In one sense, we do this every Easter, every time we take communion, and every time we gather as believers. But for many, Lent is a season of special and intentional focus.

The Gospel writers record something remarkable at the moment Jesus died.

While Jesus was dying on the cross, something sacred was happening inside the Temple.

The veil of the temple was torn in two.

This moment is not random or incidental; it is infused with deep theological meaning and has tremendous personal significance for us today.

The temple veil shows us three powerful realities:

• The Barrier between humanity and God

• The Blood required to enter God’s presence

• The Breakthrough Jesus accomplished on the cross

The Barrier

The torn temple veil first reminds us of the barrier that existed between humanity and God.

In Leviticus 11:44, God declares:

“I am holy.”

The Lord God Almighty is holy not just because He’s beautiful, or because He’s in charge (although these absolutely are qualities that distinguish Him as holy), but even more so because He is sinless.

In the temple there were several sections:

• the outer courts

• the inner courts

• the Holy Place

• and the Holy of Holies

The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Behind that veil was the Ark of the Covenant, representing the personal presence of God.

Only one person could go behind the veil: the High Priest. And he could only enter once per year, on the Day of Atonement.

Why?

Because the veil declared that God is divinely set apart, and sin cannot casually enter His presence.

Leviticus records this warning:

The Lord said to Moses, “Warn your brother, Aaron, not to enter the Most Holy Place behind the inner curtain whenever he chooses; if he does, he will die. For the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—is there, and I myself am present in the cloud above the atonement cover.”

Leviticus 16:2 (NLT)

The veil was a constant reminder that sin creates distance between God and humanity.

The Blood

But the veil also pointed to something else: Jesus’ sacrifice that cleanses us from sin.

Inside the Holy of Holies, behind this veil, was the personal, manifest presence of God. To enter God’s presence, a sacrifice had to be made.

Scripture tells us:

For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.
Hebrews 9:22b (NLT)

The sacrificial system pointed forward to something greater.

Jesus became the ultimate High Priest who entered the true Holy of Holies on our behalf.

With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.

Hebrews 9:12 (NLT)

Christ’s sacrifice cleanses us from sin and gives us access to God!

A Moment At the Western Wall

I’ve had the privilege of visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem twice.

The Western Wall is part of the retaining wall of the Second Temple—the closest place Jewish people today can come to where the Holy of Holies once stood.

For centuries, people have gathered there to pray. Some place written prayers into the cracks of the stones.

When I stood up against the wall, I put both hands on the stones, and began to pray to the Lord.

While I stood there reflecting on where I was, and its meaning for so many people today—suddenly the Muslim call to prayer sounded across the city, where they are called five times a day to face Mecca and pray to God.

In the midst of that sacred moment, I was struck by a holy realization: for many people standing there, that wall represented the closest place they could come to God’s presence.

Yet as a Christian believer, I already carried the presence of God with me.

As believers in Christ, the Spirit of God lives in us!

Through Jesus, God’s presence no longer lives behind a curtain.

The Breakthrough

Through Christ, we now have access to God!

And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.

Hebrews 10:19 (NLT)

Because of the blood of Jesus:

• God is no longer distant.

• God is no longer hidden.

• God is no longer behind a curtain.

We now have direct, personal access to God Himself!

The Apostle Paul writes:

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”

Romans 8:11, 15 (NLT)

“Abba” is an affectionate, endearing term for father. Now, we can approach God with that kind of confidence and love. We now have access to God’s presence in this special way!

Why It Matters Today:
You Can Experience Personal Breakthrough

The torn temple veil means that we can have personal breakthrough in any area of our lives that we bring to Christ.

Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.

Hebrews 9:14 (NLT)

Whatever burdens you are carrying today:

• Guilt — replaying past mistakes again and again

• Shame — feeling unable to speak honestly about what you’ve done

• Addiction — being dominated by returning patterns, thoughts, or desires

• Anxiety about the future — living under the crushing weight of fear

• Anger or bitterness — wanting others to hurt the way you have hurt

You can experience breakthrough in that area when you bring it to God!

You can experience freedom when you bring it to Jesus Christ!

There is no veil separating you from Him.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

The freedom Christ purchased for you with His blood is not merely:

• Political freedom

• Cultural freedom

• Religious identity

Christ came to give us freedom from:

• Chains of sin that bind us!

• Spiritual blindness that stops us!

• Separation from God that destroys us!

Jesus’ work on the cross means that we are released from slavery to sin and are freed to live our lives in service to God!

Share Prayer Sparks

Why It Matters Today:
We Can Believe Breakthrough Is Possible for Others

The torn temple veil means that we can pray in faith believing breakthrough for others—even those who don’t know Christ.

There are many people we know who don’t yet know the love of Christ, who don’t understand the direction their lives are headed or the pathway they are on.

