Loving Jesus and Bible Reading

Is it possible to love Jesus and still find the Bible hard to read?

That’s a question I pondered after I saw this quote on Facebook:

“A huge sign you lost the fire for Jesus is the Bible will be a chore to read.”

—Brent Williamson

I know what he is trying to say. He wants people to understand how important knowing Scripture is to being a disciple of Jesus, and I totally agree with that sentiment. Unfortunately, I cannot get on board with what it actually says.

Let me be honest: I hate this kind of thinking. 

I hate it, not because I doubt the speaker’s sincerity, but because it paints a misleading picture of spiritual formation. This quote suggests that if Bible reading feels like work, then something must be wrong with your faith. 

The sentiment behind the quote resonates with those people who love reading the Bible. They find the discipline of Scripture reading easy, and they routinely read through the Bible every year. 

This same thought is guilt producing for people who struggle reading or who find parts of the Bible dull or who have a busy life and anything more than a verse in a devotional book is difficult to do.

Then we have the reality that there are parts of Scripture that are a chore to read. They are hard to understand. They demand focus and effort. That doesn’t mean your fire has gone out—it might just mean you’re normal.

In fact, it might mean you’re growing.

Discipline, Not Just Emotion

Reading the Bible is a spiritual discipline. That word—discipline—implies something that takes effort, not just emotion. Our flesh resists it. The world distracts us from it. But out of love for Jesus and a desire to follow Him, we show up anyway. 

And that’s exactly what maturity looks like: showing up, even when the feelings aren’t there.

Think about other areas of your life. Doing the dishes isn’t thrilling, but you do it because you love your family. Folding laundry doesn’t light your soul on fire, but it’s an act of care. Likewise, opening your Bible when it feels hard or dry is an act of devotion. It’s a quiet “yes” to Jesus. It’s faith expressed through perseverance.

If anything, reading the Bible when it feels like a chore might be one of the clearest signs that your love for Jesus is real. Because you’re not doing it for a spiritual high. You’re doing it because He’s worth it.

Faith Isn’t Just a Feeling

One of the biggest traps we fall into is evaluating our faith based on how we feel. But faith is revealed not just by emotion—it’s revealed by action. Your commitment to read, study, and meditate on Scripture, even when it’s tough, is a beautiful expression of love and trust. Feelings matter, but they’re not the foundation. Obedience is.

This doesn’t mean Bible reading should always feel like a chore. There will be times when the words leap off the page and speak directly to your heart. But when those moments don’t come, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means you’re in a different part of the journey.

Remember: The Bible Was Written For Us, Not To Us

Part of what makes Scripture challenging is that it wasn’t originally written to us. It was written to people in a particular time, place, language, and culture. That means we have to work to understand it. 

Some passages don’t translate easily. 

Some metaphors don’t land clearly.

 But that doesn’t make them irrelevant—it just means they require effort.

Studying the Bible takes patience, humility, and the help of the Holy Spirit. It also helps to use resources—study Bibles, commentaries, and small groups—that bridge the gap between our world and the world of the text. That’s not unspiritual—that’s faithful study.

Fire Is Good, But Faithfulness Is Better

So let’s stop guilting people for struggling with spiritual disciplines. Let’s stop acting like feelings are the only evidence of faith. 

Let’s celebrate the quiet, faithful decisions people make each day to follow Jesus—even when it’s hard.

Fire is good. But faithfulness is better.

Reflection Questions:

1. Have you ever felt guilty for not enjoying Bible reading? Where does that pressure come from?
2. What helps you stay committed to Scripture when your emotions aren’t cooperating?
3. How can you encourage others who feel stuck or discouraged in their spiritual disciplines?

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Practicing to Become Like Jesus: A Conversation on Spiritual Disciplines

Paul’s Ponderings Interview | July 2025

In this edition of Paul’s Ponderings, pastor and writer Paul Steele reflects on a topic foundational to discipleship but often misunderstood: spiritual disciplines. In this interview-style post, Paul shares his journey, practical wisdom, and pastoral insights on how the spiritual disciplines form us into people who truly reflect Jesus.


Q: What first drew you to the practice of spiritual disciplines, and how has your understanding of them changed over time?

