Who Did Jesus Come to Help?

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” Luke 4:18-19 (NKJV)

Do you ever wonder, Who should I spend my life helping? If you’re a follower of Jesus, the answer is simple: Live your life focused on the same people Jesus was focused on.

When he was just starting his public ministry, Jesus stood up in his local synagogue and read a passage from Scripture—what we call the Old Testament. That passage explained what Jesus’ ministry was all about: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD” (Luke 4:18-19 NKJV).  

Jesus wants you to spend your life focusing on the same kinds of people he did. Here are the five types of people Jesus came to help—the same people he wants me to help as well.

First, Jesus helped the poor—which can mean many different things. Some people experience material poverty; they don’t have enough money to provide for their basic needs. Others are poor morally, not knowing or caring about the difference between right and wrong. And others are spiritually poor; they don’t know that Jesus died for their sins and wants to spend eternity with them in heaven.

Second, Jesus also came for the brokenhearted. Hearts break for all kinds of reasons—including disappointment, rejection, and resentment. But the Bible promises, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18 NIV).

Third, Jesus came for the imprisoned—both those in literal, physical prisons and people in prisons of addiction, secrets, ignorance, and fear. He came proclaiming freedom for them—and that’s what he wants me to do too.

Fourth, Jesus came for the blind. Millions of people are physically blind—which can be a major challenge in some cultures. But Jesus also cares about things like relational and spiritual blindness, where people don’t have strong relationships with each other or with God.

Finally, Jesus came for the oppressed. Our world is full of people who are kicked around, taken advantage of, and put down. Countless people are affected by things like war, abuse and neglect, and even spiritual oppression. Jesus offered liberty to these people—and that’s what he expects from me as well.

The poor, brokenhearted, imprisoned, blind, and oppressed. These are the people Jesus cared for—and they’re who he wants me to care for.

In summary:

Jesus made His mission clear: He came to bring good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, free the captives, restore sight to the blind, and lift up the oppressed—and as His followers, we’re called to care about the same people. Whether someone is financially, morally, or spiritually poor; hurting from rejection or loss; trapped in addiction or fear; unable to see truth or build healthy relationships; or weighed down by injustice or oppression, Jesus moved toward them with compassion and freedom. His life sets the pattern for mine: to focus my time, energy, and love on those who are hurting, overlooked, or bound, extending the same hope and healing He offered.

Bottom line:

If I want to live like Jesus, I must focus my life on helping the hurting, the overlooked, and the oppressed—offering the same compassion and freedom He came to bring.

Next step:

I believe my next step is to prayerfully identify one hurting or overlooked person I can intentionally support this week—someone who is poor in spirit, brokenhearted, trapped, confused, or weighed down. Then take one concrete action: encourage, listen, pray with them, meet a need, or offer guidance. 

Managing Stress by Learning to Listen to God

“Jesus often slipped away to be alone so he could pray.” Luke 5:15-16 (NCV)

In a world of constant pressure and stress, prayer is like a spiritual decompression chamber.

Jesus knew that. When I read the Gospels, I see him—over and over again—leaving the stress of his everyday life and going off by himself to pray. Mark 1:35 says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (NIV).

And the next verse shows that this was Jesus’ habit: “News about Jesus spread even more. Many people came to hear Jesus and to be healed of their sicknesses, but Jesus often slipped away to be alone so he could pray” (Luke 5:15-16 NCV).

If Jesus felt the need to pray and be with God, how much more do I need that? “But I’m too busy to spend a lot of time in prayer,” I think. The truth is, I'll have nothing to give to others if I don’t take time to let God fill me up.

The Bible says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NCV). It’s in regular, quiet time with God in prayer that he recharges, renews, and restores you. And the busier I get, the more I need this time.

So how do I make space in my life to listen to God? 

First, I need to be quiet for an extended period of time. Find somewhere outside or in a quiet corner of my home. Then sit and ask, “God, is there anything you want to say to me?” And then just be still and listen.

God might bring an idea to mind. Or he might prompt you to read a passage of Scripture and speak to me that way.

If I have trouble focusing while praying because you’re worried about something. Instead of focusing on what I'm worried about, let God direct me to a passage of Scripture that addresses my worry, and then focus on that Scripture instead.

God wants to talk to me. He just needs me to put aside the demands of daily life and take time to listen to him!

In summary:

Jesus modeled how to handle life’s constant pressures by regularly withdrawing to quiet places to pray and reconnect with God. Despite his busy ministry and endless demands, he made time for solitude and communion with the Father—showing that spiritual strength flows from stillness. If Jesus needed that time, I need it even more. When I pause to be still, listen, and let God refill me, He renews my strength, restores my peace, and realigns my focus. The busier life becomes, the more essential it is to slow down, make space for God’s voice, and let prayer become my place of restoration and clarity.

Bottom line:

To handle life’s pressures with peace and clarity, I must regularly step away from the noise, spend time in prayer, and let God refill and renew my spirit.

Next steps:

My next step is to build a consistent rhythm of quiet connection with God—set aside a specific time each day, even 10–15 minutes, to step away from distractions, be still, and pray. Use that time not just to talk, but to listen—ask God what He wants to show me or shape in me. I might also create a simple “renewal space”—a chair by a window, a spot outdoors, or even a quiet corner—where I can regularly meet with Him. As I make this a habit, I’ll notice greater peace, clarity, and strength flowing into the rest of my day.