The Word of God says there is still a spiritual veil over the eyes of those who do not yet know Christ.

16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NLT)

This veil is only removed in Christ.

So we pray with faith, believing breakthrough for others:

• We pray that the veil of sin would be lifted.

• We pray that their eyes would be opened to the truth of the Gospel.

• We pray that they would experience the same freedom that we have received, the freedom that comes from Christ’s love.

What the Torn Veil Means Today

The torn temple veil reveals three great Gospel realities: the barrier created by sin, the blood required for forgiveness, and the breakthrough Jesus accomplished on the cross.

Because the veil is torn:

• We can experience breakthrough in every area we bring to Christ!

• We can pray for breakthrough in the lives of others!

When you think about your own life, where might the Spirit of God want to bring freedom or breakthrough?

Is there a person or situation that feels impossible to change? Pray with the kind of faith that comes from knowing the veil is torn and the Spirit of God is at work!

Prayer Spark:

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that it is only through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that the barrier of sin separating us from you has been broken. We thank you for your love, forgiveness, and new life. We ask for your cleansing power to work in our hearts and minds now, that the blood of Jesus would sprinkle us clean from guilty consciences and that we would live in holy service to you.

Today, we pray for those we love who are far from you. We also think of world situations that seem so difficult to change. We pray with faith knowing that your Spirit is at work in our world, and we ask that you lift the veil of sin and spiritual blindness. We pray that hearts become open to the truth of the Gospel. We pray the freedom that Christ came for would be true in the lives of others and in our world.

We thank you and praise you. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen!

This reflection was adapted from a message I shared at a community Lenten service. If you'd like to hear the full message, you can listen here.

Tell your children about it in the years to come,
and let your children tell their children.
Pass the story down from generation to generation.

Joel 1:3 (NLT)

During the Ecumenical Lenten season, churches in our community gather across denominational lines to remember the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus.

While every tradition has a unique emphasis, it’s important to remember our spiritual heritage.

We will not hide these truths from our children;
we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord,
about his power and his mighty wonders.

Psalm 78:4 (NLT)

Last year I had the opportunity to preach at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, one of the local Catholic parishes during our Ecumenical Lenten services, and this year it was a joy to share at First United Methodist Church.

As Pentecostals, we have important roots in the Methodist Church. John Wesley’s emphasis on holiness, a personal conversion experience, and revival theology shaped not only Methodism, but Pentecostal theology that eventually flowed out of it.

My grandfather was a Methodist minister, and my father is a Pentecostal pastor.

In many ways, I was standing in a place of spiritual heritage. It felt like being with spiritual cousins.

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

2 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)

In the Lenten Service there were believers representing many Christian traditions—Catholic, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, AME, Methodist, and others.

I have such gratitude for being able to minister in another tradition. It’s wonderful to be able to come together, celebrate Jesus together, and meet other believers you didn’t know were part of God’s family.

Experiences like this expand your view of God’s Kingdom and the work of His Spirit. And they also make you thankful for what God is doing in your own church—I left even more excited for what God is doing in ours!

Modern Pentecostalism is often traced to William J. Seymour and the Azusa Street Revival. Seymour himself had Methodist and Holiness influences, and the revival emphasis of that tradition helped prepare the ground for what became the modern Pentecostal movement.

Even our own church, First Assembly of God of Freehold Township, has similar roots. It began as a prayer meeting among several believers from mainline congregations that became Pentecostal when the Holy Spirit moved—and our church was born in 1928.

Below is the link to the livestream, which included participation from Rev. Yoseb Jeon, A Joyful Noise (their praise team), and myself.

You can watch the service here:

Watch the Lent Service

I’m grateful for the opportunity to not just talk about unity—but to actually walk it out together!

How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1 (NIV)

When we pray for the Kingdom of God to advance, I think for many of us, we usually imagine that meaning only our church or our denomination growing.

But the Kingdom of God is bigger than any one church.

I’ve heard Pastor Doug Clay, our General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, say that we’re not the only game in town—but he’s thankful for our slice of the Kingdom pie. I’ve always liked that way of putting it.

One of the ways we experience that each year is through the Ecumenical Lent Services hosted by the Greater Freehold Clergy Association.

It’s great to not only visit other churches, but also to meet people in God’s family that we might never have known otherwise. And we get to put into practice the idea of dwelling together in unity.

It’s one thing to talk about Christian unity—it’s another thing to practice it!

(And no—church-hopping isn’t a way of practicing unity or ecumenism. Sometimes people talk about it like it’s something to be proud of. The reality is church hopping usually stunts your spiritual growth rather than making you more “well rounded.” Sorry, that’s the pastor in me speaking up!).

