The Release is the Hard Part

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The Bible is full of prescriptions for the believer, to lay down their cares, to surrender their burdens and anxieties. In 1 Peter it says to cast our anxiety on Him because He care for us. Philippians chapter four talks about not being anxious about anything. Not the big things. Not the small things. It’s an invitation to be in communion with Him. To view our God as a loving father who knows what we need especially when we don’t.

I have found though, that it is easier to pray, and to feel the temporary relief that faith and trust brings, than to permanently release those things. That is what I have been working on in my own life. As things add up, problems and stresses compound on one another, it’s even harder to release them all. Yet all the more important. I have been trying to figure out what that looks like. Casting my cares should look far more like tossing a stone into the water rather than a fishing line. I don’t want to real the cares back in. Yet my mind can easily drift in that direction. But how do I give over my burdens while severing the connection? Truth be told, I don’t think that’s the point.

I have been searching for the magical moment of permanent spiritual peace in spite of what stressors I face. What I have found is not something that is passive. Yet I feel it is taught that way often. Pray, release your cares, and go about your day, and it’ll be all good. Never in my entire life has that been the case. And because of that, it can be easy to feel like something is wrong with me. Like my faith is weak. How can I call myself a believer and still deal with stress and feel anxious at times? Am I being convicted or deceived in asking that question?

At moments, and many of them, I can say that I have been in perfect peace. An unshakable sense of calm, reassurance, and gratitude that warms my inner being. And in many of those occasions, life has been really difficult. The difference between those moments and the turbulent times, is one simple things: what my eyes are fixed on. Do you know the story of Jesus walking on the water? Interestingly, my mother in law is actually at the sea today, where that occurred all those years ago. Remember how Jesus called Peter out of the boat? Truth is, you and me can walk on the water even in the heart of a storm, just as Peter did, but only as long as our eyes are fixed on Jesus. The moment Peter turned his attention to the waves, he sank. That has been my experience, every single time. But Jesus didn’t let Peter drown, and He won’t let me drown. And dear reader, He won’t let you drown either.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Focus on the problem, and you get problems. Focus on Jesus, and you get Jesus. That doesn’t mean you avoid problems. It means you seeks Jesus who provides the solutions. And in the waiting, you keep seeking Jesus. You know what happens? You get more Jesus. He told us once to seek first the kingdom of God and all our needs will be taken care of. We either believe that or we don’t. And the seeking isn’t a morning prayer, a momentary plea for help, a quick devotional, blasting a worship song, but all of those, all day, every day. It is a constant connection. Isaiah says that our mind has to be stayed on Him. The Hebrew word for stayed is sāmaḵ. It pictures a mind that is braced by or supported by something. Much like a building is supported by beams and pillars. Takes those away, and the building collapses. In this case, that support is the Lord Himself. Take your mind off Him, and things start to shake, or sink in the case of Peter.

If you’re battling stress and anxiety, it doesn’t make you a bad person or poor Christian. It just means you’re looking in the wrong direction. Put your eyes back on Jesus, and do what it takes to keep them there. Worship, pray, dance, read, surround yourself with good people and feed your soul with life-giving things. And then, do it all over again.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Sing a New Song

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Celebrate Messiah

I have tried to make it a point to begin my day in worship. Even if it’s simply laying on my closet floor at 4am before I head out to work, and saying thank you for so many things. You see, it turns my heart in the right direction. Away from exhaustion. Away from anxious thoughts. Away from the difficulties of life. It helps me to lock on my heavenly target, to appreciate where God has placed me, running towards the upward call of Christ Jesus.

Sing a new song…I came across this saying in my Bible study recently. It happens to be the first mention in Psalm 33, but it certainly isn’t the last. The Psalms are ripe with the saying. Psalms 40:3, 96:1, 98:1, 144:9, 149:1I all have the same basic idea: bring a new song. Not the same old resuscitations. The Hebrew word used here is ḥāḏāš (khaw-dawsh’), and it can mean brand new or fresh.

The psalmists return to this phrase again and again: sing a new song. Why? Because God keeps doing new things. His mercies are new every morning. His grace meets us in fresh ways. His faithfulness shows up in seasons we never expected. A living relationship with a living God produces ongoing praise.

I wonder if my tune is often too repetitive. If I am lazy in my praise. If I am not seeing all the new praiseworthy things He does in my life. Thank you for saving me, for my family, this work, my health, etc…while those things are great and very much worth praise and acknowledgment, God is definitely acting anew each day in my life in ways I don’t see. Because I am focused on other things? I am sure I miss so many. I want to sing Him a new song, each day, for His overwhelming faithfulness in that day.

