Scattered, Not Stopped

“Forced to leave home base, the followers of Jesus all became missionaries. Wherever they were scattered, they preached the Message about Jesus.” Acts 8:4 (MSG)
“The city was swept with joy.” Acts 8:8 (MSG)

They didn’t ask to be scattered.
They were forced out by persecution, uncertainty, and fear.
But instead of shutting down, they stepped up.

They preached wherever they went.
They didn’t let pain silence their purpose.
And because of that obedience, entire cities were filled with joy.

Sometimes the push we feel isn’t punishment. It’s positioning.
God can use discomfort to bring you into divine assignment.

I remember a season where it felt like everything safe and familiar was being stripped away.
Doors were closing. Relationships shifting.
What felt like loss at the time was really God moving me out of comfort and into calling.
I didn’t see it then, but now I realize I wasn’t being set back. I was being sent.
And just like in Acts 8, what felt like scattering was really the beginning of something greater.

So if life feels scattered, remember:
You might not be where you planned, but you’re still in God’s purpose.

It’s positioning you for...

• People you never expected to reach.
  Sometimes the detour leads you right into someone else's breakthrough.

• Personal growth that pain is producing.
  The stretching may hurt, but it’s making you stronger, deeper, and more dependent on God.

• Places that need the presence you carry.
  Your obedience brings light, peace, and hope to dark corners the world forgot.

So when life feels uncertain or uncomfortable, don’t assume you’re off course.
You might just be right where God wants you, scattered, not stopped.

Let this be your prayer today:

Jesus, when things don’t go as expected, help me trust You’re still working. Use every shift, every move, every stretch to bring joy and healing to others through my life. Amen.

Make It Personal:

1. Where in your life do you currently feel scattered or stretched?

2. Can you think of a time when discomfort actually led to growth or impact?

3. Who might God be positioning you to reach in this season?

4. How can you bring joy or healing to the place you're in right now?

I Hardly Noticed

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed, he only had eyes for God.” (Acts 7:55 MSG)

They were yelling at him.
Dragging him out.
Accusing, attacking, preparing to kill him.

And yet Stephen hardly noticed.

Not because it was painless or insignificant, but because his focus was not on the chaos around him.
His eyes were fixed on the glory before him.
He saw Jesus, and that changed everything.

Some time ago I walked through a season that felt like life was unraveling, not explosively but through tiny, painful cuts.
Misunderstandings piled up.
Texts went unanswered.
Friends drifted away.

I replayed every moment in my mind, searching for what I said wrong or could have done differently.
My thoughts were loud. My heart was heavy.

One day, sitting quietly in my car, I whispered, “God, where are You in this?”
I sensed a gentle nudge: You are looking for answers, but you have stopped looking at Me.

It stunned me, because it was true. I was obsessed with the why instead of staying anchored in the Who.

That moment did not solve everything, but it centered me again.
From then on I started my mornings differently.
No longer asking, “What do people think?” but, “God, what do You see?”

Slowly I noticed Him again. His presence. His promises. His peace.

The circumstances did not change overnight, but something in me did.
When people asked how I was holding up, all I could say was,
“Honestly, I hardly notice the noise anymore. My eyes are on Him.”

That simple shift, choosing to look up instead of around, changes everything.
It may not remove the pain, but it refocuses our perspective.
Stephen shows us that when our eyes are locked on heaven, what once consumed us begins to fade.

When we fix our eyes on God, three things happen:

1. Distractions lose their power.
   The chaos around you shrinks when your gaze is set above you.

2. Pain gets redefined.
   It does not vanish, but it gains purpose. You begin to see meaning in your pain.

3. Courage rises above criticism.
   Stephen did not shrink back. He stood tall because his view of God was greater than the view of people.

When we stare at problems, fear grows.
When we stare at pressure, stress grows.
When we stare at God, faith grows.

Maybe that is what you need today, not every answer but a better focus.
Not a change in your situation but a shift in your sight.
Because when your eyes are on Jesus, everything else finds its proper place.

Let us be people who can say the same.
That in the face of pressure, pain, or opposition, we hardly noticed, because our eyes were on Him.

So today, wherever you find yourself, whether in peace or in pressure, may your focus shift.
Not just toward relief, but toward revelation.
Not just toward answers, but toward the One who never leaves your side.

