Deepen Before You Develop - Why Following Jesus Is the Foundation of Real Leadership

“Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” John 12:26 (NLT)

Jesus talked a lot about being a “disciple.” As a believer, this is a word I hear a lot too.

But what did Jesus mean when he used the word disciple? To be a disciple, I must spend time with Jesus.

In any relationship, the more time I invest, the more I'm going to get out of it. It’s true in my relationship with Jesus too. I can’t be a part-time disciple; it’s a full-time responsibility.

Jesus said, “Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me” (John 12:26 NLT).

This verse teaches three things about spiritual growth.

First, spiritual growth is a choice. The verse starts off, “Anyone who wants to serve me. . .” God won’t force growth on me, and it won’t come automatically. I have to want and choose to serve him—to be his disciple.

If I feel distant from God, it’s not because he’s moved away. He’s always right there, inviting me to draw near to him. I have the choice to draw closer to him or to move away. 

Second, spiritual growth is a commitment. Jesus said that his disciples “must follow” him. After I've made the choice to grow, I “must” follow through with commitment!

I grow by making commitments. Getting married is a commitment that made me grow up. So is having kids, or taking on a new job, or pursuing an education. Anytime I make a commitment, I grow. That includes when I commit to being Jesus’ disciple.

Third, spiritual growth is a relationship. Jesus said, “My servants must be where I am.” It’s not about rules. It’s not about rituals. It’s not about a formula. It’s not about a bunch of expectations. It’s about being with Jesus. 

Obviously, Jesus isn’t here physically today. So how can I be with him? A great way is by having an ongoing conversation with him. Those can be quick prayers as I'm talking to someone at work, cleaning the house, or driving a car. As I do this over time, I will hear God speaking back to me, by filling my mind with truth and putting impressions in my heart.

Are you ready to start growing as a disciple of Jesus? It’s simple to get started: Just spend time with him.

In summary:

John 12:26 teaches that true discipleship means choosing to follow Jesus, committing fully to Him, and cultivating an ongoing relationship with Him. Spiritual growth begins with a personal decision—God does not force it—but requires consistent commitment, just like any meaningful life commitment that produces maturity. Being a disciple is not about rules or rituals; it is about being where Jesus is, spending intentional time with Him, and developing closeness through continual conversation and prayer. Growth happens as we prioritize His presence daily, recognizing that discipleship is a full-time relationship rooted in following, serving, and walking closely with Christ.

Bottom line:

Spiritual growth happens when I intentionally choose to follow Jesus, commit to Him fully, and consistently spend time in a relationship with Him.

Next step:

Deepen before I develop others.

If discipleship is about being with Jesus before doing for Jesus, then the greatest leverage point in my leadership is my proximity to Him. My influence will only be as deep as my intimacy.

Here’s what that means practically:

1. Protect unhurried time with Jesus

Not sermon prep. Not content creation. Not leadership development.

Just presence. Listening. Alignment. Conversation.

If I want to equip others at a high level, I must lead from overflow, not output.

2. Integrate “followership” into my coaching framework

I help people grow. What if I intentionally build this principle into my process?

Growth is a choice.

Growth requires commitment.

Growth is relational, not transactional.

That applies spiritually and professionally.

3. Model what full-time discipleship looks like in leadership

Let people see that my clarity, calm, courage, and conviction come from somewhere deeper than strategy.

I'm not just building leaders.

I'm forming people.

My next wisest move:

Align your 2026 focus (Alignment + Equipping) by anchoring my leadership development work in deep personal followership. Stay close. Then equip from that place.

Finding Freedom through Jesus

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NIV)

The world defines freedom as a life without any restraint. It’s an attitude that says, "I can do anything I want to do and say anything I want to say, without anybody telling me what to do."

With that kind of mindset, others get burned while I insist on doing things my way. That’s the world’s version of freedom—freedom that’s really just selfishness.

But the Bible says the only way to true freedom is through Jesus: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NIV).

God sent Jesus to proclaim and deliver freedom from the sin that keeps me trapped in a cycle of anger, envy, greed, sexual immorality, broken relationships, unforgiveness, and selfishness.

With true freedom, I'm set free from fear, guilt, worry, bitterness, and death. I'm free to quit pretending, because I'm free to be myself.

How do you get rid of fear and find real freedom in Jesus? By letting God love me! The apostle John taught this: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18 NIV).

When I realize how much God loves me, I'll begin to live and rest in that love. And when I live in God’s love, I'm free—free to see life from his point of view and live the way he meant me to live. I learn that freedom isn’t something I demand or earn; it’s a gift from God.

In fact, living in God’s love is an act of worship. When I agree that God is loving, caring, and generous, and begin to trust in that love, I worship him. As 1 John 4:16 says, “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love” (NLT).

Freedom starts here—when I choose to trust that God loves me and let it fill every part of my life.