So I invite you to ask yourself, along with me, What has God done recently that deserves fresh praise? How has He sustained you, forgiven you, guided you, or carried you through? Don’t let yesterday’s gratitude be the end of your worship. God is still at work today.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Limitless Strength

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John 15:5

There is a song called “Surface Pressure” from the movie Encanto. In the scene where the song is introduced, Luisa, the middle sister who is gifted with incredible strength, reveals just how much pressure she feels as a part of, not just the family, but the community as well. So many people rely on her and she carries a lot, both physically and, come to find out, emotionally. I think many of us can find ourselves in a similar situation, minus the carrying of extremely heavy loads like this fictional character does. But we, and I speak about myself in this, try to carry so much when a lot of it, we thrust upon ourselves.

I’ll be honest, there isn’t one area of my life where I can’t easily feel bogged down and drained from constant demands and expectations. Whether at home, teaching, running a business, trying make ends meet, don’t get me wrong, I am a very blessed man with a lot of blessings in my life, especially my wife and kids. Bur it all can get very heavy very quickly. Because of this, it is imperative that I know that I don’t have to carry this alone. I would be crushed, like so many are, if I tried to do all of this alone.

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”‬‬

Psalm‬ ‭55‬:‭22‬ ‭ESV

We live in a world that constantly reminds us of our limits. Limited time. Limited energy. Limited patience. Limited strength. Some days we feel capable and confident; other days we feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure how to take the next step.

Yet Scripture points us to a different source of strength—one that does not run dry. True strength is not found in self-reliance or sheer determination. It flows from a living relationship with Jesus Christ. When we walk closely with Him, we discover that our strength is no longer dependent on circumstances or personal ability, but on His unchanging power.

Jesus invites us into a relationship, not a formula. He says:

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.”

John 15:4

When we remain in Him, His life flows through us. Our weakness becomes the place where His strength is revealed.

The apostle Paul understood this paradox well. After pleading with God to remove a persistent hardship, he heard the Lord respond:

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9

God does not wait for us to be strong before He works. He meets us in our weakness. When we acknowledge our need for Him, we make room for His power to move in ways we could never achieve on our own.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Limitless strength through Jesus does not mean a life free from struggle. It means we are never alone in the struggle. His strength sustains us in parenting, ministry, work, relationships, and seasons of loss or uncertainty.

“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

A relationship with Jesus is nurtured through daily connection—prayer, Scripture, worship, and obedience. As we spend time with Him, our perspective shifts. Fear gives way to faith. Anxiety gives way to peace. Weariness gives way to endurance.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

This is not a promise of unlimited success, but of unlimited strength to face whatever comes with Christ at the center.

When we stop striving to manufacture our own strength and instead lean into our relationship with Jesus, we discover a freedom that transforms how we live. His strength is steady. His grace is sufficient. His presence is constant.

No matter how depleted you feel today, the invitation remains open: come to Jesus, and let His strength become yours.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

In Him, our strength is never truly limited—because it comes from an infinite and limitless source.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Zeal

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Zeal is defined as a great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective. Zeal for God is more than religious enthusiasm—it is a deep, burning devotion that shapes how we think, live, and love. Throughout Scripture, zeal is pictured as a holy fire, one that fuels obedience, worship, and courage even when circumstances are difficult.

The psalmist declares, “Zeal for your house consumes me” (Psalm 69:9). This is not a casual affection for God, but an all-consuming passion. True zeal flows from a heart that knows who God is and cannot remain indifferent.

Biblical zeal is not loud showmanship or self-righteous intensity. Paul warns that it’s possible to have “zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Romans 10:2). Zeal without truth can drift into pride, legalism, or harm. But zeal grounded in the truth of God’s Word leads to humility, repentance, and love.

Jesus Himself modeled perfect zeal. When He cleansed the temple, His actions were driven by reverence for God’s holiness and compassion for people being misled (John 2:13–17). His zeal was never about drawing attention to Himself, but about honoring the Father.

Zeal is not something we manufacture through sheer effort. It is born from intimacy with God. As we spend time in His presence—through prayer, Scripture, and worship—our hearts are stirred. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we begin to say, “Did not our hearts burn within us…?” (Luke 24:32).

The Holy Spirit ignites and sustains this passion. When we remember the mercy we have received and the grace that has saved us, gratitude fuels devotion.

Zeal for God shows up in everyday faithfulness. It looks like choosing obedience when it’s costly, loving others when it’s inconvenient, and standing for truth with gentleness and grace. Paul exhorts believers, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).

This kind of zeal is steady, not seasonal. It endures through dry seasons and grows deeper through trials.

If your zeal feels dim, take heart. God delights in rekindling hearts that turn toward Him. Pray with the psalmist: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). Ask the Lord to renew your passion—not for activity alone, but for Him.

