Our house is even cleaner than when she arrived!” Because when she comes into our home, she treats it as her own. She always leaves it better than how she found it.
 
That is the sweetest kind of guest, right? The one who is happy to be with you, but is also considerate of you, and treating your space with love and care. They take care of your home because they want to take care of you.
 
I think my mother-in-law was a real picture of Jesus to me this weekend. Because when we ask Him to come in and make His home in our hearts, we are inviting His healing presence in. He will never leave our “home” the way it was when He first came in…He has mighty work to do!
 
He will sweep through every corner and re-arrange, and do the dirty dishes, and take out all the trash living inside us. He knows what needs to be done, and He does it in a gentle and loving way as if to say, “Don’t worry, I’m here to help.”
 
The Bible often talks about the heart as being the “seat” of a person — the place where they make all their decisions, and almost like a functioning “mind”. It’s also the place where we feel deeply and experience life deeply. I want to invite Jesus into that space. I want Him to be at the “seat” of my decisions, actions, thoughts, and feelings. I want Him to come and be at home in my heart.
 
If we ask Him to come in, there will be things to change. And sometimes, it might be painful, right? But I would rather experience that pain of having to change into His better for me, than staying comfortable in who I always was without Him.
 
Invite Him into those corners of your heart friend, invite Him into your life and your “home,” You never know what He will do once He is in there…but one thing we can be assured of is this:
 
He is the best of all guests. He will always leave things better than when He arrived.

Erika Pizzo

This week all it took was hearing the message title to understand what God was speaking to me: Keep going, keep fighting, keep carrying on. I loved how Pastor Jason brought in those war-time slogans, and it’s amazing to think that the one that we still see widely circulated today wasn’t even the most publicized! But the words “carry on” need to be said to the human heart…especially when it is weary.
 
Personally, I felt so challenged and convicted by this idea that we don’t just pray for relief from the pain or for the troubles to stop, but instead, we pray for courage in the troubles. We pray for boldness, and we pray for endurance to keep going.
 
This idea of “carrying on” is presented by Paul as “press on” in Philippians 3:14:
 
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
 
This Greek word for “press on” involves an active pursuit, or to flee, or to run hard after. There is a sense of movement here, a rushing, that I think we need to take hold of.
 
Most of the time, I see the word “rush” in a negative light, don’t you? We don’t want to be hurried through big life decisions or special moments. We want to stop and savor them. But this idea of active pursuit and rushing is undoubtedly here in Paul’s call to “press on” which so clearly echoes our message Sunday to “carry on.”
 
What made this idea of active motion come to life was at the end of Sunday’s service when we sang the words “I’m safe with you…I’m gonna make it through.” And in a very pointed and relevant way, Pastor Jason said he would add the words…” Because there is work to do.” I loved that. What a great reminder to me, someone who clings so closely to safety and assurance. This reality of God keeping us safe is meant to be shared with others, it is meant to be carried forth in movement.
 
Just this week, Dolly Parton, one of the most beloved country singers, passed away. She was a believer, so we have incredible hope that she is with Jesus. As I was looking through her interviews and just hearing what people had to say about her, I loved this one post where someone said: “Today, let’s do as Dolly did. Let’s love others, be kind, make people smile and laugh, show generosity, put on the fun dress…etc.”
 
There are many things she is remembered by, but where her legacy shines is when people who loved her decide to act like her going forward, because she made such an impact on their lives.
 
I am sure this is how the disciples felt as Christ was getting ready to return to the Father. If they truly loved Him, they would carry on His legacy. They would love, and care and pray and act differently because they knew Him. Their lives would be marked by the love of Christ. His earthly ministry would live on in them. And that is exactly how it should be with us.
 
But unlike Dolly who has passed on and is now with Jesus, the Holy Spirit is here with us. Jesus and the work He is actively doing is working in us right here and right now. We have the great “Advocate” who shows us where to go and what to do, and how to truly please the Father.
 
Friend, there is still work to do. There are still souls to be saved. There are still lives to be changed for Christ.  When we choose to “carry on”, we partner with the Spirit in that work. Let’s not forget that this is what we have been called for. Let’s not loose sight of the goal — to “press on toward the prize.”

Erika Pizzo

Do you ever have those sermons or messages where you feel like God spoke directly to the pastor and said, “I have a child in that audience that needs to hear this today?” Well on Sunday, I was that child. I needed this message on change.
 
I always look at the notes beforehand to see what we will talk about Sunday, and as I looked over them, I already started to feel all the feelings well up in my heart. This week my kids went back to school, and specifically my daughter started middle school. I always have a hard time when they go back, just because of how much our time together changes and how my schedule is now revolving around pickups and drop offs - instead of lazy summer days. But this year was different. It brought an unbelievable wave of emotions. I think because starting middle school is almost like saying goodbye to the childhood she knew. She is starting to move towards teenage years and adulthood…and I’m not ready.
 
It was comforting to hear on Sunday that most of us resist change, and most of us aren’t ready for change when it comes. As I sat there in my seat resisting my own change, I thought of all of you out there who are also feeling the same way I feel. I also loved the reminder that there is Jesus, who is our “constant”…our great God, who is never surprised by change and He never leaves our side in the middle of it.
 
When I feel like life is extra shaky, and I’m on uneven ground, I often come back to this song. Allow me to share some of the lyrics with you:
 
“When the storm rolls in and I can't see out...
When the waves crash hard and I fall back down...
When I think that I've reached my ceiling
I know the scars only mean that I'm healing
Always by my side, even through my doubts
You're constant…”

- Constant, Maverick City Music
 
There is really no stopping the waves that come. And there is no “control” over these outside forces like Pastor Jason shared with us on Sunday.

It was so relatable to think of Peter, who tried to control with his devoutness to Christ. How many times have I tried to grasp at the same false sense of control, only to realize that God holds the world in His hands? Peter is an example of failure that I’m grateful to have, because I know I have failed in the same way over and over again.
 
On the way to middle school this morning my daughter asked, “What if I fail one of my classes or get a really bad grade?” I was immediately reminded of the message Sunday, and with a smile I said, “Well, if you fail, it’s not really a failure if you learn from it.”
 
As you face your own changes, big or small, I am sure there is a small part of you that worries about failure. I know I do. But what if we reframed it to include the grace of our Savior? What if we just moved forward, even after we fail, into deeper intimacy with Christ?
 
He is teaching us along the way, we can trust Him. Let’s be open to hearing His voice in the process. Who knows what He will reveal. And in the meantime, let’s rest in His loving arms, knowing that He really does hold the world together so very well.

Erika Pizzo

It’s always difficult to look at Judas’ story in the Bible. I am left with so many questions. Questions like — when did he start being dishonest about the money? Was there a point of sincere belief, but then the greed started to take over? I like how Pastor Jason pointed out that the hardening of his heart did not happen in just one instance, it likely happened over time. Heart-hardening is not an overnight experience.
 
It’s difficult to imagine someone that was so close to Jesus’ ministry, yet didn’t truly see Him or His heart. You have to wonder…how did Judas miss the whole point? Sin was involved, his flesh was involved, and ultimately, the enemy was also clearly involved.
 
On Sunday, Pastor Jason took a few moments to talk about the pain that can come from the hands of other believers. I think all of us have experienced this kind of pain to some degree. When someone proclaims Christ with their mouth, it is unbelievably hurtful when their actions don’t follow. We expect more from them, because they unashamedly wear the mark of Christ. So why do they still choose to act in a way that hurts and tears down other believers?
 
