(An excerpt from my new book BOLD: 101 Daily Devotions to DREAM BOLD & LIVE BIGGER).
Have you ever found yourself knowing the right thing to do then choosing not to do it? You know you shouldn’t eat that cookie if you want to lose weight, but you eat it anyway. Or maybe you recognize emotional pain that needs healing, but you avoid counseling. Perhaps you see a pattern where you achieve something great—whether it’s in finances, relationships, or personal growth—then ruin your own progress. This behavior has a name: self-sabotage.
We all know the term, and we’ve all experienced it in some way. It’s so common that we can find ourselves tolerating it, downplaying it, or even joking about it. But self-sabotage is not something to take lightly, nor should it be minimized.
Here’s the truth: Self-sabotage is a sign that we are not viewing ourselves as God views us.
It reveals a disconnect between our internal beliefs and our external results. If our soul or mind believes something contrary to what’s going on around us, we will act in ways that align with that false belief, even if we don’t consciously want to. For example, if you believe deep down that you are unworthy of success, you may sabotage your success—even though you consciously desire it—because your internal belief system is out of alignment.
Scripture says: Through my experience of this principle, I discover that even when I want to do good, evil is ready to sabotage me. Truly, deep within my true identity, I love to do what pleases God. But I discern another power operating in my humanity, waging war against the moral principles of my conscience and bringing me into captivity as a prisoner to the ‘law’ of sin—this unwelcome intruder in my humanity. —Romans 7:21–23 TPT
This passage reminds us that though, deep within my true identity, I love to do what pleases God, there is another force—this unwelcome intruder—that wars against our conscience, a disconnect that tries to bring us back into captivity. This disconnect leads to a constant internal struggle. You might go to church, pray, or read your Bible, but if you still carry false beliefs about God or yourself, you won’t experience the fullness of His promises.
Self-sabotage is not just a behavior problem; it’s also a belief problem.
To overcome it, we must unlearn the lies we’ve believed about ourselves and God. We can’t simply add more information or learn more Scripture; we have to unlearn the falsehoods that have shaped our beliefs. Only then can we walk in alignment with God’s truth.
I challenge you with this idea: What if the reason you’re not seeing the mighty works of God in your life, in your family, in your career, or in your community isn’t because God isn’t capable but because of the beliefs you’ve held onto? Too often, we accommodate our false beliefs instead of testing them against God’s truth. We act according to what we think we know rather than stepping out in faith to trust God’s promises.
The truth is: Self-sabotage is not who you are. You are a child of the Most High God, and His Spirit lives within you. You weren’t born to be anxious, a people pleaser, a procrastinator, or a self-saboteur. These are learned behaviors, often formed to protect ourselves or avoid pain. But they don’t define you.
So what do we do when we feel the pull of self-sabotage?
As today’s passage continues: What an agonizing situation I am in! So who has the power to rescue this miserable man from the unwelcome intruder of sin and death? I give all my thanks to God, for His mighty power has finally provided a way out through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! (Romans 7:24–25 TPT) This passage shows us two key steps.
Today, I encourage you to allow the Lord to transform you and align your internal beliefs with His truth, so you can walk in the freedom and power that are yours in Christ.
✨ Want to take the next step in your own dream journey? Grab a copy of my book BOLD: 101 Daily Devotions to DREAM BOLD and LIVE BIGGER and join our online community BOLD DREAMERS—where faith, dreams, and divine connections come alive.
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” —Luke 1:41
Your dreams are powerful. They don’t just stir something inside of you—they awaken something in others. When you dare to dream with God, heaven touches earth.
But here’s the truth: not everyone will understand the dream God placed in your heart. Some may question it. Some may even discourage it. And that’s OK. Dreams are deeply personal, and often the vision God gives you won’t be fully understood by everyone around you.
Yet, while not everyone will believe in your dream, God will bring the right people into your life who will recognize it, celebrate it, and even leap for joy because of it.
Look at today’s Scripture. When Mary visited Elizabeth, they were both carrying miraculous promises that most people didn’t understand—many even criticized. But the moment these two women came together, something divine happened.
Elizabeth recognized the dream inside of Mary. She didn’t minimize it. She didn’t question it. Instead, she celebrated it, and her spirit leapt with joy. That’s the power of divine connection.
Mary didn’t need everyone’s approval, but having someone who saw the divine nature of her calling and stood by her in faith surely made the journey lighter.
Sometimes God sends us a few key people who can see, feel, and affirm the calling on our lives. These are your Elizabeths—the ones who will:
Don’t waste your energy trying to convince the wrong people to believe in your dream. Not everyone is meant to journey with you into the next season. That doesn’t make them wrong; it simply means they’re not your Elizabeths.
The Bible makes it clear—we are stronger together. Moses had Aaron. David had Jonathan. Paul had Barnabas. None of them pursued their God-given dreams alone, and neither should you.
The road to fulfilling your God-given dream can be long, challenging, and yes, sometimes lonely. But with the right people walking alongside you, your faith will be strengthened, your joy multiplied, and your victories even sweeter.
