Man, life is tough sometimes. And sometimes it ain’t so tough.

But one thing is always true: we’re living in the middle of a spiritual battlefield, whether we feel it or not.

That’s why spiritual accountability is so important.

We weren’t created to walk this faith journey alone. God, in His wisdom, designed us for community—brothers and sisters who challenge us, encourage us, and help keep us accountable to what we say we believe and the life we want to live.

If you struggle to follow through on your commitments—like reading the Bible consistently, showing up for church, praying regularly, or just living with integrity—bringing someone into that struggle can be a game-changer.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

Here’s the deal: accountability isn’t about guilt-tripping or having someone constantly check in to make you feel bad. It’s about inviting the right people into your spiritual life—people who care enough to ask how you’re really doing. People who will lovingly call you higher. People who remind you of God’s truth when you forget it yourself.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

In a world that worships independence and self-reliance, it’s easy to think we don’t need anyone. But that’s not how God wired us. Scripture is full of “one another” commands—encourage one another, pray for one another, confess your sins to one another, bear one another’s burdens. The Christian life was never meant to be a solo mission.

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” — Hebrews 10:24–25

So no, it’s not weak to ask for help. It’s wise.

Let someone in. Talk about your walk with Jesus. Share your wins and your struggles. Make space for regular, honest conversations about your spiritual growth.

Because when we walk in the light together, we grow stronger—together.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…” — 1 John 1:7

I want to encourage you to not be afraid in your journey to seek out the right, safe people for your spiritual encouragement.

Take a step back today and reflect on who God may be bringing to you in your life. Pray and ask God to reveal the steps of trust you need to take to embrace the spiritual transformation He has in store for your journey in the bonds of accountability.

Has anyone else ever struggled with the church?

If you’re a believer and haven’t yet experienced disappointment, distrust, or some form of hurt in church, you probably haven’t been a believer for long—or you haven’t been very active in a local church community.

The truth is, the church isn’t a building—it’s people. And people bring their baggage with them, no matter how “Christian” they may appear. Imperfection is part of the package. But so is God’s redemptive power working through us, together.

Corporate Worship Is Biblical and Powerful

Even with its flaws, the church matters. Corporate worship—the act of gathering together to worship God—is biblically commanded and deeply valuable for our spiritual growth.

Something powerful happens when we let go of our expectations for others and instead turn our attention together toward the One who truly meets our needs—God Himself.

Private worship has its place. It’s intimate and deeply personal. But we were never meant to walk this faith journey alone. We are part of the body of Christ—one among many—and our corporate identity in Him brings strength, encouragement, and unity.

Why We Worship Together

When we come together in worship, we:

• Bear one another’s burdens
• Celebrate victories
• Stand in awe of the God who holds all things together

This isn’t just about singing songs on a Sunday morning.
It’s about realigning our hearts with truth and being reminded—through each other—of who God is.

When you hear someone next to you declaring God’s faithfulness, it reminds you of His goodness in your own life. When you see someone weep in gratitude or lift their hands in surrender, it stirs your spirit to remember God’s power and mercy.

Sometimes, what we need most in our faith walk is to see how God has moved in someone else’s life. That’s part of the beauty of corporate worship—we witness and share the evidence of His goodness.

Jesus Knew We’d Need Each Other

Jesus gave us wisdom for this in Matthew 18:20:

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

There is a different kind of presence, power, and peace that comes when we gather in His name.
Our faith aligns, our hearts connect, and our hope is stirred.

Healing from Church Hurt and Returning to Worship

I know what it’s like to be hurt by the church. It’s painful—especially because this is the place where we expect to feel safe.

But sometimes the healing starts by finding a new, healthy church community—one marked by love, humility, and compassion. And sometimes, we need to examine our own hearts, too.

If you’re living in unrepentant sin or resisting God’s correction, it might not just be the community that’s uncomfortable—it might be God gently calling you back to Him.

Don’t Give Up on Corporate Worship

Whether you’re thriving in church or struggling to return, I encourage you to take a step back in.
Let God meet you in the gathering.
Let others’ faith encourage your own.

Don’t underestimate the power of corporate worship.
Show up. Engage. And encounter God—not just alone, but together with His people.

Focus seems to be the focus of my life right now.

I want and need focus all day every day because all of the distractions keep me from achieving my goals.

So, naturally focusing when studying the bible has been a huge issue for me as well.

I recall studying for a bible class several years ago and struggling to keep my focus. I was sitting with friends studying and doing memory drills and I just could not focus on the task at hand.

I look back at that moment and realize that maybe I was a little to hard on myself. That environment and approach was not right for me.

Yet, even when I sit alone in a quiet room… I struggle to focus.

Aside from other possible factors such as ADHD. It still helps to have some strategies to maintain focus when we spend time with God.

Here are at least 7 practical and spiritual tips I’ve come up with as a sort of check list, especially if I’m struggling to focus.

Prepare Your Heart First

The number one thing you need to recall is that this is a spiritual battle for your mind. So, pray and acknowledge the spiritual challenge this is to the Lord and ask for his intervention.

Ask God to quiet your heart and clear your mind. A simple prayer like, “Lord, speak to me through Your Word today,” invites the Holy Spirit into your study and sets the tone for focus and openness.

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.” – Psalm 119:18

Choose the Right Environment

Your surroundings matter. Try to find a quiet, comfortable place where you’re less likely to be interrupted. If that’s hard at home, even a parked car, early morning corner, or walk in nature can work. Eliminate distractions—put your phone on Do Not Disturb and turn off notifications.

Have a Simple Study Plan

One of the biggest focus-killers is not knowing where to start. Use a reading plan or choose a book of the Bible to go through slowly. Knowing what you’re studying ahead of time removes decision fatigue and helps you dive right in.

Pro tip: Follow a short plan like Psalms, Proverbs, or a 30-day Gospel reading to build consistency.

Use a Journal to Stay Engaged

Writing things down keeps your mind active. Jot down verses that speak to you, questions that arise, or prayers that come to mind. Journaling turns passive reading into an engaging conversation with God.

Try the “SOAP” Method

This method helps structure your study so you stay present and focused:

• S – Scripture (Write down a verse that stands out)
• O – Observation (What is it saying?)
• A – Application (How does it apply to your life?)
• P – Prayer (Talk to God about what you learned)

This approach gives your study purpose and direction every time. I’ve used this for years when preparing group studies with children as well. So, if you ever feel a bit lost. Just remember SOAP.

Set a Timer or Use a Routine

Sometimes our brains focus better with a time limit. Try setting a 15-20 minute timer and commit to giving God your full attention during that time. Over time, this habit builds into a rhythm of daily connection. You might consider using the Pomodoro Technique as well. If this is too much to consider, then simplify. Anything to help make things simple is what I aim for.

Give Yourself Grace

Some days will be easier than others. Don’t let a distracted or rushed day make you feel like a failure. God honors your desire to be with Him. Keep showing up, and trust that even when it feels small, His Word is working in your heart. Just remember how gracious He is to us and echo is grace toward yourself. I use to beat myself up and shame myself unnecessarily. Partner with his compassion, love, and grace for your to discipline yourself and develop these habits.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8

Final Thoughts:

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s showing up consistently, tuning your heart to His voice, and letting His Word shape you little by little. The more you practice these simple steps, the more natural and focused your time with God will become.

So, don’t give up. Keep showing up, and keep your heart open. God is ready to meet you in the pages of His Word.