He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:59,60

Jesus Wants Top Billing

Daily Devotion – June 30, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 9:59,60

See series: Devotions

When actors begin their careers, they don’t generally get the lead part after one audition. Instead, they endure years of playing insignificant roles before their big break. Most never get one. For every actor you can name, there are thousands whose names you’ll never know. It’s difficult—almost impossible—to get top billing. Most don’t ever see their name in bold letters over everyone else’s on the movie poster or theater marquee. That’s only reserved for the very best.

When Jesus walked the earth, plenty of people were willing to follow him, but only to a certain point. St. Luke tells us in his gospel that there were large crowds traveling with Jesus (14:25), but they only wanted him to play the part of a movie extra in their lives. Yes, he could be a part of their lives but not the essential part. They weren’t ready to give him top billing, the starring role.

But Jesus isn’t interested in having disciples who are only willing to give him an insignificant role in their life story. He wants us to give him top billing. When he saw that large crowd following him, he told them in no uncertain terms what he expects. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14:26,27).

Of course, Jesus doesn’t really want us to hate anyone, any more than he wanted to keep his would-be disciple in Luke 9 from attending his father’s funeral. But Jesus does want us to understand this: nothing in our lives can outrank him and his saving Word. He must have top billing because he and his Word alone grant us the certain hope of everlasting life. That’s what Jesus has won for you and for all people, and he doesn’t want you to trade it for anything.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to give you and your Word top billing in my life. Amen.

And [Jesus] sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him. But the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village.
Luke 9:52-56

Jesus Is Zealously Patient

Daily Devotion – June 28, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 9:52-56

See series: Devotions

Believe it or not, Jesus has not always been welcomed with open arms.

This man from Bethlehem is God from all eternity. By his powerful Word he created all things and gives life to all things, including us (John 1:1-4). Then he assumed our broken humanity— “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14)—in order to win forgiveness and eternal rescue from death for everyone. What’s not to like?

But by nature, we all reject Jesus—lock, stock, and barrel. Yes, we turn our backs on our only Creator and Savior. “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, and his own did not receive him” (John 1:10,11).

You might think our refusal of Jesus’ amazing gifts and unparalleled love would leave him hopping mad. Jesus would have every right and reason to seek revenge for our rebellious response and leave us in the dust forever. That’s what his disciples, James and John, suggested he do to the Samaritans when they refused to open their hearts and homes to him as the Savior journeyed to Jerusalem to sacrifice himself on a cross for the world’s sins. “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” they asked.

But Jesus didn’t seek revenge, instead he zealously pursued patience. Rather than striking these people with lightning, he rebuked his disciples and urged them to have patient and merciful hearts toward sinners. The same kind of patience and mercy that he had so often shown to James and John. Yes, the same patience he shows to you and me.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to be loving and patient toward others, just as you are forever patient with me. Amen.

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
Luke 9:51

Detours

Daily Devotion – June 26, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 9:51

See series: Devotions

Rod was getting more anxious by the moment. He began to wonder if he was ever going to reach his final destination. The miles continued to mount after he followed the designated detour. As a result, he couldn’t rid himself of the feeling, “Am I going in the right direction?”

When the time came for Jesus to go to Jerusalem, there were many detours he could have taken. The disciples certainly wanted more time with him. There were more people to be healed and helped. There was even the very real temptation for Jesus to avoid his capture and crucifixion. Jesus refused to take any of these detours, and as Luke records, “He resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Nothing could have kept him from accomplishing the work his Father set before him. There was never a doubt in his mind if he was going in the right direction.

Jesus’ refusal to even consider a detour is a cause for celebration in your life. Jesus not only came to your rescue but also walked the path you could never have walked. Because of his selfless love he now invites and makes it possible for you to walk on the path to heaven.

His path takes you past the detours of disillusionment, disobedience, and death. His path leads you safely past guilt, disappointment, and despair. Because Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem according to his Father’s will, you can now safely and confidently remain on a heavenward journey.

Certainly, your life will be filled with distractions and detours. It would be easy for you to stray. However, your Savior comes to the rescue. Not only does he bring you back to the right path, he also lovingly keeps you going in the right direction. It is because of what Jesus has done and continues to do that you can rejoice and say: “Wherever you lead, Lord, I will follow.”

Prayer: (Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 439):
Lord, take my hand and lead me along life’s way;
Direct, protect, and feed me from day to day.
Without your grace and favor I go astray;
So, take my hand, O Savior, and lead the way.