Paul:

Even though I grew up in a Christian family, was heavily involved in church, and went to Bible college to become a pastor, I don’t recall hearing much about spiritual disciplines and their importance. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t encouraged to read the Bible and pray, but those activities weren’t framed as intentional practices of transformation.

Looking back, I think a lot of it had to do with the belief that the Holy Spirit would just transform your heart and you’d magically desire the right things. I heard stories of people “getting saved” and suddenly wanting to read the Bible and pray—but that wasn’t my experience. For me, those things were hard.

Everything shifted when I read The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg. The subtitle, Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People, really captured the heart of it. What struck me was the idea that transformation takes intention. That book introduced me to Dallas Willard and his books Renovation of the Heart and The Spirit of the Disciplines.

One quote from Willard really stuck with me:

“A successful performance at a moment of crisis rests largely and essentially upon the depths of a self wisely and rigorously prepared in the totality of its being—mind and body.”

Willard helped me see that if I wanted to live like Jesus, I had to train to become like Jesus. Spiritual disciplines became, for me, like athletic drills—practices that shape who I’m becoming. I’ve gone from barely thinking about them to seeing them as essential to life with Christ.

Q: What are a few spiritual disciplines that have been especially meaningful to you in this season of life, and why?

Paul: 

One practice that’s been incredibly grounding for me started after watching an old video of Dallas Willard. He was being interviewed and asked, “What does a typical day look like for Dallas Willard?” He smiled and said, “There are no typical days.” But then he described how, no matter what, he began each morning slowly praying through the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23.

That gave me permission to have one simple, consistent rhythm—even if everything else falls through. My daily rhythm includes five elements:

• The One Minute Pause app to quiet my mind.
• Reciting the Jesus Creed (“Hear, O Israel… Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor”).
• Praying Colossians 1:9 for myself, my family, and our church.
• Praying the Lord’s Prayer.
• Pledging my allegiance to King Jesus.

It takes about ten minutes. But if I do nothing else that day—no journaling, no extended Bible reading—I’ve still intentionally connected with God and surrendered to Him. That consistency has been life-changing.

Another helpful discipline is what John Eldredge calls benevolent detachment—the practice of releasing things to God rather than carrying worry and stress. Bible reading is also foundational because it reminds me to go to God for wisdom, not the world.

Q: Some people see spiritual disciplines as dry, legalistic, or burdensome. How would you respond to someone who’s skeptical or discouraged about them?

Paul:

I get that. Honestly, I’ve felt that way too—especially with how spiritual disciplines are sometimes presented. When they’re treated like a checklist or proof of your faith, they can feel judgmental and oppressive. That’s not what Jesus intended.

The key is understanding the “why” behind the disciplines. They’re not about proving your worth; they’re about partnering with God for transformation. The goal isn’t performance—it’s becoming more like Jesus.

That’s why I love the analogy of practice. Whether you’re an athlete or musician, you don’t perform well without training. You don’t magically show up ready for the big game or concert. In the same way, we can’t expect to respond with Christlike love, wisdom, or patience in real life if we haven’t practiced those virtues through the disciplines.

And yes, some days will feel dry. Some seasons will feel like a grind. But just like exercise or any other training, those days still shape you. In fact, they might be the most important days to stay with it.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out with spiritual disciplines? How should they begin without getting overwhelmed or discouraged?

Paul:

I would suggest three things. 

First, realize you’re probably already doing more than you think. Acts 2:42 describes how the early church devoted themselves to four core practices: studying Scripture, being in community, taking the Lord’s Supper, and praying. Most people who follow Jesus are already doing one or more of those in some way—they just don’t recognize it as a discipline.

Second, establish a minimum. Not the ideal day, but the minimum you can commit to every day. For most people, this will involve Scripture, prayer, or stillness. Ask yourself: “What four- or five-minute practice could I do every day to stay grounded in God?” That one daily rhythm can be a game-changer.

Third, give yourself permission to experiment. Just because a discipline doesn’t click right away doesn’t mean you’re failing. Don’t copy someone else’s exact formula—find what connects you to Jesus. That freedom actually makes the disciplines more fruitful.

Q: How do you see spiritual disciplines shaping the future of the Church? Why do they matter now more than ever?

