One key truth: Following Jesus means fully committing to him. It’s all in—a passion project worth finishing no matter the cost.

Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:25,27

Count the Cost … Worth It?

What is a project you poured your passion and whole heart into and completed? Maybe it was building a Lego set, finishing a season of a sport, beating a video game, or completing a big school project. Now think—what’s something you started but never finished? Maybe you lost interest, ran out of time, or just didn’t have the energy. Which project—the finished one or the unfinished one—would you be more excited to show off to others? An unfinished project can feel like failure. A finished one gives a sense of pride. When we show people our work, it represents who we are and what we are capable of.

Jesus attracted a large crowd of not just regular people, but also the big-name religious leaders who thought they had it all together. He warned all of them that following him meant carrying a cross.

Everyone listening knew what a cross meant—it was brutal, humiliating, and designed to erase someone from history. Yet, Jesus asks everyone to take one up. That’s a shocking thing for Jesus to say: “If you follow me, be ready to carry this.”

Here’s the question: What is more valuable—holding on to your sins or your commitment to Jesus? The “easy” answer is commitment to Jesus, of course. But the truth? Our sinful nature makes it really hard.

Here’s an example: how often do you let people know you follow Jesus? Do you talk about him with friends or family, or does the thought of awkwardness shut you down? That’s our sinful nature making it hard! Nobody likes drama or arguments, so silence can feel easier.

But silence is exactly where the devil sneaks in. The Bible calls him “the father of lies.” When we live and speak like Jesus, those lies get exposed by God’s truth.

You’ve already got God’s Word! You’ve already heard the truth! You have the words of truth given in God’s Word! Jesus ends this teaching with, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” (Luke 14:34). You’ve heard. You believe. Now Jesus challenges you: make your faith your passion project. Don’t quit halfway. See it through to completion.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you have given me the tools in your Word and the blessings of my abilities to carry out your will for my life. Give me courage to live my faith openly and not quit when it gets tough. Help me treat following you as the most important project of my life—and to finish strong. Amen.

One key truth: The road to eternal life isn’t wide and easy—it’s focused and intentional. But God gives you everything you need to walk through the “Jesus-sized door.”

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 13:23,24

Can You Make It Through the Door?

There was a popular game show called Hole in the Wall in which contestants faced a giant wall with a weird cutout sliding toward them. If they could squeeze into the shape, they passed to the next level. If they missed even a little—SPLASH—they were knocked into a pool in front of the whole world.

When Jesus was asked, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” Jesus didn’t give a yes or a no. He took the opportunity to instruct, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.”

This begs the question, “What must I do to enter the kingdom of heaven?” Like Hole in the Wall, how do I squeeze myself through a narrow door?

What are you putting your faith in right now?

• Chasing approval from friends?
• Trying to “level up” in games instead of in faith?
• Putting hope in money, sports, grades, likes, relationships, or whatever is trending?

What are you making every attempt to follow? The world (or more bluntly, Satan)?

Are you making every attempt to follow Jesus? Jesus makes it super clear in John 14:15: “If you love me, keep my commands.” And in Matthew 22:37–40, he lays out the two biggest commands:

1. Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Take a mental check and ask yourself: “What’s one thing in my life I might need to set aside to follow Jesus better? How can I walk in such a way that is the narrow way?”

Contestants on Hole in the Wall often failed to contort themselves to fit through impossible shapes. God doesn’t do that to you! Because Jesus took the shape of the cross, you can happily walk right through it into heaven.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, guide me through your Word so that I may continue firmly and faithfully in my walk with the Holy Spirit on the narrow road. Amen.

One key truth: Life is more than physical needs. Trusting in God’s care helps us focus on what really matters.

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. 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 12:22-34

There’s No Need to Worry!

Everyone worries. Maybe it’s about having the right clothes to fit in, keeping up with friends, finishing schoolwork, or deciding what to do after high school. Anxiety and stress are everywhere—on social media, at school, and even inside our own heads.

But worry isn’t just about feeling nervous. It points to a bigger question: Who are we really trusting? When all our focus is on ourselves—our looks, our plans, our stuff—worry sneaks in. That’s because deep down, we’re trying to be in control instead of trusting God.

Jesus says that worry comes from putting our trust in ourselves instead of God. If our hearts are fully focused on God, there’s no room for anxiety. But if we’re focused on what we can do, or what we have, fear and stress take over.

