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Matthew 9:37-38 KJV
[37] Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.9.37-38.KJV



The Urgent Call

Have you ever shared the Good News of Jesus with someone in your life?

When Jesus was teaching and training the twelve disciples, he often used imagery and metaphors that were part of their culture to communicate important truths to them. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus relates the work that He is doing to a farmer’s work in the field.

Jesus says that the people who do not know Jesus are like a field of grain that's ready to be harvested. But, there are not enough workers to go and harvest among the fields. Jesus says to pray that God would send more workers to gather the harvest.

Essentially, there are people who are ready and willing to hear and respond to the Gospel message—the hope that Jesus brings for every person. But when Jesus says "the workers are few" (Matthew 9:38), what He really means is: there are not enough people sharing the Good News with others.

As Christians, we are entrusted with the free gift of eternal life, and we’re tasked with sharing that message with others. However, many Christians keep their faith to themselves.

We are to be bold in sharing the message of the cross with other people so that they can experience new life in Jesus, too.

Take a few minutes today to consider what small step you can take to begin sharing Jesus with other people. Pray for God to give you courage, and then step out and begin sharing with others.

Romans 1:16 KJV
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.1.16.KJV

Galatians 5:25 NIV
[25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

https://bible.com/bible/111/gal.5.25.NIV

Acts 10:43 NIV
[43] All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/act.10.43.NIV

Fully Forgiven

Imagine a grand choir echoing a single anthem. Each distinct voice adds to the chorus, creating a symphony filled with anticipation. Their melody spans generations; they sing of a Savior whose name brings forgiveness and hope!

This song of eternity is described by Peter: “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43 NIV).  

The prophets, whose ancient voices echoed God's plans and purposes, stood as witnesses to this ultimate promise: Christ’s forgiveness isn't just a possibility—it's a reality for all who believe. 

As believers in Jesus Christ, we can find encouragement standing on the foundation laid by these prophetic voices. We stand assured that through the name of Jesus, forgiveness is granted, and reconciliation is made possible with God and others. But we’re not onlookers! We are active participants in this grand choir, singing with hearts full of gratitude, hope, and confidence in the unifying power of Christ’s forgiveness.

Jesus paid the price for your past, present, and future. What would it look like for you to fully embrace this forgiveness for your sins?

John 1:12 NIV
[12] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.1.12.NIV

You are Known

When we decide to follow Jesus, we’re given a new life in Christ. But what exactly does that mean? 

Jesus came and died for everyone who ever lived — that’s us — and when we give our lives to Him and make the choice to follow Him, we get a new life in Him. We get adopted into His eternal family, with all the rights that go along with that. 

When we say “yes” to Jesus, we are choosing to believe everything about Him is true. We’re agreeing that He lived a perfect life, died for us, and rose from the dead. When we believe this, we are adopted into God’s family as His children.

Being God’s children means we get unlimited, constant access to God’s presence, love, and authority. And the great news? No one can separate us from God.

We don’t receive new life as God’s children from our parents or earn it from our good deeds—it’s something God freely offers us. He alone has the authority to adopt us into His eternal family, and He promises to never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). 

At the moment of our adoption, our old identities no longer matter. Every unkind name we were given, every mistake we’ve made, every hurt we’ve experienced (or caused)—it’s all erased. Our identity, security, and future are now rooted in the God who loves us and died for us.  

Take a few moments right now and reflect on that. If you belong to Jesus, you are not alone. You are known by the Creator of the universe who calls you His child, knows you by name, and loves you unconditionally.

1 John 4:9 NIV
[9] This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

https://bible.com/bible/111/1jn.4.9.NIV

The Great Love of Jesus

Love is the beginning of everything. You and I have life and breath at this very moment because God loves us. God created us because He wanted a people to love, and we are the recipients of His great love.

In 1 John 4:9, John tells his readers that the primary way God showed His love toward us is through Jesus. Even while we were considered enemies of God, He sent Jesus to earth on our behalf. While Jesus was on earth, he lived a sinless life as a representative of humanity to God. His death and resurrection made a way for us to be forgiven of our sins and begin a relationship with God.

God now gives us His love freely. There is nothing that we can do to earn His love, and there’s nothing about us that deserves His love. This is why John says love comes from God (1 John 4:7).

Love is our greatest responsibility in life. Jesus made it very clear to His disciples that loving God and loving others are the two greatest commandments. But the basis for all of this is the love of God through Jesus.

John tells us in 1 John 4:7-8 that those who truly know God will also love others. Our relationship with God is the model for how we should love other people. We should never deny someone something we’ve been freely given. And since we have freely received love from God, we should also freely give love to others.

