Susan Thomas sits down with fellow counselor and author Debra Fileta to discuss the often-misunderstood topic of people skills. Together they explore how humility, communication styles, and healing from past wounds all shape the way we connect with others. Taking ownership of our own “ingredients” allows us to reflect Christ’s love in a world that desperately needs it.

QUESTIONS:

1. 1.When you think about a difficult relationship in your life, what “ingredients” are you bringing into the dynamic?
2. Why is it important to focus on the “plank” in your own eye before addressing the “speck” in someone else’s eye?
3. How does your communication style communicate honor (or a lack thereof) toward the people in your life?

READ MORE:

• Removing the plank before the speck in Matthew 7:3–5
• Becoming “all things to all people” for the sake of the gospel in 1 Corinthians 9:19–23
• Being known by our love in John 13:34–35
• Speaking truth in love in Ephesians 4:15
• God searching the heart and revealing what needs healing in Psalm 139:23–24

We unpack how Scripture calls us to work smarter, not harder. From Moses to the early church, God shows us how delegation, empowerment, and lifelong learning multiply impact. Getting the job done isn’t about control—it’s about trust, shared responsibility, and stewarding your God-given strengths.

QUESTIONS:

1. 2.Where are you working hard but not working smart right now?
2. What tasks or decisions do you need to delegate or empower others to handle?
3. What is your “20 percent” sweet spot where God has uniquely gifted you to lead?

READ MORE:

• Delegation and shared leadership in Exodus 18:13–26
• Empowering others for ministry in Acts 6:1–7
• Equipping the saints for the work of ministry in Ephesians 4:11–12
• Working faithfully according to your calling in Colossians 3:23
• Wise counsel and multiplying impact in Proverbs 11:14
• Growing, learning, and pressing forward in Philippians 3:12–14

Brandon Thomas talks with Iranian-American pastor and speaker David Nasser about his family’s escape from Iran, his journey to faith in Christ, and the growing underground church in Iran. Their conversation highlights God’s power to accomplish the impossible and challenges believers to pray, support revival, and join God’s global mission today.

QUESTIONS:

1. How does David Nasser’s story challenge the way you think about sharing the gospel through simple acts of love and service?
2. When you face situations that feel impossible, how does remembering God’s faithfulness strengthen your trust in Him?
3. How might God be inviting you to pray for, support, or participate in what He is doing through the church in places like Iran?

READ MORE:

• God strengthening His people and holding them by the hand in Isaiah 41:9–10
• The power of hospitality and serving others in Matthew 25:35–40
• The church growing even through persecution in Acts 8:1–8
• The power of personal testimony in Revelation 12:11
• The Great Commission to make disciples of all nations in Matthew 28:18–20
• God doing immeasurably more than we ask or imagine in Ephesians 3:20