The Freedom of a Focused Life

“I know where I came from and where I am going.” John 8:14 (NIV)

For many people, modern-day life is fast-paced and pressured. But I can find the antidote for modern stress in an ancient book? Open up the Bible and read about the life of Jesus. He faced near-constant stress but handled it with peace—because he knew his calling and he concentrated his life around it.

Jesus said, “I know where I came from and where I am going” (John 8:14 NIV).

What about me? Do I know what God has called me to do? All of us are called by God. He put me on earth for a certain task, and he SHAPEd me to be able to fulfill that task. He’s given me a unique combination of Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences.

God doesn’t want me to be driven by the pressure of the world around me. He wants me to be driven by his purpose for me—by my calling. The apostle Paul said, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1 NIV).

Once I’ve figured out my calling, I need to concentrate on it—to focus on what matters most. 

It’s easy to get distracted and busy—to fill my life with good things rather than the best things. But Jesus knew that a powerful life is a focused life. The Living Bible paraphrase says it this way: “As the time drew near for his return to heaven, he moved steadily onward toward Jerusalem with an iron will” (Luke 9:51).

And Paul said it like this: “This one thing I do . . .” (Philippians 3:13 KJV). He didn’t say, “These 40 things I dabble in.” He said, “This one thing I do.” That’s focus.

Both Jesus and Paul understood this idea: Diffused light has very little power, but focused, concentrated light has enormous power. Light focused through a magnifying glass can burn paper; light focused as a laser can cut through steel.

If I'm finding myself feeling stressed out today, it may be because my life is unfocused. Take the time to discern my calling and then concentrate my life around it. I'll find that my stress will decrease and my effectiveness in life will increase!

In summary:

Jesus lived with peace and purpose even amid constant pressure because He knew exactly who He was, where He came from, and where He was going. In the same way, I can reduce stress and live with greater focus by discovering and committing to the calling God designed me for. He uniquely SHAPEd me—through my Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences—to fulfill a specific purpose. When I let God’s purpose, not the world’s pressure, drive my life, I move from distraction to direction. Like Jesus and Paul, who lived with intentional focus, I can experience greater peace and power by centering my life on “this one thing” God has called me to do.

Bottom line:

Clarity of calling brings focus, and focus brings peace—when I align my life with God’s purpose, stress fades and effectiveness grows.

Next step:

My next wisest step is to clarify and articulate my God-given calling in one clear statement—a sentence that captures why I do what I do and who I'm called to serve. Then, align my daily priorities with that calling by identifying one or two areas where my time or energy is diffused and begin simplifying or delegating them. This will create margin for what matters most and allow me to live with the peace, focus, and purpose that reflect both my leadership calling and my desire to influence others with intentionality and faith.

Identity Anchored in Purpose

“I am not trying to do what I want, but only what he who sent me wants.” John 5:30 (GNT)

Jesus lived his life under constant stress. People were always following him—wanting him to heal them or teach them, or worse, trying to trap him and even kill him. Yet, if I look at his life in the Bible, he didn’t seem to be bothered by it. He never even seemed to be in a hurry. He handled all the pressure with peace.

I want to learn how to do that. Over the next few days, I'll look at secrets to stress management from the life of Jesus. If I do these things, my stress will go down and my joy and fulfillment will go up.

First, to reduce my stress, I need to know who I am. My family, peers, and culture will try to make me into somebody I'm not if I don’t know who God made me to be. And a confused identity causes stress.

Jesus knew exactly who he was. He defined himself over and over again, saying things like, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6 NIV), “I am the door” (John 10:9 ESV), and “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35 NIV).

When I don’t know who I am, I tend to copy and compare. I try to be someone I'm not—or I feel inferior because I'm measuring myself against someone else.

But God made me to be me—with my own unique set of strengths and weaknesses. There’s nobody else like me in the whole world. I have a unique thumbprint, footprint, eyes, and voice. God never makes copies. I'm it!

Once I know who I am, I also need to know who I'm living for. When I don’t know who I'm living for, I try to please everybody. That leads to enormous stress because no one can please everyone!

Jesus knew who he was living for: “I am not trying to do what I want, but only what he who sent me wants” (John 5:30 GNT).  

When I'm living for an audience of One, that simplifies life—and greatly reduces stress—because my only job is to do what God made me to do.

Do I want to live like Jesus, with less stress and more peace? Then I need to know who I am and who I'm living for!

In summary:

Jesus lived under constant pressure yet remained peaceful and unhurried because he was clear about his identity and purpose. He knew exactly who he was and who he was living for—focused solely on doing the will of the One who sent him. In contrast, when I’m unsure of who I am, I tend to copy, compare, or seek approval from others, which only adds stress. God designed each person uniquely, with no duplicates, so trying to be someone else leads to confusion and dissatisfaction. True peace and reduced stress come from embracing who God made me to be and living for an audience of One—aligning my life with His purpose rather than the expectations of others.

Bottom line:

Knowing who I am and living to please God—not others—is the key to lasting peace and freedom from stress.