Let’s take a moment to realign our vision and talk to God together:

God, fill me with Your Spirit.
Help me notice You more than I notice the weight of this world.
Lift my eyes from offense, stress, fear, and rejection, and let me see Your face again.
Like Stephen, give me a glimpse of heaven that gives me strength on earth.
Amen.

Ask yourself:

• What have I been staring at lately?

• Where have I allowed the noise to cloud my vision?

• What would change if I fixed my eyes on Jesus again?

Not Mine to Finish

“David asked God for a permanent place for worship. But Solomon built it.” Acts 7:46–47 (MSG)

David asked… but God used someone else.
David had the ambition. Solomon had the assignment.

That simple truth carries a weight we often don’t talk about.

David loved God deeply. He wanted to build something beautiful, a permanent house where the presence of God would dwell. It wasn’t just a project to him. It was worship. It was legacy. It was personal. But God said no.
Not because David didn’t love Him. Not because his heart was wrong. But because God had a different plan. A better timing. Another person.

It wasn’t that David wasn’t faithful. In fact, God called David a man after His own heart. Still, the answer to David’s prayer didn’t come through his own hands. It came through Solomon’s.

God used someone else.

Can you imagine how David must have felt? Disappointed, maybe. Humbled. He had fought battles, led worship, written psalms, and unified a kingdom. But this, this he would only get to dream about.

And yet, he didn’t grow bitter. He didn’t withdraw. He leaned in. David did everything but build the temple. He gathered the materials. Drew up the plans. Cast the vision. Set his son up for success. And then, he blessed Solomon and stepped back.

That is the kind of faith we don’t often celebrate.
Faith that prepares the way, even when it doesn’t get to walk the path.

David prayed the prayer. Solomon became the answer.

And that is something we need to remember. In the Kingdom, some prayers are answered through others. What you start, someone else may finish. What you dream, someone else may build. And that is not failure. It is faithfulness. Because legacy is not about getting credit. It is about being obedient.

David had the ambition. Solomon had the assignment. And still, both were used by God.

Some things God puts in your heart, but not in your hands.

That was David’s story. He didn’t finish the work, but he made the way for it. And sometimes, that is the greater act of obedience.

You might raise your children in the faith, and someone else leads them to Christ.
You may pour years into a ministry that someone else gets to grow.
You might sow tears and prayer into a friend’s life, and one day, someone else gets to lead them to Jesus.
You could serve faithfully, prepare deeply, love sacrificially, and watch someone else carry it across the finish line.

And that is okay. That is Kingdom.

Because just because it didn’t happen through you, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen because of you.

Remember this:

1. Your obedience is never wasted. God honors what you build in private, even if someone else carries it public.

2. Legacy isn’t about credit. It is about impact. What you start can shape what others complete.

3. God may use someone else to finish it, but He is still using you to begin it.

So if you are in a season where you're watching from the sidelines, don’t get discouraged.
God sees the seeds you plant. He hears the prayers you pray. And even if He chooses to answer them through someone else:

God, thank You for letting me be part of Your bigger plan.
Even when I don’t see the results, help me stay faithful.
Give me peace when You use someone else, and joy in knowing You still used me to begin it.
I trust You with the outcome.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

Make it personal:

1. Is there something I prayed for that God seems to be answering through someone else?

2. How do I typically respond when I’m not the one chosen to finish what I started?

3. What unseen obedience am I being called to continue, even without recognition?

4. Who can I encourage today that might be carrying forward something I once dreamed about?

Stick to the Assignment

A few years ago, I thought being a good leader meant saying yes to everything. If someone needed a flyer, I’d make it. If the mic wasn’t working, I’d fix it. If someone didn’t show up to greet, I’d jump in. On paper, it looked like servant leadership. In reality, I was stretched thin, constantly distracted, and slowly burning out. I was everywhere… except where I was supposed to be.

Then I read Acts 6 with fresh eyes.

The early church was exploding with growth, and naturally, that came with growing pains. One group felt overlooked. People were getting frustrated. It would’ve been easy for the apostles to step in and fix the issue themselves. But instead, they said something bold:

“We’ll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God’s Word.”
(Acts 6:4 MSG)

They didn’t say it because they were too good to serve tables. They said it because they knew their calling had a lane. Their lane was prayer and the Word. They delegated the other needs to godly, capable leaders and the result?