Each Wednesday during the season of Lent, a different church in our community hosts a prayer service and invites a guest minister from another congregation to speak. We share a meal together before and after the service. It’s wonderful to break bread together with other believers.

This year, our church had the privilege of hosting the first service (after the previous week was canceled by the historic Blizzard of 2026, with 24.2” of snow in Freehold!).

It was exciting to have Msgr. Sam Sirianni of the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine join us as our guest minister.

There were believers representing many Christian traditions—Catholic, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, AME, Methodist, and others.

Below is the audio from that service, which included participation from Rev. Paul Glassford, our Youth Pastor; Rev. Emily Cantrell, our Children’s Pastor; Rev. Ruth Scott (Convener of the GFCA), Msgr. Sam Sirianni, and myself.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to not just talk about unity—but to actually walk it out together!

That’s what’s so amazing about our God; He can take what was burned down and rebuild it into something better.

Some of us have been burned by the words of others—criticism, gossip, things said that were never taken back.

Here’s what’s true: God can rebuild what words have burned down.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

The Greek word used in this practical scripture is often translated, “edification,” which simply means, “to build up.”

Speaking life means that we choose to use our words to build others up, not tear them down.

Taking this Scripture to heart means resolving that our words will no longer be used to destroy, but only to build instead.

• When someone gossips, I choose not to join in.

• When someone complains, I refuse to add fuel.

• When I feel negativity rising in me, I correct my heart.

Why? Because my words have power! They create direction. They can burn down—but they can also build up!

Building others up sounds like this:

• You’re not alone.

• I believe in you.

• I’m proud of you.

“According to their needs” means that I listen long enough to know what would be helpful to this person.

How well are you listening to those around you?

Our words have the power to build something new.

Where have you been burned by the words of others?

What words has God spoken over you that can rebuild what others have burned?

Who is God inviting you to encourage or build up this week? How can you do so according to their needs?

Our words have power.
Let’s use them like our Creator to bring life.

Prayer Spark:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the power you’ve given me in stewarding my lips for your glory. Lord Jesus, I resolve to reflect your life, ministry, character, and heart in all my speech. Holy Spirit, I invite you into my conversations and ask that you would positively use my words to build life in others.

Thank you, Lord, for your words over me. Give me your insight and your heart for people, that I would build up those around me according to their needs. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen!

Scriptures for Reflection:

• Ephesians 4:29

• Psalm 147:3

• Proverbs 12:18

• Proverbs 16:24

• Isaiah 50:4

• Isaiah 61:3–4

Speak Life Series

God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.

Matthew 5:9 (NLT)

Rather than whispering quietly in the dark, we use our words to redirect toward the light!

One of the Church Fathers said this:

When we speak about wisdom, we are speaking about Christ.
When we speak about virtue, we are speaking about Christ.
When we speak about justice, we are speaking about Christ.
When we speak about peace, we are speaking about Christ.
When we speak about truth and life and redemption, we are speaking about Christ.

–Ambrose of Milan

With every breath, we always talk about Christ! Rather than focusing on what’s dark, negative, or ambiguous, we speak of Christ’s wisdom, virtue, justice, peace, truth, life and redemption. We can bring Him in to any and every conversation.

A youth group mom I know would tell the story constantly of her first visit to church—it was a snow day and the church was closed that Sunday. Every time she retold it, she would reenter the negative emotion of that day.

My wife once chimed in, “I’m so glad that you came back to church the next week!”

Instantly, her demeanor changed, a huge smile came across her face and she answered, “Yes, me too!” and began speaking of how much she loved the youth group and the church she was now part of.

You don’t always have to correct people—sometimes you simply steer the conversation toward the light!

In conversation, we can redirect to Christ by:

• 🌱 Choosing to speak life instead of criticism about a person

• 🙏 Pausing to pray in the moment

• 📖 Gently pointing people back to God’s truth

Being a peacemaker means choosing to point people toward Christ in every conversation.

This week, how can you take an ordinary conversation—at your job, with a friend, or even in your marriage—and redirect it back to Christ?

Prayer Spark:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your work in my life. You deserve all the glory and honor and praise. I invite you to be in every conversation I have this week. Give me courage, wisdom, and favor with others that I can gently point my conversations towards you. Let my lips bring glory to your name and attract others to your love. In your name Jesus I pray, amen!

Scriptures for Reflection:

• Matthew 5:9

• Proverbs 17:4

• Titus 2:10

Speak Life Series

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

James 3:6 (NIV)

A fire blanket is designed to do one thing: stop a fire from spreading.

It stops the flow of oxygen and smothers the flames. Fire cannot survive once it’s covered.

Gossip and careless words are like a fire.

Speaking life means that we use our words intentionally to stop the spread of damaging discussion. We become a fire blanket, cutting off the oxygen gossip needs to survive.

