One key truth: The grace of God has been revealed to all in Jesus Christ; all who have seen it serve as witnesses of God’s grace in their various callings.

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:3-10

It’s What We Do!

It happened innocently enough. He got a little too far ahead of his family on a hike and lost his way when he diverted onto a smaller path. He turned left. When the rest of the family got to the spot, they went to the right. Suddenly he was lost and alone in the middle of a national park, separated from his family. It took all night for his parents and other rescuers to find him. But they did eventually find him. That’s what happens when someone is lost: people drop everything that they are doing and search frantically until they are found.

What a great picture of God’s love for the people of this world. When he looked down and saw that we were spiritually lost, he acted. He saw the hopeless, helpless situation we were in because of our sin. He saw the terror that reigned in us. So he acted to find us and rescue us.

God acted in Timothy’s life to rescue him by sending first his grandmother and then his mother to share with him the faith which God granted to them. He did the same for you. He sent someone into your life to share this message of forgiveness and life with you: maybe a parent or grandparent, maybe a friend or a neighbor. Whoever it was, God’s undivided attention on your spiritual well-being led him to send someone into your life to be a witness of his love and point you to Jesus.

With our undivided attention on Jesus, he now sends us to be witnesses for him to the world. Whatever vocation God has placed you in—brother, sister, parent, friend, neighbor, classmate, co-worker—it doesn’t matter. God is sending you into the lives of other people to share with them God’s love for them in Jesus. God brings people into your life so like Lois and Eunice to Timothy, you can be a witness of God’s love to them. This isn’t just what we do as God’s people! It’s who we are! We are here on this earth to seek those who are lost in the darkness of sin and share with them the light of salvation which God offers in Jesus. Go out and be who God made you to be!

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, help us to have a love for the lost that leads us to do all we can to seek them out and witness to them about your love in Jesus. Give us the boldness and courage to speak truthfully as your witnesses and to share with others the forgiveness and life that you alone can give. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

One key truth: The Holy Spirit equips us to share the gospel.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?”
Acts 2:1-8

Pentecost Flips the Script on Babel

If I could time travel, can you guess where I’d go?

Nope, not back to see the dinosaurs (even though that would be epic). Not even to meet Elvis Presley (yeah, ask your grandparents about him). And while going to see baby Jesus sounds like the “churchy” answer, that’s not it either.

I’d actually go to… the Tower of Babel. Wait, what? Seriously? Yup.

Picture this: I step out of my time machine, wearing sunglasses like I’m in some sci-fi movie, and I yell, “HEY PEOPLE OF BABEL—PUT. DOWN. THE. BRICKS!” They all stare at me like, “Who is this time-traveling weirdo?” And I explain, “Because of your big egos and this whole tower-building thing, people in the future have to learn different languages (and I just flunked my Spanish quiz back in high school!).”

Okay, okay… I’m joking. (Sort of.)

But really—have you ever tried talking to someone who doesn’t speak your language? It’s tough. You feel stuck. Awkward. Even a little dumb. Yeah, we’ve got phones that can translate stuff now, but imagine trying to share something super important—like your faith—and not having the words.

Now hit the rewind button again. We’re jumping back to the New Testament—50 days after Jesus rose from the dead, and 10 days after he went back to heaven.

Jesus’ disciples had a huge message to share with the world. But no phone, no Google Translate. So what did God do? He gave them something better—the Holy Spirit.

At Pentecost, God flipped the script on Babel. People had come from all over to celebrate a harvest festival. Suddenly, the once-scared disciples were speaking boldly—and everyone heard the message in their own language. No babbling. No confusion. Just clear, powerful words. In fact, the original Greek word used means “intelligent, understandable speech.” (Fun fact: It’s where we get the word “glossary”!)

And guess what? The Holy Spirit is still doing amazing things today. He helps missionaries learn new languages to share Jesus. And he’s given you gifts too—so you can share Jesus in your own way, wherever you are.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for creating me.
Jesus, thank you for dying for me.
Holy Spirit, thank you for the different gifts you’ve given me.
Help me use them to share your love. Amen.