“The Word of God prospered. The number of disciples increased dramatically.”
(Acts 6:7 MSG)

The Word didn’t prosper because they got busier. It prospered because they got focused.

When I started saying no to the distractions and yes to the assignment God actually gave me, I felt the shift. Peace returned. Clarity sharpened. And the fruit? That wasn’t up to me, it was up to God.

That moment challenged me. If the early church grew because leaders stayed in their lane, maybe growth in my life would come the same way. I didn’t need to do more, I needed to do what mattered most.

So how do we S.T.I.C.K. to the assignment?

Here’s how:

1. S - Seek God first
   Start with prayer. Let the presence of God set your priorities before people do.

2. T - Track your time
   Look at how you’re actually spending your days. Is your calendar aligned with your calling?

3. I - Identify your assignment
   Be specific about what God is asking of you in this season. Clarity brings focus.

4. C - Cut the distractions
   Say no to good things so you can say yes to the God things. Let go of what’s not yours to carry.

5. K - Keep checking in
   Revisit your calling regularly. Ask the Spirit to realign your heart and keep you grounded.

Staying aligned isn’t a one-time decision, it’s a daily surrender.

And that starts with prayer.

God, help me stop confusing busy with faithful. I want to walk in the assignment You’ve given me, not the one I’ve taken on out of pressure or pride. Give me clarity. Give me courage. Help me trust that Your plans are better than mine. Let Your Word prosper through my obedience, not my hustle. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Make it personal:

• What’s something I’ve said yes to that might be a distraction, not a calling?

• When was the last time I felt truly focused on what God asked me to do?

• Who can I invite to help me carry the load so I can stay faithful to my lane?

Making Sense of Good Sense

“So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense...” Acts 6:3 (MSG)

That phrase caught my attention: “good sense.” It’s not one you hear every day.
Other translations say “full of wisdom” (NIV) or “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (ESV), but I love how The Message puts it: good sense. Because sometimes, that’s exactly what we need more of: not just spiritual fire, but steady, Spirit-filled common sense.

I remember a time when I definitely didn’t show good sense.

There was a decision I made quickly, too quickly. I was trying to fix a problem, but I didn’t slow down to pray, process, or ask for input. What could’ve been a peaceful conversation turned into a tense moment. Looking back, I didn’t lack passion… I lacked perspective. I didn’t pause. I didn’t partner with the wise. And I definitely didn’t pray.

It was a moment that reminded me: good sense isn't automatic, it’s grown.

Acts 6 drops us into a growing, vibrant church. The number of disciples is multiplying, but so are the problems. A group of widows (specifically the Greek-speaking ones) were being overlooked in the daily food distribution. What started as a logistical oversight quickly turned into cultural tension and complaints.

The apostles, wise enough to know they couldn’t do everything, didn’t respond with panic or pride. They responded with a plan.
They said: Let’s find seven trustworthy people, full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and empower them to lead.
And that decision helped the church move from frustration to function, from tension to teamwork.

So what is “good sense?”

Here’s a deeper look:

• Sound judgment – making wise, thoughtful decisions, especially under pressure.

• Practical wisdom – knowing how to apply knowledge in real-life situations.

• Emotional maturity – responding with grace, not just reacting.

• Discernment – recognizing what’s truly important and what isn’t.

Good sense is wisdom in motion. It’s not just what you know, it’s how you show up. It’s not just what you say, it’s how you respond.

In your home. At your job. In your ministry.
You’ll face moments where the easy thing is to react, but the wise thing is to respond with good sense.
When you’re overlooked. When conflict brews. When pressure rises.
Good sense keeps you grounded and guided by the Spirit.

But how do you grow in it? It’s not just something you stumble into, it’s something you practice.

Here are 3 ways to grow in good sense:

1. Pause Before You React
   Good sense begins with a moment of stillness.
   Instead of firing off that reply, jumping to conclusions, or making a rushed decision: pause.
   Ask yourself, “What would wisdom do here?”
   A short pause can lead to a much better outcome.

2. Partner with the Wise
   Who you walk with shapes how you think.
   Surround yourself with people who lead with clarity, calm, and character.
   Learn from them. Ask questions. Watch how they process pressure.
   Good sense grows in good company.

