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Romans 10:9 NIV
[9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.10.9.NIV


Jesus is Lord

No matter how good you are, how hard you try, or how decent of a person you attempt to be, when it comes to following Christ, you can’t earn your way to God. You can’t do enough good things to tip the scales in your favor. You can’t buy, win, impress, or manipulate your way into salvation. 

But Jesus has already purchased your freedom on a cross and offered it to you as a gift. And you have one job, as Paul describes in his letter to the Romans…

“If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV

Many people believe that Jesus was a real, historical person. Many people believe that Jesus was a genuinely good man. But the Bible says that even the demons believe there’s only one God, and shudder (James 2:19).

It's more than knowing in your head—it's believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth.

Minutes before their deaths, two criminals hung next to Jesus on the cross. One of the criminals mocked Him, but the other one trusted in Him. Jesus told the one who trusted Him that he would soon be in Heaven. He received grace.

You see, we’ve all sinned and fallen short of God’s holy standard. We all need His grace, but we haven’t all received His grace.

So are you trying to be good enough for God? The bad news is, you can’t. You can’t ever be good enough on your own. But the great news is, Jesus has already made a way. However, you can’t simply know that He was a real person or think that some of His teachings were nice.

The most important question remains: Will you make Him the Lord of your life?

Mark 16:15 NIV
[15] He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mrk.16.15.NIV

Sharing the Good News

Just before Jesus left earth and ascended to heaven, He gathered His disciples who had been with Him for three years. While they were sitting around a table sharing a meal, Jesus commissioned them to continue the work that He had begun.

Jesus had spent most of His ministry proclaiming the arrival of the Kingdom of God, which is the rule and reign of God. The right response to this arrival was for people to turn from their old ways and believe in Jesus. 

The very first words of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark are in Mark 1:15, and they are an announcement of the arrival of God’s Kingdom. And Jesus’ last words to His disciples, starting in Mark 16:15, build upon His first announcement. The call Jesus left us with was to continue to tell others the good news of the Gospel.

This good news is that Jesus has brought the arrival of the Kingdom of God to earth, and that through His death and resurrection, He has made a way for all people to have a new life in Him.

This task of evangelism, or telling others about Jesus, was the first thing that Jesus asked His followers to do as He left earth. Telling others about what Jesus has done for them is one of the most important things that we can do with our time. We have been given the greatest gift of all—eternal life with God. But that free gift is freely available to the rest of the world as well.

So take some time today to pray for those in your life who do not know the hope that Jesus gives. Pray for their salvation, but also pray for opportunities to share your own faith story with them. 

Telling others about Jesus doesn’t mean you have to stand on a street corner shouting, but it does mean you should seek out intentional and meaningful conversations with others. When we tell others about the new life and new Kingdom available to them, we are continuing the work that Jesus left us to do.

Psalms 32:8 NIV
[8] I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.32.8.NIV



Willing to Seek Him

The story of David and Bathsheba is one of the most notorious accounts in King David's life (2 Samuel 11-12). After choosing to forgo battle with his troops and lounging about lazily in his palace, the king sees a beautiful woman bathing from his roof. What follows is adultery, conspiracy, and ultimately — murder.

When David is confronted by Nathan the Prophet, he admits his sin. It's in this darkness that he experiences anguish (Psalm 51).

Which then brings us to the joy of Psalm 32.

Here, David rejoices in the mercy the Lord has shown him. After describing the benefits of forgiveness and confession, the point of view takes a meaningful turn in verse 8 with Yahweh becoming the speaker. He says, "I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give counsel."

The significance of that shift is no accident.

David put this story in motion by not seeking God's instruction, teaching or counsel. Instead, he listened to his own desires. He wanted to control his life, and in a sense, God let him. The results speak for themselves.

Now, after repentance and forgiveness, David's soul has regained fellowship with the Lord. And in verse 8, God is telling us a benefit of that fellowship: His loving guidance — not distant or generic, but tailored to every detail of who you are and where you've been.

When we're in right relation with God, He won't hide His way from us.

When we don’t know which way to go, He will instruct us.

When we don’t see how we can carry out what He’s called us to, He will teach us.

When we need someone in our corner, He will counsel us.

The question is whether we're willing to seek Him.

John 20:21 NIV
[21] Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.20.21.NIV


Peace in the Midst of Hardship

Not long after Jesus’ resurrection, His disciples hid in a locked room, fearing that the same people who crucified Jesus would come and arrest them. It’s in the midst of their fearful circumstances that Jesus appears to them collectively, speaking words of peace over them.  

But He doesn’t stop there. 

He then tells His disciples that He is sending them out into the world. This means they are going to have to leave the safety of their locked room. But although their future is unknown, they are known by the One who holds the future. So wherever they go, and whatever they face, Jesus’ words will remain true: peace will be with them. 

And Jesus continues to offer us this same peace. 

We will all face hardship and difficulties. We all will go through seasons where we endure intense pain caused by struggling relationships, struggling economies, and struggling health crises.  

But God’s peace isn’t based on our feelings or circumstances, which is why it’s something we can consistently experience. 

God’s peace sometimes feels like a calmness in the midst of an anxious situation, or hope despite a discouraging diagnosis. It might look like unexplainable joy, or an unshakeable feeling that, regardless of what happens, God is still in control.

When our world rages, or the doctor shares something alarming, or the news reports are terrifying, God’s peace enables us to walk forward with confident assurance that the One who gives us peace goes with us. Jesus might not remove us from difficult situations, but He will always help us walk through them. 

Outside pressures don’t have the power to take away God’s perfect peace that’s given to us through Jesus our Savior. 