You can throw sparks at the blanket.
You can blow flames at the blanket.
But once it’s covered—it’s done.

“Gossip leads to criticism, and criticism kills love.”
–Corrie Ten Boom, Christian Holocaust Survivor

If gossip kills love, let’s kill gossip—with love! Being a fire blanket means I refuse to provide fuel to the fire.

I don’t escalate.
I don’t add commentary.

Resolve within yourself: Gossip will not work with me!

I choose to speak peace.
I choose to stop the spread.

For lack of wood the fire goes out,
and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.
Proverbs 26:20 (ESV)

At one of my jobs, there was a gossip circle. Everyone would talk about whoever wasn’t in that day.

Sometimes they would try to pull me in, too — “Matt, what do you think?”

Whenever they would try to rope me in, I responded: “Honestly, I don’t think we should talk about people when they’re not here.”

Pfft. Instantly deflated.

It got real quiet real fast. You could feel the conversation totally die. I know that everyone hated when I said that!

Pro-tip: Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.

You can call it being a stick-in-the-mud. You can call it whatever you want. But I’d rather be someone who puts out fires than someone who fuels them.

I want to protect people, preserve trust, and bring peace wherever I go!

This week, how can you use your words to stop the spread of damaging discussion and instead speak life to those around you?

A great rule of thumb is this: speak as if they’re in the room. Only say what you would say if they were standing right next to you.

Prayer Spark:

Jesus, I ask that my words would be like yours. Let my speech be filled with love that covers all kinds of sin and evil. I resolve not to be like others around me, but to reflect your Spirit within me. Give me practical wisdom on how to lovingly put out potential fires around me through positive speech. In your name Jesus I pray, amen.

Scriptures for Reflection:

• James 3:6

• Proverbs 26:20

• 1 Peter 4:10

Speak Life Series

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

The Hebrew word hay translated “life” in this passage doesn’t just mean being alive, but living in the state of healthiness, happiness, energy, vitality, fullness and joy!

Your words have that power—to bring life, vitality, fullness and joy!

Your words even have the power to heal relationships.

Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)

Your words have the positive power to bring healing and create a culture of life, wherever you go.

It all comes down to how we choose to use our words.

What kind of life do your words bring?

Here’s a way to find out.

When you enter a room—are you a breath of fresh air?

Or do people exhale when you leave?

Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken in right circumstances.
Proverbs 25:11 (NASB 95)

Words can build you up, bring life, and restore hope.

Have you ever had someone speak the right word at the right time in your life? What was that like?

Ask the Lord to help you do the same for someone else.

Prayer Spark:

Lord God, I pray that at work, at home, at church, and in private, you would infuse my words with your life and your healing. Let my lips be in harmony with your Spirit. I ask for supernatural sensitivity in my relationships so that I would bring your love into all my conversations. In your name Jesus I pray, amen.

Scriptures for Reflection:

• Proverbs 15:4

• Proverbs 15:28

• Proverbs 16:23

• Proverbs 16:24

• Proverbs 25:11

Speak Life Series

7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:7-8 (NIV)

Have you ever talked about someone, rather than to them?

Scripture speaks of a poison, or cancer, that comes from words that can kill the body of Christ. It’s called gossip.

The Apostle Paul exhorts:

16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer,[a] as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus.

2 Timothy 2:16-17 (NLT)

Gossip can be defined:

• 🗣️ Talking about someone rather than to someone

• 🔐 Sharing information that isn’t yours to share

• 🤫 Whispered, speculative, unnecessary speech

It happens in corners, in the dark, in hushed tones—because it’s wrong.

Gossip doesn’t just hurt people—it incinerates trust, it sears relationships & unity, and it scorches spiritual progress. It’s true in our jobs, in our families, and especially true in our churches.

The Bible places great weight on our words and on our whispers.

The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels,
And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

Proverbs 18:8 (NASB 95)

This teaches us that people hang on to what is said long after we’ve moved on from it.

Words stay there. They rattle around in our minds, and sink deep into our hearts. People can live on those words even though we’ve already moved on and forgotten them.

Jesus says one day, we’ll give an account for every thoughtless word we’ve ever spoken:

36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”

Matthew 12:36-37 (NLT)

Careless words are not casual to God.

Where have you been careless with your words?

• 🎙️ Tone: Sometimes it’s not what you say, but how you say it.

• ⏰ Timing: Speaking when we’re tired, stressed, hungry, or heated.

• 💭 Venting / Processing: Saying we’re processing, but we’re being irresponsible.

• 😬 Cutting Jokes: Sarcasm that leaves a bruise.

• 🔓 Loose Lips: “Don’t tell anyone, but…”

• 📱 Digital Words: Easy to text or to type, but consequences to what we share

Maturing with our words means responsibility for what we say. It means choosing to be thoughtful with the words we speak.