Throughout my years of being a believer, I have watched some big leaders fall…leaders that people truly depended on. There have been so many moments where a leader falls, and then others choose to walk away from the faith because of it. The fall was so deep and so hard and so shocking, that they decided this whole “faith” thing might not be real after all. The depth of their faith was directly tied to how leaders they followed clung to and acted out their own faith principles. But at some point, we have to ask…when will our faith become our own?
 
Leaders will fail us. Leaders are not Jesus. People in general will fail us. Christians can cause some of the worst hurt there is. But when does our faith leave the intertwining of another’s faith and become just us and God? When do we say — Lord, it’s just you and me right now, and I’m OK with that.
 
I think something even deeper happens when a brother or sister in Christ publicly fails right in front of us. This “something deeper” is very subtle, but it’s important that we are aware of it…because it affects our entire faith. When we watch someone fall…we start to believe lies about the character and heart of God.
 
Imagine the disciples watching Judas go through with this deep betrayal. There is no doubt that they felt this on a very personal level. They had to wonder: how could he do this? But under the surface…there is an even deeper question that probes at the heart and motives of God: How could He allow this?
 
The disciples at this point did not fully understand the plan. We see glimpses of that throughout the story. They don’t have the more full understanding of Christ’s death that we have as we hold these scriptures in our hands. So it must have been very confusing and heartbreaking to watch Jesus, the Son of God, being handed over in betrayal and put to death. They had to wonder: is this the end of the story, and if so, why would God ever allow this?
 
We all ask that question. And sometimes, when another believer betrays us or steps out in wrongful action, we can’t help but start questioning God.
 
Here’s my encouragement to you, as someone who has asked these very questions of God, sometimes shaking my fist at heaven and wondering why on earth He would ever allow it. Just know that God can handle every question we throw at Him.
 
He is not upset that we ask questions. He is not surprised that our mind would go to such dark places of questioning His character. Dear friend, He does not love you any less. In fact, He has always been a God that welcomes questioning, that welcomes the truth to come to light.
 
On this side of eternity, we may not understand all the “why” questioning…but the more we ask of Him, and the more we search for Him, and the more we get to know His heart…the more we can settle in a place of certainty that He is still good — no matter what He allows.
 
I’m not going to lie…coming to this point of seeing all the pain, and yet still believing in His goodness, is as Brandon Lake puts it in his song, “A Hard Fought Hallelujah,”….but, if you can get there….I truly believe you can face anything this life throws at you, especially the times when another believer hurts or betrays you.
 
When your faith truly becomes your own, you can face the flaming darts of the enemy with a greater courage and strength than you could’ve ever dreamed of. If you are no longer tethered to how a human in front of you lives out their faith, but instead, directly tied vertically with the Father…there is steadfastness that runs deep. I hope that this story of Judas inspired you to truly make your faith your own. Because once you do, there is a closeness that develops with the Savior that no one can take back.
 
There was one more thing that I saw this Sunday that truly touched my heart. In John 13:25, it says that (John - we assume), was “leaning back on Jesus’ breast.” Of all the times I have read this story, I never noticed this one detail. John was so close to Jesus, that he was just sitting there, leaning his head on his chest. This reminds me of a child that feels so safe with their parent that they can’t help but lean, be close, and want that kind of comfort.

What John did here stands out in stark contrast to Judas’ action leaning away from Jesus with his words as he called Him “Rabbi” instead of “Lord”. Did it feel easier to create distance knowing what he was about to do?

In the middle of our questioning and doubts, may we be like John…leaning close in, hearing the heartbeat of Jesus, and finding comfort in that embrace. He can handle our questions, and He is also ready and willing to give us His love and assurance along the way. We can hold both in the same heart. We can come to Him with it all.

Erika Pizzo

We were given a powerful image this past Sunday of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. This act of humility and authentic leadership is something truly memorable about Jesus. It says a lot about Him that this is what He chose to do in His final days leading up to the cross.
 
On Sunday, Pastor Jason shared this analogy of our Lord setting the table for us. I really loved that visual, and I thought about it all week. There is something truly intimate about someone setting a table for you. You are their guest, and they are thoughtful in the way they pick out the linens, the glasses, and the silverware. For extra special guests, even the special china debuts from the cabinet.
 
Candles are lit, and this warmth is given to every detail as if to say, “I’ve been waiting for you. Come, have a seat.”
 
The Bible often uses this visual of eating together to represent something holy. A sacred time where beauty is beheld in the fellowship of one another.
 
I thought about the many times God has “set the table” in my life. One time in particular was when I was facing a myriad of health issues. I was having a hard time getting out of bed every day, and I had so many symptoms happening that really scared me to my core.
 
During all of this, I remember reading this precious verse in Psalm 23:5 (NKJV):
 
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
 
As I struggled through all these health issues, we had simultaneously decided to put in an offer on a new home. Our family was growing and getting bigger, and we had prayed about wanting something close by.
 
This home we found felt like a “dream home” to me, I couldn’t believe God had provided it…and He put in details like a window that overlooked the backyard so I could watch the kids play while I made dinner — something I prayed about years before.
 
It had been on the market for months, yet there were miraculously no offers. It was in a neighborhood where we could walk to school and enjoy our favorite park. God was setting the table in such a way that could only reflect His impeccable attention to detail.
 
Has He ever done that in your life?
 
Maybe things have felt out of control, and circumstances haven’t gone the way you planned…but you still see this rare beauty in it that reflects the hand of God? That’s the kind of table setting that was happening here.
 
God was literally preparing a table for me in the presence of my enemy, who was trying to steal every ounce of joy I had left. But God was there, and His presence made the meal so very sweet.
 
I also loved the point on Sunday about listening to God’s timing, and being ready for that moment where God sets the table in our lives. Maybe He has brought all the intricate pieces together, but you don’t feel ready to step out in faith. That’s OK, all you have to do is sit down. Take the next right step. He will help you along the way.
 
Like we were reminded this weekend — we don’t need to have all the understanding to still walk in faith.
 
It takes faith just to pull up a seat at the table. We don’t know what God has next. And often times, walking in our calling will mean hardship and loss, but it also means that we will participate in the beauty-filled plan of God’s goodness. It means that each piece He has thoughtfully laid out for us will have a purpose and use. It means that joy and sorrow can coexist at one time, but the joy runs deep because it is eternal.
 
I don’t know what tables God has set in your life. I don’t know, right now, what table He is preparing for you at this very moment.

But I do know that if you decide to sit down with Him, something beautiful awaits. I know that if you sit down, you will never regret it. And I know that there will be refreshing there. Because what happens when you sit down for a really good meal? You are refreshed, right? You see and taste and feel the goodness of God.
 
So let’s take a seat, dear friend…for the Lord has prepared the table.

Erika Pizzo

There were some very sobering points of the message on Sunday, where we learned that some will reject the light of Christ — and even people who saw the glory of God through Jesus still chose to reject Him.

I sat there feeling the weight of that on Sunday, did you? I can’t imagine being in those crowds and seeing those miracles and still not believing, but we were told so many years prior that this would happen through the prophet Isaiah.

In Isaiah’s words, there is something that might trouble believers to read. Let’s work through it together.

He quotes this prophecy in John 12:40:

“He has blinded their eyes
    and hardened their hearts,
so they can neither see with their eyes,
    nor understand with their hearts,
    nor turn—and I would heal them.”