Consider some ways you can love the people around you. Sometimes simply spending time with people is the best way to love them. There might also be someone you know who needs encouragement, or help meeting their needs. Think of one or two things you can do this week to show love to someone in your life.

Matthew 5:14 NIV
[14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.5.14.NIV


Light It Up

Picture it: a big city with tall buildings, a hilltop village surrounded by vibrant farms, an oceanside community on top of a giant bluff.

Cities are impressive on their own, but they’re undeniably radiant when they’re high upon a hill. And they’re extra brilliant when they’re saturated with light.

Speaking to the crowds and His disciples in His famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told them:

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:14 NLT

As He continued His message, Jesus explained, like a city on a hill or a lamp on a stand, “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬).

Jesus often used metaphors to get people thinking, so here are six things to consider as you reflect on that verse:

1. It’s all His: We are only a light when we have THE light—His light—shining through us. Anything good is first given by Him, and this should empower us with humble confidence.

2. We’re chosen: We can’t do anything to earn the honor and responsibility of being a light-reflector, but it's a title that's been given. This title is self-evident—because of who God made us and called us to be.

3. Don’t hide it: God’s light inside of us cannot be hidden. When we’re truly following Him, it is obvious and undeniable. So we can boldly and unashamedly shine brightly for Him.

4. Light it up: While we don’t want the world around us to grow darker and darker, the Bible teaches that it’s inevitable. And yet, His light will shine best in the dark.

5. No more darkness: Christ's followers are meant to be beacons of light, illuminating God’s truth and shining His love. Whoever follows Jesus will never walk in darkness (John 8:12).

6. Compelled to worship: The purpose of carrying this light isn’t to draw attention to ourselves, but to compel others to worship God. The global Church is meant to be the brightest light the world has ever seen, and you get to be part of that city, the Church. 

Though the sun may sink beneath the horizon and the world may become increasingly dark, the glory of such a city cannot be missed.

Psalm 139:14 KJV
[14] I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.139.14.KJV


Made for This

Do you realize that you were purposefully, lovingly, and carefully designed by God?

King David said it like this:

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Your eyes, brain, heart, muscles, organs, nerves, fingernails, eyelashes, and smile. 

Not only are you wonderfully complex, but you were also planned before life as we know it existed by your Heavenly Father. 

Even as you read these words, your body is doing some incredible things—without your conscious consent. Your fingers are scrolling, your eyes are capturing, your brain is processing …

All the while, your heart is pumping blood, your lungs are managing breath, your eyelids are blinking away dryness, your glands are producing saliva, your blood cells are multiplying by the second, your brain is directing your body while simultaneously storing memory—and so much more.

David also points out in other portions of Psalm 139 that God knows everything about us, His presence is inescapable, and He thinks about us so much that such thoughts cannot be numbered.

The point? You have been uniquely and intentionally created by God—to love Him and the people around you, to know Him and to make Him known.

So, be encouraged. You were made for this.

Romans 3:23-24 NIV
[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.3.23-24.NIV


Say “Yes” to What Matters

Peter sat in grief and darkness. He had publicly denied knowing Jesus just before Jesus was crucified. And for a couple of days, Peter had to process his guilt without expecting it to go away. But on the third day, Jesus’ tomb was found empty and the stone rolled away. 

Not long afterward though, Peter was out in a boat with several other disciples doing what he was trained to do before he met Jesus: fishing. 

It’s as he’s doing this that Jesus appears. But instead of letting Peter continue to live with the shame of his past, Jesus pulls him aside and asks him a question that propels Peter into his purpose: 

“Do you love me?”

Three times Jesus asks Peter this—one for each time Peter denied him. This wasn’t a passive-aggressive question: Jesus was inviting Peter to reaffirm the relationship he’d previously denied. 

Every time Peter responds with, “Yes Lord, you know that I love you,” Jesus re-commissions Peter by calling him into the role of church builder and shepherd. 

Jesus’ resurrection meant that Peter didn’t have to be defined by his mistakes. He could still embrace the call on his life and become the leader Jesus knew he could be. 

Like Peter, you also have the opportunity to say “yes” to loving Jesus and being loved by Him. No matter how dysfunctional your life looks, or how far from Jesus you feel, there is nothing that can separate you from His love. 

Your past mistakes or current problems do not dictate your purpose when your life is rooted in Christ. 

God has given each of us access to a free gift we don’t deserve: a free gift that is available when we choose to love God and receive His relentless, sacrificial love for us.

The resurrection reassures us that no situation or mistake is impossible for God to redeem. There is no fear Jesus cannot conquer and no life He cannot heal. No darkness can stand against the power of the risen God who conquered death on our behalf. 

There is nothing our God can’t do, and no one our God can’t redeem. 

Today, say “yes” to Jesus and allow Him to reveal His deep, unending love for you.

