Blessed are the Persecuted

Blessed are the Persecuted

It’s not always easy to stand for what’s right—especially when someone makes fun of you, gossips about you, lies about you, or even abuses you because of your decision.

 But when sharing the eighth of the beatitudes—a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom—Jesus offered some hope:

 “Blessed are those who are persecuted righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10

 Leading up to this verse, Jesus had spoken unexpected blessings over an unlikely group: the poor in spirit, those who were mourning, the meek, those craving righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers. Finally, He offered a blessing to the persecuted.

 Jesus elaborated:

 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12

 Now, we won’t be blessed for facing the consequences of our own terrible decisions. But Jesus is saying that you will be rewarded when you are shamed, canceled, or even physically persecuted because of Him.

 Jesus knows what it’s like to suffer for the sake of righteousness.

 You will be blessed for standing up for what is right, for trusting in God’s Word, and for defending those who cannot defend themselves. And when it gets hard, remember: you’re not alone.

 The prophets before us were mocked, beaten, and even killed. Jesus’ disciples, the ones hearing these words, would also suffer and die because of their beliefs. They were persecuted for doing things differently: for loving their neighbors, fighting for sexual purity, resting on the Sabbath, and most of all, for declaring Jesus as Lord.

 So no matter what it costs you, you will be blessed for standing up for what is right. Jesus says that yours is the kingdom of heaven.

Working for Peace...

Working for Peace

One look at the world around us and it’s clear: peace isn’t going to make itself.

Nations are warring and people are fighting and arguing. You may even have some personal relationships filled with bitterness and contempt. Thankfully, we can lean into Jesus’ wisdom in the seventh beatitude:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:9‬ ‭

Let's be clear: peacemaking is different from peacekeeping. In fact, Jesus assured us that as long as we’re on this earth, we will face trouble. There will be chaos, division, misunderstandings, and a need for making peace. And that is why…

Peacemaking requires action.

Yes, peacemaking compels us out of our comfortable bubbles. But for those who are willing to step into the tender space of making peace, here are some thoughts to help you lead the way:

- Peacemakers lead the way with humility. None of us are perfect and we all need grace. None of us are God, but we all need Him. Leading with a posture of humility is key.

- Peacemakers lead the way with empathy. Even when we disagree with someone, respectfully listening and seeking to understand their perspective is essential for making peace.

- Peacemakers lead the way with truth and grace. Any time Jesus interacted with people, He did so with both truth and grace. We must have both to accurately represent Him.

- Peacemakers lead the way to the feet of Jesus. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Apart from Him, we are nothing. When we realize our mutual brokenness, as well as our mutual need for Christ, everything can change.

Seeking to be a mediator for those in disagreement doesn’t mean that every problem will be solved—immediately or ever. But when we invite God into those spaces and commit to the hard work of peacemaking, He can do more than we can imagine.

Is Your Heart Pure?

Is Your Heart Pure?

What do you think about when you hear the word pure?

Do you picture a tall glass of crystal clear water? A freshly washed load of white sheets? Or maybe someone who’s morally wholesome and good?

In the sixth of the beatitudes—a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom—Jesus said this:

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

The word "pure" means clean or blameless, free from corruption or contamination, purified by fire, or unstained by guilt. None of us can truly be pure on our own—despite our best efforts.

Before Jesus showed up, the highest ranking Levitical priests were charged with ministering and mediating in the holiest spaces (inside the tabernacle in the wilderness and, later, the temple in Jerusalem)—where God’s presence dwelled on earth. But even they had to be purified over and over again.

Now, because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross, He has paved the way for us. His blood covered our sins, and when we accept the sacrifice, He makes us pure. Now and forever, we can “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God,” where we can find mercy and grace when we need it most (Hebrews 4:16). Now, our bodies are the modern-day temples where God’s Spirit has chosen to dwell.

Being pure of heart is not about being perfect, but trusting in Jesus to purify our souls.

As Isaiah once prophesied…

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

Is Your Heart Pure?

What do you think about when you hear the word pure?