One key truth: Deep and lasting joy is possible—even when life hurts.

Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”
“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
John 16:16, 20-22

From Pain to Joy

It happened during a polar vortex—you know, one of those freezing, wind-howling, everything-is-closed kind of days. That’s when I became a dad for the first time.

Now, I wish I could say I did the hard work… but let’s be real—that was all my wife.

Everything seemed okay at first, but then one of the three machines monitoring her started going off like a car alarm in a traffic jam. The problem? The umbilical cord was wrapped around our baby’s neck. Every time my wife had a contraction, the baby was being choked. It was terrifying.

Suddenly, we were being rushed into an operating room for an emergency C-section. I got suited up in hospital scrubs. My job? Don’t pass out from the sight of blood—and keep cheering on my wife, who was in serious pain. Check and… mostly check.

After what felt like forever, we heard it: a baby’s cry. Our son was here. The cord was cut, and I got to hold him for the first time. And then came a moment I’ll never forget—handing him to my wife. Even through the pain, even with tears streaming down her face, her eyes lit up with joy.
That’s when it hit me—pain turned to joy.

Jesus actually talked about this with his disciples. He told them, “Yeah, it’s going to hurt. But just wait—joy is coming.” He knew the pain he was about to face on the cross. He knew how bad it would be. But he didn’t run from it. He went through it—for us. So that our pain wouldn’t be the end of our story. So we could gain something greater—heaven.

So yeah, life is going to bring pain sometimes. But with Jesus? We have way more to gain than we could ever lose.

Prayer:
God, thank you for sending Jesus to face the pain I never could, so that I could have the joy of heaven. When life hurts, remind me: something better is coming. Amen.

One key truth: Not just talk—Jesus walked the walk.

Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
John 10:22-30

Say What You Mean. Do What You Say.

Let’s be real—everyone has a few pet peeves. Maybe yours is when someone chews gum with their mouth wide open. Or when you’re riding in the car with just one other person, and instead of talking, they’re glued to their phone playing Candy Crush.

But here’s one that hits harder: people who say one thing… and do the total opposite. You know, that friend who promises they’ll pick you up—but they’re so late you end up texting them, only to hear some random excuse. And this isn’t just a one-time thing. They’ve done it so much that now, you don’t really believe anything they say.

Their words don’t match their actions—and that’s frustrating.

But check this out: in the Bible, Jesus says he’s not just any shepherd—he’s the Good Shepherd. And here’s the difference: Jesus doesn’t just say he cares. He actually shows it. He gave up his life for us. He’s not some random guy doing a job and peacing out when things get hard. He sticks with us, always.

People will let you down—friends, parents, siblings, even people you trust. But Jesus? He never will. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Everything he says is 100% real. And the proof? The cross. That’s how far he went to show how much you mean to him.

So as you head into this week—whatever’s coming, good or bad—remember this: Jesus is with you, and he’s already shown you just how much he loves you. Just picture his arms stretched out on the cross—that’s how wide and deep his love is.

Prayer:
Jesus, help me not just to hear your words, but to believe them—and live them out every day. Amen.

One key truth: God has given us a mission.

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Acts 5:29-32

Mission Possible: God’s Plan for You

Ever seen a spy movie where the agent gets a top-secret mission that could change the world? The message always comes with a warning: “This message will self-destruct.” The hero accepts, barely survives, saves the day, and (of course) looks awesome doing it.

Now, let’s talk about another group of “rogue agents”—Jesus’ disciples. After receiving direct orders from Jesus to go and spread the gospel, they weren’t dodging laser grids or jumping out of helicopters. Instead, they were getting thrown into jail, chased out of towns, and sometimes even put to death. Their mission wasn’t just dangerous—it was impossible on their own. But with God? Nothing is impossible.

Spy movies usually end with the hero celebrating a victory. But for the disciples, their mission wasn’t about personal glory—it was about pointing to the real Savior, Jesus. They knew the mission was worth it, no matter the cost.