In summary:

John 8:36 teaches that true freedom is not the world’s version of doing whatever we want without restraint, which often leads to selfishness and brokenness, but the freedom that comes through Jesus. Christ sets us free from the sin and destructive patterns that trap us—anger, guilt, fear, bitterness, and shame—and releases us to live authentically and without pretense. This freedom flows from experiencing and trusting God’s perfect love, which drives out fear and transforms how we see ourselves and the world. Real freedom is not something we demand or earn; it is a gift received by trusting in God’s love, resting in it, and allowing it to shape our lives in worship and obedience.

Bottom Line:

True freedom isn’t doing whatever I want—it’s being set free by Jesus from sin, fear, and guilt so I can live fully in God’s love and become who I was created to be.

Next Steps:

Model and teach freedom from identity, not performance. If true freedom comes from being secure in God’s love (not striving, control, or self-definition), then the people I lead need more than strategy—they need liberation from fear, guilt, comparison, and pressure. So:

1. Anchor my leadership in secure identity - Before helping others improve results, reinforce who they are. Freedom fuels growth. When people lead from security instead of fear, performance becomes sustainable.

Ask in your next coaching conversation:

What fear is driving this decision?

What would they do if they were completely secure?

Are they leading from pressure or from peace?

2. Create environments where people can stop pretending - True freedom includes authenticity. As a leader, model transparency, humility, and trust. When I go first, others follow.

3. Help people redefine success - Shift the focus from “doing more” to “becoming whole.”

From control → to surrender.

From striving → to trust.

From image → to integrity.

This aligns perfectly with my calling:

I don’t just help people achieve more—I help them become free enough to grow into who they were designed to be.

My 2026 alignment move:

Ensure that everything I teach about leadership and growth flows from this foundation—freedom in identity, grounded in truth, expressed through intentional living. This is how I multiply impact without multiplying pressure.