Do you picture a tall glass of crystal clear water? A freshly washed load of white sheets? Or maybe someone who’s morally wholesome and good?

In the sixth of the beatitudes—a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom—Jesus said this:

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Matthew 5:8

The word "pure" means clean or blameless, free from corruption or contamination, purified by fire, or unstained by guilt. None of us can truly be pure on our own—despite our best efforts.

Before Jesus showed up, the highest ranking Levitical priests were charged with ministering and mediating in the holiest spaces (inside the tabernacle in the wilderness and, later, the temple in Jerusalem)—where God’s presence dwelled on earth. But even they had to be purified over and over again.

Now, because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross, He has paved the way for us. His blood covered our sins, and when we accept the sacrifice, He makes us pure. Now and forever, we can “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God,” where we can find mercy and grace when we need it most (Hebrews 4:16). Now, our bodies are the modern-day temples where God’s Spirit has chosen to dwell.

Being pure of heart is not about being perfect, but trusting in Jesus to purify our souls.

As Isaiah once prophesied…

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬

A Great Mercy...

A Great Mercy

Think back on a time when you were shown mercy…

Maybe you owed someone money, but they decided to cancel your debt. Maybe you hurt someone you love, but they gave you another chance. Maybe you made a huge mistake, but you received forgiveness instead of punishment.

In the fifth of the beatitudes, a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom, Jesus said this:

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Matthew 5:7 NIV

Because we are imperfect sinners who have all fallen short of God’s standards, we all deserve death. We all deserve punishment. We all deserve to be eternally separated from God.

“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ NLT‬‬‬‬‬

Jesus is passionate about justice and righteousness while simultaneously fervent about grace and mercy.

That’s why He paid the ultimate price for us—so that we could truly live. That’s why He conquered the grave—to mercifully save our souls. That’s why He sent His Spirit—so that we could also show mercy.

To be clear, grace and mercy, while similar, aren't the same. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve (an unwarranted gift) while mercy is not getting what you do deserve (judgment and wrath).

And while it’s easier said than done, His people are called to be merciful. Even when someone has wronged you. Yes, even when they don’t deserve your kindness. Yes, even when you don’t feel like being merciful.

God has shown us a great mercy. And now? We can extend mercy to others.

Meekness isn't Weakness...

Meekness Isn’t Weakness

Everything around us—the world, the culture, the people—tends to applaud power and strength, independence and intelligence, boldness and superiority.

But in the third beatitude, a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom, Jesus highlighted something different, saying:

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬

The English word "meek" comes from the Greek word "praeis." It means gentle, humble, or submissive; modest, mild, or unpretentious. In fact, when Paul describes the “fruits of the Spirit” (traits developed in His people by His Spirit), the words "meekness" and "gentleness" are often used interchangeably.

But, let’s be clear: If such descriptions paint a frail and feeble picture in your mind, you can be certain that meekness isn’t weakness.

Meekness is strength under control. It's power submitted to God’s authority.

Now, if “meek” isn’t a word that you’d use to currently describe yourself, that’s okay. Jesus wasn’t speaking to those who had it all together—and He isn’t expecting a perfect version of us, either. Instead, He’s extending a blessing on who His people were (and are) becoming.

God is continually developing these beatitude traits inside of His followers. He's refining, sanctifying, and transforming us to be more and more like Him.

In Scripture, Jesus Himself is called “meek.” But as you probably know, He was far from passive, apathetic, or a pushover. Instead of relying on His own power—like summoning legions of angels to avoid hanging on that cross—He leaned into God’s strength and restrained His limitless power.

Jesus’ upside-down kingdom will be packed with those who harness their strength for God’s glory and who humble themselves at His feet.

Hope for the Poor in Spirit...

Hope for the Poor in Spirit

Jesus began His famous Sermon on the Mount with an upside-down perspective and eight counter-cultural blessings—commonly known as the beatitudes.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

To be physically poor is to lack resources or material possessions. The word "poor" might trigger a mental image of someone who can’t pay their bills, can’t break free from the cycle of poverty, or can’t afford food, clothing, or shelter.