So here’s the real question: It’s the week after Easter—do you still feel that “He is risen!” energy? Or is it back to the grind, just waiting for next year? The truth is, Easter wasn’t just a one-day victory. The mission isn’t over. God’s Word didn’t self-destruct, and it won’t preach itself either. You are part of this mission.

God has wired you with unique gifts—maybe you’re great with people, maybe you’re artistic, maybe you’re a problem solver. Whatever it is, God’s given you exactly what you need to share his love with the world, just like the disciples. And the best part? You don’t go alone.

Is the mission impossible? Nope. Because with God, all things are possible.

Prayer:
Jesus, you did the impossible for me. Help me to be bold in sharing your love and grace with others. Amen.

One key truth: A one-time substitute buries all-time guilt.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”
Galatians 3:13

The Curse Traded for a Cross

Let’s be real—life can feel like a constant test. Whether it’s grades, sports, friendships, or even trying to be a “good person,” the pressure to measure up is everywhere. And deep down, we all know the truth: we fall short. No matter how hard we try, we mess up. We break promises, say things we regret, think thoughts we wouldn’t want anyone to know.

That’s exactly what Galatians 3 is talking about. God’s law is perfect, and if we could follow it 100%—never sinning in thoughts, words, or actions—we’d be good. But that’s impossible. Instead of being blessed by the law, we’re crushed by it. It’s like playing a game with rules so strict that one mistake means you lose forever. The Bible calls this being under a curse—and it’s serious. Sin doesn’t just bring bad feelings; it separates us from God.

But here’s where Good Friday changes everything.

Instead of leaving us under that curse, Jesus stepped in as our substitute. He never sinned—he didn’t deserve punishment. But on the cross, he became the cursed one in our place. That’s why Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.”

Think about it this way: A one-time substitute buries all-time guilt. Jesus, the perfect substitute, took every sin, every failure, every regret—and buried them in the grave. And when he rose again, the guilt stayed buried, but you didn’t. You’re free.

When Jesus hung on that cross, he took the punishment we should’ve gotten. He carried our sin, our guilt, our shame. He faced separation from God so we wouldn’t have to. His last breath, his pain, his suffering—it was all for you. Not because you earned it, but because he loves you that much.

So what does this mean? It means you don’t have to prove yourself to God. You don’t have to carry guilt like a backpack full of bricks. Jesus carried it for you. The curse is broken. The debt is paid. The cross wasn’t the end—it was the rescue.

On this Good Friday, don’t just see the cross as a sad event. See it as Jesus’ love letter to you, written in his own blood. And because of him, you are free.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and mercy. We fall short, but Jesus took our place, bearing our sin and breaking the curse. Through his sacrifice, we are free and forgiven. Help us to rest in his finished work, not striving to prove ourselves but living in gratitude and faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

One key truth: Believers need not fear God’s condemnation because he loves us despite ourselves.

Then Jesus told them this parable…
“There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Luke 15:3,11-32

Grace Instead of Condemnation

When we hear this parable, a common question that comes up is, “Which son do you relate to?” It’s a fair question, but I think it kind of misses the real point.

No matter which son you think you’re like, the truth is we’re all sinners. Both sons rebelled. Both wanted something for themselves. Both had that “me first” attitude fueled by selfishness. Both turned away from the blessings they had and wanted more.

We can totally relate to that, can’t we? Think about little kids who always say “mine” before they can even say full sentences. Parents hope for “mama” or “dada” as their baby’s first words, but often it’s just “mine.” It’s like we’re born with this “me first” attitude, and that’s a problem we can’t fix on our own. It’s a reminder that we need someone to save us from this selfishness that takes over.

That’s where God’s grace comes in. His “open door policy” isn’t about punishment; it’s about grace. It’s not about what we deserve, but about what God gives us freely through Jesus Christ.

During this Lenten season, take a moment to think about the huge price it cost to save us. Jesus gave his life for us, and his sacrifice paid the price for all our sins. Reflect on his humanity, the life he lived, and the blood he shed for us. When you think about him being taken down from the cross, remember that this is God’s plan of salvation, completed in the ultimate sacrifice.