It is hard to attribute the hardening of hearts to God. After all, isn’t He the same God that desires that no one would perish and all would receive eternal life (2 Peter 3:9)? Yes, He is! But He also deeply knows the human heart. And He is keenly aware of those who will reject Him, despite seeing all the signs. His omniscience does not stop at this point — He is all knowing, and that means He knows when someone will reject His Son.

What makes this so difficult is that Isaiah seems to infer through the language here that God is actively “blinding” and “hardening” - how do we reconcile that with the character of a loving God? How do the two exist together, and not on opposite sides?

I really believe it comes down to His sovereignty. Because He knows it all, we can trust His decision here. Because He is fully aware of the intricacies of the human heart, and especially within the people’s hearts in John 12…He knows what needs to happen.

David points out in the Psalms that only God in His sovereignty can do the searching, only God can know the human heart:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
    and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)

It’s important to note that David is inviting this heart search, the Pharisees do not.

Notice at the end of verse 40 in the quote from Isaiah it says, “…and I would heal them.” No matter what type of rejection Christ faced, He was always willing to accept any Pharisee back with open arms. If there was a turning, a healing would happen.

You might be wondering: But Erika, if God was against these people and He was the one hardening their hearts, then these people didn’t even stand a chance — there is no way they could even turn — God was against them!

And I see your point, I have often wondered this myself. As we journeyed through the Old Testament in Women’s LIFE this past year, I felt the same way about Pharaoh. I thought in my heart, “God, if you were against him…how could he even stand a chance?”

But in studying, I realized that Pharaoh had a very slow and long process of hardening his heart…it didn’t happen overnight. He kept saying no, over and over again. Moses and Aaron would appeal to his reason, even his own court would appeal to his logical thinking mind…yet the rejection and stubbornness continued. Eventually we do see verses where God was part of the hardening, but we can’t miss the hardening that was already happening inside of him all along.

A different kind of stubbornness was happening with these people that Jesus was desperately trying to preach and share the good news with. In almost a “last ditch effort”, He once again proclaims that the darkness is coming, but they can choose the light.

Interestingly, their hard hearts come from a completely different place than Pharaoh’s — they are stuck in the throws of pleasing people. They want to be viewed a certain way in the eyes of the Pharisees, they want to stay in the synagogue and hold their status, they want the praise of man to feed the idol in their hearts.

Was God wrong to harden the hearts of these people who continually rejected Christ for the praise of man? I will leave that question up to you. Although, I have to say it is truly remarkable that we serve a God who sees all the ugly parts of us and the ways that we reject Him and says: I will still pursue that human heart.

If we are soft, if we open up, if we begin to see the light…He comes in and brings hope and healing and forgiveness. But if we repeatedly reject and harden and look to the things of this world…darkness will come.

Let’s remember that in our time here on earth, and especially with those who have not yet chosen Christ, there is always hope that they will move toward the light. Keep living faithfully, keep walking through those open doors to share the gospel, keep looking for dark places to bring in the light…God will meet you there and give you a chance to shine.

Erika Pizzo

On Sunday, Pastor Jason shared with us the symbolic importance of Jesus riding in on a donkey to this Passover celebration. Riding in on horses was reserved for kings in times of war, where they were actively demonstrating power and the ability to conquer — yet in times of peace, a king would ride in on a donkey to show great humility and surrender.
 
Jesus was the ultimate picture of humility throughout His entire life, but especially leading up to the cross. Seeing Him walk in humility and choosing a donkey to ride in on with “peace” made me wonder if we ever choose this as well. Or are we quick to demonstrate our false power and control through the strength of horses?
 
I love these words of King David that demonstrate what it is like to surrender in humility and put our trust in God alone:
 
Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed king.
    He will answer him from his holy heaven
    and rescue him by his great power.
Some nations boast of their chariots and horses,
    but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.
 
Psalm 20:6-7 NLT
 
Any boasting of strength should be rooted in the Lord, yet many times, we are found boasting in our own “strength.”
 
As fallen humans, how often do we try to take the reigns and walk in with our own authority in a situation, pushing to assert ourselves or what we bring to the table, and running ahead of God in the process?
 
I know I am guilty of this. I like to plan out all my steps and before I know it, I’ve left God and His plan in the dust behind me. Even in those situations, God has been so kind to protect me and care for me, but it is never without a hard lesson learned. I almost always look back and say, “I wish I just listened to you in the first place, God!”
 
I wonder what it would look like this week if we “rode in on a donkey” in the hard circumstances we are facing in life. Before we even approach the day, or the meeting, or the conversation — we choose humility. We say, “God, I surrender this to you even before I step in that room.” I wonder how much more we would reflect the heart of Jesus if we took this small but mighty step of faith.
 
Setting aside our abilities, what we bring to the table, even our talents or gifts, and saying: “Jesus, whatever you want in this situation is what I want, too.”
 
Don’t you think that would mean a lot to Him? To see our surrendered heart and to be able to work with Him in His mighty ways?
 
This verse keeps me coming back to that heart of surrender, because I need to remember that approaching situations with humility actually means that I will receive even more grace:
 
“And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
James 4:6, NLT
 
I don’t know about you, but I never want to be on the opposing side of God! I never want my pride to get so much in-the-way that I am now on the opposing side, fighting against the God of the universe. Undoubtedly, that will always be a huge loss.
 
Instead, let’s hold our plans with a completely open hand…surrendering our hopes, dreams, and expectations to the One who can do so much more with it than we can. Let’s pray, “God, I surrender this to you” before we even step into a situation. Our surrendered heart is a gift to our great God.

Erika Pizzo

It has been really beautiful to watch the faith of some of the players in the World Cup. Teams are seen praying together, and even men who are on opposing teams are coming together to pray right afterwards, no matter who won or lost.
 
Just the other day, I saw a clip of German soccer player Felix Nmecha doing something you would never expect from an elite soccer player. He had just scored a goal and did this motion with his hands of taking a crown off his head, and then kneeling, placed it down on the ground. Standing up, he then pointed to heaven. It was a symbolic way of saying “this win is yours Lord, I am laying it at your feet.”
 
This beautiful act of worship reminded me of Mary, always spending time at the Lord’s feet. I love how Pastor Jason pointed out that she was found at the feet of Jesus first learning from Him, then experiencing grief at His feet as her brother had died, and finally, worshiping Him with this expensive bottle of perfume.
 
This week, I recorded the audible version of my new book coming out For Him and guess who I talked about? Mary!

And this beautiful act of extravagant love. Allow me to share a few words with you:
 
In this moment, Mary had nothing to gain. She would not “get” any-
thing from this experience. Her heart was sold out to Jesus, and anoint-
ing Him with expensive perfume only meant an act of love that, in her
mind, never needed to be repaid. It was simply a gesture of love.
 
This makes me wonder, what is our bottle of perfume that we are called to offer to Christ? What can we give to Him, that would cost us, but that we can freely give with nothing expected in return?
 
There is no doubt that laying something down that is very precious to you is difficult. It requires a “release of control” that we often don’t feel ready for. By laying these things down at Jesus’ feet, we are saying that we trust Him more than we trust ourselves.
 
I also love what Pastor Jason encouraged us to do on Sunday — this thing, whatever it is, in His hands — will bring something much greater than we could ever imagine. His plans for us are so beyond what we can imagine, that our false “control” over this situation pales in comparison to the extravagant love He wants to pour out on us.
 
He is in the business of transforming our ordinary into something extraordinary.
 
If you are struggling to let go…can I gently encourage you to look back? Look back on the past years where you have decided to lay things down at His feet. What has He done? How has He come through for you? Where and how did He transform? His past faithfulness is a beautiful indicator of what He plans for your future.
 
