[Jesus said] And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:27

Carrying Their Cross

Daily Devotion – September 7, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 14:27

See series: Devotions

Some people pay for other people to push them. They hire personal trainers who tell them to eat less desirable food and refrain from eating the tastiest stuff. Those trainers push them to the point of pain in the gym and even strongly encourage them to keep going when they want to give up.

Why would anyone ever hire a personal trainer? It’s because they want to be better people, different people. When the personal trainers advertise their services, are they honest about what kind of pain they will put people through?

Jesus is honest about the kind of pain that comes from following him. He told his disciples that they were going to suffer. He used an expression, “carry their cross,” that implied that they would be treated like criminals.

Why would anyone ever want to put themselves through that kind of punishment? Disciples of Jesus realize that they may be misunderstood and mistreated. They find out they are fighting their own sinful flesh their whole lives. They make sacrifices, and often go unappreciated.

Why would Jesus’ disciples ever want to do that? It’s because Jesus has made them different people. They were once on the road to hell, but now they have the sure promise of eternal life in heaven. They used to live in guilt, but now they live in forgiveness.

Being a disciple of Jesus is worth all that suffering. There is glory that will be revealed in them.

Prayer:
Lord, lead me to bear my cross with perseverance as I look to Jesus’ cross for my strength. Amen.

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—that I appeal to you.
Philemon 1:7-10

On the Basis of Love

Daily Devotion – September 5, 2022

Devotion based on Philemon 1:7-10

See series: Devotions

You can avoid doing things because you think you might get into trouble for doing them. And you can do things because you think you might be rewarded for doing them. You can get other people to do things simply by claiming it is the right thing to do. And you can get them to stop doing things simply by claiming that it is the wrong thing to do.

That way of approaching life is called law motivation. You don’t have to be Christian to think and act that way. It’s a natural way of thinking.

Christians have a different motivation for how they think and act. They appeal to one another on the basis of love. In today’s Bible reading, Paul appeals to his friend, Philemon, to do the right thing not simply because it’s right but because of love.

It’s the ideal for parenting. You want your children to do the right thing not because they fear punishment but because they love you. It’s the ideal for classroom teaching. You want the students to behave not because there are classroom rules to be followed but because they love their teacher.

It’s how God appeals to you. You don’t have to be good to go to heaven. It’s Jesus’ perfect goodness that is getting you there. So why be good? God appeals to you on the basis of love. Because you love him, learn what is right. Because you love him, do what is right and refrain from doing what is wrong.

It’s called gospel motivation. When you believe the gospel, you are moved to show your love to God by demonstrating love to other people. When you are not feeling it, go back to what God has done for you. You love because he first loved you.

Prayer:
Loving Lord, move my heart to show my love for you by doing what is right in the name of Jesus. Amen.

When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, [Jesus] told them this parable: “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited . . . But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 14:7,8,10,11

Put in My Place

Daily Devotion – September 3, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 14:7,8,10,11

See series: Devotions

Years ago, attending a national conference, I was pleased to sit by a classmate and friend. Each of us had raised our hand several times and offered input. When, once again, we had our hands in the air, we heard the firm voice of a much older man from behind us say, “We’ve heard enough from you young fellas for one day.”

I think of that experience when reading today’s Bible reading in which Jesus tells us not to exalt ourselves. Rather, he says we are to humble ourselves.

True humility means praying, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). It is a recognition that I am not what God made me to be. I am not as kind, patient, or loving as he commands me to be.

This humility is important because only when I humbly recognize my faults will I realize my need for God’s forgiveness. Only then will I turn to Jesus, who won forgiveness for me. And when I do, he promises to lift me up and restore me, to assure me that I am at peace with God and an heir of eternal life. This is what Jesus meant when he said, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, give me a humble heart that trusts only in you. Amen.

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.
James 2:8,9

Love Your Neighbor

Daily Devotion – September 1, 2022

Devotion based on James 2:8,9

See series: Devotions

Are you doing right by God? Does God generally approve of how you live your life? These can be common questions we all contemplate. The apostle James provides a litmus test to know if we are doing right before God: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” That sounds simple enough. Love your neighbor. That seems doable. We can hold the door open for people, mow our elderly neighbor’s yard, be pleasant and wish people well.