And then, instead of focusing on what we deserve, let’s rejoice because God loves us in spite of ourselves and offers us the gift of eternal life with him, totally free of charge.

Prayer:
Lord God, you are the only one worthy of my praise. I trust you for everything and ask that you never leave me. Amen.

One key truth: Jesus Christ is the only path to heaven for us who cannot save ourselves.

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Philippians 3:17-4:1

No Detours Allowed

When you’re little, adults love asking, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most kids fire back with big, exciting dreams—astronaut, NFL quarterback, famous gamer. But as you get older, the question starts to change.

Now, it’s not just what you want to be—it’s why. And too often, the answers revolve around things that only matter in this life—money, fame, success.

But here’s the thing: none of that lasts.

That’s why the apostle Paul’s words to the Philippians hit so hard:
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20,21).

Think about that for a second. This world? It’s temporary. The culture around us chases self-interest, status, and instant gratification. But for those who follow Jesus, life is about something bigger.

If you believe in Christ, your future isn’t just about what career you’ll have or how much money you’ll make. It’s about where you’re headed—heaven. And the only way there? It’s not through what you do, how hard you work, or how much you achieve. It’s through Jesus.

So stand firm. Keep your eyes on the real prize—eternity, bought and paid for by Jesus’ sacrifice. Let that be the focus of your life, not just what you want to be, but who you belong to.

Prayer:
God, thank you for loving me even when I lose focus. Help me to remember that my true home is with you. Amen.

One key truth: Jesus brought those disciples onto that mountainside to “show off” his radiance and glory as God so they would know—and you would know—that no matter how dark it gets, Jesus is still shining.

About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)
While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”
Luke 9:28-35

Glory Is Hidden in Order to be Revealed

Stopping at gas stations is routinely part of any road trip. But when you’re asked, “How was your trip to _______?” you don’t bore your audience with when or where you stopped for gas. We jump right to the destination, because—in our minds—gas stations are insignificant or inconsequential: they’re just a necessary stop along the way to a greater destination—nothing more. Unless the gas station you stopped at is Buc-ee’s (pronounced “Buckeys”)—a 50,000-square-foot gas station that is a grocery store, convenient store, sandwich shop, candy shop, coffee shop, and emporium all rolled into one. This gas station has 100 fuel pumps, 1,000 parking spaces, and the best bathrooms ever seen with d over 80 toilets, Buc-ee’s even has its own merch, like tumblers, coffee mugs, magnets, blankets, t-shirts, hoodies, and yes, even pajama onesies.

You see, Buc-ee’s isn’t just a gas station: it’s a destination. That said, Buc-ee’s isn’t an ultimate destination—even if it is a glorious stop along the way. It is good to go there, but if you’re passing through on a getaway or vacation, it wouldn’t be good for you to stay there.

There’s an attitudinal trap we can fall into as we celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus. On one hand, we might fail to see this spectacular event on that mountain for what it actually is—and write it off as just a necessary stop along the way to a greater destination—and nothing more. On the other hand, when we see the road ahead to the cross is filled with persecution, pain, and death, we not only insist “It’s good to be here” but insist, “It’s good to stay here” —thus turning this amazing mountaintop experience into something it’s not: the ultimate experience of Jesus’ glory as God. But it isn’t.

So, why the transfiguration? Because if the only side of God we saw was his holographic side—his absolute power, righteousness, holiness, and perfection—we, too, would be left with our face to the ground, trembling and terrified! How could we stand in the presence of such a God? I am a sinner! We could not stand before our holographic God and live! But that’s not the only side our God shows us on that Mount of Transfiguration! Our God of compassion would show his glory for us by taking on the very nature of a servant! The seemingly scandalous, offensive, lowly, humiliation of Christ’s death on the cross is how God would demonstrate his glorious mercy and grace for you by dying for you!

Transfiguration Sunday isn’t Jesus’ final stop, but it isn’t just a stop along the way, either. Your Savior would do all of this for you—not just to remind you that your God shines even through the deepest darkness of the “night” of your life, but that you would be able to stand before your risen God and Savior one day in all his holographic awesomeness—not trembling nor terrified, but in joy, peace, and confidence as his blood-bought redeemed child! Jesus would die for you so that your robes would be washed in his blood—and you, too, would shine with Christ’s radiant holiness!

