Learning From Jesus’ Example

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

Nobody lived a more balanced and healthy life than Jesus. He wasn’t consumed with stress. He was never burdened with a heavy load. His life was a model for me on how to live with purpose and peace.

In Matthew 11:29 Jesus says, “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (NIV). It’s as if he’s saying, “Study me. Watch how I do it.”

His answers to stress and anxiety include coming to him and taking on his yoke by giving up control. Next, he invites me to learn from him—this is the third solution to reducing stress.

Jesus doesn’t say, “Learn from me. I’ll teach you endurance and stamina, confidence and courage, or time management and goal setting.” He says, “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble.” He wants me to watch him and replicate what he did.

But learning from Jesus, following his example of gentleness and humility, doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that takes time. I must learn to reduce stress.

Two of the biggest causes of stress in life are arrogance and aggression. These are the opposites of humility and gentleness.

Aggression happens when I do things too quickly. I don’t wait or think things over. I just jump right in with both feet and I get over-committed.

Arrogance happens when I try to control everything. Arrogance is thinking I know what’s best and everyone’s lives would be easier if they followed my plan.

The truth is when I try to do it all, have it all, be it all, and experience it all, I'm living with an aggressive and arrogant attitude. I'm acting like superman. The antidote to aggression and arrogance is gentleness and humility—the kind of life Jesus modeled for me to live.

So how do I learn to be gentle and humble like Jesus? I learn to do it by growing my faith. And when my faith grows, my stress goes down.

How do I grow my faith? Faith grows by spending time in the Bible. The more I get God’s Word into my life, the more my faith will grow. The Bible says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17 NKJV).

I need to hear the Word, read the Word, and think about the Word of God on a daily basis. If I do, my faith will increase, my stress will decrease, and my life will begin to look a lot more like Jesus’.

In summary:

Jesus offers a different path to peace and rest—one rooted not in striving, but in surrender. Matthew 11:29 invites me to learn from Jesus, who lived with gentleness and humility rather than stress and pressure. Instead of chasing productivity or control, He modeled a life of balance and dependence on God. His “yoke” is light not because life is easy, but because His way leads to inner rest. The key to reducing stress, according to his teaching, is not mastering time management but cultivating a humble and gentle spirit by following Jesus' example.

Two major causes of stress—arrogance and aggression—they stem from trying to do too much, too fast, or trying to control everything myself. These are the opposite of the peace Jesus offers. To move away from this mindset, I am called to grow my faith, which starts by continuing to spend regular time in God's Word. As I internalize Scripture, my trust in God grows, my need to control lessens, and my stress begins to fade. In short, a gentler, humbler, more Christlike life begins with deepening my relationship with Him through faith and the Bible.

Three Lies That Keep Me from Slowing Down

“It is better to have only a little, with peace of mind, than be busy all the time with both hands, trying to catch the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:6 (GNT)

When I'm ready to slow down my life, start with a self-assessment: What drives me to always push for more? Why do I need to have more money in my bank account or more achievements in my career? Why do I need to pack more activities in my schedule?

To help me answer those questions in today’s culture, consider if I’ve believed these three major lies that contribute to a fast-paced life.

The first lie is that having more will make me happier. 

Life is not about values or possessions. Jesus said, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36 NIV). There are lots of people who have plenty of things, but they’re still unhappy and unsatisfied with their lives.

The second lie is that doing more will make me more worthy.

If I get my work and my worth confused, I'm going to be stressed out and running on empty my entire life.

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:6, “It is better to have only a little, with peace of mind, than be busy all the time with both hands, trying to catch the wind” (GNT). In other words, doing more won’t give me peace. It’s wiser to buy a smaller home or live on less of my income so I can have more time, more energy, more joy, and more peace of mind.

The third lie is that life is a competition with others.

I am not in competition with anybody. Why? Because I am unique, and God didn’t make me to be in competition with anyone. He wants me to be me. When I accept that and stop trying to be like others, it takes a lot of stress out of life.

Proverbs 14:30 says in the Living Bible paraphrase, “A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life; jealousy rots it away.” 

These three lies keep me from being content in life, which keeps me driving and striving—but never thriving.

To slow down my life, don’t just try to do less. Start with the heart. Slowing down comes not by clearing my calendar but by becoming content with what I have and who I am.

In summary:

It's important for me to choose peace over constant busyness and challenges the cultural pressures that push me to chase more—more money, achievements, and activities. It begins with a call for self-reflection: Why am I always pushing for more? It identifies three core lies that drive this restlessness. First, the belief that having more will make me happier—when in truth, many people with much still feel unfulfilled. Second, the idea that doing more will increase my worth—leading to burnout and emptiness. And third, the false notion that life is a competition—causing me to compare and strive unnecessarily, instead of embracing my unique identity.

Ecclesiastes 4:6 emphasizes that peace of mind is better than the exhausting pursuit of success and possessions. True contentment doesn’t come from achieving more but from shifting my heart—choosing simplicity, slowing my pace, and being grateful for what I already have. Rather than just reducing my workload, I'm encouraged to address the root of my restlessness: discontentment. By rejecting these lies and embracing a mindset of peace and purpose, I can live a more joyful and sustainable life.