It can be easy to feel like we love our neighbor so well that we are right with God. The trouble, however, is found in the phrase: “as yourself.” Do we love others that way? Not so much. It is one thing to hold the door open for someone. It is an entirely different to love someone the way we love ourselves. To love someone that way costs time and effort. It means putting their needs before my own. Too often, we do not have the desire or the energy to love other people that way. Worse, we perhaps discover that we do not love all people equally. Clearly, we cannot be right before God based on how we love our neighbors.

Thankfully, there is one who did right before God. One who always loved his neighbors perfectly. One who never played favorites. His name is Jesus. And the proof of his love for his neighbor is found on the cross. In giving his life on the cross, Jesus loved his neighbors. All of them. He didn’t only die for the ‘good’ people. He didn’t only die for the ones who would love him back. He died for all of us. He died for you.

You are Jesus’ neighbor, and he has already demonstrated his perfect love for you. You now have an opportunity to thank him for all that he has done by showing that same love to your neighbors.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for the awesome love that saved me from my sins. Empower me with your love, to love my neighbors equally—with the same kind of love that you have shown me. Amen.

Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.
Proverbs 25:6,7

Humility

Daily Devotion – August 30, 2022

Devotion based on Proverbs 25:6,7

See series: Devotions

“Hey Daddy, watch me!” We likely all shouted similar words to a parent, grandparent, or teacher at one point in our lives. Whether we were about to go down the park slide or try a somersault or try to make a free-throw, we wanted to be noticed. That really hasn’t changed. We like to show off for the teacher, coach, or employer. We want to appear smarter than our classmates, faster than our teammates, and more productive than our coworkers. And, in getting noticed, we hope to be elevated above others. We want the scholarship, more playing time, or the raise in salary before anyone else can get it.

But what if it goes the other way? What if the teacher, coach, or boss is not impressed? What if we haven’t met the standard as well as someone else? It can be humiliating when someone is chosen ahead of us.

In the same way, we cannot impress our heavenly Father enough to be given eternal life. As he looks at our imperfect lives of sin, the only possible conclusion he can come to is that we are not good enough—that our lives of good deeds have not been impressive enough. One single sin is enough for God to humiliate us rather than exalt us.

That’’where Jesus comes in. Rather than come down to earth to impress everyone, Jesus humbled himself and put others first. He did not seek to elevate himself over anyone else. Instead, he willingly gave himself to a horrible death on a cross so that he could pay the price that our sins deserved. He died for you and me and the whole world. And now, through faith in Jesus, the Father holds out his hand and says, “come up here.” Jesus has opened the door to heaven for us. Thanks to Jesus, we will not be humiliated for our sins. Rather, we are saved now and forever.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for humiliating yourself so that I could be lifted up to heaven. Help me to honor you in my life today. Amen.

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. . . . If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
James 2:1,8-10

Love Without Favoritism

Daily Devotion – August 28, 2022

Devotion based on James 2:1,8-10

See series: Devotions

How can you love someone without showing favoritism? It is easy if you only have one person to love. But when two or more people enter into the equation, it becomes difficult. Do you love your siblings equally? Do you love your children or grandchildren equally? Do you treat and respond to all your friends in the same way? Or do you find yourself enjoying time with some more than the others? Favoritism can strain and even damage relationships.

The problem is that we are inclined to love those who love us. Jesus’ love is very different. He loves all people and does not show favoritism. He demonstrated his impartial love by sacrificing his life for the sins of everyone, not just a few. He chooses us to be his followers and heirs of eternal life, not because we deserved it, but because of his great love.

Embracing us with his love, Jesus leads us to love people in the way he loves them. Our Savior teaches us to love without favoritism. As his believers, we learn to love everyone. We do not consider some people more worthy of our love than others. And let’s remember that when we love people with Jesus’ kind of love, we will surely have opportunities to tell them about the love of Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, keep me from showing favoritism. Rather, instill in me a desire to love all of the people in my life the way you do. Amen.

Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.”
Luke 13:25-28

Standing Firm

Daily Devotion – August 26, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 13:25-28

See series: Devotions

What has your spiritual journey looked like? Did you grow up in a Christian home, participate in Christian worship, and attend Christian schools? Or did you just start hearing about God and his salvation recently?

According to Jesus, each situation has its blessings and challenges. If you just started hearing what the Bible teaches, you have the blessing of remembering what it was like to be “dead in sin.” You might feel like a newlywed on their honeymoon. Everything about God is new, fresh, and exciting. On the other hand, because your faith is not mature, you could be like a plant with little roots. Worldly desires, distractions, or disasters could have the potential to pluck you from the faith.