Paul:

With the renewed emphasis on discipleship and making disciples, the natural question becomes: How do we actually do that? One answer—and one I haven’t seen emphasized enough—is to teach people practices that shape them into disciples of Jesus.

Spiritual disciplines are crucial today because we live in an age of constant digital distraction. With the internet, social media, and 24/7 news cycles, most Christians in America are being discipled more by politics, influencers, and algorithms than by Jesus. And they don’t even realize it.

Without regular, intentional spiritual practices, we leave ourselves wide open to spiritual drift. We can’t expect transformation if we’re not creating space for the Holy Spirit to work. Spiritual disciplines are one of the most effective tools we have to resist cultural formation and instead be conformed to the image of Christ.

Final Thought:
If we want to live like Jesus, we have to train like Jesus. Spiritual disciplines are not about earning anything—they’re about becoming someone. And that someone is a citizen of the Kingdom, shaped by love, grounded in truth, and empowered by the Spirit.

Journaling for Spiritual Formation

“How are things going?” Someone asks us, and respond with a sigh, “Life is busy right now.”

We have all been there to one degree or another. Between packed schedules, endless notifications, and the weight of daily responsibilities, it’s easy to drift through moments—both joyful and painful—without pausing to process them. Yet if we’re serious about spiritual maturity, living with joy and peace, and walking closely with God, we need intentional rhythms to help us slow down, reflect, and listen.

I believe one practice that helps us do this is journaling. Before I move on with my thoughts, I don’t think journalling is right for everyone or that will be a life long habit. Since we are unique we will find certain practices more helpful than others. What I want to do with this post is to encourage you to give journaling a try, even if you have tried it in the past, because in this moment it might prove just what you need.

Journaling is more than a diary for recording events or a place to vent emotions. It’s a spiritual discipline that creates space for God to speak, for your heart to process, and for your faith to become more firm. Whether you’re a seasoned journaler or someone who’s never hard a notebook dedicated for this purpose, here’s why journaling can be an essential part of your spiritual formation—and how to make it part of your life.

Why Journaling Matters for Spiritual Growth

1. It Invites Self-Reflection
Journaling is a mirror for the soul. When you put pen to paper, you’re forced to slow down and look inward. Writing helps you name your emotions, untangle your thoughts, and uncover what’s brewing just below the surface. Are you carrying unprocessed grief? Are you quietly harboring resentment? Or perhaps there’s a spark of hope you haven’t fully embraced. 

Journaling provides a reason to consider your heart, which I believe, is a critical part of spiritual formation. By reflecting honestly on the condition of your heart, you begin to see how God is shaping you through life’s highs and lows. Over time, journaling can reveal the shape of your spiritual journey, helping you notice how God has been with you through it all. 

2. It Brings Clarity to the Chaos
Our minds are often a whirlwind of worries, ideas, and distractions. In this chaos journaling offers a shelter, a place of safety, that helps you filter through the noise. As you write, you may start to notice recurring themes—questions that keep surfacing, struggles that persist, or desires that are quietly taking root. 

This clarity helps you determine things like prayer, forgiveness, strengths, weakness, and areas that require more trust. By seeing your thoughts laid out on the page, you may sense where God is leading you. Journaling helps you move from confusion to focus, making it easier to know and respond to God’s guidance. 

3. It Chronicles Your Spiritual Journey
A journal also serves as a record of your walk with God. Its pages contain prayers, reflections on Scripture, moments of new insight, and even laments and desperate cries for help. Flipping through old entries can be a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness. You are able to see how a prayer was answered in ways you didn’t expect, how a struggle gave way to growth, or how a season of doubt led to deeper trust. 

In moments of spiritual dryness or discouragement, these reminders of your journey can spark hope. They remind you that God has been through the ups and downs of life and therefore you can trust that He is still with you, guiding your story into His larger one. 

4. It Deepens Your Prayer Life
Journaling has the ability to transform prayer into a real conversation. Instead of letting prayers float around in your mind, try writing them down. Pour out your joys, confess your sins, or write a heartfelt letter to God. I think there is something about seeing your words on the page that makes prayer feel more real and more honest. 

This might be controversial, but I have done this on an irregular basis, and have benefited from it. You might even try “listening” in your journal—writing down what you sense God might be saying to you through Scripture, a quiet impression, or a moment of insight. It is always a good idea to filter these ideas through Scripture to make sure your doctrine stays consistent with truth. I have found that this practice to attune my heart to hearing from God a little bit better.

