Appreciating Others Raises Their Value

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Radical gratitude means walking through life being grateful in every situation, no matter what—when times are abundant or when times are tight, when times are good or when times are bad. And being grateful can actually serve others; it can become a ministry.

Have you ever realized that every believer is a minister? I am a minister! And one ministry I can create is the ministry of appreciation.

Do you know what the word “appreciation” means? In buying a car, I certainly know the meaning of depreciation. The moment I drive it off the lot, it’s worth less than I paid for it, even if it’s a brand-new vehicle. Depreciation means “to decrease in value.” Appreciation is the opposite. It means “to increase in value.”

When I appreciate my spouse, daughter or grandchildren, I raise their value. When I appreciate my co-workers or boss, I raise their value—to both myself and the company. 

The ministry of appreciation raises the value of people. As I develop radical gratitude, I can make a ministry out of raising the value of people simply by appreciating them.

The Bible says it like this: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV).

One thing I’ve discovered is this: Everyone needs massive doses of encouragement. I’ve never met anybody who’s said, “Oh no! I don’t need a compliment! I’ve had too many. Please, stop! I’m too affirmed. Don’t give me any more.”

I have an innate need to be affirmed, to be loved, to be appreciated—and so does everybody else. If I want to be used by God, here’s one way: Affirm everyone. Appreciate everyone. Show gratitude to everyone.

That’s how I can develop a ministry of appreciation.

In summary:

Radical gratitude means choosing to be thankful in every circumstance—good or bad—and using that gratitude to serve others. Scripture reminds us in Ephesians 4:29 to speak only what builds people up, and one way to do that is through a “ministry of appreciation.” Appreciation increases a person’s value, whether it’s a spouse, family member, coworker, or anyone we interact with. Everyone longs for encouragement and affirmation, and no one suffers from receiving too much of it. By intentionally appreciating, affirming, and encouraging others, we can meet a deep human need and allow God to use us to raise the value of the people around us.

Bottom line:

Use my words and attitude of gratitude to intentionally build others up—because appreciation is a ministry, and everyone needs encouragement.

Next Step:

Choose one person today and intentionally express specific appreciation for something they do or who they are.

The Path You Didn’t Know Was There

“Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters—a pathway no one knew was there!” Psalm 77:19 (NLT)

God can use impressions to speak to me. He can use circumstances. He can even use pain. He can use whatever he wants to use.

Oswald Chambers said, “God is the Great Engineer, creating circumstances to bring about moments in our lives of divine importance, leading us to divine appointments.” 

The Bible says God actively works through our circumstances. And so we cannot judge our situation apart from God’s wisdom. In other words, I must leave it up to God to interpret my circumstances. Only he is capable of understanding all the facts, and only he sees the significance of every detail. That’s why it is so important that I test it all by his Word.

If I'm feeling overwhelmed or confused about a decision, I might be caught up in myself and not God’s voice. The Bible says, “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV). He is not the author of confusion. So if I'm feeling confused, guess what? It’s not God’s voice speaking in my life.

So many times we come up against enormous financial, spiritual, or physical barriers. That’s when we need to confess, “God, there are mountains on either side and an impassable barrier in front of me.” And then wait for God to respond: “I’ve got you exactly where I want you to be. Watch this.” God will make a pathway where there seems to be no way.

Psalm 77:19 says, “Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters—a pathway no one knew was there!” (NLT).

In summary:

God speaks and guides in many ways—including impressions, circumstances, and even pain—and because only He sees the full picture, I must rely on His Word and wisdom to interpret what’s happening in my life. Confusion is never from God, who brings peace, not disorder. When I face overwhelming barriers and see no path forward, God often uses those moments to reveal His power, creating a way no one else could see, just as He parted the sea for Israel. Instead of relying on my own strength or understanding, I can surrender to His guidance, trusting that He will lead me step by step on the right path.

Bottom line:

When I feel stuck, confused, or facing barriers that seem impossible, God is already at work creating a path I can’t yet see—my role is to surrender, trust His guidance, and let His peace, not my confusion, lead the way.

Next steps:

Identify the specific area where you feel most stuck or unsure right now—and bring it to God in focused surrender.

Not in general… but one clear situation where you need direction today.

Leadership, calling, business, relationships, a decision—identify the point of confusion.

Then pray:

“Lord, I surrender this situation to You. Show me the next step, and I will follow.”

Aligning Your Heart With God’s Mission

“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.” Mark 8:35 (NLT) 

In my last post I looked at two ways to develop a heart like Jesus. Today I'm going to look at two more ways.  

If I want to have a heart like Jesus—this next one may shock me. Not only do I have to care about what Jesus cares about and be indifferent to what Jesus is indifferent to, I must get angry about what Jesus gets angry about.  

I tend to think anger is a sin. The wrong kind of anger is sinful but there’s good anger and bad anger. There’s righteous anger and there’s unrighteous anger. Unrighteous anger is selfish, self-centered anger—the kind I feel when someone hurts me, frustrates me, or makes me afraid.

But righteous anger comes from a place of love. When I see people suffering while others have far more than they need, I ought to get angry about that. When I see injustice, poverty, and prejudice, I ought to get angry about that. 

In fact, the Bible makes this point in Ephesians 4:26. It says, “Be angry without sinning” (GW).  