So, look for the people who make your “baby leap.” The ones who speak truth when you need it most, who affirm God’s Word when you forget, and who stay with you in the valleys and on the mountaintops.
Shared dreams create shared strength.
Dream together.
✨ Want to take the next step in your own dream journey? Grab a copy of my book BOLD: 101 Daily Devotions to DREAM BOLD and LIVE BIGGER and join our online community BOLD DREAMERS—where faith, dreams, and divine connections come alive.
I remember being a young girl, often caught in moments of deep overwhelm and anxiety. At the root were limiting beliefs about rejection, which showed up as either control or perfectionism. My dad didn’t know the language of “limiting beliefs” or why I behaved the way I did, but he did his best in those moments. I can still picture myself stressing over unfinished homework or panicking about a looming project when he would gently step in and ask, “How do you eat an elephant?”
After a long pause, he’d smile and answer, “One bite at a time.”
I guess that's a lot like faith and paints the picture of what it feels like to walk with the Lord, chasing after the BOLD dreams He's given us. Scripture says:
Faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26
Faith shows up in action.
It is demonstrated in how we live our lives. This is the concept of THE NEXT BOLD STEP at its core—taking proactive steps forward despite what’s happening around you, despite how you feel, and despite the unknowns in front of you. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us: Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. When we anchor our faith in the character of God, it releases something within us that compels obedience.
I learned this deeply in one defining season of my life: When I realized I couldn’t pursue the dream God had given me without first getting sober. If you’ve ever walked through sobriety, you know it’s a one-foot-in-front-of-the-other kind of lifestyle. The overwhelm feels massive. The gap between where you are and where you want to be feels impossibly wide. And the hard feels—well, really hard.
Truthfully, this concept of THE NEXT BOLD STEP is what carried me through my sobriety. I can still remember staring down the endless road of “never drinking again,” and it felt paralyzing. I didn’t drink excessively, but I drank often. It was woven into my daily routine. And when I started to think about “forever,” it was too much. My mind flooded with anxious thoughts: What about when Malachi gets married? No champagne toast? What about Christmas Eve traditions with the family? What about Friday nights with the girlfriends? What about tonight?
The anxiety was real. But eventually, I had to shift my focus. Instead of obsessing over the next fifteen years, I learned to anchor myself in the present moment. I remember telling myself, kindly but firmly, “I don’t know about fifteen years from now or a year from now or even tonight. All I know is that in this moment, right here, I’m not drinking.”
And moment by moment, day by day, I began taking THE NEXT BOLD STEP, stacking small wins. I learned to feast on the manna God gave for that day, just like Israel in the wilderness. I realized I didn’t have what I needed to conquer my addiction for the next twenty years, but I had enough grace for today. I had enough faith for this moment.
Some of you need to hear this: you don’t need enough faith for the next twenty years. You don’t need all the answers for the next decade. You just need enough grace for today. The same God who provided manna daily for Israel will give you what you need for this day—and tomorrow, He’ll do it again.
When the Israelites were delivered from Egypt and began their journey through the wilderness, they entered what we often call a season of testing—but it was really a season of training.
Seasons of Training
God had just broken them free from 400 years of slavery, but while they were physically out of Egypt, Egypt was still in them. They had learned to depend on Pharaoh for provision, structure, and direction. And now, in the wilderness—stripped of certainty and comfort—God had to rewire their dependencies. Not to punish them, but to prepare them.
So what does God do? He sends manna from heaven. Scriptures says, “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day... In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions’” (Exodus 16:4 NIV).
The manna wasn’t just food. It was a divine training plan.
God provided just enough for each day—no more, no less. If they tried to store it up (out of fear or striving), it would rot. Why? Because God was teaching them daily dependence, not weekly stockpiling. He wanted them to learn to trust Him in the hardest of times so they would worship Him in the best of times.
If they could trust Him for bread in the wilderness, they could trust Him with vineyards in the Promised Land. He used the desert season to detox their hearts from every other source of security. No idols. No backup plans. No Pharaoh. Just Him.
And He does the same with us.
God uses wilderness seasons—not to destroy us—but to discipline our dependencies. He trains us to look to Him first, not last. He lets us feel the ache of lack so we’ll discover the abundance of His presence. Manna may look like there’s barely enough, but it teaches us that He is more than enough. So, whether you're in a season of overflow or in a dry place—remember: He’s still providing, still preparing you, and still worthy of your worship.
What's Old Testament history got to do with us today? Look at what Jesus tells His disciples in the book of Matthew as they brought Him their concerns, both spoken and unspoken. They were worried about the same things we worry about today: provision, protection, purpose. What would they eat? What would they wear? How would they live?
Jesus replies, Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34 NIV).
Listen, that doesn’t mean God won’t show up for you tomorrow—and the next day and the next day and every day after that. It simply means He’s so good that He’s giving us permission not to bear the false responsibility of needing to play God the way we so often do. He’s saying: Let’s just focus on today. Let’s be here. Let’s handle this one step, one breath, one act of obedience at a time.
That means, don’t worry about next Friday. Don’t worry about Christmas Eve. Don’t stress over your 15-year plan. He’s got that covered. What He’s asking is: Will you trust Me with today?
