Chosen for a Purpose

A few years ago I had a conversation with my Pastor about knowing you’ve been called by God for ministry. The conversation got very in depth and he said to me, “God does not look for extraordinary talent; He looks for available hearts”. I began looking in the Bible and found that throughout Biblical history, God the creator of the universe has consistently bypassed the elite, the powerful, and the highly qualified to accomplish His greatest works through completely ordinary individuals. I’m writing this to remind you that if you have ever felt too average, too broken, or too unqualified to be used by God, scripture shows that you are exactly the kind of person God chooses.

Here are just a few examples of Ordinary People God Chose

Gideon: Gideon was hiding in a winepress out of fear when an angel called him a "mighty warrior." God reduced his army from 32,000 to just 300 men to defeat a massive Midianite army, proving that victory belongs to the Lord alone.
David: When the prophet Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel, David was not even invited to the party. He was the youngest brother, left tending sheep, yet God chose him because of his heart.
The Galilean Fishermen: Jesus did not recruit His inner circle from the church people of his time or political influencers of Jerusalem. He chose rough, uneducated fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James, and John to launch the church. That later on went global.
Mary Jesus Mother: Mary was a young teenager from a small village. Yet, her willing heart made her the vessel through which Jesus the Savior of the world entered the world.

I often ask why God Chooses the Unlikely?

The Apostle Paul explicitly explains this divine strategy in his letters. When weak vessels succeed, it becomes undeniably clear that the power comes from God, not human ability. This prevents human pride and directs all gratitude and awe back to God.

Here is what I learned from my conversation

Your current position, your lack of pedigree, or your past failures do not disqualify you from God's plan. You’ve probably heard this. God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. When you offer your ordinary days, your simple skills, and your willing heart to Him, He infuses them with His extraordinary power. I had to learn and I encourage you to stop focusing on what you lack and start focusing on the greatness of the God who holds your life. Remind yourself of who you are. You are Sons and Daughters of the Most High God!

Read and Study time

I encourage you to go read the stories from these scriptures I referenced earlier.

Judges 6–7: Documents the account of Gideon's calling, his doubts, and his eventual victory with a tiny army.
1 Samuel 16:1–13: Details the story of Samuel anointing David, noting that "the Lord looks at the heart."
Acts 4:13: Notes that the religious leaders were astonished by Peter and John because they recognized they were "unschooled, ordinary men" who had been with Jesus.
Luke 1:26–38: Records the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary and her ultimate submission to God's will.

The God Who Counts Your Tears

So the other night at prayer night, I was sharing this verse in 2 Kings 20:5. It’s where God says, "I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you."

It really got me thinkinglater that evening about King Hezekiah. When he got the devastating news that he was about to die, he didn't just give up. Verse 2 says “He turned his face to the wall, wept bitterly, and just poured his heart out to God.” And what's amazing is that in verse 4 before the prophet Isaiah could even leave the palace grounds, God stopped him with a message of immediate restoration.

Honestly, it is so comforting to realize that God doesn't just record our requests—He actually registers our emotions. He counts our tears and feels the weight of our heaviest nights. I used to think God didn't really want to hear about my problems. He’s God He already knows. In that same mindset I used to think God was always angry with me because I kept screwing up. How and why would he want anything to do with me? At that time in my life I shared those feelings with my Pastor when He and I were having a very in depth comversation. My Pastor said to me. “Mike You never have to hide your brokenness from God. Your pain isn't a barrier to His presence; it is often the very place where His comfort meets you.”

Friends, since then I have learned this. When you feel overwhelmed by your circumstances, if you can just remember that the Lord is actively paying attention to you. Yes, even when you cry to him. He is the God who sees, hears, and responds with healing. I remember my Mother telling us as kids growing up “No prayer is too small, and no tear goes unnoticed by the God who loves you perfectly.”

Let me ask you: what burden do you need to surrender to God today, knowing He sees your heart and hears your prayers?

Lord, thank You that You don't ask me to hide my tears. Thank You for meeting me in my brokenness. Today, I hand over the things I cannot fix, trusting that You see me, You hear me, and You love me perfectly. Amen.

Let us know how we can be praying for you. Click the “Prayer Request” link to fill out the form.

“We Love you! But, Jesus Loves You More”

Always a Student

Jeremiah 3:15 (NIV)

"Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding."