So what does it mean to be spiritually poor, and why does Jesus think that’s a good thing?

Those who realize their own spiritual poverty know that, without God, they are spiritually bankrupt. Those who are poor in spirit understand the desperation of their situation—that they can have nothing, do nothing, and be nothing without Him. Those who are poor in spirit recognize that it’s humility, not pride or self-reliance, that’s a common characteristic in the kingdom of heaven.

Those who are poor in spirit know that they can’t, but they trust that God can.

If we’re honest, most of us would prefer to be rich, comfortable, and self-dependent. We would rather lack nothing. But even if we happen to be financially stable or wealthy, we cannot save our own souls.

We were created to need God.

So if you’re feeling weak, weary, or worn out, it’s okay. If you feel like you have nothing to offer, Jesus actually says that you are blessed.

When you have a need, He can meet it. When you’re not enough, He already is. And when you feel poor in spirit, you are in the perfect position to be saved and filled by God.

Remembering God...

Remembering God

Have you ever been awestruck by a sunset? Or left speechless by the meticulous details of the living cell, the human eye, the mysterious ocean, or the vast universe? How often do you think about what God has made, or the ways that He has worked?

The psalmist Asaph, wrote:

“I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy, What god is great like our God?"
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭77:12-13 ‭ESV

One of the best things we can do is remember God—how He gives good gifts, writes the best stories, and is constantly making beauty from ashes. He created us, pursued us, and even gave His own life for us.

But remembering God takes intentionality.

Remembering God doesn't happen on accident, which is why we have to intentionally commit to reflecting on Him each day. Purposefully remembering God’s bigness helps us recognize our smallness. Deliberately recalling His goodness helps us understand our deep need for Him.

Pondering God’s work and meditating on His deeds compels us to worship.

That’s why Asaph also said, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.”
Psalm‬ ‭77:11‬ ESV

When we remember what God has done, we will want to celebrate who He is.

So think about it: How have you seen God’s handiwork in nature? How have you seen His faithfulness in history? Where have you seen His fingerprints over the course of your life?

Take some time today, and remember God.

The Mission of God...

The Mission of God

All of our lives are spent on something. Most people spend their days focused on growing a family, building their career, or amassing possessions.

While none of those things are necessarily wrong, they can become distractions from our ultimate goal in life.

In the book of Acts, we see Paul’s transformation in Christ. As a result of meeting Jesus and being changed by His grace, Paul spends the rest of his life preaching the good news of Jesus.

For Paul, God’s grace and salvation are so great that nothing on this earth is as important as God’s work.

Paul says that nothing in His life matters as much as telling others about God’s grace. His goal in life was to finish his own race well by faithfully accomplishing as much of the mission of God as possible:

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."
Acts 20:24 NIV

The mission of God is not opposed to growing families or building careers. In fact, God desires for us to use those opportunities to faithfully accomplish the mission of God. We can raise families in the way of God, and we can tell our coworkers about God’s grace. Any place we find ourselves can be an opportunity to accomplish the mission of God.

Take a moment to consider your own life and where you spend your time. Are you using every opportunity you have to spread the good news of Jesus? Does your life, like Paul’s, point toward God?

Consider a few ways that you can begin to change your perspective and live your life on mission for God.

He Makes it Work...

He Makes it Work

Have your plans ever been derailed? Have your dreams experienced a detour? Has your life taken an unforeseen turn?

It’s been said that God works in mysterious ways, which is absolutely true. How His sovereignty (His supreme power and authority) interplays with human choices is equally laced with mystery.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul acknowledges the unexpected hardships, suffering, and corruption the believers in Rome were dealing with at that time. But he also encourages them with these words:

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Maybe you lost a loved one.
Maybe someone you respect disappointed you.
Maybe someone in your family received a hard diagnosis.
Maybe your job title shifted, which has shaken your identity.
Maybe reality doesn't match what you see on social media.
Maybe you made a decision you regret.
Maybe you’ve found yourself questioning God.
Maybe someone you love walked away.
Maybe you put your whole heart into something or someone, but it didn’t go how you hoped.

