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

All You Have Is All You Need

"Peter said, 'I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!'" Acts 3:6 (MSG)

At the start of Acts 3, Peter and John are walking to the temple when they come across a man who had been unable to walk since birth.
Every day, this man sat outside the gate, asking for spare change from those passing by.
When he asked Peter and John for money, Peter didn’t have silver or gold to offer — but he had something far greater.
In the name of Jesus, Peter spoke healing over him, and for the first time in his life, the man stood up and walked.

Peter's story reminds us: All you have is all you need.

Here are two simple but powerful observations from Acts 3:6:

Observation 1: Peter didn’t focus on what he lacked.

Shortage didn’t stop him.
Peter could’ve said, "I have nothing to offer," and kept walking.
Instead, he understood that God's power isn’t limited by human shortage — it’s released through surrendered vessels.

Speaking activated what was inside him.
Peter didn’t hesitate or overthink.
He spoke with boldness and gave what he already carried — the name and authority of Jesus Christ.
When you move in faith, heaven backs you up.

Observation 2: Peter had what he needed before the opportunity appeared.

Strength was secured in private.
Peter's ability to step into the moment was built when no one was watching — in prayer, in surrender, in time with Jesus.
You don't rise to the occasion; you return to your preparation.

Supply was settled beforehand.
Peter didn’t scramble to get ready when the need showed up.
He simply reached into the strength God had already deposited inside of him.
Preparation in private equips you for opportunities in public.

I’ll never forget one of the first times I was asked to pray over a group of leaders.
I immediately thought, "I’m too young. I’m not experienced enough. I don’t have the right words."
Everything inside of me wanted to step back.
But right there in that moment, I felt God whisper:
"All you have is all you need."
I didn’t suddenly become older or wiser in that second.
But I had faith. I had His Spirit. And I had a willing heart.
That was enough.
As I prayed, I saw people moved to tears, not because of fancy words — but because of God's presence.

It was never about being "ready enough" in my own eyes.
It was about being willing to give what I already had.

All you have is all you need.
Don’t let what you think you lack stop you.
God has already placed inside of you what is needed for the opportunities ahead.
Step out. Speak up. Trust Him.
And when doubts creep in, turn your heart back to the One who gave you everything you need. Let’s pray:

Jesus, thank You that You never send me empty-handed.
When I feel unprepared, remind me that You’ve already equipped me with what I need.
Teach me to trust what You’ve placed inside me.
Help me to move forward with courage, give freely, and walk boldly into every opportunity You set before me.
Amen.

Make it Personal:

• Where have I been hesitating because I feel like I’m "not enough"?

• What has God already given me that I can start using today?

• How can I strengthen my private time with God to prepare for public opportunities?

• Who around me needs something I already carry?

Look Here

When we talk about the miracle at the temple gate in Acts 3, we usually rush straight to the healing — how Peter reached out, spoke the name of Jesus, and the man who had been crippled from birth got up and walked.
And make no mistake — the healing was powerful.

But there’s a key part of the story we often miss.
The miracle didn’t start with walking.
It started with looking.

"Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, 'Look here.' The man looked up, expecting to get something from them."
Acts 3:4–5 (MSG)

Before Peter spoke healing, he spoke focus: "Look here."
And before the man was healed, he made a decision: he looked up, expecting to receive something.

That small, almost invisible moment set everything else in motion.

I remember a season in my life where I was stuck in survival mode — just trying to get through each day.
I wasn’t looking for miracles. Honestly, I wasn’t even really praying for anything big anymore.
One day during my quiet time, it felt like God whispered to my heart, "Look up."

At first, I didn’t even realize how low my expectations had gotten.
But little by little, as I shifted my focus back onto Him, I started to dream again.
Doors I wasn’t even asking for began to open.
Opportunities I thought were long gone suddenly reappeared.
But none of it started with hustle or striving.
It started the moment I looked up.

And that’s exactly what happened at the temple gate that day too.

When Peter said, "Look here," the man had to shift his focus — and it wasn’t easy.
Here’s what he had to turn away from:

• Survival Mode:
  He was used to asking for just enough to get by. Peter was inviting him to expect more.

• Distractions:
  With crowds rushing into the temple, noise everywhere, and countless people passing by, he had to block it all out and lock in.

