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.

Purpose Begins with Yes

“I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants.” Luke 1:38 (TLB)

My destiny is largely determined by the questions I ask. The braver and more honest my questions, the further in life I'm going to go.

Just before the very first Christmas, Mary—who would become the mother of Jesus—had to ask herself a very brave, important question: Will I accept God’s destiny for me?

There are a lot of misconceptions about Mary. But what made Mary very special is that she was willing to accept her destiny. She was willing to trust God in the things he was calling her to do.

The Bible tells us Mary’s story: “God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you!’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be” (Luke 1:26-29 NIV).

Mary was young—probably no older than 15. And an angel showed up and basically told her, “God’s about to send a Savior into the world, to be born just like everyone else. And you’re going to be that baby’s mom, even though you’re still a virgin.”

And Mary’s response? “Mary was greatly troubled . . .” Mary was terrified. She didn’t know what to do, what to say, or who to tell. She probably thought, “No one’s going to believe me. Not my mom, my friends, or even Joseph.” She was afraid.

The story continues: “The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:30-33 NIV).

This would be no ordinary birth because this was no ordinary baby. This child was going to be the Son of God—the Messiah, the Savior.

And how did Mary eventually respond? The Living Bible paraphrase records her response: “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants. May everything you said come true!” (Luke 1:38).

Why did God choose Mary over all the other women on the planet to be the Messiah’s mother?

It wasn’t because of her education. She had none. It wasn’t because of her wealth. She was a poor peasant girl. It wasn’t because of her maturity. She was barely a teenager. Why did God choose Mary?

Because she trusted God completely and she was willing to accept God’s destiny for her, even though it meant hardship, misunderstanding, and criticism.

What about me? Am I willing to say yes to God’s destiny for myself—even if I'm afraid or doubting or know the road will be tough? I can trust that God’s destiny for my life is best for my life, far better than anything I can think up for myself.

In summary:

Mary’s story in Luke 1:38 shows the power of trusting God’s plan, even when it’s unclear or frightening. Though young and unprepared for the extraordinary call placed on her life, Mary chose faith over fear, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants.” Her willingness to accept God’s destiny—despite uncertainty, potential judgment, and hardship—reveals that what qualifies us for God’s purposes is not status, education, or experience, but wholehearted trust and obedience. Like Mary, I must ask myself: am I willing to say yes to God’s direction for my life, believing that His destiny is far greater than any I could design for myself?

Bottom line:

Trust God’s direction—even when it feels uncertain or uncomfortable—because saying “yes” to His plan positions me to fulfill the greater purpose He designed specifically for my life.

Next step:

Pause and reaffirm my willingness to say “yes” to God’s direction in this season of my life—then take one concrete action that reflects that trust. In short: Say yes, write it down, and move forward in faith.

Lead with Reflection: The Habit of Writing What I Learn

“The Lord gave me this answer: ‘Write down clearly on tablets what I reveal to you, so that it can be read at a glance.’” Habakkuk 2:2 (GNT)

Part of learning to hear God speak—and remembering what he says—is writing it down. This is the spiritual habit of journaling, and it’s a great one for followers of Jesus to understand and practice.

A journal is not a diary. A diary is about the things I did. But a journal contains my prayers to God and the lessons I’ve learned—the mistakes I’ve made and what he has taught me through them. It’s a written record of my journey with God.

One way to journal is to write God’s responses to my questions. As I read the Bible, write down the questions that come to mind. Then record the things God reveals.

Habakkuk did that when he wanted to hear God speak. In the book of Habakkuk, the Lord said, “Write down clearly on tablets what I reveal to you, so that it can be read at a glance” (Habakkuk 2:2 GNT). That’s how we got the book of Habakkuk. In chapter one, Habakkuk wrote down what he said to God. And in chapter two, he wrote down what God said back to him.

That’s also how we got the book of Psalms. Many of the psalms were written by David during his quiet moments with God. In some, he begins with what he’s feeling and ends with what God says.

Another way to journal is to write down my prayers. When I write them down, it preserves a spiritual legacy for my children and grandchildren. Imagine the influence I can have for generations to come if I keep a spiritual journal. The Bible says, “Write these things for the future so that people who are not yet born will praise the LORD” (Psalm 102:18 NCV).

Writing down my prayers also gives me the opportunity to record God’s answers when they come. I can remember how God had taken care of me. I could see how he had led me through.” 

If I don’t write down what I'm learning, I'm going to forget. The shortest pencil is longer than the longest memory—so write it down! And build a record of God’s care that I can return to again and again.