Here’s the truth: worry is a form of sin—it’s not trusting God to provide for us. That’s a huge deal because sin separates us from God. But God didn’t leave us stuck there. Jesus came to fix that—he lived perfectly, died for us, and rose again to bring us back to God.

Because Jesus died for us, we know God cares for everything we need. He takes care of the birds and flowers, and he takes even better care of us—his children! So when worry tries to steal our peace, we can remember: God’s got this.

When we trust God, we don’t chase after money or stuff. Instead, we focus on God’s kingdom—growing in faith, sharing God’s love, and using what God gives us to help others. When our hearts are set on God, worry loses its power.

Prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, we thank you for all that you have done for us and given to us. We are especially thankful for the forgiveness and life that we have in Jesus. Lead us to be confident always that as you have provided for our greatest need in the certainty of life through Jesus, you will provide and take care of our physical needs as we focus with undivided attention on serving you. Help us to serve you and your kingdom first in all things. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

One key truth: Prayer isn’t just personal—it’s missional. We can join in God’s mission through our prayers.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4

Where’s Your Prayer Focus?

Let’s be real—what do you usually pray about? A test coming up? A sports injury? Family drama? A better day tomorrow?

None of that is wrong. But think about this: Are your prayers more about your world… or God’s mission? It’s easy to treat prayer like a vending machine: put in a request, hope to get what you want. But that’s not what prayer is for.

In 1 Timothy 2, Paul encourages us to pray differently. He says to pray for everyone—even rulers and government leaders! Why? Because God wants all people to be saved. Paul is pushing us to have mission-focused prayers—not just “me-focused” ones.

Mission-focused prayer means we pray for the most important thing: people getting to know Jesus.

When we care more about others’ spiritual lives than just our own comfort, our prayers start to change. And guess what? When your prayers change, your perspective changes too. You’ll start noticing chances to actually be part of the answer to your own prayer. That’s powerful.

Paul reminds us:

• There’s only one God.
• There’s only one Savior, Jesus.
• And there’s only one mission—to get the good news of Jesus to the world.

You’re part of that mission. So is your prayer life.

Prayer:

Jesus, sometimes my prayers are all about me—what I want, what I’m worried about, or what I hope happens. Forgive me for forgetting your bigger mission. Help me care about others’ souls. Help me pray for people who don’t know you yet. Let my words and life share your love. Use me, Lord. Amen.

One key truth: Those who have learned of God’s love for us in Jesus reflect that love in bold and surprising ways—especially when given the chance to serve others.

In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.
Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.
When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there. With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah.
Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.”
Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.”
But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons—would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me!”
At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.
“Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.
So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem.
Ruth 1:1-19

Serving Our Neighbor in Love

Ruth was counterculture.

She stood out in a world where most people were just looking out for themselves. The easiest and safest path for her would’ve been to go back home, find a new husband, and start over. That’s what Naomi wanted for her—because that’s what people did. But Ruth chose something incredibly different. She chose to stay with Naomi, even when it meant moving to a foreign land, living in poverty, and giving up what everyone else would have considered a better life. She chose love over comfort. Loyalty over security.

Why would Ruth do something so selfless? Because she had come to know the love of the true God. She wasn’t just Naomi’s daughter-in-law anymore. She had become part of Naomi’s people—and more importantly, she had come to trust in Naomi’s God. That relationship with the Lord changed her and shaped how she loved others.

God gives us the same opportunity Ruth had: to live differently than the world around us. We live in a time when “look out for yourself” is often the motto. But God’s love shows us another way. You never know when he’ll give you a chance to be that unexpected friend, helper, or encourager. It could be a new kid at school who doesn’t know anyone. It could be someone in your neighborhood going through a tough time. Or maybe even someone in your own family.

When God’s love is alive in us, it spills out into how we treat others. Not because we have to—but because we get to. That’s what it means to love your neighbor.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us real love in Jesus. You brought us into your family when we didn’t deserve it, and you never stop caring for us. Help us reflect that same love to the people around us. Open our eyes to the people who need a friend, a helper, or just someone to listen. Make us bold to act in love, even when it’s hard. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

One key truth: When God calls us to faith and therefore calls us to service, he wants us to respond with “all in” commitment and obedience in our Christian lives.

So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.”
“Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”
So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
1 Kings 19:19-21

All In!

Have you ever heard someone say they’re “all in”? Whether it’s sports, music, a relationship, or training for something tough—being “all in” means giving everything. No halfway. No backup plan.