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 1:9,10

Jesus Crushes Evil

Daily Devotion – June 24, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 1:9,10

See series: Devotions

When you think about it, the Christian faith doesn’t make a lot of sense. Sin, which comes so naturally to every human being, is out of bounds? And the guilt of any sin is enough to earn a one-way ticket to the opposite of everything good? And despite our best efforts, we can’t scrub that guilt off? And the only way out of guilt and into peace is through the actions of a Jewish carpenter who lived under Roman occupation far away and long ago?

It didn’t make any more natural sense to Paul, Timothy, or any who followed Jesus because of them. This trust and the resultant holy living are supernatural—the work of the Holy Spirit. The Christian faith is something no one could have thought up on their own. So, the apostle Paul tells us, it was revealed from the Holy Spirit through the words of the Bible.

And what has been revealed? Grace given before your parents gave you a name, victory over death, a vibrant life that will never end. And all of this won for you and given to you by a hero named Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you have won. Your victory is my victory. Lead me in that new reality that I might live for you. Amen.

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.
2 Timothy 1:6,7

God-given Gifts

Daily Devotion – June 22, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 1:6,7

See series: Devotions

God has made me a learner, self-assured, eager for the input of others, value-driven, and able to put things and people in the places that set them up for success. How has God gifted you? Has he made you comfortable in front of crowds? Hard-working? Attentive to detail? A careful thinker? He has made you: body, soul, and mind. That means you have characteristics as unique to you as that birthmark behind your left elbow. Those gifts that he’s given to you have been laid at your feet for a purpose, “for the good of those who love him.”

That was certainly true of Timothy. He had gifts. And his spiritual father, Paul, saw them and encouraged them. “Fan them into flames,” he told Timothy. Don’t be content just to have them, but cultivate them, develop them, and lean into them. “They have been given to you; now make the most of them!”

Are you asking, “How do I fan my gifts into flame?” Fair question. Maybe the acronym ILPF will help (Identify – Learn – Practice – Feedback). Identify those gifts that you have. Maybe that’s a reputable assessment or asking a trusted mentor, “What do you see in me?” Then, learn about those gifts. What are they like? Who else has them? What is the danger of misusing them? Next, practice. You don’t get good at anything without endless cycles of trying and failing. That’s practice. And finally, get feedback. Ask those close to you, “I tried to use my gift. How do you think it went? What should I think about the next time?” As you live in your God-given gifts, watch as the Lord carries out his will.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for these gifts I have. I know they are from you. Help me to use them in a way that builds your kingdom. Amen.

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.
2 Timothy 1:3

Keep Praying

Daily Devotion – June 20, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 1:3

See series: Devotions

It was the little boy’s turn to say prayers at family devotion. With head bowed, eyes closed, and a solemn voice, he said, “Dear Jesus, make all the bad people good, and make all the good people nice.”

Whom have you prayed for lately? A family member? A coworker? A neighbor? Maybe your list is long and constantly changing. Maybe your list is short and hasn’t changed since bell-bottom jeans were in style. But you pray.

You pray because you know that God has invited you to pray. The door to his throne room is open just for you. As you walk in, the King of kings who conducts the affairs of the universe leans forward with eyes locked on you, ready to hear what and who is on your mind.

The apostle Paul made the most of that power for young pastor Timothy, his student, protege, and friend. Paul constantly prayed. He knew that prayer was wrestling with God for the good of God’s kingdom. He knew that in the hearing of prayer, the Lord of heaven blocked out the attacks of Satan and crushed any evil plans. Paul knew that prayer realigned Paul’s dreams and desired to reflect God’s dreams and desires more fully. And so, Paul prayed for Timothy.

Like Paul, keep on praying. God is eager to hear what you have to say and carry out his plan for the world. A plan that has only your good in mind and crushes evil, now and for your eternity.

Prayer:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thank you for hearing my prayers. May I be emboldened to pray more often and with bigger prayers because you have invited me to pray. Take my prayers and answer them as you know best. Crush evil and bring about your good. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

“The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:26

Turn Towards

Daily Devotion – June 18, 2022

Devotion based on Numbers 6:26

See series: Devotions

Dr. John Gottman and his wife, Dr. Julie Gottman, are researchers who have spent several decades studying marriage relationships. They have drawn many conclusions, and their conclusions make for powerful reading. Here is one conclusion. For years the conventional wisdom was that a way to deepen your marriage relationship was through a big romantic getaway—a trip to Paris or a Caribbean cruise. Not so, say the Gottmans. While a romantic getaway certainly has its place, the Gottmans have learned that a key to deepening a marriage relationship—or any relationship—lies in the countless moments you have, in their words, to “turn towards” each other.