2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV
[18] All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:

https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.5.18.NIV

The Invitation of Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:18 says, “Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”

When we surrender our lives to Jesus and place our faith in Him, we experience reconciliation to God. We are changed into a new creation, which means we receive a new outlook and perspective as God welcomes us into His family, forgives our sins, and invites us into His presence.

The result is a personal relationship with God—now and forever—as we seek Him, pursue Him, and spend time in fellowship with Him.

Before this, separation existed, and as sinful humans, there is nothing we can do on our own to make things right between us and the almighty, holy God, creator of the universe. However, God gave us one way to reconcile with Him: putting our faith in Christ, who died in our place so that we could live, be in right standing with God, and know Him intimately.

This reconciliation means we are no longer against God, and He’s not counting our sins against us—because Jesus paid the price for our sin when He went to the cross on our behalf.

Now, we are united with God, on the same team, joining Him as He reconciles the world to Himself through Christ. He has given us the ministry of reconciliation, so it’s our mission to tell others the good news that they, too, can be forgiven and made right with God.

The apostle Paul writes in verses 19-20 that God “...has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making His appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, ‘Be reconciled to God.’”

Let’s accept and share this life-changing invitation of reconciliation.

Zechariah 14:9 NIV
[9] The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.

https://bible.com/bible/111/zec.14.9.NIV


A Longing for Home

Going Deeper: Near the end of a 70-year exile, the Prophet Zechariah recorded this book of stories, dreams, and visions for a weary nation of Israel to challenge them to remain faithful to their Covenant with God and to inspire hope for the future Kingdom of God.

The longing for home is an internal pull, a tug at our hearts with relentless yearning. Home is more than the physicality of a place; it's the embodiment of comfort, familiarity, and a sense of belonging. 

Zechariah 14:9 is an answer to this heartfelt yearning. Near the end of Israel’s 70 years in exile, the prophet Zechariah wrote to a weary nation to remind them of God’s goodness, to remain faithful to God, and to inspire hope for the coming Kingdom of God.

Imagine the weariness of a nation estranged from their homeland for 70 long years, facing doubt and uncertainty about their future. Zechariah’s words are not just a historical record; they are a lifeline, reminding a people worn by exile that their journey isn't without purpose or end. His words paint a picture of restoration—a glimpse into a future Kingdom where God's sovereignty reigns supreme.

Today, you may feel distanced from God’s purpose or promises for your life. If you’re longing for the comfort and belonging, Zechariah's encouragement holds true, even today. God's unwavering goodness and faithfulness never cease, and God has promised His followers that He will bring them home one day to a restored kingdom (Revelation 21).

We can trust in a future kingdom to come. Home is not that far off.

John 3:17 NIV
[17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.3.17.NIV



Forgiven and Free

John 3:17 comes right after one of the most famous verses in the Bible, and it continues to clarify the manner in which Jesus brings us eternal life. The great gift of God through Jesus comes to all who believe in Jesus as the way to salvation.

John tells us that Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world because of its sin, but rather to save the world through His life, death, and resurrection.

It can be easy to feel condemned or guilty because we don’t often see ourselves as worthy of God’s love. But this verse tells us something important—regardless of who you are or what you’ve done, you are loved by God.

God is not trying to fill you with guilt or make your life difficult. He wants the best for you and desires a relationship with you. He loved us so much that He sent His only Son to the earth to give us grace and life that we did not deserve.

While it is true that Jesus exposes the darkness of this world (John 3:19), anyone who believes in Jesus and follows Him will experience salvation, and all that God has to offer.

If we choose to follow the ways of this world rather than Jesus, then our actions and thoughts will lead us to condemnation and death. But if we follow Jesus and believe in His Word, then we will experience eternal life in relationship with God. 

Spend some time thanking God for the amazing gift of eternal life that He has given to you for free. Continue to walk in the light of Jesus knowing that you are no longer condemned, but forgiven and free.

Matthew 16:24 NIV
[24] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.16.24.NIV



The Price of Following Jesus

We know from Scripture that salvation is a free gift that Jesus gives us when we believe in Him. But just because our salvation is free—that doesn’t mean the rest of our lives with Jesus will cost us nothing as well.

Jesus says that following Him will cost us everything. This doesn’t mean that we have to earn our salvation or work for acceptance, but it does mean that following Jesus requires everything we have.

When we become disciples of Jesus, we follow in His footsteps. We let Jesus teach and guide us. If we are serious about this, then our lives will become patterned after His life. This means that just as Jesus took up a cross and gave up everything He had, by following Jesus we must also do the same.

So what does it mean to take up a cross and follow Jesus? It means that we should be ready to give up everything for the sake of Jesus. It means denying ourselves by surrendering our own desires and plans for God’s desires and plans. Rather than focusing on ourselves, we center our lives around God’s mission in the world: loving Him and loving others as we make disciples. 