He can be trusted, He has always been there for you before. Maybe this thing that is hard to let go of…is His way of calling you into deeper dependence. There, at His feet, your relationship will be formed—just like it was for Mary.
 
At His feet, let us learn and grow, weep and grieve, and worship our incredible Savior!

Erika Pizzo

The shortest verse in the entire Bible was included in our message on Sunday in John 11:35:
 
Jesus wept.
 
This is one of those moments where I wish I could have been there, to truly see it for myself. It would have been heartbreaking to see Jesus in this emotional pain, but it also would have been, as Pastor Manny said, “comforting” to know that He experienced this kind of emotion.
 
How is it that seeing Jesus so uncomfortable would have brought me so much comfort?
 
Because it is rare out of all the religions and all the gods that have been manufactured and falsely believed in over time to see a “God who weeps.” That is our God. He is real, and right, and true.
 
Like this familiar song from Matt Redman, “Son of Suffering” that we sing on Sundays, the lyrics ring true of this moment with Jesus:
 
The blood and tears
How can it be?
There's a God who weeps
There's a God who bleeds
Oh, praise the One
Who would reach for me
Hallelujah to the Son of suffering
 
Seeing Jesus weep would mean that He is truly who He says He is in Hebrews 4:15:
 
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” (NIV)
 
Not only does He empathize with our temptation to sin, but He deeply empathizes with every human emotion we experience. He came down to earth for a purpose, yet in that purpose he bled, and wept, and felt our pain.

In John 11, we see Jesus experience anger, deep frustration, anguish, sadness, depression, and heartache. He moves through these emotions without trying to push them away — oh how I can learn a thing or two from Jesus in this moment!
 
I often try to push down, distract, or numb the emotions that well up inside of me. It is much harder to sit with them, feel them, and know that having these emotions does not cancel out my hope.
 
It’s amazing to truly think about the fact that God sent Jesus down not just to die, but also to experience life with the people around Him. To love on Lazarus, Mary, and Martha…and to love them so deeply that He would feel the pain of death alongside them.
 
I was struck by this verse in the middle of the scene said by the Jews around Him:
 
“See how he loved him!” (John 11:36, NIV)
 
You could take that verse and replace it with your own name to truly grasp what He has done for you.
 
“See how He loved me!”
 
It’s true dear friend, His love for you runs so deep — deep enough that He would lay down His life, and in the process, experience all the human emotions that go with it.
 
I, for one, am really comforted by the fact that we serve a “God who weeps.” It is unique to Christ, unique to His person and His Godhood. Next time you find yourself in a conversation about the other gods people believe in, you can plant this seed by gently asking: Did your god weep? Did he bleed? Did he lay down his life?
 
These things matter. They show us the heart and character of our God. If anything, I hope that you carry the truth with you this week that no matter what you are going through, know that He can deeply empathize with it.
 
He knows. Not only that, He has felt it. He feels alongside you. Maybe if we spent less time trying to push away our feelings, we could get better at sitting with those feelings at the feet of Jesus. I think eventually, Mary realized that this is what needed to happen as she left the house and ran to Jesus. May we run to Him too, no matter what we feel. He is waiting with open arms.

Erika Pizzo

Admittedly, I have read the story of Lazarus many times. It is an iconic story in the Bible, right?! Maybe one of the most famous stories because Jesus is truly demonstrating His power over death. A person has to ask when approaching this story: Do I really believe Jesus did this, or is this a lie? Your answer determines what you truly believe.
 
But this time around, I noticed something special about the text that I had never seen before.
 
As Pastor Jason shared, Mary and Martha are often compared and really “pitted” against one another because of the passage in Luke 10 where Martha is busy and anxious as she is serving at the party, but Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet.
 
We see from that story that Mary has the propensity to choose this “better portion”, and I think what happens here is that people who identify more with Martha tend to feel like lesser Christians…because they are hurried, busy, and taking care of everyone’s needs. I’ve talked to many “Marthas” in my life, and they often feel shame for identifying with this character in the Bible.
 
But John does something really interesting here where he specifically calls out Jesus’ love for Martha first. In verse five, she is listed first in who Jesus “loves”. How beautifully redemptive for the character of Martha, right?!
 
“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” (John 11:5, NIV)
 
Jesus loved Martha…I had to highlight those words in my Bible.
 
I noticed this because of the shame I often see around the “Marthas” of this world. But here, we see that Jesus not only loved her, but John listed her name first. Jesus truly loved Martha…busyness, in a hurry, anxiety, and all.
 
We see that Martha is the first one to rush to Jesus for an answer. And what happens next is truly astounding:
 
“When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him. But Mary stayed in the house. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask,’
 
Jesus told her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’
 
‘Yes,’ Martha said, ‘he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.’
 
Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?’
 
‘Yes, Lord’, she told him.”
 
(John 11:20-27a, NLT)
 
Looking at this from the perspective of how women were treated at this time…it is incredible that Jesus would actually want to know Martha’s opinion….that He would want to know if she truly believed.
 
And this is not just about women, but about the individual approach that Jesus takes with every person. He is asking each of us:
 
Do you believe?
 
Do you believe I am who I say I am?
 
Do you believe I am the Son of God?
 
He is personal in His approach because He cares about your answer. He doesn’t need you to believe in order for it to be true…but He wants you to believe because of His love for you. He wants a relationship with you. We see that so clearly in the specific way He interacts with Martha here.
 
So let’s take a moment to appreciate that Jesus truly loves Martha, and He truly loves you. He chose you, with all your flaws and imperfections. He chose you because He loves you.
 
I love that Pastor Jason pointed out this seemingly emotional dichotomy going on with Martha, where she presents heartache before the Lord, as well as complete belief in who He is. It is a step of emotional maturity to realize that you can hold both heartache and hope in one hand…in one human heart.
 
We don’t need to crowd out one emotion or the other, we can simply sit before the Lord with both. He understands. He knows that on this side of eternity, we have to hold loss next to hope. We don’t get to experience the full hope until heaven.
 
So let’s not pretend that the grief doesn’t exist, let us come to Him with all of our emotions, thoughts, feelings, and heartaches. Let’s come to Him when the sting of death really does feel like it is too much to hold. We don’t have to hold it on our own…that’s what He is there for — with arms open wide to carry our burdens.
 
Would you pray this prayer with me?
 
Lord, thank you for loving the Marthas. Thank you for loving the Marys and the Lazarus’. Thank you for loving me, flaws and all. Take my complicated heart that holds both grief and hope and sit with me Jesus, doing the healing work that only you can do.
Amen.

Erika Pizzo

When you leave your kids with a babysitter, there is one thought in the back of your mind that is hard to shake, even on the most romantic of date-nights: What will this baby sitter do if there’s an emergency?
 
Of course, you’ve vetted this person. You know them and they know you. Often times, they are a close family friend and you hope that in that scenario they will do their best to protect your kids! But at the end of the day, that babysitter is not you. And you would risk your entire life to protect your kiddos.
 
This is not a knock against babysitters, I actually have met some of the most kind, loving, caring babysitters that have poured into my kids! But as a parent, you know that no one protects and loves your kids as fiercely as you.
 
This is what came to mind when Pastor Jason talked about a “hireling” who watches over the sheep. The hireling is just not quite as invested as the Shepherd — they won’t face danger or risk their life in the same way. They won’t spring into action during an emergency at the same level as a shepherd would, because shepherds are invested, just like us parents, so the level of care runs deep.
 