5. It Creates Space for Wrestling with Big Questions
In my experience, faith is not a tidy package with all the answers neatly wrapped. Sometimes systematic theology makes you think that it is. The reality is that as we follow Jesus, we grapple with doubts, wrestle with theological puzzles, and search for meaning in suffering. Journaling offers a safe and private space to explore these questions without fear of judgment. 

As you journal you can write about your doubts. Ask God the hard questions that occupy your mind and weigh heavy on your heart. Reflect on a challenging passage of Scripture or a life event that doesn’t make sense. The act of writing can help you process complex emotions and thoughts, which in turn, can lead to unexpected clarity or peace. Even if answers don’t come right away, journaling allows you to hold space for the mystery of faith, trusting God to meet you in the wondering. 

6. It Unleashes Creativity in Worship
Don’t think that your journal has to be a collection of perfectly crafted prose. It should be a place for creativity—to doodle, write poems, sketch images, or compose song lyrics. Creativity often opens our hearts to God in ways that logic alone cannot. You might draw a sunrise to capture a moment of awe; you might write a poem to express feelings that regular writing doesn’t fully capture. 

Journaling engaging your imagination, which helps your whole self—heart, soul, mind, and strength—to be involved in spiritual formation. Don’t be afraid to experiment and let your journal reflect the unique way God has wired you. 

7. It Cultivates Gratitude and Mindfulness
In a world that pulls us toward discontentment, journaling can train us to see the good and to be grateful. This is the primary purpose of my journaling time right now. Take time to write down small blessings—a kind word from a friend, a moment of laughter, a quiet morning with coffee, unexpected provision. Recording our blessings is a reminder that God is with us, and help us through moments when he feels distant. 

This practice of gratitude journaling rewires your heart for thanksgiving, helping you see God’s hand in the ordinary. As you journal, you’ll grow more aware of God’s presence each day.

How to Start Journaling for Spiritual Formation

Ready to give journaling a try? You don’t need a leather-bound notebook, a flawless writing style, or hours of free time. The goal is simply to show up and create time for God. Here are some practical tips to get started:

• Start Small: Set aside 5–10 minutes, once or twice a week, to write. Find a quiet spot where you can focus—a cozy chair, a park bench, or even your kitchen table. 
• Choose Your Tools: Use whatever feels comfortable—a notebook, a digital app, or loose sheets of paper. If you love the tactile feel of writing, try a pen and journal. If you’re always on the go, a note-taking app on your phone works just as well. 
• Try Prompts: If you’re not sure what to write, start with a question or prompt. Here are a few to spark reflection: 
• What am I feeling right now, and why? 
• Where have I seen God at work in my life this week? 
• What’s a verse or story from Scripture that’s speaking to me? 
• What’s one thing I’m grateful for today? 
• Experiment with Formats: Your journal can include prayers, lists, letters to God, reflections on a Bible passage, or even sketches. Mix it up to keep the practice fresh. 
• Let Go of Perfection: Your journal is for you and God, not an audience. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or making every entry profound. Write honestly, and let the words flow. 
• Make It a Habit: Tie journaling to an existing routine, like your morning coffee or evening wind-down. Consistency matters more than frequency, so find a rhythm that works for you. 
• Review Periodically: Every few months, read through old entries. Reflect on how God has been at work and what you’re learning about yourself and your faith. 

A Final Invitation

Journaling is not about producing a masterpiece; it is about being intentional about spiritual maturity. It’s a practice of silence and solitude—time to check in on yourself (your heart, mind, and spirit), your faith, and your relationship with God. As you open the page, you’re creating an opportunity for your soul to breathe, for your faith to grow, and for God’s guidance to become clearer.

So grab a pen, find a moment of stillness, and begin. Let your journal become a place where your spiritual formation takes root, your thoughts find clarity, and your relationship with God deepens. You might be surprised at how a simple notebook can become a holy companion on your journey.

What’s one thing you’d like to reflect on in your journal today? Start there, and let God guide the rest.

