Four Habits to Strengthen Your Faith

Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit.” 1 Timothy 4:7 (TLB)

If I want God to use me, then practice the habits that strengthen my faith.

The Bible says in the Living Bible paraphrase, “Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit” (1 Timothy 4:7).

I wonder how many people wake up thinking, “I get to exercise today!” I certainly don’t. But I do know that we all need both physical and spiritual exercise. I also know this about exercise: I want the most benefit I can get out of every minute I exercise, whether it’s physical or spiritual.

To get the most out of my spiritual exercise, I need to learn to practice these four spiritual habits that will strengthen my faith.

Study the Bible. I need to study the Bible for myself. I can’t depend on someone else’s study of God’s Word. I need to spend time in it on my own. 

The Bible says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT).

God’s Word is the “get ready” manual for life. If I want to get ready for God to use me, I’ve got to study the Bible.

Read books that help me grow spiritually. Proverbs 19:8 says, “Do yourself a favor and learn all you can” (GNT). That means learning from God’s Word and from people who have faithfully followed him—books that inspire, challenge, and strengthen my faith.

Write out my testimony. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have” (NCV). Just like nobody else can study the Bible for me, nobody else can tell my story. There are four parts to a testimony: what my life was like before I came to Christ, how I realized I needed Christ in my life, how I committed my life to Christ, and what my life is like now.

Join a small group. “Encourage each other and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT). When it comes to strengthening my faith, few things compare to regular contact with a small group of believers I know and trust. If I'm not in a small group, find people I can share life with and who will support me as I grow in faith.

These four habits will help me stay spiritually fit so that I'm ready for God to use.

In Summary:

Spiritual maturity doesn't happen by accident; it requires the same intentional effort and consistency as physical training. Grounded in 1 Timothy 4:7, this text highlights that being ready for God to use me requires actively training my faith through four essential disciplines: personal Bible study, reading growth-focused Christian books, writing out your personal story of transformation, and engaging in a supportive small group. By anchoring life in these deliberate habits, I shift from passive belief to an active, resilient faith equipped for every good work.

Bottom Line:

Consistent spiritual disciplines are the foundation of a resilient faith, equipping me to step boldly into God's purpose for my life.

Next Step:

Commit to building immediate momentum by choosing one of the four habits to implement this week—for example, schedule 15 minutes each morning for personal Scripture reading or outline the four stages of your personal testimony—aligning my daily routine with my identity as a purpose-driven leader.

 

The Faith Factor Behind Your Joy

“I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.” Philippians 1:18-19 (NLT)

When things are falling apart, don’t try to work it out yourself. Let God put the pieces back together. 

If I'm facing a problem, I've got two options: I can worship, or I can worry. That’s it! This is what I call the faith factor.

Paul says in Philippians 1:18-19, “I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance” (NLT).

In that one Scripture passage, Paul reveals several sources of strength for staying positive and happy in tough times.

First, I have to keep God’s perspective about my problems. Paul says, “For I know . . .” It’s what I know that keeps me going. Paul knows God is working in the midst of his struggle, and he keeps God’s bigger perspective that helps him see past his problems.

Second, Paul has people praying for him, and that keeps him going. Knowing I have the support of other believers is like having wind filling my sails. It keeps me from giving up. 

Then he says, “The Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me.” The Holy Spirit also keeps Paul going. And the same Spirit that keeps Paul going is the Spirit that is working in me and helping me persevere as a follower of Jesus.

Finally, he says, “This will lead to my deliverance.” Paul has faith that God will work his problems for good. God is going to do his good work, no matter what I decide. But he also wants to see me growing in faith and showing him that I believe he can do it.

Because he has God’s perspective, the prayer of friends, the Holy Spirit, and faith, Paul chooses to “continue to rejoice.”

Make the choice to rejoice.

In Summary:

In Philippians 1:18-19, the Apostle Paul models an unshakeable joy despite facing severe adversity and imprisonment. The primary message of this text is that maintaining joy in difficult times is not an emotional accident, but a deliberate decision fueled by specific sources of spiritual strength. Instead of succumbing to worry or attempting to self-manage a crisis, Paul relies on a "faith factor" built on four pillars: maintaining God's eternal perspective, leaning on the intercessory prayers of community, relying on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, and holding a firm conviction that God will ultimately deliver him. Ultimately, when circumstances fracture, believers are called to shift from anxiety to active worship, choosing to rejoice because they trust God is actively piecing the narrative back together.

Bottom Line:

True resilience in adversity is found when I stop worrying and start worshiping, anchoring my joy in God's perspective, community prayer, and the Holy Spirit's help.