Throughout the week, couples will give each other what the Gottmans call, “bids for connection.” These “bids for connection” almost always seem quite ordinary. For example, a spouse might say, “I had one crazy day today.” That, say the Gottmans, is a “bid for connection.” It is an opportunity for two spouses to “turn towards” each other in that moment and to share the details of what made the day so crazy.

This need for couples to “turn towards” each other is vital. In their exhaustive research, the Gottmans found that happily married couples turned towards each other two-and-one-half times more often than couples whose marriages ended in divorce.

All of which brings us to God’s attitude towards you and me.

The Lord has his face turned toward you. Not sometimes. Not frequently. The Lord has his face turned toward you always. With you in mind, he came to this earth and became one of us and lived a sinless life as our substitute—the life you and I have failed to live. With you in mind, he carried your wasted moments and mine to the cross and washed them all away.

And today, he continues to turn toward you. He turns toward you through every word of the Bible you read and hear, through every message from him you encounter. He turns toward you at this very moment, in this daily devotion. Spend this day in the comfort and assurance of knowing the Lord’s face is turned toward you.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when my face is downcast because of doubt or despair, remind me that your face is always turned toward me. Amen.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1,2

Access to God

Daily Devotion – June 16, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 5:1,2

See series: Devotions

There is a lot of privilege and prestige that comes with free access. Very few people have direct and free access to the world’s most powerful leaders. It’s a privilege granted only to a few. For the average person to gain even one encounter with someone like the President of the United States, it would take a lot of back-channeling and knowing the right people. Most of us don’t have that access.

Which makes the words in the Bible reading today even more amazing. The apostle Paul writes that we have gained access to the almighty and holy God. But it gets even more amazing. God is holy and perfect and just. And we are not. We sin, make mistakes, and mess up. If we stood before God in this sinful condition, we could not survive.

Someone not only needed to give us access to God but also make us ready to stand before God. That person is Jesus. Jesus opened the door to God’s throne room for us because he fixed our relationship with God.

Jesus lived the perfect life we never could, and now he gives us his perfection. Jesus takes our sin and gives us his holiness through faith. Simply by believing that Jesus has done this for us, we can stand in the grace of God.

To stand in God’s grace means we know Jesus has won peace between God and us, and that we will live forever in the presence of God’s glory.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me access to God and for giving me your perfect life. Help me to always make use of the privilege you have given to me to go before God with every care and concern. Amen.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26

God Blesses His People

Daily Devotion – June 14, 2022

Devotion based on Numbers 6:24-26

See series: Devotions

A father sat on the edge of his young daughter’s bed. She had been a terror that day—fighting with her sister, talking back to her mother, scribbling on the walls, and refusing to finish her green beans. She had not done anything to earn or deserve any love from anyone that day. Yet, her father still sat near her, smiled at her, and had a full heart of love for her. As she fell asleep, her father leaned over and spoke the blessing recorded in our Bible reading today. Her father was comforted knowing that as much as he loved his daughter, God loved her even more.

The words of this blessing have been spoken to God’s people for over 3,500 years, even though we all act like terrors before God. When we sin, when we go our way instead of God’s way, we are not deserving of a blessing like this. We deserve punishment, not love. But instead of turning his face away from us, God chose to turn his face away from his Son, Jesus, as he hung on the cross. Jesus took our place. He died as our substitute paying the penalty for our sins.

Because of what Jesus did, God now makes his face shine on us. Like we might break out a big, broad smile when we see someone we love, God smiles on us. Instead of turning away from us, God graciously turns to look right at us. His face shines with love and recognition. He knows each of us individually. And to each one of us, he gives the greatest blessing he can give to any sinner; he gives peace.

God gives the peace of knowing that no matter what is going on in our lives, whether we are going through good times or bad times, our relationship is right with God. God gives the peace of knowing that our many sins are forgiven in Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for smiling on me and blessing me, even though I don’t deserve it. Amen.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1

Justified

Daily Devotion – June 12, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 5:1

See series: Devotions

Consider how the word justify is used in the following statement: “I just don’t know how we can justify the cost of a brand-new football stadium.” This example shows us how the word justify is used nowadays. To justify means to “give a good reason for, rationalize or defend.”