Taking up one’s cross isn’t easy, but there is nothing in this life that is better than following Jesus. While immediate pleasure often feels more desirable in the moment, it quickly fades and leaves us searching for more. No possession or position can lead to true satisfaction in life—that is found only in Jesus.

Take a moment to think about your life. Are there things that you’re holding onto that you would be hesitant to surrender to Jesus? Are there relationships that serve your own desires rather than God’s? Commit to following Jesus regardless of how difficult or challenging life might become. The cross, while painful, is temporary—abundant life with Jesus is eternal.

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
[7] For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

https://bible.com/bible/111/2ti.1.7.NIV


Power, Love, and Discipline

One of the miracles of salvation is that when we have faith in Christ, God not only saves us, He also gives us the power to live according to His will for us. Your life in Christ is one that is empowered by the Holy Spirit living within you.

This is a great gift, but a big shift. It often takes time to change how we think and act. We may have bad habits that take hard work to correct, or patterns of thought that are challenging to break.

Thankfully, God promises to be with us and to empower us to make these changes in our life. When Paul is writing to his mentee Timothy, he encourages him to continue to develop the gift that God has given to him. While we are saved in an instant, it takes a lifetime to develop and work out what God is doing inside of us.

Paul reminds Timothy that God’s Spirit does not give us fear or cowardice. Those things are tools of the devil who is trying to keep us from God. But the Spirit of God empowers us with confidence in Him. He gives us the power to live out the purposes of God in our life. This power is one that we need to continually remember as we face challenges.

The Spirit of God also empowers us to love others. It can be difficult to love people, especially those who may have hurt us. But God promises to give us His power and love so that we can be a light to everyone around us.

God’s Spirit also empowers us with self-discipline. We won’t experience spiritual change and growth if we don’t train and practice—but that takes time, dedication, and endurance. We need to be consistent in doing the things that God asks us to do, including reading His Word and talking to Him. Thankfully, when we belong to God, He helps us. He gives us the strength, stamina, and soundness of mind to build habits that help us become more like Him.

So take some time today to talk with God. Ask Him to empower you by His Spirit toward confidence, love, and self-discipline. Consider how God is leading you to change the way you live. As you do that, remember that God doesn’t give us fear. He fills us with love because He wants us to experience a confident relationship with Him.

Isaiah 55:6 NIV
[6] Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.55.6.NIV



While You Still Can

Have you found yourself chasing the treasures and pleasures of this world? Have you attempted to find peace and purpose outside of the One who created you? Have you discovered that your striving has done nothing but leave you anxious, empty, overwhelmed, and possibly numb?

God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, said this: 

“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:6-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

It’s not too late for you, and you are not too far from God.

So what can you do? Seek Him. Call on Him. Change your ways. Turn to Him. And what will He do? He will be near. He will offer His mercy. He will forgive even the worst of your decisions, mistakes, and sins.

God is good. God is also good at being God. He created you, He loves you, and He wants a relationship with you. And since He designed you, He knows how you were hardwired to thrive. He knows that you need Him more than anything else in the world.

You can ignore His nudges and reject His love, continuing to do things your way. Or, you can come boldly to the throne of grace, where you will receive mercy and grace when you need it most (Hebrews 4:16). 

So while you still can … seek Him, call on Him, change your ways, and turn to Him. He is your loving Father, and He is your merciful God.

1 Peter 5:8 NIV
[8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

https://bible.com/bible/111/1pe.5.8.NIV


Stay Alert

Have you ever let your guard down when you shouldn’t have?

Maybe you got lazy. Maybe you got distracted. Maybe you cared too much about someone else’s opinions. Maybe you got tired of standing your ground. 

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, would understand. He left everything to follow Jesus. He loved, trusted, and believed in Jesus. But when being associated with Jesus threatened His own security and reputation, Peter denied Him—three times. 

Thankfully, Jesus forgave him, restored him, and even empowered him to preach at Pentecost—the day that 3,000 people were baptized and the early church began.

It was that Peter who wrote: 

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If we’re going to resist the enemy, we must stay on both the offensive and defensive.

The Offensive: Stay alert. Stand firm. Be strong. Read God’s Word. Seek God-centered community. Fight for time and connection with God. Remind yourself that there are others fighting this battle with you.

The Defensive: If someone is twisting the truth, call it out. If you notice an injustice, do something to help. If your enemy the devil is wreaking havoc, have the courage to fight for good.

For the times that you’ve already let your guard down, don’t allow yourself to stay stuck in guilt or shame. We’ve all had moments where we’ve slipped. Ask for forgiveness and keep moving forward.