In the same way, there are blessings and challenges for those of you who have grown up in the Christian faith: You know how to listen to God’s Word and respond in prayer. You probably have a network of Christian friends that can help you when you are struggling. On the other hand, you might be tempted to believe you are stronger than you think. You might forget how much you need continual strengthening by God’s Word and worship.

So, whether you are a new Christian or a life-long Christian, keep growing. Let the roots of your faith grow deep as you gather with God’s people around his Word.

Prayer:
Come Holy Spirit, rekindle in us the fire of your love. Amen.

[Jesus] said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ . . . Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”
Luke 13:24-27,30

A Narrow Door

Daily Devotion – August 24, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 13:24-27,30

See series: Devotions

Jesus says we must walk through the “narrow door” to enter heaven. But what exactly is that “narrow door”? Some people believe that it is about knowing all the right religious teachings. And so, “entering the narrow door” is like passing an academic test. If you know the right answers, you make it through.

Others might think it’s about doing the right deeds. “Entering the narrow door” is about completing a list of tasks. They might think, As long as I go to church, give an offering, and become a good citizen, I’m in.

But Jesus says that on the Last Day, those people who just had a mere superficial and transactional relationship with Jesus will not enter. He will say to them, “I don’t know you or where you come from.”

So how do you “enter through the narrow door”? We trust in him like a child trusts their parents. We rely on him as our way back to God.

Jesus explained what it means to enter this narrow door in John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Today, right now, make every effort to enter through the narrow gate. Put your trust in Jesus. Abandon all hope in yourself and your knowledge and performance. Cling to Christ and let him lead you into your heavenly Father’s presence.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are the way through the narrow door of salvation. I trust in you. I will not be afraid. Amen.

Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.”
Luke 13:22-24

Make Every Effort to Enter God’s Kingdom

Daily Devotion – August 22, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 13:22-24

See series: Devotions

According to the Pew Research Center, in 2015, there were about 2.5 billion Christians on earth. That is a large number of people professing to follow Jesus. And yet, when you consider that there are about 8 billion people in the world, that number doesn’t seem so high. That might lead us to wonder, are only a few people going to be saved?

That is not a new question. In fact, when Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” (Luke 13:23) Now we believe that Jesus is true God, and so we believe he knows everything, even the very number of hairs on our heads. (Luke 12:7) He knows the exact number of people who will be saved. But when he was asked, he didn’t disclose that number. He didn’t tell his followers how many people would be saved.

Instead, Jesus responded, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to” (Luke 13:24). Jesus was not dodging the question but redirecting his followers to a more important issue: their own salvation. He was telling them not to assume that they were automatically in God’s kingdom because of their nationality or religious upbringing. He told them to make every effort to enter into God’s kingdom.

The same is true for us. Rather than focusing on how many people will be in heaven one day, Jesus wants us to focus on making sure we are in heaven one day. This means staying close to Jesus and the promises he makes in the Bible—the promise of forgiveness, peace with God and eternal life through his life, death, and resurrection. Strengthening our faith by the power of God’s Word is how we make every effort to enter the door of heaven.

Prayer:
Lord, lead me to grow your kingdom even as you work on my heart. Amen.

Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.
Hebrews 12:10-12

Useful Discipline

Daily Devotion – August 20, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 12:10-12

See series: Devotions

No one likes to be disciplined. But we all understand that at times, disciplining our children is important, even critical, for their well-being.

The same is true for God’s children. At times it is important, even critical, for him to discipline us. Discipline, sometimes painful discipline, is used by God to make us stronger. Painful trouble is not fun, but God allows it. He allows it, but not because he wants you further away from him. No! Just the opposite is true. He uses trouble and tribulation to draw you closer to him.

When you face trials in your life, remember that God is not punishing you for sin. Jesus already took your punishment in full on the cross. Hear God proclaim his love for you as he forgives all your sins. Listen to God’s care for you when he tells his highest goal for you is an eternity at his side in heaven. Know that he loves you dearly and deeply. The pain you’re experiencing does not disprove that love. Rather, God says this painful discipline emphatically proves his love for you. Through it, God promises “righteousness and peace.” These blessings are yours in Christ.

