Today Daily Devotional

Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. — Romans 12:13 Ms. Sabrina has raised four children. Her daughters work in medical professions, and her son serves as a police officer in a nearby suburb. Her mom and sister come to church with her, and her extended family gathers regularly for reunions. She has a special family. But her family and her home extend much further. She calls her house in the Roseland community a “home of refuge.” She has taken in young women who have needed housing, stability, and the wisdom of a woman who has been through some things. She has created her own application process for residents to come and live in her home, including a referral from her pastor. But in her home (which she purchased and rehabbed in partnership with Hope Christian Reformed Church 30 years ago) she has housed young, single moms and their children. She has made room for a sister of hers who was in between jobs. She has rented a room to women who were ready to move out from our shelter for women and children. In the practice of Christian hospitality, bonds form and a family is created. Where are the places and who are the people who have formed bonds in your community? Which coffee groups, basketball leagues, men's groups, and shared living spaces have been like Ms. Sabrina's “home of refuge”? Lord, thank you for places of refuge where hurting people can find comfort and peace. Bless people who open their homes and hearts, creating safe havens of your love and healing. Amen.

“Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” — Matthew 12:50 When you hear the word family, what usually comes to mind? Where I grew up, a family was generally made up of a husband and wife and their biological children. Some families also had adopted children. Some couples did not have children, and some parents were divorced. But the most common family in that time and culture was the nuclear family. In the Bible and in today's world, though, it's less common to find families fitting that description. When Jesus' family tried to get a message to him as crowds gathered around him, he saw an opportunity for a teaching moment and said, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Jesus was helping his followers to describe a new kind of family, a community bound by something more powerful than the blood in our veins. This is not a rejection of the biological family. It's an invitation to a bigger, richer family—the family of God, with whom we live in the kingdom of God. This month you are invited to meet family members in the Roseland community where I work and live, in my biological family, and in other family groups that I am a part of. May God's Spirit work in us all to recognize the beautiful gift of his family in the relationships and communities we are a part of—no matter how different or diverse they might be. Father, thank you for the gift of our broader family in Christ. May we keep growing together in faith and grace. Amen.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. — 1 John 4:9-10 James and Tyesha stand at the front of the church sanctuary with their daughters, Brooklyn and Layla, who gaze up at their baby brother, Hakeem, cradled in their father's arms. Brooklyn stands on tiptoe to peer into the water of the baptismal font; then her eyes look up to meet mine. She is captivated by the mystery, the ritual, and the weight of the promises on this day. I address the congregation: “If any family would like to join Brooklyn, Layla, James, and Tyesha as we baptize baby Hakeem, you are invited to come forward.” Expecting a few grandparents to join us, I am stunned when the whole congregation steps forward, surrounding them in love. Together we listen to God's promises. James and Tyesha make vows, and the congregation promises to stand with Hakeem in Christian community. Then come the words of baptism: “For you, Hakeem, Jesus Christ came into the world; for you, he died; for you, he conquered death. . . . We love because God first loved us. Hakeem Elzy, I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Hakeem, a child of God, is part of God's family. And because of Jesus you have the right to be part of God's family too (John 1:12-13). Loving God, thank you for making us part of your family through Jesus Christ. Help us to share your gracious love with others faithfully each day. Amen.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." — John 10:10 Identity theft is a growing threat today. Scammers try to steal our personal information and gain access to our financial accounts. In the spirit world, another identity thief lurks as well. The master deceiver, Satan, tries to rob believers of the assurance of their new identity in Christ. He tries to sow seeds of doubt, despair, confusion, and insecurity within us. If he cannot possess us, the devil wants at least to wear us down and make us feel defeated, limiting our service for God and his kingdom. But we are not alone. We have the presence of God in our hearts, and we have God's Word to assure us and strengthen us with the truth. Jesus promises that we will have life to the full, and no one can snatch us out of his hand (John 10:28-30). The Lord and his Word remain our best protection, affirming that we are not defined by past successes or failures but only by our union with Christ. Through faith, we receive his righteousness and become the children of God. We are forgiven, cleansed, and commissioned to be his representatives in the world. As God's handiwork, we are created to do good works that honor the Lord and bring blessing to others. As God reassures us through his Spirit and his Word, we are redeemed, beloved, and empowered to live out his purposes with confidence and grace each day. Lord, help us to see that our worth is defined by you, not by the opinions of others. By your Word and Spirit, assure us always that in you we have full life forever. Amen.

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. — Romans 8:37 In times of uncertainty and seeming chaos, it's natural for people to seek out a strong leader to restore order and bring resolution. It may be a military hero, a political figure, or a charismatic leader. We often look to our own resources to bring stability to a volatile situation, don't we? Yet when we discover the ultimate victor and King, Jesus Christ, we learn, as he states in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Through his triumph over sin and death, Jesus declares victory over every force that opposes God and his plan of restoration. His victory brings hope to believers, promising peace and triumph despite the trials and struggles they may endure. In light of this, Paul boldly proclaims in Romans 8, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” The victory Jesus won through his death and resurrection is now shared with his followers. Our identity in Christ transforms us into victors who have new, full life forever in Christ. When we align with Jesus, no other power or influence can defeat us or keep us down. Victorious King, thank you for securing the ultimate triumph for us. Guide us to walk with confidence today, knowing that nothing we encounter can ultimately hold back your good purposes for our lives. Amen.

“This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. . . .” — Mark 4:26 When Jesus came to live and teach among us, it was common for a farmer to sling a bag of seed over his shoulder and to walk through his fields scattering handfuls of seed onto the freshly tilled soil. As Jesus explains the process of the seed sprouting and growing in this parable, we can see that the seed symbolizes the good news of salvation, bringing the potential for new life. As Paul explains similarly in Romans 1:16, “The gospel . . . is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” The gospel is a potent force, capable of transforming lives and entire communities. Like seed hidden beneath the surface, its message takes root out-of-sight, deep within the human heart. There it grows and matures, eventually yielding a harvest of righteousness. Rather than hoarding the seed of the gospel, we are called to scatter it generously as we journey through life. We scatter seed by supporting missionaries or mission organizations, volunteering for a community service project, inviting a neighbor over for coffee, and more. We sow gospel seed when we nurture spiritual conversations with our family members and friends. We sow seed with colleagues at work. When we spread the good news of Jesus, we participate in the process of bringing forth spiritual fruit. Lord, you have shared the good news with us and have given us new life. Help us to share it with others, knowing you will make it grow and bring forth a bountiful harvest, to your glory. Amen.

Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. — Philippians 3:20 Citizenship has its privileges. Citizens of a nation can have access to education, community services, social services, health care, and more. Being a citizen of heaven takes us to a different level altogether. When our identity is rooted in Christ, his home becomes ours, because through him we become children of God with an eternal inheritance. Even though we still live here on the earth, we are privileged to live abundantly as part of a kingdom not crafted by human hands. Being citizens of heaven prompts us to pursue higher goals and take on a broader perspective than mere earthly citizenship can offer. This transforms our priorities, redirects our ambitions, and empowers us to endure. If you have seen the launching of a hot-air balloon, you understand the struggle. The more the balloon fills with heated air, the greater the struggle to keep the basket earth-bound. The cords holding it to the ground become taut and strained. And when they are released, the balloon majestically ascends toward the heavens. Similarly in some ways, the more we are filled with God's Spirit, the stronger our vision for life in God's eternal kingdom becomes. Focusing on these things moves us to live in a way that not only longs for heaven but also seeks to bring a taste of heaven to earth. Heavenly Father, as we navigate the challenges of this world, may we always put you first in our lives. Help us to anchor our hope in full life with you forever. Amen.