Isn’t it good that this is a stop along the way to Calvary? Jesus brought those disciples onto that mountainside to “show off” his radiance and glory as God—so they would know, and you would know—no matter how dark it gets, Jesus is still shining.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, on the Mount of Transfiguration, you not only displayed your divinity as God, but showed us that you remain in control and you are still shining—even when it’s incredibly dark. Continue to lead us by the light of your Word, and lighten our hearts and minds as you sanctify us by the light of your truth. In your name we pray. Amen.

One key truth: God reveals his power and grace in my weaknesses.

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7b-10

When I’m Weak, Then I’m Strong

In WWII, Audie Murphy, a frail Texan rejected by multiple branches of the military for his size, became one of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. history. In 1945, during a German assault, Murphy held off an entire company alone, manning a burning tank destroyer’s machine gun while calling in artillery. Wounded and outnumbered, he fought for an hour, forcing the enemy to retreat. His valor defied all expectations.

We love underdog stories like this, stories where people overcome incredible odds and win big.

The apostle Paul could relate to an underdog. Paul knew what it felt like to go hungry. He knew what it was like to go days without sleep. He had been flogged, whipped, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, imprisoned, and shipwrecked three times. Paul had no shortage of hardships, and no shortage of enemies either. He knew exactly what it felt like to be down for the count. He even boasted about his weaknesses!

Paul’s resume had all the makings of a great underdog story. Against all odds, he succeeded as one of the greatest apostles in New Testament history. He was directly called to his apostleship by the risen Jesus. He was directly taught by Jesus—and even received tremendous visions and revelations from him. Paul could have flaunted such a resume at anyone throwing shade at him. It would have been easy for him to grow prideful and conduct his ministry with arrogance. God knew that, too. So, “in order to keep [Paul] from becoming conceited, [Paul] was given a thorn in [his] flesh.”

Paul never tells us what his “thorn” was. Whatever it was, Paul considered it a painful and limiting nuisance that he could not get rid of . Paul couldn’t “underdog” his way out of this one.

Each and every one of us have some kind of “thorn” too—and we can’t get it out. Maybe it’s a physical limitation that doesn’t seem like it will go away. Maybe it’s grief that hangs heavy on your heart. Maybe it’s a sinful habit you’re trying to kick, or an addiction with a stranglehold on your life. We do everything we can to fix it ourselves. And when we can’t fix it, we try to spiritually rationalize it: “Maybe my devotional life is lousy” or “Maybe God is mad at me or something.” We might even try to bargain with God, thinking if we try to be a better Christian, we can barter God into making our lives easier. Exhausted, we pray and plead “Lord, take this thorn away!”

Paul was convinced he’d be a better missionary for God if that “thorn” in his flesh was gone. God had other plans—not because he didn’t love Paul, but because love was the answer. Where Satan uses “thorns” to destroy our faith in Jesus, God works through those thorns to refine our faith. Satan uses thorns to drive us to despair. God works through thorns to drive us to himself. When we are weak, he is strong!

Believe it or not, your God gets it. Jesus prayed a similar prayer to Paul. He asked his heavenly Father if there was any other way for the Son of God to save the world, that he would take away the cup of suffering that he was about to drink. And the Father’s answer was “No”—not because he didn’t love his Son; he did. But his love for his only-begotten Son didn’t stop your heavenly Father from sending his Son to the cross—because of the Father’s unrelenting love for you. It was that same love that moved Jesus to drink that cup of wrath down to the last drop—because you were worth it.

Everyone loves a good underdog story. But your salvation isn’t one of them. Because when you were hopelessly down for the count, your God gracefully came in swinging. When complete obedience to God’s law was beyond our ability as sinners to accomplish, Jesus did—being obedient to death. When the wages of sin warranted our death, Jesus died in our place. And because Jesus rose from the dead, that not only means that you are completely forgiven and restored to God; it means you will never exhaust the all-sufficiency of God’s grace for you—no matter what thorns are in your life.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, I thank you for the sufficiency of your grace for me. When I feel weak, remind me that you are strong. In your name I pray. Amen.