In Summary:

Habakkuk and David modeled the power of writing down their conversations with God—capturing both their prayers and God’s responses. Habakkuk recorded his dialogue with God, which became the book bearing his name, and David’s heartfelt reflections became the Psalms. Likewise, journaling my prayers allows me to preserve a record of God’s guidance, care, and faithfulness, creating a spiritual legacy for future generations. Writing down what I’m learning helps me remember how God has led me through challenges and answered prayers, serving as a continual reminder of His presence and direction. The act of journaling transforms fleeting moments of insight into lasting evidence of God’s hand in my life.

Bottom Line:

Write down what God reveals to me. Journaling turns fleeting moments of insight into lasting guidance—helping me remember His faithfulness, deepen my relationship with Him, and leave a spiritual legacy for those who follow.

My next wisest step is to begin a consistent habit of spiritual journaling—setting aside regular time to write down what God is teaching me, the prayers I'm praying, and the insights I gain through Scripture and reflection. By recording these moments, I'll not only strengthen my personal connection with God but also gain clarity and perspective for my leadership and coaching work. Over time, my journal will become a well of wisdom and encouragement—both for me and for those I mentor—helping me stay aligned with my purpose and create a lasting spiritual legacy.

Leading from What Lasts

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Luke 21:33 (NIV)

Sometimes it’s hard to know if an idea is an instruction from God, a deception from Satan, or just something I want to do. I need to learn to recognize the difference and know how to discern God’s voice—because it can have eternal consequences.

A lot of evil gets blamed on God. People will even do bad things and then say, “God told me to do it!” The Living Bible paraphrase says, “Don’t always believe every message you hear just because someone says it is a message from God: test it first to see if it really is” (1 John 4:1).                                                             

God’s will will never contradict his Word. So I can ask myself, “Does this idea in my mind agree with the Bible?” God doesn’t say one thing and then change his mind and say another thing. If he said it, it’s true, and it will always be true.

Truth doesn’t change. Opinions, scientific discoveries, and technology all change. But God’s Word doesn’t change. Truth never changes. In fact, if it’s new, it’s not true. What do I mean by that? If it’s true, it’s been around forever. It’s just that sometimes our discoveries catch up with something that’s always been true.

God is consistent. He isn’t moody. He doesn’t change his mind. He will never tell me to violate a principle that he’s already given in his Word.

So the first question I need to ask is, “Does this thought line up with what God has already said?” If what’s in my mind contradicts something he has already said in the Bible, then I know it’s wrong.

For instance, the Bible tells me to pay our taxes. Jesus said in Luke 20:25, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God” (NLT). If all of a sudden I get an idea that God is telling me to not pay my taxes, that idea isn’t from God. Since God has already said to pay your taxes, he’s not going to contradict it.

The Bible says that even if an angel shows up and says something like, “By the way, I’ve got some stuff to add to the Bible. The Bible is good, but this is new and revised information.” God says don’t believe it! In fact, Paul said it like this in The Living Bible paraphrase: “Let God’s curses fall on anyone, including myself, who preaches any other way to be saved than the one we told you about; yes, if an angel comes from heaven and preaches any other message, let him be forever cursed” (Galatians 1:8).

Jesus said in Luke 21:33, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (NIV). God’s Word is eternal, because truth never changes. If something was true 5,000 years ago, it was true 1,000 years ago, it is true today, and it will be true 5,000 years from today.

People might say, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it.” No! God said it, and that settles it—whether I believe it or not!

So if I wonder if an idea is from God, the first question to answer is this: “Is this idea in line with the truth of God’s Word?”

In summary:

God’s Word is the ultimate and unchanging standard for truth, and it never contradicts itself. While it can be difficult to discern whether an idea comes from God, personal desire, or deception, the Bible provides the test: if a thought or instruction aligns with Scripture, it can be trusted; if it doesn’t, it must be rejected. God’s will never violates His Word, and truth never changes—what was true thousands of years ago remains true today and will be forever. Unlike shifting opinions or trends, God is consistent, steady, and faithful. Jesus affirmed this when He said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Luke 21:33). Therefore, discerning God’s voice begins with knowing and measuring everything against His eternal Word.

Bottom Line:

I need to anchor every decision, idea, and direction in God’s unchanging Word. His truth is steady when everything else shifts—and by testing what I hear and think against Scripture, I'll stay aligned with His will and avoid deception or distraction.

Next steps:

To deepen my discernment through daily Scripture reflection and prayerful listening. Make it a consistent rhythm to pause, read, and ask, “Lord, what truth here applies to my next step today?” Then act on that truth with confidence. This anchors my leadership, coaching, and decision-making in what never changes: God’s Word, not opinions or emotions. Over time, this will strengthen my clarity, credibility, and spiritual authority as I guide myself and others.