He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. — Ephesians 1:4 The Bible explains that believers have been freely and generously chosen by God. This choosing is not based on our appearance, intelligence, personality, status, or anything else. It's not something we earn or deserve. Instead, it's a purely gracious act. God, in his great love, initiates the process of salvation. By his sovereign will and good pleasure, God has decided to save us, making rescue and redemption possible for all who have been made in his image (Genesis 1:26-27). Even though we were ensnared in sin, Jesus died to deliver us from the curse of sin and death to make us holy in God's sight. Being chosen by God is an overwhelming blessing that fills us with humility and helps us see that there is no room for pride or boasting. It also instills in us a sense of security and confidence, recognizing that our salvation is not based on our religious performance. Instead, as God's chosen possession, we belong to him. Body and soul—in life and in death—we are his, and nothing can snatch us from his hand (John 10:28-30). What an exhilarating honor—to be chosen, wanted, and valued by the most significant being in the universe! Gracious God, thank you for choosing us. Thank you for being the author, perfecter, and finisher of our faith. May we live with the assurance that you will complete the good work you have begun in us. For Jesus' sake, Amen.

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends.” — John 15:15 Having friends is a great blessing. Friends multiply our joys and divide our sorrows. Friends walk in when the rest of the world walks out. Friends know all about us, and they still love us anyway. Proverbs 18:24 notes that “a friend . . . sticks closer than a brother. In other words, a true friend can be relied upon and is always there for us. The amazing thing is that Jesus, the Savior and King of creation, calls believers his friends. As believers in Christ, we are not just subjects or servants of the Lord of the universe; we are his friends. And he is loyal and true, sticking closer than a blood brother. In John 15, Jesus explains that, like a true friend, he is transparent and open with us: “Everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” No secrets, no deception, no masks—just an open heart entrusted to his friends. The truest sign of friendship is sacrificial love. Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.” Jesus demonstrated this when he went to the cross to pay the price for all our sin. He considered friendship with us so important that he surrendered his very life in order to secure it. Lord Jesus, it's overwhelming to know that we have a friend in you. Grant us strength in knowing that you want to walk with us through life as our constant, faithful friend. Amen.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” — Matthew 4:19 Imagine receiving an invitation that changes the entire course of your life. Simon Peter and his brother Andrew received that kind of invitation. One day Jesus approached them with a life-changing proposition. In effect, he said, “Until this time, your whole life has centered on catching and selling fish. How about joining me, and I'll teach you how to catch precious souls for the kingdom of God?” Note that for Jesus, discipleship (following him) and evangelism (fishing for people) go hand in hand. Once we find ourselves in the safety of Jesus's lifeboat, we are to extend a hand to help others climb aboard and join with Jesus too. This missional calling isn't merely an accessory to our lives; it's integral to who we are and what we do as followers of Jesus. Every believer is called by God to be a fisher of people. Every congregation is called to be a mission outpost for Christ's kingdom. To excel in this calling, we must learn to think like a fish—seeking to understand their ways. We must also keep casting toward nibbling fish. If the fish aren't biting, we can move on and come back later. Some fish might not be hungry right now, but maybe they will be six months or a few years from now, when God's Spirit has prepared their hearts. We wait patiently for God to work while we keep fishing for others. Lord Jesus, thank you for rescuing us and making us part of your rescue team. Guide us as we invite the people around us to find new life in you. Amen.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said. . . . — Matthew 4:19 In the children's game “Follow the Leader,” one person takes up the role of the leader. The rest of the group lines up behind that person, mimicking their actions. It's natural for us to follow someone, and we all have role models we admire. These are people we want to pattern our lives after. But we need to ask, “Whom are we following? Whose footsteps are we walking in?” In the Jewish culture of Jesus' day, a rabbi (religious teacher) would invite students to join and work with him for a period of time—often years. The invitation would be a call to walk in their way, mirror their actions, and become their disciples. Luke 6:40 describes this process: “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” This involved learning by experience and being shaped to a new way of life. Jesus extended that kind of invitation to Andrew, Peter, and others, saying, “Come and follow me. Walk closely with me, learn from me, and become my apprentices.” Today Jesus extends that same call to each of us: “Walk in my way, learn from my teachings, and become my disciples. Do life with me so that, over time, you may resemble me.” Lord Jesus, what an amazing privilege it is to be invited to follow you and learn from you. Guide us, as your disciples, to follow you faithfully each day and bring the good news of your kingdom to people everywhere. Amen.

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. — 2 Corinthians 5:18 Hostility, conflict, and division seem to be the narrative of our times. Society is splintering at an alarming rate. Yet in this toxic environment we are called to be followers of Jesus Christ. As new creatures, we have been given a calling to extend the reconciling work of Jesus to our world. Following Jesus' example, we are to work at bridging chasms that divide people. Instead of fueling disagreement with inflammatory speech, we can season our speech with grace and kindness. With a humble spirit of goodwill, we can strive to find common ground with others. We can seek to build networks of understanding. We are called to be God's peacemakers in a divided world. Our main mission is to assist people in reconciling with God and discovering peace with him through his Son, Jesus Christ. As reconcilers, we serve as linking agents of God's mercy and grace. With one hand extended to a hurting world and the other firmly held by our gracious Lord and God, we aim to help others connect with God and find forgiveness and new life in him. In what ways can you bring the peace of God into your surroundings today? Spirit of God, empower us to stand in the gap, clarify your message, and radiate Jesus' love to the people around us. May we be vessels of your peace in our world today. Amen.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?” — Matthew 5:13 My wife is fond of salty snacks. Pretzels, popcorn, and potato chips are among her favorites. It's often appealing to add salt to snacks, vegetables, and other things we eat because it enhances the flavor. When Jesus used this metaphor, he was illustrating the believer's distinctive role in the world. He implied that we are to add a similarly positive influence on our surroundings, in a way like salt can. Think of how salt can melt snow and ice. As Christ-followers, we can help to thaw the cold indifference that this world often portrays. God's love, which fills us and overflows from us, has the power to soften hardened hearts, thaw frozen relationships, and dissolve disagreements. Think too of how salt enhances the flavor of foods, often making them more tasty and palatable. Christ's presence within us can similarly add taste to life. Our presence can inject joy and zest into our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. We can help make gatherings and settings more pleasant, positive, and welcoming. In addition, salt serves as a preservative. Before we had refrigeration, salt was the primary method of preserving perishable foods. Similarly, we can help to turn back the corrosive effects of sin in the world. As followers of Jesus, we can bring God's healing, regenerative power to bear on all kinds of situations. Lord Jesus, use us to bring helpful change in the lives of the people around us, for your glory and for the restoration of this world. Amen.