Now, I hear you… You might be thinking, “Okay, JG, I get it, but you don’t understand. I’ve got bills to pay. A business to run. A past that haunts me. Habits that won’t quit. Addictions I can’t break.”
And I say—me too. I’ve been there. I have walked that road. I still walk that road. But the Bible speaks to that, too.
Right before verse 34, Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:28–32 not to worry about even the basics. He says, Why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. And then in verse 30, If that is how God clothes the grass of the field… will He not much more clothe you—you of little faith?
All roads lead back to faith! Jesus isn’t saying your needs don’t matter. He’s saying, “I already know.”
That word—knows—it gets me. Because it’s not just head knowledge. It’s heart knowledge. He’s not distant from your need; He’s already working on it. God isn’t asking you to ignore the bills, the struggles, or the desires. He’s just asking that those things don’t own you. Your Heavenly Father knows what you need.
Because here’s what happens: we start looking to our needs for identity. We start looking to the dream, the breakthrough, the outcome, the bank account, the job—to be our source. And suddenly, we’re asking those things to give us something only God can.
That means, first, look to Him. Because the best gift is just… Him. Then, take that God-size dream and begin breaking it down into bite-size chunks. Or how my dad used to say, “How would you eat an elephant?”
“One bite at a time dad.”
He wasn’t wrong.
So today, just take THE NEXT BOLD STEP. Even when it’s unclear, trust God’s plan and believe that God is always with you. Watch my video on how to hear God’s plan clearly, explore my NEW book , or get yourself a free devotional resource to anchor your heart in His presence.
You don’t need all the answers—you need presence. And the truth is, God is always with you. Even when things fall apart. Even when it doesn’t make sense. To trust God’s plan isn’t passive—it’s an active declaration of faith. You may not see it now, but you will.
What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him. —1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV
It’s human nature to ask, “Why, God?”
Why is this happening to me?
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Why does this have to be so hard?
Asking “why” is a natural response to pain and confusion. If you’ve found yourself asking that question, it would make you human, not crazy. But I’ve learned that this question can create a significant roadblock in our walk with God. It can prevent us from experiencing the full work He wants to do in and through us.
When we ask “Why, God?”, we often begin to question His goodness and open the door to doubt. Think about it for a moment. The last time you asked that question, where did it lead you? Chances are, it focused your attention on what God wasn’t doing, the pain He wasn’t healing, and the answers you didn’t have. And how did you feel afterwards? Exhausted. Disappointed. Lacking faith. Why? Because you’ve partnered with doubt.
This happens because our human nature has a negativity bias. Our minds are wired to look for evidence to support our fears. So when we ask, “Why is this happening, God?” We find answers that reinforce our doubts. We start believing that God isn’t good, that we can’t depend on Him, and that He’s distant from our struggles. This doubt spirals into a false reality.
Don’t get me wrong—the desire to find the answer behind the question “Why?” is real and valid. Yet, as Bill Johnson once said, “If we cannot understand the mysteries of God, we will never understand His revelation.” We all long for more of His revelation, His power, and His majesty. But the truth is, we often struggle with the mysteries. We must recognize that some questions will never get answered on this side of eternity and that’s not because our God is not good. Scripture tells us, No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV). Did you catch that? He is that good.
The minute we try to diminish the power of God to fit the things we can understand, we forfeit the ability to see His mighty hand and majestic miracles. Truth be told, it’s both His mysteries and His revelations that sustain us. It’s both His mysteries and His revelations that guide us through the hard times. Believe it or not, it is the same mystery and revelation of God that led Him to create the heavens and the earth that also sent Jesus to the cross. It’s the same mystery and revelation that holds the universe (and your life) together right now, in ways beyond our comprehension.
So today, I want to invite you to ask a better question—one that will align you with God’s work in your life: “What, God?”
By asking “What, God?” you will shift your focus away from doubt and onto His majesty. It invites you to look beyond your immediate circumstances and into a greater reality—His. When you ask, “What God? What are you doing?" You force your physical eyes to see through a spiritual lens that He is working, even in the midst of your hardest of moments. The question allows you to lift your eyes from your limited viewpoint and bestow His goodness and majesty. It takes the focus off of your timing, your plans, and your will—and places it on His.
Best of all, this question is an invitation to partner with what He is doing, instead of doubting Him for what appears to be the things He’s not doing. As we seek Him—asking for His divine plan, calling upon Him in the midst of our circumstances—Scripture promises that He is faithful to reveal Himself. When He does, then we can truly partner with Him. The question then shifts from simply “What are you doing, God?” to “What are you doing, and what do you want me to do about it?”
When you seek to know God intimately and understand His ways, you unlock a “peace that passes all understanding.” It’s in this place of divine peace that you step into a divine partnership with Him, as He leads you along paths of righteousness, unveiling His perfect plan. While we may not always grasp exactly what He’s doing, we can rest assured in His goodness and trust that His plans far exceed anything we could envision. This faith empowers us to walk closely with Him, partnering with His majesty—whether we’re in the valleys or on the mountaintops, even if it’s just one step at a time. It keeps our focus on Him—not on the pain, the lies, or the uncertainty.
