No Greater Love
There is no greater love than the love Jesus showed when He laid down His life—for His friends. For us.
Jesus wasn’t just a good man who died an unjust death. He was the spotless Son of God—sinless, blameless, holy. Death had no rightful claim on Him. And yet, He willingly embraced it. He gave up His life so that others might have eternal life.
That alone would be enough to leave us in awe. But what makes His sacrifice even more astounding are the people He died for.
When Jesus spoke these words in John 15, He was talking to a group of His friends who were far from perfect. A hot-headed fisherman. A skeptical doubter. A tax collector. A political zealot. Brothers who once wanted to call down fire on a village. And beyond that room? Prostitutes. Outcasts. The unclean. Sinners.
And for us, too.
Jesus laid down His life so that anyone might become His friend. So that everyone might receive His love. So that we might know—deep in our hearts—that we are not rejected or forgotten, but known and embraced.
So, take a moment today and rest in this truth: There is no greater love than the love Jesus has for you. He proved it on the cross.
The Bread that Fills Forever
The Bread That Fills Forever
After feeding 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish, the crowd chased after Him, hungry for more bread. But instead of sating their hunger, He tells them to stop hoping for food that spoils. Rather, He says, they should seek food that endures to eternal life.
Jesus knows our physical hunger, but He also knows the greater hunger of our souls. Beneath our roaring stomachs is an even louder cry—for forgiveness, reconciliation, and life with God. That’s why He declares:
"I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
John 6:51 (NIV)
This isn’t about bread that fills for a day; it’s about the bread of His body, given for the life of the world.
Sitting with His disciples in the Upper Room before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus breaks bread with them, saying, “This is my body, given for you.” It’s the first communion, a meal of forgiveness and eternal life.
Today, Jesus still invites us to His table, where grace overflows and every seat is filled with love. He calls us to stop chasing what won’t last and instead feast on what will.
There’s one table, one meal, and one bread that satisfies forever. Let’s come hungry for Jesus and leave filled with his life. “Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
Strength in Every Season...
Strength in Every Season
Philippians 4:13 is a popular Bible verse that you may have seen posted on signs, social media, stickers, or cars. Maybe you’ve heard someone recite this verse before a sporting event or while trying to accomplish a difficult task.
Unfortunately, this verse is often misunderstood. This verse is not saying that we can accomplish whatever we want. Paul isn’t talking about winning a sports game or having the courage to do something daring.
Instead, Paul is actually talking about his time in prison. He is referencing the power of God that was with him during this difficult time of ministry.
In Philippians 4:12 he talks about the power he has to live content in every situation in life. He learned how to live with abundance and with nothing. He learned to live with very little food and resources, and also with a lot of food and resources.
Paul found that regardless of his circumstances, God continued to supply him with the power to do the work of God. He never lacked the strength and resources to tell others about the good news of Jesus—even while he was stuck in a prison.
Paul could live in every season of life and accomplish all that God asked of him through the strength that God gave him.
So, instead of God giving us strength to do anything we want, He gives us the strength we need to endure various circumstances and accomplish the mission that He has given us. This means that you will never lack any resource to live a growing and godly life, or to share the good news of Jesus with others.
If you’re in a season of abundance or a season of lack, remember that God is the one who gives you the strength to endure every season. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask God to supply you with the strength that only He can give.
The Urgent Call...
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 is 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 that 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. Ask your neighbors, coworkers, or friends what their spiritual background is so that you can begin having spiritual conversations. Pray for God to give you courage, and then step out and begin sharing with others.
The Church is God's Sacred Space...
The Church is God’s Sacred Space
In Old Testament stories, 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 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.
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.
Closer Than You Think...
Closer Than You Think
When something terrible happens and the world makes zero sense…
The Lord is still close.
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of this: God fights for the Israelites and rescues them from the Egyptians (Exodus 14:13-14). Joshua defeats powerful nations because God fights for him (Joshua 23:10). The Israelites are protected by God as they rebuild Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 4:20).
In Isaiah 54, God reminds the Israelites that He sees their pain, and He has compassion on their circumstances. At the time, the Israelites were in exile. But God promises that their suffering won’t last forever.
God does not abandon His people. Even when they endure intense hardship, God still ultimately shows up, and when they cry out to Him, He fights for them.