Next Step:

Set aside intentional time with God to reaffirm my identity and purpose in Him—quiet the noise of expectations, reflect on who He says I am, and realign my daily choices with that truth. From that place of clarity, simplify my focus: choose one area where I've been striving to please others or overextending myself, and consciously release it to God. This will help me live more peacefully, purposefully, and authentically aligned with my calling.

Blessed to Bless Others

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” Acts 2:44-45 (NIV)

No one sacrificed like the early church. In Acts 2:44-45, the Bible says, “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need” (NIV).

These early Christians didn’t just give their money. They were generous with everything they had. When they saw a need, they did whatever they had to do to meet it—and at their own expense. There was a spirit among them of awareness and concern that led to selfless and sacrificial generosity. I could say they were radically generous.

And they didn’t give grudgingly. The Bible also says, “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:46-47 NIV).

People noticed this radical way of living, of freely giving to meet the needs of others. The joy the early church found in generous giving drew many more people into God’s family.

What would happen through our churches today if we were just as radically generous? The Bible says I'm a steward—or manager—of all that God has given me. I'm responsible to use my resources in a way that impacts the kingdom.

God doesn’t just give me resources for my own enjoyment. He wants me to make a difference in the world around me. God never blesses me just so I can take care of myself. He blesses me so I can bless others.

That’s a hopeful and encouraging truth to remember all year long, because generosity isn’t something we only display at Thanksgiving or Christmas. It’s a way of life, and it’s even more impactful when the church practices it together.

So I need to find ways to be radically generous so I can make an eternal impact on the people in my church, in my community, and in the circles where God has placed me.

In summary:

The early church modeled radical generosity, willingly sharing everything they had to meet the needs of others. Their giving went far beyond money—it was a lifestyle of selfless love, unity, and joy that drew people to God. As stewards of God’s blessings, I am called to live the same way: to use my resources not for my own comfort, but to make an eternal impact on others. True generosity isn’t seasonal—it’s a daily expression of gratitude and faith that reflects God’s heart and advances His kingdom.

Bottom line:

Radical generosity—giving selflessly to meet others’ needs—is how believers reflect God’s heart, strengthen community, and make an eternal impact.

Next steps:

Look for one tangible way today to practice radical generosity — meet a need, share a resource, or give time to someone who could use encouragement or support. Make it a habit to pause and ask, “Who can I bless today with what God’s given me?” Over time, my consistent generosity will not only meet needs but also point others toward God’s love and grace.

Practicing the Presence of God

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

The Bible makes it very clear how I should be praying. It tells me to “pray all the time” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 MSG).

That probably seems impossible to a lot of people. Many people find it hard enough to remember to pray at set times during the day, like at meals or at bedtime or during a consistent quiet time.

How is it possible to pray all the time? One way is to use “breath prayers” throughout the day, as many Christians have done for centuries. I choose a brief sentence or a simple phrase that can be repeated to Jesus in one breath: “You are with me.” “I receive your grace.” “I’m depending on you.” “I want to know you.” “I belong to you.” “Help me trust you.”

I can also use a short phrase of Scripture: “For me, to live is Christ.” “You will never leave me.” “You are my God.”

Pray it as often as possible so it is rooted deep in my heart. Just be sure that I'm motivated to honor God, not trying to manipulate him into doing my own bidding. Breath prayers can lead me into a deeper sense of God’s presence and care, if I let them.

Practicing drawing near to God is a skill; it’s a habit I can develop. Just as musicians practice scales every day to play beautiful music with ease, I can learn how to think about God at different times in my day. I can train my mind to remember God.

At first I will need to create reminders to regularly bring my thoughts back to the awareness that God is with me in that moment. Begin by placing visual reminders around me. I could post little notes that say, “God is with me and for me!”

If I am seeking an experience of his presence through all of this, I'll have missed the point. I don’t praise God to feel good but to do good. My goal is not a feeling but a continual awareness that God is always present.

That is the lifestyle of worship through prayer. That is how I can pray all the time.

In summary:

Galatians 2:20 emphasizes that living a life of continual prayer is possible by cultivating constant awareness of God’s presence. Rather than limiting prayer to specific times, I can connect with God throughout the day through short “breath prayers”—simple phrases like “You are with me” or “Help me trust you.” These small acts keep my heart aligned with Him and deepen my relationship over time. Like practicing a skill, developing this habit requires intentional reminders and consistent effort. The goal isn’t emotional experience but a lifestyle of worship—living each moment with the awareness that Christ lives in me, guiding my thoughts, actions, and trust.

Bottom line:

Living in constant awareness of God’s presence transforms ordinary moments into worship. Prayer isn’t confined to set times—it’s an ongoing relationship where every breath becomes an opportunity to trust, connect with, and depend on Christ.

Next step:

Practice presence through simplicity — choose one short “breath prayer” (like “I trust You” or “You are with me”) and repeat it throughout your day. Let it draw my focus back to God in ordinary moments, helping me stay grounded, peaceful, and purpose-driven no matter what comes my way.

Quiet Time: The Secret to Clarity

“Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” Matthew 6:6 (MSG)

I won't be able to hear God speaking if my life is full of noise. I’ve got to get alone, and I’ve got to be quiet. Many people call this a quiet time.

In The Message paraphrase, Jesus says it like this: “Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.”

