Tell Your Story

Have you ever taken a moment to consider the profound impact your story holds?

It’s not just the polished version we often share when asked to give a “testimony,” but the raw, unfiltered narrative—complete with moments of doubt, pivotal turning points, and quiet transformations. It’s the story of how Jesus encountered you, transformed your life, and continues to work in you today.

In Galatians 1:11–24, the Apostle Paul shares a significant part of his life story. This isn’t just background information; it’s his way of demonstrating that the gospel he preaches is rooted in God’s grace, not human tradition. As we delve into Paul’s narrative, we are reminded that each of us possesses a story worth sharing. When we share these stories within a community of faith, they inspire others and point to God’s continuous work in the world.

Here are four parts of Paul’s story that can help shape how we think about and share our own.

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Christ Revealed (vv. 11–12)

“For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (CSB)

Paul’s introduction to Jesus was dramatic. He had a blinding vision of the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (as seen in Acts 9), which completely transformed his life.

While most of us don’t experience a dramatic conversion, we do have moments—sometimes subtle, sometimes intense—when the truth of Jesus breaks through and changes everything. For me, it was a dream. For others, it might have been a song, a painful season, a conversation with a friend, or a quiet conviction during worship.

Regardless of the moment, Jesus made himself known to you. Why did you decide to follow him? That moment holds significant importance.

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The Past Renounced (vv. 13–14)

“For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I intensely persecuted God’s church and tried to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.” (CSB)

Before Jesus, Paul was deeply committed to his religious tradition, so much so that he attempted to destroy the early church. However, when he met Jesus, everything changed—his values, goals, and sense of purpose.

We may not have personally persecuted the church, but we all lived with misguided zeal. Perhaps it was driven by the desire for success, comfort, image, or escape. Regardless of the reason, Jesus called us to abandon this misguided pursuit. Following him necessitated a reordering of our priorities.

Reflect on how your life has changed since you began following Jesus.

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The Mind Renewed (vv. 15–17)

“But when God, who from my mother’s womb set me apart and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me, so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone. I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus.” (CSB)

Paul’s transformation wasn’t merely external; it encompassed a profound renewal of his entire thought process. What he once perceived as noble—persecution in defense of tradition—he now viewed as a rebellion against God. As Paul’s faith in Christ grew, his mind was profoundly shaped by the gospel.

This same transformative power is at work in our lives. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, engage in prayerful reflection, and actively participate in community, our thoughts, desires, and actions begin to align with Jesus’ character. We gain a clearer understanding of truth, experience a deeper love, and cease to be driven by worldly concerns, instead seeking God’s will.

Reflect on the changes you are witnessing in your heart and mind as you follow Jesus.

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Believers Rejoiced (vv. 18–24)

“Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days. But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. I declare in the sight of God: I am not lying in what I write to you.

“Afterward, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. I remained personally unknown to the Judean churches that are in Christ. They simply kept hearing, ‘He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they glorified God because of me.” (CSB)

After several years of transformation, Paul visited Jerusalem and met with Peter and James. News spread that the one who had once persecuted them was now preaching the faith he had once tried to destroy. In response, the believers rejoiced.

Our stories have the power to inspire praise. When people witness God at work in our lives—transforming our character, healing our wounds, and calling us to mission—it strengthens their faith.

Your story matters. Even if it feels ordinary to you, God is using it to make a difference in the lives of others. Who has been influenced by your journey with Jesus?

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Take some time to reflect on your journey with Jesus. How has He revealed Himself to you? What have you left behind? How has your perspective changed? How is your life influencing others?

You might not perceive your story as dramatic or exciting, but that doesn’t diminish its significance. In God’s grand narrative of love and redemption, every testimony holds value. Your story could be the catalyst that inspires someone else to persevere in their faith.

So, don’t be hesitant to share your story. Let your life serve as a beacon, guiding others towards the One who transforms everything.

Are You Ready for the Journey?

We’re all on a quest—not just to exist, but to find life that matters. That’s why books, podcasts, and influencers promising purpose or fulfillment still capture our attention. Deep down, we crave something more than fleeting success or comfort.

The truth? 

True life comes from one source: God, the Creator of all things. Without anchoring our journey in Him, we’ll chase dead ends—wealth, status, or even spiritual highs. Real life is found in becoming who God created us to be.

Ephesians 2:10 says it clearly:

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. (CSB)

Life is walking the path God created you to walk.

The book of James hints at this journey. Written to Jesus-followers scattered and tested, James is a raw, practical guide for people like us—striving to live out God’s call in a messy world. 