I was feeling convicted about how this translates into my own care of the “sheep” of God’s family. How do I risk my life or reputation or step into danger for them? Honestly, I am more quick to run and hide for safety in dangerous or scary situations. It’s actually a tough reality to step into leadership in this way.
 
In our group discussion questions for the week, covering John 10:11-42, this one really stood out to me:
 
What is the difference between us being a shepherd or a hireling in different areas of our lives (work, family, church, friendships)?
 
One of the major differences is simply the level of care you show in your relationships. Like at work — there are undoubtedly people who need “shepherding” and it really takes intentional action to stop and have a conversation with them. We need to see them (like truly see them), and maybe even pray right then and there for them.
 
Or with family, it takes knowing what is going on with spouse, kids, parents, or anyone who is in your circle. Truly asking them “how” they are, and not just “what’s next on the schedule?”
 
In my church family, I am always surprised at the depth of the conversations I have on a regular Sunday or Wednesday service. People are struggling with real things, and they need someone to talk to — and not just to talk…but to be shepherded.
 
I also thought about what it means to be truly cared for by my Shepherd. His approach with me has always been tenderness, and I am so thankful for that. There is tenderness, but there is also a higher calling that happens. He knows I am a sheep, but He also knows that I’m capable of so much more than I even know because I have Him at my side. It’s actually very freeing to have a Heavenly Father that believes in you and your capability to walk in faith.
 
We can also show these two things to the sheep around us: tenderness and belief. These two attributes are extremely effective for a leader, and a shepherd. God will help you lead others. You are not in this on your own. Remember that sometimes people just need a listening ear, as well as a person who truly believes in their ability to follow Christ. We can champion each other in this way.
 
Let’s be like Peter and go “...feed my sheep.” (John 21:17-NKJV).

Erika Pizzo

I was thinking about shepherds this week as I watched the “David” movie with my kids. In the movie, they show a young David tending to his family’s flock, and the lengths to which he goes to save them.
 
There is one scene in particular where the sheep are in danger of a lion. He calmly and assuredly tells them to “stay” and “don’t go anywhere.” adding that “we are safe together”…but as soon as the lion starts to lunge, the sheep scatter.
 
It was a really good reminder to me of what I do when I fail to listen to God’s voice…I scatter. I go into fight or flight, often running from my problems in any direction possible.
 
In that scene, if the sheep would have stayed and listened to David’s voice, they would have been safer. Being near the shepherd is always safer for the sheep. But when those fearful instincts kick in…it seems like the only option is to run.
 
It actually takes knowing the Shepherd and listening to Him over and over again, often walking through trials and fire by His side, to know with full assurance that staying put and listening to His voice will mean safety and protection. Simply being in His presence is protection in and of itself.
 
Do you ever find yourself in these moments where you just don’t know what to do? You’re not sure what God’s will is over a situation, because you haven’t clearly heard from Him, and you just want to please Him and move forward in obedience…but sometimes, it is hard to tell which way to go?
 
I find myself in that place at times. And I often get so confused there, because this is where the enemy likes to make me feel like God is silent, or that I never really actually heard from Him in the first place. He pounces on my fears just like that lion pounced towards the sheep.
 
But the passage we read this past Sunday (John 10:1-10) really gave me so much hope, especially in moments like this where I am lost in the confusion of the choice. John says that God’s sheep will not want to follow a different voice:
 
“And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10:4-5, NKJV)
 
How comforting to know that we have the ability to hear God’s voice, and He even gives us the will and desire to follow Him. What more could we ask for?
 
As I watched that movie with my kids I was taken back to the times where God has shown me this sheep and shepherd picture throughout His word. I love the thought of being a sheep, because they are truly one of the most fearful animals. They get in their own way a lot…often terrified, known for making mistakes right and left.
 
But the Shepherd never gives up on them, and is always leading and guiding them to safer ground. How patient is our Lord with us? How gentle, and kind that He never gives up. What great assurance to know that we have His presence, and we have His voice. Let’s pay close attention this week to what He might say. Let’s tune out the voices of the enemy, and let’s walk in faith knowing that He is always there to rescue and care for us…His tender flock.

Erika Pizzo

When a person repents and receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, the next “step” is for them to share their faith. However, an inexperienced convert is often uncomfortable trying to explain the gospel.

I remember vividly the first time I shared my faith. Mrs. White lived in a tiny apartment down below mine. I had been to Bible college for almost a semester and one of my classes was entitled, “Evangelism 101.” I had a notebook full of very specific information on how to introduce someone to the Lord and I had a heart for that sweet 80-year-old blind woman.

So, down the stairs I went, notebook in hand. I sat on her bed; she was in the only chair. I opened my notebook, laid it across my lap and began to read the information. Since she couldn’t see, I just kept reading the “instructions” for becoming a follower of Christ. She was deeply engaged and soon began to cry.

I went through the scriptures as outlined in my notebook. Did she understand that she was a sinner? Yes! Did she comprehend Christ’s suffering and the gift of salvation? Yes! Was she ready to put her faith in Jesus? Yes!

So, it was time for her to pray. The notebook said to have the person kneel and so ignorantly, I made her drag her crippled body down onto the floor but you should have heard her prayer! It was amazing and I can’t wait to meet up with Mrs. White in glory!

Without that notebook I would not have been able to share my faith. I was willing but spiritually ignorant and untrained, much like the blind man in John 9. When he was asked about the details of his miraculous healing, he answered straight forwardly. “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed and now I see.”

He wasn’t prepared to give a full theological report. He did not have an extensive background in the scriptures. He didn’t even know what Jesus looked like. (Think about that.)

He just knew what happened to him. He couldn’t give a full assessment of the Biblical effect of the encounter. He could just tell His story, “I was blind. Now I can see.”

This week is a great time for all of us to do the same. Instead of worrying about our theological deficits, let’s just determine to share our faith. Let’s tell our story. Our salvation is a unique experience that the Son of God has wrought in our hearts. It is powerful. It is meaningful. And we need to share it.

Maybe we could grab a cup of coffee with a friend and begin something like this, “Jesus has made an incredible difference in my life, can I share my story?” And watch what the Holy Spirit can do!

Sherry Worel

This Sunday as we read the story of the man who was blind since birth…I realized that I am often in rooms where these theological discussions are happening. The disciples saw this man, as Pastor Jason put it, “a theological case study” — because they tried in their own human thinking to reason…was this man guilty of sin, or did his parents sin? Who or what was responsible for this? I have spent many hours discussing issues just like this, but when it starts to hurt the most is when you become the “case study”…
 
I have felt like a case study sometimes. Because I struggled with anxiety as someone of faith, I had well-meaning people say things like, “there must be hidden sin in your life.” Or, “look at the generational curses in your family…”
 
Honestly, I don’t think it hurts to look back and see sin patterns that have evolved in families…I have absolutely done that to help me grow in my walk with Christ.

But in this situation, and in this instance, God had to first show me His tenderness before He exposed anything that needed fixing. There had to be a measure of great love, and even an understanding that this was not my fault…I lived in a broken body, one that was struggling hard with a switch in brain chemistry and hormones.
 
Yes, there were spiritual elements to my anxiety, but at the end of the day…there was no clear answer of who sinned to cause this. And honestly, that didn’t even match up with my theology of suffering. We see blameless people like Job throughout scripture who faced suffering simply to show the glory of God…similar to this blind man.
 