There’s something critical to realize about hearing God speak and getting his vision for my life: He wants to meet with me. In fact, in Jeremiah 33:3 it says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (NIV).

I may feel like I'm waiting on God—but often, God is waiting for me. He created me for a relationship, and he loves it when I spend time with him. He longs to be part of my everyday life, like a regular appointment on my calendar. God is patient, he’s always ready to meet with me.

But getting alone in a quiet place can be pretty difficult in today’s world. Most people don’t realize how noisy their surroundings really are. Every waiting room, grocery store, and elevator has music. There are very few places in life that are actually quiet.

And with kids at home, it’s even more difficult! Be desperate for it. Make time to be quiet and meet with the Lord.

In summary:

To truly hear God’s voice and sense His grace, I must step away from the noise and distractions of life and spend quiet, honest time alone with Him. Jesus taught the importance of finding a secluded place where I can be still, shift my focus from myself to God, and open my heart to His presence. God longs for that time with me—He’s not distant or unavailable but waiting patiently for me to call on Him so He can reveal His wisdom and direction. Though finding silence can be challenging in a noisy world, making space to meet with God daily deepens my relationship with Him and will bring clarity to my life.

Bottom line:

To truly hear God and experience His grace, I must intentionally create quiet, undistributed moments to be alone with Him—because He’s always ready to meet with me when I slow down and listen.

Next step:

My next wisest step is to schedule intentional quiet time today—even if just 5 minutes—to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with my purpose. Use that space to listen, reflect, and realign my heart with God’s direction for my leadership and mission. This stillness will not only refresh my spirit but also bring clarity to my next move in both coaching and influence.

God’s Plan Is Always Better

“What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (GNT)

God's plan will always be more rewarding than anything I could come up with on my own.

This is not just about rewards here on earth. That's part of it, but what’s even more amazing is that God’s plans are eternally rewarding.

Significance and satisfaction in this life come from following God's purpose and plan for me. But cooperating with God’s plan is also the key to rewards in heaven. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him” (GNT).

It's hard to imagine what God wants to do through me If I follow his plan. If God were to show me his plans, it would likely blow me away! I'd be amazed at how he can use an ordinary person in extraordinary ways. But he wants me to choose his plan and his way of doing things. He wants me to choose him.

Some of my desires are good, but I also have broken desires. I will never know the best way until I choose God’s way.

Think about Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ earthly parents. Before God revealed his grand plan to them, I’m guessing they had some simple but good plans: get married, have a family, serve God. But even those good plans couldn’t compare to what God wanted to do with their lives. When they submitted to God’s will, they discovered how big God’s plans really are—and how those plans can bless the whole world.

God’s plan is always better. If I haven't fully submitted what God wants to do in my life, then I'm not thinking big enough. He’s got big things in store for me here on earth and even greater things in the life to come!       

But the thing about God’s plan is that he lets me choose whether I'm going to follow it. A lot of people miss God’s best for their life because they choose to go with their own plan.

So, If I want to live a meaningful, purpose-filled life, pray: “God, I want your will to be done in my life, not mine. Please show me the way that leads to your best for me so I can serve and love you well.”

In summary:

God’s plan for my life is far greater and more rewarding than anything I could imagine or create on my own. While my own plans may seem good, they can never compare to the purpose, fulfillment, and eternal impact that come from following His will. Like Mary and Joseph, who discovered God’s extraordinary plan by surrendering their own, I too am invited to trust His direction and let Him use me in ways beyond my understanding. Choosing God’s way over my own opens the door to a life of true significance now and eternal reward later. The best step I can take is to pray, “God, not my will, but Yours—show me Your plan and help me follow it faithfully.”

Bottom line:

God’s plan is always greater than mine, and true fulfillment comes when I surrender my way, trust His will, and follow His purpose for my life.

Next steps:

Pause and realign my plans with God’s purpose through intentional reflection and prayer. Ask, “God, where am I still holding onto my own way?” Then, choose one area—big or small—to surrender fully to Him. Trust that obedience today, even in a small step, positions me for the greater purpose He’s already prepared.

How to Care for People, Not Just About People

“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” John 13:15 (NLT)

Jesus told his followers: “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you” (John 13:15 NLT). If you’re a follower of Jesus, then that instruction is me as well!

Here are five ways Jesus cared for people. He wants me to do them also!

First, preach the Good News. More than anything else, God wants me to let people know that Jesus is the answer to each one of their problems. He wants me to tell people that he created them, Jesus died for them, and the Holy Spirit wants to live in them—to tell them that God offers forgiveness, purpose, and a future home in heaven. I can share this one-on-one, bring them to church, or invite them to a small group.

Second, comfort the brokenhearted. Hurting people are all around me. In fact, everyone carries around some kind of hurt, whether or not they let other people see it. Sometimes the best way to find a hurting person is to look for those who are causing hurt; hurt people hurt people. Then look for ways to show extra love and to lift them up in prayer.

Third, proclaim freedom for those who are imprisoned. While I may not know someone who is actually imprisoned, I do know people who are trapped in some way—trapped by a habit, by health problems, by tight finances, or by an old secret. God wants me to offer his truth, which will set them free: “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32 NLT).