James starts with a gritty reality check:

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings. (James 1:1; CSB)

Biblical scholar J.A. Motyer explains this beautifully:

“The twelve tribes place the church firmly within the pressures and persecutions of this life… Their homeland is elsewhere, and they have not yet arrived. Their lot is to face life’s pressures, the pull of temptation, and a constant nudge to conform to the world’s standards… They are the Lord’s people, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb—but not yet home.” (The Message of James, p. 24-25)

Sound familiar? We’re pilgrims too—redeemed, but not home. Our journey isn’t about chasing success or ease. The life of a disciple is about faithful endurance in a world that lures us off course.

Living in a place like the United States our main obstacle is not persecution: facing imprisonment or violence for our faith. But our challenge is still real: the slow drift of compromise. Too often, the church mirrors the culture—battling the same rates of broken relationships, materialism, or addiction to screens and status. 

We settle for the world’s values instead of applying God’s truth.

Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith isn’t glamorous. A faithful life is often lived in obscurity, marked by sacrifice and a stubborn refusal to quit. Following Jesus isn’t about “thriving” by worldly standards. It’s about trusting Him through the wilderness, with all its trials and troubles.

The journey of discipleship starts when we surrender to Jesus. It ends in the joy of eternity. But the middle of journey? It’s a rugged road that tests our faith.

James offers a roadmap—not for an easy life, but for endurance, wisdom, and growth. It’s a call to choose the pilgrim path, even when it’s hard.

Refocusing on What Matters Most

“There’s something that gnaws at me, quietly but persistently—like termites eating through the foundation of my soul. Years ago, I was certain nothing mattered more than knowing God. I still believe that in my head, but my life doesn’t always show it. Too often, I slip into spiritual apathy, living as if God is a faded memory rather than the heartbeat of my existence.”

—Bill Perkins, Six Battles Every Man Must Win

This thought from Bill Perkins deeply resonates with me. In my heart, I know my life flows from my relationship with God. I have had those moments when everything felt clear—when it seems like God and I are walking side by side. But I also have to admit that more often than not, I act like I’m the one in control, walking through life as if God’s voice has faded into the background.

It is easy to lose sight of the life God has for us. The reality of daily demands—work deadlines, endless notifications, family responsibilities, and the pressure to keep up—push us along. In this chaos of life, God becomes an afterthought, crowded out by what feels urgent and important. How do we break that cycle? How do we refocus our lives on God when the world screams for our attention? Here are three steps I’ve found that help me stay connected to God.

1. Remember What’s Temporary

The first step is a reality check: the life we know is slipping away. We pour energy into accumulating stuff—new gadgets, social media likes, career wins—only to watch them lose their value. Athletes retire, awards gather dust, tech gets outdated, and trends vanish. As the Apostle John put it, “This world is fading away, along with everything it craves” (1 John 2:17a, NLT). This is why it is important to recognize the fleeting nature of this life. It helps shift our perspective. It reminds us of what lasts: love, faith, and hope. When we fix our eyes on what endures then the reality of life is put into proper perspective.

2. Worship God

The second step is worship—not just singing on Sunday, but creating a posture of gratitude and love for God in our hearts. Worship can look like belting out a praise song in the car, journaling a prayer, listening to a podcast that stirs your faith, or walking through nature in awe of God’s creation. Psalm 150:1-2 (NLT) says, “Praise the LORD! Praise God in his heavenly dwelling; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!” When we stop to worship, we lift our gaze from the to-do list and focus on our Creator and Savior. This act is like hitting reset—suddenly, the noise of life fades, and God is returned to His rightful place in our lives.

3. Prioritize Relationships Over Things

Finally, we need value our relationships. People matter more than possessions or achievements. Unfortunately this truth is forgotten, and we put a premium on what we have and what we can do. Jesus said, “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35, NLT). Investing time in family, friends, coworkers, or even a stranger at the coffee shop isn’t just about being nice—it is loving what God loves: people created in His image. A kind word, a shared meal, a listening ear: these small acts ripple into influence. And influence, not power or status, is what changes lives of the people we know and love.

Choosing the Better Way

When life feels overwhelming and God feels far away, it is an indication that we need to hit pause. After all, we have a choice to make. We can let the current of demands carry us along the path of life, or we can choose to reorient our hearts with the heart of God. That choice is ours to make—and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to live than a life lived for God. It is crucial to remember that this is not about perfection; it’s about the direction of our lives. A life rooted in God doesn’t just wander aimlessly, following the directions of culture—it walks the narrow way following Jesus.

What about you? How do you refocus when the world pulls you off course?