Jesus got angry when children’s needs weren’t being met. In The Message paraphrase, he said, “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom” (Mark 10:13-14). 

Jesus also got angry when human suffering—especially of the poor or vulnerable—was ignored. He said, “Woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them” (Luke 11:46 NIV). God is love—but he is also just. And when he sees injustice in the world, he gets angry—and so should I. 

Lastly, follow Jesus’ example of sacrifice. He said it very clearly: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NIV).  

Here’s the amazing thing: If I make the switch from living for myself, to sacrificing for Jesus and his purposes, my happiness will go off the charts. Why? Because God wired us in a way that as we become more like him—generous and unselfish—the happier we get. It’s as simple as this: If I live for myself, I'll be miserable. If I give my life away, I'll be happy. 

Jesus spent his time on earth helping people get right with God and right with each other. That’s worth making sacrifices for. 

God wants me to develop a heart like his. And as I do, I'll find real life: “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it” (Mark 8:35 NLT).  

In summary:

Jesus teaches that real life is found not in holding tightly to my own desires but in giving myself fully to God’s purposes. To develop a heart like His, I must not only care about what Jesus cares about and stay indifferent to what doesn’t matter, but also allow myself to feel righteous anger toward injustice, suffering, and the mistreatment of the vulnerable—just as He did. This kind of anger is rooted in love, not selfishness, and moves me to act with compassion. Finally, following Jesus means embracing a life of sacrificial service, just as He “came not to be served but to serve.” When I stop living for myself and start giving my life away for Jesus and the Good News, I discover the surprising truth: unselfish living leads to deep joy, and sacrificing for what matters most is where real life is found.

Bottom line:

Real life is found not in living for myself, but in aligning my heart with Jesus—caring about what He cares about, rejecting what doesn’t matter, standing against injustice, and living a life of sacrificial love.

Next step:

Choose one area that stirs righteous anger in you—poverty, neglected children, inequity, isolation, spiritual disconnection, or broken relationships. Commit to a practical action this week: serving, giving, mentoring, advocating, or partnering with an organization.

Investing Your Life in What Lasts Forever

“The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NLT) 

A thousand years before I was born, God knew exactly when and where I would exist. He doesn’t have me in the place I'm in just to sit, soak, and sour. He wants me to follow him with an active faith. Jesus used words like come, follow, go, obey, send, and do when he spoke to people. 

For example, Jesus said, “Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15 NCV). He didn’t say go only to the places that are comfortable for me, sharing the parts of the Bible I like. He said, “Go everywhere . . . to everyone!” 

So how do I become a part of God’s work in my corner of the world? What matters is not my ability but my availability. God is looking to use people who will make themselves available to him. 

The Bible says, “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT). God’s not looking for superheroes—people with super-talent, super-energy, or super-intelligence. He’s just looking for people with committed hearts. 

So how can I develop a heart committed to Jesus—a heart like his? There are four ways. I'm going to look at two today and another two tomorrow. 

First, I must care about what Jesus cares about. Jesus deeply cares about two things—the world and the church. 

The Bible says, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36 NIV). God has never made a person he doesn’t love. He loves the people I disagree with, the people I think are evil, and the people who didn’t vote the way I voted. He loves everybody. And if I want to develop a heart like Jesus, I have to learn to love them too. 

Jesus also cares about the church—which the Bible calls his body and his bride. The Bible says, “Christ loved the church and gave his life for it” (Ephesians 5:25 CEV). This is how much Jesus loves the church, Look at the cross. With his arms outstretched, it’s as if he was saying, “I love the church this much! I’m willing to shed my blood and die for it.”  

Second, I must be indifferent to what Jesus is indifferent to. Should followers of Jesus ever be indifferent to anything? Absolutely. Why? Because not everything is equally valuable. Not everything is equally important. Not everything is going to last. Some things aren’t going to last five minutes. Some will last five years, some 50 years, some 500 years. But some things are going to last forever. I need to invest my life in things that matter and in things that will last into eternity.   

Jesus was indifferent to things that didn’t help him fulfill God’s mission. He was indifferent to personal danger, religious traditions, and the opinions of other people. He was indifferent to timetables, politics, getting rich, and impressing others. 

Jesus focused on God’s mission and trusted God to take care of the rest. As he said in Matthew 6:33, “But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you” (GW). 

In summary:

God intentionally placed me where I am and calls me to an active, obedient faith—not comfort or complacency. His eyes search the earth for people whose hearts are fully committed to Him, not those with extraordinary abilities but those who are simply available. To develop a heart like Jesus, I must care about what He cares about—the world He loves and the church for which He gave His life—and become indifferent to what He was indifferent to, refusing to waste energy on things that don’t last or distract from God’s mission. Like Jesus, I’m called to focus on what matters for eternity, trusting God to handle everything else.

Bottom line:

God isn’t looking for perfect people—He’s looking for available, committed hearts. When I care about what Jesus cares about and let go of what doesn’t matter, I become someone God can strengthen and use to make an eternal impact right where I am.

Next step:

Pick one simple, intentional action that aligns with what Jesus cares about: people and the church. Commitment grows through action, not intention. I need to make myself available today to align my heart with God’s heart. When I do it will open the door for Him to strengthen and guide me in ways I can’t orchestrate on my own.

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.