That’s exactly what Elisha did. He was out farming with twelve teams of oxen—probably a sign his family was pretty well-off—when Elijah walked up and threw his cloak over him. That was the prophet’s way of saying, “God’s calling you.” Elisha didn’t ask for a week to think it over. He burned his plowing equipment, sacrificed his oxen, and said goodbye to his family. He was all in.

When God called you at your baptism, he didn’t just give you a name—he gave you a new identity. A forgiven child of God. A mission. And a calling to live differently.

Being “all in” today might not mean walking away from a farm, but it does mean walking away from things that compete with God in your life. It means choosing what’s right, even when it’s hard. It might mean saying no to things your friends say yes to. It might mean exploring whether God is calling you into ministry. Or simply asking: “How can I use my time, skills, and relationships to serve Jesus today?”

Jesus went all in for you. He gave up everything—heaven, comfort, even his life—so you could be free from guilt and full of purpose. Now, out of gratitude, we get to live like people who are all in for him.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for going all in to save me. Forgive me for the times I’ve held back or put other things before you. Help me live with focus and purpose as I follow you each day. Amen.

One key truth: We have peace because the love of the Father has been demonstrated in his Son and poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

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. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5

We Have Peace with God

Can you identify with any of the following?

• No matter how hard I try to fit in with the group, my friends still leave me out of activities, and I feel all alone.
• I want to be pure and chaste and know that’s what God wants from me, but I still find myself looking at the porn I shouldn’t and the guilt I feel is unbearable.
• My future is all up in the air! I feel so much pressure to pick a college and career, but I have no idea what I want to do.
• I didn’t study as much as I should have, and my grades have fallen to the point where I can’t possibly get the GPA I need to earn my scholarship.
• My parents don’t understand the anxiety I am facing so it’s not even worth trying to talk with them.

Did you relate to these struggles? Perhaps you face different troubles. Whatever difficulties you face, it’s always tempting to wander down the thought path of: “I thought that getting closer to God would mean less problems and suffering, yet it seems I have even more! Where can I go to get the peace I’m so desperately looking for?”

What wonderful words Paul shares with us: “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” We’re often tempted to search for real peace in the wrong places—like friends, alcohol, drugs, or even winning in sports. But none of those things can give us peace that lasts.

True peace comes from God. He gives us peace by saying that because of Jesus, our sins are completely forgiven.

And even when life gets hard or we’re struggling, that doesn’t mean God has left us. Since God has said we’re not guilty of our sins, we can be sure that he’s always by our side, even during tough times.

The peace God gives isn’t about everything being perfect around us—it’s peace in our hearts. Jesus told us that life would have its problems, but we can still have peace because God is with us.

The stuff we go through on earth won’t last forever. But the peace God gives? That’s forever.

Trusting in God doesn’t mean life will be easy. It means knowing he’s always with you no matter what.

When you’re suffering, it doesn’t mean God is far away. Actually, it means the Holy Spirit is right there with you, giving you strength through his Word so you can keep going.

Whatever challenges come your way, know this: God is with you. He will give you the strength you need, hold you up, and help you through it all.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, in this chaotic world with all of its troubles and difficulties, it is hard for us to find peace. Thank you for bringing us the only peace that lasts—the peace of sins forgiven an the promises of your love. Strengthen us through Word and sacrament to keep our eyes focused on this peace as we face the challenges of life. Comfort us with this peace and remind us that you are with us always, especially when we are asked to go through trial and trouble. We ask this in the name of Jesus, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

One key truth: Jesus gave his life for all.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
John 17:20-26

All for One, and One for All

Back in 1844, a French author named Alexandre Dumas wrote a famous adventure story called The Three Musketeers. You’ve probably heard of it—if not the book, then maybe the candy bar or one of the movies! It’s all about sword fights, daring rescues, secret missions, and friendship. The musketeers had a famous motto: “All for one, and one for all.” They stuck together no matter what.

Now fast forward from sword fights to something even more epic—Jesus’ prayer in John 17. Did you know Jesus prayed for you? Right before he went to the cross, with the weight of the world on his shoulders, Jesus paused to pray… not just for his friends back then, but for every single person who would believe in him—including you.

There’s a word that shows up a lot in his prayer: “One.”

Jesus prayed that we would all be one—united. Why? Because he wants everyone to know who he is: God’s Son, the One who came to save the world. He wants us not just to know him, but to believe in him and follow him together. Jesus gave his one life for all of us—“one for all”—so that we could live with him and the Father forever.