One key truth: Does lack of popularity bother you? God doesn’t just tell us not to be afraid; God gives us reason not to be afraid: God will be with us always.

The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Jeremiah 1:4-10

Popularity is Not Proof of Success

Imagine being called to serve as the Lord’s prophet—God’s direct mouthpiece—at just 13 years old. That’d be pretty intimidating, wouldn’t it? Jeremiah didn’t have to imagine.

We’re told Jeremiah was a young man when God called him to be prophet—some even suggesting he was as young as 13. And over the next four decades, he’d see quite a bit. Jeremiah would watch the nation of Judah spiritually and morally waste away. God and his Word had effectively been kicked to the curb. Despite God’s warnings and emotional pleas that the people turn from their spiritual unbelief and lives of wickedness and turn back to him, the majority of Judah’s inhabitants wouldn’t. As a result, God raised up the nation of Babylon to be an instrument of judgment against Judah. Jeremiah would watch the very temple that was rededicated at the beginning of his ministry be reduced to rubble by the end.

Jeremiah had no idea what was in store for him the day God called him to be his prophet—but God did. From the singular moment his existence began at conception to the day his time on this earth would end, Jeremiah’s entire biography laid before God’s all-knowing eyes. He knew the message he had commissioned Jeremiah to speak wouldn’t win him widespread popularity with the people—quite the opposite! God knew that Jeremiah would be hated, insulted, slandered, beaten, imprisoned, thrown into a cistern, and nearly starved to death—all for speaking the truth of God’s Word. But Jeremiah had no idea—and in a relatable way, neither do we.

You, like Jeremiah, have been called by God to bring his Word, both his law and his gospel, to others. And we’ll hastily respond just like Jeremiah, don’t we? “Lord, I don’t know the Bible well enough.” “I’m not sociable enough.” “I’m not patient enough.” “I’m not brave enough.” Do you see the problem here? The issue here isn’t a failure to cite our inexperience, our weakness, and our sinfulness as limitations; the issue here is us imposing our limitations on God and his Word.

But Jeremiah was right about one thing: it wouldn’t be his words that would win the day. The words Jeremiah would speak weren’t his—but God’s. God’s Word is what plants and uproots. God’s Word is what tears down and rebuilds. And that’s comforting, isn’t it? It takes all the pressure off! Your job is to put the Word of God in motion; God does all the rest. But that’s not the only comfort and encouragement we find in this story. You see, if God is the one who calls you, then he will equip you for the job! If God has given you his word to speak, he will help you speak it! But that’s not all your God promises you. God says to Jeremiah, “Don’t be afraid . . . I will be with you and I will deliver you.”

Your Christian faith may (and likely will) come at a cost to your popularity with certain people. But that lack of popularity isn’t proof of your failure as a child of God. If that were the case, what would we make of the life of Jesus? Jesus would not only faithfully share the gospel under persecution for us, but he would die for us; he bore for the world the wrath of God on the cross so we would be delivered. When our guilt and shame had rendered us unqualified to stand before a holy God, God would qualify us through his Son. Jesus became our sin, so we would become his righteousness.

And if, in Christ, we already stand confident before God, we can stand confidently before anyone, can’t we? When the hands that were nailed to a cross for you are the same hands that uphold you and sustain you, you don’t need to be afraid. So, dear Christian, when your popularity takes a hit for your hope in Jesus, do not be afraid. Not even death can separate you from the love of God you have in Jesus. No one can take away what your Savior has won for you. He will be with you always.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, while we were still sinners, you died for us. When we had nothing to give you, you—through your death and resurrection—have given us everything: forgiveness, new life, and eternity with you in paradise. This hope we have in you is a living hope—because you have risen from the grave. May this living hope we have in you comfort us when we lose popularity for your sake. For nothing lost for your sake is truly lost. In your name we pray. Amen.

One key truth: God’s mission is bigger than ours, and his timing is better than ours.

