Happy Aloha Friday, and welcome to August! Yep—it’s August 1st, 2025. Summer’s packing its bags, and school supply aisles are already fully stocked. Didn’t we just take down the Christmas tree? It’s funny how fast things fly by when we’re not paying attention. The other day I told a story I was pretty proud of—but the person I was talking to? Total blank stare. They nodded at the right times… but you could tell. They weren’t really listening. The yawning gave it away… You know that feeling. You’re talking, but they’re somewhere else. And I wonder—how often does God feel that way with us?We hear His Word, maybe even nod in agreement… but are we really listening? Does it still get to us? Or as Isaiah might ask—are we shaken to the core?
Today's Reading:
Isaiah 65,66; Psalms 62; John 3
Scripture
“…These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2 NIV)
Observation
God doesn’t look for impressive credentials or fancy resumes. He’s not looking for the smartest, the strongest, or the most successful. He’s not scanning the earth for giftedness—He’s searching for something far more rare.
He looks with favor on those who are humble, broken before Him, and who tremble at His Word. Not just agree with it. Not just quote it. But tremble—as in, shaken to the core.
Application
There are plenty of things that can shake me—stress, failure, unexpected problems. But when was the last time I was shaken by God’s Word?
Have I gotten too comfortable hearing truth without letting it pierce? Have I let familiarity dull my awe? I don’t want to lose the tremble—that inner awe when I open His Word, that reverence that says, “Speak, Lord. I’m listening.”
Before I teach it, preach it, quote it, or post it… do I still tremble at it?
I want to return to that posture—with a heart that’s humble, teachable, and tender toward His Word. I want to be someone God finds with favor. Not because I have it all together, but because His Word still gets to me. Still moves me. Still shakes me to the core.
Prayer
Lord, make my heart soft again. I don’t want to grow numb to Your Word. I don’t want to be a professional Christian who’s untouched by the pages I preach. Give me a spirit that stays humble, broken, and obedient. That’s the kind of person You look on with favor—and that’s who I want to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.
—Chris Kiriakos