Slow to Speak, Slow to Anger

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19 (NIV)

Have you noticed how rarely you get to finish a sentence these days? We sometimes don’t even let others complete their sentences. We get angry easily and talk over each other all the time. You see it on talk shows. You hear it on podcast programs. You watch it on TV news, with three or four people talking at the same time and trying to make a point. But when everybody’s talking at once, nobody’s really listening.

How did we get here?

With a faster and more frantic speed of life, people have become more impatient. We’re so eager to speak our mind—or to just finish the conversation and move on to the next thing—that we’re not even interested enough in the other person and their perspective to hear them out.

The Bible says in James 1:19, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (NIV). Notice that if you do the first two—listen first and don’t speak right away—then the third is automatic. When you are quick to listen and slow to speak, you will be much less likely to become angry.

As parents, coworkers, neighbors, and spouses, it’s easy to lose our temper. Once our impatience starts to flare, it’s a quick trip to anger and conflict. 

But the Bible offers an effective way to combat anger in your life: Practice listening before you speak and working to understand the other person before you respond. When you do that, you will learn to deal with your anger.

If you think you don’t have an anger problem, you may just really be good at hiding it. When it comes to anger, everyone is either a skunk or a turtle. When they get angry, skunks stink up the whole place. Everybody knows they’re upset! Turtles, on the other hand, tend to pull back into their shells and internalize their anger. You may not see it, but it’s still boiling up inside.

Both skunks and turtles need to deal with their anger—they need to learn how to be quick to listen and slow to speak.

Be slow to speak, and you’ll be slow to anger. And by taking your time to respond, you’ll also be better able to really listen.

In summary:

In today’s fast-paced world, people have grown increasingly impatient, often speaking over one another without fully listening. This behavior is common in everyday conversations, media, and public discussions, where the need to quickly express opinions outweighs the willingness to hear others out. James 1:19 provides a remedy, urging me to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." When I prioritize listening and pause before responding, anger naturally diminishes, creating space for more thoughtful and respectful interactions.

Whether in families, workplaces, or communities, unchecked impatience often escalates into anger and conflict. Everyone experiences anger differently—some express it openly like skunks, while others internalize it like turtles—but both need to address it. By consciously practicing listening first and speaking later, I not only manage my own anger more effectively but also deepen my understanding of those around me. Slowing down my reactions will lead to healthier communication and stronger relationships.

Taking Back My Time

“If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you.” James 1:5 (GW)

God wants his children to get their proper rest. If I'm burning the candle at both ends, I'm not as bright as I think I am. I'm going to burn out!

Often I'm given more opportunities in one week than I could possibly take on in one month. I need to learn to manage my opportunities—because if I don’t, I'm going to drown in them. There are plenty of things I can do with my life that may not be worth doing.

When I'm faced with an opportunity, I need to take three steps.

First, ask, is it worth it? Is that opportunity worth my time, energy effort, reputation, and money? Is it worth my life? Every time I give myself to an activity, I'm exchanging my life for it. Why? Because my time is my life.

Second, understand what I'm going to have to give up. What will I give up in order to do this new thing?

Most of us know how to make a to-do list. The challenge is to make a what-matters-most list for my life. I need to decide what’s most important by asking God what matters most to him. This won’t just help me know what to put on my to-do list. It will also help me know what to take off my list. I recently encountered a trusted resource who talked about a "Stop Doing" list in which you learn to give some things over to others or just don't need to do. 

James 1:5 says, “If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you” (GW).

Third, learn to say “no.” I’ve become addicted to today’s speed of life, and it’s costing me my health, relationships, and my walk with God. I need to slow down by saying “no” to the things that don’t make the what-matters-most list. This is much like my "Decision Matrix" I developed a few months ago. I need to make sure I'm using it to decide how to spend my time so that I'm not wasting my life.

I know how to fill my time, but I'm not as good at taking it back. I don’t have time because I don’t make the time. And I make time by asking if it’s worth it, understanding what to give up, and then learning to say “no” to what hurts me in the long run. Only then will I have the wisdom to know what action to take with each new opportunity I face. 

Here are some questions to ponder today: What happens when I apply these three steps to the things that already fill your calendar? When I understand that my time is my life, how does it change my perspective on activities and opportunities? Of the opportunities I’ve been given, what do I think matters most to God?

In summary:

It's important for me to seek God's wisdom when making decisions, especially in a fast-paced world filled with endless opportunities. James 1:5 reminds me that if I lack wisdom, I should ask God, who generously gives it. Without proper rest and intentional decision-making, I risk burnout by overcommitting. Instead of simply filling my lives with tasks, I need to pause and evaluate whether each opportunity aligns with what truly matters. Time is a limited and valuable resource—essentially my life—and I must manage it wisely.

To do this, I can take three steps: first, ask if the opportunity is truly worth the investment of my time and energy. Second, understand what I will have to give up in order to pursue it. And third, learn to say “no” to things that don’t align with what matters most to God. Creating a "what-matters-most" list and even a "Stop Doing" list can help me filter out distractions. By applying these steps and using tools like my personal decision matrix, I can reclaim my time and live intentionally, focusing on what truly counts in both my life and my walk with God.

Deciding To Manage My Mind

“I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever, no matter what.” Psalm 119:112 (CEV)

People who learn how to fight the battle in their minds live more effective lives.

If I want to learn to manage my mind, you have to be delivered from destructive thoughts. That isn’t easy because I'm n a battle with three enemies trying to control my thoughts. 