How will you shape your conversations today, knowing that we will give an account of our words before God?

Who do you need to speak to directly instead of talking about carelessly?

Prayer Spark:

Lord, I pray not only for your forgiveness in my careless words, but for your redemptive power over them. In this moment, my whisper is to you and you alone. As I speak with you now, show me what displeases you. I will turn my careless words at work, at home, at church, and in private to careful words that please you. I turn from evil and pursue your holiness. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Scriptures for Reflection:

• James 3:5-8

• 2 Timothy 2:16-17

• Proverbs 11:13

• Proverbs 18:8

• Proverbs 16:28

• Matthew 12:36-37

• 1 Timothy 5:13

• Romans 1:29

Speak Life Series

¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

James 3:11-12 (NIV)

Words reveal the true nature of our heart.

James is picking up on the language and imagery of Jesus. Different types of trees produce different kinds of fruit; the nature of their fruit reveals the kind of tree they really are.

In Matthew chapter 12, Jesus uses the same symbolism to describe the condition of our hearts:

What do your words reveal about what’s in the treasury of your heart?

What we repeatedly speak about begins to shape our reality. Our words mold our hearts and set the course of our lives.

Our words don’t just describe what’s happening around us; they unearth what’s happening within us.

When you reflect on your words, what kind of fruit are they producing right now?

What words may the Lord be inviting you to speak with that produce more godly fruit in line with His desires?

Prayer Spark:

Lord, let the fruit of my lips be pleasing to you. Through the work of your Spirit, I pray that my speech on the outside would embody the work you are doing on the inside. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Scriptures for Reflection:

• James 3:11-12

• 1 Peter 3:10

Speak Life Series

3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.

James 3:3, 4, 5a (NIV)

Words steer our direction.

Pastor and author Mark Batterson says it this way: “Words create worlds.”

With just His word, God created the cosmos. And from that moment on, the universe has continued to expand, obeying God’s command: Let there be light.

Our words have creative power, too. Scripture tells us that we are made in His likeness. Words aren’t just sound waves leaving our mouths; they’re powerful tools that shape our reality, influence our mindset, and impact our experiences.

Studies show negative words shape anxiety and depression. It takes multiple positive words to undo one careless one. Children who grow up affirmed by parents and loving influences walk differently into adulthood.

James says the tongue is small—but it’s steering the direction of our lives.

The question isn’t whether your words have power.

The question is: Where are your words taking you?

• Toward gratitude—or toward complaint?

• Toward faith—or toward fear?

• Toward life—or toward frustration?

What’s one small shift you could make today to let your words bring more life?

Prayer Spark:

Lord God, I thank you for the wonderful privilege and great responsibility you’ve given me to steward my words carefully. Open my mind to see what changes you would have me make to how I speak. May my mouth become your vessel. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Scriptures for Reflection:

• Proverbs 18:21

• James 3:1-5

Speak Life Series

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

Our words have power, whether we realize it or not.

Words can hurt—and they can heal.
Words can burn—and they can build.

Yet, most people don’t think it applies to them. Some of us shrug it off. Other times, we don’t give ourselves enough credit. We don’t think our words really carry much weight or value.

Growing in our walk with God means understanding the power that our words have.

The Book of James speaks directly to the power of our words, and the responsibility that comes with them.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, went from thinking his older brother was a lost cause to worshiping Him as the Son of God. That alone tells you something about Jesus!

James wrote this letter to believers with a focus on practical wisdom. His words echo the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and the wisdom of Proverbs. In chapter 3, and really throughout his entire letter, James shows that words are never neutral.

Your words carry power.

Are you willing to let the Holy Spirit reshape the way you speak?

As we reflect on James’ wisdom, let’s pray that we would use the power of our words to speak life to those around us.

Prayer Spark:

Lord God, today I recognize that my words carry true power and weight. I open my mind and heart to receive instruction from your Holy Word on how you want to use my words to glorify you. I pray that my words would speak your life. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Scriptures for Reflection:

• Proverbs 18:21

• James 3:1-12

• Isaiah 6:1-7

Speak Life Series

For many of us, we can experience a hesitation in prayer time with God. We may ask God for things, but what if that isn’t what He wants?

• “Lord, help this vacation work out—unless you’re leading us in a different direction.”

• “Lord, I’m asking you to change things at work—unless you’re preparing me for something else.”

• “Lord, heal this relationship—unless this season is meant to teach me something I can’t see yet.”

These prayers aren’t wrong. In fact, Jesus Himself prayed this way at the most critical crossroads in human history:

³⁹ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Matthew 26:39 (NIV)

Thankfully, Scripture gives us not only tremendous hope in praying God’s will, but some powerful, practical insight for our own prayer times.