However, God uses the word justify in another way. In Romans 5:1, justify means “to declare not guilty. It’s like a judge who looks at a guilty criminal and says to him, “You’re free to go!” That’s a miscarriage of justice, isn’t it? It seems so until we realize that God, the Father, took our every attempt to rationalize our wrongdoing and every lame excuse for sin and stacked them all on the broad shoulders of Jesus. Jesus took that whole mess and paid for it on the cross. In its place, he gives us innocence and peace with him, and, just as importantly, he gives us the faith to believe it.

Through that faith, there is peace between you and God. Whether you die today or years from now, the gates of heaven are open for you. Whether you feel emotionally at peace or not, whether your body is strong or falling apart, whether you are ill or healthy, God still declares you innocent through Jesus. And he still maintains that peace between himself and you by faith.

Today, whether you feel peace in response to these truths or not, believe this, “Since you have been justified through faith, you have peace with God through your Lord Jesus Christ.”

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, when I am troubled by my sin and wonder how I might appear in you sight, direct me to the cross of my Savior, Jesus, where the full price of my sin was paid. Fill my heart with the peace of forgiveness. Assure me by faith in Christ that you declare me to be holy in your sight and an heir of heaven. Amen.

[Jesus said] “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:26,27

The Spirit Brings Peace

Daily Devotion – June 10, 2022

Devotion based on John 14:26,27

See series: Devotions

Are you looking for peace? We want there to be peace in the world, but then war is waged. We want to live peaceful and quite lives, but riots break out in the streets. We want there to be peace in our relationships, but sharp words stir things up. At the end of a long day, we just want some peace and quiet, but we come home to more work—a stack of laundry, something to fix, something to clean.

What is it that troubles you? What is happening in your life, internally or externally, that robs you of a sense of peace? Externally a war of evil is being waged. Internally, we wrestle sinful desires or guilt. We just want peace. We just need peace!

In this world the concept of peace is so elusive, and it always will be. The peace that our world dangles in front of us is just a concept. It’s an ideal that we’re striving for but never seem to find it.

The peace that Jesus gives is not merely a state of mind. It’s something that God declares. You have peace with God through the forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. God declares that you are at peace with him. You have the peace of a complete salvation—there is nothing left for you to do. Rest in the peace of Jesus and his love!

As Jesus was about to leave this world, he gave his disciples an out-of-this-world peace! He promised to send his Spirit to remind and to teach. Jesus hasn’t left us in this world to find our own peace. He gives us his Spirit to remind and teach by his Word that even as the battles rage internally and externally, we have peace. Peace with God. An out-of-this-world peace in Jesus and by his Spirit.

Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, and continually bring eternal, out-of-this-world peace in Jesus. Amen.

‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. . . . And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
Acts 2:17,21

The Spirit Unites Us With God

Daily Devotion – June 8, 2022

Devotion based on Acts 2:17,21

See series: Devotions

“Daddy? Mommy? Help me!” The little girl calls out frantically. She was downstairs playing by herself when she tripped. It hurts. She feels all alone. For a moment, she doesn’t know where her parents are. Can they hear her? Will they come to help her? The cries intensify.

But as soon as he heard his daughter cry for help, Daddy leaped up from his desk and ran downstairs to help his daughter. All she needed was to be picked up, comforted, and to know that she was not alone as she rested in the arms of her father.

“Lord, help me!” We are down here, and God is in heaven. We trip and stumble. We experience something that hurts or something that terrifies us. At times, we may feel all alone. For a moment, we may wonder, “Can God hear me? Will he come to help me?” The cries intensify.

But before you ever cried out to the Lord, he has come to help you. First, he sent his Son to rescue you from the punishment of sin. By his dying and rising from the dead, Jesus has saved you eternally. Because of Jesus, you can call the God who made you “Father,” and he listens.

God also sent his Spirit, the Comforter. God is not far away. He’s closer than we might often realize. He sends his Spirit to dwell in you and in the heart of every believer. The Spirit unites us with the triune God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are not left hanging in this life wondering if God still listens, cares, and will help us. He has come to help and comfort.