May our lives echo the words of Jesus: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me” (John 4:34). When God becomes our greatest delight, zeal will naturally follow.

Peace and a new zeal in Christ brothers and sisters!

Stepping Into the New Year with Hope

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A new year feels like standing at the edge of a fresh page—clean, unwritten, full of possibility. We often enter January carrying mixed emotions: hope and anticipation, but also weariness from the year behind us. Scripture reminds us that God meets us right here, at the turning of the calendar, and walks with us into what’s next.

Before we make resolutions or set goals, it’s comforting to remember that God has already gone ahead of us. Nothing about the coming year surprises Him.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

We don’t step into the unknown alone. We step forward with a God who plans with purpose and love.

The new year invites reflection, but it also invites release. Regrets, failures, and disappointments don’t have to define what’s ahead. God specializes in renewal.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

Isaiah 43:18–19

What if this year we trusted God enough to let go—making room for the “new thing” He wants to do?

The coming year will have challenges. But God doesn’t promise us everything at once—He promises daily grace.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:22–23

Every morning brings fresh mercy. Every day brings enough strength for that day.

We may not see the full picture, but faith invites us to take the next step—trusting God with the rest.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5–6

God doesn’t ask us to know everything—only to trust Him with everything.

As this new year begins, may we walk in hope, grounded in truth, and confident in God’s presence.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13

Here’s to a new year—not just of new goals, but of deeper faith, renewed joy, and steady trust in the God who makes all things new.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Culture or Christ?

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Have you ever had one of those ‘lightbulb moments’? You know, when a new realization dawns on you? Like a veil has been lifted from your eyes. Like the lights have been turned on and you can actually see now. Ok, enough analogy. This is what my faith journey has been like for the last several years.

I was raised in a home that considered themselves Christians. We believed in Jesus. We went to church, when something else didn’t conflict with it. We prayed together at family gatherings on occasion. But Jesus was never a way of life, just a small part of it. I don’t fault my parents for this. It was infinitely more than what they had as children. But you could imagine, I would have a lot to learn as I got older. Starting back in 2010, that unveiling process began. Over the next 15 years, I would learn more about Jesus and my faith than I ever thought was possible. If anything, this has given me a desire to learn even more, and also to question what I think I know and have been taught. As a teacher myself, these are two things that I try to instill in my students: love learning and question what you learn.

It is natural for many to want to fit in. There are not a lot of ‘earth-shakers’ who seek to question and challenge the status quo. Comfort and acceptance drive a lot of people. These things can even cause some to turn a blind eye to certain possibilities. The possibility that what they’ve been taught and believed for their entire life is wrong, for example. Other than comfort and acceptance, pride is a major obstacle to change. However, we cannot let comfort, acceptance, and pride, drive a willful ignorance, or even create a hostility towards those who choose to question.

I believe the number one criteria for every believer, is humility. It should drive our approach towards God, His word, and towards those around us. The more we admit we don’t know the more we are able to grow. I didn’t mean to rhyme just then. Over the years I have learned that so much of what I was taught has been determined by culture rather than the Bible itself. Nowhere is that more obvious than in certain celebrations.

Here are some questions to ponder. Why would Christians teach their kids that Santa is real when they know it is a lie? Why would Christians put up trees and give their kids presents to honor the birth of the Savior of the world? Why would Christians dye eggs and celebrate a bunny during a time when we are supposed to honor our Passover Lamb, Jesus? Why would Christians dress their kids up in costumes and celebrate a day that revolves around witches, monsters, and death? Why would Christians welcome these cultural distractions when they ultimately lure our kids’ focus away from Jesus?

As believers, our ultimate goal is to abide in Christ…to love Him and make Him known. Santa, trees, presents, candy, costumes, bunnies, dyed eggs, do the exact opposite. As someone who grew up in that, I promise that these things only put our children at the center of their own lives, not Jesus. Colossians 3 teaches that Jesus is our very life. In John 11 Jesus says He is the resurrection and the life. In Galatians 2, it says that we no longer live but it is Christ who lives in us. In John 15, Jesus says to abide in Him.

The hope of every Christian parent should be that their kids will love Jesus with their whole hearts and make Him the Lord of their lives. The hope of every Christian should be to honor Christ and make Him known. For all of us, that takes a sincere and humble approach to examine our traditions and beliefs.