I love Jesus’ statement, because it really gives us the only “why” we need if we find ourselves in the middle of great suffering:
 
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:3, NIV)
 
When you are suffering, it seems as though God has forgotten you. It seems that there is no point. It seems as though His favor is resting on everyone else…and He left you behind. But in this statement by Jesus, we see that the purpose of God is to transform the pain into glory.

It is consistent with His character to do this. His glory WILL be revealed through every tear shed, every panic attack, every moment of deep depression. There is glory after the storm passes, when the still-small voice reaches through.
 
Sometimes I wonder what I would say if I could go back and talk to myself in those dark moments. What would I tell that young mom who was really struggling? What would you go back and say to your previous self as you walked through trials?
 
I think I would lead with, “this is not your fault. And this is not God’s fault. He loves you too much to leave you here. But even here, you will experience His glory. Look for that glory, OK?”
 
It’s not what I would’ve wanted to hear. I think what we want most in those moments is relief! But when the relief doesn’t come, what are we left with? A real and raw relationship where we are forced to cling to the hem of His robe. It’s funny because I hear this sentiment echoed with every single person I’ve talked to who has walked through immense suffering:
 
I wouldn’t change a thing…because it drew me closer to Christ.
 
That closeness with Him is truly priceless. We can’t manufacture that or earn it, we have to live it — through blood, sweat and tears. I do enjoy the sweet relationship that comes from that “hard fought hallelujah” with God. It is beyond what we can even describe, right? I hope that as you face your own trials and hardships this week, you’ll find His glory, even there.

Erika Pizzo

Ever since Sunday, I’ve been thinking about this idea of “resistance.” Pastor Jason shared that there is a resistance that needs to happen against the enemy in our walk with the Lord. The problem with the Pharisees that Jesus confronted was that they did not resist the devil — they actually joined his side.
 
Jesus speaks some very pointed words toward them in John chapter 8 verse 44:
 
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (NIV)
 
Not only did they join the father of lies, but they willingly carried out his plan. They were active participants in the plot to unleash darkness. They gave into their flesh which said, “get rid of this Jesus” and upon doing so, they joined teams with their father - the devil himself.
 
How incredibly hard it would have been to hear these words from Jesus. Yet, this didn’t humble the Pharisees or point them to repentance — it only made them angrier.
 
The resistance they were willing to participate in was a resistance against God’s Spirit…not a resistance to the devil and the flesh. Every one of us are silently choosing to resist something.
 
Jesus makes it clear in this passage that we have a real enemy - one who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. The enemy infiltrates our thinking to make us believe that acting on these flesh-filled desires is really the only way to get our problems to go away. The Pharisees thought the only way to get rid of Jesus was to kill him. Little did they know that they could never truly kill the Son of God.
 
Last year I wrote a book on spiritual warfare, and one of the main verses in that book was the one Pastor Jason quoted on Sunday - 1 Peter 5:8-9:
 
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (NIV)
 
This idea of “resisting” is very similarto the idea found in James 4:7:
 
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (NIV)
 
This word resist in these two verses is the exact same word in Greek: anthistemi. It means to withstand, to set one’s self against, and to oppose.
 
It reminded me of how we are told in Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” (NIV)
 
Standing firm, staying still, staying the course…that is resistance.
 
Often times, I think when we hear about the devil or even talk about spiritual warfare, we imagine ourselves taking performative action — like there is something we need to do to get out of this hard situation. But I wonder if God is inviting us to instead, stay firm and stand our ground.
 
This week I heard of a group on a school trip that were invited into a mosque to bow and pray, and one boy decided he would not bow down. He was not going to kneel and bow to a god he did not believe in — so he stood. He stood there while all his classmates (including the teacher) bowed down.
 
That really took guts to do that, but it reminded me of this concept we are learning here to “resist.” All we have to do is stand, keep staying where we are, keeping fighting the good fight and running our race. We stay in our lane and we don’t worry about anything that can come from the right or the left. That is steadfast resistance.
 
Dear friend, I know you face your own challenges of things that can derail you from staying the course. I hope this concept of staying still as God fights for you will give you great encouragement and hope. Remember, it’s not about what you do or how you earn your standing with Him, it is simply that you are a child of the King and your allegiance stands with Him. Remain steadfast. Resist. He is with you.

Erika Pizzo

Just this week I had to field some harsh comments on social media about my post on how I talk to God. One person said, “If it’s in your head that means it’s just your own thoughts”…another person ridiculed “Jesus is dead, so where are your priorities?”
 
Let me tell you, the internet can be a crazy world! But also, I loved that Pastor Manny shared the message this week from John 8, about how Jesus responded to His own “haters.” He had a very methodical way of answering. There was kindness in His words, even when He was being openly rejected and mocked.
 
When Jesus shared that He and the Father are one, and everything He does comes from the Father, the Pharisees response was a mocking and pointed question, “where is your father?” They weren’t talking about His Heavenly Father like He was, they were talking about Jesus’ earthly one. They thought they knew who he really was; they thought they could strip off his mask and reveal nothing but a fallen human inside.
 
But they were wrong. And we know this. We know that Jesus was different. He wasn’t like other men. He was sinless and filled with a holiness that could only be through His Father. And yet, Jesus took the time to be patient with these Pharisees.
 
Pastor Manny mentioned that the patience of Jesus exemplifies His desire to see that all are saved. It reminded me of one of my favorite verses, that I hope encourages you today too, especially if you are in a season of waiting and feeling like things are going so very “slow”:

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, ESV)
 
He is patient with me. He is patient with you. He is patient with even the “Pharisee” in our lives. His patience knows no bounds, and His desire is that every single person would come to Him.
 
When I got those comments above on my post, I wasn’t sure how to respond. I spent a few days just talking to the Lord, asking Him to help me. I didn’t want to respond in the flesh, even though that would have felt good at the time. To one of those comments, I gave a slow and patient answer - it came from my quiet time with the Lord. But almost immediately, a comment of further rejection came back from that same person. A simple “yikes” as if to say, “you are out of your mind.”
 
Yet even in that rejection, it felt good to sit with Jesus in that uncomfortable place. Because in this passage from John, I saw Him do that so well. There was not some big conversion of the Pharisees in this moment. They didn’t suddenly repent and fall to the ground in humility — no, they doubled-down and continued to insult and reject Jesus.
 
With rejection present, Jesus showed us that in this place, a believer can step in to be the example of humility. Where there is no humility being shown, a humble heart is presented as we abide with God. He has brought us through so much, the least we can do is trust Him in these tough situations. Let’s move away from our fleshly response, and move towards humility and patience…exactly the way Jesus did.

Erika Pizzo

This story of the woman caught in adultery always brings me back to a time where I was stuck in sin, and a time that I chose that sin over Christ. I felt trapped, because I was so addicted to the sin. My love for Him was there, but not strong enough for me to put down the idols.
 
During those years, I felt like Rachel hiding her household idols in her bag as her family fled in Genesis 31. Why did she believe those little statues had any power? Probably the same reason I held onto my sin for deeper desires in my heart…desires like love and belonging.
 
As I look back on those years all I can say is “God, thank you for not giving up on pursuing me!” He never gave up, no matter how entrenched I become in the sin and no matter how much I turned my back on Him in the pursuit of other things.
 
His call for me to come home was steady, constant, and unchanging. I’m sure that is how this woman felt as she stood next to Jesus…the only One who could condemn her, but still chose to forgive.
 
When He told her to “go and sin no more” as she got a second chance at life, I wonder how those words impacted her. Was she eager to do what He said, or did she doubt her own ability to really carry that out?
 