The first enemy is your old nature. Paul says in Romans 7:23, “There is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me” (NLT).

Do you ever find yourself doing things you don’t really want to do? That’s the battle in your mind between your old, sinful nature and your good intentions.

The second enemy is Satan. Satan cannot force you to do anything, but he can make suggestions. Those suggestions are incredibly powerful. He is constantly planting negative thoughts in your mind. He’ll use other people or what you watch on TV, or he’ll just throw a thought in your mind.

The third enemy is the world’s value system. Modern society rarely encourages self-discipline. Advertisements tell you things like, “You deserve a break today,” “Have it your way,” and “We do it all for you.” The Bible says in 1 John 2:16, “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world” (NIV).

With enemies like that, no wonder people struggle with discouragement, despair, and failure!

So how do you fight this battle? Look at what 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says: “Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (NIV).

You have a choice. God didn’t give you just a mind. He gave you a will too! Your mind has to listen to you. The Bible says, “I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever, no matter what” (Psalm 119:112 CEV).

In summary:

Managing your mind is essential to living a more effective and spiritually grounded life. The Bible highlights that we face a mental battle against three powerful enemies: our old sinful nature, Satan’s deceptive suggestions, and the world’s distracting value system. These forces can lead to inner conflict, negative thinking, and temptation. Paul describes this struggle in Romans, acknowledging how we often act against our better judgment due to the pull of sin. Satan plants destructive thoughts subtly through media, people, or spontaneous ideas. Meanwhile, the world promotes self-indulgence over discipline, making it even harder to stay spiritually focused.

However, God equips us with spiritual weapons to win this mental battle. As 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 explains, we are empowered to tear down strongholds and take control of our thoughts through divine strength. We’re not helpless—God gives us the ability to choose what we dwell on. With His help, we can intentionally direct our thoughts toward truth and obedience. Psalm 119:112 reminds us that committing to God’s ways, regardless of circumstances, is a powerful decision. It takes discipline and intentionality, but by choosing to obey God and taking every thought captive, we can overcome destructive thinking and live with clarity, peace, and purpose.

A Focused Life Is a Powerful Life

“Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.”Genesis 24:4 (NLT)

There is nothing more powerful than a focused life. It’s kind of like light. Light that is unfocused and diffused has no power. But if I focus it with a magnifying glass, I can use it to start a fire. If I focus light even more, it becomes a laser that can cut through steel and kill cancer.

My life is like that. The more focused my life is, the more impact it will have and the more success I will have in reaching my goals.

The classic chapter in the Bible on success is Genesis 24. It’s the story of Abraham, Eleazar, Isaac, and Rebekah.

God had promised Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation, but Abraham had grown old, and his son Isaac still hadn’t married or had children. Abraham began to wonder how he would have a great nation without any grandchildren. So he made a plan.

He told his servant, Eleazar, “Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac” (Genesis 24:4 NLT).

So what in the world does this have to do with me?” Well, this happened thousands of years ago, but it has enormous implications for me today. If I have a goal to fulfill, a dream to reach, or a vision I want to become reality, Eleazar’s example will give me the steps to get there.

Eleazar’s life became focused when Abraham told him to go find a wife for Isaac. Once I decide to focus my life, what specifically do I do next? Where do I begin in chasing a big goal? 

Step one in fulfilling a dream is to determine my present position. To do that, I need to ask myself these two important questions: Where am I now? and What do I want to change?

I can’t figure out where I want to go until I know where I'm already at. I’ve got to know my present position. Along with that, I’ve got to assess my current condition. Like Abraham, I have to decide what I’d like to change. 

Determining my present position is the first step in the journey toward a focused life, toward success in the dreams I have for my life.

If I'm serious about chasing a dream God has given me, I can pray this:

God, give me wisdom to see what changes need to be made in my life. May the rest of my life be the best of my life. You say it’s up to me; I get a choice. You’re teaching me what to do. I don’t want to drift. I want to have direction. Help me to learn how to focus my life to fulfill the dreams you’ve given me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

In summary:

A focused life holds immense power and potential, much like concentrated light that can ignite a fire or even cut through steel. In Genesis 24, Abraham's clear instruction to his servant Eleazar to find a wife for Isaac is a powerful example of living with intention and clarity. This ancient story serves as a blueprint for modern-day goal setting and success. Just as Eleazar’s purpose became clear through Abraham’s direction, I too must define what I'm aiming for if I want to achieve meaningful progress.

The first step toward fulfilling a dream is determining where I currently stand—understanding my present position and recognizing what I want to change. Without clarity on my starting point, it’s impossible to chart a course toward my goals. By asking questions like “Where am I now?” and “What do I want to change?” I lay the groundwork for intentional growth. When I seek God’s guidance and focus my life with purpose, I invite Him to transform my direction and empower myself to realize the dreams He’s placed in my heart.

When It Comes to Goals, Be Specific

“Swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women. Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.” Genesis 24:3-4 (NLT)

Eleazar’s example is a roadmap for how to succeed in reaching my goals.

In Genesis 24, there are several steps to success in the story of Abraham, Isaac, Eleazar, and Rebekah. One of the steps in getting where I want to be is to describe exactly what I want.

Vague goals are never accomplished. When I am specific, I figure out not only what I want but also what I don’t want.

Abraham was very specific in the task he set before Eleazar. Genesis 24:3-4 says, “Swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women. Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac” (NLT).