Fourth, proclaim recovery of sight to the blind. Here Jesus was talking about people who are spiritually or relationally blind. When I see a loved one making a stupid mistake, I might think that it’s none of my business. But if I care, it is my business. I can share truth from the Bible or help them find resources that offer the truth they need to hear.

Fifth, release the oppressed. Who are the oppressed? They’re the people who are kicked around, picked on, and put down. We all know individuals like this, and there are whole groups of people that experience oppression too. Instead of turning my back on oppression, Jesus wants me to confront it and deal with it.

Remember, when I care for the people he cared for, Jesus says it’s like you’re caring for him!

“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. . . . Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:35-36, 40 NLT). 

In Summary:

Jesus set the ultimate example of how to care for others and calls me to do the same. He wants me to share the Good News so people can know His love and salvation, comfort the brokenhearted with compassion and prayer, and help those trapped by sin, fear, or circumstances find freedom through His truth. I’m also called to guide those who are spiritually blind toward understanding and to stand up for the oppressed with courage and love. When I care for others as Jesus did—showing mercy, speaking truth, and meeting needs—I’m not just serving people; I’m serving Christ Himself.

Bottom line: 

Following Jesus means loving and serving others the way He did—sharing truth, showing compassion, and caring for those in need as if serving Him directly.  

Next step:

My next step is to intentionally model Christ’s example of service in my daily leadership and relationships. Look for one tangible opportunity each day to reflect His compassion—comfort someone who’s hurting, speak truth with grace, or stand up for someone overlooked. As I lead with a servant’s heart, my influence will deepen, and my actions will naturally point others toward the One I represent.

Who Will Be in Heaven Because of You?

“‘Come, follow me,’ he said, ‘and I’ll show you how to fish for people.’” Matthew 4:19 (CEB)

Have you heard and accepted the Good News of Jesus? Tell somebody else about it!

In Matthew 4:20, Jesus called out to some fisherman: “‘Come, follow me,’ he said, ‘and I’ll show you how to fish for people.’ Right away, they left their nets and followed him” (Matthew 4:19-20 CEB).

What did he mean by that? He was basically telling the men, “I’ll show you how to change lives. I’ll show you how to get people into heaven. I’ll show you how to bring people to me. I’ll show you how to share the Good News.”

What about me? Is anybody going to be in heaven because of me? If I'm not fishing, I'm not following. In other words, if I'm not telling the Good News to somebody else, I'm not being a disciple. God expects me to share his Good News.

Think of it this way: If I knew the cure for cancer and kept it a secret, that would be unthinkably wrong! But the truth is that I know something better than that. I know how you can have your past forgiven, a purpose for living, and a home in heaven. And God calls me to share that Good News.

I'm going to heaven because somebody told me about Jesus. And somebody told that person about Jesus and so on. I don’t want that chain to break with me.

Jesus told his followers, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20 NLT).

I know the Good News. Now it’s time to go tell someone else about it!

In summary:

Jesus calls every believer to follow Him by sharing the Good News with others. When He said, “Come, follow me, and I’ll show you how to fish for people,” He was inviting His followers to help change lives and lead others to God’s love and salvation. True disciples don’t just receive the message—they pass it on. Just as someone once shared Jesus with me, I’m now called to continue that chain by telling others how they can find forgiveness, purpose, and eternal life. Sharing the Good News isn’t optional—it’s part of what it means to follow Jesus.

Bottom line:

Following Jesus means sharing the Good News and helping others find the same hope and salvation I’ve received.

Next Step:

Intentionally share my faith story with someone this week—whether through a personal conversation, encouragement, or example—so that my life points them toward Jesus. Start with prayer: ask God to show me one person who needs hope, then trust Him to give me the words and opportunity to speak.

Where Real Significance Is Found

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 (NLT)

The happiest people are those who give their lives away.

That’s because the values of God’s kingdom are opposite of the world’s values. In God’s kingdom, the most important person takes last place and serves everyone else. The Bible says it like this: “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26 NLT).

That’s why, to grow spiritually as a disciple of Jesus, I've got to learn to serve others. Life isn’t about taking; it’s about giving back.

The key to happiness is to find significance.

But the problem is, we look for significance in all the wrong places. Success doesn’t give significance because I can always find somebody who is more successful than myself. Salary doesn’t give me significance, and neither does status or sex.

So where can I find real significance? Through service.

God wants me to learn to serve so I can be like him. The most miserable people are self-centered—living for their own pleasures, needs, and comfort. The happiest people, whether they are rich or poor, are those who give their lives away in service to others.

In summary:

True happiness and significance come not from success, status, or possessions but from serving others, just as Jesus did. In God’s kingdom, greatness is defined by humility and service, not by power or position. Jesus modeled this perfectly, saying He came “not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Serving others is spiritual exercise—it strengthens my faith, deepens my character, and aligns my heart with God’s. When I choose to give rather than take, I grow to be more like Jesus and discover the lasting joy that comes from a life of selfless service.

Our model for this is Jesus. He said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28 NLT). He came to “serve” and to “give.” That defines the Christian life. The more I learn to serve and give, the happier I'm going to be. 

In a way, service is like spiritual exercise. Just like physical exercise helps me grow strong physically, serving others helps me grow spiritually. I can’t spend all my time studying the Bible and listening to sermons. I have to put what I'm learning into practice by serving others.