• Low Expectations:
  He was asking for coins, but God was preparing complete restoration. He had to lift his belief higher.

• Disappointment:
  After years of being overlooked, rejected, and ignored, it would’ve been easy to assume nothing good was coming. He had to choose hope again.

That simple phrase — "Look here" — was an invitation to lift his eyes, focus his faith, and expect something greater than what he was used to.

This isn’t just the man’s story — it’s ours too.
Every day, we have a choice:
Will we stay stuck looking down at survival… or will we lift our eyes and expect something more?

Here’s how to F.O.C.U.S. when you feel stuck:

F — Fix your eyes on God
Don’t let your situation be bigger than your Savior. Look to Him first.
(Hebrews 12:2)

O — Open your heart with expectation
Don’t assume today will be like yesterday. Expect God to move.
(Acts 3:5)

C — Choose attention over distraction
Give God your full focus. Listen, watch, and stay present.
(Psalm 46:10)

U — Understand God works beyond what you see
What you think you need might not be all God has planned. Stay open.
(Ephesians 3:20)

S — Stay ready even when you don’t understand
Faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying positioned until the breakthrough comes.
(Galatians 6:9)

And maybe that’s exactly where you are right now — waiting, hoping, wondering when things will shift.
If that’s you, here’s a simple prayer you can make your own today:

Jesus, I don’t want to live stuck in survival mode.
Teach me to lift my eyes again.
Help me tune out the noise, the disappointment, and the low expectations — and instead, to fix my focus fully on You.
I believe You have more for me than just getting by.
Today, I respond to Your voice that says, "Look here."
I choose to expect, believe, and stay ready.
Amen.

Make It Personal:

• Where have you been fixing your eyes lately — on problems, distractions, or God's promises?

• What low expectations might you need to let go of so you can believe bigger?

• Are there areas where survival mode has been louder than faith?

• What would it look like today to respond to Jesus saying, "Look here"?

Today, hear Jesus gently calling your name and saying, "Look here."
Lift your eyes.
Give Him your full attention.
Expect Him to move.

Because you never know — your miracle might already be on the way.

Without Warning

“When the Feast of Pentecost came, they (the disciples) were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building.” – Acts 2:1-2 (MSG)

Let’s pause for a quick teaching moment:
Pentecost was a special Jewish holiday celebrated 50 days after Passover. Passover marked the time God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Pentecost began as a harvest celebration, and over time, it also became a way to remember when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.

But in Acts 2, something brand new happened—God sent the Holy Spirit. That moment wasn’t just a celebration—it became the launch of the Church and a powerful move of God.

Now, back to the verse… there’s something striking about those two words: “Without warning.”

God didn’t give the disciples a countdown. There was no sign in the sky, no dramatic build-up—just sudden, undeniable movement. One moment it was quiet. The next? Heaven invaded earth. And everything changed.

It reminds us that God doesn’t operate on our schedules. He doesn’t need our approval or perfect timing. He can move whenever He wants, with whoever He wants, however He wants.

But here’s what gets me: the disciples were ready. They were in the room, together, obedient, and expectant. And because of that, they didn’t miss it.

A few years ago, I went through a season where nothing made sense. Doors were closing, opportunities felt out of reach, and I felt like I was sitting in a waiting room with no estimated wait time. I was doing all the “right things”—praying, showing up, staying faithful—but I’ll be honest, I was tired. It felt like God was silent.

Then without warning, I got a phone call that changed everything. It was an open door I never expected, with impact far greater than anything I could’ve planned. In that moment, I heard God whisper to my heart: “See? I never forgot you. I was just preparing the moment—and preparing you.”

That moment didn’t happen because I forced it. It happened because I stayed available.

How to be ready for a “Without Warning” move of God:

1. Stay Together

“They were all together in one place…”

There’s power in community. God moves where unity lives. The disciples weren’t scattered—they were together, in prayer, holding each other up.

Action Step: Reach out to a faith friend or leader today. Stay in community—even if it’s just a quick check-in.

2. Stay in Position

They didn’t know the moment—but they stayed in the room.

The blessing was tied to the room they were in. What if they had left early? What if they got discouraged and gave up?

There’s something powerful about staying planted in the place God told you to be—even when you don’t see results right away.

Action Step: What’s the “room” God’s called you to stay in right now? A ministry, a job, a season of healing? Stay rooted.