God may allow very difficult things into the lives of his children. But Christ’s followers know God’s intent is not to cruelly treat his children. God’s desire is to turn our eyes and hearts to him and his Word. God’s goal is to grow our faith as we trust in his promises. Our almighty, all-wise, and loving God will use even painful troubles to discipline us, and “produce a harvest of righteousness and peace.” This pain is temporary. Our joy with God in heaven will be eternal.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, increase my trust in you when you allow trouble into my life. Drive me back to your Word and your strength. Pull me close to you with your sure promises and love. Amen.

They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:10,11

Directed Discipline

Daily Devotion – August 18, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 12:10,11

See series: Devotions

One could argue that the most unloving thing a parent could consistently do to their children is not discipline them. All parenting experts agree that children need discipline. Perhaps you’ve experienced the effects of an undisciplined child. Those children become unhappy, angry, and resentful.

Disciplining is not easy, neither for the parent nor the child, but it is loving. With the perspective of time and wisdom, you can look back at the disciplining you received from your parents and be thankful for it. Though it was unpleasant at the time, it showed how much they loved and cared about you.

The people who received the Biblical letter entitled “Hebrews” were going through a terrible time of suffering. One reason the author wrote to them was to encourage them through this time of tribulation.

The author wanted them to know that the suffering they faced was not a punishment from God, who was angry with them; rather, it was loving discipline from a loving Father. This discipline was intended to increase their faith and reliance on God instead of anything else.

When you face difficult times, sometimes they come simply as the result of living in world full of tragedy, evil, diseases, and disasters. Sometimes they may come as a form of God the Father disciplining you in love. But you can be sure that God is not punishing.

God punished someone else for the world’s sin—his own Son, Jesus. That punishment brought peace to all who trust in Jesus as the Savior. That peace means that even though you will face painful experiences, you can be sure that God loves you, and God will not waste the tears that come from that pain. In love, he will use them to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace for you.

Prayer:
Dear Father, help me endure painful moments and to trust that you love me through it all because you sent Jesus for me. Amen.

“Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?”
Jeremiah 23:29

God’s Powerful Words

Daily Devotion – August 16, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 23:29

See series: Devotions

The prophet Jeremiah faced challenging work. God called him to speak the hard truth to a people who did not want to hear it. Instead, the people had surrounded themselves with false teachers. These false teachers spoke what the people wanted to hear. They claimed God was speaking to them and saying everything would be fine.

But these were lies. The false teachers had not received any messages from God and certainly not one saying that things were fine. Jeremiah warned the people that disaster was right around the corner. Unless they changed their ways: their cities would be destroyed, and they would be taken captive.

The people thought that Jeremiah’s words, really God’s words, were empty. But in time, God’s words proved true. God’s words consumed the false promises of the lying teachers like fire. Their cities were smashed into pieces, and their people captured.

God’s words may not always deliver what we want to hear. They do not promise us a false peace that we desire. We all love affirmation of our actions. But God’s words do not affirm our actions when they are contrary to his will. Instead, we hear that those actions are sins we need to turn away from. Like the people of Jeremiah’s times, we find those words offensive.

But God gives us these hard words in love. Let God’s word smash sinful habits, so we can find life in him. Let God’s words be the fire that consumes shame and guilt.

Those willing to listen to the truth of God’s words will find a much greater peace. They will discover that God promises a security far greater than we could ever imagine. God’s powerful words promise that Jesus has made things right between God and us.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to cancel out the false messages and lies and to listen to the truth of your powerful word. Forgive my sins. Make me trust always in you. Amen.

[Jesus said] “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.”
Luke 12:49-51

Peace on Earth

Daily Devotion – August 14, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 12:49-51

See series: Devotions

Didn’t Jesus come to earth to bring peace? Yes! To win that peace, Jesus marched into war against sin, death, and hell. In the verses for our devotion today, he describes the distressing mission to win our eternal deliverance. Jesus looked ahead to the torment and death that he alone would undergo for us. He willingly poured out his lifeblood on the cross to win eternal peace for guilty sinners.

Through Jesus’ perfect life and selfless suffering and death, believers have the peace of God. They are filled with a faith kindled by the Holy Spirit. Their transformed hearts burn within them because of the gospel’s joyful news of peace with God. However, not everyone enjoys the peace Jesus freely won for them. Unbelievers search in vain for worldly peace, dousing the flame of faith extended to them through the gospel. They live as enemies of Jesus, despising the cross and the comfort Christ brings.