God Loved You Enough to Send His Best

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV) Some people believe that calling someone spiritually lost is a put-down. But it’s not. It’s actually a great compliment to be called spiritually lost. There’s a difference between losing something and misplacing something. If I misplace something, it means it wasn’t important to me. But if I lose it, it’s valuable enough for me to try to find it. I misplace my pen; I lose my glasses. People are only lost if they’re worth finding. Think of it this way: The value of a masterpiece doesn’t go down when it’s lost; it goes up. Human beings lose a lot when they aren’t connected to God. When I'm disconnected from God, I lose my direction, potential, joy, and future home in heaven—just to name a few. But there’s one thing I don’t lose: my value. God loved me enough to send his very best: Jesus. The most famous verse in the Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). I matter so much to God that he underwent a rescue mission to come get me. He came to earth as a little baby so that one day he could die on a wooden cross for my sin. Jesus came to earth because I needed him. God sent his Son to do something I could never do on my own: pay for my sins. If I didn’t need it, God wouldn’t have done it. My sins have made having a relationship with God impossible on my own. That’s why Jesus came to earth—to save me from everything I’ve done wrong, so that I could be forgiven and restored into a right relationship with God. Why would God give up his divine privileges, his glory and honor, to come for my rescue? Because he loves me. He loves me more than I will ever understand. Trying to understand God’s love is like an ant trying to understand the internet—ants just don’t have the capacity. And I don’t have the capacity to fully grasp God’s love. But I don’t have to understand God’s love. I just have to accept it and believe that I'm infinitely valued by the God of the universe, who gave his very best for me. In summary: John 3:16 reveals that being spiritually “lost” is not an insult but a declaration of value, because only what is precious is worth searching for and rescuing. When we are disconnected from God, we lose direction, joy, purpose, and hope—but we never lose our worth. Like a masterpiece whose value increases when it is lost, humanity’s value is proven by the extraordinary lengths God went to in order to save us. God loved the world so deeply that He sent His Son, Jesus, to do what we could never do for ourselves—pay for our sin, restore our relationship with Him, and offer eternal life. Jesus’ life, death, and sacrifice are the ultimate rescue mission, demonstrating a love beyond human understanding. We don’t have to fully comprehend that love; we are simply invited to accept it and believe that we are infinitely valued by the God who gave His very best for us. Bottom Line: I am never worthless—even when I'm lost—because my value is proven by God’s love and His willingness to give Jesus to rescue and restore me. Next Steps: Intentionally help others re-frame their worth before I try to help them change their behavior. Value comes before performance. When people grasp that they are deeply valued—even when they’re lost—they become open to growth, surrender, and transformation. Practically, that means this week: Anchor your own leadership and coaching conversations in identity, not achievement. Ask people, “What do you believe about your worth right now?” before asking what they want to improve. Teach and model that growth flows from being loved, not from trying to earn love. As you do this, you’ll help people move from shame to clarity, from striving to surrender, and from potential to purpose—which is exactly the space you’re called to lead in. Practically, that means this week: Anchor your own leadership and coaching conversations in identity, not achievement. Ask people, “What do you believe about your worth right now?” before asking what they want to improve. Teach and model that growth flows from being loved, not from trying to earn love. As you do this, you’ll help people move from shame to clarity, from striving to surrender, and from potential to purpose—which is exactly the space you’re called to lead in. Practically, that means this week: Anchor your own leadership and coaching conversations in identity, not achievement. Ask people, “What do you believe about your worth right now?” before asking what they want to improve. Teach and model that growth flows from being loved, not from trying to earn love. As you do this, you’ll help people move from shame to clarity, from striving to surrender, and from potential to purpose—which is exactly the space you’re called to lead in. Practically, that means this week: Anchor your own leadership and coaching conversations in identity, not achievement. Ask people, “What do you believe about your worth right now?” before asking what they want to improve. Teach and model that growth flows from being loved, not from trying to earn love. As you do this, you’ll help people move from shame to clarity, from striving to surrender, and from potential to purpose—which is exactly the space you’re called to lead in.Practically, that means this week: Anchor your own leadership and coaching conversations in identity, not achievement. Ask people, “What do you believe about your worth right now?” before asking what they want to improve. Teach and model that growth flows from being loved, not from trying to earn love. As you do this, you’ll help people move from shame to clarity, from striving to surrender, and from potential to purpose—which is exactly the space you’re called to lead in. Practically, that means this week: Anchor your own leadership and coaching conversations in identity, not achievement. Ask people, “What do you believe about your worth right now?” before asking what they want to improve. Teach and model that growth flows from being loved, not from trying to earn love. As you do this, you’ll help people move from shame to clarity, from striving to surrender, and from potential to purpose—which is exactly the space you’re called to lead in. Practically, that means this week: Anchor your own leadership and coaching conversations in identity, not achievement. Ask people, “What do you believe about your worth right now?” before asking what they want to improve. Teach and model that growth flows from being loved, not from trying to earn love. As you do this, you’ll help people move from shame to clarity, from striving to surrender, and from potential to purpose—which is exactly the space you’re called to lead in. Practically, that means this week: Anchor your own leadership and coaching conversations in identity, not achievement. Ask people, “What do you believe about your worth right now?” before asking what they want to improve. Teach and model that growth flows from being loved, not from trying to earn love. As you do this, you’ll help people move from shame to clarity, from striving to surrender, and from potential to purpose—which is exactly the space you’re called to lead in. value comes before performance. When people grasp that they are deeply valued—even when they’re lost—they become open to growth, surrender, and transformation. value comes before performance. When people grasp that they are deeply valued—even when they’re lost—they become open to growth, surrender, and transformation. value comes before performance. When people grasp that they are deeply valued—even when they’re lost—they become open to growth, surrender, and transformation.value comes before performance. When people grasp that they are deeply valued—even when they’re lost—they become open to growth, surrender, and transformation.

Serving With Purpose

“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NLT)

Being connected to a church family helps me fulfill my calling by serving others in meaningful and practical ways. The Bible says, “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NLT).

My service is desperately needed in the body of Christ—just ask any local church! Each believer has a role to play, and every role is important. There is no small service to God; it all matters.

Likewise, there are no insignificant ministries in the church. Some are visible and some are behind the scenes, but all are valuable. Small or hidden ministries often make the biggest difference.

There is no correlation between size and significance when it comes to service in the body of Christ. Every ministry matters, because we are all dependent on each other to function.

What happens when one part of your body fails to function? You get sick. The rest of your body suffers. Imagine if your liver decided to start living for itself: “I’m tired! I don’t want to serve the body anymore! I want a year off just to be fed. I’ve got to do what’s best for me! Let some other part take over.”

What would happen? Your body would die. Today thousands of local churches are dying because of Christians who are unwilling to serve. They sit on the sidelines as spectators, and the body suffers.

God has called me to a service far beyond anything I could ever imagine. As Ephesians 2:10 says, “He has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do” (GNT).

Whenever I serve others in any way, I am actually serving God.

In summary:

1 Corinthians 12:27 reminds me that believers together form the body of Christ, with each person playing an essential role in serving others and fulfilling God’s calling. Connection to a church family matters because every act of service—visible or unseen—has significance, and there are no small or insignificant ministries in God’s design. Just as a body suffers when one part refuses to function, the church is weakened when believers choose not to serve, becoming spectators instead of participants. God has intentionally created each person for good works prepared in advance, and when we serve others in practical, faithful ways, we are ultimately serving God himself, contributing to the health and mission of the whole body.

Bottom line:

God designed every believer to belong, to serve, and to be essential—when each person faithfully serves, the whole body of Christ thrives, but when we don’t, the church suffers.