I was not a good student in school. I really struggled. And, here I am in my late 50’s doing Ministry studies. For as much as I hated school growing up I would have never thought I would go into something to make me study. BUT GOD has other plans. Now, as a ministry leader, that verse - Jeremiah 3:15 is in plain sight in my study. Right on my desk. Every time I look at it, I am reminded that God has always desired leaders who shepherd His people with deep study of the Bible to obtain knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and skill. The verse reminds me that effective ministry is not simply about speaking; it is about continually learning so that we can faithfully lead others.

When I first entered this relationship with Jesus, one of the things I fell in love with and still love is listening to deep Bible teachers. I discovered that no matter how much I learned, there was always more to know about God's Word. Seeking out those old sermons and timeless teachings from some of (who I consider) the great generals of the faith. People like Billy Graham,

D. James Kennedy, Chuck Smith, Rex Humbard, and R.W. Schambach, to teachings and sermons from this time period from Jim Cymbala, Louie Giglio, Allistar Begg, David Jeremiah, John Hagee, Greg Laurie, Josh Howerton, and Priscilla Shirer Just to name a few. Along with the writings of A.W. Tozer, Charles Spurgeon, and Max Lucado. All of them challenge and inspire me. Though some of these voices have gone on to be with the Lord, their faithful handling of Scripture still teaches and encourages believers today.

One of my former Pastors taught me this. The best leaders never stop being students.

The Apostle Paul instructed the young Pastor Timothy:

2 Timothy 2:15 (CSB)

"Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth."

Notice the emphasis on diligence. Spiritual growth doesn't happen accidentally. Knowledge of God's Word requires study, discipline, and a willingness to learn from those who have faithfully gone before us.

Peter also encourages believers:

2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

Growth is not optional for the followers of Jesus. We are called to continually grow in both grace and knowledge. The deeper we understand God's Word, the better equipped we are to serve His people and navigate life's challenges.

The writer of Proverbs reminds us:

Proverbs 1:5 (CSB)

"Let a wise person listen and increase learning, and let a discerning person obtain guidance."

Wisdom begins with humility. The moment we think we know it all is the moment we stop growing. God honors the heart that remains teachable.

As I reflect on Jeremiah 3:15, I realize that God's shepherds are not simply called to feed others; they must also continue feeding themselves. We cannot lead people deeper than we ourselves are willing to go. Every sermon listened to, every book studied, every passage carefully examined becomes another opportunity for God to shape us into the kind of shepherds He desires.

Whether you serve in a pulpit, a classroom, a small group, or simply influence your family and friends, never lose your hunger for God's truth. Stay teachable. Stay curious. Stay in the Word. The leaders who impact generations are often those who never stopped learning.

When God Writes a New Beginning

There are seasons in life when everything feels uncertain. Dreams fall apart. Relationships change. The future looks unfamiliar. That is exactly where the story of Ruth begins — in loss, grief, and hardship. Yet through Ruth’s faithfulness, God reveals that He is still working even in the darkest moments.

The book of Ruth begins with Naomi returning to Bethlehem broken and frustrated after losing her husband and sons. Ruth, her daughter-in-law, could have stayed behind in Moab and chosen an easier path. Instead, she made one of the most beautiful declarations of loyalty found in Scripture:

“Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”
— Ruth 1:16 (NIV)

Ruth did not know what the future looked like, but she trusted God enough to take the next step. Faith often looks like that — not having all the answers, but choosing obedience anyway.

When Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, she was poor, unknown, and vulnerable. Yet God was already arranging divine appointments behind the scenes. Ruth “happened” to glean in the field of Boaz, a man of kindness and integrity. But with God, there are no accidents.

Boaz noticed Ruth’s faithfulness and spoke words of blessing over her:

“The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”
— Ruth 2:12 (NKJV)

What Ruth could not yet see was that God was turning her pain into purpose. Her story was not ending in loss — it was leading to redemption.

One of the most encouraging truths in Ruth’s story is that God sees faithful obedience, even when no one else does. Ruth served Naomi quietly. She worked hard in the fields. She honored God in humility. And in time, God honored her.

The Bible tells us:

“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife… and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.”
— Ruth 4:13 (CSB)

That child became part of the family line that would eventually lead to King David — and ultimately to Jesus Christ.

What a reminder that God can take ordinary people, painful seasons, and seemingly small acts of faithfulness and weave them into His eternal plan.

Ruth’s story points us directly to Jesus. Boaz served as a “kinsman-redeemer,” someone who stepped in to rescue and restore. In an even greater way, Jesus became our Redeemer. He stepped into our brokenness, paid the price for our sin, and offered us a brand-new beginning through His grace.

Friends, no matter what season you are walking through today, God has not forgotten you. Your pain is not wasted. Your faithful steps matter. The same God who guided Ruth is still guiding His people today.