Next Step:

Identify the single greatest problem or stressor currently threatening my peace and consciously trade worry for worship by initiating a disciplined action of community connection. Reach out to two trusted friends or mentors this week, share the specific challenge I'm facing, and explicitly ask for their prayer support. This aligns my identity as a connected member of Christ's body and builds a sustainable habit of relying on collective faith rather than isolated self-reliance when things feel like they are falling apart.

Blessed to Bless Others

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In summary:

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

Bottom line:

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

Next steps:

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

Built for Connection: God’s Design for Growth Together

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In summary:

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

Bottom line:

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

Next Steps:

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

When Pain Becomes a Teacher

“God teaches people through suffering and uses distress to open their eyes.” Job 36:15 (GNT)

There are some things we only learn through pain—and sometimes it’s through the pain of other people.

It's wise for me to learn from my own experiences, but it’s wiser to learn from the experiences of others—and to let others learn from my pain. I don't have time to make all the mistakes myself! That’s why it’s important to learn from each other’s mistakes—but only if I'm honest about how God uses pain to get my attention and teach me important lessons in life.

Job 36:15 says, "God teaches people through suffering and uses distress to open their eyes" (GNT).

What does God want me to understand about the distress I'm going through right now? What am I learning? Once I've learned it, he wants me to pass those lessons on to others.

We all go through different kinds of trouble. But no matter what my  specific pain is, God wants me to learn these three things from it:

First, I learn to depend more on God through my pain. God wants to teach me about himself—about his power through my weakness, his love when I feel unlovely, his grace when I feel unforgiven, and his wisdom when I don't know which way to turn.

Second, I learn to trust and obey God's Word when I'm in pain. It's easy to trust God when things are going great. It's not so easy when things are going bad.

King David said in Psalm 119:67, "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word" (NIV). Lessons learned through failure and painful mistakes will drive me to claim and trust in God’s promises. His Word provides hope that he is with me and has not stopped working for me and in me.

Third, I learn through pain that I need other people. If I never had any pain in my life, I wouldn't think I needed anybody. It's only in pain that some people admit that they need others to help them. Pain is one of the most powerful reminders that I'm not meant to go through life alone.

So when I go through pain, I need to trust that what God is teaching me will be helpful to others as I pass the lessons on to friends, family, and even future generations.

In summary:

Pain is one of God's most powerful teaching tools, often opening my eyes to deeper truths I might otherwise miss. According to Job 36:15, God uses suffering to instruct us, and through our distress, we learn vital lessons—not just about ourselves, but also about God’s power, grace, and presence. While it’s wise to learn from my own mistakes, it’s even wiser to learn from others' experiences—and to let others learn from ours. Pain teaches me to depend more on God, to trust and obey His Word more deeply, and to recognize my need for others. Ultimately, the lessons I learn in hardship are not just for me; they are meant to be shared to help others find hope and wisdom in their own struggles.

Bottom line: 

God uses pain to grow us, draw us closer to Him, and equip us to help others through what we’ve learned.

Living Out Love in Community

“Help carry each other’s burdens. In this way you will follow Christ’s teachings.” Galatians 6:2 (GW)

Small groups are one way I can obey the Bible when it says: “Help carry each other’s burdens. In this way you will follow Christ’s teachings” (Galatians 6:2 GW).

Here’s an interesting thing: When I share a joy, it’s doubled. When I share a sorrow, it’s halved.

If I come to a small group and say, “Guess what! I just got promoted,” everybody rejoices with me. My joy is exponentially multiplied. When I share my joy with others, it is maximized.

If I come to a small group and share that a family member just died or that I've got bad news from my doctor, then my sorrow is halved. I don’t have to carry that burden alone.

In either case, sharing is good for me. The Bible tells us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15 ESV). And 1 Corinthians 12:26 says, “If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it” (GNT).

In a stressful event a small group shows up. They don't always need to do or say anything. They just need to be there for you. That’s what a small group does.

Do I have anybody like that in my life? Am I that kind of support to anyone else? I may think I don’t need one, but a small group can be a lifeline when the disasters of life come. 

Whether they’re maximizing joy or sharing a pain, a small group is where the body of Christ exemplifies Jesus’ teachings to love and care for each other.

In summary:

Being part of a small group allows me to live out Christ’s teachings by sharing both joys and burdens with others. According to Galatians 6:2, helping carry one another’s burdens is a direct way to follow Jesus, and in doing so, I experience the power of community—where joy is multiplied and sorrow is divided. Whether it’s celebrating a success or grieving a loss, small groups provide emotional and spiritual support simply through presence and compassion. This kind of Christ-centered fellowship brings healing, strength, and a tangible expression of God’s love in everyday life.