Next Steps:

Intentionally move from belief to participation. This means prayerfully identifying where God has already gifted me and then committing to serve—consistently and humbly. As I step in, trust that God will grow me, clarify my calling, and use my service to strengthen the whole body.

The Knock That Changes Everything

“If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

No matter what I’ve done, Jesus wants me!

Zacchaeus’ appearance made him feel insecure and lonely and inferior. Zacchaeus’ accusers made him feel bitter and resentful. But Zacchaeus’ sins made him feel guilty and ashamed.

After stopping and noticing Zacchaeus and calling him by name, Jesus did the most shocking thing of all: He invited himself to the home of the worst guy in the city of Jericho.

Jesus knew that Zacchaeus would be filled with guilt and shame and would never think himself worthy enough to have Jesus in his home.

And still, the Bible says, “When Jesus came to that place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down! I must stay at your house today’” (Luke 19:5 NCV).

Because I'm a human being, I've done things that I'm ashamed of. The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV).

But Jesus is more interested in changing me than condemning me. He said he didn’t come to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17).

No matter what I've done, who I’ve done it with, or how long I’ve done it, it matters more what direction my feet are headed today.

In going to Zacchaeus’ home, Jesus was essentially telling him, “No matter what you’ve done, Zacchaeus, I want you. I want to go to your house and have dinner. I want to fellowship with you. I want to have a relationship with you.”

God is saying that to me as well. No matter how much I've blown it, the starting point of salvation is when I swallow my pride and admit I need God’s help.

Sure, I've made mistakes along the way. But I haven’t lost one cent of my value to my Creator.

Jesus wants a relationship with me. He wants to come to my house and have dinner. He’s standing at the door of my life and knocking. He says, “If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” (Revelation 3:20 NIV). 

In summary:

Regardless of past mistakes or feelings of shame, Jesus actively seeks a personal relationship with every individual, just as He did by inviting Himself to the home of the outcast Zacchaeus. It illustrates that while human nature is prone to sin and insecurity, God’s priority is transformation and fellowship rather than condemnation, as our inherent value to the Creator remains unchanged. Ultimately, the starting point of spiritual renewal is found in swallowing one's pride to open the door to Jesus, who stands ready to offer grace and connection to anyone who welcomes Him.

Bottom Line:

This is unconditional belonging. My past actions or personal insecurities do not diminish my value to God. He isn't waiting for me to get my life in order before He approaches me; instead, He is already "knocking," actively seeking a personal relationship and offering a fresh start based on grace rather than judgment.

Next step:

Instead of over-analyzing my past mistakes or trying to "fix" myself to be worthy, set aside 10–15 minutes of quiet time  to simply acknowledge my need.

Be Honest: Like Zacchaeus coming down from the tree, acknowledge the areas where you feel "guilty, ashamed, or inferior."

The "Dinner" Mindset: Imagine the invitation mentioned in Revelation 3:20. If Jesus were sitting across the table from you right now, what is the one thing I’ve been hesitant to tell Him?

Release the Pride: The passage notes that the starting point is swallowing pride. Admit that I don't have all the answers—whether that’s regarding my spiritual life, my business, or my personal peace.

Living Beyond Self-Directed Faith - Made by God, For God

“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’” Luke 1:46-47 (NIV)

When it comes to planning their lives, many Christians act like atheists. They know Jesus saved them, but they don’t really trust him with their future. They think they can make plans any way they want to. But the reality is, God created every person for a unique purpose, with a specific plan and destiny in mind.

About two thousand years ago, God had a plan for a young woman named Mary. He created and chose her to be the mother of his Son.

What was Mary’s response when an angel told her about God’s plan? She didn’t say, “I’ve got my own plans for my life. I’m too busy. I have to do what’s best for me.” No, she realized God had a purpose for her life, and she was willing to do whatever he wanted.

Her response was a song of praise: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47 NIV). Mary recognized that God was her Lord and Savior, and she was eager to do his will. She trusted him with her life, even though she knew no one would believe her when she told them what the angel had said.

Am I trusting that God has made me for a specific destiny? The Bible says, “Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep he tends” (Psalm 100:3 NCV).

Many people will miss God’s plan for their lives by about 18 inches—the distance between their head and their heart. They intellectually believe the gospel, but they don’t let it change their hearts.

The truth is that I was not made for my own sake. I was made by God, and I was made for God.

I may know many things, but if I don’t know God, I've missed the purpose of life.

At the end of my life, God won’t care how well I did in my career or ask to see my bank account balance. Instead, he’ll ask me this: “Did you get to know me? Did you build a relationship with my Son, whom I sent to earth to die on the cross for you?”

The most important thing in life is to know God—not to know about him, but to truly know
him personally. So I ask myself, am I getting to know God better—and letting him change my heart—today?