Though it might feel hard to believe, God can use it all.

The good and the bad.
The polished and the messy.
The planned and the unsettled.
The clear and the misunderstood.
The encouraging and the hurtful.

God can work everything together—for your good and His glory.

This doesn't mean that everything will BE good, or that everything will work out the way we want or expect. After all, we live in a broken, messy world. But—we can rest in the confident assurance that the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives, interceding, advocating, celebrating, and grieving with us. And one day, we will see the complete picture He is painting in our lives. Nothing we go through will be wasted.

And how does He do it? That’s where we have to lean into the mystery, because we cannot fully comprehend an infinite God.

If you think back on your own life, there were probably things that didn’t make sense and maybe even seemed impossible, but now you see how God somehow worked everything out.

God can use it all—including the things you can’t comprehend—in ways you cannot begin to fathom. Even when you can’t see Him at work in your life. Even when hope seems lost. Even when things don’t seem to be going your way. Even long after you’re gone.

In everything, you can trust in Him.

Between Two Kingdoms...

Between Two Kingdoms

Did you know we are living between two kingdoms?

The kingdom of God is anywhere God has rule and reign over His people. Prior to having a relationship with Jesus, all of us lived within the darkness, or as Colossians 1:13 says, “the dominion of darkness.” We all were captive to our previous way of life—a life marked by wrongdoing.

When Jesus came to earth, He brought a new kingdom which included a new way of life. This means that rather than being held captive to darkness, we can walk in the light. We are made new by the power of Jesus within our lives. Paul says that this new reality comes through believing in Jesus and the forgiveness of sins.

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He has opened up a way for us to have a relationship with Him, and experience this new life. Having been forgiven, we are now part of the kingdom of God—and this is something Colossians 1:13 confirms. But even though we are part of Jesus’ kingdom, we are still awaiting Jesus’ return when He will make all things new. This means we are living between two kingdoms: We are made new in the kingdom of God, and yet we are still living in an imperfect world.

In the meantime, our job is to expand the kingdom of God by telling others about Jesus. This is the mission that Jesus gave to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20. As we tell others about the love of Jesus and point others toward a relationship with Jesus, we bring more people into the kingdom of Jesus and away from the kingdom of this world.

As members of God’s kingdom, we should always be thinking about the ways God wants to work within us. Have you considered your own role within God’s plan to bring the message of hope to those around you? You play an important role in God’s Kingdom. Think about how you can be bold in sharing that message with others.

Hold On to What's True

Hold On to What’s True

Reading Scripture is vital to our intimacy with God. God’s Word is our weapon. It’s alive, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). And when we hide Scripture in our heart, it helps us battle with the forces of evil. We have an enemy, and the last thing he wants us to do is trust God and His Word.

Our spiritual enemy wants to keep us in a place of doubt and insecurity. But when we know who we are, we can confidently demolish every lie that distracts us. Just like Jesus did, we can use Scripture to remind ourselves of the truth and fight back against the devil’s schemes.

Think through some of the lies you’ve believed. Maybe it's "I'm a failure, I'll never do anything right," or "God doesn't care about me, it's why these bad things happen." It’s easier to entertain lies when we allow them to become a part of us.

But once you recognize the lies you’ve internalized, you’re halfway to victory. God gave us His Word so that we could know the truth, and it’s His truth that sets us free.

Speaking Boldly About our Hope

Speaking Boldly About Our Hope

Picture this: Jesus had lived, died, and risen again. Some of His closest friends—Peter and John—were telling everyone about this miracle they had witnessed. They even performed some astonishing miracles in Christ’s name, like healing a beggar who’d been crippled from birth.

Thousands of people believed Peter and John’s testimonies about Jesus, but many of the religious leaders did not. In fact, in their eyes, such messages and miracles were dangerous, so they had Peter and John arrested.

But after they had served their sentences, Peter and John went back to the other believers, doing what was natural to them—praying bold prayers and trusting in God. Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭31‬ ‭tells us that “...when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”

Peter and John were in the habit of gathering together with other believers, praying together with other believers, and speaking boldly about the Word of God. As they did these things, the Holy Spirit filled them with the supernatural power of God.