I have a dream for my life, so I need to ask myself: What do I want to be or do or have? Why do I want it? 

Don’t ask how. We’re always so concerned about the how. How am I going to do it? How am I going to pay for it?  How am I going to find the time?

In life, never confuse the decision-making phase with the problem-solving phase. Most people try to solve all the problems before they set their goal. Bad idea. If I try to solve every problem first, I'll never move forward.

God says I need to ask why first, not how.

Knowing what is not enough. I can set all kinds of goals, but if I don’t know the why, I'm never going to achieve them. The why keeps me from giving up when times get tough. It’s when I know the why that God shows me how.

He is always faithful to help me succeed.

So I need to ask God to help me clarify what I want to be or do or have in life. Then take the time to figure out why I want it. Learn to be specific.

In summary:

In Genesis 24, Abraham gives his servant Eleazar a clear and specific mission: to find a wife for Isaac from his own people, not the local Canaanites. This story emphasizes the importance of setting clear, specific goals. Vague goals rarely succeed, but when I know exactly what I want—and what I don’t want—I can better focus my efforts. Like Abraham, I must define my objectives with clarity to make progress. This helps me recognize the right path and filter out distractions that don’t align with my purpose.

However, knowing what I want isn't enough—I must also understand why I want it. Too often, we get stuck trying to figure out how to achieve something before even deciding on the goal. But God encourages me to start with the why, because a strong purpose keeps me going when challenges arise. Once I’m clear on the why, God will show me the how. Success starts by partnering with God to define my vision and motives, and trusting Him to guide me step by step.

Work with All My Heart

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.” Colossians 3:23 (GNT)

God wants to bless my work!

No matter what I do for a living, when I approach it as an act of worship, God blesses it. Whether sweeping streets or running a business, God calls me to treat work as more than just a job—it’s an offering to him.

This means my real boss isn’t my supervisor; my real boss is God.

Imagine working in a hotel, cleaning a room as if Jesus himself were staying there. I would do my absolute best? So, treat every task—whether fixing a car, closing a sale, or changing diapers—as if I was doing it for him. Martin Luther, who started the Protestant Reformation, said even milking cows can glorify God when done with the right heart.

If I'm feeling less than enthusiastic about my work? If my heart isn’t in it, I might be in the wrong job. Life is too short to spend on work I can’t give my whole heart to. The Bible says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart” (Colossians 3:23 GNT).

If I’ve sincerely tried to put my whole heart into whatever job I'm doing and I just can’t, it might be time for a change. God wants my work to be an act of worship, to bless him and myself!

God blesses work where there is —

Planning: Proverbs 21:5 says, “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty” (NLT). When I make plans and work hard, God blesses me in that. He’s not going to bless me if I'm always cutting corners or trying to do the minimum.

Initiative: Proverbs 10:4 teaches, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth” (NIV). Don’t wait for opportunities to come to me—pursue them with determination.

Integrity: Be honest in all dealings. The Message paraphrase reminds us in Proverbs 16:11, “God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business.” Pay taxes, treat others fairly, and act with integrity. 

Focus: Stay committed. Proverbs 12:11 says, “A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense” (NLT). Stick to my goals without getting distracted.

Persistence: Don’t give up easily. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time” (NLT). Wealth built through hard work endures, unlike riches gained quickly, which vanish just as fast.

What I'm finding is that work, when done wholeheartedly and with these principles, becomes an act of worship that God blesses abundantly.

In summary:

When I approach my work with wholehearted dedication as if serving God rather than people, it transforms from a routine task into an act of worship. Colossians 3:23 reminds me that whatever I do—whether it’s cleaning, managing, or caregiving—should be done with excellence, integrity, and enthusiasm, because I’m ultimately working for the Lord. God honors and blesses work that is planned well, pursued with initiative, carried out with integrity, and done with focus and persistence. If I can’t give my whole heart to my work, it may be time to seek a role that aligns better with my purpose. Ultimately, God desires to bless the work of my hands when it's done with the right heart and attitude.

Humility Builds Relationships

“Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. . . . You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.” Philippians 2:3, 5-6 (NLT)

The ability to be humble is a relationship builder. Humility is when I honor others above myself instead of demanding or clinging to my rights. 

Pride, on the other hand, destroys relationships—and it shows up in a lot of different ways. It can make me critical, judgmental, competitive, stubborn, and unforgiving. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride leads to destruction; a proud attitude brings ruin” (NCV).

Pride is also self-deceiving. When I have a problem with pride, I struggle to see it in myself. But everyone else can see it in me!

What does pride look like in a relationship? One, I always offer advice but never ask for it. Two, I can’t admit when I've had a tough week. Everybody else is saying, “Yeah, this last week was tough.” But I can’t seem to admit I have any problems.

But how does humility play out in a relationship? I need to take notice of the five relationship builders in 1 Peter 3:8: “Live in harmony, be sympathetic, love each other, have compassion, and be humble” (GW). The first four are really built on the fifth one: Be humble. This verse is an excellent model for relationships.

How does humility happen in life? It happens by letting Jesus control my thoughts, heart, attitudes, and reactions. Growing in humility has to include Jesus.

The basic law of relationships is this: I tend to become like the people I spend time with. If I spend time with grumpy people, I get grumpier. If I spend time with happy people, I get happier. If I want to have more humility, spend time with Jesus Christ in prayer and reading his Word. Just talk to him. He is humble and wants a relationship with me.