In summary:

While many believers trust God for salvation, they often fail to trust Him with their future, forgetting that God created each of us for a unique purpose and destiny. Mary’s response to God’s plan—humble surrender, praise, and trust despite uncertainty—models what wholehearted faith looks like when belief moves from the head to the heart. The message emphasizes that life is not about self-directed success, careers, or achievements, but about belonging to God and living for Him. Ultimately, the true measure of a life well lived is not what we accomplish, but whether we genuinely know God, build a relationship with Jesus, and allow that relationship to transform our hearts and daily choices.

Bottom Line:

I was made by God and for God, and the purpose of my life is not self-directed success but a surrendered, growing relationship with Him that shapes my heart and my future.

Next steps:

I need to intentionally surrender control of my plans to God by seeking to know Him more deeply each day and letting that relationship shape my decisions. Practically, that means setting aside regular, unhurried time to listen to God—through prayer, Scripture, and reflection—and asking not “What do I want?” but “What do You want to form in me?” The wisdom move is shifting from managing my life for God to walking with God, trusting Him enough to let Him change my heart and direction.

The Responsibility of a Life Well Lived

“Each of us will give a personal account to God.” Romans 14:12 (NLT)

At the end of my life on earth, I’ll stand before God and he’ll evaluate how well I served others. The Bible says, “Each of us will give a personal account to God” (Romans 14:12 NLT).

Think about the implications of that. One day God will compare how much time and energy I spent on myself compared with what I invested in serving others.

At that point, all my excuses for self-centeredness will sound hollow: “I was too busy,” or “I had my own goals,” or “I was preoccupied with working, having fun, and preparing for retirement.”

To all excuses, God will respond with something like, “I created, saved, and called you. Then I commanded you to live a life of service. What part did you not understand?”

The Bible warns unbelievers, “He will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves” (Romans 2:8 NLT). And Christians who live for themselves will lose eternal rewards.

The Bible says that I'm only fully alive when I'm helping others. Jesus said it like this: “If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live” (Mark 8:35 TLB).

Then he repeats a similar truth twice in the book of Matthew and twice in Luke:

• “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will save it” (Matthew 10:39 TLB).

• “For anyone who keeps his life for himself shall lose it; and anyone who loses his life for me shall find it again” (Matthew 16:25 TLB).

• “Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it, but whoever insists on keeping his life will lose it” (Luke 9:24 TLB).

• “Whoever clings to his life shall lose it, and whoever loses his life shall save it” (Luke 17:33 TLB).

I need to catch this. This truth is so important that it is repeated five times in the Gospels. It reminds me that If I am not serving, I'm just existing—because life is meant for ministry.

What does God expect from me? He wants me to learn to love and serve others unselfishly.

In summary:

This passage emphasizes that every person will one day give a personal account to God, who will evaluate how faithfully they lived a life of service rather than self-interest. It challenges the tendency to justify self-centered living with excuses like busyness or personal goals, reminding us that God created, saved, and called us to serve others. Scripture warns that living for oneself leads to loss—of meaning for unbelievers and of eternal rewards for believers—while true life is found in self-giving service. Jesus reinforces this truth repeatedly in the Gospels, teaching that clinging to one’s own life leads to loss, but giving it up for His sake leads to real life. Ultimately, the message is clear: life finds its fullest purpose in loving and serving others unselfishly, because without service, we are merely existing rather than truly living.

Bottom Line:

I was created to serve, and I will be accountable to God for how I used your life—because real life is found not in living for yourself, but in loving and serving others.

Next steps:

Intentionally move from awareness to action by choosing one concrete way to serve others—starting now, not someday. That means honestly examining where your time, energy, and priorities are self-focused, then deliberately reallocating at least one of them toward loving, unselfish service (at work, at home, in your community, or through your gifts). In short: stop postponing service and practice it—because obedience clarifies purpose.

You’ve Never Gone Unnoticed by God

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 (NIV)

No matter how insignificant I feel, I can always be sure that Jesus notices me.

Zacchaeus was a very wealthy man, but he was also very lonely. He was very short and had probably been ridiculed his entire life for it. He was also a tax collector, which means everybody hated him.

When he heard Jesus was coming to his city, Zacchaeus wanted to see him. But there was one problem: A lot of people wanted to see Jesus that day, and Zacchaeus couldn’t see over the crowd, because he was too short.

So Zacchaeus did two things no wealthy, self-respecting man of his time would have done: First, he ran ahead of the crowd, and then he climbed up in a tree. But Zacchaeus didn’t seem to care what other people thought of him in that moment. He was just hoping to see Jesus.

Then Jesus did something even more shocking when he got to the tree Zacchaeus had climbed. The Bible says, “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up” (Luke 19:5 NIV).

In a packed crowd, Jesus paused and paid attention to Zacchaeus.

Can you imagine how Zacchaeus’ heart must have been racing? He was just hoping for a glimpse of Jesus, and suddenly Jesus had stopped and looked up straight at Zacchaeus. The man who had been overlooked his whole life had Jesus’ full attention.

