Easter Sunday’s devotional and Story Teller centered on what it means to Surrender Fully.

Then, on the Monday after Easter, I woke up—wide awake at 1:39am—with a strong, undeniable leading to pray. So I did—for nearly an hour.

It wasn’t triggered by a bad dream—there was no specific memory—just an unsettling feeling that stirred my spirit. I began praying for specific people—essentially everyone within my personal sphere. If you’re reading this, chances are I prayed for you this week.

But there was something more. It felt as though God had momentarily “lifted His hand”—if that makes sense.
Why? What does that mean?
Was it a spiritual attack?
Or was it a divine reminder—
—to pray unceasingly (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
—to take nothing for granted
—to remember that even a successful Easter Service was only possible because of You, LORD.
Apart from You, I can do nothing.

Perhaps this was—and is—a call to deeper surrender.
A call to live out what we proclaim:
To deny ourselves daily,
To follow Jesus not just on Sunday, but through every moment of Monday to Saturday.

Not by my might.
Not by my strength.
But in complete surrender to You.

I sensed a clear leading—complete surrender is exactly right.

God has never left me. He has never truly “taken His hand off.”
What I believe He was showing me through that unsettling feeling was an important lesson—one I must not forget:

It’s not about chasing spiritual highs, moving from one mountaintop experience to the next. It’s about learning to recognize His presence in the steady, in the storm, in the quiet moments as much as in the loud celebrations. He is the light—whether we’re standing in brightness or navigating darkness. He is the peace that transcends all understanding.

This is where we must be careful—not to confuse emotionalism with the presence of the real, living God. We’re not called to chase feelings or try to conjure emotion in hopes of rekindling something real. What we seek is not a feeling, but the Holy Spirit Himself, who is already in our midst.

At the same time, this isn’t Stoicism either. We don’t grit our teeth and rely on inner strength alone.  Our transformation doesn’t come from within ourselves—it comes from the ongoing work of the Spirit who lives in us.

I’ve heard this question so often over the years—one I’ve asked myself too:
“How do I know if this thought is from God, or just me?”

Here’s the answer:

• It must align with Scripture.
• It will encourage, strengthen, or illuminate.
• And to truly hear well, you need Solitude—the space where you can quiet the noise and learn to discern His voice from all the others.

Jesus said in John 10:27:

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

If Jesus often withdrew to listen, to be with the Father, then we should too.

This is where clarity comes—not in chasing emotional moments, but in cultivating a life where we can hear Him clearly, no matter the season.

“Green lettering” the Gospel of Luke this week was another powerful, Spirit-filled time with the Lord. If you recall, green lettering is inspired by Dallas Willard’s idea—to highlight what Jesus did in the Gospels, much like how many Bibles highlight what Jesus said in red letters.

As I’ve mentioned before, I plan to organize a “Green Lettering” group later this summer—and if my journey so far through Matthew, Mark, and now Luke is any indication, it’s going to be incredible!

Here’s a brief summary of what stood out to me as I watched Jesus inaction throughout Luke:

1. Jesus modeled integrity—He did what He said.
   More than the other Gospels I’ve green-lettered so far, Lukereads like a collection of Jesus’ sayings—each chapter layering more wisdom. What struck me is how Jesus consistently lived out what He taught. It’s foreshadowed in Luke 2:46, where young Jesus is “sitting among the teachers, listening and asking questions.”For the first time, I saw the entire Gospel through this lens.
2. Jesus fellowshipped over meals.
3. He frequently taught in synagogues.
4. He healed through personal touch—laying hands on people.
5. He delivered many from demonic oppression.
6. He prioritized solitude and prayer, regularly withdrawing to commune with the Father.
7. He taught in open, everyday places—accessible to all.
8. He forgave sins—extending grace beyond physical healing.
9. He performed miracles—signs of God’s kingdom breaking through.
10. He sent out His followers and blessed them for the work ahead.
11. He embraced human experiences—sleeping, eating, weeping, and carrying deep compassion for those in sorrow.

There’s so much more I’ve journaled—rich insights and personal reflections—but I’ll save that for another day.

I’m excited for what’s ahead as we continue to watch, learn, and do as Jesus did. Stay tuned for more details on the Green Lettering group this summer!