I know for me, the enemy kept me in the lie that I just wasn’t “strong enough” to overcome this. This was similar to what Pastor Jason said when we say things like “this is just who I am” or “I was born this way.” In a way, we are accepting our fate before giving God a chance to transform it. What if He doesn’t want to leave you there…what if He has plans for you to live a “different way?”
 
This doesn’t mean we will never struggle with sin again, or that we won’t fall into temptation — we are human, so we most certainly will! But over time, as our hearts draw closer to our Savior, we will let go of the things of this world more and more. Our desires will change, and our heart will change.
 
I have to wonder how this woman’s heart changed that day. What inside of her began to feel different? What new thing was springing forth inside her soul? How did she walk, and talk and act differently now that she encountered Christ?
 
In the Pharisees’ plot to trap Jesus, we actually receive out of this chapter in John one of the most beloved stories of redemption. No sin is too big for God to come in and transform. No wayward son too far off the path. No daughter too deep in shame.
 
In probably the most humiliating moment of her life, this woman was met with the most grace she’s ever been shown, the most help she’s ever been given, and the most redemption she could ever hope for. She met Jesus. The Author of her faith.
 
I wonder what story of redemption God is weaving in your life? How has He changed the desires of your heart? What idols has he pried from your hands as you slowly let go of your need to live for the world?
 
If you haven’t seen much change yet, maybe it is time to examine. Maybe it is time to release what you’ve been holding on to. Maybe there is work to be done in your heart. Only God can do it; only He can perform the heart surgery we so desperately need. As you examine your own thoughts, mind, and actions this week — let God speak into those parts of your life that need His redeeming touch.

Erika Pizzo

On Sunday, Pastor Jason shared that Jesus is ready and willing to give us the living water we all crave — a real and right relationship with Him.
 
There is a hunger inside of every human soul that only Christ can satisfy, and it all begins with wanting to know Him.
 
Just this week, I was talking with a friend who doesn’t know Jesus. There was an angst in her voice when she talked about all the different directions her mind swas going in at the moment. I felt the heaviness and depression coming through in her words. When Jesus is not your anchor, life can feel like sinking sand.
 
Many times, I have tried to share Jesus with this dear friend. At this point, she knows where I stand. But also, she watches the way that I live. I hope that one day, our conversations will turn into ones of joyous fellowship, but for now, she knows that I’m still here; still loving on her, still waiting in prayer.
 
Do you ever picture how Jesus waits for us to desire that living water? Sometimes I wonder if His heart grows weary, knowing that on earth He did things like “weep over Jerusalem” (Luke 19:41). There must still be moments of heartbreak where He watches people on earth turn away, not choose Him, or go down a path that is further and further away from His good path.
 
But no matter how it must feel to not be chosen or wanted by certain people, God never “needs” us to choose Him. He desires that we do, but like Pastor Jason shared, there is no need from God…just a true desire to know us. Despite broken humans who, at times, don’t choose Him…His heartfelt invitation remains:
 
If you’re thirsty, come to Me.
 
The visual that stood out to me most from Sunday was this idea that the Israelites would pour out their offering, and then stand and listen to the wind. They would wait in expectant hope and anticipation for the Holy Spirit to move. What a beautiful picture of faithfulness. This idea moved my heart to want to sit and wait as I listen for the wind of the Spirit of God.

I have felt and experienced God’s Spirit so many times throughout my life, but there was one moment that stood out to me very clearly, and it was actually at a concert where we sang about God’s Spirit. Thousands of voices were lifted up as we sang the lyrics below:

Our God is consuming fire
Our God is a holy wind
Whatever You speak is done
Whatever You touch will live

- “Where Wind Meets Fire” (Elevation Worship)

This holy-kind-of-waiting also applies to praying for those who have yet to give their life to the Lord — the ones who have yet to taste that Living Water. There is a waiting that happens, but our waiting should not be in despair.

We can have true hope that the Lord will move. We can know with assurance that His hand is always weaving a beautiful tapestry behind the scenes.
 
Let’s wait in expectant hope like those Israelites who waited for the wind of the Holy Spirit. Let’s believe He can and will move. Let’s not let our hearts grow weary of doing good, but to be encouraged in faith that He will do what He has said He will do. He is our Living Water.

Erika Pizzo

Have you ever tried to walk with someone while hugging them? It’s actually very hard to do, because you are trying to side-hug but also be step-by-step.

Today as I walked my kids to school I hugged my son and we walked together…and in the middle of it, I realized that it took his little legs two steps to match my bigger stride of one-step. He had to do double the work to keep up with just one of my steps!

I actually think that walking with God is the opposite of this. He does all the work…the two steps…and we only have to take one step — obedience.

It’s God that does all the working and processing and changing of hearts behind the scenes, but He does want us to be in-step with Him as we go. There is a famous saying out there, “let go, and let God”…and I understand the sentiment here, but I think the Christian walk is a little more like “walk in obedience, and let God work”. There is a two-way partnership going on. This walk of faith involves both parties.

There are so many beautiful images throughout the Bible of what it means to walk with God. Would you allow me to take you through a few of them?

Psalm 1 tells us we are a “like a tree planted by streams of water” that brings forth fruit in its season. Our walk with God is compared to a tree that has roots running deep. Our nourishment comes from those deep roots, roots that draw water from the stream — God, our source.

In John 15 God is called “the vine” and we are “the branches”. There is a strong, ultimate source of authority and power (the vine)…yet our connectedness to Him as the branches causes us to bear fruit. The tethering is what brings life to our soul.

We just visited John 6 where Jesus calls Himself the “bread of life”, and in this analogy, we depend on Him for sustenance, like food. We need the nourishment to not only live and survive, but to feast and abound and do great works for Him. Our walk with God involves regular feasting on our Savior.

With the woman at the well in John 4, Jesus says that He has “living water”. Again, water is needed to live. Without water, we wouldn’t survive. Regular water sustains us, but the water Jesus talks about produces in us a constant contentment that means we will never be thirsty again. Walking with Him means drinking of this water.

A tree, a branch, the bread, and living water….all of these things point to a very specific theme I believe God wants to convey: apart from Him, we can do nothing.

He is our sustenance. He is Giver of life and Sustainer of life. Our walk means we are tethered to Him. In each of these analogies, if one was separated from the other, it would be a complete fracture, or breaking of life. A tree needs water, a branch needs the vine, humans need bread and water to live. All of this is part of God’s design. A close walk with Him means we will not only survive, but we will thrive.

When I walk through large crowds with my kids, I always ask them to stay close and hold my hand. I don’t do this to annoy them, but I do this out of pure protection…complete care for their safety.

That’s why God wants you to stay close to Him. He knows that if you are near Him, that is the safest place in the world to be. He knows that you will grow there, that you will experience breakthrough there, that you will find healing in His embrace.

Do we walk close beside Him, or do we fight against His loving embrace? Would you take time this week to sit with this idea, dear friend?

Ask yourself this: Do I let Him draw me near? Or do I try to go my own way?

Let Him show you what is in your heart.

Erika Pizzo

The other night I was sitting in a theology class and we had a guest professor come speak. He was the head of the philosophy department with an emphasis in metaphysics. Immediately, I felt intimidated just by his title! I thought to myself: will I even be able to keep up with this guy?!
 
But I was thoroughly surprised to hear his response to one student’s thoughtful question:
What field of study do you feel brings you closer to God?
 