The Lord will come again to rescue you one last time from this world of troubles. Until then, he has given you his Spirit to comfort and assure you that you are not alone—you rest in the tender love and care of your God and your Father!

Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirt, and comfort me when I am hurt, strengthen me when I am weak, and keep me in your tender care. Amen.

Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” But the Lord came down.
Genesis 11:4,5

Pride Divides, The Spirit Unites

Daily Devotion – June 6, 2022

Devotion based on Genesis 11:4,5

See series: Devotions

It didn’t seem like they were doing anything wrong. They wanted to build a tower to reach the skies. They united around a building project. They were getting along.

But God had different plans for them. After the flood, he told Noah and his family to “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth” (Genesis 9:1). But the generations following Noah wanted to stay put. They were comfortable. They wanted to build more than just a tower. They wanted to build a name for themselves. Their pride led to their divide.

“The Lord came down” and confused their language, so that their building efforts came to screeching halt. They could not understand each other, so they parted ways.

Haven’t we wanted to build something and accomplish something to make a name for ourselves? Haven’t we planned according to our will above God’s will? Haven’t we made comfort and convenience a higher priority than doing what God wants us to do? That sinful pride divides.

But God unites. The Lord came down another time. This time he did not come to scatter. He came to gather. Jesus, true God and true man, came down from heaven to mend the divide your pride has caused between you and God. He came to save all who are scattered throughout the world. By his perfect life and death on the cross he made peace between you and God. He rose from the dead and promised to send the Holy Spirit.

And he did. He sent his Spirit 50 days after he rose from the dead on a day called Pentecost. He sends his Spirit to you through his Word and through baptism. The Spirit unites. He unites you with the God who created you and saved you. He unites you with his family—the church.

By the power of the Spirit, you are no longer separated from God; you are united to him, now and forever!

Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, and kindle in me the fire of your love! Amen.

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Acts 16:6-10

Called to Preach

Daily Devotion – June 4, 2022

Devotion based on Acts 16:6-10

See series: Devotions

When Jesus sent out his disciples, they heard from his own mouth where he wanted them to go and what he wanted them to say. After Jesus ascended into heaven, he sent special gifts from the Spirit to tell those disciples where he wanted them to go and what he wanted them to say.

In today’s reading from the book of Acts, Jesus made it clear where he wanted Paul and his companions to go. But they already knew what to say. God had called them to preach the gospel to people.

The gospel is the good news that Jesus lived a perfect life in our place and then died to take the punishment for our sins. The gospel is the good news that we have forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus. God called Paul to preach the gospel.

And God still calls people to preach that gospel today. He does not use visions from the Spirit. Instead, God calls people through the Church, through people who have come to believe in Jesus through the gospel.

And there are still people asking preachers to teachers to “come over and help us.” All around the world, from Tennessee to Tibet, people are asking to be reassured of their forgiveness through faith in Jesus. How good it is to know God still answers those prayers by sending his representatives to proclaim the good news of sins forgiven!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, send your messengers wherever the good news needs to be proclaimed. Amen.

[Jesus said] “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation 22:13

Constants in Your Life

Daily Devotion – June 2, 2022

Devotion based on Revelation 22:13

See series: Devotions

Do you have any constants in your life? Is there anything in your life that is completely dependable and never lets you down? The reality is that our lives are in constant flux. Our jobs can change in a moment, even after many years of faithful service. Our significant other can just up and leave even after months or years of a relationship. Friends can betray us in real life or unfriend us on social media. A spouse or family member can let us down from time to time. Even the people who love us are not always there for us in the way we need them to be. Life in this world can often feel like we are adrift at sea, without anyone or anything that is truly and completely dependable.

That’s where Jesus is different. He says to you, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” With these comforting words, Jesus reminds us that he is eternal. He never changes. He has always been there for us and will always be there. His promises are dependable. Jesus does not change.

That sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Maybe you have even been aware that God is with you at times. But then there are times when everything goes from bad to worse, and you wonder if, in fact, God is real or if he’s even paying attention to you. Make no mistake: Jesus has never left you and never will. He is the Alpha and Omega. You can depend on him. And just to prove how faithful he is to you, he willingly died on that cross to make sure that sin could not separate you from him. Then, he kept his promise, and he rose from the dead to make sure that death could not separate you from him.

Do you have any constants in your life? You only need one. And his name is Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for being the one constant in my life. Teach me to depend on you each day and to trust your promises. Never leave me, Lord. Amen.