イザヤ書 54:7

My 10-year-old daughter recently created a beautiful journal to honor me on Mother’s Day. I loved all her poems and sweet words, but one line in particular stood out to me: “Mom, I pretend nothing with you.” That was one of the best compliments I could ever receive. In her own words, she was saying that she trusted me enough to be open and vulnerable with me. It dawned on me that God wants this from us, too. He wants us to trust Him completely and hide nothing from Him. In this five-day study, we’ll examine five questions God asks to help us find true intimacy with Him. I pray that by answering them, you’ll be able to say, “Jesus, I pretend nothing with you.”

Self-pity slyly whispers that we deserve better. It clouds our thinking until grumbling seems inevitable. But thanking God lifts our gaze. This plan examines Bible characters tempted toward self-pity, Jesus’ sinless victory over a similar situation, and God’s invitation into gratitude and joy. We’ll counter self-pity’s lies like “I’m in this alone,” “I don’t have enough,” and “I’m taken for granted” by celebrating God’s ability, help, provision, honor, and love.

This seven-day plan explores the radical conversation between Jesus and the woman at the well in John chapter 4. Jesus quickly turned small talk into spiritual insight on the timeless human problem of living with unmet longing. By the end of the study, you’ll see how the “living water” of God’s presence erases our shame, heals our loneliness, and gives us a place to belong.

When you think of Christmas, you undoubtedly think of gifts—gifts to check off your list for family, friends, coworkers, charities—gifts to buy and gifts to wrap. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, have you ever stopped to consider the gift list that matters most—the list of gifts God wants to give you and what you might give him in return? Take time to pause during the next 7 days to really consider the gifts that matter most this Christmas and see if it doesn’t change your pace, your focus, and even your heart.