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HOLY IN SPIRIT

Scripture

John 13:21–22 — When Jesus had said this, He was troubled in His spirit and testified, “I assure you: One of you will betray Me!” The disciples started looking at one another—uncertain which one He was speaking about.

 

Matthew 4:17 — From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

 

Slow Read (The Beginning of Repentance)

Read John 13:21 slowly three times.

  • First reading: Notice Jesus’ emotional posture — He was troubled in spirit.
  • Second reading: Notice the disciples’ response — they questioned who it could be.
  • Third reading: Sit with this question:
    “Lord… is it me?”

 

Remain silent for one full minute.

Let self-awareness replace assumption.

 

Heart Questions

  • Where might I be drifting without recognizing it?
  • Have I assumed spiritual strength instead of examining my heart?
  • When confronted with sin, do I look inward—or only outward?

 

Let honesty come before defense.

 

Spiritual Insight

None of the disciples suspected Judas. He followed Jesus, served alongside the others, witnessed miracles, heard teaching, and participated fully in ministry. Outward proximity to Jesus did not guarantee inward surrender. Betrayal did not begin in a moment—it began with unnoticed drift. Sin rarely starts with rebellion; it begins with small compromises left unexamined. Jesus’ assurance was not meant merely to predict betrayal but to expose the reality that even those closest to Him were susceptible to turning away. Repentance begins the moment we stop asking, “Who would do that?” and instead ask, “Where could this be true of me?” Awareness is the mercy of God interrupting silent drift before deeper rebellion takes root.

 

Prayer

Father, Search me honestly today. Reveal places where my heart has slowly wandered. Protect me from assuming I am beyond failure. Give me courage to ask hard questions of myself. Where I have drifted in thought, desire, or action,

bring conviction without condemnation. Help me see clearly so I may turn back quickly. Amen.

 

WHOLE IN MIND — Daily Examination

Notice the Drift

Take 2–3 quiet minutes and reflect:

  • Where have my thoughts been centered lately?
  • What occupies my mental space most?
  • When did I last sense conviction—and ignore it?

 

Write one honest observation:

“I may be drifting in…”

 

Repentance begins with awareness, not correction.

 

HEALTHY IN BODY — The Pause Practice

Daily repentance starts by slowing enough to notice misalignment.

Today, intentionally pause one normal physical rhythm.

 

Choose one:

  • Sit in silence for 10 minutes without your phone.
  • Take a slow walk without music or podcasts.
  • Eat one meal quietly and attentively.
  • Stop working for five minutes to breathe and pray.
  • Turn off background noise during a routine activity.

 

Do not fill the silence.

Simply notice:

  • Restlessness
  • Discomfort
  • Urges to distract yourself

 

These reactions often reveal what we use to avoid reflection.

End the pause by praying:

“Lord, show me where I have turned away.”

 

Awareness prepares the heart to repent.

 

Closing Posture

Repentance does not begin with confession. It begins with clarity.

Before Peter denied, before Judas betrayed, before the disciples fled—

drift was already present.
Today, ask honestly: “Lord… is it me?”

The one who recognizes drift is already beginning to turn back.

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