What did Jesus do after He was raised back to life? He found Peter. In fact, he cooked breakfast on the beach for Peter! He gave Peter another chance, and even established him as a leader.

So stay alert. And remember: God is also for fighting you.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV
[21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.5.21.NIV

Finding Worth in Christ

One of humanity's deepest pursuits is finding our identity–we want to know who we are! It’s often tempting to seek definition and significance in a world that offers a myriad of labels. But when we chase validation in temporary sources, hoping they'll define us, we only find fleeting satisfaction.

In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul describes an eternal identity gifted to us by Christ: "For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Jesus took on the weight of all sin—absorbing its penalty—without ever sinning Himself. He did this so that we might be reconciled to God with a new identity defined by Christ's righteousness, not our own and not from this world. Christ has sacrificially given us a new identity and purpose.

Our yearning for identity can only find its fulfillment in Christ. We are recipients of His righteousness. And in Him, our identity is forever secure.

Consider today how this truth shapes your sense of worth. Are you seeking worldly validation, or are you resting in Jesus’ righteousness? How might recognizing your identity in Christ transform how you view yourself and interact with the world?

Mark 13:33 NIV
[33] Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mrk.13.33.NIV


Stay Alert

Imagine you work in someone’s home. One day, the master of the home leaves and entrusts you to steward their property, and you have no idea when they will return. What would you do? 

Take a nap? Throw a party? Eat all the food in the pantry? Ignore instructions?

No. A faithful servant would follow their master’s directions and keep the home ready for their return.

Jesus’ parable in Mark 13:32-37 illustrates that the same is true of what our Master, Jesus, has given us—possessions, gifts, talents, and the like. It’s not really ours, after all—He left it in our care temporarily. We don’t know when He will return, "whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn" (Mark 13:35, NIV). But God’s Word tells us what we should do in the meantime.

Here are a few tasks our Master has for us while we wait:

- Stay alert and vigilant. (Mark 13:33)
- Pray for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:18)
- Serve one another with our spiritual gifts. (1 Peter 4:10)
- Care for the needy. (James 2:14–17)
- Practice humility. (Philippians 2:3–4)

Let’s stay on guard for when “someday” becomes a reality.

Isaiah 53:6 NIV
[6] We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.53.6.NIV

John 3:16 NIV
[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.3.16.NIV

God So Loves You

If you’ve experienced any part of the Bible, you probably know that John 3:16 highlights a vital part of the gospel message…

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV

Think about it:

“For God so loved the world …”

God didn’t merely like the world, but He loved the world. He loved you so much that He created you, made a way for you, and desired a forever relationship with you.

“… that he gave his one and only Son …”

Because of God’s immense love for the world, He gave—generously and sacrificially—His one and only Son … because it’s only through His death that we can have life.

“… that whoever believes in him …”

It’s not enough to know that Jesus existed as a real, historical person—James 2:19 reminds us that even the demons believe that and shudder. Believing in Jesus means we choose to trust Him as Savior and Master of our lives.

“… shall not perish but have eternal life.”

We cannot earn our salvation, but we can trust the One who saves us. God created us for eternity, but He also gave us the ability to choose Him. Eternity isn’t something for the distant future, but it’s already in motion right now.

Matthew 5:16 NIV
[16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.5.16.NIV


Shining the Light of Jesus

Have you ever walked from a dark place into a very bright space? Light has incredible power over our senses, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. But light is necessary for us to live. Light tells us about reality. It illuminates things around us.

In Matthew 5, Jesus uses various light metaphors to describe the life of a disciple. He says that His disciples are like a town built on a hill that shines light into the valley (Matthew 5:14). He also says we’re like a lamp that gives light to a whole house (Matthew 5:15).

The life of a disciple of Jesus is meant to be like that of light that shines brightly for others to see. So what is the light that we have? 

First and foremost, it is the message of the Gospel. We have been given knowledge of what Jesus has done for us, and it’s that knowledge that changes everything for us. We now have a new life because of Him.

We’ve been entrusted with this message so that we could share it with others. The message and hope of Jesus is a bright light that illuminates reality.

Jesus also says that people recognize our light through our good deeds. When we go out of our way to love others, we are showing them the light and love of Jesus. Actions that help others opens up the opportunity for us to share the hope we have in Him.

There are many ways that you have been equipped in life to share the message of Jesus with others. It might be at work, with your neighbors, with someone in your community, or with your family. It might be through an act of love, a financial gift, an encouraging word, or random act of kindness, but everything that you do should always be accompanied by the message of the gospel. 

Without love, our actions are meaningless, and the most illuminating act of all is loving people like Jesus, so that they might know Him. Today, consider how you can be a light to those around you in how you love them.