Growing in humility may seem like a tall order, but it’s possible with Jesus.So I need to take the first step toward humility and become a relationship builder today. 

In summary:

Humility is essential for building strong relationships, as modeled by Jesus in Philippians 2—though He was God, He chose humility over status. In contrast, pride damages relationships by making me critical, stubborn, and blind to my own faults. True humility means valuing others above myself and is the foundation for traits like compassion, harmony, and love. I grow in humility by spending time with Jesus, allowing Him to shape my thoughts, attitudes, and actions. As I become more like Him, I will naturally become a better relationship builder.

 

Three Lessons to Help Keep Me in the Race

“An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that never disappears. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win.” 1 Corinthians 9:25-26 (TLB)

I need to consider that I'm in a race.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 9:24-26, “In a race everyone runs, but only one person gets first prize. So run your race to win. To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best. An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that never disappears. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win” (TLB).

While I'm running my race, I don’t want to get sidelined or run off into a ditch. I want to make it to the finish line and win the prize.

Just like the soldier, the athlete has three things to teach me about being and doing my best.

1. I must intend to win.
This is the difference in being a casual Christian and a committed Christian. Is there a difference between a competitive golfer and a casual golfer? The committed golfer is playing to win. The casual golfer is just having fun during his time off. The difference is the degree of seriousness.

If I'm going to win in life, it’s not going to happen by accident or without effort. How serious am I about being who God made me to be?

2. I must discipline myself.
No athlete becomes a professional athlete without training. There are no shortcuts to maturity. There are no shortcuts to greatness.

What are some things I can do without so that I can spend more time with God, give more, serve more, and be more of what God wants me to be?

3. I must stay focused on the reward.
I can handle enormous pain and discipline in my life if I realize there’s a purpose for it and a payoff at the end.

The Message is paraphrase says in Hebrews 12:2, “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.”

This encourages me to stay focused on the prize: an eternity with Jesus Christ!

In summary:

My life is like running a race, emphasizing the need for purpose, discipline, and focus. Just as athletes train and sacrifice to win a temporary prize, Christ followers are called to live with intentionality for an eternal reward. Paul urges me to "run straight to the goal with purpose in every step" (1 Corinthians 9:26), highlighting that spiritual success doesn’t come by accident—it requires effort and commitment. Like a serious athlete, I must be intentional about my spiritual growth and avoid distractions that could sideline me from God’s calling and purpose for my life.

Three lessons stand out from the athlete’s example: First, I must intend to win—approaching my faith with seriousness and dedication, not casually. Second, I must discipline myself, understanding that spiritual maturity comes through consistent effort and sacrifice. And third, I must stay focused on the reward—an eternal life with Christ. Hebrews 12:2 reminds me to keep my eyes on Jesus, who endured everything for the joy set before Him. When I remember what’s at stake and Who I'm running toward, I will find strength to keep going, even through hardships.

Trusting God to Guide My Decisions

“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3 (NIV)

When I'm afraid of making the wrong decision, it creates stress in my life.

But God has an antidote to indecision. Psalm 23:3 says, “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake” (NIV). The way to handle the stress of decision-making is to let God guide me.

There have been sometimes that I’ve tried this. I've asked God to guide me, but then I became more confused than ever before. I still couldn’t figure it out, and I wondered why knowing God’s will is so difficult.

Is God playing games with me? What I'm learning is he is not! God wants to guide me. He wants me to know his will more than I want to know. But sometimes I look for the wrong thing when I'm trying to find God’s will. We all do this. 

At times I look for a feeling or a formula or recipe to follow. There are times when I'd like a magical approach and look for God to show me some type of fantastic sign.

But these ways only lead to frustration and can cause me to miss God’s will.

God doesn’t want me confused, and he doesn’t want me stressed over making a decision. He wants me to ask him for guidance before I make a decision and then trust him and his goodness once the decision is made.

When I do, he sets me free from second-guessing myself.

James 1:6-8 says, “When you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do” (NLT).

Here’s the good news: Even if the future looks uncertain, I don’t have to feel unsettled or stressed or afraid. God is stable, and I can trust his guidance. 

When I unequivocally trust God in uncertain times—in all times—he will give me everything I need to make wise decisions.

God will be there guiding me every step of the way. This is his promise, and I can believe it to be true: “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

In summary:

When I’m faced with decisions, fear of choosing the wrong path can lead to stress and confusion. Psalm 23:3 reminds me that God offers clear guidance along the right paths—not for my comfort alone, but for his name’s sake. Often, I seek a feeling, a formula, or even a miraculous sign to discern God’s will, which only leads to more frustration. But God isn’t playing games; he genuinely wants to guide me. The issue isn’t his silence—it’s often that I’m looking for answers in the wrong places.

God’s direction doesn’t come through confusion but through trust. He invites me to ask for guidance and then believe in his goodness. When I put full faith in him, he frees me from the burden of second-guessing. As James 1:6-8 explains, divided loyalty leads to instability. But when I trust God fully—even when the future is uncertain—he provides the wisdom I need. God is stable, faithful, and always guiding. His promise is clear: he will lead me on the right path when I trust him.

Results of an “I-Centered” Life

“Wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” James 3:16 (NLT)

When “I” am at the center of everything in my life, that’s sin. 