When we shift our focus to who God is and what He is doing, we gain a clearer perspective. We realize that even when life feels like it’s falling apart, God is not finished. Your story isn’t over. Eternity is already set in motion and you are invited to step into the flow of His divine purpose as you marvel at His majesty. Trust Him, and then partner with Him in what He is doing...
Steps to Take:
Step 1: Shift the Question
Instead of asking, “Why is this happening?” ask, “What are You doing here, God?”
👉 Practical tip: Journal one way you think He’s using this moment for good.
Step 2: Practice His Presence
Say out loud: “God, You are here.” And let that truth settle.
👉 Practical tip: Set an hourly reminder on your phone that simply says “He’s here.”
Step 3: Recall His Faithfulness
Revisit a time when He came through—then thank Him again.
👉 Practical tip: Highlight that story in your journal or Bible. Let it remind you who He is.
💥 You don’t need to understand the plan—you need to trust the One writing it. He’s closer than you think.
Even when it’s unclear, trust God’s plan and believe that God is always with you. Watch my video on how to hear God’s plan clearly, explore my book, or get yourself a free devotional resource to anchor your heart in His presence.
We were never meant to think only in terms of what we see. Fear shrinks us, but faith expands our vision. When you start thinking higher, you begin to live from God’s perspective. It’s not about denial—it’s about realignment. You trade anxiety for trust, panic for purpose.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” —Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV
It's so easy to get consumed by the here and now. Every season feels permanent, every struggle overwhelming, and every triumph all-consuming. But as believers, we know this isn’t the full story. The truth is, God’s perspective is vastly different from ours. While we often focus on a single moment, He sees the whole picture—the beginning and the end.
God created the world with eternity in mind. That means, His thoughts are higher, greater, and better than ours. Scripture says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV). This is the ultimate invitation into thinking differently, or shall we say, thinking higher.
To think higher means to lift your gaze beyond the immediate, and intentionally align your thoughts with His. This isn’t about invalidating your thoughts; it’s about acknowledging His as the ultimate truth. His perspective allows you to see things in their true context—where what seemed overwhelming suddenly appears manageable when viewed from a divine vantage point. It’s exchanging your “thing” for His “thing above the thing.”
Consider for a moment being in a busy city like Los Angeles or Denver. The traffic can feel like it’s wall to wall, the hustle and bustle of the people, hurrying about their day. Thousands of people passing by, most who you’ll never know by name. Towering overhead, you’d see more buildings and skyscrapers than you could count. If you were to stop long enough to take it all in, you could become completely bogged down, even overwhelmed, or maybe lost in translation.
And then, you board one of those planes flying overhead and within a few short minutes, all of a sudden you’re soaring high above it all. Everything that once felt so big and so daunting now appears to be as small as an ant hill. Is it as small as an ant hill? Of course not, but with a new vantage point, it changes your perspective on everything.
Thinking higher is like boarding that plane with God—not diminishing the reality of what we face but gaining the perspective to handle it as He sees it. When you align your thoughts with God’s, you gain fresh insight into your circumstances, whether joyful or difficult, and can better act in alignment with His will and when you’re in His will, thinking like He thinks. That means, even on your best days, His plans are still better and on your worst days, He offers hope beyond the pain.
Today, what’s “your thing?” Maybe it’s the fear, worry, or financial distress you’ve been experiencing, maybe it’s the day to day grind. Maybe your “thing” is a relationship seeming to fall apart or an unexpected doctor’s report. Or maybe your “thing” is even your dreams and your goals, your hopes and desires. No matter what your “thing” is, lean in with God and begin to ask Him for his “thing above the thing.”
When you are deeply rooted in the knowledge of God’s higher purposes, it transforms the way you approach everything. You’re no longer bogged down by the fleeting pressures of the world. Instead, you’re empowered to do earthly good, to bring the light of heaven into the darkness around you. Allow Him to elevate your vision today.
Ask God to help you see beyond the trees. Seek His perspective, and let your heart be awakened to His higher calling. As you do, you’ll find that even in the midst of the most ordinary moments, you are equipped to do extraordinary things for His kingdom. May you become so heavenly conscious, so eternity-minded that you have the capacity to do even more earthly good.
Steps to Take:
Step 1: Ask for Heaven’s Vantage Point
Tell God, “I want to see what You see.” Then look again.
👉 Practical tip: Read Isaiah 55:8-9 and write down one area you need a new lens.
Step 2: Flip the Thought
Catch a lie or fear-based thought—and replace it with His Word.
👉 Practical tip: Sticky note His truth on your mirror. Speak it over yourself daily.
Step 3: Live from the Mountaintop
Walk into your day like you already know the outcome—because you do.
👉 Practical tip: Declare: “He is working above what I can see.”
💥 Don’t just survive the day—elevate your perspective. You’re not grounded—you’re being lifted.
Start thinking higher today. Watch this video to understand the importance of higher thinking and wisdom, explore my book, or tune into my podcast to elevate your thoughts and your faith.