And now? We live our lives for him—“all for one.” Jesus wants us to stick together, support each other, and point people to the One who died and rose again for all.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for thinking of me in your prayer. Help me to live for you and show others the One who gave everything for all of us. Amen.

One key truth: True gold is loving like Jesus loves us.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Gold Medal Love

Did you catch the Olympics this summer? If you were glued to the TV like I was, you saw something super cool—during the opening ceremonies in Paris, each country showed off their flag… not just by walking in a stadium, but by sailing down the Seine River on boats!

Some boats were full of famous athletes. Others were shared between smaller countries—even ones that don’t normally get along. Imagine that: countries with a beef against each other, floating side by side, waving to the crowd.

In the closing ceremony, the president of the Olympics, Thomas Bach, said something powerful: “You lived peacefully together. You respected each other—even when your countries are divided by war. You created a culture of peace. You inspired the world.”

Sound familiar? It should. That kind of love—the kind that looks past differences and puts others first—is straight out of the Bible.

The apostle Paul talked about this kind of love. Not the “I love pizza” kind. But real, selfless, “you-first” love. The kind Jesus showed. Paul even lists what love is and isn’t in the Bible—it’s why those verses get read at weddings all the time.

During the final song of the Olympics, a French singer performed John Lennon’s “Imagine.” It talks about dreaming of a world without hate, where people choose love instead.

But here’s the thing—God doesn’t want us to just imagine that kind of world. He calls us to live it.

So don’t just kind of try to love others. Go all in. Wave that Christian flag high as you sail into your week—and love like Jesus did.

Prayer:

God, thank you for loving me so much you died for me. Help me love others the same way—with courage, kindness, and a heart like yours. Amen.

One key truth: Jesus’ love and grace pulls us out of the dark side—and gives us a fresh start.

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
Acts 9:1-5, 19-22

Dark Side vs. Light Side

Say, “May the 4th be with you,” and all good Lutherans respond with, “And also with you.” We might see the Star Wars saga differently depending on when we first watched it, but the message of light vs. dark never gets old.

If you’re not familiar, George Lucas released the original Star Wars movies back in the late 1970s and early 80s—those were Episodes 4, 5, and 6, with classic special effects (think less CGI, more creativity). Then in the late 90s and early 2000s, we got the prequels—the origin story of Darth Vader—complete with heavy CGI and the infamous Jar Jar Binks. Finally, in the last decade, the sequel trilogy dropped, blending modern effects with a throwback vibe to the originals.

Ask your parents who likely were teenagers themselves while watching the “ending” episodes of Star Wars before the “beginning” ones. But now, with streaming, you can watch all nine movies in order—from Episode 1 to 9—and see the full journey of characters choosing between the light and dark sides. It’s all mapped out.

If only real life worked that way.

In Acts 9, we meet Saul—a guy fully on the dark side. He was literally on his way to hunt down Christians. But Jesus showed up, struck him blind with a light way brighter than a lightsaber, and flipped his whole life around. Saul became Paul, and his path shifted completely—from hurting people who followed Jesus to helping more people find Jesus.

As teens, you’re faced with choices every day—it can seriously feel like a battle between the dark and light sides. Maybe some of you have made choices you regret, things you wish you could undo or hope no one ever finds out about.

Here’s the good news: your story isn’t over. You’re still in the middle of your own plot. We don’t know exactly what’s coming next, but we know who’s in control of it. Just like Paul got a second chance, you do too. The cross gives us the ability to see beyond the darkness—to know that no matter what we’ve done, or how dark things feel, God’s love is the main storyline of your life—and that never changes.

Prayer:

Lord, life can get really dark sometimes. Help me follow your light and see you clearly, even when things are hard. Amen.

One key truth: When life stings, real hope is found in the empty tomb.

“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Ouch, that stings!

Here’s a funny (and slightly embarrassing) story for you. Picture this: a slightly out-of-shape pastor reaches into the deck box to grab the patio cushions after a long winter. Just as he pulls one out—BAM! A sharp sting shoots through his hand. His reaction? Hurl the cushion into the air and run around the yard, arms flailing, voice an octave higher, screaming, “WASPS!” at the top of his lungs. His kids? Watching through the patio door, asking their mom, “Uh… is Dad okay?”

