Journal entry for December 13, 2025

Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the son of God; and those who hear will live. John 5:25

Heavenly father I've been contemplating a lot lately what it means to hear, what it is to believe. I think of the times when my wife has something to say to me but I never really look at her to acknowledge that I am listening. I assure her that I always hear her, but honestly I think I'm guilty of assuming hearing is listening.

The Greek word used for dead in this verse, means to lack life. It reminds me of the verse that says there is a way that seems right onto a man, but the end there of his death. I think sometimes we just exist, we don't really live.

Jesus was speaking here of a group of people who lacked the signs of living. I think to a certain degree, Father, that describes even your children. We get so distracted in this world that we too, lack the signs of life.

Sometimes I hear without hearing. And sometimes I believe without believing. I wonder if I had to choose in real time like the people of Jesus day if I would've chose to believe in Him, or if I too would've lacked the ability to truly hear His words of life.

What makes me think I would have been all in and believed Him then, if I am not all in and truly believe Him today? I've been a little convicted that there are areas in my life where I say I believe, but my life doesn't show it.

I believe in Your sovereignty and Your attention to detail in my life, and yet I worry. Oh I appease my conscience in that I have prayed about it, but I toss and turn at night, and I'm restless because there is a certain element of wonder or question, or let's just say it, doubt.

Lord I pray that you would help me to hear today. To truly listen. To believe today. To truly believe. May I rest in the promises that I say I believe. May I hear Your assurance with my heart not just my head. Draw me near today, Lord. Help me to know You as my God. To live a life that has evidence of living. All for Your glory. I pray in Jesus name. AMEN