Jesus said it like this: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24 NIV). 

When I follow that command, I'll find happiness and significance. And, most importantly, I'll become more like Jesus.

Bottom Line:

Lasting happiness and true significance come from serving others, just as Jesus did.

Next Steps:

Look for a specific, meaningful way to serve someone this week—especially in an area aligned with my purpose and calling. Don’t wait for a big platform or perfect timing; start where I am. Service, even in small acts, shapes character, deepens joy, and moves me closer to the impact I'm meant to make.

He’s Always Thinking of Me

“The LORD, who is always thinking about us, will bless us.” Psalm 115:12 (GW)

No one cares about my life more than God does. In fact, he cares about my life more than I do.

There’s an old Willie Nelson song, “You Were Always on My Mind.” But the idea behind that song just isn’t true. No matter how much I love someone, they can’t be on my mind all the time.

However, I'm always on God’s mind. He is never not thinking about me. He’s thinking about me right now.

The Bible teaches this over and over. Psalm 115:12 says, “The LORD, who is always thinking about us, will bless us” (GW). And the Living Bible paraphrase of 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.”

Whatever concerns me concerns God—all the things I'm worried about or afraid about. There is nothing in my life I'm concerned about that God isn’t concerned about, because I'm always on his mind.

Because I'm always on God’s mind, he’s always looking out for me. And that means I can always trust his plan for my life.

Before that first Christmas so many years ago, Mary accepted God’s destiny for her life because she knew God was always looking out for her. After the angel told her that God had chosen her as the mother of his Son, she said, “For he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant” (Luke 1:48 NIV).

What does “mindful” mean? That means God is alert. He’s attentive. He’s aware. He’s focused. He’s paying attention. When nobody else is paying attention to me, God’s paying attention to me. He notices everything. In fact, Jesus said this about my life: “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:29-30 NLT).

I don’t know the number of hairs on my head—but God does. That’s how much attention he pays to my life!

God’s mindfulness—his attention, his concern—made Mary trust God with her destiny. So will I trust him with my destiny too?

In summary:

God’s care for me is constant and personal—He is always thinking about me, aware of every detail of my life, and attentive to everything that concerns me. Unlike human love, which can be distracted or limited, God’s love never stops watching over me. The Bible reminds me that the Lord continually blesses and cares for those who belong to Him (Psalm 115:12, 1 Peter 5:7). Just as Mary trusted God with her destiny because she knew He was mindful of her, I too can trust His plan for my life, knowing that He sees, knows, and cares for me more deeply than anyone else ever could.

Bottom line:

God is constantly mindful of me, so I can fully trust His care and plan for my life.

Next steps:

I need to practice trusting God’s mindfulness in a specific area of my life that’s causing worry or uncertainty. Pause, name that concern, and consciously hand it over to Him—reminding myself that He’s already aware, already caring, and already working on my behalf.

Passing Through with Purpose

“If you call God your Father, live your time as temporary residents on earth.” 1 Peter 1:17 (GW)

This world isn’t my home. I've heard that idea before, but have I really thought about it? As a follower of Jesus, my home is not on earth. My homeland is in heaven, and my identity is rooted in eternity.

Most people will only be spending 70, 80, maybe 100 years here on earth—but I'll be in eternity for the rest of time. While I'm on earth, I'm simply an ambassador on a short-term assignment. 

Consider political ambassadors. They live in a foreign country as a representative of their home country. But that foreign country isn’t their home. So they don’t settle in there. They live as temporary residents, focused on their mission.

The same is true for myself. Here on earth, I'm living as an ambassador for Jesus. But I'm just passing through this world; I was made for eternity in heaven.

The Bible says it this way: “If you call God your Father, live your time as temporary residents on earth” (1 Peter 1:17 GW). Here, the Bible is basically saying, “Don’t get too comfortable living in this world. You’re just an ambassador here. Your role is to represent Jesus and to share the Good News with everyone around me.”

In Philippians 3, the Bible compares unbelievers to believers: “They think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives” (Philippians 3:19-20 NLT).  

It’s easy to get caught up in the here and now—to work to accumulate wealth or power or prestige. But Jesus’ followers should have a different priority, an eternal priority.

That priority is to tell unbelievers the Good News about Jesus.

Second Corinthians 5:20 says it clearly: “So we have been sent to speak for Christ. It is as if God is calling to you through us. We speak for Christ when we beg you to be at peace with God” (NCV).

God has left me here on earth to be his ambassador. Go tell someone else about him today!

In summary:

As a follower of Jesus, I’m reminded that this world is not my true home—heaven is. My time on earth is temporary, and I’m here on assignment as Christ’s ambassador, representing Him and sharing His message of hope. Just as a political ambassador lives in a foreign country without settling in, I’m called to live with an eternal perspective—focused not on earthly success, comfort, or possessions, but on fulfilling God’s purpose. The Bible reminds me that while unbelievers focus on this life, my citizenship is in heaven, and my mission is clear: to share the Good News and help others find peace with God.

Bottom line:

This world is not my home—I'm a temporary resident and Christ’s ambassador, called to live with an eternal mindset and share God’s message of hope with others while I'm here.