3. Stay Expectant

God doesn’t need your perfection—just your availability.

Expectancy isn’t about hype—it’s about hope. It's waking up each day with the belief that today could be the day God moves.

Action Step: Write down one area of your life where you’re waiting on God, and next to it, write a sentence of faith—what you believe He can still do. Keep it somewhere visible to remind yourself to stay hopeful and ready.

Living ready doesn’t mean having it all figured out—it just means keeping your heart open, your faith steady, and your eyes on Him. As we wrap this up, let’s take a moment to pray and ask God to help us stay available for whatever He wants to do… even if it comes without warning.

God, thank You that You are still the God of the unexpected. Teach me to wait well, stay faithful, and live open. I want to be ready when You move—even if it’s without warning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Make It Personal:

Take a moment to pause and reflect. Journal through these questions or talk them out with someone you trust:

• Am I positioned in the “room” God has called me to stay in—or have I let frustration or fatigue move me out of place?

• Who am I surrounding myself with? Are my relationships helping or hindering my spiritual expectancy?

• When was the last time I truly told God, “I’m available”?

• Have I been trying to control the outcome instead of trusting God with the timing?

• What would it look like for me to live each day like God could move “without warning”?

Trust His Timing

We live in a world of countdowns, calendars, and control. We like knowing when things will happen. Whether it’s a job offer, a healing, a breakthrough, or a dream we’ve been praying for—we crave the timeline.

But in Acts 1:7, Jesus tells His disciples something simple yet deeply profound: “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business.” Acts 1:7 (MSG)

And just like that, we’re reminded: we don’t run the clock—God does.

Let’s rewind a little to verses 3–4: “He told them that they were on no account to leave Jerusalem but ‘must wait for what the Father promised.’” Acts 1:3–4 (MSG)

Can you feel the tension in that moment?
Jesus had risen. The excitement was real. The disciples were ready to move—ready to do something. But instead… He told them to wait.

No deadline. No details. Just a promise.

Then, when they asked if now was the time He’d restore the kingdom, Jesus didn't hand them a schedule—He gave them a perspective shift:

You don’t get the calendar. You get the power.
You don’t get control. You get the Spirit.
You don’t get to know when. You get to know Who.

3 Truths to remember when the timing feels unclear:

1. God’s delays are not His denials.
Just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it won’t.
His “not yet” is still a yes to what’s best.

2. The right thing at the wrong time is still the wrong thing.
God isn’t just working on what you’re waiting for—He’s working on you while you wait.

3. God is never late. But He’s rarely early.
He moves at the pace of purpose, not pressure.

So what do we do in the meantime—when the answers don’t come, the door hasn’t opened, and the timeline is silent?

We remember this truth: “If it’s not your business to know, it’s your job to trust.”

God doesn’t ask us to carry the calendar—He asks us to carry faith.
The assignment isn’t to figure it out. It’s to follow, even when we don’t know how long the road will be.

Waiting doesn’t mean God is distant. It means He’s developing something worth the wait.

And the best way to trust? Start with a prayer.

Father, help me surrender my timeline. I trust You even when I don’t understand the “when.” I know that if it’s not my business to know, it’s my job to trust. Remind me that You are never late, and that Your plan is better than mine. Fill me with patience, purpose, and peace in the waiting. I believe You’re at work even when I can’t see it. Amen.

Make It Personal

• Where are you feeling impatient or unsure of God’s timing right now?

• What would it look like to trade your questions for trust today?

Let’s Talk

Have you ever had a “God’s timing” moment—where He came through just when you needed it most? Share your story in the comments or with a friend who might need encouragement in the waiting.

Service > Status

Romans 15:1–3 (MSG): “Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, ‘How can I help?’ That’s exactly what Jesus did.”

We live in a culture that often celebrates strength in terms of independence, influence, or image. But Romans 15 flips the script: Strength is for service, not status. It’s not given so we can look impressive—but so we can be useful.

God doesn’t call us to flex our faith for attention. He calls us to step in, stay close, and lift others—especially when it’s not convenient.

I remember a time when a friend of mine was going through a rough patch. I could tell they weren’t themselves—quiet, withdrawn, carrying something heavy. I had a packed schedule that week and every reason to keep it moving. But I felt a tug to pause and ask, “Hey, how are you really doing?”