“You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14-16 When Jesus, by his Spirit, comes into our lives through faith, we undergo a transformation. Our spiritual life is changed as we become new creatures in Christ. As new creations, we transition from being self-serving to being self-giving. We radiate the light and life of Jesus wherever we go. In Matthew 5, Jesus uses two simple yet profound metaphors—light and salt—to illustrate this personal transformation and the new role we take on in our daily living. Light is life-giving. It brings warmth, energy, and clarity to any situation. When Jesus' power flows through us, we become a catalyst for positive change in our surroundings. This doesn't mean we are like the sun—generating light on our own. We are more like the moon, reflecting the light of Jesus so that others don't have to stumble in the darkness of this world. However, if we hide our light under a bowl, if we try to keep Jesus to ourselves, we make ourselves ineffective. And, worse, people will remain stuck in darkness, blinded by sin. For the sake of the world that Jesus came to save, we need to break out of our holy huddles and shine brightly for Jesus. Lord and Savior, thank you for shining your radiant light into our hearts and warming us with your love. Help us never to underestimate the impact we can have when we allow you to shine through us. Amen.

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8 Before going back to heaven, Jesus called each of his followers to be a witness for him. A witness is someone who can attest to what they have seen or experienced personally. This calling applies to all of us who follow Jesus today as well. We are called to be reliable witnesses, sharing with others the grace of God that we have personally witnessed and experienced in our lives. This lies at the heart of our identity as followers of Christ. The task that Jesus has entrusted to us is to carry his life-saving message wherever we go. This magnificent, global mission began with Jesus' first-century followers, and it continues with his 21st-century followers today. Empowered by his Spirit, we have a story to tell and a life-altering encounter to share. While others may have doubts about the Bible's teaching or quibble about theology, they cannot refute our personal experience. They cannot change what we know to be true about God's work in our hearts and lives. Jesus recognized that a transformed life becomes an unstoppable force for good and for God in this world. To the people around you, there is no one better positioned to testify to the life-changing power of God than you. Think of a story you can share with someone about the Lord's work in your life. Whom will you tell today? Dear Jesus, fill us with your Spirit. Empower us to be living testimonies of your grace and love, sharing with others our stories of your grace-filled work in us. Amen.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 Have you ever seen the damage to trees after a heavy windstorm? Limbs and branches are often strewn about the landscape, and some land on houses and cars, causing even more damage. Often those branches still have healthy-looking leaves and fruit, but we know they will soon die. When a branch is severed from the main trunk, its vitality is lost. Its lifeline is gone. Its leaves will wither and die, and its fruit will decay. Jesus conveys a similar message in John 15, saying, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” He helps us to see that if we break away from him—the true vine—we will not have his spiritual life in us. Though we may appear vibrant for a while, we will lack the capacity to produce spiritual life, health, or fruit on our own. Only if we stay connected to Jesus can we bear spiritual fruit that endures. The main function of a vine such as a grapevine is to bear fruit. And fruit-bearing sums up our purpose as followers of Jesus. In fact, Jesus explains that every branch that bears no fruit will be cut off. But with his Spirit living in us, we will yield fruit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (see Galatians 5:22-23). This is our calling. Holy Spirit, by your life-giving power, produce a crop of spiritual fruit in our lives. May your glory shine forth, and may others be enriched by the fruits of our lives. In Jesus, Amen.

Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst? — 1 Corinthians 3:16 The Bible teaches that ever since we fell into sin and brought destruction into God's world, the Lord has been working out a way to live among us and make us holy again. This restoration project is accomplished through Jesus, who came to save us by paying the price of our sin, conquering death, and sending his Spirit to live in us. Jesus even declared himself to be the temple of God, like the Old Testament one—that sacred space where the presence of God came to dwell among his people (see 1 Kings 8; John 2:19-22). At Jesus' death, the temple curtain tore in two, from top to bottom (Mark 15:38), unveiling the Most Holy Place where God's presence was to reside. This symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and sinners and the restoration of fellowship with God for all who believe. Through the shed blood of Jesus, we are granted access into the Father's presence. And since Jesus is the new temple, his Spirit has come to live within the heart of every believer. So in this way we have become living temples of God. Rather than dwelling in a building, God now lives in his people—both individually and collectively. In our hearts God's Spirit works to cleanse and purify us, remaking us to be holy, shaping us to be like Jesus as we live for him. In what ways has God been shaping you lately? Spirit of God, purify us to live for you, that we may share your love with others, serving faithfully in all you have entrusted us to do. Amen.

“It will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.” — Matthew 25:14 A steward is someone who takes care of and manages someone else's property or belongings. The steward is not the owner but is responsible to the owner for all that the owner has entrusted to them. The Bible includes many examples of stewardship. When God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he charged them with its care (Genesis 2:15). Since the beginning, humans have been entrusted by God to steward his creation, his blessings, and the very lives he gives them. In Jesus' parable in our Bible reading today, three servants received bags of gold from their master before he left on a journey. They were expected to be productive, innovative, and enterprising with what they had been given. Specifically, they were to invest their master's resources in worthwhile ventures, aiming for growth and multiplication. While two servants faithfully embraced this responsibility, one did not. The master's approval clearly fell upon the two who were faithful. As the Lord's stewards, we don't possess anything on our own. All we have is entrusted to us by our gracious heavenly Father. Yet while we live and breathe, we are called to nurture and care for what God has given us, using it for his glory. Then one day we too will hear the Master's words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Lord, may we honor you with the time, talents, and treasures you have given us. Guide us to be faithful stewards of all your resources. Amen.

I urge . . . first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. . . . — 1 Timothy 2:1 Maybe you have seen a plaque or a sign that says “Prayer Changes Things.” Indeed, God has shown in the Bible that he uses the prayers of his people in his kingdom-building work in this world. Many examples show that God often provides what his people ask for in prayer. But that doesn't mean God is something like a good-luck charm or a magic genie that grants our wishes. Our prayers need to be in line with God's will for our lives and for his kingdom work in this world (see Matthew 6:9-13; 1 John 5:14-15). And while God will often answer our prayers aligning with his will, there are times when the answer may be different from what we ask. At times we don't understand God's will or his plans or even his ways (Isaiah 55). Sometimes God's answer may be “Yes, but not yet” or “Not in the way you think” or even “No.” (See Luke 22:42.) In 1 Timothy 2 Paul urges believers to intercede (pray) for everyone—including “kings and all those in authority”—because “this is good, and pleases God our Savior.” When we intercede faithfully for others, we become personally involved in God's redemptive work. Each spiritual victory, I believe, is a testament to the fact that someone has been praying. Lord and Savior, help us to pray faithfully for others, that they may come to know you and have faith in you. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And when we struggle, Lord, please give us your peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. — 2 Timothy 2:15 In the first two decades of life, most people are students. The instruction we receive during that time provides us with the building blocks we need for a productive life. As believers in Christ, we are also students. We need to learn God's Word and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Savior. We need to absorb God's Word continuously in order to be transformed by the power of his Spirit, who works in us and teaches us the truth and wisdom of God. On a daily basis we need to walk in step with the Lord and his Spirit, growing to know God and to share his love with others everywhere. There's a tale of a man on a stroll who hears a voice say to him: “Gather some pebbles.” Though he sees no one, the voice persists: “Gather some pebbles and put them in your pocket, and tomorrow you will be both glad and sorry.” Intrigued, the man thinks, “Why not?” So he picks up a few pebbles and puts them in his pocket. The next day he discovers they have been transformed into diamonds. Then he feels gladness for taking some, and he is sorry for not taking more. Similarly, our study of God's Word may not reveal its benefits right away. Yet over time, nuggets of truth and wisdom will prove to be valuable treasures—blessing our lives in countless ways. Lord and Teacher, guide us into your Word. May its truths transform our hearts and minds, that we may grow in your wisdom. Amen.