3. Pray for It Daily
   God doesn’t withhold wisdom from those who ask.
   James 1:5 reminds us to ask boldly and expect Him to respond.
   When you pray for wisdom, you're not just asking for answers;
   you're asking for perspective, patience, and peace under pressure.

And the good news? He’s ready to give it.

All we have to do is ask.

Lord, help me be full of Your Spirit and good sense.
Teach me to lead, love, and live with wisdom that reflects You.
Help me grow in maturity, discernment, and steady faith under pressure.
Use me, like You used those seven, to build peace where there’s tension and bring clarity where there’s confusion. Amen.

Make it Personal:

• What’s one area of my life where I need to slow down before I speak or decide?

• Who in my life models good sense and how can I get around them more?

• Am I asking God for wisdom regularly or only when I feel stuck?

Excellence Ministers

When the Queen of Sheba traveled to visit King Solomon in 1 Kings 10, she came with questions, but she left in awe.

She had heard stories about his wisdom and reputation, but what she experienced firsthand was far greater.

“When the queen of Sheba experienced for herself Solomon’s wisdom and saw with her own eyes the palace he had built, the meals that were served, the impressive array of court officials and sharply dressed waiters, the lavish crystal, and the elaborate worship… it took her breath away.”
(1 Kings 10:4–5, MSG)

She wasn’t just impressed by his words, but by his works.
It wasn’t just what Solomon said, it was how he lived that moved her to glorify God.

Excellence isn’t about perfection. It’s about purpose. It’s the daily decision to honor God in how we work, serve, lead, and live.
It’s remembering that just because you’re not holding a microphone doesn’t mean you’re not a minister.

Every detail, every interaction, every moment of preparation, it all speaks.
Excellence isn’t just about impressing people. It’s a testimony that points others to God.

A while back, I was invited to speak to a group of college students. It wasn’t a large event, just a casual gathering, but I still wanted to serve them well.

Even though I was only asked to share a few thoughts, I felt prompted to go the extra mile. I put together some slides, outlined my message clearly, and created a few follow-up resources they could take with them. It wasn’t anything flashy, just thoughtful and intentional.

To be honest, I didn’t do it for applause. I simply wanted to help them grow and point them toward something deeper.

Afterward, one of the students came up to me and said, “I could tell you really cared.”

That comment stuck with me. It reminded me that excellence isn’t about being impressive, it’s about being intentional.
Even when no one asks for more, choosing to do your best can speak louder than you think, and sometimes, it opens hearts to hear from God.

So How Do We Cultivate a Mindset of Excellence?

Here are three ways to practice excellence in everyday life:

1. Commit to What’s in Front of You

You don’t need a title or stage to reflect God.
Show up with purpose. Do the everyday things, emailing, parenting, studying, hosting, with the heart of someone who’s serving something greater.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” – Colossians 3:23

2. Care About the Details

Excellence lives in the follow-through.
Return the call. Proofread the message. Go the extra mile.
Being thorough isn’t just a work ethic, it’s a form of worship.

3. Create Environments That Reflect God

You don’t need to build a palace like Solomon to minister through excellence.
You can create peace, order, and beauty wherever you go, your home, your workplace, your next conversation.
When people experience intentionality, kindness, and care, it leaves a lasting impression.

Solomon’s excellence made an eternal impact, and yours can too.

You don’t need a spotlight to make a difference.
You don’t need a microphone to minister.

Excellence ministers.

Through how you show up, how you serve, and how you honor God in the details.

So before you move on with your day, pause and ask God to help you carry that mindset with you.

God, Help me reflect You in the way I work, serve, and show up.
Give me the heart to do ordinary things with extraordinary care.
May my excellence bring You glory and draw others closer to You.
Amen.

Make It Personal:

• Where in my life have I been giving the bare minimum instead of my best?

• What’s one area: at work, at home, or in relationships; where I can be more intentional this week?

• Do I see my everyday responsibilities as opportunities to reflect God? Why or why not?

• Who might be impacted by the way I show up, even if they never tell me?

• Am I doing things to be noticed, or to honor God with my effort?