That one conversation opened the door for healing, encouragement, and connection. It reminded me that showing up doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be intentional.

Sometimes the greatest ministry is simply noticing, being willing to step in, and doing the unglamorous thing: helping out.

Living like Jesus means we don’t avoid people’s mess—we step into it with love. Romans 15 isn’t just a nice thought—it’s a practical call to action. So what does that look like in everyday life?

Here are 5 ways you can live it out, each starting with the letter S to help you remember:

1. Step In
   Don’t keep your distance—move toward the need. Whether it’s a hurting friend, a team that’s short-staffed, or someone sitting alone, real strength gets close.

2. Serve Others
   Use what you’ve got—your experience, time, wisdom, or faith—to carry someone else. Ask, “How can I help?” and mean it.

3. Stay Humble
   You’re not better because you’re stronger. Jesus had all the status in the world—and still chose to serve. Follow His lead.

4. Stand Together
   Unity doesn’t mean we always agree—it means we keep showing up for one another in love. Stay connected, even in differences.

5. Shift the Spotlight
   Make it about Jesus, not you. Strength isn’t for showing off—it’s for showing others who He is.

I’m reminded on the quote that says: “You can impress people from a distance, but you only impact them up close.” - John Maxwell. That’s what Romans 15 is all about—not using your strength to stay admired from afar, but choosing to get close, get involved, and serve like Jesus did.

When we follow Jesus’ example and choose service over status, we reflect His heart to the world.

Let’s ask Him to help us live that out, starting with the people right around us.

Jesus, thank You for not avoiding my mess but stepping into it. Help me do the same for others. Give me eyes to see the people around me, the heart to care, and the humility to serve. Use my strength for Your glory—not for my status. Amen.

Make it Personal:

• Who around you might be struggling or carrying something heavy—and how can you step in to help?

• Are you using your strength to serve others or to stand out?

• What would it look like this week to get involved like Jesus instead of avoiding the inconvenience?

Comment below: Who is God putting on your heart to serve this week?
Share this with someone who lives out their strength by serving others—you might just encourage them to keep going.

Make It Match

Have you ever... told someone you were “trying to eat healthy” while secretly sneaking cookies from the pantry? You believed in the idea—but your behavior didn’t match. That’s easy to laugh at when it’s snacks, but it hits deeper when we’re talking about faith. We all have moments where our lives don’t fully reflect what we say we believe. Romans 14:23 (MSG) says, “If the way you live isn’t consistent with what you believe, then it’s wrong.” The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. And when we commit to living a life that matches our beliefs, we grow in integrity, peace, and impact. Here’s how to make it M.A.T.C.H.:

M – Mark your convictions

Convictions are more than preferences—they’re deeply held, non-negotiable beliefs that guide how you live, even when no one’s watching. They’re formed through your relationship with God and shaped by His Word, acting like internal guardrails that help you stay aligned with your faith. That’s why it’s so important to mark your convictions—write them down, get clear on what matters to you, and decide ahead of time how you’ll respond in tough moments. When you know your convictions, you won’t have to guess your way through life—you’ll be grounded.

A – Ask yourself hard questions

Once you’ve marked your convictions, the next step is to check if your life actually reflects them. This requires honesty—and sometimes, that means asking tough questions. Am I living like I believe what I say I believe? Do my daily choices reflect my faith, or do I compromise when it’s uncomfortable? Are there areas where I’m more concerned with pleasing people than honoring God? These questions aren’t meant to shame you—they’re meant to sharpen you. Self-examination is how we grow. It helps us identify blind spots and close the gap between intention and action. Growth starts when we stop pretending and start being honest with ourselves.

T – Tell someone for accountability

Living out your convictions consistently is hard to do alone—that’s why accountability matters. When you invite someone into your journey, you're not just asking for help; you're building a support system that keeps you aligned. Tell someone you trust, “Hey, this is an area I want to grow in. Can you check in with me?” It could be a friend, mentor, or small group leader. Accountability isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being honest and staying on track. When you know someone’s going to ask how you’re doing, it motivates you to follow through and live with integrity, not just intention.