You Are Not Praying Alone

Did you know that you have two members of the Godhead praying for you? Both the Spirit and the Son are “interceding” for us before the Father.

²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Romans 8:26-27, 34 (NIV)

This revelation from scripture is deeply transformative for our confidence before God. You aren’t on your own when you pray. James says that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16); how much more the prayers of God the Son and God the Spirit? Wow, that is incredible!

It may seem like a funny concept—members of the Trinity praying to God the Father—yet it’s exactly what the Scripture is teaching us.

Intercession is praying on behalf of someone else. It essentially means, “to stand in the gap.”

We see an example of this when Abraham interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah, literally bargaining with God (Genesis 18:18-33). Like a middle-eastern heckler, Abraham was going back and forth with the Father, standing in the gap and praying for a people who wouldn’t or couldn’t pray for themselves—and who didn’t deserve it!

You and I—rather than Abraham, Moses, or David—have both Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit interceding for us. That is powerful.

This knowledge alone is enough to revolutionize our faith, trust, and confidence when we come before God.

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Prayers Before The Throne

So, what are the Son and the Spirit praying for?

²⁶ In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; ²⁷ and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:26-27 (NASB95)

The Holy Spirit, along with Jesus, is praying the perfect will of God.

Imagine this holy image described to us by scripture:

God the Father, the righteous, almighty King of Heaven and of Earth, is seated on His throne ruling the entirety of the cosmos. The Book of Revelation describes otherworldly creatures beyond comprehension surrounding the throne giving constant glory and honor and praise (Revelation 4:6-8).

At His right hand, seated beside Him—in glory, royalty and majesty—is Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity. Now vindicated and taken up in glory (1 Timothy 3:16), He takes His position ruling and reigning with God the Father over all Creation. And in His supremacy, He continually offers intercession for His saints, the believers.

Proceeding from the Father and the Son, the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, comes alongside believers, not only to guide us in truth, counsel and righteous living (John 14:26), but to advocate for us and shape our prayers as He prays with us.

²⁶ In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; ²⁷ and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:26-27 (NASB95)

The Holy Spirit prays God’s pleasing will for us, as well as His excellent will through us.

The Father knows exactly what His saints are burdened with, because He searches the hearts and knows the mind of the Spirit, who is Himself praying for and praying with the saints.

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What Are “Groanings”?

“Groanings too deep for words” can be understood in a couple of ways.

1. When Words Fall Short, And Pain Feels Greater Than Prayer

There are times in our lives when we truly are hurting beyond measure, hopelessly confused, and genuinely worn out—and words themselves become difficult in prayer.

It’s in these spaces, when all we can do is moan in heartache, that God’s Spirit will pray for us through these “inexpressible groanings” (NET).

There are times in life when we are so grieved by natural evil around us, or moral evil committed against us, that words themselves escape us. We become aware of a deep longing, or groaning inside, that the world is not as it should be, and we desire divine justice, mercy, and wholeness.

In these agonizing moments, an inexplicable consolation comes from the Holy Spirit. He reminds us of the future hope that lies ahead—when Christ will make all things right—and steadies us in the reality of God’s ever-present nearness to the brokenhearted (Romans 8:18–25; Psalm 34:18). He does for us, in our most helpless moments, what we find impossible to do ourselves.

Thank you, Lord, that when my words fall short, your Holy Spirit will continue to pray alongside me in the most difficult moments.

2. Praying in the Spirit

Secondly and more specifically, many Pentecostals will understand this passage to include praying in the Holy Spirit, or praying in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:2, 4, 14-15, 28; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 1:20). This type of Holy Spirit led prayer is what some call a “personal prayer language.”

While I understand that not everyone believes this or practices this, personally I believe this is a wonderful gift from God that can aid us in praying His perfect will.

When you pray in the Spirit, you aren’t guessing if it’s God’s will or not—the vocabulary is the Holy Spirit’s! So you can be assured that you are praying in harmony with God’s own desires.

We find in the pages of the New Testament that praying in tongues privately allows us to connect with God in deep, meaningful, fulfilling ways (1 Corinthians 14:2, 4, 14-15, 28).

For more on Spirit-Led Prayer, check out my sermon here.

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What This Means For How We Should Pray

The Scripture gives us tremendous insight and revelation into the character and relationship of the Triune God and His activity with His people, and it truly reorients our prayer life.

A. Pray With The Son

In order to pray in greater alignment with the pleasing will of the Godhead, ask yourself:

What is Jesus Christ—who is, in this moment, seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for the saints—praying for you right now?

If that question feels difficult to answer…

Return to the Word of God. Abide in Christ’s words, His teachings, and His ministry. Allow His life and example to inform the specific content of your prayers, whatever your situation or circumstances may be. Use the Word of God to echo prayers that are in line with what Jesus Christ Himself is currently interceding for you and for others.

