Climbing Into Chariots

“The Spirit told Philip, ‘Climb into the chariot (the one belonging to the Ethiopian official).’ Philip ran up and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, ‘Do you understand what you’re reading?’” Acts 8:29–30 (MSG)

What God calls you to, He equips you for.
That truth comes alive in Acts 8. Philip is led by the Spirit to a quiet desert road with no context and no explanation, just a simple instruction: go. And once there, the Spirit gives him a clear next step. Climb into the chariot.

In ancient times, a chariot was a two-wheeled carriage pulled by horses, used for war, travel, or official business. This particular one belonged to an Ethiopian official, a man of influence and responsibility. Philip didn’t know him. He had no invitation. But the Spirit nudged him toward that space anyway.

The chariot represents something deeper. It’s a picture of the assignments we didn’t ask for, the spaces we don’t own, the conversations we didn’t initiate. It’s the open door God points to and says, step into that. It might be a relationship, a role, a ministry, or a moment that feels outside our qualifications. Something in motion. Something unfamiliar. And yet God says, that’s where I want you.

I think about moments in my life where God has pointed me toward a chariot. A meeting I didn’t expect. A platform I didn’t pursue. A conversation I didn’t feel ready for. In each case, I had a choice. Step in, or let it pass by.

Philip doesn’t hesitate. He steps into a moment that wasn’t about him. It was about the man inside, the Ethiopian official. A man reading Scripture. A man searching for understanding. A man God was already working on.

That’s the beauty of obedience. Sometimes it’s not about creating something new. It’s about recognizing where God is already moving and joining Him there.

Here are three things the chariot might represent in your life:

1. A divine conversation already in progress.
   You’re not starting from scratch. God’s been preparing hearts long before you show up.

2. An opportunity you didn’t plan for.
   It may not look like something you were chasing, but it could be exactly what God prepared for you to step into.

3. A space outside your comfort zone.
   The chariot wasn’t familiar to Philip, but it was filled with purpose. Don’t let unfamiliarity keep you from stepping in.

And what was the result?

“He (the Ethiopian official) ordered the chariot to stop. They both went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of God suddenly took Philip off, and that was the last the eunuch saw of him. But he didn’t mind. He had what he’d come for and went on down the road as happy as he could be.” Acts 8:38–39 (MSG)

He (the Ethiopian official) came searching and left rejoicing.
And all of it started because someone was willing to step into the chariot.

Maybe God is inviting you to do the same. Not to have all the answers, but to simply say yes. Let’s pray:

God, I don’t want to miss what You’re doing. Help me recognize the moments You’ve prepared and the people You’ve placed in front of me. Give me the courage to step into conversations and spaces I didn’t plan for, knowing You’ve already gone before me. Use me however You choose. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Make it Personal:

1. What chariot is God inviting me to step into?

2. Am I hesitating because it feels unfamiliar or not meant for me?

3. Who might already be searching or hurting inside that space?

4. What would obedience look like today?

Inconvenient Obedience

Philip, one of the original twelve disciples chosen by Jesus, had just experienced revival in Samaria. Crowds were responding to the gospel. Lives were changing. Then God interrupted all of it with a new assignment. No details. No crowd. Just a quiet road in the heat of the day.

“Later God’s angel spoke to Philip: ‘At noon today I want you to walk over to that desolate road that goes from Jerusalem down to Gaza.’ He got up and went.” Acts 8:26 MSG

This verse gets me every time.

God did not say, There is a revival waiting.
He did not say, There is someone important to meet.
He just said: Walk. At noon. On a desolate road.

It is easy to skim past that. But think about it. Noon is the hottest time of the day.
The road was desolate, meaning lonely, dry, and most likely empty.
And walk? That is no quick drive or camel ride.

God’s instruction was specific, uncomfortable, and honestly inconvenient.

And yet it says, He got up and went.
No debate. No delay. No details needed. Just obedience.
And that is where the miracle started.

We tend to expect God to work through the convenient. Open doors. Exciting opportunities. Clear signs.
But sometimes the greatest encounters begin in dry places, in the heat of the day, when you are walking with no obvious destination.

Philip did not need the full plan. He just needed a word. And he followed.

Maybe you are on a desolate road right now.
It feels hot. Slow. Quiet.
But what if this is the very place God plans to do something powerful

Obedience may not always make sense in the moment, but it always carries blessing.

I have seen this firsthand.

There was a time when I felt a strong nudge to reach out to someone who had drifted from church. We had not talked in a while, and part of me wondered if it would even matter. It felt awkward and a little inconvenient. But I could not shake it. So I sent a simple text. It turned into a long conversation, a moment of prayer, and eventually, a step back into community for them. It reminded me that sometimes God is working on the other end of our obedience, even when we cannot see it yet.

That experience reminded me that it is not always easy to obey. Even small steps can feel risky, awkward, or unclear. And the truth is, there are plenty of things that try to hold us back from saying yes.

3 Things That Often Stop Obedience

1. We Wait for Clarity Instead of Trusting God
   We want the full plan. The who, what, when, where, and how. But God often gives us just enough light for the next step. Obedience means walking even when we cannot see the whole path.

2. We Confuse Comfort with Confirmation
   If it is uncomfortable or inconvenient, we assume it cannot be from God. But obedience often stretches us. Sometimes the call of God leads us into dry places before it leads us into breakthrough.