The Wisdom of Listening First

“Listen for God’s voice in everything you do and everywhere you go. He’s the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3:6 (MSG)

In Luke 8:8, Jesus told a crowd who was gathered around him, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” (NIV). He had something to say—and it was important for them to listen.

The same is true for me. God wants to talk to me—and I need to take time to hear him.

When I hear from God, it proves that you’re in his family. If I don’t have any communication with God, then I don’t have a relationship with him, I just know about him; I don’t really know him. But when I communicate with God—talking to and listening to each other—that proves I have a relationship.

Hearing from God protects me from mistakes, too. When I start listening to God, I find that he warns me about potholes, traps, and bends in the road. I save yourself a lot of time, energy, frustration, and failure when I listen to God and do things his way.

The Message paraphrase of the Bible says, “Listen for God’s voice in everything you do and everywhere you go. He’s the one who will keep you on track” (Proverbs 3:6). Sometimes he just says one or two words like—“Don’t,” or “No,” or “Watch out.” That’s all he needs to say.

And hearing from God also produces success in life. Not the way the world defines success—by wealth or popularity or prestige. That’s not success. Instead, success is exactly who God made me to be. Success is what results from living in the center of God’s will.

In Psalm 32, God promises, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8 NLT). Notice that God promises to lead me on the best path for my life. What he’s planned for me is different from what he’s planned for everybody else—because he knows that what’s best for someone else isn’t necessarily best for me.

Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27 NLT). I need to be sure to take time to listen to the Good Shepherd today.

In summary:

God desires an ongoing, personal relationship with me—and that begins with learning to listen to His voice in all I do. When I take time to hear from Him, it confirms that I belong to His family and protects me from wrong turns, wasted effort, and unnecessary frustration. Proverbs 3:6 reminds me to “listen for God’s voice in everything,” because He alone keeps me on the right path. Hearing His guidance isn’t about achieving worldly success but about living in alignment with His will—becoming who He created me to be. Like a shepherd leading his sheep, God promises to guide, advise, and watch over me, showing me the best pathway for my life when I choose to listen and follow.

Bottom Line:

When I slow down and listen for God’s voice, He keeps me on the right path—protecting, guiding, and aligning me with His perfect will for my life.

My Next steps:

Build intentional listening time into my daily rhythm—quiet space to hear from God before leading, planning, or creating.

I already lead, coach, and influence others from a place of purpose. I should strengthen that influence by deepening my dependence on divine guidance. Begin each day not with what I must do, but with a moment of surrender: “Lord, what are You saying to me today?” Write down what I sense, align my priorities with it, and let my actions flow from that place of peace and clarity. From that stillness, my leadership will gain even greater spiritual authority, authenticity, and impact.

When the Spirit Speaks: Learning to Hear God’s Guidance Daily

“The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said when I was with you.” John 14:26 (CEV)

God gave me the Holy Spirit? He is God’s gift to me, showing me how to live faithfully in this world. God speaks to me through ideas and thoughts and suggestions from the Holy Spirit—and it’s called inspiration.

Jesus said in John 14:26, “The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said when I was with you” (CEV). The Holy Spirit is my teacher. The Bible also calls him my Counselor. He’s like a personal coach. 

His name is the Holy Spirit. I can constantly ask him? "What does he want me to do? What’s the next step? How can I be obedient to God?”

A paraphrase of John 14:26 says the Holy Spirit will “bring to your minds all that I have said to you” (Phillips). The Holy Spirit doesn’t speak in an audible voice. But he doesn’t need to go through your ears when he can go directly to my mind, bringing me whatever I need to know for the next step.

If the Holy Spirit works by bringing something to my mind, then there must be something already there to remind me of. That’s why I need to read the Bible. When I read and study and fill my mind with God’s Word, I am storing up truth. Then the Holy Spirit can bring it to mind at just the right time.

There will be many times when I'm under stress, dealing with a problem, or resisting a temptation—and I won’t have my Bible with me. Even if I have an app on my phone, I might not know where to look for help. But if I've hidden God’s Word in my heart, then the Holy Spirit can bring it to mind.

I don’t have to get something out of the Bible every time I read it. But with regular Bible study and Scripture memorization, I'm storing up truth in my mind that God can use later to speak to me—right when I need it most.

In Summary:

God has given me the Holy Spirit as a personal teacher, counselor, and guide to help me live faithfully and make wise decisions. Jesus promised that the Spirit would teach me and remind me of His words, speaking to my mind through thoughts and insights rather than an audible voice. But for the Holy Spirit to remind me of God’s truth, I first need to fill my mind with Scripture. By regularly reading, studying, and memorizing God’s Word, I store up truth that the Spirit can bring to mind in moments of stress, temptation, or decision. The Holy Spirit uses what’s already in my heart to guide me, comfort me, and keep me aligned with God’s will.