So take a few minutes today and thank Jesus for His peace that passes all understanding. Talk to Him about any concerns or worries you’re currently experiencing, and as you give them over to Him, envision Him saying to you, “peace be with you.”

1 Corinthians 3:7 NIV
[7] So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

https://bible.com/bible/111/1co.3.7.NIV


The Call of Every Christian

In the book of 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul uses metaphors that were a part of their culture to communicate essential truths. Paul relates the work of evangelism to a farmer's work in the field:

"So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."
1 Corinthians 3:7

Paul's message is clear: while every Christian is empowered with the task of evangelism, it is ultimately God—the Holy Spirit, who grows the seed of faith in an unbeliever's heart. This means others' response to the gospel is not on us as believers; our responsibility is to faithfully share the good news of eternal life.

But, if we're honest, many of us Christians keep our faith to ourselves. There are people who are ready and willing to hear and respond to the gospel message of Jesus Christ—the hope of eternal life. And God wants to use us. He wants to use you! 

Today, right where you are—in your job, in your neighborhood, in your family, and in your friend group—everywhere you walk with others, God wants to bring the good news of Jesus Christ.
And you're never alone in this call. God promises that His Spirit will be with you and will lead you, giving you the right words to say as you step out in faith (Matthew 28:20).

Consider what next step you can take to begin sharing Jesus with others. Prepare yourself to have conversations about Christ with your neighbors, coworkers, or friends. Ask God to give you courage, so that the good work He has started in you might also take root in others.

Romans 10:13 NIV
[13] for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.10.13.NIV


Calling Out for Rescue

Do you remember a moment—maybe dramatic, maybe quiet—when you realized you needed help? Not just a little assistance, but rescue?

Romans 10:13 gives us this promise: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

These words were written by the apostle Paul to the people in Rome, explaining how anyone can begin a relationship with God. Just before this verse, Paul describes trusting in Jesus—believing in Him and calling out to Him. There are no prerequisites, no religious background, no good behavior, nothing else required. It is about turning to God and asking Him to save.

At its heart, this verse is about calling out for help—admitting a deep need, a need you cannot solve yourself. And it’s about trusting that God hears and responds.

This promise is for every person.

In God’s eyes, there are no insiders or outsiders, and no one is too far gone. There is a Rescuer available to all—and His name is Jesus.

Maybe you can look back and see a time in your life when you called out to God, and He answered. But so often, there is more to the story. God loves to use people to accomplish His will. Did someone share God’s hope with you, or encourage you? Did someone show you kindness or point the way forward?

There are so many who don’t yet know about this wonderful promise of God. They don’t know that there is a Rescuer, offering salvation and new life.

This message of hope is meant to be shared. You can be the one to share it. And it can be as simple as saying: There is someone who cares and is able to save you. This promise is real. And it is for you.

Who in your life might be one step away from calling out for help? Will you take a step of faith today and share the hope you’ve found in Jesus?

Acts 2:38 NIV
[38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

https://bible.com/bible/111/act.2.38.NIV


A Transformed Person

Have you ever felt like you needed to have a do-over? If so, you’re in good company. Peter knew this feeling well. 

Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, invited by Jesus Himself to leave his life as a fisherman to join Him during His ministry on earth. On the night that Jesus was betrayed, Peter followed Him to the sham trial. The people in the area were openly and aggressively hostile to Jesus. Imagine what that must have felt like—to be surrounded by people who may choose to treat Peter the way they were treating Jesus at that very moment.  

In Matthew 26 and Luke 22, we see that Peter chose to keep a low profile. He wanted to go unnoticed by the angry mob. That didn’t work for long though—three different people recognized him as a follower of Jesus and asked him about it. Each of the three times, Peter denied ever knowing Jesus.

If we skip ahead in Scripture, though, we find Peter doing the exact opposite. In Acts 2, Peter is standing in front of a big crowd, filled with people who may persecute him. Rather than denying knowing Jesus, he proclaims the secret to life: repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and receive the Holy Spirit.

This is risky. What will people think? What if they turn on him the way that they did Jesus? Yet, he was bold anyway. He was a transformed person compared to who he had been earlier in the story. 

How did Peter transform? He was restored by Jesus. He also received the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Two major things happened between these passages of scripture: Jesus visited Peter, and with grace, restored him. Secondly, the Holy Spirit came down from heaven for the followers of Jesus. With the Holy Spirit came power, empowering the believers to live bold, transformed lives (Acts 2).

Many of us face moments like this: moments where the right answer is boldness for Jesus, but the easy answer is to keep our heads down. What will people think? What will they do? 

Here’s some great news: we’re never alone. We don’t have to be bold on our own. The Holy Spirit is with us every day, giving us the power to be bold and transformed. We can walk out our newness each day with His help. 

You can start today. Boldness is now. The Holy Spirit is ready to walk with you.

John 8:12 NIV
[12] When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.8.12.NIV

Leave the Darkness Behind

Think back to Genesis 1 when God created the world. One of the first things God said was, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). Just like God created light to shine upon the earth, Jesus came as a light to all mankind.

In John 8:12, Jesus says, "I am the light of the world..." He also points out that light is necessary for finding our way in this world.

Jesus is the light that guides men and women into true life. He's the light that illuminates our path, as well as the one who illuminates the rest of the world. It is by Jesus’ light that we can clearly discern what is right and good.

The picture of light in the darkness is significant. It means vision instead of blindness, confidence instead of confusion, hope instead of despair.

If you're feeling lost, disoriented, or stuck in the dark, start by saying His name: Jesus. Then, take a step—asking Him to light up the darkness. And as you continue to follow Him, one step at a time, He will show you the way.

Take a moment to thank God for shining His light in your life. Because of Jesus, you can leave the darkness behind and experience the light that leads to life.

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?