The Power of Prayer in a Hustle-Driven World

In today’s relentless rush, life feels like a treadmill set to sprint. We chase success, juggle endless responsibilities, and measure our worth by what we achieve. Work, family, and social demands pull us in every direction, and in this storm of hustle, one simple practice often slips away: prayer.

R. A. Torrey, in his classic work The Power of Prayer, saw this coming. “We do not live in a praying age,” he wrote. “We live in an age of hustle and bustle, of man’s efforts and man’s determination, of man’s confidence in himself and in his own power to achieve things.” He described a world driven by human machinery and ambition—a world where trusting God’s power feels like a relic. If anything, his words hit harder now, as our culture doubles down on self-reliance.

So why does prayer still matter? It’s not a magic fix or a wishlist for God to rubber-stamp. Prayer is a lifeline—a moment of raw connection where we lay down our pride and seek divine wisdom. When we pause to pray, we admit we don’t have it all figured out. We invite God to guide us through life’s chaos, trusting His perspective over our plans.

But prayer isn’t just personal. It’s a bridge to others. When we lift up a friend in crisis, a family member in need, or even a stranger we’ll never meet, we step outside ourselves. We carry their burdens to God, asking for His grace to touch their lives. In a me-first world, this act of intercession is quietly radical—a rebellion against selfishness dressed up as love.

Our society celebrates the grind: the promotions, the accolades, the packed schedules. Prayer flips that script. It whispers that true worth isn’t in what we do, but in who we are—children of God, called to faith and compassion. When we stop to pray, we trade the noise of ambition for something eternal. We realign with what lasts: our bond with God and the people He’s placed around us.

Torrey’s warning doesn’t have to be our story. We can choose differently. By weaving prayer into our days—whether in a quiet morning moment or a whispered plea amid the storm—we tap into God’s strength. We find peace for ourselves and pour it out for others. In an age that idolizes effort, prayer is our defiance: a reminder that real power doesn’t come from us, but from Him.

So let’s reclaim it. Let’s step off the treadmill, look beyond the grind, and rediscover the stillness where God waits. In prayer, we don’t just find answers—we find purpose. And that’s a victory no hustle can touch.

Transformed by Grace

Four years ago, Josiah Jackson, an 18-year-old pianist, stood at Chicago O’Hare International Airport near Gate C17, eyeing a public piano. Having played since he was four, he couldn’t resist giving it a try. But the keys were sticky, the sound was awful, and he left disappointed, vowing, “One day, I’m going to come back and tune this piano for free.” 

Not only is Josiah a pianist, he is also a piano tuner. Because he did not like the pressure of performing in concerts, he started to learn how to tune pianos, and by 15 he shifted his passion from performing to tuning pianos, finding joy in transforming broken instruments. He called himself The Piano Doctor, sharing his work on YouTube. In 2024, he returned to O’Hare during an eight-hour layover, armed with tuning tools. The piano was in worse shape than he remembered—covered in dust, keys glued with some mysterious substance. After seven hours of meticulous work, Josiah played “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and the piano sounded wonderful. Travelers now play it with joy, and his YouTube video has inspired thousands. Josiah didn’t just fix a piano; he restored its purpose, bringing music back to a busy airport.

Like that piano, we too are out of tune. Sin has broken us, leaving us unable to play the music God created us to sing. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin curses our world, fractures our relationships, and separates us from God, our source of life. We’re not just out of tune; we’re incapable of living out our design to bear God’s image in the world. 

But what if we could be restored? What would it be like to live free from sin’s grip—fully known without shame, loving others perfectly, representing Jesus in all we do? It would be freeing and it would be glorious. We would be able to do the very thing God created us to do.

In Romans 6:1-14, the Apostle Paul shows us how God’s grace transforms us, making us new people who reflect His restoration in how we live. Writing to the church in Rome to summarize his theology, unify believers, and seek support for a mission to Spain, Paul explains how Jesus’ death and resurrection deal with sin’s consequences. Through grace, we’re not left broken but are tuned to play God’s song. Here are three ways grace transforms us, drawn from this powerful passage.

1. Transformed to Live New Lives (Romans 6:1-4)

Paul is appalled at the idea that we’d keep sinning to make God’s grace shine brighter. Grace cost Jesus His life, and through baptism, we’re united with his death and resurrection. Baptism isn’t just a symbol; it’s an act of faith and repentance that ties us to Jesus, his death paying for our sins and his resurrection empowering us to live anew. When we repent, we turn from sin to follow Jesus’ way. We can’t keep sinning intentionally, banking on grace to cover us. God has already given us new lives through His grace, and we’re called to steward them well, living in a way that honors Him.