Obedience Myths

There’s always that moment—the tension you feel when obedience to God means discomfort with people. I remember being in a room once where the atmosphere wasn’t exactly faith-friendly. A conversation opened the door for me to speak up about what I believed, and everything in me felt the weight of that decision. Do I stay quiet and keep it comfortable? Or do I speak and risk awkwardness or judgment?

My heart was pounding. I could feel the Holy Spirit nudging me, but I also felt the pressure of what people might think. In that moment, I had to decide: Will I obey God—or cave to the comfort of silence?

That’s the tension Peter and the apostles faced in Acts 5. After being arrested for preaching about Jesus, they were miraculously freed by an angel and told to keep going—keep preaching. And they did. Boldly. Openly. Unapologetically.

When the religious leaders brought them in and ordered them to stop, Peter didn’t blink. He simply said: “We must obey God rather than men.” (v.29)

That one line speaks volumes.

But here’s the truth: Many of us hesitate to obey God, not out of rebellion—but out of confusion. We’ve picked up some wrong beliefs about obedience, and those myths are quietly shaping our faith decisions.

So let’s call them out.

3 Myths About Obedience (and the Truth Behind Them)

Myth #1: Obedience is about rules.

Truth: Obedience is about relationship.
It’s not about trying to earn God’s approval—it’s a response to His love. Jesus said, “If you love me, you’ll keep my commands.” (John 14:15)
When I know someone loves me, obeying their voice isn’t a chore—it’s an act of trust. Obedience isn’t cold or controlling. It’s personal.

Myth #2: Obedience is optional when it’s uncomfortable.

Truth: Obedience matters especially when it’s hard.
Peter didn’t obey because it was easy—he obeyed because it was right. If we only obey when it feels good, we’re not following Jesus—we’re following convenience. True obedience shines in the pressure.

Myth #3: Obedience will make life easier.

Truth: Obedience doesn’t guarantee ease—it guarantees purpose.
Sometimes saying “yes” to God leads you into fire. But you won’t go in alone. Just ask Daniel. Or Joseph. Or Jesus.
Obedience may cost you—but it always connects you to something greater: God's will.

We all want to live a life that pleases God, but obedience is where faith becomes action. It's where your beliefs walk into real-life choices. The next time you're faced with a decision—big or small—ask: Am I choosing comfort or conviction?

And when you’re not sure what to choose, don’t be afraid to pause and pray. God’s voice is never far from a listening heart.

God, I want to trust You more than I trust my comfort. Help me obey—not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s not. Give me boldness like Peter, and remind me that obedience to You is always worth it.

Make It Personal

Take a moment to reflect on what obedience looks like in your life right now. Here are a few questions to help guide your thoughts:

• Is there an area in your life where you’ve been delaying obedience because it’s uncomfortable?

• Have you ever believed one of the myths mentioned above? How has that shaped your decisions?

• What’s one small step of obedience God may be asking you to take this week?

• Who in your life models bold obedience—and what can you learn from them?

• How can you invite God into your decision-making process more consistently?

Write down your answers. Talk about them with a trusted friend or mentor. Obedience isn’t about perfection—it’s about a willing heart and a faithful next step.

Who’s In Your Circle?

A few years ago, I walked through one of the hardest seasons of my life.

There was fear. Shame. Confusion.
I didn’t know what tomorrow would look like—or if I’d even make it through.

But I had a circle.

Not a crowd.
Not casual acquaintances.
A circle—of people who knew me, loved me, and didn’t let me go silent or stay stuck.
They didn’t just offer advice—they offered prayer, presence, and perspective.

And that changed everything.

In Acts 4, Peter and John had just been released after being threatened for preaching Jesus.
Their first move?
They went to their friends.

"As soon as Peter and John were let go, they went to their friends and and told them what the high priests and religious leaders had said." Acts 4:23 (MSG)

And their friends?
They prayed.

"Hearing the report, they lifted their voices in a wonderful harmony in prayer.” Acts 4:24 (MSG)

Out loud. In unity. With boldness.

Not everyone in your life will do that.
That’s why your circle matters.

Let me break it down:

You need a C.I.R.C.L.E.:

• Courageous Friends
  Who speak faith even when things feel uncertain.

• Interceding Friends
  Who don’t just say they’ll pray—but actually pray.

• Real Friends
  Who tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear.