And the same God who fought for Israel fights for each of us. This doesn’t mean you won’t face hard things. But even when your mind races and your heart doubts, God is near. He offers you a peace that cannot fully be explained.
Right now, take a few moments to name anything that is crushing your spirit. Then, give yourself permission to sit in God’s presence for a few moments. Give Him all your concerns, and ask Him to show you how He has protected and provided for you.
Knowing God Intimately...
Knowing God Intimately
In the book of Philippians, Paul encourages Christians to stay focused on Jesus and not place their faith in their own ability to live good lives. He acknowledges that if anyone has a reason to boast in his good deeds—it’s him.
Paul was a passionate Jew who kept all of God’s laws, and did everything right. He was respected by Jewish leaders before his conversion to Christianity, and according to the Jewish law, Paul was blameless. But Paul emphasizes that whatever he gained then—nothing compared to knowing Jesus.
“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
Philippians 3:8 ESV
When Paul became a follower of Christ, he lost his standing with the Jewish authorities. The people who once applauded him, began to persecute him. They sent mobs of people from city to city to try and stop Paul from preaching. They beat him, whipped him, slandered him, and mocked him. Wherever he went, Paul was met with setbacks and resistance.
But Paul didn’t view his suffering as a problem, but an opportunity.
Suffering for Jesus was an opportunity to draw near to Jesus. When Paul suffered, he was reminded of what Jesus went through on our behalf.
As we get to know Christ intimately, we start to recognize that our good deeds are not good enough to earn His affection or blessings. The only way we are made right before God is by believing in His Son, Jesus. And the evidence for our belief is our willingness to follow Him … and even suffer with Him.
So… do we want to know Jesus the way that Paul did? If so, what are we willing to give up and surrender? Are we willing to view the challenges we face as opportunities to suffer with Christ and know Him better?
We gain a greater understanding of how deeply Jesus loves us when we lay aside our rights in order to love, forgive, serve, and help others—no matter the cost.
God as Your Creator...
God as Your Creator
Have you ever paused to reflect on God as your Creator?
God is unlike any other that is, was, or will be. He alone is able to fully sustain that which He creates. And He alone is able to create, merely by speaking it into existence.
"Genesis" means "beginning," and it's where we read about God's first creation. If you dig deeper into the pages of Scripture, you learn about power by which God creates.
Take John 1:1-3: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Through him, all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made."
Or Colossians 1:16: "For in him, all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him."
The writer of Hebrews assures us that, "by faith, we understand that the universe was created by the word of God so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible" (Hebrews 11:3 NIV).
This "Word" is Jesus Christ, and through Him, God brought everything into existence. The ultimate redemption of all God's promises will come through that same Word—Jesus Christ.
Reflect on that truth for a moment: The same power that spoke the universe into existence is the same power that will bring about the redemption of all things promised.
Today, take some time to reflect on God’s role as Creator, and allow it to fill you with great hope. Because He's not just any creator; He's your Creator, and He holds the very universe—and your life—in His hands.
Choosing Him...
Choosing Him
Making decisions is hard.
When we attempt to make the perfect decision, we can often find ourselves stuck in indecision. And while we should always prayerfully discern our next steps according to God’s Word and His ways, sometimes we overcomplicate things.
In his first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul was addressing an issue about food, regarding what they should or shouldn’t eat. So Paul took some of the pressure off Christians by saying:
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT
While this passage was originally about food, the principle can be applied to any area of life. Whatever choice you make, do it to glorify God. In this way, you will keep your conscience clear.
Whether you’re preparing a meal or making a business deal. Whether you’re playing sports or building houses. Whether you’re leading a team or raising kids. Whether you’re crunching numbers or caring for the vulnerable.
No matter what you do—the core desire should be to love God and love others, and every decision should exemplify that love. So today, ask yourself: Does this decision honor God? Is this choice full of integrity? Can others see His character shining through my life? Will my decisions draw people closer to God, or pull them away from Him?
No matter what situation we’re in, God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His people to help us discern our next right thing. So when making decisions, let’s seek to honor God to the best of our ability, and then trust Him with our choices.
Making Decisions is Hard...
Choosing Him
Making decisions is hard.