Built to Last: Living for What Matters Most

“To God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:21 (GNT)

I will never find fulfillment in life until I begin to live in God’s kingdom, by God’s power, and for God’s glory. 

I can put God’s glory on display by sharing the Good News of Jesus with everyone and by joining the family of God. 

Second Corinthians 4:15 says, “As God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory” (NLT). God isn’t talking about bringing people to a religion or a church building. He’s talking about bringing people to a person—Jesus. And every time I share my faith, I bring glory to God.

Not only does sharing the message of Jesus with others bring glory to God, but also joining his family brings him glory. God’s family is called the church.

Ephesians 3:21, “To God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen” (GNT).

The Bible says that one day there will be a new heaven and new earth. The only thing that’s going to last for eternity is his church. 

A thousand years from today, if Earth is still spinning, there won’t be a Microsoft or a Hollywood scene. Most countries won’t even exist, because no earthly kingdom lasts forever. Even many of the things I love today will be gone.

But there will still be the family of God. God’s people last. God’s church lasts. It’s the only thing that’s going to last!

I need to be part of a local church family who will love and help me grow in biblical truth and knowledge. I need to be part of a spiritual family. A place where I can give and share my talents and benefit from the love and abilities of others. I need a place where I can bring somebody to hear the Good News about Jesus. 

Joining a spiritual family may be the most significant thing we can do in life. Why? Because the church—God’s family—is going to outlast everything else.

In summary:

True fulfillment comes when I live for God’s kingdom, empowered by His strength and for His glory. I glorify God by sharing the Good News of Jesus and by being part of His eternal family—the church. As more people experience God’s grace, gratitude and glory increase. The church, unlike earthly institutions, will last forever, making it vital to connect with a spiritual family where I can grow, serve, and help others find Jesus. In doing so, I participate in the one thing that will endure for all time: God’s people living for His glory.

Stronger Together: Overcoming Temptation Through Community

“Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it’s just too bad, because there is no one to help him.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (GNT)

To break free from the temptations in my life, I'll never do it on my own and without support. I won’t succeed in changing by myself.

But that doesn’t mean there’s no hope for change.

Once I understand that I can’t change on my own, I’ll be free to see how God is working to transform my life by using other people to help me change.

God wired me to need others in order to grow. I need other people to help me break free of hurts, habits, and hang-ups.

I need accountability in my life. The very thing that I want least is the very thing I need most. I need a friend who checks up on me, and I need a group who supports me.

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it’s just too bad, because there is no one to help him” (GNT). This is true for falling into temptation as well.

I need somebody in my life to help me with the habits I want to change. I'm not going to change them on my own.

Everybody is tempted. It’s a myth to believe that one day I’ll get to a point in my spiritual life where I'm not tempted anymore. But the truth is, the more mature I become, the more Satan is going to put me on his “most wanted” list.

The Bible says, “Brothers and sisters, if someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently help make him right again. But be careful, because you might be tempted to sin, too. By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2 NCV). 

What’s the law of Christ? Love your neighbor as yourself. How can I love my neighbors like myself? I do it by helping  others through temptation. I do it by working together to stay consistent in areas I want to change. And I do it by helping others break bad habits and start good ones.

God created me to need others. The moment I enlist someone else to help me, the pressure to give in starts dissipating and the temptation starts weakening. That’s the best way I can love my neighbor—and my neighbor can love me.

In summary:

Lasting change and freedom from temptation aren't meant to be tackled alone—I need the support of others. God designed me for community, where accountability and encouragement helps me overcome struggles, break bad habits, and grow spiritually. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 highlights the power of partnership: when one falls, the other can help them up. True transformation happens when I admit I can’t do it alone, invite others into my journey, and support each other with love, as taught in Galatians 6:1–2. Helping one another through temptation is how I fulfill Christ’s law of loving our neighbor.

Why I Need Others During Tough Times

In Philippians 1:19 it says, “Because you are praying for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ is helping me, I know this trouble will bring my freedom.” (NCV)

When I experience setbacks, my most common response is my worst response: I want to withdraw, to build a wall around myself, to push people away.

But that’s the last thing I should do.

When setbacks leave my faith weak, I need other people to trust God for me. I need a community to help support me.

When Job lost his family, finances, and health, it was a devastating setback—just as it would have been for anyone.

But here’s what one of Job’s friends told him: “Don’t let your anger and the pain you endured make you sneer at God . . . Others have praised God for what he has done, so join with them” (Job 36:18, 24 CEV).

That’s great advice. When I’m in the midst of troubles, don’t get bitter. Join with others who can pray with, worship with, and support me.