Patterns can be comfortable, even if they’re destructive. But comfort isn’t the same as freedom. If you’re tired of the same struggle, know this: God is all about breaking the cycle. One moment of surrender can interrupt years of dysfunction. He’s not just calling you out—He’s calling you forward.
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. —1 Corinthians 10:23 NLT
Do you ever find yourself repeating the same mistakes? Maybe you vow to break a bad habit, only to find yourself back in the same place two weeks later. Or you take ten steps forward, only to fall twenty steps behind, despite having the best intentions.
It’s tempting to shrug it off and say, “Well, that’s just who I am,” or to pretend the pattern isn’t there. But deep down, you know it’s a cycle worth breaking. The good news is you’re not alone—and even better news is that there’s a way out.
As believers, one of the most important things we can do is recognize our patterns. Those things you keep doing that you don’t want to do? The habits you want to quit but feel stuck in? Jesus died not only for your sins but for the destructive patterns in your life as well. Scripture tells us that if “the Son sets you free, you are free indeed” (John 8:36). That freedom isn’t just for someone else—it’s for you.
But let’s be real: breaking free from habit loops can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to spiral into blame, shame, and guilt. Questions like, “Why do I keep doing this?” or “What’s wrong with me?” often arise, but they rarely offer real answers.
It’s been said the quality of your questions determines the quality of your answers. So instead of asking, “Why do I keep doing this?” consider shifting your focus to a new question:
What do I want now versus what do I want most?
What we want now often leads us to avoid pain, choose the path of least resistance, or indulge in temporary fixes that make us feel good in the moment. But what we want most speaks to the deeper desires that can transform our future—if we start making decisions based on where we’re going, not just where we are.
Both paths are hard. So here’s the truth: Pick Your Hard.
Paul, in the book of Corinthians, sheds light on the same struggle we face in balancing our freedom with discernment. He writes, You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial (1 Corinthians 10:23 NLT). This reveals the tension of living as believers. We know that we have freedom in Christ—He fulfilled the law and set us free from the limitations of this world. But true freedom in the Lord requires a deeper awareness that our choices should reflect His nature. While we can do many things, not everything aligns with God's best for us.
This means making decisions not just based on immediate desires, but on what we want most—a heart and mind in tune with God’s will. When you’re truly aligned with Him, anything outside of His will becomes a clear "no" or as my 7-year old says, “That’s a nope on a rope!” It’s about making choices that reflect His character and bring lasting growth.
Just because you have the freedom to do something doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your well-being or your relationship with God. Shifting your focus from short-term satisfaction to long-term transformation opens the door to breaking free from limiting beliefs, bad habits, and unhealthy patterns that you find yourself in so you can step into the abundant life God has for you.
The real question is: Will you choose the path of temporary relief, which may seem easier now but brings greater difficulty later, or the path of discipline, which is tougher at first but leads to lasting transformation? Both will be hard. Pick your hard. The choice is yours.
Steps to Take:
Step 1: Identify the Loop
Name the habit, belief, or behavior that keeps repeating. Be honest.
👉 Practical tip: Write: “This cycle stops with me.”
Step 2: Shift the Want
Ask yourself: “Do I want relief or transformation?”
👉 Practical tip: Compare “What I want now” vs. “What I want most.”
Step 3: Declare Your Freedom
Speak truth over your situation. Even if you don’t feel it—faith it.
👉 Practical tip: Say out loud: “God set me free, and I am free indeed.”
💥 Change doesn’t start with a plan—it starts with surrender. You’re not stuck. You’re stepping forward.
Breaking the cycle starts with a choice. Watch my video on how to break free from what others think of you, explore my book, or grab a free devotional resource to step into lasting change.
God isn’t confined to your past or waiting only in your future. He’s right here, right now. When you choose to be in the present, you tune into the rhythm of grace. The present is where transformation happens, where healing takes root, and where peace floods your soul.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. —Colossians 3:23-25 NIV
“How to live more present.”
It’s one of the most common Google searches today, yet one of the hardest things for most people to master. Think about your own life—where do you wish you were “more present”? What’s holding you back from that?
The number one reason we struggle with being present is that we’re constantly “busy.” Somewhere along the way, the American Dream morphed into the pursuit of busyness. Our society constantly shouts the message: “He who does the most, the quickest, wins!” Everything pushes us to be faster, better, and to do more. We stack our to-do lists to the max, cram our schedules to overflowing, and spend countless hours and loads of money trying to learn how to multitask, close deals faster, and hustle harder than everyone else.
This culture of “doing” feeds our need for approval, affirmation, and belonging… until it doesn’t. We eventually reach a point where we sit down, reflect, and realize we aren’t happy—we're tired, drained, exhausted, and certainly not present. Once we can admit we’re “feeding the need,” trying to fill a bottomless pit, we can pause and realign with God’s original design.
In the book of Colossians, we read: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:23-25 NIV). This allows us to see that "living present" isn’t a starting point, rather a result of something.
I would like to propose to you that living present isn’t about adding more to your plate. In fact, it's not even about taking things off your plate. Living present is a byproduct of something so much deeper—it’s the result of learning to care more about fewer things and caring for them with your whole heart, as unto the Lord.