Because of humanity’s sin, Jesus’ beautiful gospel message of eternal peace will cause division in this world. Believers will face rejection and ridicule by neighbors, friends, and even family. It is a temptation for believers to attempt to maintain peace in their relationships at all costs. Yet peace maintained at any price is not the purpose of Christ. In love, Jesus reminds his followers that loyalty to him counts more than all else.

Jesus has graciously given us a mission. Filled with Christ’s peace, we hear his call to proclaim his eternal gospel to others. When it appears that the message falls on deaf ears, do not be discouraged. Jesus encourages us, “He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me” (Luke 10:16).

Our ultimate goal in sharing the gospel is that others may know of the peace Jesus won for them so that they may enjoy eternal peace with Jesus in heaven.

Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, thank you for giving me your everlasting peace. Give me confidence to proclaim your message of peace to others. Amen.

Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12:33,34

Set Your Heart on Heavenly Treasure

Daily Devotion – August 12, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 12:33,34

See series: Devotions

“Their heart just wasn’t in it.” When have you heard or said that phrase?

Maybe it was a dramatic or musical performance that, even though it lacked mistakes, felt flat, and lacked passion. Maybe it was a player in an athletic contest who seemed distracted and didn’t perform up to their usual ability. Maybe it was someone who decided to switch paths—to change schools or careers—when they didn’t find joy in the path they were on.

You can often tell when someone’s heart is in something and when it’s not. And we set our hearts on the things most important to us, on the things we treasure.

When we set our hearts on things that don’t last, we will eventually be disappointed. Human achievements, worldly wealth, even health and family don’t last forever. Setting our hearts on such things can leave us feeling uneasy, and rightly so. When those blessings are taken away from us, our hearts are left empty. And that uneasiness or emptiness can show in how we live our lives.

But Jesus reminds us that we have more to live for. We have treasure that cannot be taken away from us. It is the treasure of life without disappointment, failure, or loss. It is the treasure of life in God’s perfect, loving presence.

Jesus bought that treasure for us with his holy life and his innocent death. Watching Jesus’ life, as his story is told in the Bible, no one would ever say his heart wasn’t in it! He was all in for you! He paid the ultimate price to buy for you and me the treasure of eternal life with him because he treasured us above his own life.

Heavenly treasure is yours! Priceless treasure without cost or condition and that nothing can destroy! Ponder and celebrate that treasure. Live for it. Live each day with your heart in it—focused on your true treasure.

Prayer:
Jesus, you set your heart on saving me. Move me to set my heart on the priceless treasure of life with you! Amen.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Gift of Faith

Daily Devotion – August 10, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 11:1

See series: Devotions

You have to see it to believe it. Maybe you’ve been on vacation and seen something like that. An ocean sunset or mountain sunrise. A majestic animal or awe-inspiring display of athletic or artistic skill. The descriptions, pictures, or videos just don’t do justice. Those we tell must take our word for it.

The Bible tells us some amazing and awe-inspiring things. It describes a God who transcends space and time, who came in time as a human being to rescue those who rebelled against him. It describes a love without limit, forgiveness without condition, and an eternal reward freely given to those who could never earn it.

I wasn’t there to witness Jesus’ birth or to watch his death. I didn’t see the empty tomb when he rose from the dead or stand on the mountain when he ascended into heaven. God hasn’t given me the visions of heaven that he gave the apostle John in the book of Revelation. And even if I had seen all those things, I wouldn’t have seen the full truth. I wouldn’t have understood the full significance.

But we don’t live based on what we see. Instead, God asks us to take him at his word. God made the universe and then put a plan in motion to save humanity from the death and destruction we brought on ourselves. God prepared for humanity a heavenly city for us to dwell in his presence. God promises that we enter that city through his Son, Jesus, who came to save us.

God reveals all of that to us in the Bible. And as we hear it and read it, the same God leads us to believe it is true. That’s faith. It is confidence about things I don’t see.

I don’t have to see it. I don’t have to fully understand it. God says it. I believe it. Someday, I’ll see it with my own eyes. Until then, I thank God for the confidence he gives me through his gift of faith.

Prayer:
Lord, through your Word, give me confidence in what I hope for and assurance about what I do not yet see. Amen.