2. Transformed to a New Relationship (Romans 6:5-11)

Through baptism, we’re dead to sin and alive in Christ’s resurrection. Paul says we’re “set free from the power of sin” (v. 7) and that “death no longer has mastery over us” (v. 9). But temptation still tugs, and death remains a reality—so what does this freedom mean? In 1 Corinthians 15:56, Paul explains that sin’s sting leads to death, and the law gives sin its power by defining right and wrong but not offering a way out. Jesus’ death fulfills the law’s demands, freeing us from its condemnation. Grace builds a new relationship with God, not based on keeping rules but on His unmerited love. We’re no longer slaves to sin but children of God, invited to live in His grace.

3. Transformed for Freedom (Romans 6:12-14)

Grace gives us a choice: How will we live? Will we offer our hands, feet, and minds to sin, walking the wide road of rebellion? Or will we offer ourselves to righteousness, pursuing the narrow road of God’s Kingdom? We’re no longer under the law’s condemnation but under grace’s freedom. This freedom isn’t a license to sin but an empowerment to choose righteousness, to represent King Jesus in all we say and do. And when we stumble, grace promises forgiveness, catching us and setting us back on the path.

A Safety Net of Grace

Imagine San Francisco in 1936, where workers built the Golden Gate Bridge on slippery beams high above the Pacific. A fall meant certain death, and the industry expected one life lost per million dollars spent—35 deaths for a $35 million project. But engineer Joseph Strauss refused to accept that toll. He installed a massive safety net beneath the bridge, costing $130,000 during the Great Depression. That net caught 19 men who fell, earning them the nickname the “Half Way to Hell Club.” One survivor, Al Zampa, said, “They said a man who fell to his death was gone to hell. But we fell only half way to hell.” The net didn’t just save them; it gave them a new chance at life.

This is God’s grace. The law says our sin deserves death, but grace catches us. Like Josiah tuning that O’Hare piano, God restores us, not because we earn it but because He loves us. Because we know His grace is there, we can live confidently, loving God and others, trusting He’ll rescue us when we fall.

Big Idea: God’s Grace Transforms Us

God’s grace transforms us from slaves to sin into instruments of righteousness, free to live for His glory. We’re not defined by our mistakes but by His redemption. Like a tuned piano, we’re called to play the music of His Kingdom, reflecting His love in how we live.

Challenge: Live Transformed

Each day, do two things:

1. Confess your sins to God and ask for forgiveness.
2. Commit to follow Jesus that day.

This simple practice reminds us who we are and how we’re called to live. Reflect on where sin is holding you back—your words, thoughts, or actions—and offer that part of your life to God as an instrument of righteousness. Live boldly, knowing His grace catches you.

Closing Thought

You are not the sum of your falls. You are a new creation, caught by grace, tuned by a loving God, and called to sing His praise. So go, live transformed, and let your life be a song for your Creator, Savior, and Father.

Sources: Cathy Free, “An airport piano was filthy and out of tune. He fixed it during a layover”; Historical accounts of the Golden Gate Bridge from Wikipedia, WebUrbanist, and SFGate; Biblical text: Romans 6:1-14, Romans 3:23, 1 Corinthians 15:56.

Walking in the Spirit: Overcoming the Works of the Flesh

One of the most challenging aspects of the Christian life is navigating the daily battle between the desires of the flesh and the guidance of the Spirit. We want to honor God, yet we often find ourselves struggling with temptation, frustration, and failure. How do we live victorious lives that reflect God’s heart? 

I believe that Paul’s words in Galatians 5:16-26 offer clear direction and hope.

The Battle Within

Paul begins by issuing a powerful command: “Walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, CSB). It’s a promise as much as it is an instruction. If we walk by the Spirit—if we actively seek his guidance and strength—we will find the power to resist the flesh’s persistent pull.

The problem is, as Paul explains, “the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other.” (v. 17). We live with an internal conflict. But here’s the good news: “If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (v. 18). The Spirit’s leadership frees us from the condemnation and frustration of trying to live righteously in our own strength.