Like Peter and John, who faced tons of opposition for their faith, we can keep trusting in and walking with God. We can keep gathering together with like-minded believers. We can keep praying bold prayers that can’t be accomplished on our own. We can keep speaking boldly about the hope we have in Jesus.

And as we do that, God’s Spirit will fill us and guide us every step of the way.

How to Save Your Life...

How to Save Your Life

Jesus willingly sacrificed everything for the sake of the world—for you. He took the punishment of our sin so that we could know God intimately, forever. And when He rose from the dead, He made it possible for us to have a close relationship with Him.

Jesus made a way for us to know Him, but we have to choose whether or not we will follow Him.  

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.”
Mark 8:34-35 NLT

What does it mean to take up our cross?

For Jesus, the cross was a literal object upon which He suffered and died. It was a physical weight that also symbolizes the spiritual heaviness He bore. The cross also represents the suffering and surrender we all choose to endure for the sake of knowing and obeying Christ.

The apostles viewed suffering as an opportunity to get to know Jesus better, but our cultures tell us that suffering is an obstacle to immediate pleasure. Jesus said that surrendering our lives to Him was key because He is the way to eternal life, but our world tells us that self-care is the gateway to living abundantly.  

Taking up our cross means giving up our right to live however we want. It means letting Jesus dictate the trajectory of our lives, and making Him the one thing we pursue above everything else.

The irony is, if we refuse to take up our cross and follow Jesus—we will still suffer. We will still experience hardships. But we will also end up surrendering the eternal gifts Jesus offers us in exchange for momentary pleasure and comfort.  

Taking up our cross is an act that we do on this side of eternity. But one day, we will be resurrected and given new life—a life without sorrow, suffering, death, or pain. A life eternally spent in God’s presence. That is the promise Jesus makes us when He asks us to follow Him. That is the life we get to look forward to when we give up our lives for Jesus’ sake.

Desperate for Him...

Desperate for Him

It’s tempting to think we’re strong, we’re capable, and “we’ve got this.” But in reality, we are powerless on our own. We desperately need God—every moment of every day.

We wouldn’t be here if He didn’t create us. We wouldn’t live if He didn’t sustain us. We wouldn’t flourish if He didn’t guide, protect, and empower us.

The author of 1 Chronicles knew the importance of depending on God. He said:

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In a world that’s constantly focused on itself, it’s crucial to recognize our need to depend on God. We need His strength, we need His power, and—to put it simply—we just need Him!

If you’re feeling confident in your own self-sufficiency, ask yourself: Who made this world? Who created my body, my mind, and my soul? My eyes, my legs, my lungs? Who has the power to save—or to destroy? Who holds the keys to life?

Just as we continually need air, we need the power and presence of God to sustain our every move.

So how can we seek His strength and presence continually? By staying connected to Him: talking to Him throughout the day, prioritizing Him in the midst of busy schedules, humbly asking for His power.

God will never deny a heart that is genuinely seeking Him.

So come to Him with your weakness and He will give you strength. Come to Him with your questions, your needs, and your wants, and He will give you Himself. And that is the very best thing of all.

A Cup Overflowing with Blessings...

A Cup Overflowing with Blessings

As Psalm 23 comes to a close, the psalmist paints a scene that is both dynamic and ironic: a lavish banquet is prepared right in front of his enemies.

Imagine God laying out a feast before you in the presence of adversity and fear. God gives abundantly in the middle of hardship. “You anoint my head with oil,” the psalmist adds, “my cup overflows.”

Anointing with oil demonstrates divine favor and strength. It's like a warrior receiving a blessing before battle. Every obstacle and doubt are met with God's presence. The psalmist’s cup isn’t just full, it’s running over! In God, we have blessings that joyfully spill over into the lives of others.

The psalmist concludes with wholehearted trust:

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 23:6

God's goodness and love are our constant companions, following us everywhere we go. God’s goodness and love surround us and lead to the perfect presence of our Shepherd, forever. There, we will live "in the house of the Lord." Now and forever, we are always welcome in His presence.