1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV
[16] Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

https://bible.com/bible/111/1co.3.16.NIV

The Church is God’s Sacred Space

Back when the Old Testament stories were still being lived out, God designated sacred spaces for His people to meet with Him.

First, God planted a garden in Eden—a beautiful space in paradise for His prized creations. Next, the tabernacle was a portable space in the wilderness for the Israelites who’d been rescued from Egyptian slavery. Then, the temple was a permanent space in Jerusalem for the people of Israel.

In all instances, these were specially chosen places of worship, as well as tangible signs of God’s presence. 

The Creator of everything that exists can’t be confined to a garden, a tent, or a building, but it was in those sacred spaces where heaven and earth could overlap.

Fun fact: Garden imagery is all over the decorative details of both the tabernacle and the temple: palm trees and pomegranates, water lilies and almond blossoms, lions and oxen, vibrant colors and precious metals. Such designs are meant to point back to the beginning—before things went wrong.

Because a holy God loves sinful people, we have a separation problem. That’s why priests were appointed as representatives—mediators for things like worship, sacrifices, and atonement. And though it worked for a while, it was only a temporary solution.

But when Jesus showed up, He not only fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies and temple purposes, but He also bridged the gap. No longer was there a need for a temple made of wood or stone, but of flesh and blood. No longer was there a need for endless sacrifices, because Jesus, the ultimate High Priest, had provided the ultimate sacrifice—Himself. Finally, God’s Spirit could now dwell with and inside of His people, the new and improved “temple.”

That’s why Paul asked the Corinthians:
“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?”
1 Corinthians‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We serve a God who meets people where they are: in the garden, in the wilderness, in the temple, in themselves. 

So if you’re a follower of Christ, remember: You are the place where His Spirit now dwells. You are the vessel in which He lives and moves and works and empowers. You are the place where heaven has crashed into earth.

Psalms 145:18 NIV
[18] The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.145.18.NIV

God is Close

No matter what we face, we can always seek our unchanging God. We just need to call on Him in truth.  

Praying with truth requires recognizing our own brokenness. That means we need to accept and acknowledge that there is nothing we’ve done that makes us worthy of talking to our Creator.

God draws near to us because He is good, kind, merciful, and humble. And we call on Him in truth when we humbly submit our will to His and genuinely delight in Him.  

This doesn’t mean we need to call on Him perfectly—we can’t. We simply need to come as we are, and acknowledge our deep need for His grace, mercy, and love. You don’t need to have your life together. You don’t need to be free from anxiety, depression, or fear. In whatever moment you find yourself, God wants you to honestly and intentionally talk to Him. 

And even though we might not always sense that God is near, the Psalms remind us that God will come to anyone who calls out to Him. God’s presence is not reliant on our feelings or our perception of circumstances—He is near whether we realize it or not. 

So today, come as you are to the God who loves you. Draw near to God, and allow Him to draw near to you.

Acts 4:12 NIV
[12] Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/act.4.12.NIV


How to Make Disciples

Imagine being a disciple in Jesus’ day...

Just before Jesus returns to heaven, He commands you to tell all nations the story of the gospel. In your travels, you encounter new people and cultures and share all that God has done through His Son, Jesus. People’s lives are changed because of God’s salvation and His working through you.

God asks us to continue to make disciples in Jesus' name, because His is the only name that can offer salvation.

Disciple-making starts with loving others as God has loved us. It involves thoughtful teaching and instruction that points people toward a loving relationship with God. We can teach others about discipleship as we go about our daily lives. Here are two ways to get started…

MODELING:

But as for you, promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching. Titus 2:1 NIV

If we want to help people know God, it's important to have hearts that demonstrate Jesus’ teachings. Jesus cared for the poor and the oppressed. He cared more about inward heart attitudes than outward demonstrations. He sacrificed Himself for the good of others.

When we model Christ’s sacrificial love and compassion in our relationships, we are illustrating that we have been transformed by God’s love. The way we live will invite others to experience the same sort of love that transformed us.

MENTORSHIP:

Give instruction to the wise, and they will become wiser still; teach the righteous and they will gain in learning. Proverbs 9:9 NRSV

As each of us grows in intimacy with God, we can offer wisdom to people we know. Taking time to listen to people’s stories and encourage them to walk with God through their experiences can lead to a powerful mentoring relationship.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples the command to make more disciples. He declared that all disciples should be made in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is a comforting reminder that when we make disciples, we aren’t doing it by our power.

God’s grace goes before us, and the Holy Spirit works in our hearts to transform us. This is all possible because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. So take a moment to think about someone you would like to see draw closer to God. How can you show up in their life today?

Romans 10:17 NIV
[17] Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.10.17.NIV


Faith Begins By Hearing

Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” (NLT)

Everyone who follows Jesus first heard the Good News somewhere. At some point, in some way, the message of Jesus reached them.