Next Step:

Intentionally live and lead with eternity in view—to let my daily actions, words, and influence reflect my true identity as a representative of God’s Kingdom.

Practically, that means:

Begin each day asking, “Lord, how can I represent You well today—in my work, my words, and my relationships?”

Looking for opportunities to mentor, encourage, or spiritually influence someone in my circle—modeling leadership that lifts others toward purpose.

Reassess my current commitments and goals: do they align with my eternal mission or only short-term comfort?

By leading with an eternal mindset, I'll not only stay grounded in who I am, but also multiply my impact in helping others discover why they’re here too.

You are Jesus’ Ambassador

“We are Christ’s ambassadors.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT)

As a follower of Jesus, I'm an ambassador for him. The Bible says it very clearly: “We are Christ’s ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT).

What is an ambassador? Simply put, an ambassador is a representative sent out on a mission to build relationships. There are all kinds of ambassadors—political, economic, cultural, business, and goodwill ambassadors. And the Bible says there are spiritual ambassadors—that’s me!

As an ambassador of Jesus, I have three roles.

First, I represent Jesus in the world. That should affect everything about how I live. Philippians 1:27 says, “Be sure that you live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ” (NCV).

As I go about my day, it’s a good phrase to keep in mind: Remember who you represent. When I'm at work, playing a sport, or stuck in traffic—remember who I represent. And, as Ephesians 4:1 says, “Live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (NIV).

Second, I've been given a mission. In the Message paraphrase, Jesus prays, “In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world” (John 17:18).

When I'm on a mission, that’s all that matters. I'm there to get the job done—not to take a vacation. I have a mission to accomplish. And of all the missions in the world, the most important mission of all is helping people get to know God and settle their eternal destiny.

The apostle Paul said this, “I don’t care about my own life. The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me— to tell people the Good News about God’s grace” (Acts 20:24 NCV).

Third, I have been given authority to speak. Sometimes I may not feel confident talking about God to other people. But Jesus has authorized me to speak about him: “Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20 GNT).

Remember: If I'm a follower of Jesus, I'm his ambassador. That means I represent him, I have a mission from him, and I'm authorized to tell the Good News about him!

In summary:

As a follower of Jesus, I am called to be His ambassador—His representative in the world. That means my life should reflect His character and values in everything I do, remembering who I represent wherever I go. As Christ’s ambassador, I also have a mission: to help others know God and experience His grace, the most important assignment anyone could receive. And I don’t go in my own strength—I’ve been given the authority and responsibility to speak on His behalf, sharing the Good News with confidence. Being an ambassador for Christ means living with purpose, representing Him with integrity, and faithfully carrying out His mission in my everyday life.

Bottom Line:

As Christ’s ambassador, I’m called to represent Him in everything I do, fulfill my mission of sharing His message with others, and speak with the authority He’s given me—living each day as His living example to the world.

Next Step:

Live with daily ambassador awareness—start each day by intentionally asking, “How can I represent Christ well today?” Let His character shape my words, actions, and leadership influence. Look for one meaningful opportunity each day to reflect His love—whether through encouragement, integrity, forgiveness, or service—and be ready to share my faith naturally when doors open. Over time, this consistent representation will deepen my impact and align my leadership with my divine mission.

Finding Purpose Begins with Wanting God

“You will search again for the Lord your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.” Deuteronomy 4:29 (NLT)

The first step to hearing from God is really wanting it. I don’t see it as optional or just a nice idea—rather I see it as a necessity!

God doesn’t want to tell me his dream and vision for my life so I can debate and discuss it. He doesn’t want to tell me what he put me on earth to do just so I can say, “Let me think about it.”

I need to see it as a necessity. I have to say, “I’ve got to know why I’m here. I’ve got to know what you want me to do with my life. I’ve got to hear your voice. I’ve got to have your vision.”

King David wrote in the book of Psalms, “My God, I want to do what you want” (Psalm 40:8 NCV), and “What I want most and at all times is to honor your laws” (Psalm 119:20 CEV). 

David passionately declared that what he wanted most of all was to honor God. Being obedient and following God were not options for him. In other parts of the Bible, David used phrases like, “I long for it,” “I crave it,” “I hunger for it,” and “I’m like a deer panting for water.”

When I get that desperate, I'm going to hear from God.

A lot of people talk to God but never hear from God. For them, prayer is a monologue. But no healthy relationship is a monologue—I need a dialogue. What if I always talked to my wife, but she never talked to me? That’s not a relationship. I’ve got to have a conversation.

Talking to God in prayer is important but so is listening to him and letting him talk to me. How does that happen? First, I’ve got to want it more than anything else.

Deuteronomy 4:29 says, “You will search again for the Lord your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him” (NLT). That’s a promise from God, so it’s guaranteed! 

In summary:

The first step to truly hearing from God is to deeply desire it—to see His voice and vision not as optional but essential. God reveals His purpose to those who earnestly seek Him, not for debate but for obedience. Like King David, whose heart longed and hungered to honor God above all else, we must reach a point of spiritual desperation where knowing God’s will becomes our greatest pursuit. Prayer isn’t meant to be a one-sided conversation; real relationship with God involves listening as much as speaking. When we seek Him wholeheartedly—with all our heart and soul—He promises we will find Him.