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. — 2 Corinthians 5:20 An ambassador is a government official who represents their country to another nation. This is often a pivotal role in bridging gaps between nations. An ambassador aims to promote goodwill and cooperation while minimizing outbreaks that could lead to hostility. The aim is to build understanding and tolerance between nations and cultures. This means ambassadors need to listen and communicate effectively. They should express themselves with tact and diplomacy, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to their own nation while also caring for the people of their host nation. Rather than viewing the host nation as an adversary, competent ambassadors seek to build bridges, not walls. As a result, they are deeply invested in the outcomes of diplomatic negotiations. What does it mean, then, for believers in Christ to be his ambassadors? As believers, we have been called to be official representatives of God and his kingdom in this world. We serve as emissaries for our Lord and King, speaking and acting on his behalf. This appointment carries honor as well as responsibility. We are entrusted with a message, becoming the voice of the Lord to a broken, hurting world. Under his authority, our aim is to build bridges instead of barriers, seeking to share the good news of Jesus so that people can come to know him as their Savior and King. Lord Jesus, what a privilege it is to be your ambassadors! May we speak and act faithfully, that the world may know you are the Savior, the Prince of Peace. Amen.

Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. — 2 Timothy 2:3-4 The Bible depicts a cosmic battle taking place between good and evil, between God's kingdom of light and Satan's kingdom of darkness. So when we place our faith in Jesus, we not only become part of a family; we also enter a battlefield. We enlist in a mission to serve faithfully in God's kingdom. So, what does it mean to be faithful spiritual soldiers? First, we pledge unwavering allegiance to Jesus as our King. We wholeheartedly acknowledge his sovereignty and yield to his authority. We recognize that chaos would result within and around us without submitting to Jesus' authority. Second, good soldiers know their enemy. They understand that their battle is “not against flesh and blood,” as Paul puts it, but against spiritual powers. They understand that neither conventional weapons, brute force, nor human strategies are going to defeat this spiritual enemy. They study the enemy, know his game plan, and understand how to defeat him—with fervent prayer, godly praise, and self-sacrificial love. Third, good soldiers are also equipped for battle. They practice spiritual disciplines and put on the armor of God so that they can “stand against the devil's schemes” and faithfully execute their mission. Lord and King, we are called to serve you in truth and righteousness, faith and prayer, ready to share the good news of Jesus by the power of your Spirit. Amen.

[From] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God's holy people in Ephesus. . . . — Ephesians 1:1 What do you usually think of when you hear the word saint? Most of us think of some revered religious person. But what about the person you see in the mirror? Though most of us don't see ourselves as saints, that is what we are when we believe in Jesus. Because of his work, we are being sanctified, made holy, as we live out our lives serving the Lord—and that means we are saints. Because of Jesus, I am not what I or others will often perceive me to be. Instead, I am who God declares me to be. Through Jesus' sacrifice for my sake, I am now declared righteous and holy. Paul understood that we are profoundly transformed in God's sight when we come to faith in Jesus. That's why Paul begins his letter to the Ephesian believers by addressing them as “God's holy people.” Literally, he refers to them as “the saints in Ephesus.” Despite being new to the faith and still having a long way to go in their spiritual development, Paul recognizes them as saints. A saint is someone consecrated to God and set apart for God's service. Through baptism, believers are marked as God's treasured possession, set apart for his divine purposes. Just as it would be foolish to build only a doghouse on the foundation of a skyscraper, it would be foolish to build anything less than a sanctified life on the foundation Jesus established for us. Lord God, thank you for making us holy in Jesus. Help us to live into our new identity as saints each day. Amen.

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” — Matthew 20:26-27 What is the pinnacle of achievement, the ultimate honor in life? Is it an Oscar or a Grammy award? An Olympic gold medal? A championship title? A Nobel or Pulitzer prize? How do we measure greatness? Jesus explained that the highest honor and the greatest achievement in life is to be recognized as a servant of God. In God's kingdom, this calling is second to none. From our Scripture today we learn that Jesus measures success differently than we do. He doesn't rate us by material wealth, academic accolades, corporate status, or athletic prowess. Rather, he calls us to humble service—teaching us to use our talents and resources for selfless service to others. Jesus' disciples had quarreled about who should have the high ranks in his kingdom. They were ready to vie for a throne but not for a servant's towel. But true greatness, joy, and fulfillment are not found in gratifying oneself. In God's economy, these things emerge organically as a result of serving God and others. Jesus not only preached this principle; he exemplified it by laying down his own life for us. When our everyday lifestyle consists of serving others, we honor God—and in turn we are blessed. Lord Jesus, you have shown us how to live. Give us a servant's heart and a humble, teachable spirit. Help us to follow your lead, living by the law of love. Amen.

The master told his servant, “Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” — Luke 14:23 Receiving an invitation is usually seen as an honor, and most people welcome a gracious request to join in. In God's kingdom, our main approach should be simply to invite people to “come and see” what God offers us in Christ—salvation and full life forever! This is often more effective than getting into a debate about a teaching or criticizing others for their beliefs. In Jesus' parable of the great banquet, God the Father is portrayed as a generous host who wants to share his abundance and joy with others. The host prepares a feast, ensuring that everything is taken care of. God undertakes everything needed for our salvation—even footing the bill by sacrificing his own Son for our sake. And he opens the doors of his kingdom, extending his invitation to all. Ultimately God wants his house filled with all whom he has invited. And as followers of Jesus who have become God's servants, we receive an expanded role. We become inviters and bringers, actively seeking and urging others to join us. This role has sometimes been described as “one beggar telling another beggar where to find food”—or, as in this parable, one invited guest informing another guest about the banquet hall brimming with eternal blessings. Heavenly Father, may we share your good news freely with others. Make us winsome witnesses and inclusive inviters, for in you there is more than enough grace to go around. Amen.

He was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. — Hebrews 11:9-10 A pilgrim is someone who travels to a place where they long to be. Following a kind of calling, they might journey to a sacred place where they can worship. Or they might move around, ever seeking a place to call home. Followers of Jesus are pilgrims who are called to live for God as they travel through life on their way to their eternal home. The Bible tells about a pilgrim named Abraham, who followed God's call to go and live in a land that God would show him. God led Abraham to the land of Canaan, where he pitched his tent and worshiped the Lord (Genesis 12:1-8). Yet Abraham lived as a stranger and foreigner in that land. His security was not in a plot of land but in the plan of God. He envisioned an eternal city, to which he spent a lifetime traveling. Abraham lived as a pilgrim rather than as a permanent settler. Walking by faith rather than by sight, he modeled what it means to follow the Lord. A pilgrim is different from a settler. Pilgrims never feel totally comfortable with the values and lifestyles of their surrounding cultures. They are careful not to drive their stakes too deeply into the ground. They live with a holy detachment, careful not to hold on to places or things so tightly that they can't go on without them. Pilgrims also regularly long for home. In other words, they live with eternal aspirations, not simply earthly ones. Lord, help us to live in a such a way that we long for heaven but also aim to represent you here each day. Amen.