Jesus knows where I am, and he’s paying attention to me. He notices me. There’s never been a moment of my life when God has taken his eye off me.

The Bible says that sparrows are sold for two pennies, “yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7 NIV).

I am not alone. God is not a million miles away. He is paying close attention to me. God notices me because I matter to him.

In summary:

No matter how overlooked or insignificant I may feel, God sees me, knows me, and values me deeply. Just as God never forgets even the smallest sparrow, He pays close attention to every detail of my life, knowing me so intimately that even the hairs on my head are numbered. The story of Zacchaeus shows that in a crowded world, Jesus still stops, looks up, and gives personal attention to someone who felt ignored and unworthy, reminding me that God has never taken His eyes off me. I am not invisible, forgotten, or alone—God notices me, cares for me, and affirms my worth.

Bottom Line:

I am fully seen, deeply known, and intentionally valued by God—never overlooked, never forgotten, always noticed.

Next steps:

Move from clarity to embodiment—live and lead like someone who knows they are seen.

The Quiet Choice We Make Everyday

 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Luke 16:13 (NIV)

In order to know what I really love most, look at how I spend my time and money.

Jesus talked about how money reveals priorities. He said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13 NIV).

The word “cannot” is filled with deep spiritual truth. He doesn’t say that it’s difficult to live for both God and money, or that it’s stressful. He says that you “cannot” live for both God and money. In other words, it’s impossible.

My number one goal in life can’t be to serve God and to make money. One has to be subordinate to the other. I can’t have two bosses.

I have to choose what I love most in life. You may say, “I love Jesus most.” But it doesn’t really matter what I say; what matters is what I do.

If I want to know what I love most, look at two things: my calendar and bank statement. The way I spend my time and the way I spend my money, shows what I value most.

In so many cultures today, it’s easy for money to become a god—for it to have first place in life. But that’s not what God wants for me.

Here’s what God wants for me: He wants me to love people and to love him—and to use money as a tool.

If I get that reversed, I'm in trouble. If I start to love money, then I'm going to start using people—and people weren’t made to be used. Instead, use my money as a tool to help me love people and God well.

How do I do that? I use my money to do good, to further the gospel, and to care for people in need.

Remember this: When I live for money, it becomes my master. But when I give my money, it serves me.

In summary:

Jesus teaches that it’s impossible to serve both God and money, because whatever I give first place in my life becomes my true master (Luke 16:13). What I genuinely love most isn’t proven by what I say, but by how I spend my time and money—my calendar and bank statement reveal my real priorities. Money itself isn’t the problem, but when it takes the place of God, it leads me to use people rather than love them. God’s design is the opposite: to love Him and love people, and to use money as a tool for good, generosity, and care for others. When money becomes my master, it controls me; but when I give it away with purpose, it serves me and aligns my life with what truly matters.

Bottom Line:

I can’t serve God and money at the same time—one will always be your master—so your time and finances reveal what you truly love, and money must remain a tool to serve God and people, not a master that replaces them.

Next Steps:

Do a simple, honest alignment check—and then take one concrete action.

Slow Growth, Real Change

“We shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature.” Ephesians 4:13 (GNT)

Discipleship is the process of becoming like Christ. It’s a journey that will last a lifetime!

This is how it works: Every day God wants me to become a little more like him. As the Bible says, “You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you” (Colossians 3:10 NCV).

Today people are obsessed with speed. But God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness. I might want the quick fix, the shortcut, the on-the-spot solution. Maybe I'm looking for a sermon, a seminar, or an experience that will instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation, and release me from all growing pains.

But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving. Growth is gradual. The Message paraphrase says, “Our lives gradually [become] brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

People often build their identity around their defects. I might even tell myself I can’t change, saying, “It’s just the way I am.”

The unconscious worry is that if I let go of my habit, my hurt, or my hang-up, I won’t know who I am anymore. This fear can slow, or even stop, my growth.

So how do I let go of those old habits and grow to be more like Christ? How do I conform my character to his? By developing Christ-like habits to replace those old habits.

Your character is the sum total of my habits—and habits take time to develop. I can’t claim to be kind unless I am habitually kind, showing kindness without even thinking about it. I can’t claim to have integrity unless it is my habit to always be honest. A husband who is faithful to his wife most of the time is not faithful at all! My habits define my character.

There’s just one way to develop the habits of Christ-like character: I have to practice them, over and over, until they become part of my identity. And that takes time!

But over time, myself—and the people around me—will see the difference. As Paul urged Timothy, “Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15 GW).  