Using Our Freedom

In today’s world, freedom is often misunderstood. Many see it as a license for individualism—a chance to chase personal desires without regard for others. Unfortunately, this self-centered view of freedom dominates modern culture, but it is a view that offers a shallow version of true freedom. 

Here is a question for you to consider: “What if real freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want, but about giving ourselves to others in love?”

It shouldn’t surprise us that the Bible offers a countercultural perspective. In Galatians 5:13, Paul writes, “For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (CSB)

In this passage the Apostle Paul challenges us to rethink freedom. The reason we have a will, the ability to choose, is not to have an excuse to indulge in every desire that comes our way, but a calling to lovingly serve others. When we do this we are reflecting God’s love and compassion to those around us. Jesus modeled this way of living perfectly. He came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45), showing that true freedom lies in the ability to choose the right thing rather than being a slave to our desires.

Author Erwin McManus captures this idea in Uprising: “Our freedom must never be about us alone. Freedom is the gift of serving others out of love… You are free to love without limit, to forgive, to be merciful, to be generous, to be compassionate, to risk, to sacrifice, to enjoy, and to live” (p. 12). McManus paints freedom as a boundless gift—one that allows us to mirror God’s character and transform how we relate the world around us.

I believe that when we exercise our freedom to serve, we align ourselves with the life God designed for us. By choosing to use our freedom to live a life of love, we glimpse the nature of the New Creation. We demonstrate the character of God, who is love (1 John 4:8). This isn’t just a feel-good idea; it’s a perspective that profoundly reshapes our lives. Jesus exemplified this freedom during his time on earth through his teachings, healing, and selfless sacrifices for others. He broke the chains of sin and death, not only to rescue us for sin and its consequences, but also so that we could join him in proclaiming the Gospel.

What does this mean for us? 

First, true freedom, as God sees it, isn’t a solitary pursuit. It’s not about seeking happiness at the expense of others. Instead, it involves using our time, resources, and energy to love those around us, reflecting God’s character. True freedom requires courage to forgive when it’s difficult, mercy when it’s undeserved, and generosity when it costs us. It’s the willingness to take risks, sacrifice, and find joy in a life dedicated to others.

Second, true freedom ultimately revolves around choosing to do the right thing, rather than being a slave to our desires. It’s impossible to love when our desires teach us to be selfish. Christian freedom comes from recognizing our ability to say “No” to our desires and choose to focus on people instead.

In a “me-first” culture, this freedom stands out. It may not be loud or flashy, but it is transformative. It doesn’t just change our lives; it changes the world. So, let’s rethink how we use our freedom today. Let’s love without boundaries, serve with open hearts, and live in a way that reflects the One who set us free.

Sunday Prayer: Living the New Life

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, raised to new life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to set our sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ reigns in glory at Your right hand. Teach us to focus our minds and hearts on eternal truths, not the fleeting distractions of this world.

Lord, remind us that our old selves have died, and our true life is now hidden with Christ in You. Fill us with the hope and assurance that when Christ returns in glory, we will share in His radiant splendor. Guide us to live each day rooted in this promise, reflecting Your love and grace to the world.

In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

This prayer is inspired by Colossians 3:1-4.

The Hidden Barrier to Following Jesus

Have you ever tried teaching someone who’s already convinced they know it all? Maybe it’s a friend who claims to be a great cook but burns every meal, or a coworker who confidently skips the instructions—only to spend twice as long fixing their mistakes. It's frustrating because they’re not just resistant to help—they’re unteachable.

Now imagine Jesus trying to shape our hearts and lives while we nod along, thinking, “Yeah, I’ve got this discipleship thing down.”

What if the greatest obstacle to following Jesus isn’t our sin, our doubts, or even our struggles—but the quiet certainty that we already know what we're doing?

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The Quiet Trap of Certainty

There’s a hidden danger in thinking we’ve mastered the life of faith. When we believe we already know what it means to follow Jesus, we stop listening, stop seeking, stop growing. We fall into the trap of familiarity, assuming the basics—love your neighbor, say your prayers, go to church—are the whole picture.

But discipleship isn’t a checklist; it’s a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus. Like any relationship, it requires intentionality, openness, and maturity. When we assume we’ve arrived, we shut ourselves off from what Jesus still wants to show us. The result? A faith that’s stuck, comfortable, and ultimately shallow.

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When Knowledge Becomes a Blindfold

Think of the Pharisees. They were the religious elite, the experts of Scripture. They believed they understood God better than anyone—and that confidence blinded them. When Jesus healed on the Sabbath or welcomed tax collectors and prostitutes, they couldn’t see him for who he was. Their knowledge, rather than opening their eyes, became a blindfold.