We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. — Ephesians 2:10 Imagine a skilled artist, carefully crafting a masterpiece. Each detail is carefully chosen to inspire appreciation, imagination, and more. In our Scripture passage today we are reminded that we are God's handiwork. He brings together the pieces of our lives to create a masterpiece for his glory. The original Greek text for “handiwork” in this passage was closely associated with “poetry.” In other words, we are considered as poetic works of art. We are molded and fashioned by the Lord of all into priceless treasures. But our purpose is not simply to be put on display and admired by passersby. Instead, we are molded and shaped “to do good works.” God has purposes and plans for us to fulfill, assignments to complete. What's more, God is still working on us. We are a good work in progress. We are called and led to keep learning, growing, trying, and trusting as we live by faith for the God who loves us and makes us part of his family. Whether we are bailing hay, studying for a test, teaching a child, washing dishes, creating a website, or doing any of a million other things—we are to work wholeheartedly for the Lord. By the work of our hands we are called to point others to the divine Master of all masterpieces. Lord, like a canvas or a block of clay, wood, metal, or stone waiting for the artist's touch, may we be open to your leading and guiding hand. May we bring you glory in all we do and say today. Amen.

“Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” — Matthew 12:50 Maybe you have had the opportunity to attend a family reunion or an extended family gathering recently. Family members can connect with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and others that they may not have seen in a while. Gatherings like these can be meaningful, uniting everyone under a common heritage, a family tree. As a believer in Christ, I am a child of God—and so is every other believer. This means all of us are spiritual brothers and sisters—no matter where we are throughout the world! And although we may be different from one another in some ways, we have a common heritage—we are rooted together in Christ. We have the same heavenly Father and the same ultimate goal: to do the Father's will. As part of God's forever family, we share in the same eternal inheritance that Jesus has secured for us through his death and resurrection. Sometimes people say that biological family bonds are stronger than other relationships. But in today's passage Jesus declares that all who follow the Lord are part of his family, and this relationship lasts forever. In a world of many divisions, it's good to be reminded of our family connection in Jesus. It's also good to learn that we are called to serve God together, for we will be living in eternity with these family members from all nations and places! Father, give us the eyes to see all who follow you as precious family members, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. . . . — John 1:12 Because of Jesus and his finished work, all who believe in him are given “the right to become children of God.” In other words, we can become God's permanent sons and daughters. Each of us can be a child of the King, with a loving Father and a family to belong to. The bedrock of my identity is that I have a tender, compassionate, loving heavenly Father whose eyes are always on me. As one of his children, I am engraved on the palms of his hands (Isaiah 49:16). I hope this is true for you as well. Each one of us can be a dearly loved child of God. He describes his beloved children as “the apple of his eye” (Zechariah 2:8). If you are God's child, you know that the light of his face shines on you, brightening your heart and mind, filling you with the warmth of his love and grace, and giving you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). In the Lord's faithful care, we know we are loved, “for the Lord takes delight in his people” (Psalm 149:4). “The Lord delights in those who . . . put their hope in his unfailing love” (Psalm 147:11). The apostle John adds, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1). God loves each of us lavishly and generously as a precious son or daughter. Amazing! Lord, thank you that in Jesus we can become your children. Help us each day to remember who we are and whose we are. Amen.

“You are precious and honored in my sight, and . . . I love you. . . .” — Isaiah 43:4 God created you in order to love you and to share a loving relationship with you. That is why you exist—to be cherished by your Creator and to reciprocate that love to him and radiate that love to others. For each one of us, this is the greatest foundational truth we can learn about our existence, and it helps immensely to shape our identity and sense of purpose. Like many of us, though, you may not always feel loved. Moments of feeling misunderstood, ignored, judged, or even rejected may overshadow your sense of worth. But the Bible reassures us of God's deep and passionate love for each one of us. This love is unconditional—no strings attached. You are God's beloved child—precious, esteemed, and honored in his sight. Go ahead and remind yourself of this truth as often as necessary. God's love isn't based on our actions or achievements. It transcends our successes, failures, possessions, status, and everything else about us. There's nothing we can do to earn more of God's love or to diminish it. God's love is consistent, steadfast, and true. Understanding that we are cherished, valued, and treasured by the Creator of the universe shifts our entire perspective. As we embrace this truth, fears and anxieties diminish. We can live with a new sense of peace and contentment, knowing we are beloved by him. Lord God, thank you for cherishing us. Reassure us of your everlasting love for us each day. In Jesus, Amen.

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. . . . — Romans 1:1 “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Maybe you heard this question as a child or a teenager. Our responses usually focus on some kind of career path or occupation. And as we grow older, we realize that we need some kind of work or career to help us with the costs of living. Yet consider the nuance of the question. It doesn't ask, “What do you want to do?” It asks, “What do you want to be?” Being has to do with our essence, our character, our identity. And in God's economy, being goes ahead of doing. We are so that we can do. The apostle Paul opens his letter to the Romans with a defining statement: “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. . . .” On the face of it, this statement addresses the question “Who am I?” Yet, looking deeper, we can see that it's more about “Whose am I?” Paul's identity is inseparable from his relationship with Jesus. Paul identifies himself as a servant—or, more precisely, a bondservant—of Christ Jesus. In essence, Paul belongs to Jesus, his Redeemer, who called and commissioned him. He no longer lives to please and serve himself but to please and serve the One who has rescued him. This radical Christ-centeredness is the character that every believer takes on. Like Paul's, our identity becomes inseparable from our transformative relationship with Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus, guide us to be anchored in your love and to discover our true identity in you. Amen.

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation. . . . — James 1:9 Many people today are engaged in a battle for the right to define themselves. It's as if they are saying, “I will invent or reinvent myself, and you must accept me for who I choose to be.” But this places immense pressure on people. It also brings on volatility and exhaustion as people try to navigate life together. God recognizes our need for a stable, reliable identity—one that can sustain us amid the ups and downs of life. He also knows we cannot invent the identity we need. So God made a new life possible for us through Jesus Christ. Jesus willingly gave up his glory, power, and privilege. He came to sacrifice himself on the cross to atone for our sins against God and each other. Through faith in him, we receive his love and righteousness. Our identity is anchored in him rather than in our achievements or others' opinions of us. James urges believers who have prospered and become wealthy to recognize their humble position as sinners saved by grace. And he encourages believers who are struggling financially to embrace their exalted position in Christ—loved, accepted, and cherished by God. By doing these things, we can avoid looking down on others and/or trying to outdo others to make up for our feelings of insecurity. Dear Jesus, thank you for giving up so much, so that we can gain more than we deserve. May we find our identity in you, Lord. Amen.