Works of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit

Paul doesn’t mince words when describing the works of the flesh. They’re “obvious” and destructive—things like sexual immorality, jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, and envy (vv. 19-21). And he issues a stern warning: “Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (v. 21). It’s a call to examine our lives and ask, “Am I letting the flesh control me?”

In contrast, Paul paints a wonderful picture of what life looks like when the Spirit is at work: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (vv. 22-23). This fruit reflects the very character of God, and “The law is not against such things.” (v. 23). I think it is important to remember that the Spirit doesn’t just convict us of sin; he transforms our hearts, which produces holiness within us.

Crucify the Flesh, Keep in Step with the Spirit

The key to victory is found in verse 24: “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Through the power of Christ, the flesh has been put to death. But it’s not a one-time act; it’s a daily decision to deny the flesh’s influence and live under the Spirit’s control.

Paul concludes with a powerful challenge: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (v. 25). This isn’t about passive belief but intentional effort. It’s about adjusting our walk to match the Spirit’s leading, letting him shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Practical Steps for Walking in the Spirit

How do we put this into practice? Here are some thoughts to consider:

1. Daily Surrender: Start each day by surrendering to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pray for his wisdom, strength, and direction. I have adapted Colossians 1:9-10 for this purpose.

2. Guard Your Heart: Be intentional about what you allow to influence your thoughts and actions. Are you feeding the flesh or nurturing the Spirit? Make the effort to read the Bible and other devotional material (Daily in His Presence by Andrew Murray has been helpful to me), the Spirit will use these words of truth to transform your thinking.

3. Accountability: Surround yourself with believers who will encourage you, pray for you, and lovingly challenge you when needed. Being part of a Christian community is essential to our transformation.

4. Spiritual Disciplines: Engage in practices like Bible study, meditation, and fasting to sharpen your sensitivity to the Spirit’s voice.

5. Practical Obedience: When the Spirit prompts you to act, respond immediately. Walking in the Spirit means actively listening and obeying.

A Call to Commitment

As Paul warns, the works of the flesh are devastating, but the fruit of the Spirit is life-giving. Which will you choose to pursue?

I invite you to examine your life today. Are you walking by the Spirit? Are you bearing the fruit of the Spirit? Let’s commit ourselves to keep in step with the Spirit, trusting Him to transform us from the inside out.

Would love to hear your thoughts! How do you stay in step with the Spirit?

Paul’s Ponderings
Reflecting on the truth that transforms.

Transitions: Making Space for God in Life’s Shifts

In Get Your Life Back, John Eldredge dedicates a chapter to “Allowing for Transitions.” He observes that our fast-paced lives often propel us from one moment to the next without pause. We move from a tender conversation with a child to a heated call with an insurance company, then dive into work meetings while juggling emails, decisions about aging parents, and planning a spouse’s birthday dinner. Eldredge writes:

“The things we require of ourselves—we go from a tender conversation with our eight-year-old anxious about going to school to an angry phone call with our insurance company as we drive to work… And we wonder why we are having a hard time finding God, receiving more of him, feeling like we’re overflowing with life.” (pp. 66-67)

Each moment demands a different emotional, mental, or spiritual posture, yet we rarely give ourselves time to shift gears. Without transitions, we’re left fragmented, unable to be fully present or at our best. Eldredge suggests a simple practice: pause for a moment between activities, offer the previous experience to God, and seek His wisdom for what’s next. This small act of surrender can ground us and invite God into our daily rhythm.

This idea of transitions extends beyond daily tasks to the larger seasons of life. For years, I’ve taken hiking trips in Colorado that double as spiritual retreats. These times are deeply restorative—until I return home. The 13-hour drive back, rushed and grueling, erases the peace I found. By the time I’m home, “reality” swallows the renewal I experienced. I suspect you’ve felt this too: the high of a retreat, camp, or conference fades as you leap back into routine without time to process or integrate what God revealed.

Yesterday I attended my Aunt Maggie’s funeral, and it stirred a new perspective on transitions. Grief, for those who follow Jesus, is God’s gift to help us navigate loss. It’s a sacred process that moves us from a world where our loved one was present to one where they are not. Our hope in the resurrection and God’s New Creation sustains us, but grief allows us to honor the reality of a changed life. It’s a transition, slow and tender, that helps us carry love forward while releasing what was.