I have an “I” problem: I want it my way; I will do my thing; I have to take care of myself first; I don’t have time for others; I am the most important thing.

The danger of I-focused living is pointed out by the middle letter of “sin” is “I.” At the root of sin is self-centeredness, and the middle letter of “pride” just also happens to be “I.” Where else does this apply? All “crime” is self-centered. A lot of social problems in the world today are caused by putting “I” at the center and saying, “I am better than you.”

What other I-centered sins happen when I start living a self-focused life? I start to “whine” and “criticize.” I turn “envious,” “deceitful,” “defiant,” and “merciless”—because I want grace for myself but not for others.

What are the results of living a self-focused life? Guilt, fatigue, pessimism, hostility, and emptiness—all with “I” at the center.

What is the only antidote to an I-focused life? I have to change my focus.

I was made by God and for God. And I will only find peace and purpose when I focus my life on him.  The Bible promises, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT).

In summary:

When life revolves around “I,” (or "me") it leads to disorder, sin, and broken relationships. Self-centeredness is at the root of jealousy, pride, and selfish ambition, causing everything from personal dissatisfaction to widespread social issues. The focus on self breeds attitudes like envy, criticism, and defiance, leaving behind a trail of guilt, stress, and emptiness.

The antidote to this “I” problem is shifting focus from self to God. I was created not to center life on myself but on the One who made me. Real peace and purpose come when I align my thoughts with God and trust Him fully. As Isaiah 26:3 promises, keeping my mind fixed on God is the key to lasting peace.

Love like Jesus

“Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, ‘How can I help?’” Romans 15:2 (MSG)

If I'm driving and get a flat tire, and a well-known celebrity drives by, nobody expects them to stop and help me. They’re likely too busy or too important to help me with my problems.

But those aren’t kingdom values—those are worldly values. Jesus said that, if you want to be great, you must be the servant of all. The more I give of myself and serve other people, the greater I am in God’s kingdom.

What does it mean to love like Jesus? The Message paraphrase says, “Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, ‘How can I help?’” (Romans 15:2 MSG).

In fact, one way to serve like Jesus is by serving others as if I'm serving Jesus himself. Look for how Jesus might, in a way, be disguised as a hurting person in my neighborhood. He might be at the coffee station on Monday morning. He might be at the gas station. He might be behind me in line at the grocery store. He might be the most unlovable person I know who is carrying a deep hurt. If I want to serve Jesus, then I need to start by showing up for the hurting people around me. 

The Living Bible paraphrase says, “When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night” (Romans 12:13).

Many people in my church, neighborhood, and even family are single parents working to put food on the table, widows who are lonely in their empty houses, or students who are overwhelmed.

I need to consider, How can I love them like Jesus loves them?

In summary:

Romans 15:2 (MSG) encourages me to prioritize the well-being of others by asking, "How can I help?" This challenges our societal norms that often place personal convenience above communal responsibility. Jesus modeled this servant leadership, demonstrating that true greatness in God's kingdom is achieved through selfless service. By adopting this mindset, I can align my actions with Christ's example, seeking opportunities to assist those in need, regardless of their status or my own schedules. 

Romans 12:13 (from TLB translation) advises, "When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out." This directive encourages me to be attentive to the struggles of those around me. By actively seeking ways to serve, I can embody Christ's love, fostering a community where compassion and assistance can be my new default. 

My Biggest Problem and What to Do about It

“It is your evil that has separated you from your God. Your sins cause him to turn away from you, so he does not hear you.” Isaiah 59:2 (NCV)

Today, most cultures don’t think sin is ugly. In fact, many people think sin is fun!

Think about entertainment media. TV shows, social media memes, and movies often use sin for humor. This is Satan’s strategy: to get you to laugh at the same things that put Jesus on the cross. Satan disguises sin to make it look attractive. Rarely in media do you see sin’s consequences. 

If you want to know how ugly sin really is, look at the cross. Jesus’ suffering shows how much it takes to pay for my sins.

Sin has all sorts of consequences in life! Here are three of them:

Sin alienates me from God. Why? Because God is holy, and I am not. Isaiah 59:2 says, “It is your evil that has separated you from your God. Your sins cause him to turn away from you, so he does not hear you” (NCV). Sin always leaves estrangement in its wake, even between me and God. 

Sin creates significant stress in life. One of the greatest sources of stress is unrecognized and unresolved guilt. King David said, “My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear” (Psalm 38:4 NIV). Holding on to sin takes an emotional toll. Breaking God’s laws leads to worry, fear, guilt, and insecurity.

Sin condemns me. When I violate God’s laws, there’s always a penalty—in both self-condemnation and judgment from a righteous God. Psalm 7:11 says, “God is a righteous judge and always condemns the wicked” (GNT). 

I may think my biggest problem is a relationship conflict, health issue, or trouble finding a job. But the reality is, my biggest problem is that I'm at war with God.

That’s why I often get frustrated! That’s why I can struggle to sleep at night. That’s why I'm stressed out. I wasn't made to live out of harmony with my Creator, who loves me. He made me, and he sent his Son to die for me. He wants me to be in harmony with him.

I need to turn around from and repent of my sin today—and every day—so that I can be at peace with God.