• Consistent Friends
  Who show up—when it’s messy, inconvenient, or costly.

• Lifting Friends
  Who carry your burdens and remind you of your worth.

• Eternal-Minded Friends
  Who care more about your calling than your comfort.

Maybe as you read through that list, you felt thankful for the people who’ve been that for you.
Or maybe… you felt the gap. The loneliness. The desire to find your people.

Let’s talk to God about that.

Prayer:
God, thank You for the gift of community.
Help me build the kind of circle that lifts me toward You.
Give me discernment to recognize the right people, and the courage to be that kind of person for others.
Make me bold. Make me faithful. And surround me with people who know how to pray, love, and lead in hard times.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

Now take a second to ask yourself:

• Who’s in your circle right now?

• Are they helping you get closer to Jesus—or further from Him?

• And more importantly… are you that kind of friend to someone else?

You don’t need a crowd. You just need a circle.

And with the right one? You’ll be stronger than you think.

You Remind Me of Someone

You ever meet someone and instantly think, “You remind me of someone…”?

It’s not always the way they look. Sometimes it’s their voice. Their kindness. The way they carry themselves. There’s something familiar about them—something that makes you pause and look again. That’s what happened in Acts 4.

Peter and John were standing before the most powerful religious leaders of their day. These men expected fear and submission. But instead, they saw confidence, clarity, and boldness.

And it hit them: “These men… they remind us of Jesus.”

They didn’t say it out loud, but the verse says it clearly: “They recognized them as companions of Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

Not because of their resumes.
Not because of their education.
But because something about them reflected who they had been with.

It makes you wonder… Would anyone say the same about us?

What made them stand out? The verse highlights one key trait: boldness.

Let’s be clear: boldness isn’t just about volume or personality.
It’s not about being loud or confrontational.

Boldness is courage fueled by conviction.
It’s the willingness to stand, speak, and live out your faith—especially when it’s not easy.

Peter and John weren’t bold because they were naturally brave.
They were bold because they had been changed.
They had walked with Jesus, been filled with His Spirit, and now carried His presence with them.

We don’t need boldness for the sake of being bold.
We need it for the right reasons, in the right ways:

1. Boldness to Speak Truth

To share our faith without shame.
To speak encouragement when it’s easier to stay silent.
To be honest in love.

2. Boldness to Live Different

To walk in purity when culture says “whatever feels right.”
To choose humility over pride.
To forgive when bitterness would be easier.

3. Boldness to Follow God Fully

Even when the direction doesn’t make sense.
Even when others don’t understand.
Even when it costs you something.

4. Boldness to Pray Big

Not just safe, polished prayers—but real, faith-filled ones.
Prayers that move mountains.
Prayers that believe God still does the impossible.

5. Boldness to Be You—in Christ

To show up confidently in who God made you to be.
No masks. No pretending. No shrinking back.

This kind of boldness doesn’t come from a personality type.
It comes from proximity to Jesus.

Peter didn’t always have it.
He had denied Jesus out of fear.
But after the resurrection—after spending time in the presence of the risen Savior—everything changed.

And the same can happen for you and me.

So, here’s the question: Do people recognize that you’ve been with Jesus?
Not by your words alone, but by the way you live?

When you walk into a room—does peace follow?
When pressure comes—do you crumble, or stand in grace?
When others look at you—do they see just you… or Someone greater shining through?

You may be the only “Jesus” someone encounters this week.

You don’t need to wear a label.
You don’t need to force it.
Just stay close to Him.

Because when you’ve truly been with Jesus, you won’t have to announce it. People will know. They’ll look at your life and say: “You remind me of someone…”

And maybe that’s the most powerful thing we can carry into the world—not a title, not a spotlight, not a platform—but a quiet resemblance to the One we walk with daily.

Let that be your prayer today:

Jesus, I want to look like You.
Not just in what I say—but in how I live.
Shape me in Your presence.
Make me bold where I’ve been hesitant.
Make me gentle where I’ve been hard.
And let my life remind the world of who You are.
Because more than anything, I want to be known as someone who’s been with You.
Amen.

Now pause and really consider:

• Does the way I live point people to Jesus?

• Do my words bring peace—or pressure?

• When life gets loud, do I lean into His presence—or into performance?

• Has boldness taken root in me—not because I’m trying harder, but because I’ve been staying close to Him?