Here’s the heart of this pondering: transitions are vital to our spiritual formation. They are acts of kindness to ourselves, creating space to process, reflect, and invite God into our shifting roles and seasons. Whether it’s a minute between tasks or a slower reentry after a mountaintop experience, transitions help us live with intention and stay connected to God’s presence.

I encourage you to consider how you can build transitions into your life. One practice I’m adopting is to pause after an activity, entrust that moment to God, and ask for His guidance as I step into the next. This simple rhythm helps me show up more fully, reflecting King Jesus in my words and actions. What might transitions look like for you? How could they draw you closer to God’s heart?

Paul’s Ponderings
Reflecting on the truth that transforms.

Walking with God: The Heart of True Discipleship

“Only by walking with God can we hope to find the path that leads to life. That is what it means to be a disciple. After all—aren’t we ‘followers of Christ’? Then by all means, let’s actually follow him. Not ideas about him. Not just his principles. Him.” — John Eldredge

Being a disciple of Jesus isn’t like being a student in a classroom. A student studies to gain knowledge—facts and skills to navigate the world. Discipleship goes deeper than just learning information. Yes, it involves learning truths and principles, but it’s not just about filling our heads with knowledge. What discipleship is truly about is the transformation our hearts. To be a disciple is to become like the One we follow, to let his character shape ours. And if we’re to take on the character of Jesus, we must walk with him—day by day, step by step.

I think John Eldredge captures it beautifully in the quote above: discipleship is “walking with God.” Discipleship is not learning basic Bible doctrine or living according to the right moral standard (though those things are important); it is living a life that is actively pursuing Jesus. 

How do we do that? I believe this journey unfolds through three vital practices: leaning into community, embracing spiritual disciplines, and following Jesus’ example of love.

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Community: We Don’t Walk Alone

From the beginning of humankind, God said it’s not good for us to be alone (Genesis 2:18). We were made for relationship—with Him and with each other. Jesus didn’t teach in isolation from people; he gathered disciples around him, living and learning together. The early Church followed this example, devoting themselves to fellowship (Acts 2:42-47).

Walking with God happens best when we walk alongside others. Christian community offers:

• Encouragement and Accountability: Friends in faith spur us on and keep us grounded.
• Shared Wisdom: We grow as we study Scripture and share the ways God is working in our lives.
• Strength in Struggle: Bearing each other’s burdens lightens the load and deepens our trust in God.

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Spiritual Disciplines: Staying Close to the Guide

Walking with God doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intention. Spiritual disciplines are the habits that keep us connected us to God, tuning our hearts to His voice. They are also the way we “practice” the character of Jesus. Consider:

• Prayer: Talking and listening to God builds a living, breathing relationship.
• Scripture: His Word is the map for this journey, renewing our minds and guiding our steps.
• Rest and Worship: Pausing to honor God—whether through a Sabbath or a song—restores our souls.
• Giving and Generosity: Blessing others with what God has given us and trusting Him to continue to provide for our lives.
• Fasting: Going without food for a period of time to express our grief and repentance or to teach us how to say no to our flesh.

These aren’t duties to perform; they’re invitations to draw near to the One who knows the way and develop His character.

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Loving Others: The Fruit of the Journey

Jesus tied loving God and loving people together (Matthew 22:37-40). Our walk with Him shows up in how we treat those around us. Discipleship isn’t just the maturity of our heart—it’s the transformation of our character:

• Serving: Meeting needs reflects Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve.
• Forgiving: Extending grace mirrors the mercy we’ve received.
• Sharing: Inviting others into this walk multiplies the joy of following Him.

Love isn’t optional—it’s the evidence of a life shaped by King Jesus.

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Step by Step, Together

Walking with God isn’t a sprint to perfection; it’s a steady, lifelong hike. Some days we’ll stumble, but the call is to keep going—together. Community keeps us moving, disciplines keep us close, and love keeps us true.

This is the path to the life Jesus promised: full, abundant, real (John 10:10).

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So, where are you today? Are you walking with God, or just thinking about it? Let’s take the next step—side by side, eyes on Jesus, hearts open to what he’ll do along the way.