When we attempt to make the perfect decision, we can often find ourselves stuck in indecision. And while we should always prayerfully discern our next steps according to God’s Word and His ways, sometimes we overcomplicate things.
In his first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul was addressing an issue about food, regarding what they should or shouldn’t eat. So Paul took some of the pressure off Christians by saying:
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT
While this passage was originally about food, the principle can be applied to any area of life. Whatever choice you make, do it to glorify God. In this way, you will keep your conscience clear.
Whether you’re preparing a meal or making a business deal. Whether you’re playing sports or building houses. Whether you’re leading a team or raising kids. Whether you’re crunching numbers or caring for the vulnerable.
No matter what you do—the core desire should be to love God and love others, and every decision should exemplify that love. So today, ask yourself: Does this decision honor God? Is this choice full of integrity? Can others see His character shining through my life? Will my decisions draw people closer to God, or pull them away from Him?
No matter what situation we’re in, God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His people to help us discern our next right thing. So when making decisions, let’s seek to honor God to the best of our ability, and then trust Him with our choices.
Giving What You've Been Given...
Giving What You’ve Been Given
Christians should be the most loving people on the planet. We have accepted the ultimate gift from God. We have not only received salvation and eternal life, but we’ve received the gift of God Himself—love.
But that doesn't mean everyone is easy to love! Most of us have relationships in our lives that are difficult or painful to engage in. However, Scripture encourages us to make every opportunity possible to love those around us.
God the Father gave us the breath that we breathe. Jesus brought us to Himself so that we might be saved by His power. The Spirit of God lives within us and empowers us for every good deed. All of these things have been freely given to us with no strings attached.
Having received this amazing love and mercy from God, we ought to love others in the same way. When we love others in the same manner that God has loved us, we exhibit the greatest evidence that we are children of God.
If we fail to love those around us, we also fail to show them the love of God. We should not deny others what we’ve been freely given. Loving others doesn’t mean we need to willingly be mistreated, or agree with someone else’s lifestyle or worldview. It does mean that we need to use every opportunity to love them the way God loves them.
Take some time today to reflect first on the love of God that you have received through Christ, and write down some simple steps you can take to show that love to the people He's put in your life.
It's Him - In Us!
It’s Him—In Us
Think about it: God made you. God put you here, at this specific time in history. God has a plan and purpose for your life.
Not only that, but He gave you a brain that thinks, a heart that beats, and lungs that breathe. He gave you talents and abilities, hopes and desires. He gave you ears and eyes, muscles and ligaments. And He positioned you on this planet that happens to be in the ideal position in our solar system for life to thrive.
You are a part of God's plan.
A mysteriously beautiful part of God’s plan is that He chooses to work through His people…
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
Philippians 2:13 NLT
Everything starts with God and comes from God. But we get to choose if we’ll listen to His Spirit and follow where He leads, or ignore Him. We get to decide if we’ll submit to His nudges and act on His promptings, or try to do it on our own.
It’s all God, but it’s also Him working in and through His people—just as He intended.
For those of us who belong to Christ, we are filled with His Spirit. We’re no longer slaves to sin or to this world. We’re no longer incapable of following God. Instead, He gives us new dreams and desires, thoughts and power, and a heart of compassion instead of selfishness.
So if an idea pops into your mind about blessing or encouraging someone else, don’t dismiss it. If you suddenly have a burning desire to share His message, to serve others, to give generously, or to shine His love, pay attention.
It’s likely the Spirit of God, giving you the desire and power to do what pleases Him.
The Source of All...
The Source of All
Look around…
Everything’s been masterfully designed: The skies, the trees, the mountains, the oceans. The animals, the people, the seen, and the unseen.
You can breathe because you've been given lungs, oxygen, and an environment that sustains life. You can move because you've been given muscles, tendons, and a brain that instructs your body. You can think, dream, plan, design, create, build—because you've been given the desire, ability, and some raw materials.
So if you want to live a life that matters, a life that leaves an eternal legacy, you must stay connected to the source of life. Jesus said it like this, using an illustration that was familiar to His listeners:
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:4-5 NLT
When Jesus says, “I am the vine,” He’s making a statement. He’s saying that He is the source—that anything that’s made is because of His life-giving power.
So if you long for real truth, for genuine wisdom, or to make a lasting difference in this world, stick close to God—because anything worth being or doing starts with Him.