Bottom line:

If I truly want to hear from God, I must seek Him with my whole heart—desperately, obediently, and relationally—because when I do, He promises I will find Him.

Next Step:

My next wisest step is to intentionally create space to listen to God before moving forward in your plans.

Built for Connection: God’s Design for Growth Together

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart . . . Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:30-31 (NIV)

Small groups aren’t just beneficial—they’re biblical!

Jesus started his public ministry when he was 30 years old. The first thing he did was get baptized. And the second thing he did was start a small group; he went out and gathered 12 guys to be his small group. For the next three years, he traveled and ate and ministered with them.

Even Jesus needed a small group—and he was perfect! I need one even more than he did to make it in life.

Why? I need a small group because they’re relational.

That’s important because life is all about learning how to love. And I can’t love unless I build relationships. Small groups are the laboratory for learning relational skills. They’re a laboratory for learning how to love.

I can’t have a conversation with a crowd. But in a small group I can ask questions and share wisdom. In a small group I can pray in specific ways for others, get support, and share the ups and downs of life.

One of the problems in our culture today is that we live among strangers. People aren’t learning relational skills anymore. We don’t know how to make conversation—and worse, we sometimes don’t even try. Electric garage doors have made us all strangers! We don’t ever have to engage with or even meet our neighbors.

I'm not very good at relational skills because I don’t put myself in situations where I learn them.

Jesus said the most important thing in life is learning how to love, and it’s called the Great Commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart . . . Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31 NIV). That means the most important thing for me to do on earth is to learn relational skills—loving God and loving other people. And to do that, I must get to know people personally. 

I don’t have to know everybody in the church for it to be my church. But I do have to know somebody.

I need a few people who know when I get sick or when I leave the hospital, when I get a raise or when I get laid off, when I can’t pay a bill or when I need a ride to the airport. They know me. They celebrate with me. And they show up when I need them.

I learn to love others like that—like Jesus loves me—through a small group.

In summary:

Jesus modeled the importance of community by forming a small group of 12 disciples, showing that even He valued close, relational connections. Small groups aren’t just helpful—they’re essential for spiritual and personal growth because they provide the space to build genuine relationships, develop relational skills, and learn how to love others well. In a world where people often live in isolation, small groups give us a place to share life’s ups and downs, pray for one another, and practice the Great Commandment: loving God and loving others. True Christian maturity happens not in crowds, but in close connection with others who know, support, and walk beside me in life.

Bottom line:

To grow in faith and become the leader God designed me to be, I need to intentionally invest in authentic relationships—because true spiritual and personal growth happens in community, not isolation.

Next Steps:

I need to start or join a small, growth-centered group where authentic relationships, accountability, and shared learning can flourish. Whether it’s a leadership circle, faith-based mastermind, or coaching group, I need to surround myself with people who challenge, encourage, and walk with me as I live out my purpose and strengthen both my faith and leadership impact.

Choosing God’s Way in a Self-Driven World

“He has brought down rulers from their thrones and raised up the humble.” Luke 1:52 (NCV)

God always gives me a choice, and one of the most important choices I’ll make is whether to take his path for my life or to make my own way. And the truth is, following God’s plan for life takes humility.

It takes humility to say, “God, I’m going to go with your plan, not my plan; I’m going your way, not my way.”

Pride says, “Forget you, God. I have my plans, dreams, and ambitions. I’m going to do what I want to do.”

But the Bible urges us over and over again to choose humility over pride. James 4:6 says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (GNT). And Proverbs 18:12 says, “Before honor is humility” (NKJV). Then James 4:10 promises, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor” (NLT).  

His Word tells me that all things start with humility on my part.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew this was true. She said, “He has done mighty deeds by his power. He has scattered the people who are proud and think great things about themselves. He has brought down rulers from their thrones and raised up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with nothing” (Luke 1:51-53 NCV).

This is an amazing piece of poetry—and it paints the picture of how God works in ways that are opposite to my natural human instincts.

Mary wasn’t educated, but she knew God and knew his Word. And she knew that she wanted his blessings. So she humbled herself and chose to take his path for her life.

So am I proudly following my own path? Or have I humbled myself and committed myself to following God’s path instead?

In summary:

One of the most important choices in life is whether to follow God’s path or my own—and that choice requires humility. Pride insists on control, pursuing personal plans and ambitions, but humility says, “God, your way is better than mine.” Scripture makes it clear that God opposes the proud but gives grace and honor to the humble. Mary modeled this truth beautifully when she praised God for lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud, showing how He works in ways that reverse human expectations. Like Mary, I’m called to trust God’s wisdom over my own and walk His path with a humble heart, knowing that true blessing and purpose begin there.

Bottom line:

When I humbly surrender my plans and choose God’s path over my own, He will guide, strengthen, and ultimately lift me to the place He’s prepared for me—one far greater than anything I could achieve on my own.

Next Step:

My next wisest step is to practice daily surrender with intentional humility—begin each day by asking, “Lord, what do You want me to do today?” and aligning my plans, decisions, and leadership influence with that guidance. This also means modeling humility as strength: being transparent about learning, inviting God’s direction in my leadership moments, and helping others see that true success comes not from control, but from trust and obedience.