When you look around your church on a Sunday morning, who do you see? Beyond the familiar faces, think about the people who truly inspire you. Perhaps it’s the elderly woman who prays faithfully in the back row, the young couple who consistently volunteer in the children's ministry, or the person who greets everyone with a genuine, welcoming smile. These are the quiet heroes of our faith communities, the living examples of God's love in action.

You can read today’s devotional and past reflections at followingtheleader.org.

It is easy to critique leadership. Whether we are talking about politicians, pastors, or our bosses at work, we often find ourselves discussing their decisions, questioning their motives, or complaining about their mistakes. We look at the state of the world or our local community and wonder why those in charge aren't doing a better job. But as followers of Christ, our primary responsibility toward our leaders is not to criticize them, but to cover them in prayer.

We have all felt it—that heavy feeling in the pit of our stomach when we think about something looming in the future. It could be a difficult conversation, a challenging medical appointment, a tough deadline, or an uncertain change on the horizon. Dread can cast a long shadow over our days, stealing our joy and filling our minds with anxiety. It makes us want to hide, to postpone, or to simply wish the situation would disappear.

You can read today’s devotional and past reflections at followingtheleader.org.

We often think of faith as a personal journey, something private between God and us. While that individual relationship is vital, Scripture is clear from the very beginning: it is not good for man to be alone. God designed us for community. He wired us for connection. Yet, in our busy, digital age, it is possible to be surrounded by people—or connected to hundreds online—and still feel deeply lonely. We might have many acquaintances, but do we have close friends?

You can read today’s devotional and past reflections at followingtheleader.org.

We all have dreams—those big, exciting things we hope to do "someday." Maybe your bucket list includes traveling to a specific country, running a marathon, learning a new language, or finally writing that book. These aspirations are wonderful; they speak to the adventurous spirit God placed within us. They give us something to look forward to and strive for. But as we make our lists of places to go and things to conquer, it’s worth pausing to ask a deeper question: Does my bucket list reflect only what I want to do, or does it also reflect whom I want to become?

You can read today’s devotional and past reflections at followingtheleader.org.

We have all encountered them—the people who dig their heels in, refuse to listen to reason, and seem determined to hold their ground no matter the cost. Dealing with stubbornness, whether in a colleague, a family member, or a friend, can be incredibly draining. It tests our patience and often tempts us to respond with frustration or force. We think if we just push a little harder or argue a little louder, they will finally see the light. Yet, experience usually teaches us that pushing against a wall only leads to exhaustion.

You can read today’s devotional and past reflections at followingtheleader.org.

There is a specific kind of relief that washes over you when you finally walk through your front door after a long trip. The unfamiliar beds, the busy schedules, and the noise of the outside world are left behind. You take a deep breath, kick off your shoes, and settle into the place where you truly belong. It’s a feeling of safety, familiarity, and deep rest. No matter how exciting the journey was, or how exhausting the day has been, it always feels good to go home.

You can read today’s devotional and past reflections at followingtheleader.org.

This is an introduction to Following The Leader, a ministry of Dr. Joe Pettigrew. You can also read or listen to his podcast Morning With Jesus on this channel.