3. We Fear Looking Foolish
   What if I miss it? What if this is not God? Philip walked to a desert road with no crowd in sight. Sometimes obedience looks strange until the miracle shows up.

So if you feel hesitant, unsure, or stuck, you are not alone. Just start where Philip did. With a simple yes.

God, help me obey when it is inconvenient.
Help me trust You enough to walk the road You send me on even when it is hot, lonely, or unclear.
I believe there is purpose in the desert. I believe there is a miracle in motion. Amen.

Make it Personal

1. What desolate road might God be asking me to walk right now?

2. Have I been waiting for convenience or clarity before obeying?

3. What is one step of obedience I have been putting off?

4. Who might be impacted by my yes even if I never see the full result?

You Can't Buy This

Peter said, “To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that’s unthinkable, trying to buy God’s gift! You’ll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes. Change your ways and now!” Acts 8:20–21 (MSG)

In Acts 8, Simon had just witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit. People were being healed. Lives were being changed. The Spirit of God was moving through the apostles, and it was undeniable. So undeniable, in fact, that Simon reached for his wallet. He tried to buy it.

Simon didn’t want the relationship. He wanted the results. He saw the power but missed the point. Peter's response wasn’t soft. It wasn’t polished. But it was necessary: You can’t buy this.

And even though most of us wouldn’t offer cash for the Holy Spirit today, I think we still do what Simon did. Just in subtler ways.

We make bargains with God. We treat Him like a vending machine; put something in, expect something out. 

• “If I serve more, You’ll give me peace”

• “If I give, You’ll open that door”

• “If I read my Bible for seven days in a row, You’ll fix my family”

We may not say it out loud, but sometimes we’re not praying. We’re negotiating. We may not be waving money, but sometimes we’re waving performance, hoping it’ll be enough to get the result we want.

I remember a moment when this hit me personally. I was praying about an opportunity I really wanted, and it felt like doors kept closing. I had been showing up, giving, serving, doing all the “right” things. And I found myself praying, “God, after all I’ve done, why not this?” And right there in that moment, I felt the Lord speak to my heart, not in anger, but with clarity. He said, “Joey, I’m not a business partner. I’m your Father.”

That shifted everything. I realized I was trying to buy what God gives freely. Not with money, but with effort. With doing. With hoping that my checklist would earn me His best.

But it doesn’t work that way.

Peter’s words are sharp, but they’re an invitation. “You’ll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes. Change your ways and now.” God’s power isn’t for sale. His gifts aren’t earned. They’re given to hearts that are surrendered, not strategic.

So what do we do instead?

• We stop performing and start surrendering.
  God is not impressed by our efforts. He is drawn to our honesty and dependence.

• We stop striving and start abiding.
  Peace and power do not come from trying harder but from staying close to Him.

• We stop asking “What can I get?” and start asking “How can I honor You?”
  When our goal shifts from gain to giving God glory, everything changes.

• We stop treating God like a transaction and start trusting Him like a Father.
  He is not waiting for a deal. He is inviting us into a relationship.

So today, let us respond to that invitation with honesty, not bargaining. With surrender, not strategy:

God, forgive me for the times I have tried to earn what You give freely. Help me come to You not for power, blessings, or breakthroughs but simply for You. I surrender the parts of me that want to control the outcome or impress others. Make my heart right before You. Not because I want something from You but because I want You. Amen.

Make it personal

1. Have I been trying to earn something from God instead of simply trusting Him?

2. Is there an area of my life where I’ve been making bargains instead of surrendering?

3. Do I view God more like a Father or more like a boss?

4. What is one way I can return to relationship over results this week?

Scattered, Not Stopped

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s positioning you for...

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

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

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

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

Let this be your prayer today:

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

Make It Personal:

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

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

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

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

I Hardly Noticed

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

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

And yet Stephen hardly noticed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ask yourself:

• What have I been staring at lately?

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

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

Not Mine to Finish

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

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

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

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

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

God used someone else.

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

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

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

David prayed the prayer. Solomon became the answer.

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

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

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

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

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

And that is okay. That is Kingdom.

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

Remember this:

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

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

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

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

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

Make it personal:

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

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

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

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

Stick to the Assignment

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

Then I read Acts 6 with fresh eyes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s how:

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

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

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

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

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

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

And that starts with prayer.

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

Make it personal:

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

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

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

Making Sense of Good Sense

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So what is “good sense?”

Here’s a deeper look:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are 3 ways to grow in good sense:

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

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

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

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

All we have to do is ask.

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

Make it Personal:

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

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

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

Excellence Ministers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So How Do We Cultivate a Mindset of Excellence?

Here are three ways to practice excellence in everyday life:

1. Commit to What’s in Front of You

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

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

2. Care About the Details

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

3. Create Environments That Reflect God

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

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

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

Excellence ministers.

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

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

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

Make It Personal:

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

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

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

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

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

Obedience Myths

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

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

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

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

That one line speaks volumes.

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

So let’s call them out.

3 Myths About Obedience (and the Truth Behind Them)

Myth #1: Obedience is about rules.

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

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

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

Myth #3: Obedience will make life easier.

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

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

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

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

Make It Personal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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