In Summary:

Discipleship is the lifelong process of becoming more like Christ, growing daily toward spiritual maturity—not through quick fixes or single powerful experiences, but through steady, intentional transformation over time. God is far more concerned with depth, strength, and stability than speed, gradually renewing us as we let go of old identities rooted in habits, hurts, and fears. True character change happens as Christ-like habits replace old ones, because our habits ultimately define who we are. As I consistently practice qualities like kindness, integrity, and faithfulness, they become part of my identity, and over time both myself and others can clearly see the progress God is shaping in us.

Bottom line: 

Becoming like Christ is a lifelong process of steady, intentional growth, formed through daily practice—not quick fixes or single moments.

Next steps:    

Commit to one small, repeatable action that forms both my character and my platform at the same time.

God Created Me to Love Me

“Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.” Ephesians 1:4 (MSG)

Often my problem isn’t that I don't love God enough. My problem is that I don't understand how much he loves me.”

Love is always a response to love. The Bible says, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 NIV). When you say, “I don't love God,” it's because I don't understand just how much he really loves me.

In fact, God loved me even before he created the earth. The Bible says it like this in the Message paraphrase: “Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love” (Ephesians 1:4).

To understand my life’s purpose and calling, I have to begin with God’s nature. God is love. Love is the essence of his nature.

And the focus of his love is me. I was created to be loved by God.

If I grasp that profound truth and let it sink into my soul, I will find great strength, confidence, and peace. God created the entire universe in a specific way to support the existence of human beings so that he could create you and love you.

The most important thing I can know is that God created me to love me. The most important thing I can do is to know and love him back. Loving God back is my number one purpose in life. Ants and snails do not love, but I was made in God’s image, so I can love.

Most people go their entire lives missing their purpose. They know all kinds of things—stock quotes, sports scores, the latest technology—but they don’t know God. They miss out on discovering the depth of God’s love and all the blessings he has in store for them.

But that doesn’t have to be true for you and I. God’s priority for my life is clear. It’s important to serve, obey, and trust him. But my first purpose is to love him.

In summary:

God’s love for me did not begin with my effort or understanding—it began before creation itself, when God chose me as the focus of His love and created me to be made whole by it (Ephesians 1:4). My struggle to love God is often not a lack of devotion but a lack of understanding how deeply He loves me, because love is always a response to being loved first (1 John 4:19). Since God’s very nature is love, and I was created in His image, my primary purpose is not simply to serve, obey, or achieve, but to know His love and love Him in return. When I grasp this truth—that I was created to be loved by God—it brings clarity to my purpose and fills my life with strength, confidence, and peace, keeping me from missing the most important thing I was made for.

Bottom Line:

I was created to be loved by God—and my primary purpose is to love Him in response.

Next steps:

Slow down and intentionally receive what’s already true—that I am deeply loved—and then act from that place, not for it. Don’t rush to do more. Let love anchor me—then move forward intentionally.

Where to Find Purpose

“It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for . . . part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” Ephesians 1:11-12 (MSG)

Mark Twain once said the two most important days in your life are the day you’re born and the day you find out why.

God has created everything with a purpose. Every plant has a purpose. Every star has a purpose. Every animal has a purpose. If your heart is beating, God has a purpose for your life. The very fact that you’re alive makes your life meaningful.

If you want to know your purpose, you won’t find it in a self-help book, on television, or in the movies. You also can’t find it within yourself because you didn’t make yourself. God made you.

Only God—the one who created you—can tell you your purpose.

The Message paraphrase says this: “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for . . . part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone” (Ephesians 1:11-12).

You were made by God; you were made for God. Until you understand that, your life will not make sense.

The Bible says you were made to last forever. One day, your heart will stop. That will be the end of your body, but it won’t be the end of you. God has long-range plans for your life. He wants you to live forever and ever and ever.

You’ll spend more time on the other side of death than on this side. You might get 80 or 100 years of life on this side of death, but on the other side is eternity.

The Bible says you’re not yet ready for heaven. You need to learn some things first. This life is preparation for the next life—because that’s the life that will keep on going forever and ever.

In summary:

Ephesians 1:11–12 reminds me that my true identity and purpose are found in Christ, because God created every person and everything with intention and meaning. Life is not an accident; if I'm alive, God has a purpose for me, and that purpose cannot be discovered through self-help, culture, or looking within myself, but only through the One who made me. I was made by God and for God, and until that truth is understood, life will not fully make sense. Scripture also teaches that my life is eternal in nature—this earthly life is temporary and serves as preparation for the life to come. God has long-range plans beyond this world, using our time here to shape us for eternity.

Bottom line:

My life has meaning and purpose because God created me, and I will only fully understand who I am and why I'm here by living in Christ—this life is preparation for the eternal one to come.

Next Step:

Intentionally seek God for clarity on my purpose by daily aligning my time, decisions, and priorities with Christ—starting with prayerful reflection and obedience in the small things He’s already placed in front of me.