His answer was one of pure honesty: “Metaphysics! Because I realize how little I know. And I am OK with that. I don’t have to have all the answers.”
 
What stood out to me about this response was the humility in it. There was a certain feeling I got from him that he had total peace in not knowing everything. Someone who studies and teaches and researches for a living is content with not having all the answers…that gave me reason to pause and think.
 
How often am I the one who wants to have all the answers? Especially when it comes to the Bible. I want to have a ready answer for every single question that comes up. I am quick to offer my “thoughts” on a passage because I want God and His Word to be defended…justified…explained!
 
But as we saw in this week’s passage (John 6:41-71)…some things simply can’t be fully explained on this side of eternity. We can engage with our minds…we can thoughtfully and intellectually choose the more reasonable option…but can we truly explain the deep mysteries of God?
 
Or is it better to find contentment in those mysteries and choose reasonable faith instead?
 
John spells out how these disciples were feeling in this moment, “Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” (John 6:60, NKJV)
 
Jesus doesn’t seem to shy away from “hard sayings.” Instead…He presses in. He isn’t afraid of the uncomfortable conversation. He asks pointedly, “Does this offend you?” (V.61)
 
I love Jesus’ ability to see right into the heart of a situation. Let’s face it…in our flesh, it is very uncomfortable to not have the answers…to not be in “control” of a situation intellectually. But where is true peace found? Perhaps in sitting with the uncomfortable?
 
Maybe I need to be a little more like that philosophy professor…maybe on one or two occasions I could simply say, “Only God knows.”
 
There are mysteries that are beyond what we can understand while we are here on earth. I hold onto hope that one day, these things might make more sense in heaven. But in the meantime, I want to be content with what God gives…with the answers He does freely show us in His Word.
 
Because let’s face it, there really is so much beautiful truth in His Word that He has spelled out for us! Can we be content with that? Can we choose reasonable faith from what we have? I believe so! And my philosophy professor would also choose reasonable faith.
 
May we be like Peter, sitting in the mystery, but simultaneously realizing that there is nowhere else to go. Only Jesus makes the most sense in this fallen, broken world! Let us join Peter in saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68, NKJV)
 
He’s got the answers, and we can be content with the rest.

Erika Pizzo

I have several friends who are currently walking through their own storms at this very moment. I have pleaded with God to take away their suffering and have asked Him to calm the storm in an instant…He hasn’t yet, but I continue to pray.
 
As I pray, I become more attune to what He is doing in the situation. Have you experienced this? Maybe you start by pleading for someone’s suffering to lift…but then in the middle of it, you start to see the growth in that person. You see the depth of their faith, you wonder how they are so strong in the Lord after all this suffering. But all the while, God is shaping them, molding them.
 
This is when believers find themselves in the “wind and waves” of this life. The storms, the trials, the tests.
 
I stopped and took note of Pastor Jason’s point on Sunday about what happens in these storms:
 
“Jesus disciples us through difficult situations.
These difficult situations reveal what is really there.”
 
Like a little tea bag that holds the tea leaves inside of it…on the surface you wouldn’t even know what is in there. But when the hot water hits, the tea comes out.
 
It makes you wonder…what comes out of us when the “hot water” of life hits? Where do we turn for comfort in the chaos of the wind and waves?
 
Pastor Jason candidly spoke of what he feels like doing after a long day of work and ministry…sitting on the couch! How I could relate. I often want to isolate, not talk to anyone, watch my comfort shows, or simply just sleep!
 
But here we see Jesus…going away to pray. To be with the Father. Prayer is His “safe space”….His sacred security.
 
I wonder what would happen if we all stopped turning from our coping mechanisms and turned to prayer instead…what would life be like? How much stronger and deeper would our faith actually be?
 
Pastor Jason pointed out that these times of trial are not always the work of the enemy…but at times, they are for our testing — for our development. He said it this way:
 
“(This storm) was not demonic, it was developmental.”
 
Developmental. It is hard to think of storms in this way. Because when you’re in the throws of it, like my friends who are facing immense pain — physically and emotionally — the last thing on your mind is “growth.” But it is on God’s mind. He is always looking to “develop” us and “disciple” us into people who look more and more like Jesus.
 
As we are broken, and molded, and developed and discipled…what comes out of it might just surprise us. A deeper faith, a stronger foundation, an assurance that when the next storm comes…we can face it with courage and might.
 
Who knows how your trial today will prepare you for what is to come? And I don’t say this to scare you, but to strengthen you. In the testing, He is also strengthening us.
 
This is one of my favorite passages to send to close friends who are walking through tough trials, because there is incredible hope in what is happening here. This is where the deep shift happens to our internal life —where the Christian walk gets especially good.
 
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen, you.”
1 Peter 5:10 (RSV)

Erika Pizzo

I know I usually write about the message that we heard this past Sunday, but today I felt the Lord leading me to talk about something else.
 
Can I make a confession to you? Sometimes Easter Sundays are difficult for me. I know this is the opposite of what you think a believer would say…but let me explain. Sometimes Easter becomes a really big production. There are huge props, lights, sounds, social media posts, and things that are meant to be “seen.”. I am much more of a Good Friday service kind-of-person with the quiet contemplation of the cross. I know not everyone shares my take, but this Sunday really felt different…it felt like being “home.”
 
Yes, there was powerful music. The Lord’s name was lifted high. Pastor Jason’s message got to the heart of what Jesus did in rising from the dead. It was beautiful…but it also felt like home. It felt like our church family just being who they always are. No major production, just worship. That felt right. Did you feel it too?
 
I always wonder how pastors can cover the same exact story of the resurrection over and over again every single year. It has to be hard to try your best to re-invent the wheel, in a way. But this Sunday, I was looking at the resurrection with fresh eyes. No longer about putting on our Sunday best, but instead, coming as we are…and letting the change happen internally. No external theatrics, but a true internal heart posture that was soft to change. There was a quietness and reverence about Sunday that I didn’t expect.
 
I am someone who spends their life in church…and I love my church family! But sometimes Easter can feel like an unfamiliar place. It shouldn’t, but I can’t help but get caught in those unfamiliar feelings sometimes and wonder…is this how it is supposed to be?
 
But this Sunday, I sensed a humility about Easter. A true coming to the cross, where nothing else mattered. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy Easters past…but I felt the intentionality in this one. I know it takes an entire team to do this, and to make people feel at “home” in our church, and I just want to say, from the bottom of my heart – thank you.
 
I know if you’re reading this, you were probably a very big part of that. You brought the humility on Sunday that we all needed, amidst a world that often feels like it’s falling apart. How sweet to worship at the feet of Jesus when things seem so uncertain.
 
I read this quote in a Spurgeon devotional the other morning, and I felt like it encapsulated the joy I felt at church on Sunday. Allow me to share it with you:
 
“What a bright light may shine within us when it is really dark outside! How firm, how happy, how calm, how peaceful we may be when the world shakes, and the foundations of the earth removed!
 
Even death itself, with all its terrible influences, has no power to suspend the music of a Christian’s heart, but instead makes that music become more sweet, more clear, more heavenly, until the last kind act that death can do is allow the earthly song to melt into the heavenly chorus, the temporal joy into the eternal bliss!
 
Let us have confidence, then, in the blessed Spirit’s power to comfort us.”
 
I hope that on Sunday, like me, those who visited felt that “happy, calm, peaceful” feeling of knowing Jesus. It is truly unique isn’t it? We have something precious that the world sincerely craves!

Keep spreading the Good News. Keep sharing that light. He is with us.

Erika Pizzo