Delayed obedience is still disobedience

If you have been to a Discipleship night or listened to a Rescue podcast one of the words that always and intentionally comes up is obedience. We talk about it as the ultimate expression of our love for God. We study it, pray for it, and resolve to practice it. Yet, we often introduce a subtle, dangerous caveat into our walk with Christ: timing. We hear God’s promptings and whisper, "Yes, Lord, but not just yet." We mistakenly believe that as long as we eventually do what He asks, we are still on the right path.

Scripture paints a very different picture. The truth is stark but liberating: delayed obedience is still disobedience. Saying “Yes, Lord, but...” is just a dressed-up, respectable way of saying “No.” Delayed obedience is the polite way of telling Jesus that His sovereignty must wait on your schedule.

When God gives a directive, He commands our immediate alignment. Hesitation is not a processing period; it is a manifestation of distrust.

Look at how the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translates the urgency of the psalmist in Psalm 119:60:

"I hurried and did not delay to keep your commands."

The writer understood that any gap between hearing God’s voice and moving your feet is a breeding ground for compromise. When we delay, we are essentially telling God that our schedule, our comfort, and our timing are superior to His sovereignty. The enemy doesn't need to convince you to rebel against Jesus; he only needs to convince you to do it tomorrow. If the Holy Spirit fell completely silent in your life today because of your delays, how long would it take for your daily routine to actually notice?

To truly understand immediate obedience, we must look to Jesus. Jesus did not just preach obedience; He embodied it perfectly. He lived in total, uninterrupted submission to the Father's timing. From the moment He began His public ministry in Matthew 4 to the final hours in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus never hesitated, negotiated, or delayed.

The Prophet Samuel’s response to King Saul's partial, delayed obedience in the King James Version (KJV) highlights exactly why Jesus’ perfect surrender was necessary in 1 Samuel 15:22:

"And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."

Where Saul failed, and where we constantly fail, Jesus succeeded. If you only obey Jesus when it makes sense to you, then Jesus isn't your Lord—your logic is. Our human attempts at obedience are often delayed and flawed. We are constantly collecting a debt of unparsed promptings, hoping Jesus will accept our future good intentions as a substitute for present surrender. But Jesus offered the ultimate, prompt sacrifice of His own life on the cross. He became obedient unto death so that His perfect righteousness could be credited to us.

Because Jesus has redeemed us, our obedience is no longer driven by fear of punishment, but by love for who He is. "Yet, half-hearted devotion is an insult to a Savior who gave His absolute all." You cannot grow closer to Jesus while actively walking away from the last thing He explicitly told you to do.

The New International Version (NIV) captures Jesus’ call to immediate, radical follow-through in Luke 9:59-62. When Jesus invited a man to follow Him, the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." It sounded reasonable, but it was a delay. Jesus responded:

"Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."

Jesus establishes that following Him cannot be a secondary item on our to-do list. Are you waiting for God’s confirmation, or are you just waiting for His permission to do what you want anyway? We often mistake our comfort for God’s peace, delaying His call simply because it costs us something. When Christ speaks, the only holy response is immediate action.

What has Jesus asked you to do that you have placed on the back burner? Is it a difficult conversation, a call to ministry, a habit to break, or a seed of generosity to sow? We ask Jesus to alter our circumstances, but we refuse to let Him alter our steps.

The New Living Translation (NLT) gives us a powerful reminder of how we must respond to the Holy Spirit’s voice in Hebrews 3:15:

"As the Scriptures say, 'Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.'"

Every moment we delay our obedience to God, our hearts grow a little more calloused to His prompting. Stop running away from the consequences of your stagnation and start running towards Jesus. Do not wait for the perfect circumstances, the perfect feelings, or a better season. Look to Jesus, rely on His grace, and choose to step out in immediate faith today.

Lord Jesus, I confess that I have often delayed my obedience, hiding my fear and hesitation behind the excuse of timing. Thank You for Your perfect, immediate obedience on my behalf, stretching all the way to the cross. Forgive me for the times I have told You "later" when You required my "now."

Holy Spirit, break the spirit of procrastination and fear in my heart today. Grant me the courage to move the very moment You speak. I want my life to honor Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of a heart that is completely captivated by His grace. Strengthen my feet to run after You today without delay. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

Trusting God Through Disappointment

Genesis 37–50

Joseph’s story is one of betrayal, disappointment, waiting, and redemption. It speaks deeply to anyone who has been hurt by people they trusted, overlooked by leaders, or discouraged by circumstances that seem unfair. Yet through every painful chapter, God was preparing Joseph for something greater—and pointing us to Jesus.