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:1-11

God Delivers More Than We Ask, Not Less

A wineless wedding may not be a big deal to you, but in ancient Jewish society, a wedding without wine was culturally disastrous.

Mary, Jesus’ mother, apparently knew that. So, she asks her son, Jesus, to do something about it. Was she hoping he’d work a miracle? Maybe, but we’re told this was the first miracle Jesus had ever performed; up to this point, she had never seen such raw demonstrations of her son’s divine power. As Mary speaks to Jesus, you get the impression she talks to him as if he was only her son—and nothing more; the son she bore; the son she nursed; the son she cradled; the son she taught to walk and took to the temple.

Mary certainly hadn’t forgotten what the angel said to her about this child: the child she would miraculously conceive was born of God: the child she carried was the Son of God, God Incarnate. But when Mary discovers there is no more wine, she leverages her relationship with Jesus as his mother to get him to do what she thinks is best when she thinks it’s best.

And Jesus, with gentleness and respect, “leverages” his relationship to her as the Son of God and Savior of the world to effectively tell her two things: 1) My mission is bigger than yours, 2) and my timing is better than yours.

So, what calamity is crashing into your life right now?

Where, in your life, do you feel things aren’t going according to your plans?

Is it fatigue from feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Is it the fear of getting sick? Is it the weariness of feeling like a failure? Like you just can’t do anything right? Is it when your closest relationships seem to be falling apart all around you? Is it the sting of being dumped or rejected? Is it the pain of losing a loved one? You don’t have to be the guest or groom at a dysfunctional wedding to doubt God’s mission is bigger than ours and his timing is better than ours.

But this story showcases more than hearts dealing with doubts in the face of disaster; it showcases a better groom—and he brings a better wedding. When it came to wine in first century A.D., it was commonly diluted with water—to where the wine that was served was two parts water and one part wine, or sometimes even three parts water and one part wine. And then there’s Jesus, and when he makes wine at this wedding, he fills six 20-30 gallon jars—not with two parts water and one part wine—not even with three parts water and one part wine—but with one part water and zero parts wine. For the Lord of all creation, the God through whom all things were made and all things hold together, water was more than what he needed to make wine. And not just any wine: wine better than the wine before it.

That is what is so beautiful about this wedding story: Jesus doesn’t just give these wedding guests something they didn’t have; he gives them something better than what they did have.

You see, Jesus didn’t come to this broken, fallen world because our wine glasses would be empty without him; he came because we would be empty without him. Our God didn’t enter this dying world to save weddings; he came to save you.

At that wedding in Cana, Jesus reveals himself to be the better bridegroom. Just as God spoke of his love for his wayward world as a faithful husband to a faithless bride, our God would demonstrate that unwavering fidelity and love by dying for us. This bridegroom would endure the justice of a holy God on a cross so we would be brought into his family. This bridegroom gave up his body and blood into death to give us something better than this world could ever give: forgiveness, newness of life, and heaven as our ultimate home. This bridegroom washed you in the waters of baptism to present you to himself as a radiant bride—without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. And this bridegroom is the one who will carry you over the threshold of this life into the mansions of heaven—where the wedding party will never end!

Prayer:
Lord God, heavenly Father, so often things spiral out of our control—and we’re incredibly quick to panic and frequently fail to give it over to you in prayer. Forgive us for these moments of doubt, encourage us with your steadfast love, and help us by your Spirit to trust your plan and your timing. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Jesus came to be a Savior for all people.

“Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”

1 Kings 10:9

The Gift of God is for All People

Christianity is both the most exclusive religion in the world and the most inclusive religion in the world.

What does that mean? Consider this: there are only two groups of people in the world. There are those who believe in Jesus as their Savior and those who do not. Those who do not believe in Jesus

when they die will face punishment in hell. In that way, Christianity is exclusive.

At the same time, Christianity is the most inclusive religion in the world. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was payment for the sins of the whole world no matter someone’s race or language. No one is excluded. In that way, it is the most inclusive religion in the whole world.

The words from 1 Kings above were spoken by a gentile queen. She was not Jewish, but she had heard of Solomon’s great wisdom, so she traveled a long distance to come and learn from him.