Becoming Like Christ...
Becoming Like Christ
Scripture tells us that we who belong to Christ are now ambassadors for Christ. As ambassadors, we are tasked with two things: the mission of God and the character of Jesus.
The goal this passage sets out for us sounds pretty simple: to become more and more like Jesus in the way that we act, think, and feel, and to also accomplish the purposes that God has for our life. We are tasked to accomplish the work of God in the way He wants it done, following the "word of truth," or the Bible.
As Christians, we should strive to be like Christ. We want to have the same mind and attitude that He had. Paul’s encouragement to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:15 reinforces that mindset about our character. In the midst of a culture that is grumbling and fighting, act like Jesus.
In this letter, Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed of his past, but instead to let his past be a testament to how Jesus has changed his life. Your past is part of your story, and it’s not something to be ashamed of. It’s a way that you can show others how Jesus changed your life.
The best way that we can continue to be transformed by Jesus is to continually seek His truth in Scripture. As we engage with Scripture and the Holy Spirit, our mind, heart, and hands are changed to be more like Christ.
How can you be more like Christ today? Think of a few small steps you can take to begin to shift your thinking and action towards the mission of God or the character of Christ. Ask God for His help as you seek to follow Him daily.
A Way Out
A Way Out
Life is full of difficulties and challenges. Especially as Christians, our desire to follow God’s paths for our lives can sometimes go directly against what our culture tells us to do. Living according to God’s way can be particularly difficult because of various temptations that might cause us to get distracted.
1 Corinthians 10:13 acknowledges that we will all experience temptation. It also does not promise that all of our temptations will be easy to overcome.
But it also says that God promises to be faithful to help us through whatever temptations we face. God will provide a way for us to escape every temptation. God will strengthen us so we can endure through trials.
God has given us instructions and a pathway for right-living in His Word. Everything that we need in order to live a healthy, godly life is included in Scripture.
Paul, the author of the letters to the church in Corinth, cautions his readers not to be prideful in their spiritual life. When we are prideful, we can falsely believe that we’re immune to temptations. But when we’re prideful, we are actually most susceptible to fall into temptation.
So rather than being arrogant, we should be humble. We ought to depend on God’s power rather than our own. It is only through a growing relationship with Jesus that we truly find the strength to endure trials and temptations.
If you find yourself caught in temptations, draw near to God. Ask Him to give you His strength so that you can endure. Make it a priority to strengthen your relationship in Him through reading God’s Word and praying to Him. Never forget that God always provides a way for you to escape temptation. He is always faithful and always with you.
Masterpieces in Process...
Masterpieces in Process
There’s a verse in Proverbs that’s often quaintly quoted when referring to a close friendship or marriage…
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:17 NIV
Yes, we want to encourage each other, cheer each other on, and sharpen each other emotionally, physically, and spiritually. But when you truly think about the implications of such a description, this verse is anything but quaint.
Iron is sharpened through heat and friction, through cutting and slicing. As it is beaten, it is reshaped into something beautiful and purposeful and even better than before.
Sharpening is purposeful, but it can also be painful. It’s intentional friction that often results in a purer, stronger, sharper character. We aren’t sharpened by thoughtless, careless, or unintentional relationships, but we are sharpened by those who lovingly help chip away the excess junk—who can recognize and visualize the masterpiece God wants us to become.
We can be sharpened by mentors, pastors, spouses, teachers, and friends. But we can also be sharpened by the dearest friend we have—the Holy Spirit. The part of God who’s considered the third “person” of the Trinity, the One who does the refining work. The Holy Spirit is like a personal and professional metal-worker who is skilled and deliberate, focused and detailed, trustworthy and true.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
When we surrender to God’s refining work inside of us, we can help others see the work of art in themselves. So today, allow God to sharpen you. Ask Him to reveal the parts of your life that need to be refined, and then surrender to the work He wants to do inside you.
A Generous Invitation...
A Generous Invitation
While exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and sharing his experience with Jesus, John was given a vision.
He was told to write down what he saw and send it to the seven churches. And though these messages were given to literal churches of that time, they’re still just as relevant to and representative of our modern hearts today.