If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here! — 2 Corinthians 5:17 Maybe you have heard some of the profound “I am” statements of Jesus: “I am the bread of life”; “I am the light of the world”; “I am the good shepherd” (John 6:35; 8:12; 10:11, 14). Jesus lived an effective, purposeful life because he knew his identity. With unwavering clarity, he knew he was the Son of God sent to redeem the world. As we explore the meaning of our identity this month, we'll find a number of ways to describe ourselves in light of the ways God has created us. We can think of it as a treasure hunt through the Scriptures to uncover our new identity in Christ Jesus. So often we cling to false notions about identity. We focus on things like athletic prowess, academic achievements, or career success. Or we highlight how funny, famous, or fit we are. Or even how good a parent we are. But what happens when the applause fades? Do we maintain a firm grasp of who we are? The apostle Paul explains that when a person comes to faith in Jesus, they undergo a profound transformation. In some ways like a caterpillar emerging as a butterfly, believers transform to become a new creation in Christ. This fundamentally alters the way we think and act. Our identity is no longer defined by fleeting ideas but, rather, by our relationship with Christ. Lord, thank you for making and remaking us in the image of Jesus. Help us to understand who you have made us to be. Give us the courage to live out our identity in Christ. Amen.

God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them. . . . — Genesis 1:27 Throughout history, human beings have grappled with three fundamental questions: Who am I? Where do I fit in? What am I supposed to do? These questions have gnawed at us since ancient times. They have shaped our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. At the core of these lies the question of identity as we try to figure out who we really are. Our world today often tells us we have the power to mold our identity and shape our destiny as we see fit. It claims that we are in control and we can decide who we want to be. But that notion is flawed. We haven't created ourselves, so we do not have the authority to make those claims. According to God, our identity is intricately linked to him as our Creator. We are created in his image, made to reflect his character and values in all we do. This month, let's explore the idea of personal identity. Identity is the thing that most clearly defines us. It is tied to our worth, value, and significance. Without a clear sense of identity, we drift aimlessly through life. We become restless, rootless, and fruitless. When we know who we are, however, we have a firm foundation. We gain the stability we need in order to navigate changes and challenges in life and to become who we are created to be. Lord, thank you for not leaving us on our own. Thank you for revealing that our true identity is found in you. Help us to reflect your image in our living each day. Amen.

These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. — John 20:31 This brief note at the end of John's gospel account sums up the purpose of Jesus' coming. Through all of the other characters we have met and learned about in the story of Jesus, and through all of the things that took place in connection with Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, the main point has always been that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah (the Christ, meaning “Anointed One”), sent by God the Father to live among us for the purpose of delivering us from the curse of sin. On our own we would have no chance of paying the price for our sin or trying to make right everything that we have done wrong in this world. We could never earn our own forgiveness. Jesus was sent to take the punishment that we deserve onto himself and to reconcile us with God once and for all. He lived, died, and was raised from the dead for you and for me—to bring us life at its fullest. Through Jesus, God offers each of us eternal life filled with forgiveness, love, grace, and purpose. If you haven't accepted this gift of love from God, I invite you to do so today. It is offered freely—no strings attached. Take some time to reflect on this incredible gift and receive new life today! Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Help us to live fully with gratitude for the amazing gift of salvation that you offer us today. Amen.

They cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. — Acts 1:26 At a professional basketball game, have you looked at all of the players sitting on the bench? Most of them still have their warmups on and aren't sweating at all. They all have plenty of skills, or they wouldn't even be allowed to sit on that bench. They were probably stars at whatever previous level of basketball they played. But for now they sit on the bench and patiently wait for a turn to play. I wonder if Matthias felt in a way like that. He had been following Jesus from the beginning. He had heard everything that Jesus had taught. He had seen all of the miracles Jesus had done. He may have been one of the 72 followers Jesus had sent out during his ministry. Matthias must have had many stories to share about what he had seen and done while following Jesus. Certainly he was a qualified and loyal follower of Jesus. But he wasn't one of the 12 apostles until his name came up and was drawn by lot. Sometimes the message we get from Jesus is “Wait.” We may be ready to go where he sends us or to do what he wants us to do. But he tells us to wait. Wait for the opportunity and for the time to be right. Wait for Jesus to call on us. I imagine Matthias was excited to become part of the leading group of Christ-followers who would go out and change the world. I hope you are excited to be a part of that movement as well. Lord Jesus, when you call us to follow you, move us to say yes with excitement and joy for what you have in store for us. Amen.

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. — Matthew 28:16 When our kids were old enough to look after themselves at home while Mom and Dad went out, we always had lots of instructions for them. Feed the dog, water the plants, vacuum the living room, load the dishwasher, and be in bed by 10 p.m. In our absence we wanted things to get done, and we needed our kids to know they had to get them done. In some ways, it seems, Jesus had a similar plan when he was about to leave his disciples. He had spent years with them, training them and preparing them for this exact moment. He was about to return to the Father in heaven and leave them with the task of furthering his kingdom on the earth. So before he left, Jesus gave them these tasks: “Make disciples of all nations.” “Baptize people into my family.” “Teach them everything I have commanded you.” And he promised, “I will always be with you.” These were essential for the disciples, and they are essential for us today. We continue in this important work as Jesus' followers even now. Jesus' message to his disciples is his message to us. We have our job description, and we have Jesus' promise of his eternal presence with us. And these are things we can be sure of. Jesus, thank you for your promise to be with us always and for the tasks you have given us. Help us to fulfill your kingdom purposes on the earth every day. In your name, Amen.

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time. . . . — John 21:17 Jesus' questions parallel Peter's three denials. On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter was asked three times if he was associated with Jesus, and each time Peter said no (John 18:15-18, 25-27). Now Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” And while Peter is obviously hurt by this, no doubt Jesus was hurt by Peter's denials as well. The rebuilding of Peter's relationship with Jesus was important. Jesus needed to hear that Peter still loved him. Jesus still had a role for Peter to fill in his growing kingdom. And Peter needed to know he was forgiven and still welcome in Jesus' kingdom work. In fact, Peter might have thought he wasn't welcome to follow Jesus anymore after his denial—and that might have been at least partly why he went back to fishing so soon after Jesus' death and resurrection. Whatever the case, Peter needed to know that he was still welcome. Nothing Peter could do would separate him from Jesus' love. The same is true for us (Romans 8:38-39). We might deny Jesus and turn our backs on him in any number of ways. But Jesus never does that to us. He is always waiting for us, asking us if we love him, and giving us a continued purpose in his kingdom. Jesus' love never fails. This is a promise we can depend on every day. Jesus, thank you for the gift of forgiveness and for continuing to call us to follow you. Thank you for providing us with salvation and a new life with you! Amen.

Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. — John 21:1 If you're an expert at something and have done it for a long time, it can be difficult to take advice from someone else. In our reading today, though, we find that even though Jesus' disciples are experienced fishermen, they take advice from a stranger who calls out to them from the shore. Maybe they go along with this advice because they have been out all night and have caught nothing. Fishing on the Sea of Galilee could be unpredictable, and even experienced fishermen could get stumped. Or maybe this stranger spoke with enough authority to convince them to listen to him. This particular stranger, who was the Lord of heaven and earth, surely had abundant authority (see Matthew 28:18). Whatever the case, it didn't take long for the disciples to realize who the stranger was. Their catch of fish was so big that they couldn't haul it in. And John said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Clearly they remembered a time when this had happened before (see Luke 5:1-11). Back then, Jesus had called these fishermen to follow him, and they had joined him on an incredible journey. Now Jesus was meeting with them again to renew their call to follow him. And they followed. Jesus calls us to follow him too. Will you join him again today? Jesus, help us to say yes to your invitation, and guide us to follow you today and every day, wherever you call us to go. Amen.

That same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. — Luke 24:13 A friend of mine went to his kids' sports event, and he found a seat next to a random stranger in the stands. They started a conversation and talked for most of the game. It was only after people pointed out to him later that the person he was talking to during the game was a retired famous athlete. He had had no idea. Cleopas and his fellow traveler had known Jesus and had interacted with him before his death and resurrection. They were closely connected with his ministry and even knew that the women had found his tomb empty earlier that day. But they didn't recognize Jesus as he walked and talked with them. I'm not sure why they didn't recognize him, but that also happened to others who knew him well. Only after he broke bread with them in their home did they realize that the person they had been talking with was Jesus. I wonder how often we find ourselves in Christ's presence and don't realize it. Though he isn't actually there in person, he can be present with us anywhere at any time because he promises, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Maybe a conversation with a friend ushers us into Jesus' presence. Or maybe a worship experience helps us connect with Christ in a new way. Or maybe someone shines the presence of Jesus in a selfless act of service. Whatever the case, let's keep our eyes open for Jesus in our everyday living. No doubt he is walking with us each day. Lord, help us to know you are with us always, and to work with you in all we do and say. Amen.

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. — John 20:24 I can understand Thomas's doubt. For whatever reason, he wasn't with the other disciples when Jesus first visited them after his resurrection, so he hadn't seen Jesus firsthand. Maybe he should have taken the disciples' word for it when they told him they had seen Jesus. Maybe he should have had more faith. Or maybe he was just an untrusting sort of person. Whatever the case, Thomas said he just couldn't believe Jesus was alive until he saw Jesus for himself. When Jesus came again and Thomas could see him, Jesus was patient with Thomas. Jesus even showed Thomas what he said he needed to see in order to believe. But Jesus also noted that all who believe without seeing him will be blessed. Today that includes you and me. Belief without seeing is the nature of our faith most of the time. We probably won't see Christ in person until we join him in eternity. Until then, though, we believe even though we have not seen. We are called to have faith in Jesus for who he is, all he has done, and all he has promised. We believe because others have seen, because others have witnessed, and because their testimony is in God's Word to us, along with all of God's promises. We believe because the Spirit of God guides us into the truth of God's Word and gives us faith (see John 16:7-15; Ephesians 2:6-10). And in believing we are blessed. Lord, help us to believe even though we have not seen. By your Spirit, lead us to know the truth that brings life in you. Amen.

On . . . that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” — John 20:19 The disciples were hiding together behind locked doors in the days after Jesus' death. They weren't just afraid of being recognized or ridiculed for following a teacher that had been sentenced and crucified. They feared for their lives. They were afraid of what the Jewish leaders might do to try to wipe out any remaining followers of their enemy Jesus. Some of us might look down on the disciples for their fear, but I think most of us would have reacted the same way if we were in their position. In fact, we might also act out of fear in our everyday living as followers of Jesus today. Most of us, if we live in a place of religious freedom, don't have to fear for our lives because of our faith—but there are many people who do. And even if we don't fear for our lives, we might have fears about what our friends, classmates, coworkers, or even family members might think of us if we told them what we believe. While these reactions may make sense, Jesus' greeting to his disciples should ring in our ears whenever we might be afraid. Jesus greeted his disciples with the words “Peace be with you!” And that same peace is offered to us if ever we are afraid. Risen Lord, we don't want to be afraid. Help us always to have your peace in our lives—especially if we are afraid. In your name we pray. Amen.

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. — Luke 24:1 When they went to Jesus' tomb on Sunday morning, the women expected to find Jesus' body there. They had prepared spices for his burial and a time of mourning. But when they got there, the stone was rolled away and Jesus' body was gone. Suddenly they saw two men in gleaming clothes who told them that Jesus wasn't there but had risen from the dead, just as he had told them. All of that is amazing in itself, but I love what these women did when they left the tomb. They went and told the disciples and “all the others.” They had seen something amazing, and that needed to be shared. So they told everyone they knew. Other people did the same thing after encountering Jesus. They experienced his amazing power through healings, teachings, forgiveness, and more—and they couldn't keep from sharing about it with everyone else. Encountering the risen Lord should draw the same response from us. “Christ is risen” is the best news the world has ever heard. This isn't news that should be hoarded for ourselves or kept from others who need to hear it. This is good news for all the world to hear. So today, share the good news of Jesus with everyone you meet. Christ has risen! Jesus, let us boldly share the news of your resurrection through our words and actions with everyone we meet today. In your name, Amen.

“Go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'” — Mark 16:7 We might not like to be singled out, but many of us know what that's like. It may be for a special honor, or it may be for doing something wrong. Either way, being singled out can be embarrassing and make us want to hide. Peter was singled out by Jesus here. And while Peter may have gulped deeply when he heard about this, it wasn't a bad thing. Peter had denied Jesus three times, even after saying he would never leave Jesus' side (see Mark 14:27-31, 66-72). I can't imagine the guilt Peter must have felt. But Jesus needed Peter to know that he was still welcome among his followers. He was still invited to the reunion in Galilee that Jesus had mentioned. In fact, he was still part of the plan Jesus had for his disciples and the whole world. We could all make a laundry list of the many things we do that should separate us from Jesus. There are times when we do what we shouldn't do and times when we don't do what we should do. But none of those things separates us from Jesus and his kingdom, because his death has covered all the sins of our lives—even the ones we haven't done yet. That's how vast the forgiveness of God is! And when the Lord singles us out, we can be sure he is calling us to join with him. Can you sense the Lord calling you today? Jesus, thank you for calling us to follow you, even though we have failed you in many ways. Help us to be faithful, we pray. Amen.

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” — John 20:16 On the morning of Jesus' resurrection, Mary Magdalene went to visit his tomb early—and when she saw the stone rolled away, she quickly went to tell Jesus' disciples. They came and saw and then returned to where they were staying. But Mary couldn't leave. She was overcome with sorrow about Jesus' death and couldn't imagine life without him. So she lingered in the garden and wept. Through her tears she saw two angels in the tomb. She explained why she was crying, and then she turned around and saw Jesus there but didn't recognize him. It's hard to know why she didn't recognize him. Maybe her vision was clouded by tears. Maybe Jesus' resurrected body was somehow different. Whatever the reason, she mistook him for the gardener and asked where Jesus' body had been taken. And Jesus simply called her by name: “Mary.” How often do we encounter Jesus and not recognize him? Maybe we are talking with a person in need. Maybe someone is calling us to repentance. Maybe someone is showing us kindness or grace. Or maybe Jesus is present in a random event. Maybe our vision is clouded by busyness or worry, fear, or inattention. But then Jesus, who knows everything about us, gets our attention, and we immediately know he is there. We can tell that he loves us and is always with us. We know that his grace is for us, and that he calls us to follow him in everything we do. Jesus, thank you for knowing us and calling us to enjoy new life with you. Amen.