What’s something that has stung you lately? Maybe a tough breakup? A friendship that fell apart? A loss in the family? We’re surrounded by Easter baskets full of candy, but sometimes life just stings.

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians reminds us that we have something better than a tube of anti-itch cream—we have a risen Savior. For people in Corinth who thought they had all the wisdom and worshiped man-made gods, the idea of Jesus rising from the dead was mind-blowing.

For us? Paul says we preach Christ crucified, but even more importantly, we preach Christ risen. That truth is the best medicine we could ever have. There will be days—maybe even today—when you feel like you’re running around, arms flailing, overwhelmed by life’s stings. But none of that changes your status in Jesus. Even when life stings, you can stand firm, knowing Jesus has already paid for your sins and defeated death once and for all.

The gospel will always be better than any cushion you could hide behind—just watch out for the wasps.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for taking the ultimate sting of death for me. When life stings, help me find peace in your presence. Amen.

One key truth: Jesus Christ is the real treasure that makes us rich—only in him do we find true worth.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:7-9, 13-14

Hiding Treasure in the Trash

In today’s world, it feels like everything revolves around the “stuff” we have, right? “If I can just live in a bigger house… if I can only make more money… if I could just get this or that…” It’s easy to get caught up in that mindset, but it misses the bigger picture. All this “stuff” can feel important, but when you look at it, it’s actually kind of meaningless.

We all get why it’s tempting, though. Maybe it’s a pair of limited-edition sneakers that you feel like you have to have. Or maybe it’s convincing yourself that the clothes you wear, the car you drive, or the people you hang out with will define your happiness and how others see you.

But here’s the thing: if you ever catch yourself stressing over all the material stuff in life, today’s reading is for you. Check this out: “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ, and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

Jesus is everything, young friends. In the end, nothing else really matters. The car you drive, the house you own, even the job you love—all that stuff is temporary. Health fades, youth passes, but Jesus? He lasts forever.

When we understand this, it changes everything. We can see clearly what’s “trash” and what’s “treasure.” And with that, we can press on each day, knowing that we’re chasing after something eternal—the goal that God has called us toward in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:
You are my glory and my treasure, Almighty God. Jesus’ sacrifice is my salvation. Help me remember this truth every day and keep me close to you. Amen.

One key truth: Jesus loves us and patiently works with us to grow our faith that trusts in him.

Then Jesus told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
Luke 13:6-9

Always Present, Always Patient

We’ve all heard the saying, “Patience is a virtue.” What it really means is that being able to wait or endure something without getting frustrated is a valuable quality. And let’s be honest—patience isn’t always easy. Whether it’s waiting for your phone to upload a video, waiting for your food at a restaurant, or waiting for grades to be posted, it’s not always simple to stay calm. Most of us, no matter our age, can struggle with this.

But here’s the good news: God is not like us when it comes to patience. As we continue exploring “Open Door Policies” this Lenten season, we’re reminded that God is not only always present in our lives, but he is also incredibly patient with us. This is a huge comfort because, let’s face it, we aren’t always patient ourselves. When things don’t go as planned, we can easily become frustrated. We want things to happen now—whether it’s instant gratification with technology or faster answers to life’s struggles.

Praise God that he doesn’t treat us the way we often treat each other or ourselves. In our Bible reading, we see how God deals with us. He’s not harsh or quick to judge. Instead, he’s loving, patient, and kind. In the parable, the gardener says, “‘Sir, leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it’” (Luke 13:8). When we fail, God doesn’t give up on us. He doesn’t throw us away or turn his back on us. Instead, he loves us—because of Jesus. He uses his Word and sacraments to help us grow and become stronger in our faith. He nurtures us back to spiritual health and keeps us close to him.

So, this week, focus on growing your faith. And when you mess up—and you will—remember the mercy of God, who is always present and always patient. This brings us incredible joy and peace.

Prayer:
Fill us with your Word, Lord God, so we can rest in the assurance that we are yours and you are ours. Let your goodness work deeply in our hearts, and help us share it with those near and far. Amen.

One key truth: Jesus is our perfect substitute and conquering victor over sin, death, and the devil.

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
Luke 4:1-13

One Stands; Everyone Else Sits

Jesus’ public ministry didn’t start off slow—it kicked off with some serious action. Right after being baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, he went straight into the wilderness for 40 days of fasting. No food. No water. Just Jesus, alone, physically drained, and totally human. And that’s exactly when Satan decided to strike.

