What Stirred My Heart Today

This morning, while reading UCB Word for Today, I came across a devotion titled “God is working in you, working with you, and working through you.”

That alone was encouraging, but what really caught my attention was a reference to Christian author John Ortberg and the twelve truths he says he lives by.

As I read them, something in me resonated deeply. They didn’t just inspire me; they reinforced something I’ve been speaking about for a long time now: intentional faith.

I know I mention it often, but that’s because I believe it’s where transformation happens. It’s where breakthrough comes. It’s where we draw closer to our Father, our Abba Father, the creator of the heavens and the earth. And Ortberg’s words reminded me again that faith isn’t passive. It’s something we practise, choose, and return to daily.

Twelve Truths That Call Us Deeper

Here are the twelve truths John Ortberg lives by and the ones that stirred my spirit today:

1. God’s presence — He is always active in my life, whether or not I see Him. 
2. Cultivated awareness — Recognising His presence is learned behaviour; I can grow in it. 
3. Meeting God now — My task is to meet Him in this moment. 
4. Staying present — When I live outside the moment, I lose awareness of Him. 
5. Learning in distance — When God feels far, those moments are still opportunities to learn. 
6. Fresh starts — Whenever I fail, I can start again immediately. 
7. Unlimited depth — No one knows how deeply a human can experience God. 
8. His constant desire — My desire for God rises and falls, but His desire for me never changes. 
9. Spiritual charge of thoughts — Every thought moves me closer to or further from Him. 
10. God’s interest in everything — Every part of my life matters to God. 
11. My unique path — My journey with God won’t look exactly like anyone else’s. 
12. Rest over strain — Straining and trying too hard do not help.

These truths are simple, but they’re not shallow. They invite us to slow down, pay attention, and meet God in the present moment.

Why This Matters And Why I Keep Talking About It

Intentional faith isn’t about striving. 

It’s about choosing.

– Choosing to show up. 
– Choosing to seek God. 
– Choosing to beleive and speak His promises over your life.

I encourage you each morning, to take time with Father God.

Open the Word He has blessed us with.

Find one (or many) of His promises and declare it/them over your life and over all whom are dear to you – from the very crown of your heads to the soles of your feet.

Not as a ritual. 
Not as a formula. 
But as a reminder of the authority He has given you.

Because every thought carries a spiritual charge. 
Every moment is an invitation. 
Every day is a chance to begin again.

This is why I keep talking about intentional faith. 
Not to repeat myself, but to encourage you (& myself) to walk in something that truly changes lives.

Closing Prayer

Father, in the Name of Jesus, thank You for being present and active in our lives, even when we don’t see it. 

Teach us to meet You in the moment; not rushing ahead, not drifting behind, but walking with You here and now. 

Stir up intentional faith within us. 

Help us to seek You daily, to speak Your promises boldly, and to stand in the authority You’ve given us. 

Fill every empty place.

Quiet every anxious thought.

Draw us closer to Your heart, Abba.

May these truths shape how we live, how we think, and how we walk with You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

May God bless you all,

‘But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.’

1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NLT)

---

Note from Brother Don — click to open

I would love for this space to become more interactive as we walk together in faith. If there are subjects you’d like to explore from a Christian perspective, or if you have prayer needs for yourself, your family, or your friends, please feel free to reach out.

You can send a private message through the site — these are confidential and not visible to anyone else. The only exception would be if a safeguarding concern were raised; in that case, it may need to be passed on to the appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.

Above all, I want to ensure that what is shared here reflects what the Lord desires to say. Sometimes the “signal” of life can get in the way, and your feedback helps me stay prayerful, discerning, and aligned with His heart. Whether you simply read along or choose to share, I’m grateful you’re here.

Beginning a Journey With Jesus — click to open

If you’re exploring the Christian faith or wondering what it means to follow Jesus, you’re in the right place. Beginning a journey with Him is the most life‑changing decision a person can make — and it’s open to everyone.

Below is a simple explanation of the gospel message, followed by a prayer you can use if you feel ready to invite Jesus into your life.

A Brief Summary of the Gospel Message:

• God created you for relationship with Him.
• Sin — the things we do wrong — separates us from God.
• We cannot fix this separation by our own efforts.
• Jesus, God’s Son, came to earth, lived without sin, and died on the cross to take our place.
• He rose again, defeating sin and death.
• Through Jesus, we can be forgiven, restored, and made new.
• Salvation is a gift — received by faith, not earned by good works.
• When we accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us and begins transforming our lives.
• We become children of God, with a new identity and a new future.

A Simple Prayer to Begin Your Journey:

“Lord Jesus, I come to You today because I want to know You. I admit that I have sinned and fallen short, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for me and rose again so that I could be made new. Today, I choose to turn away from my old life and follow You. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me to live for You from this day forward. Thank You for loving me, forgiving me, and making me Your child. Amen.”

What to Do Next:

1. Find a Local Church
Look for a Bible‑believing church in your area. Speak to the pastor or leadership team and let them know about the commitment you’ve made. They will be able to support you, pray with you, and help you grow.

2. Consider the Alpha Course
I strongly recommend the Alpha Course, which runs worldwide. It’s a safe, friendly place to explore questions about life, the Christian faith, and God — whether you’re brand new or simply curious.

Visit the Alpha Course website

3. Reach Out if You’d Like Support
If you’d like prayer, have questions, or want to talk privately, you can send a confidential message through the site. Nothing you share will be visible to others. The only exception is if a safeguarding concern is raised — in that case, it may need to be passed on to the appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.