Nothing to Hide

“I'll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth... this man stands before you healthy and whole.” Acts 4:10 MSG

When Peter and John stood before the religious leaders in Acts 4, they weren’t nervous. They weren’t defensive. They weren’t scrambling for the right words.

They were clear, calm, and confident.

And then Peter said it: “We have nothing to hide.”

That line stopped me in my tracks. Because in a world where we often feel pressure to filter our faith, hide our hurts, or mask our motives, there’s something beautifully freeing about being able to say, “What you see is what you get.”

But what gave them such boldness?
Here are four things that positioned them—and can position us—to live with nothing to hide:

1. Personal Encounter

They weren’t repeating someone else’s story—they were living their own. These men had walked with Jesus. They had witnessed the cross and the resurrection. Their confidence didn’t come from hearsay. It came from firsthand experience.

When you’ve seen Jesus work in your life—when you’ve been forgiven, restored, and filled with hope—you’re not afraid to speak up.

You don’t need to memorize a script when you’re living the story.

2. Purity of Motive

Peter and John weren’t trying to build a platform or chase influence. They were simply obeying God and helping people. And there’s a peace that comes with pure motives.

When your “why” is to glorify Jesus, you don’t have to hide behind perfection or polish. You can speak plainly and love deeply.

3. Power of the Spirit

Earlier in Acts 4, we’re told Peter was “filled with the Holy Spirit” before he spoke. That matters. His boldness and clarity weren’t rooted in personality—they were the result of God’s power working through him.

If boldness feels hard for you, you’re not alone. But the good news? You don’t have to manufacture courage. You just have to receive it.

4. Purpose-Driven Life

Peter and John knew exactly why they were there: to point people to Jesus. That kind of purpose silences confusion and fear.

When you live for people’s approval, you’ll constantly adjust your message. But when you live for God’s purpose, your message stays the same—even when it costs you something.

And I don’t just write this as a concept—I’ve lived it.

In January 2023, I had a moment of failure that changed everything.

What started as occasional social drinking slowly became a way to numb my emotions. One night, I drank too much and made poor choices. The consequences followed. I lost my pastoral role and stepped away from everything I once led.

What came next was the hardest and most healing stretch of my life—nearly two years of deep restoration: counseling, recovery meetings, weekly accountability check-ins, and a month at a restoration center.

And when I returned to church—not to lead, just to attend—I felt like shame walked in with me.

I kept my head down in worship, not because I wasn’t grateful, but because I was drowning.
I believed the messages, but didn’t believe they applied to me.
I walked in late. I left early. I avoided eye contact, avoided conversation… avoided hope.

But here’s what I’ve learned:
Shame wants to define you by your worst moment.
Jesus wants to define you by His best one.

Yesterday, I stood on stage preaching—not because I had something to prove, but because I had nothing left to hide.

I shared my story. I named my failure. I pointed to God’s grace.
And in that moment, I remembered again:
God does more with honesty than He ever does with hype.

What if you didn’t have to keep pretending?
What if you could lay down the pressure to perform, the fear of being found out, and the weight of trying to keep it all together?

Because the truth is—
Pretending wears you out.
Hiding drains your joy.
Performing for approval will always leave you empty.

But there’s another way:
Honest faith. Unfiltered worship. A heart anchored in Jesus.
Not perfect, but real.

Imagine living so rooted in Christ that you don’t feel the need to impress anyone.
You don’t have to spin the story or hide the scars.
You just live free—and point to the One who set you free.

If your heart is craving that kind of freedom, I want to invite you to pause and pray this with me:

Jesus, I’m tired of pretending.
I want to live free—anchored in You, not the opinions of others.
Help me walk in truth, love, and purpose.
Give me the boldness that only comes from Your Spirit,
and the peace that only comes from purity of heart.
I want to be someone who points to You—honestly, humbly, and wholeheartedly.
Amen.

Make It Personal

Before you scroll away, take a few quiet moments to reflect:

• Is there a part of your story you’ve been hiding out of fear or shame?

• Are you pretending to be “okay” while silently struggling inside?

• What would change if you truly believed you had nothing to hide?

And if you’d like to watch the full message, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/pPEneEBvadk?si=e15-K7s9Za4I3u1J