“Surely he was the Son of God!” — Matthew 27:54 Have you ever seen something that was so amazing you just couldn't stop talking about it? Maybe it was something incredible that happened at a special event. Or something you saw while hiking or traveling, or in a TV documentary. Whatever it was, it was so astonishing that you had to tell everyone around you about it. That was the reaction of the centurion and the guards who watched over Jesus' execution. They saw everything that happened to him. And after everything had happened—after Jesus had given up his spirit—they couldn't help declaring exactly who Jesus was. Encountering Jesus has that effect on people still today. When Jesus shows up in our lives and does something miraculous or we are able to see the work of his Spirit through an individual or a community, we can't help sharing that good news with everyone we meet. What amazing things has Jesus done in your life that you can't help sharing with others? In what ways have you encountered him when you didn't expect to? Not all of us may be able to think of something right away, but on this Good Friday we can look again at the story of Jesus' death and remember that he died for us. Jesus died so that each one of us can live as a forgiven child of God. This is the foundational good news that we can share with everyone! Jesus, thank you for showing up in our lives and helping us, by your Spirit, to grow in faith. Above all, thank you for dying for us. Amen.

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother. . . . — John 19:25 Jesus' entire ministry was characterized by selfless acts. Healing sick people, feeding hungry people, taking the role of a servant, and even raising the dead were major parts of his ministry of bringing the good news of God's love for us all. Jesus was always looking out for others and putting them and their needs ahead of his own. So we shouldn't be surprised that as he hung on the cross he was still thinking about others. Jesus' mother, Mary, stood by helplessly, watching her son die on a cross. No doubt, she wept with the others who stood with her. And while Jesus neared death, he reached out to make sure that she would be taken care of. He told the disciple that he loved (John) that he should take Mary into his home and treat her as his own mother and that Mary should treat John as her own son. Of course, Jesus' death was the most selfless act of all. He gave up his own life and died for our sins so that you and I wouldn't have to. He took on all of God's wrath and punishment against sin so that we could be forgiven. Today and every day, let's remember our Savior who lived a selfless life, died a horrible death to take away our sins, and was raised from the dead to conquer sin and death “once for all” (Hebrews 9:26-10:10). Jesus, we can't thank you enough for the selfless act of your death for our sake. Help us to live every day remembering your selfless love for us. In your name, Amen.

When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere . . . he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man's blood,” he said. — Matthew 27:24 Pilate is a puzzling character in the story of Jesus' death. He was the Roman governor of Judea, and he directly oversaw Jesus' trial and handed him over to be crucified. But it seems that he also tried to do what he could to avoid sentencing Jesus. He asked several times what crime Jesus was actually accused of, and he tried to make use of a custom in which the governor would release a prisoner of the people's choice during the Passover festival. But the people wanted another prisoner released and they wanted Jesus crucified. Pilate's wife even warned him to have nothing to do with Jesus because of a dream she had had. In the end Pilate tried symbolically to wash his hands of the whole thing and proclaim his own innocence in the matter. Still, Pilate was responsible for his actions. He knew that Jesus wasn't guilty and that he shouldn't be crucified, but he let it happen anyway. In the face of pressure, he did what the crowd wanted, not what he knew was right. How often do we do the same thing? We know what we need to do, even if it isn't the popular thing. But we go along with the crowd, giving in to pressure, and we do what we know is wrong. With God's help, though, and because of all that Jesus has done for us, we can change. We can stand up for what is right, even if it isn't the popular thing to do. Lord, help us to do what we know is right. Help us to follow you wherever you lead. Amen.

One of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests. . . . — Matthew 26:14 Sometimes I like watching TV shows about police, lawyers, investigators, and criminals. It can be intriguing to try to figure out a person's motive for committing a crime. Sometimes, even long after you can tell who the villain is, the motive is unclear till the very end of the story. I wonder sometimes what motivated Judas to betray Jesus. Was it greed? Was it power? Had he been hoping for an important place in Jesus' kingdom, then learned that Jesus wasn't about worldly power, and then decided to switch sides and join Jesus' enemies for a chance at power instead? Or was his motive maybe altruistic, as in knowing what Jesus had to do—go to the cross and die—and then trying to help that along? Or did Judas perhaps simply not like Jesus and the other disciples and decide he was done with it all? We don't really know. Sometimes I wonder about my own motivations too. Why do I follow Jesus? Why do I do anything that I do on a daily basis? It's important for all of us to examine our motivations from time to time. We need to look at the things we do and make sure we are doing them for the right reasons. Being motivated by love, care, compassion, or purpose is good. Being motivated by greed, personal ambition, or hate is not. What motivates you? Dear God, help us to identify and understand our motives. Help us to act in line with your love in everything we do. Amen.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” — John 13:6 Have you ever had your feet washed by someone else? Or have you ever washed someone else's feet? Years ago I was involved in a program where we trained student leaders. At the end of the training the adult leaders would wash the feet of the student leaders. I was always uneasy doing it, but it was always meaningful for me and the students. When Jesus knelt down to wash his disciples' feet, I'm sure the room fell silent. This wasn't something that a teacher and master would do. But as he moved from person to person, I'm sure the disciples knew something meaningful was happening. And Peter's response is what all of us would say: “Not my feet, Jesus!” But then after Jesus explained that he had to do this, Peter went all in: “Then wash my hands and my head too!” Jesus needed Peter and the rest of the disciples to know what it meant to be a servant to others. He needed them to know that no matter what position they held, no matter how important they were, they were still called to be servants to others. The same is true for us. It doesn't matter what position you hold in life or how important you are. What matters is whether or not you will be a servant to others. Are you willing to humble yourself for someone else in the name of Jesus? Humble Lord, humble me in the presence of the people I meet today. Show me whom I need to serve in your name. Amen.

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” . . . — John 12:13 Today is Palm Sunday. I remember someone telling me that the events of Palm Sunday always seemed contradictory to her. Some of the people who celebrated Jesus' entry into Jerusalem were the same ones who shouted “Crucify him!” a few days later (Mark 15:13-14). The contradictions of Palm Sunday have something to say, if we are ready to listen. For example, what kind of king enters a city on a donkey? A majestic horse would be more fitting, right? And what kind of people shout, “Hosanna!” and “Blessed is the king of Israel!” one day, and then cry “Crucify him!” later in the week? It doesn't make sense. But the contradictions don't stop there. They carry on all the way to you and me. Physically Jesus was put on the cross by soldiers, officials, priests, and regular people. But he hung on that cross because the sin of all humanity—including my sin and your sin—put him there. All of us are like the crowd waving branches as Jesus entered Jerusalem. We celebrate and worship him as Lord and King—and yet we sin, which required that Jesus die in our place to save us. We are no different from the crowds in Jerusalem all those years ago. So today, as we celebrate Jesus arriving as King, let's remember that he came not “to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). He died so that we can be forgiven and have new life in him! Lord Jesus, help us to celebrate you and to give thanks for all you have done to save us. Amen.