Are we really that different?

When we say things like, “I know how to be a good Christian,” do we miss Jesus calling us to forgive someone who deeply hurt us? To serve in places that make us uncomfortable? To take risks in faith instead of clinging to control?

The more certain we are, the more likely we are to overlook the radical, disruptive, and deeply personal ways Jesus wants to transform us.

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The Danger of a Static Faith

The real danger of this mindset isn’t just spiritual stagnation—it’s spiritual deafness.

Jesus is not a figure from the past. He is the Risen King, still speaking, still guiding, still calling. But if we’re stuck in “I’ve got this” mode, we reduce him to a concept instead of a present Lord. We stop listening, stop wrestling, stop being changed.

What if Jesus wants to teach us a new way to love our neighbors, a deeper way to trust him, or a fresh call to courage—and we’re too busy reciting old lessons to hear him?

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Staying Teachable

Here’s the hope: Jesus doesn’t give up on us when we act like we know it all. He’s patient. He invites us again and again to drop our pride, open our ears, and follow him afresh.

That kind of openness begins with humility—acknowledging that no matter how long we’ve been walking with him, we haven’t arrived. There’s always more to learn, more to unlearn, and more of him to discover.

So here’s a simple practice: Ask Jesus, “What do you want to teach me today?” Then be still. Pay attention. Let him surprise you.

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The Challenge

Next time you find yourself coasting—relying on what you already know about faith—pause. Ask: Am I really listening to Jesus, or just running the same old playbook?

Discipleship isn’t about having the perfect formula. It’s about staying teachable.

Because the moment we think we’ve got Jesus figured out… is probably the moment we’ve stopped following him at all.

Be a Foreigner: Living Differently for King Jesus

In her devotional You’re the Voice: 40 More Days with God, Christian artist Rebecca St. James posed a timeless question:

“Do people know we’re Christians by our actions and lifestyles? Can they see a love, joy, purpose, and hope that only come from knowing Jesus? Is there a noticeable difference in us? Most importantly, what does God see when He peers into our hearts? I pray He finds the bold declaration: ‘God reigns here!’”

The word “different” can feel intimidating. It means standing out, being distinct, not blending into the crowd. Our human instinct often pushes us to fit in, to avoid the discomfort of being noticed for our faith. Standing out as a Christian in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world can feel especially daunting.

Yet, the reality is sobering: for many of us, our lives don’t always reflect our faith. We scroll the same apps, binge the same shows, share the same memes, and chase the same trends as everyone else. Instead of boldly living for Jesus, we sometimes keep our faith private, tucked away for Sunday services or quiet moments of prayer. We might be willing to live passionately for God—but only if it doesn’t draw too much attention or invite criticism.

God calls us to something more. He calls us to be different in a way that’s impossible to hide. This difference isn’t just about attending church, joining a Bible study, or posting an occasional verse online. It’s a transformation that spills into every corner of our lives—how we speak, how we treat others, what we choose to value, and how we navigate a world that often pulls us in the opposite direction. Being different means living out God’s will, every day, in every decision.

We talk a lot about God’s will, but living it? That’s where the challenge lies. Too often, we’re tempted to ask, “How close can I get to the world’s ways without crossing the line?” Instead of pursuing holiness, we flirt with compromise, trying to balance faith with fitting in. But that’s not the life God envisions for us.

The apostle Peter reminds us:

Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits.” (1 Peter 2:11-12, CSB)

Being different isn’t just about our own spiritual health—it’s about the people around us. When we live too close to the world’s edge, we risk being pulled into desires that lead us away from God. These desires are dangerous, subtle weapons Satan uses to derail us. But when we choose to live distinctly, we become a living testimony. Our choices, our kindness, our integrity point others to God. Even if they don’t believe today, Peter says our different lives plant seeds that can lead them to glorify God when Jesus returns.

In 2025, what does it look like to live as a “foreigner” for Christ? It might mean creating your social media feed to reflect hope and truth rather than division or cynicism. It could mean showing grace in a heated online debate or prioritizing real-world relationships over screen time. It’s choosing to love and serve others, even when it’s inconvenient, and standing firm in your convictions, even when it’s unpopular.

So, I challenge you: Live as a foreigner. Don’t just talk about God’s will—embrace it. Let your life be a bold, unmistakable reflection of Jesus. Ask yourself:

• Does my daily life show I follow Christ?
• Am I chasing God’s will or my own comfort?
• Am I different in a way that draws others closer to Him?

Choose today to live differently. Let the world see that God reigns in your heart.