When she saw the wisdom God had given to Solomon and all the ways he had blessed Israel, she spoke the words above. She wasn’t from Israel, but she praised the true God.

On Christmas Eve the angel told the shepherds, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)

The good news of Jesus is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you were born in America or China, Africa or the Middle East. It doesn’t matter if you were born and raised a Christian or if you didn’t hear the gospel until you were older. It doesn’t matter if your past is littered with mistakes.

The good news of Jesus is for all people, and that includes you.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you came to be a Savior for all people. Help me to see everyone as someone that you came to die to save. Amen.

Jesus has done great things for you personally.

“For the Mighty One has done great things for me.”

Luke 1:49a

A Real Christmas Will Lift up the Lowly

How are you feeling? I mean… how are you really feeling?

A famous Christmas carol announces that, “It is the most wonderful time of the year.” So you must be feeling on top of the world, right?. After all, you’ve certainly aced all your end of the semester tests. All your relationships are rock solid. Everyone only has kind things to say about you at school.

Or maybe not?

Christmas time has a way of magnifying problems going on in life. It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, so why doesn’t it always feel that way?

Let’s move on to spiritual things. How’s the battle going with that one sin you pray no one else finds out about? How’d you do on that Bible reading plan that you started almost a year ago? Do you feel worthy of a holy God?

Maybe, just maybe, you’re feeling a little lowly right now. That’s a good thing, because a real Christmas will lift up the lowly.

Mary knew that she was not perfect. She acknowledged her lowly state. Yet she included the words from Luke 1 above in her famous song called the Magnificat, “The mighty one has done great things for me.”

Mary grasped the personal way God had shown her favor. He had chosen her to be the mother of the savior of the world.

The mighty one has done great things for me.

Slow down. Read those last two words again. Internalize them. It’s easy to look at others and see how God does great things for them, but it can be hard to take those great things and apply them to ourselves.

Think about all the great things he’s done for you. He knew you before you were born. He decided he wanted you to be his child. He knit you together in your mother’s womb. He sent his Son to pay for your sins on the cross. He’s given you the certainty of eternal life through the resurrection. He’s washed you and adopted you in the waters of your baptism.

All of this for you!

You might be feeling lowly. That’s ok. It’s for lowly people like you that the God of the universe lowered himself took on human flesh that he might lift you up and make you holy and an eternal victor.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, no matter how lowly I feel, help me to recognize all the mighty things you have done for me. Amen.

The entire life of a Christian is one of repentance. Even this is something that God works in him through the Holy Spirit.

(John the Baptist) went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Luke 3:3

A Real Christmas is Rooted in Repentance

Put up the decorations. Bake the cookies. Take the end of the semester tests. There is so much work to be done in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Have you bought your mom a present yet?

In the days leading up to the start of Jesus’ ministry, John the Baptist was preparing the way for him. He didn’t give people a list of tasks to do to be ready for Jesus to come. He said only one thing was needed to be ready.

Repent.

Repentance isn’t really a work we do. It’s something God works in us. When his law exposes our sin, it cuts us to the heart and makes us realize our need for a savior.

Repentance really has two parts: 1. Sorrow over sin and a desire to turn from it. 2. Trusting fully in Jesus for his promised forgiveness of that sin.

Repentance is the thing we need to be ready for Jesus’ second coming as well.

The first “thesis” in Martin Luther’s 95 Theses says this: “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent’, he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”

Repentance is the heartbeat of a Christian. We still have a sinful nature, so sinning is inevitable. Our response to sinning should always be repentance and aiming to cut that sin out of our life.

What a relief that there is no work required of us to have a real Christmas. Jesus has done the work for you. That’s why you can repent and trust in the forgiveness he has promised you through his death on the cross.

When we realize this, we are able to celebrate a real Christmas free from worry and stress. There is no work left to do. It’s all been done in Jesus.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for doing the work necessary for me to have eternal life. Grant that every day of my life would be marked by repentance. Help me to live a life that’s pleasing to you in all things. Amen.