B. Pray With The Spirit

Be led by God’s Spirit in prayer, not merely your own “to do” list, by cultivating an increased sensitivity to His promptings, as well as growing in what the New Testament describes as, “praying in the Holy Spirit,” (1 Corinthians 14:2, 4, 14-15, 28; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 1:20).

Grow in awareness of how the Holy Spirit shapes your prayers about your situation in design with the Father’s will.

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Prayer Changes Things

In this very moment, both the Son and the Spirit are interceding on our behalf.

• The Son prays in perfect proximity, harmony, and alignment with the Father’s will.

• The Spirit personally comes alongside us—strengthening our weakness and shaping our prayers—interceding for us and through us.

With this profound truth illuminating our hearts and minds, we can pray with a tremendous sense of confidence as we align ourselves with the prayers of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

When we do, we can be assured that we are drawn into the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).

Prayer Spark: Heaven’s Perfect Will

Father God, I thank you for allowing me to come boldly into your throne room to find mercy and grace when I need it most.

Jesus, I thank you for your sacrifice on the cross that makes this possible, and for continually making intercession for me, as well as for all your saints around the world.

Holy Spirit, fill me with yourself, and allow my circumstances to come into harmony with the perfect will of God. I pray that you move within me, and move within others right now.

I lift up my situation to you, Lord, submitting it into your hands. Open my ears and tune my heart to bear witness to your prayers for me and for those involved in my present circumstances. Flow within us and through us, so that we will live out your good, pleasing, perfect will.

AI changed everything, and like anything else, it’s a tool that can be used to distract or to enhance. It’s all about the way you choose to use it.

I was listening to The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God podcast by Justin Brierley, and he featured a guest that recently became a Christian. Part of his journey toward God actually involved using ChatGPT. He was using it to learn more about the Christian faith by having it role-play ancient theologians, asking them questions, and even had multiple theologians dialogue with one another.

I was so intrigued. I’ve always loved learning about church history and have a general understanding of ancient figures and early Church Fathers. I was inspired and began doing the same; using AI to ask these theologians questions and quiz myself on what I knew.

Then one weekend, after attending a Greek Festival at a local Greek Orthodox church, I found myself wondering how incredible it would be to listen to a podcast where ancient theologians discussed some of these same questions. And then it hit me: I could make that podcast.

Back to the Dorm Room

I called my friend Matt Lingafelt, a Bible professor and one of my closest friends from college. Matt earned his theology degree from the University of Valley Forge and his master’s from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. I knew his voice and insight would be key, being far more familiar with many of these theological figures and their writings than I was. He loved the idea. It gave us a reason to reconnect and talk theology again, just like we did back in our college dorm rooms.

Our goal with the Dead Theologians Podcast is to learn from these historical voices and explore their modern relevance for today. It’s tempting to ask AI what these figures might think about current cultural hot topics or theological questions we have today, but we try to avoid that; it would be pure speculation. Instead, we aim to shape each script around their ideas and writings, using fresh language to learn about their contributions and hitting the modern questions that we have today.

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So far, we’ve featured five pairings of theologians, each with a follow-up discussion episode, for a total of ten episodes in our first season. This podcast is not just for learning about theology, but it’s our space for dialogue as well. We’ve liked using this format because it allows us to learn more about theological figures and topics, while also having conversations to address modern topics.

I love the podcast tagline as well. It’s a great reminder for all of the things that we face today, no matter what we’re having dialogue about:

We’ve got a lot to learn, if we’re willing to listen.

Check out our latest episode here!

The room was warm, filled with the glow of worship and the presence of community as we gathered together while the snow gently came down around us. It was a reminder that God is worthy of our worship no matter what the weather is outside.

During worship, we reflected on how Scripture often uses creation to inform and inspire our worship, especially in the Psalms—using the descriptions of nature to ascribe praises to the Lord.

The world around us can become a guide, helping us lift our hearts toward the Lord.

Here are a few ways snow can shape our worship.

Snow & Cleansing

“Come now, let’s settle this,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson,
I will make them as white as wool.”
Isaiah 1:18 (NLT)

Snow reminds us of cleansing.

When we come to the Lord, He washes away our sins. The dirt, the grime, and filth that we feel from the weight of our sins is washed away as we allow Him to purify us.

As we worship, we can thank God for His mercy and His grace that are continually at work in our lives. As God cleanses us daily, we worship Him daily! We praise Him for always making us clean, new, and white as snow!

How might gratitude for the cleansing of sin shape your worship today?

Snow & Holiness

His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire.
Revelation 1:14 (NLT)

Snow also reminds us of the holiness of God.