In summary:

Sin is often portrayed as harmless or even entertaining in today's culture, especially through various media that highlight its humor while ignoring its serious consequences. This trivialization is a tactic to desensitize us to the true nature of sin. However, the Bible teaches that sin has profound effects: it alienates us from God, introduces significant stress into our lives, and brings condemnation. Isaiah 59:2 emphasizes that our iniquities create a separation between us and God, hindering our relationship with Him. Similarly, Psalm 38:4 illustrates the overwhelming burden of guilt, comparing it to a load too heavy to bear. ​

Recognizing the gravity of sin is crucial. It not only disrupts my spiritual connection with God but also affects my mental and emotional well-being. Unresolved guilt can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of condemnation. Therefore, it's essential to acknowledge my sins, seek forgiveness, and strive for a life aligned with God's teachings. By doing so, I can restore my relationship with God and experience the peace that comes from living in harmony with His will.​

Recovering My Vision with Prayer

“They said to him, ‘Lord, let our eyes be opened.’ And Jesus . . . touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.” Matthew 20:33-34 (ESV)

What is my perspective these recent days? Am I living with a sense of contentment and gratitude or am I stuck in a negative pattern of thinking and have lost my sense of direction. God wants me to recover my vision. But it will only happen with prayer.

Am I into a habit, hurt, or hang-up, and I can’t see my way out of it. Maybe it’s an unhealthy work habit, a bad attitude, or a way of living. No matter what it is, with prayer, I can recover my vision and see things I’ve never seen before.

There’s a story in the Bible about two blind men who recovered their sight when they prayed. The Bible says, “And when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, ‘Lord, have mercy on us!’” (Matthew 20:30 ESV). This was a passionate prayer.

But the crowd told the blind men to be silent. Yet they prayed even louder, and Jesus stopped and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Matthew 20:32 ESV). I love that. Jesus let them set the agenda. And he’ll let me do the same. He wants me to tell him what I need. And any time I tell Jesus something, I'm praying.

Then they answered, “‘Lord, let our eyes be opened.’ And Jesus . . . touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him” (Matthew 20:33-34 ESV).

Doesn’t that sound like a good pattern? Pray, recover, and follow Jesus. When I start looking at life from God’s viewpoint, I'll see things I've never seen before. I'll see my spouse, friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers as valuable, acceptable, and forgivable. I'll also see those things about myself. My entire perspective changes.

The Bible says in Mark 6:34, “When Jesus . . . saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (NIV). That’s the way Jesus sees people—with compassion. And he wants to recover my compassion for myself, my loved ones, my community, my country, and the rest of the world.

Today I will ask God to restore my vision so that I can follow him and see people the way Jesus does.

In summary:

Two blind men demonstrate unwavering faith by persistently calling out to Jesus for mercy, despite the crowd's attempts to silence them. Their heartfelt plea, "Lord, let our eyes be opened," moves Jesus to compassion, leading Him to restore their sight immediately. This narrative underscores the power of earnest prayer and the readiness of Jesus to respond to those who seek Him with sincerity.​

Similarly, in Mark 6:34, Jesus observes a large crowd and is deeply moved by their plight, recognizing them as "sheep without a shepherd." His compassion compels Him to teach them many things, addressing their spiritual needs. These passages collectively highlight the importance of approaching Jesus with genuine faith and the transformative impact of His compassionate response, guiding believers to view others through a lens of empathy and understanding. 

Approach Jesus with Persistent Faith: The blind men did not let the crowd's discouragement deter them; they persistently called out to Jesus for mercy. In your own life, don't be discouraged by obstacles or opposition when seeking Jesus' help. Approach Him with unwavering faith and persistence. ​

This encourages me to be specific in my prayers, to trust in Jesus' compassion and power, to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and to see others through Jesus' eyes.

God Is Never in a Hurry

“I waited patiently for the LORD's help; then he listened to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1 (GNT)

God isn’t in a hurry with my spiritual growth. I may think he’s in a hurry, but he’s not. He’s using my current circumstances to develop my character and make me stronger. He’s patient.

Most people, including myself, are impatient. Many of our problems are caused by our inability to wait. We get into debt because we don’t know how to delay gratification, buying things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t even like. We buy all we can, can all we get, and then sit on the can. 

The good news is that, with prayer, I can recover from problems caused by my impatience. The Bible says, “I waited patiently for the LORD‘s help; then he listened to me and heard my cry” (Psalm 40:1 GNT).

Remember: God is never in a hurry. There isn’t an example of Jesus running anywhere in the Bible? In fact, it took him three days to go a mile and a half to get to his friend, Lazarus, who was very sick. And by the time Jesus got to him, it was too late—Lazarus had already died. 

But Jesus had a bigger plan in mind. He didn’t just want to heal Lazarus—he wanted to raise him from the dead. He wanted to do a miracle. And that’s exactly what happened. Jesus walked up to Lazarus’ tomb, told them to roll the stone away, and said, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43 NLT). And Lazarus did! 

Sometimes, a situation can get so bad that I feel tempted to take matters into my own hands. But don’t take shortcuts. Instead, trust in God’s perfect timing and expect a miracle! The Bible says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12 NIV).

God already knows what he’s going to do in my life next month, next year, and in the next decade. His timing is perfect, and his plan for my life is good and worth waiting for.