The apostle Paul wrote these words in a letter to believers in Rome as he explained how people come to faith. Faith begins when the Good News about Jesus is heard. God uses the message of Christ to open the hearts of people everywhere with His beautiful invitation to new life.

But what makes this news so good?

Sometimes people hesitate to talk about faith because they have not fully discovered how good God truly is. Some imagine God as distant or angry, ready to judge. But that is not the God revealed through Jesus.

Jesus is compassionate. He knows every person, including you. He sees every story, including yours. He understands your fears, struggles, and burdens.

Jesus did not come to condemn the broken. He came to carry judgment on Himself, to lift what is heavy, and to bring healing and hope to all who will receive Him.

This is the Good News: God loves people. God is near. Through Jesus, forgiveness and new life are possible...for you, for your loved ones…for all people.

When this truth takes root in your heart, sharing it will become less about obligation and more about overflowing love and joy. The Good News was never meant to stop with us.

Someone in your life is waiting to hear it, and they may need to hear it from you.

A simple conversation, a gentle invitation, or a small act of kindness may lead to a life-changing moment of transformation when someone hears the Good News—from you—for the first time ever. Will you share it?

John 5:24 NIV
[24] “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.5.24.NIV


A Gift Worth Receiving

After Jesus healed a man who had been paralyzed for almost four decades, the religious Jews were angry with Him. This may seem strange, because healing is a good thing, but Jesus performed this miracle on the Sabbath—the day of rest. In the Old Testament, God gave believers a long list of rules to follow in order to stay right with Him, and these rules included honoring the Sabbath. 

But in the New Testament, Jesus was sent to change our relationship with the Father. By sacrificing Himself on the cross, He gave us access to a relationship with God—so that long list of rules was no longer needed. Throughout Jesus' life, He shows people the nature of this new relationship. But because it didn’t line up with what the religious establishment believed, they were angry with Him. 

In John 5, Jesus justifies these changes through revealing His true authority. By calling God His Father, He shared that He was equal to God. This angered the religious Jews, but it gives us a deeper look into the relationship between the Father and Son.

Jesus tells us that the Father and Son are united in love. The Son does not ‘work’ for the Father—instead they work together, and the work Jesus does perfectly reflects the will of His Father. 

This relationship reveals that Jesus has authority to give us eternal life with Him. 

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 
John 5:24 ESV

When we hear God’s Word and believe in Jesus, we have access to a relationship with Him that will last forever. Unlike the Jews in the Old Testament before this new covenant, we don’t have to follow strict laws perfectly to gain salvation.

All we have to do is accept the gift Jesus has given us through His authority.

Matthew 28:19 NIV
[19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.28.19.NIV


The Mission of the Church

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, he spent 40 days on earth ministering to people and preparing His disciples for life without Him. Jesus planned on leaving earth and ascending to heaven, but before doing so, He gave His disciples a mission found in Matthew 28:19-20. We often call this The Great Commission.

The Great Commission begins with getting up and going to places where people need to hear about the good news of Jesus. This doesn’t mean you have to leave your country—there are people in your own neighborhood and workplace that need to hear the hope of Jesus.

The ultimate goal of the Great Commission is to make followers of Jesus. So as we go about sharing the good news of Jesus with people, we're to show people how Jesus has changed our lives, and invite them to discover Jesus for themselves.

It can be easy to think that making disciples is the responsibility of our church pastors and ministry leaders. While those things certainly are part of every church’s mission, Jesus intended for every believer to be making disciples.

So take a moment to think about someone in your own life who helped you grow spiritually. Ask God to bring to mind someone you can help and disciple. Then, allow God to give you the courage to share the hope of Jesus with those around you.

Who do you know who needs Jesus? And how will you share your faith with them today?

Matthew 28:6 NIV
[6] He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.28.6.NIV


Truth Changes Everything

Think about the best news you've ever received in your life. Maybe it was a doctor walking into a waiting room and saying, "The surgery went perfectly." Maybe it was a phone call that said, "You got the job." Maybe it was two lines on a pregnancy test you'd been praying for.

Good news changes everything.

But none of those moments, as incredible as they are, even come close to the truth delivered on the first Easter morning:

"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."
Matthew 28:6 (NIV)

Jesus had been crucified publicly, brutally, and officially. He was wrapped, sealed in a tomb. There was no question. Jesus was dead. It was true.

But when His followers Mary and Mary Magdalene arrived to grieve? The stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty. And an angel met them with the most stunning announcement in human history.

But the angel doesn’t just tell the women the truth. He invites them to look for themselves. To step inside. To experience the evidence of the resurrection firsthand. “Come and see.”