I call it “caring more about less.”
Consider running water: it may seem gentle and unassuming at first, but when its strength is concentrated into a single point, it becomes a powerful force of nature. When water is channeled or focused into a narrow stream or jet, its pressure and intensity increases dramatically, allowing it to cut through solid materials like rock or metal with precision. This focused force can carve out deep canyons over time or, in modern technology, be used in high-pressure water jets to slice through steel. The power lies in the concentration—what is soft and flowing in its natural state becomes a relentless force when directed with focus. It's a reminder that even something as gentle as water, when concentrated, can have immense strength and impact.
As believers, our lives should be marked by strength and impact! Our lives should be marked by whole-hearts working for the Lord. That means, caring more about less is a life focused on living for an audience of One! It means keeping your eyes solely on Jesus; He is your target, your source, your everything—your reason why. Hech, He’s your new boss! When His voice becomes the most proactive voice in your life, He has this beautiful way of refining you (as we learned yesterday) and showing you what truly matters.
God is a God of divine order, so as He becomes your top priority, He gives you the ability to focus on fewer priorities that align more with His purpose for your life. Then, it’s about proactively eliminating anything that distracts you from what He has called you to do, focusing on what He has called you to do, and doing it with your whole heart. Not half-heartedly, not for approval from others, and not in a rush, but with full devotion as if you’re doing it for the Lord—because you are.
The real key to living more present isn’t just about being in the “here and now”—it’s about being with the Lord and discerning what He is saying, doing what He’s called you to do, unapologetically. When you live in that awareness, caring more about less, the natural result is a more present life.
Today, I encourage you to care more about what God thinks, and less about the opinions of others. Care more about what He’s called you to do, and less about what others say you should do. Care more about doing fewer things with your whole heart, and less about doing “everything” with only half your heart.
P.S. This will be hard.
P.P.S. You can do hard things.
Steps to Take:
Step 1: Simplify the Noise
Silence one voice today that isn’t God’s—social media, opinions, comparison.
👉 Practical tip: Log off for one hour and breathe. He’s in the quiet.
Step 2: Focus on What’s in Front of You
Ask God, “What matters most right now?”
👉 Practical tip: Make a list of your real priorities—not your to-dos.
Step 3: Do One Thing Wholeheartedly
Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart as unto the Lord.
👉 Practical tip: Say out loud, “This matters. I’m doing this for You, Jesus.”
💥 The present is holy ground. Walk in it. Care more about less—and give it your all.
As you learn to be in the present, you’ll find peace where you least expected it. Watch this video to learn how to be present and stop limiting your beliefs, explore my book, or better yet, watch my podcast to embrace the now.
In a culture that rewards speed and constant motion, the Holy Spirit invites us to slow down. When you pause and reflect, you allow God to cut through the clutter. Stillness is not weakness—it’s sacred space. It’s where clarity comes, truth settles in, and your next steps are shaped by heaven.
The earth was rocked at the sound of his voice from the mountain, but now he has promised, “Once and for all I will not only shake the systems of the world, but also the unseen powers in the heavenly realm!” Now this phrase, “once and for all” clearly indicates the final removal of things that are shaking, that is, the old world order, so only what is shakeable will remain. Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakeable kingdom we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights his heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe. For our God is holy, devouring fire! —Hebrews 12:26-29 TPT
Many years ago, I was asked, “What’s your burn?”
I had no idea at the time how much that question would shift my understanding of my spiritual walk. Now, I pass that same question onto you: What’s your burn?
As we explored in yesterday’s devotional, the troubles and trials of life, though not caused by God, are always used by Him to shape us into maturity and completeness—reflecting Jesus. That means, nothing goes unseen by God and nothing is wasted. God’s ultimate goal for us on this side of heaven is to look more like Christ. That is the why.
But how does God accomplish this? How does He refine us into His image?
Through His refining fire.
As humans, we are oftentimes shaped by our upbringing, our experiences, personal interpretations, external influences, and even unprocessed pain. Even in the best environments, we are still born into sin. That means, as we grow in our walk with the Lord, we must be re-shaped by Him, refined in Him. This is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process of alignment between us and a holy, righteous God who wants us to become more like Him.
Sooooooooo, I must ask: Have you felt the pressure recently? Maybe you’ve sensed a shaking—whether within you or around you, in your circumstances, in your family or business. Maybe you’ve felt it within friendships or within the church you attend. Perhaps, you are being refined.
For some, refining feels like relentless pressure. For others, it may seem like one obstacle after another, or like a series of emotional, financial, or relational struggles. But no matter how it manifests, the refining process is always spiritual. Always.
Scripture tells us, The earth was rocked at the sound of his voice from the mountain, but now he has promised, “Once and for all I will not only shake the systems of the world, but also the unseen powers in the heavenly realm!” Now this phrase, “once and for all” clearly indicates the final removal of things that are shaking, that is, the old world order, so only what is unshakeable will remain. Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakeable kingdom we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights his heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe. For our God is holy, devouring fire! (Hebrews 12:26-29 TPT). This is the refiner’s fire.