When People Fail You, God Has Not Forgotten You

In the 14 chapters of Genesis 37-50, we read how Joseph was loved by his father but hated by his brothers. In what should have been a place of safety became a place of rejection. His own brothers threw him into a pit and sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:23-24). Imagine what was running through Joseph’s mind in those moments. The questions going unanswered. The pleas of help with no response.

The WHY!

Joseph could have become bitter. He could have decided people were not worth trusting. Instead, Scripture repeatedly says:

“The LORD was with Joseph.” (Genesis 39:2, CSB)

That sentence changes everything. People abandoned Joseph, but God never did. Many of us know the disappointment of being wounded by people we respected—family, friends, pastors, leaders, coworkers, or even fellow believers. Sometimes the deepest pain comes from those we look to or share the same last name.

We pray, serve faithfully, and try to do what is right, yet still find ourselves misunderstood or forgotten. Joseph experienced all of that. He served faithfully in Potiphar’s house and was falsely accused. He acted with integrity and ended up in prison. Even after helping others, he was forgotten for years by the cupbearer he assisted (Genesis 40:23).

Disappointment has a way of making us question whether obedience matters. But Joseph’s life reminds us that God is still working when nothing makes sense.

God Develops Character in Hidden Places

Joseph’s prison years were not wasted years. Before God elevated Joseph to lead Egypt, He formed humility, wisdom, patience, and dependence in him. The pit and prison were preparation. We often want immediate rescue, but God is more concerned with transformation than comfort. Sometimes disappointment strips away our dependence on people so we can learn deeper trust in God. Human leaders can fail. Friends can walk away. Systems can be unjust. But God remains faithful and steady.

Joseph did not allow betrayal to define his identity. He let God shape him instead. That is one of the hardest choices we face today:
Will pain make us bitter, or will it make us more like Christ.

Joseph Points Us to Jesus

Joseph’s story is ultimately a shadow of Jesus.

Joseph was rejected by his brothers.
Jesus was rejected by His own people.

Joseph was sold for silver.
Jesus was betrayed for silver.

Joseph suffered though he was innocent.
Jesus suffered though He was completely sinless.

Joseph eventually rose to save many lives during famine.
Jesus rose from the grave to save souls for eternity.

What makes Joseph’s story so powerful is not merely that he survived suffering—it is that he forgave those who caused it.

When Joseph finally stood before his brothers, he had power to punish them. Instead, he wept, embraced them, and said:

“You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.” (Genesis 50:20, CSB)

That kind of forgiveness is not natural. It comes from a heart transformed by God.

And again, Joseph points us to Jesus.

While hanging on the cross, Jesus prayed:

“Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34, CSB)

Jesus does not merely command forgiveness; He demonstrates it perfectly.

Overcoming Disappointment Today

1. Bring your hurt honestly to God

Joseph’s story never suggests the pain was small. Disappointment is real and hurts. God invites us to pour out our hearts to Him instead of burying resentment.

2. Refuse to let bitterness become your identity

Pain can either harden us or heal us. Bitterness keeps us chained to the offense, but forgiveness opens the door to freedom.

Forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing. It releases our hurt and disappointment into God’s hands.

3. Remember that delays are not denials

Joseph waited years before seeing God’s promises fulfilled. In seasons where you feel overlooked or forgotten, God is still working behind the scenes.

4. Keep serving faithfully where you are

Joseph honored God in slavery, in prison, and in leadership. He remained faithful before promotion ever came.

Faithfulness in hidden seasons matters deeply to God.

5. Look to Jesus above all human leaders

People will fail us eventually. Even good leaders are imperfect. But Jesus is the Shepherd who never abandons His people.

Human approval is unstable; Christ’s love is secure.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You are near to us in every disappointment. When people fail us, remind us that You never will. Guard our hearts from bitterness and teach us to forgive as Jesus forgave us. Help us trust that even painful seasons are not wasted in Your hands. Shape us through suffering, strengthen us in waiting, and draw us closer to Christ. May our lives reflect the mercy, humility, and love of Jesus. Amen.

The True Purpose of Prayer - Mike

A few years back, I caught myself treating God like a churchy vending machine. I only prayed when I desperately needed something specific. I would put in my prayer request, press the button, then get really mad if the thing I was praying for didn't happen immediately.

But over time, I realized that treating God like a transaction was leaving me spiritually empty. True prayer isn't about changing God's mind to match our agenda. It is the intentional communication of our hearts with the Creator.