C – Create space to pause

In moments of pressure, temptation, or frustration, it’s easy to react without thinking—and that’s often when we drift from what we believe. Creating space to pause is about training yourself to slow down and check in with your spirit before you respond. A quick breath, a whispered prayer, or even a moment of silence can give you the clarity to ask, “Is this in line with who I say I am and what I believe?” This simple pause can be the difference between staying consistent or compromising. It’s not weakness—it’s wisdom. The pause makes room for conviction to lead the way.

H – Hold the line daily

Consistency isn’t built in big, dramatic moments—it’s built in the quiet, everyday choices. Holding the line means showing up for your convictions even when it’s inconvenient, unnoticed, or hard. It’s choosing integrity when no one’s watching, grace when you’re frustrated, and faith when you’re unsure. These small, repeated decisions become the habits that shape your character. Some days it will feel easy, and other days it’ll take everything in you—but that’s where strength is formed. When you hold the line daily, your life begins to preach louder than your words ever could.

Make It Personal:

• What are 2–3 convictions I’ve personally decided to live by?

• Where am I most tempted to compromise or drift from what I believe?

• What’s one area of my life that needs more consistency with my faith?

• Who can I invite into my journey for encouragement and accountability?

• What would it look like to hold the line today in just one small area?

As you process these questions, let it lead you into a moment of honest prayer. You don’t have to have it all figured out—just bring your heart to God and ask Him for help where you need it most.

Prayer:

Jesus, I want my life to reflect You—not just in words, but in action. Help me live from conviction, not convenience. Show me where I’ve drifted and give me the strength to hold the line daily. I want to live a faith that’s consistent, authentic, and honoring to You. In Your name, amen.

Speak to Help

When I was younger, I had a teacher who constantly told me, “You’re a leader.” At the time, I didn’t really believe her—I was quiet, unsure, and trying to figure out who I was. But her words stuck with me.

Years later, I realized I had become the person she kept speaking over me.

That’s the power of words. They don’t just fill space—they shape souls. They frame futures. They help.

“So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault.” Romans 14:19 (MSG)

Paul doesn’t say, “Be nice.”
He says: Help.
And how? With encouraging words.

That means encouragement isn’t just kind—it’s kingdom work. It’s helpful. It’s holy.

Here are three ways to put that verse into action:

1. Build Up

Encouragement isn’t optional—it’s essential. Your words might be the exact thing someone needs to hear to keep going.

“The tongue has the power of life and death…” – Proverbs 18:21

“How do you know if someone needs encouragement? Are they breathing?” – S. Truett Cathy

2. Be Intentional

Intentional means doing something on purpose—with thought, focus, and care.

It’s not just about avoiding bad words; it’s about choosing the right ones. Every word you speak either builds someone up or chips away at them. Before you post, text, or reply, pause and ask: “Is this lifting or limiting? Will this help or hurt?”

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24

3. Break the Habit of Criticism

It’s easy to point out flaws. But followers of Jesus are called to speak faith, hope, and love. Build bridges, not walls—with your words.

“Let everything you say be good and helpful…” – Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

So before you speak today—pause.
Ask yourself: Is this helping someone rise—or dragging them down?

Because your words frame your world—and someone else’s too.

Let’s ask God to help us choose our words wisely.

Lord, help me speak words that build. Remind me daily that my voice can carry life. Forgive me for times I’ve been careless or critical. Teach me to see people the way You do—and to say what You would say. Use my words to lift, heal, and bring peace. Amen.

Make it Personal:

• Who is someone you can encourage today with a quick message or compliment?

• Are there any habits in your speech (complaining, sarcasm, criticism) that God is nudging you to change?

• What encouraging words were spoken to you that left a lasting impact? Pay it forward.

Your Challenge:

Pick one of the phrases below and say it or text it to someone who needs it today. Don’t wait—your words could be exactly what they need to hear. Comment below ‘DONE’ once you’ve done it—let’s fill this space with life-giving words in action!

• “I believe in you.”

• “You’re making a difference.”

• “You’ve got what it takes.”

• “Keep going—it’s working.”

• “You’re not alone in this.”

• “God’s got you, and I’ve got your back too.”

• “Your effort is seen and appreciated.”

• “There’s more in you than you know.”

• “Don’t underestimate the seeds you’re planting.”

• “You’re right where you need to be—keep showing up.”

• “You’re doing better than you think.”

• “He who called you is faithful.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)