In the Bible, the term “refiner’s fire” refers to the process of purifying precious metals like silver or gold. Through intense heat, impurities rise to the surface and are removed, leaving the metal in its purest form. Likewise, God uses the trials and difficulties of life to refine our faith and mold us into Christ's image. Though it’s easy to believe that things are happening to you, we must remember that in the Kingdom, things always happen for you. What feels like a shaking or even breaking, is God transforming us into the truest, purest form of our God-given identity. It’s uncomfortable at times, but it’s always purposeful.
Let the shaking you feel break off the old mindsets, habits, and beliefs that no longer serve you. Let the pressure shape you so you reflect more of Jesus. Let the refining fire purify you and sanctify you for the Lord. Let the tension you feel draw you closer to God, not push you farther away. Allow it to strengthen your resolve, to separate your dreams from your fears, to tear down anything that stands against the truth of Christ.
Hardship is inevitable, but the choice to allow it to refine you into Christlikeness is up to you. Don’t resist the fire; surrender to it. Though you may feel pressed and shaken, be unmovable.
This is the hour to be refined, purified, and set apart. It is an hour to embrace the new and let go of the old as you are shaped and refined to be His ready bride.
May you feel the burn and may you become refiner’s fire.
Steps to Take:
Step 1: Make Space for Stillness
Give God uninterrupted attention. Even if just 10 minutes.
👉 Practical tip: Set a timer. No phone. No multitasking. Just Him.
Step 2: Ask What’s Being Shaken
Pray, “God, what are You refining in me?”
👉 Practical tip: Write the word burn at the top of your journal page. See what comes out.
Step 3: Lay it Down
Offer one thing that no longer serves your future. Let it go into the fire.
👉 Practical tip: Physically write it down and toss the paper or burn it (safely).
💥 Don’t fear the fire. Let it burn away the old. You’re being refined, not destroyed.
When you make space to pause and reflect, you find your burn and give God room to reset your vision. Watch this video on how to break free as a visionary, explore my book, or grab a devotional resource to embrace stillness with purpose.
Ever hit a wall and asked, “What’s the point?” You’re not alone. Pain has a way of clouding vision. But God’s purposes often unfold in places we’d rather avoid. He’s not ignoring your pain—He’s using it. In His hands, even your lowest moments become a setup for growth, revelation, and intimacy.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. —James 1:2-4 NIV
How can “joy” and “trials” exist in the same sentence?
It seems contradictory at first, but maybe it's because God sees something we don’t. Too often, our focus is on the win—the result, the dream, the happiness that comes from the destination. And while there's nothing inherently wrong with that, if our goal is purely the outcome, we miss the deeper purpose. We miss the point. We worship a God who has already won (1 John 5:4).
This means we aren't striving for victory; we are living from victory. With this assurance, our striving can cease, our fears can be silenced, and we can recognize that the journey—whether painful or pleasant—isn’t about the end result. It’s about what’s happening within.
You are the point.
When you understand this, you unlock a joy that transcends outcomes. This joy doesn’t come from reaching the goal but from becoming who God created you to be through the process, regardless of the obstacles. The point is your character being refined so you can be everything God created you to be.
The book of James expresses this truth so powerfully: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because… The word “because” is key here, reminding us that God doesn’t allow trials without purpose. As the passage continues, …because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4 NIV). This proves that it's not merely about reaching the end goal, but about what the process cultivates within you—perseverance, maturity, and wholeness.
Though God is not the author of pain, He is a God who works all things together for good, if we allow Him to (Romans 8:28). That means, trials are tools in God's hands, shaping you into who He created you to be. He uses the trials not to break us, but to make us into the mature, complete children He’s always intended us to be—lacking nothing. Our trials aren't just hurdles to overcome, but opportunities for growth.
If you’re facing a trial today, the Bible calls you to embrace it with joy because God is doing a deep work—within you. He’s refining you, preparing you, and creating within you a character that reflects His glory. He’s working out of you what can’t go with you. What you're going through isn't just about the destination or the dream; it's about you—about who you're becoming in the process.
You’re the point.
Instead of resisting the process, be grateful. In fact, be full of joy! Say, "I see what you're doing here, God. Though I don’t like it, I know that you love me and you’re refining me. Thank You for refining me. Thank You for using every trial to bring out the best in me. Though this tests me, it won’t break me. You’re shaping me into everything You've promised I would be." Joy isn’t found in escaping the hard times; it’s found in knowing that God is using everything for your good. \
Step 1: Name the Pain
Write down what’s been hardest to walk through lately. Don’t avoid it—face it.
👉 Practical tip: Journal: “God, I don’t understand this, but I trust You’ll use it.”
Step 2: Reframe the Struggle
Ask, “What is this pain producing in me?”
👉 Practical tip: Meditate on James 1:2-4 and circle every word that reveals growth.
Step 3: Praise in the Middle
Worship not because of the outcome—but because He’s with you in it.
👉 Practical tip: Play one worship song that declares joy in trials.
💥 You’re not being broken—you’re being built. God wastes nothing. Not even this.