Now, for some context, let’s focus on Jesus’ message to the church in Laodicea …
Jesus describes the church in Laodicea as being neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. They’re rich and comfortable, prosperous and self-sufficient, apathetic and indifferent. But despite these things, Jesus still offers a generous invitation:
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Revelation 3:20 NLT
Do you see it? Do you feel it?
This is an invitation for intimacy, relationship, and friendship with the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of everything.
But make no mistake, Jesus is a gentleman. He refuses to force Himself upon anyone. Instead, He pursues hearts and extends invitations…
…but we must open the door.
The church in Laodicea was full, but empty. They were disoriented by a false sense of security and control. They were successful according to the world’s standards, but distracted according to God’s standards.
And yet, Jesus still called out to them. Jesus still knocked for them. Just as He’s still calling out and knocking—for you. The same God who flung planets into space and carved mountains into existence wants to be near you and with you and to save you.
So if you hear Him calling out to your soul, or you feel Him knocking on the door of your heart, it’s your move.
He is waiting with open arms.
The Best Word...
The Best Word
One of the most powerful verses in Scripture is found in John’s gospel:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 ESV
As you keep reading, it becomes abundantly clear that the author, inspired by the Holy Spirit, identifies Jesus Christ as the “Word.”
From the first sentence in the Bible, we learn that, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) Now, John explains, “In the beginning was the Word…” And not only was Jesus there in the beginning, but “the Word was with God…” And not only was the Word with God, but “the Word was God.”
So if Jesus has existed from the beginning, if He was with God, and if He was God, then that makes Him much more than a good person, a moral teacher, or even a prophet.
John claims that Jesus is fully man and fully God. Which seems ridiculous—unless, of course, it’s true.
The truth is, God loved the world so much that He gave up His divine privileges, was born into human skin, and died a criminal’s death—so that the people He loves could have eternal life. People like you.
Remember: He’s not just another name from history, He’s the very Creator of life.
Mercy in Doubt...
Mercy in Doubt
In the book of Jude, we come across a simple yet profound instruction: "Be merciful to those who doubt” (Jude 1:22). These words remind us of the importance of extending God's mercy and compassion to those who may be struggling in their faith. This includes ourselves!
Doubt is a common experience in the journey of faith. It can arise from various sources, such as intellectual questions, personal struggles, or the influence of the world around us. When we encounter people who are wrestling with doubt, it is crucial that we respond with mercy and understanding.
Being merciful means showing kindness, compassion, and patience towards others. It involves listening without judgment, offering support, and providing a safe space for honest conversations. When we extend mercy to those who doubt, we create an environment where they can openly express their questions and concerns, without fear of rejection or condemnation.
As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His example. Jesus was always compassionate towards those who were struggling in their faith. He met people where they were, offering understanding and guidance. He never turned away those who sought Him, even if they had doubts or uncertainties.
When we extend mercy to those who doubt, we not only help them on their journey but also reflect the heart of our loving Savior. We can even be merciful to ourselves when we experience doubt.
There’s room for the questions. There’s room for the uncertainties. Doubt doesn’t intimidate Jesus, and it doesn’t need to intimidate us either.
The Presence of God...
The Presence of God
The writer of Psalm 27 is intentionally focusing on one of the most important aspects of our spiritual life. Throughout Scripture, we learn about the importance of the presence of God.
It is in the presence of God that we find strength and hope (Psalm 27:1). It’s also in God’s presence that our enemies lose their power over us (Psalm 27:2-3).
In Psalm 27:4 the writer of the Psalm expresses his desire to dwell within the house of the Lord, to gaze upon God’s beauty and be in His presence in the temple. In the Old Testament, the presence of God was primarily within the temple. But through spending time with God, the Psalmist found hope and restoration for his soul.
Thanks to Jesus, God’s presence is no longer confined to the temple. His presence is now available to us through the Holy Spirit who dwells within believers. We now have access to God’s presence at any time.
Just like the writer of the Psalm desired to dwell within God’s presence, we also should desire to be with God as much as possible. It is in God’s presence that we find hope, joy, beauty, and the restoration of our weary souls.
It is important that we spend time with God each and every day. We can do this through regularly reading Scripture and reflecting on what we read. We can also spend time in prayer, talking to God about what is happening in our life. Another way to spend time in God’s presence is to simply be aware that He is with you through your daily tasks each day.