Where do I find that kind of support?

First, join with others for worship at a local church. Worshiping with other people will give me a new perspective on my setbacks.

Second, get involved in some kind of small group Bible study. Most churches are too big to build relationships just through attending worship services. I need a group of 10 to 12 people to gather with, not only to study the Bible, but also to share my pain and pray together.

I may not find a comeback on my own. I need God’s people to build me up and help me focus on God.

Gathering with others will be a huge step toward my comeback. Just ask Paul. As he sat in a Roman prison, Paul wrote this about the support of other Christians: “Because you are praying for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ is helping me, I know this trouble will bring my freedom” (Philippians 1:19 NCV).

With the support and prayers of God’s people, my setback is only temporary. My best days are ahead. 

Community Is God’s Answer to Defeat

In Philippians 2:3-4 it says, “In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (NIV)

Each one of us needs other people to watch out for us—to defend us, protect us, and help us stay on track. In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul tells us that we should look out for each other’s interests, not just our own. What a countercultural verse! In our culture today, it’s all about me—my needs, my interests, my wants, and my ambitions. But Paul teaches us to look out for others too.

Many of us are aware of the physical dangers that sometimes threaten us and the people around us. We have a spiritual enemy as well—one that’s far more destructive than any human? His name is Satan, and he wants to defeat us. He wants to bring problems into our lives, ruin our relationships, and hurt us as badly as he can.

Why does he want to hurt me? Because he wants to hurt God, but he can’t, and so he goes after God’s children. On my own, I will never win against Satan. But when I have other people to watch out for me and help me, I can be victorious. 

Here’s good advice from Ecclesiastes 4:12: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves” (NIV).

Is there anyone who has my back? Is anyone defending me and watching out for my spiritual welfare? We need a community of people who are saying: “We’ll be with you when you’re going through tough times. We’re not going to let you get discouraged or depressed.” 

Community is God’s answer to defeat. Ecclesiastes 4:10 says, “If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” (NIV). 

Remember: we can try, but we can’t live life well on our own. We all need other people to walk with us, work with us, and watch out for us.

If I do, then I won't have to watch my back because I’ll have God’s family all around me. When I depend on them, I can stand firm in faith and truth. 

To be part of a community I need to lay aside selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy. I am to consider others' interests as being more important than my own. This links me with Christ, who was a true example of humility. Paul encourages me to guard against any personal selfishness, prejudice, or jealousy that might lead to dissension. Showing genuine interest in others is a positive step forward in maintaining unity and community among believers.

Do I Have a Safety Net?

In 1 Peter 3:8 it says, “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (NIV)

Nobody should ever have to go through alone. Nobody should ever have to wait in the hospital while a loved one is in life-or-death surgery. No woman should ever have to wait alone for the lab report on a high-risk pregnancy. Nobody should ever have to stand at the edge of an open grave alone. Nobody should ever have to spend the first night alone when their spouse has just walked out. 

Life’s tough times and tragedies are inevitable. Each of us will face them—but we don’t need to go through them alone. I need God’s safety net to help hold me up through difficult times.

What is God’s safety net? It is a group of other believers, a handful of people who are really committed to me. We call this kind of group a community. Here is God’s plan for the community: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26 NIV). Community is God’s answer to despair. 

Romans 12:15 expresses a similar idea: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (NIV).

The first part of that verse is easy. When something good happens to someone, it’s often easy to join in on the party. But when someone is having a tough time, it can seem more difficult. But, really, it’s simple. When going through a crisis, we don’t always want advice. We just want somebody to be there to sit with you, hold your hand, put an arm around your shoulder, or cry with you. 

As Paul tells us, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV). Encouraging someone doesn’t always mean giving a pep talk or words of wisdom. Sometimes the best kind of encouragement is just being present, sitting in silence, and weeping with a friend.

Do I have a safety net—a group of fellow Christians I know who I can count on in life’s toughest times? Honestly I have to say I don’t. What I need to do today is to begin being intentional about building those friendships. The hard times in life are inevitable, but I don’t have to go into them unprepared.

Group Bible study or a ministry team is one thing, but being part of a community requires what Peter lists as five key elements that should characterize any group of fellow believers: (1) one mind, pursuing the same goals; (2) sympathy, being responsive to others' needs; (3) love, seeing and treating each other as brothers and sisters; (4) tenderness, being affectionately sensitive and caring; and (5) humility, being willing to encourage one another and rejoice in each other's successes. These five qualities go a long way toward helping believers serve God effectively.

As I admitted above, I don’t really have someone who is part of my safety net. I need to begin being intentional about building those friendships.