The beauty of a fresh snowfall—blanketing the grass and lining the bare winter trees—reminds us of the blessed purity of our God. It invites us to stand in sacred awe of a God who is perfect, radiant, and holy.

Lord, You are beautiful.
Your holiness shines brighter than the fresh snow in the morning sun.
You are pure, perfect, and worthy of our praise.

Snow & Sovereignty

“He directs the snow to fall on the earth
and tells the rain to pour down.”
Job 37:6 (NLT)

Finally, snow reminds us that God is in control.

The night before, I was watching weather forecasts and weighing decisions, trying to determine if it would be safe to have service that morning.

It’s a humbling reminder that we can respond to the weather—but we can’t control it.

God does.

Lord, the falling snow, the pouring rain, the shining sun, and the crashing storm all remind us that You reign over all things. You calmed the seas. You walked on water. There is no one like You. You are our God and our Lord. We worship You.

Closing Prayer

O Lord, you are holy, pure, beautiful and blameless. There is no one like you.

Thank you for your cleansing power that washes us clean from sin.

From your sovereign throne, you determine the winter, the summer, the fall and the spring.

Today, we worship you, and we are so grateful to call you our God.

In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus we pray, amen.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

As we continually abide in God’s love through prayer, we find the ultimate craving in our soul is satisfied in communion with Him. What the world offers in success, pleasure, and purpose becomes less gratifying as we discover these answers are truly found in our relationship with God.

Today we return to Jesus’ words and meditate on them once more. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to speak through these instructions of Jesus for how we are to live as members of His Kingdom.

Look over Jesus’ words again.

What stands out to you today? What might you have skipped over previously?

What does Jesus mean when He says “live righteously”?

Consider His life. He modeled this right living for us.

What does it mean for you today? What must you adjust to live more in line with Christ’s righteousness?

Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in this today, and every day.

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“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

There are many things that need our attention today, but let’s make room to meditate on these words of Jesus for a few moments. His words contain significant truth for how we are to prioritize our lives.

To meditate is to focus one’s thoughts on something. Take some time, slowly going through Jesus’ words again and again. Contemplate the meaning behind each word. Take your time with this.

As you do this, what stands out to you?

Jesus says to seek the Kingdom of God first. What are some things you’ve prioritized over God’s Kingdom? What can you do today to change this?

What does He say that God will do if you prioritize His Kingdom? How does that make you feel?

How can you do this at your workplace, in your neighborhood, with your family, and in your circle of influence?

Take some time and meditate on this.

I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
Psalm 119:15 (ESV)

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Even when I walk
through the darkest valley
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
Psalm 23:4 (NLT)

What valley are you walking through today? Where do you feel unsettled? There is no shortage of world crises around the globe that bring anxiety to our doorstep. You may additionally have a personal valley or family difficulty that you are walking through.

In what does the psalmist say we will find comfort?

We are comforted not because we will eventually find our way out of this valley, but because of how close we find ourselves to the Good Shepherd. He knows where He is leading His flock, and He has come prepared for the journey.

A shepherd’s rod is used to protect the sheep, so he can beat back predators like wolves who threaten the safety of the flock.

How has the Good Shepherd used His rod to protect you?

A shepherd’s staff has other uses. While traveling with the sheep, a shepherd will take his staff and press firmly against a sheep as they are walking. He does this so that he and the sheep are walking “in touch” with one another. The sheep is comforted by the pressing of this staff, knowing that they are in the personal presence of the shepherd.

Do you feel the pressing of your Good Shepherd? It means He’s close by.

Talk to your Good Shepherd today. Spend time in His presence. Use words, or simply rest with Him, knowing that His personal presence is with you.

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“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

John 10:1-5 (NASB 95)

To hear the voice of God is a precious thing, and Jesus makes it sound so simple here. There are other voices that can lead us astray, but as His sheep, we are to recognize His voice and follow where He leads us to go.

How do I recognize God’s voice? He certainly can speak audibly, but more often a good rule of thumb is this: if you have a thought that you know you didn’t come up with on your own, there’s a good chance it’s God who put it there.

God will also speak and will always confirm through His Word, the Bible. After reading a verse or passage, suddenly you might know exactly what to do, what to say, what to think, or how to view a situation. It may come as you’re reading, reflecting, praying, or as the Holy Spirit brings it to mind at a later point in time.

Visualize this analogy Jesus uses; this is how He chooses to relate to you. Apply it to yourself. Understand that you are a sheep, and He is your Shepherd. He knows each of us, and He knows each of our needs. He sees beyond our ability to understand.

Jesus goes ahead of you, and He calls you, by name, to follow Him.

How might He be speaking to you today? What do you hear in His voice?

Thank the Good Shepherd for how He’s led you this far.

Where else does He want to lead you? Spend some time listening to Him today.

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