If you’ve ever asked, “What’s the point?” let Him show you. Watch my video on how to start your day with purpose, explore my book, or tune into my podcast to find meaning in the mess.
We’ve all worn masks. We’ve all said “I’m fine” when we weren’t. But there’s no need to pretend with God. He sees what others miss. He sees the cracks, the ache, the longing. And here’s the grace: God knows your heart, and He chooses to stay. His knowing isn’t to condemn—it’s to heal.
God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes. —Psalm 18:24 MSG
How’s your heart?
Well, that’s a loaded question, isn’t it? It’s also the reason why women often avoid me at the park—they know I’m not there for small talk about the weather or the news. I want to know how their heart is. Though it's not a complex question, I have found it's very hard for one to answer.
Usually, when I ask, “How’s your heart?” I get one of two responses. Either there’s an outpouring of “all the things,” with emotions spilling all over the place. We call these people “over-sharers.” Or there’s a dumbfounded, blank stare. These are our “analytical friends” that cringe at the thought of a conversation about the heart.
But heartset is universal—it influences all of us, whether we’re aware of it or not.
If your skillset is the framework of your abilities and talents, and your mindset is the framework of your thoughts, then your heartset is the framework of your heart—it's the posture and alignment of your heart. It's the emotional framework through which you experience life, guiding how you feel, perceive, and ultimately make decisions. Heartset influences how you approach life—your dreams, relationships, and even your faith.
We live in a world that celebrates skillset and is obsessed with mindset, but often disregards or forgets the importance of heartset. Truth be told, you can have all the skillset and mindset in the world, but without a whole heart—an open, aligned heart—you will struggle and fall short of the full life Jesus promises. But a heart that is healed, open, and connected to God has the capacity to live out the bold dreams He has placed within you.
So, how is your heart?
The heart is no small matter in Scripture. It’s mentioned over 500 times in the NIV and more than 800 times in the KJV. The world might say, “Follow your heart,” but God never tells us to follow our hearts—He tells us to follow Him. At the same time, we often hear, “The heart is deceitful” from the pulpit, which can be true if our hearts are not focused on God. But the deeper truth is that God created your heart, and He does want all of it.
Though the idea of giving the Lord our whole heart makes sense, why can it feel so hard to do? Honestly, life. Life happens—failure, setbacks, hurt, mistakes. It’s easy to allow these experiences to cause us to shut down, numbing ourselves to avoid future pain, and guarding our hearts. Or, we may allow our emotions to get the best of us, completely dominating our lives, causing us to follow every feeling we feel rather than standing on God’s truth. The issue isn’t that emotions are invalid; it’s that unprocessed emotions lead to confusion and confusion always leads to a guarded heart and a lifetime of small talk.
I’d like to propose that small talk is a result of a guarded heart. Watch, the next time you’re at a park, or even with friends, be aware of how much conversation is happening without much of anything actually being said. Why? Because we are guarding our hearts.
Ultimately, a guarded heart is a broken heart and every broken heart needs healing. Healing isn’t a moment in time, nor does it happen automatically, it’s a process. People say that, “Healing takes time.” No! Time doesn’t heal all wounds. Healing does. It’s a proactive process that requires both time and attention and one we must learn to get comfortable with. But where does one begin?
Psalm 18:24 says, God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes. God can and will do the remarkable, inconceivable, most improbable things with your life, but first, you must open the book of your heart before His eyes. When you give your whole heart to the Lord, you find wholeness and completion.
Though I never want to minimize your healing journey to a 3-step guide, here is the process I have found effective for healing and wholeness:
When you learn to continually bring your heart to the Lord, on the daily, He will heal and restore you over and over again. This restoration happens through an ongoing process of opening your heart before the Lord (take), resting in Him (set), and pursuing what pleases Him (put).
Watch as those small talk conversations turn into meaningful connections, opening deep wells of understanding for someone on their journey toward revelation. Watch how everyday moments transform into opportunities to share Jesus, support someone in their struggles, or encourage someone in their faith journey, whether they know God or not. A healed heart expands your capacity to truly care.
Today, begin to re-establish a divine heart healing by opening the book of your heart before the Lord. Let Him refine, realign, and renew your heart. He is faithful and He will write a beautiful story with your life!
Take, set, put.
Step 1: Get Real With God
Tell Him exactly how your heart feels today. No filter. No fix. Just honesty.
👉 Practical tip: Pray aloud, “God, here’s where I’m hurting...”
Step 2: Let Him Set Your Heart
Ask Him to anchor your heart in eternal things, not fleeting feelings.
👉 Practical tip: Read Colossians 3:1 and journal what “setting your heart” looks like for you.
Step 3: Put Your Whole Heart In
Show up for life with full presence—not halfhearted effort.
👉 Practical tip: Choose one task today and do it as if Jesus asked you personally.
💥 Healing isn’t a moment—it’s a rhythm. But it starts with opening the book of your heart.
If you believe God knows your heart, then give Him permission to go deeper. Watch my video on what the struggle truly reveals, explore my book, or grab a free devotional resource to experience healing and freedom.