In summary:

God isn’t in a rush with our spiritual growth—He works patiently and purposefully, using our current challenges to build character and strength. While we often struggle with impatience, trying to force outcomes or take shortcuts, God invites us to trust in His perfect timing. Psalm 40:1 reminds me that when I wait patiently for the Lord, He hears me. My impatience can lead to poor decisions and unnecessary stress, but prayer and faith can help me recover and stay grounded in God's process.

Jesus Himself modeled this divine patience—He didn’t hurry, even when His friend Lazarus was gravely ill. Instead, He arrived after Lazarus had died and performed a greater miracle by raising him from the dead. This shows that delays are not denials, but opportunities for God to work in unexpected and powerful ways. Rather than rushing ahead, I'm called to be joyful in hope, patient in difficulty, and faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12). Trusting in God's timing leads to deeper growth and even greater miracles.

Change Happens in God’s Power, Not Mine

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

To experience God’s hope and comfort, I need to see who he is in order to see who I really am—it’s only then I’ll be able to see how he can change me.

Change often triggers two negative reactions. First, “I don’t have the time or energy to change.” Life feels too busy—too many responsibilities, too many tasks, too much to handle. Second, “Who am I kidding? God can’t change me. I’ve tried a hundred times, failed, and feel like I’ve disappointed everyone, including God.”

Both reactions come from the false belief that change depends entirely on me. That mindset is exhausting and discouraging. If I have to sustain my own motivation to change every day, I’ll eventually give up. But God offers a better way.

Isaiah 40:28-31 reminds us where true power comes from: “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (NLT).

Real change isn’t about my power. It’s about God’s power working in me. Picture this: my efforts are like a hummingbird whose little wings are fluttering so fast. I flitter here for hope, there for hope, up for hope, down for hope—trying to get hope in my life.  I'm worn out by trying to get to a place of hope on my own.

But God’s power is like an eagle, soaring on the updrafts of wind. Eagles don’t struggle—they rise because they are designed to catch the wind. Similarly, God designed my soul to soar on the updraft of his love, not my own striving.

To tap into his power, I must stop flitting from one place to another in search of hope and instead say, “God, I need you. I trust you moment by moment.” That’s when I'll feel the updraft of his love, strength, and power.

Philippians 2:13 says, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (NLT). God gives me the desire to change, even when I don’t feel it, and he also gives me the power to take the next step. Change happens when I stop relying on my own strength and start trusting in God’s strength and power to transform  life.

Hope doesn’t come not from trying harder, but from trusting deeper. God wants me to remember this truth and to continually turn back to him because he is the one who gives me strength to soar.  

In summary:

True change doesn’t come from my own effort but from God working in me.

Philippians 2:13 reminds us that God not only gives us the desire to do what pleases Him, but also the power to do it. When change feels overwhelming or impossible, it’s usually because I think it all depends on me. That mindset is exhausting and unsustainable.

But God never grows tired or weary (Isaiah 40:28–31). He gives strength to those who trust in Him. Rather than flitting through life like a tired hummingbird chasing hope, God invites me to soar like an eagle—lifted by His strength, not by my striving.

The key is to stop relying on my own power and instead trust God, moment by moment. Real hope and lasting transformation come not from trying harder, but from trusting deeper in God's strength and love.

To Reach My Dream, I Need to Dare to Be Different

“Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.” Genesis 6:9 (NLT)

If I want to fulfill my destiny—if I want to achieve my God-given dream, vision, or ambition—I must dare to be different from the culture.

Until I settle this, I'll never reach my dreams. I can’t fit in and be different or make a difference at the same time. I have to decide: “I’m willing to be different from the culture”—because the culture is headed one way, and God is heading another.

In Noah’s time, humanity hit rock bottom. It was morally bankrupt. 

Genesis 6:12 says, “God observed all this corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was corrupt” (NLT).

Sound familiar? Genesis 6:5-6 adds, “The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. . . . It broke his heart” (NLT). 

Just 10 generations into human history, the world was already consumed by sin and evil.

What’s the trend today? Is the world moving toward God or away from him? It’s clear—it’s moving away. Jesus warned: “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day” (Luke 17:26 NLT).

Culture will only worsen as we approach Christ’s return.

Amid this darkness, God saw one bright spot: Noah. In The Message paraphrase, Genesis 6:8 says, “But Noah was different. GOD liked what he saw in Noah” (MSG).

That phrase—“but Noah”—saved the world. Would God save the world because of my faithfulness? If God looked at today’s corruption, would he see a bright spot and say, “But Mark”?

Could God save the world through me?

Only two people have saved the world: Noah physically and Jesus spiritually. 

What set Noah apart? He wasn’t concerned with others’ opinions, approval, or trends. He dared to be different to fulfill his destiny—and so must I. If I blend in with the crowd, I can’t fulfill the calling God has placed on my life.

Great people march to a different beat. They’re unafraid to stand out. Remember this: I can only make a difference by being different.

This is what God desires: to look at your life and smile, saying, “That’s my child fulfilling their destiny.” Like Noah, live with integrity. Let your difference make a difference.

In summary:

It's important to stand apart from cultural norms to fulfill one’s God-given destiny. Using Noah as an example, it highlights how he remained righteous despite widespread corruption, earning God’s favor. The world in Noah’s time was morally bankrupt, much like today, and Jesus warned that history would repeat itself before His return. To make a difference, one must be willing to be different, resisting societal pressures and staying faithful to God’s calling. Ultimately, true impact for me will come from living with integrity and purpose, just as Noah did.