Bottom Line:

Stay filled with God’s Word so the Holy Spirit can guide me when I need it most. The Spirit speaks by reminding me of truth already in my heart—so the more Scripture I store within, the more clearly I'll hear His direction and walk in wisdom.

The Number One Way God Speaks to You

“Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (CEV)

The number one way God speaks is through his Word.

A lot of people wish God would just write in the sky what he wants them to do. But God isn’t going to write in the sky what he’s already written in his Book!

Everything I need to know God and live a life of purpose and meaning is found in his Word. If I'm not opening the Bible and reading the Bible, then God isn’t talking to me very much—and I miss out.

The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live” (CEV).

God gave us the Bible for four reasons: to teach us, to help us, to correct us, and to show us how to live. Notice it says “everything” and “all of it.” Everything in the Bible is God’s Word, and all of it is useful. That means it’s 100 percent reliable and 100 percent practical. I can use it for every part of my life, for the rest of my life.

Some parts of the Bible are hard to understand. Some parts I’ll have to study more than others. But it’s all there for a reason: to help me.

This is why a consistent quiet time—where I spend time with God and study the Bible every day—is so important. I can simply sit down every day for 10 minutes and give God my attention and focus. I read the Bible and listen to him speak. I talk to him in prayer. I get to know him and let him teach me, help me, correct me, and show me how to live through his Word.

Why is it so important? Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path” (GNT).

The Bible is like a flashlight for life. It’s not a high intensity beam that’s going to show me the next three years of my life. Instead, it’s going to give me enough light for my next step, and then I trust God for the rest.

That’s called walking by faith. And I learn to do it by studying God’s Word, doing what it says, and taking it one day at a time. 

In Summary:

God primarily speaks through His Word, which contains everything needed to know Him and live with purpose. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, all Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, helping, correcting, and guiding me in how to live. The Bible is 100% reliable and practical for every part of life, even when parts are challenging to understand. Spending daily time with God through Scripture and prayer allows Him to speak, shape, and strengthen me. His Word serves as a lamp that lights the next step, not the entire path—teaching me to walk by faith, one step at a time, trusting His guidance each day.

Bottom Line:

If I want to hear from God and walk in His purpose, stay in His Word daily. Scripture is His voice, my guide, and the steady light for each next step—teaching me to trust Him one day at a time.

Leading from a Place of Peace

“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT)

It’s increasingly difficult to stay focused on true things. The Bible says, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8 NLT).

This requires a mental shift. It means I might have to build new, better habits.

My mind is bombarded with lies every single day. Advertisements and social media tell me that if I don't think, dress, or act a certain way, I don't matter. When I was growing up, I was often told that if I'm not good at academics or athletics, I don't matter. This world is full of lies, and I’ve believed many of them. But they're just not true. And not only that, but they can lead to stress and unrest in your life.

The only way to counter those lies is to fill my mind with the truth. And the truth is, God loves me. I matter to him. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 NIV).

To be set free means to have a breakthrough—and I need to have a breakthrough! One of the most powerful ways to get there is by spending time in God’s Word every day. That’s where real transformation begins.

If I think you can’t do that, just consider how many hours I'm spending on social media, watching TV, or listening to the news. How am I going to have a healthy mind if I'm filling it with lies instead of truth?

Not everything I hear is true. Not everything I read is true. Not everything I tell myself is even true. I've got to get into the Bible every day, because God always speaks what is true. I can trust what he says about me and the promises he’s made to me in his Word.

What happens when I keep your mind on true things?

The Living Bible paraphrase says, “If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

I'd like to have my heart and mind at rest. That's a breakthrough everyone needs: less stress and more rest. Get started on a breakthrough today by getting into God’s Word.

In summary:

Staying focused on truth in today’s world takes intentional effort and a renewed mindset. Philippians 4:8 calls me to fix my thoughts on what is true, right, pure, and praiseworthy—but that means replacing the daily lies I hear from media, culture, and even my own thoughts with God’s truth. The Bible reminds us that we matter deeply to God, and only His Word can free me from the stress and unrest that come from believing falsehoods. Real breakthrough and lasting peace come when I consistently fill my mind with Scripture rather than noise, allowing God’s truth to renew my thinking and bring rest to my heart.

Bottom Line:

Keep my mind anchored in God’s truth every day. When I choose to focus on what’s true and life-giving instead of the noise and lies around me, my thoughts, emotions, and perspective align with God’s peace—and that’s where real transformation and strength begin.

I need to start each day in Scripture and prayer — not for information, but transformation. Let God’s Word shape my thoughts before the world does.