The prince of darkness saw his chance. He threw out every tempting offer he could—power, food, glory—all to try and distract Jesus from his mission. If he could just get Jesus to cave, to forget why he left heaven in the first place, then the whole plan of saving us from our sins would fall apart.

But Satan should have known who he was messing with. Every single temptation was shut down by the power of God’s Word. Jesus stood firm. Satan never stood a chance. This was a total victory—just like the one that would come a few years later when Jesus gave his life on the cross outside Jerusalem. His death paid for our sins. His blood washed us clean. And that victory? It wasn’t just for that moment—it’s ours today, tomorrow, and forever.

Right now, you may be chilling—scrolling through your phone, maybe sitting in a comfy chair. That’s cool. But don’t forget: while we sit, Jesus stood. He stood against Satan. He stood in our place. And because he won, we don’t have to fight this battle alone.

Victory is already ours.

Prayer:
Thank you, Almighty God, for cleansing me of my sin and calling me your own. Use your Word to remind me daily of Christ’s victory and help me seek to serve you alone in all I think, say, and do. Amen.

One key truth: Because Christ is the redeemer of our stories, we can overcome evil with good.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Genesis 45:4-7

Love Your Enemies, Overcoming Evil With Good

When it comes to the stories of our lives, there are chapters that read like Joseph’s life. Past and present events leave us wondering, “What good could come from this?” We ask this when we don’t get into the school of our dreams. We ask this when our families move out of state in the middle of our high school career—and we have to say goodbye to familiar rhythms and our friends. We ask this after a break-in, when our belongings are stolen. And we also ask this after someone inconveniences us, disappoints us, or seriously wrongs us. We look at our past or present suffering at the hands of others—and the hurt—and may justify in our heads, “We need to repay them for what they did to us.”

But that would only be true if we sat in the seat of the divine storyteller—God himself. You see, we not only want to be the central character of our story, but we want to be the narrator of our story, too.

And we’re neither.

How can we recover the sleep that we’ve lost to our restlessness and anxiety? How can we reclaim all the tears shed over hurts we’ve received? How can we heal ourselves from the pain of our guilt and the weight of our shame? And yes, how can we pay back the injustices we’ve experienced?

If it was up to us to redeem our past, we couldn’t do it. No matter how many “good” things we might try to do, before a holy, righteous God, our guilt would remain. If it was up to us to undo the damage our sins had done, we couldn’t do it. If it was up to us to salvage some greater, prevailing storyline from our suffering, the storylines we come up with shortchange us on comfort in the long run.

But that’s exactly what happens when we want to sit in the seat of “storyteller.” We feel like it’s on us to write ourselves out of the mess we’re in. We fixate on the present or ruminate on the past—and all the while we miss the forest for the trees.

Thankfully, Joseph’s comfort is your comfort, too. And what comfort is that? You don’t hold the pen that writes the pages of your life. God does. When he writes, grace spills from his pen. And if you doubt that to be true, look to the cross of Christ—and see our God reinvent what was intended for evil for good—immense, infinite, eternal good. Jesus is the better, greater, truer Joseph. Jesus wasn’t just rejected by his family; he endured rejection by his heavenly Father. Jesus was sold for pieces of silver—not into slavery—but into death. Jesus, on the cross, debunks the storyline that “what goes around comes around,” because he—unlike Joseph—was perfect and blameless, and yet died as the worst of criminals. Why? So that we would not. So that we could go free! The chains of sin and death have been shattered! Jesus’ empty tomb continues to sing songs of liberation for the weary and broken. God used Joseph to deliver an entire region. God, in Christ, would save the entire world.

You are set free from the burden of redeeming your life’s story; that weight has already been worn by Christ. The gospel shows us that no evil we inflict or experience is irredeemable. The gospel not only gives us reason to reconcile with those who’ve wronged us, but the gospel gives us the resources to reconcile with them, too. Such grace means you can never irrevocably, irredeemably screw up your life. God takes our mistakes and reinvents them into demonstrations of his goodness, his steadfast love, his abiding care, and unwavering faithfulness. God’s prominence persists in spite of our problems; God’s providence prevails over our pain.

Because Christ is the redeemer of our stories, we can overcome evil with good.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are both the author and perfecter of our faith. You knew us before we were born and knit us together in the wombs of our mothers. We thank you for being our redeemer from sin and death. Thank you for redeeming not only our lives, but also the story of our lives. Help us to be reconciled with those who wrong us. In your name we pray. Amen.