What Really Matters...

What Really Matters

God designed our hearts and our brains—our emotions and our intellect—to work together.

For example, when we love someone, we’re compelled to know them on a deeper level. And as we uncover their passions and their heartaches and what makes them tick, we are often compelled into an even deeper kind of love.

When the apostle Paul was writing to the believers in Philippi (a city in Greece) he gave them this charge:

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:9-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

No one wants to waste their time, their energy, or their one precious life. But when we understand what’s important—knowing and loving God, knowing and loving people—we can choose to spend our lives on what matters most.

So what did Paul want for the Philippians?

Paul longed for their love to be evident while their knowledge continued to grow; for a life of love to be cultivated while understanding continued to flourish.

The Bible teaches that knowledge of God is true understanding (Proverbs 9:10) and that the most important commandment is to love God and love people (Matthew 22:37-40). And we gain insights about God’s character by studying His Word, learning from His creation, and living with love.

As we love God with our hearts and minds, lean into knowledge and faith, and embrace truth and grace, we can experience a more complete picture of God’s beautiful plan.

We can shine light into an increasingly dark world. We can add vision, clarity, and meaning to whatever circles we frequent. We can be known for loving our Creator and loving the people around us. We can live God-honoring lives until the day we meet our Savior face to face.

No Longer Slaves But Heirs...

No Longer Slaves But Heirs

Can you imagine inheriting lots of wealth or property—or maybe just receiving something really valuable for free? In Galatians 4:7, the Apostle Paul writes, “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” According to Paul, children of God will receive a huge inheritance.

But this is no ordinary inheritance. Paul is talking about an inheritance far superior to what we usually think of as wealth.

God rescues us from our enslavement to the powers of this world, Paul says. And Jesus sets us free from sin, darkness, and death. In the Messiah, God adopts us into his family as his beloved children and heirs. And because of this, we inherit God’s unending life and receive honor, love, and a true home in a renewed creation.

What would change in your interactions and thoughts about fellow followers of Jesus if you were to see them as God’s children and beloved brothers and sisters—not your competition or opposition? Most people won’t receive huge inheritances of wealth or property, but God’s children will all receive—equally and without partiality—God’s endless love and eternal life.

Take a deep breath, pause, and consider your shared eternal inheritance with Jesus and others in the family of God.

Serving Jesus in Everyday Acts...

Serving Jesus in Everyday Acts

What does it mean to serve Jesus? Mathew 25:40 reveals an extraordinary truth: when we care for others, we are serving Him. Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This verse is part of a parable where Jesus explains how acts of kindness—no matter how small—reflect God’s love.

Think about it: offering a cup of water to someone thirsty, sharing a meal with someone hungry, or encouraging someone who feels invisible. These actions may seem ordinary, but they hold eternal significance. Through them, we participate in Jesus’ work of bridging despair to hope, poverty to provision, and brokenness to restoration.

Jesus invites us to see the people around us through His eyes. Who in your life might need compassion today? It could be someone discouraged, lonely, or struggling. Your small act of kindness can remind them that they are seen, loved, and valued—not just by you, but by God.

Serving others isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about letting God’s love flow through you in everyday moments. When we live this way, we bring His presence into tangible situation and reflect His heart to the world.

Your Inheritance Awaits...

Your Inheritance Awaits

In Matthew 25:34, Jesus describes a moment of profound invitation and joy: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’”

This verse highlights a central truth of the gospel: salvation is not something we earn, but a gift we receive. The word “inheritance” is key here. An inheritance is given because of a relationship, not because of works. Through Jesus, we are invited into God’s family, and as His children, we have a share in the kingdom he has prepared for us.  

The imagery of a kingdom “prepared since the creation of the world” reminds us of God’s eternal plan. Before time began, God desired a relationship with us and made a way for that relationship to be restored through Jesus.

This inheritance is available not because of anything we can achieve but because of God’s grace, freely given to all who believe. How does knowing that salvation is a gift of grace, not works, change how you live today?