The empty tomb isn't just a theological concept. It's the truth, a truth the angel wanted them to witness with their own eyes. It's not, "take my word for it." It's not, "just believe what you've been told." It's, “Come close. Look. Experience this for yourself.”

The angel's words are still our assignment.

You don't have to have all the answers. You don't have to be a theologian. You don't have to win a debate. You just have to invite someone to come and see the truth that changed your life.

So that’s the challenge for you today. Live in a way that makes people curious. When you have peace in a crisis, when you forgive when no one expects it, when you give generously, when you love people who are hard to love... people notice.

Jesus is the Truth. And the Truth changes everything.

What has Jesus changed in your life? Where were you before Him? Where are you now?

It's your testimony. And it's powerful.

1 John 3:16 NIV
[16] This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

https://bible.com/bible/111/1jn.3.16.NIV



The Truth Sacrifices

What is love?

It’s one of the deepest questions of the human experience. And the world’s answers can be confusing. Is it a feeling? An obligation? How much is enough? With so many opinions, where do we find the truth about love?

1 John 3:16 gives us a clear answer: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” This verse doesn’t just define real love, it gives us the ultimate example of it: Love is sacrifice. And God showed the full expression of that love when Jesus died on the cross to atone for our sins.

Easter Saturday adds weight to this truth. It’s a day that sits in the quiet between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. On this day, the tomb was still sealed. There was no celebration yet. Just silence, waiting, and the cost of the cross still hanging in the air.

This gave the disciples time to sit in the reality of what had happened. It wasn’t a close call. It wasn’t an almost-sacrifice. Jesus truly died. He truly gave everything. And this emphasizes a powerful truth: Love costs something. Love is sacrifice.

Then John turns the spotlight onto us: “And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” Most of us won’t be asked to die for someone. But we all face everyday moments where choosing to love like Jesus could cost us something. Showing up for someone in crisis when you’re already stretched. Covering someone’s need when it hits your budget. Sharing Jesus when it could cost you your comfort or reputation.

This is the truth of God’s love for us: Christ poured Himself out for us first, and from that love, we’re moved to love others the same way. And when you love like that, people don’t just hear about God’s love, they experience it for themselves.

Isaiah 53:5 NIV
[5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.53.5.NIV

John 16:33 NIV
[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.16.33.NIV

Don’t Be Surprised

There are some things that shouldn’t surprise us:

Winter blooming to life each spring.
The sun rising every morning.
Our ongoing need for food, water, air, and rest.
Change being an essential part of life.

Likewise, there’s no escaping the fact that life is messy and full of trouble. This beautiful world is fractured. But despite this, Jesus offers us hope:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

What “things” had Jesus just told His disciples?

He was honest about the grief and pain they’d endure but also about the future joy they’d experience. He was preparing their hearts for His death and their persecution but also for His resurrection and their salvation. Jesus’ encouragement to His disciples is also an encouragement to us…

We shouldn’t be surprised that this world is full of challenges—but Jesus is bigger than it all.

Following God doesn’t automatically erase the pain of the world—at least not yet. We still have injustice and evil to fight. But God has not left us to our own devices. We have not been abandoned to ourselves. We can trust in Him wholeheartedly as we wait for His return.

So, as you think about the trouble in your life—whether it’s your health, relationships, finances, or other difficulties—remember:

You can still have peace, you can still take heart, and you can still be comforted because Jesus Christ has already overcome the world!

Hebrews 12:2 NIV
[2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

https://bible.com/bible/111/heb.12.2.NIV

Finish Well

One of the most important parts of running a race is keeping your eyes on the finish line. If you happen to look at the other competitors, it can ruin your focus, causing you to slip up. Staying focused is crucial. 

The writer of the letter of Hebrews uses this same idea when talking about our own spiritual lives. The writer encourages his readers to keep their eyes focused on Jesus while running the race of life.

When we keep our eyes on Jesus and our thoughts focused on Him, we are reminded of His great love and goodness. Keeping our eyes on Jesus helps us to not grow discouraged.

When we take our eyes off Jesus, we can lose focus on what really matters. We can become fixated on the priorities of the world around us rather than the mission of God. We can also lose our sense of value and worth if we lose sight of the love of God.

One of the reasons the author encourages his readers to focus their eyes on Jesus is because Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. He is the reason we have faith, but He is also the one who continues to sanctify our hearts and strengthen our faith.

Jesus endured the pain of the cross with joy because He kept His own eyes on the finish line—sitting in a place of authority next to God the Father, and achieving salvation for His followers. We now experience the benefit of salvation because of His endurance.

Jesus’ example allows us to run the race of life with endurance and focus. So if you find yourself tired and wanting to give up, take some time to pray and think about Jesus who gave everything for you. Ask God for endurance so that you can continue to grow in your faith, and finish well.