Purpose Beyond Ourselves

“It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.” Ephesians 2:10 (TLB)

God put me on earth to make a contribution—and he’s calling me to a service far beyond anything I could ever imagine.

I wasn't created just to consume resources—to eat, breathe, and take up space. I was created to add to the world around me, not just to take from it. God wants me to give something back—to help other people. God designed me to make a difference with my life.

The Living Bible paraphrase says, “It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others” (Ephesians 2:10).

Whenever I serve others in any way, I am actually serving God. As Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Do your work willingly, as though you were serving the Lord himself, and not just your earthly master. In fact, the Lord Christ is the one you are really serving, and you know he will reward you” (CEV).

In one of his parables, Jesus said, “The king will answer, ‘Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me’” (Matthew 25:40 CEV).

And the apostle Paul shared the same message: “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Ephesians 6:7 NLT).

God said it this way to the prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament: “Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work” (Jeremiah 1:5 NCV).

When most people think of this “special work,” they think of pastors, priests, and professional clergy. But God says that he expects every member of his family to minister. In the Bible, the words servant and minister are synonyms; service and ministry are synonyms too. As a Christ follower, I am a minister. And when I'm serving, I'm ministering.

God didn’t just immediately take me to heaven the moment I accepted his grace. He has left me in a fallen world? He leaves me here to fulfill his purposes.

Once I am saved, God wants me to be part of making his goals a reality here on earth. That means God has a ministry for me in his church and a mission for me in the world!

In summary:

God intentionally created and redeemed us through Christ to live lives of purpose, specifically by helping and serving others. We were not made merely to exist or consume, but to contribute and make a meaningful difference in the world. Scripture consistently affirms that when we serve people—no matter how ordinary or unnoticed the task—we are ultimately serving God Himself, and He honors that work. This calling is not limited to pastors or clergy; every Christ follower is a minister, because service and ministry are inseparable. God leaves believers on earth after salvation so they can fulfill His purposes, carrying out a ministry within the church and a mission in the world, living out the good works He planned long ago.

Bottom line:

I was intentionally created and redeemed by God to serve others and fulfill His purposes, and every act of service—no matter how small—is meaningful ministry that honors Him.

Next Steps:

Choose one specific place this week—at church, work, or in your community—where you can consistently serve, and commit to showing up and helping in a tangible way.

God Is Calling You to Bless Others

“I will bless you. . . . and you will be a blessing.” Genesis 12:2 (NIV)

Most Christians want to bless others through their time, talents, gifts and resources. But it’s not just a desire. God commands us to be a blessing to others because we have been blessed.

As I look for ways to bless others, keep in mind the four laws of God’s blessing:

1. My blessings should flow to others.
The Bible teaches that I am blessed not just so that I can feel good or so that I can be happy and comfortable. I am blessed so that I can bless others. God told Abraham in Genesis 12:2, “I will bless you. . . . and you will be a blessing” (NIV). This is the first law of blessing: It must flow outwardly. 

2. When I bless others, God takes care of my needs.
There’s almost nothing that God won’t do for the person who really wants to help other people. In fact, God guarantees that if I will concentrate on blessing others, he’ll take care of my needs.

In Luke 18:29-30, Jesus says, “I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come” (NLT).

When I focus on helping other people, God assumes responsibility for my problems. And that’s a real blessing—because he’s much better at handling my difficulties than I am. 

3. My blessings to others will come back to me.
The more I bless other people and the more I help others, the more God blesses my life. The Message paraphrase says, “Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing” (Luke 6:38).

I cannot out-give God. When I look for ways to try to bless others, it’s like God is saying, “I’m going to pour blessings out on you. We’ll play a little game here. Let’s see who will win. Let’s see who can give the most. The more you bless others, the more I’m going to bless you in return.”

4. The more God blesses me, the more he expects me to help others.
Jesus said it this way in Luke 12:48: “Much is required from the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person to whom much more is given” (GNT).

Never be afraid to share God’s blessings. The more generous I am with sharing what God’s given me, the more I'll see God blessing me in return.

In summary:

We are reminded that God blesses His people not for personal comfort but so they can be a blessing to others, establishing a cycle of generosity and trust. Scripture teaches that blessings are meant to flow outward, and when we focus on serving and helping others, God faithfully takes responsibility for our needs. As we give generously—of our time, resources, and love—those blessings return to us in greater measure, proving that we can never out-give God. At the same time, increased blessing brings increased responsibility, as God expects those who have received much to help others more. Living generously is not something to fear but to embrace, because sharing God’s blessings opens the door for even greater impact and continued blessing in our lives.

Bottom Line:

God blesses us so that we will bless others—and when we live generously and responsibly with what He’s given, He faithfully takes care of us and multiplies the impact.

Next Steps:

Intentionally identify one specific way this week to use what God has already blessed me with—mt time, influence, resources, or skills—to bless someone else, and then trust God with the results.