Yesterday, I was doing a devotional with my grandchildren when these words came out of my mouth—and honestly, I knew right away it wasn’t just for them. I told them, “Jesus wants to control what we think, what we see, what we say, where we walk, what we look at—even what we eat.”
We all kind of paused.
It was a simple sentence, but it struck me like a wave. Because it’s true—and it’s easy to forget. Jesus isn’t far away, watching from a distance. He’s closer than your next breath. He wants to be in it with you—guiding, forming, whispering, correcting, encouraging. Every moment.I’ve been reading and re-reading Philippians 2:1–11 this week, and it’s one of those passages I just can’t move on from. It reads like a divine blueprint for a Spirit-led life: one marked by humility, unity, love, and surrender.
Here's part of what it says:
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
who, being in the form of God,
did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
but made Himself of no reputation,
taking the form of a bondservant…”
(Philippians 2:5–7, NKJV)That’s the mindset we’re invited into—Christ’s mindset. A mindset that doesn’t reach for status or power, but embraces surrender. One that’s empty of self and full of obedience.
A Surrendered Walk
When I say “surrender,” I don’t mean a one-time altar moment. I mean waking up each morning and choosing to let Him steer. Not just in the big decisions—but in the tiny, barely noticeable ones:
And here's the beautiful part: it doesn't lead to a boring, controlled life—it leads to an exciting, intimate one. A life full of nudges, whispers, clarity, and peace. Because when you’re following the Holy Spirit, no moment is wasted. He makes even the ordinary feel charged with purpose.
“Pray Without Ceasing” — But How?
I’ve been really encouraged by something I heard Rabbi Schneider say multiple times: “Jesus is closer than your next breath.” That truth reframes everything.It helps me understand what Paul meant in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, when he wrote, “pray without ceasing.” It's not about living in your prayer closet 24/7. It's about a constant consideration and reminder that He is constantly with us.
That kind of spiritual awareness—keeping Him at the forefront of your mind—is what invites His guidance into the small and large moments alike.It’s like having the GPS always on, not just punching in directions when you're lost. When your heart stays yielded to the Holy Spirit, He doesn't just redirect you when you make a wrong turn—He leads you through the curves and quiet stretches too.
The Power of “If”The passage in Philippians opens with this:“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ,
if any comfort of love,
if any fellowship of the Spirit,
if any affection and mercy,
fulfill my joy by being like-minded…”
(Philippians 2:1–2, NKJV)
It’s not a hypothetical "if." It’s a reminder of what we’ve already been given in Jesus: comfort, love, fellowship with the Spirit, affection, mercy. And out of that, we live. We’re called to reflect those very things. To be like Him. And being like Him means laying down our own rights, opinions, and agendas, and picking up a towel to serve.
Final Thought
If life with Jesus feels dry or distant, don’t look for a new experience—look for a new surrender. Start talking to Him throughout your day. Ask Him to guide your eyes, your words, your thoughts, your appetite, your steps.And when you do, you’ll find that He’s not only near—He’s active. The Holy Spirit begins to lead you, not just occasionally, but constantly. And life gets exciting again—not because everything is perfect, but because you’re walking with the One who is.
A Prayer to Close:Lord Jesus, help me to stay aware of You today—not just in my words, but in my thoughts, habits, and choices. Let Your mindset be in me. Make me teachable, humble, and surrendered. Help me remember: You are closer than my next breath. And that means I never walk alone. Amen.