It is a relationship, not a retail transaction. Its ultimate purpose is to change our hearts to match His will, transforming us from the inside out.

Real prayer shifts our focus upward. Jesus modeled this in the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name." It starts with who God is, not what He can give us. When we couple that worship with gratitude, it actively crushes our anxiety and anchors our trust.

Prayer also forces us to look inward with radical honesty. Through confession, we bring our shortcomings into the light so God can purify us. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "Not as I will, but as You will." Prayer is where we lay down our desire for control and align our hearts with divine wisdom.

Let’s use Daniel as an example. When a royal decree was signed stating that anyone who prayed to any god besides the king would be thrown into a den of lions, Daniel didn't panic or change his routine.

Daniel 6:10 tells us that he went home, opened his windows toward Jerusalem, and got on his knees three times a day to pray and give thanks to God, just as he had done before.

Daniel’s prayer wasn't a panic-button reaction to a crisis; it was a deeply ingrained lifestyle. He didn't use prayer to force God's hand or manipulate his circumstances. He used prayer to maintain his ultimate dependence on God, which gave him supernatural boldness to face the lions.

Just like Daniel, God invites us to bring our daily needs and the needs of others to Him. He cares about every detail of our lives.

Ephesians reminds us that prayer is also our primary weapon in spiritual conflict. It is how we resist temptation, discern truth, and stand firm when the pressures of the world build up around us.

Sitting here, we have a unique opportunity to build that same communal consistency. Prayer is a living, breathing relationship. Even when you don't have the right words, the Holy Spirit intercedes for you.

Let’s stop using prayer as a last resort or a vending machine. Let's build a habit of consistent communion this week—finding a dedicated daily time to sit in silence, speak honestly, and listen closely.

Empty Vessels, Overflowing Grace

Read 2 Kings 4:1–7

The story begins with a crisis. A widow of a prophet faces a crushing reality: her husband is dead, her debts are mounting, and a ruthless creditor is coming to take her two sons as slaves. She cries out to the prophet Elisha. In the King James Version (KJV), she states her husband did "fear the Lord," emphasizing his lifelong faithfulness. Yet, she is still in a desperate place.

How often do we find ourselves there? We follow God, yet the bills stack up, health fails, or emotional reserves run completely dry.

Elisha asks her two things: "What shall I do for you?" and "Tell me, what do you have in the house?"

Her response reflects her sense of scarcity: "Your servant has nothing…except there at all," she says, "except a small jar of olive oil."

She looked at her circumstances and saw absolute zero nothing, natta. But can I remind you God specializes in taking our "nothing" and turning it into "more than enough."

Look at the bizarre instructions Elisha gives her. Borrow empty jars from neighbors—not a few. Go inside, shut the door, and pour oil into them.

The Hebrew word used for "pour" here is shaphak. It means to pour out, spill, or lavishly expend. It is the same word used in the Old Testament for pouring out one's heart to God in prayer (Psalm 62:8) Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.“and God pouring out His Spirit (Joel 2:28) I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions..

As long as there was an empty vessel available, the oil kept kept pouring. The miracle was limited only by the number of empty vessels she gathered. When the vessels were full, the oil stopped.

We read in the text the woman returns to Elisha with the news. He tells her: "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left." God did not just resolve her past debt; He provided a future livelihood.

How can we apply this story to our lives?

Acknowledge Our Emptiness: God cannot fill a vessel that is already full of self-sufficiency. Bring your emptiness—your financial stress, broken relationships, or exhausted spirit—to Him.
Make an action move in Faith: Remember. The widow had to physically walk to her neighbors, ask for jars, and start pouring oil into the first vessel while expecting it to fail. God often waits for our obedience before releasing His abundance.
Shut out Distractions: Elisha told her to shut the door behind her and her sons. To see God work, we must sometimes shut out the noisy voices of the world, the opinions of people who may have doubts, and the noise of social media and our devices to focus solely on God.
Find Support from a church family: The woman in the story needed her neighbors' jars to contain the blessing. Stop isolating yourselves in a crisis. Allow your church family or life/small group help walk through with you!

What is your "nothing...except" right now? What small resource, talent, or ounce of strength are you discounting that God wants to use?

Prayer: Lord, I confess that I often look at my lack instead of Your abundance. Forgive me for limiting You. I bring my empty heart, my empty hands, and my current anxieties to You today. Pour out Your Spirit into my life. Give me the faith to borrow the jars, shut the door, and watch You work. In Jesus' name, Amen.