There are many other things I have had to question, that I have been taught in the church, that aren’t in the Bible. Doctrine often gets elevated above the Bible. Many of these doctrines exist because pride has made people claim that their interpretation, or what they learned in Bible college, or what their denomination adheres to, is superior to all others. Much of that too has been informed by culture. The fact is, the Bible is complex. Much of it is meditation literature. As someone I know often says, “it is worth many long walks and cups of tea to contemplate.” And honestly, I think Christians need a whole lot more humility in their approach to God’s word. If the Bible isn’t clear on something, we need to stop claiming it is. There is no room for pride behind the pulpit or conceit among the congregation. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and that’s how we should be living our lives.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Remember Your Audience

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In a world where so much becomes a performance, Jesus wants to redirects our hearts back to what matters: practicing our faith before an audience of One. In Matthew 6, part of what is known as the sermon on the Mount, He teaches that giving, praying, and fasting are meant to be intimate expressions of devotion—not spiritual displays.

When we give, Jesus warns, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them” (Matthew 6:1). Instead, He reminds us, “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing… and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:3–4). God sees the quiet generosity that others never notice.

When we pray, we’re invited into a private conversation with our Father. Jesus says, “Go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret” (Matthew 6:6). God isn’t impressed with long speeches or public displays; He delights in honest hearts. As 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “The Lord looks on the heart.”

When we fast, Jesus says not to make it obvious or dramatic. “When you fast, do not look gloomy… but anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others… and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:16–18). Fasting becomes powerful not because others see our sacrifice, but because God sees our dependence.

In all these practices, Jesus draws our focus to the unseen God who watches, listens, and treasures every sincere act of devotion. The world may overlook what we do in secret—but “your Father who sees in secret” never does. And truly, His approval is enough.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Awaken the Dawn

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With a heavy heart, I opened my Bible. I began in Psalm 108 and went no further. This Psalm is a beautiful declaration of faith, joy, and confidence in God. Exactly where I knew my heart should be. David did not write a half-hearted song; it’s worship that springs from deep trust. Even before his circumstances change, David chooses to lift his eyes and his voice to God.

“My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!”‬‬

Psalm‬ ‭108‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV

A Heart Set Firm on God

A steadfast heart doesn’t waver with emotion or circumstance. It’s anchored in who God is. David’s focus isn’t on his enemies or his problems, but on God’s unchanging love and faithfulness. When we choose praise before victory, we declare our faith that God is already at work.

Awakening the Dawn

David says, “I will awaken the dawn.” I love this! What a picture of active worship! Instead of waiting for joy to come, David brings it by starting his day with praise. His music becomes a sunrise of faith. We, too, can awaken the dawn in our own lives by starting each morning with gratitude, worship, and the Word of God.

Praise That Reaches the Nations

David’s praise is not private—it’s global: “I will praise you, Lord, among the nations.” True worship spills over. When we proclaim God’s goodness, others see His glory. Our steadfast faith becomes a testimony that shines far beyond our own circle. The world is changed when God’s people praise Him, especially in their times of difficulty.

Love Higher Than the Heavens

This section of the psalm ends with awe. God’s love is immeasurable—“higher than the heavens”—and His faithfulness stretches “to the skies.” When we look up, we’re reminded that His promises are vast, enduring, and beyond comprehension.

What does it mean for your heart to be “steadfast” today? How can you “awaken the dawn” through worship and gratitude? In what ways can your praise reflect God’s glory to others?

Lord, make our hearts steadfast in You. When we feel weary or uncertain, remind us that Your love never fails. Let our praise rise like the dawn and fill the world with the sound of Your glory. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens—let Your glory shine over all the earth.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Who’s Purpose Prevails?

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“And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.””

Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬-‭38‬ ‭ESV‬‬

As the ministry of Jesus grew, more and more people placed their expectations on Him. They may not have admitted it, but the masses began to demand Bis attention and time. Whatever their motive may have been, they had their purposes in mind. Jesus demonstrated what it meant to focus in on God’s purpose above the expectations placed on us by others. That can easily happen in ministry and in nearly every other avenue of life. As a husband, father, friend, teacher, business owner, and on and on, there are demands and purposes placed on my life. It is my job to decipher whether those are God’s purposes, mine, or from others. As a “people pleaser” it can be hard for me to say no. What has been so meaningful to me is to realize that in saying yes to someone I may be saying no to God. It is His purpose and plan that I need to be in tuned with. That way I can weed out all the noise and clutter. My “good things” can become “godly things” when I stay true to His plan for my life and not allow others, or my own selfish desires, to direct my path.

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.””‬‬

Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭38‬-‭42‬ ‭ESV

This is one of my favorite stories in the ministry of Jesus because it reminds me of what it can look like to choose the most important things. I am a doer. I like to get things done. And what I often lack is the quality time at the feet of Jesus, listening to and learning from Him. Jesus showed us what it looks like to fight for solitude with God and Mary did too.

I pray, that in your busy life, God’s purposes will prevail. That you will be able to hear Him through the noise and to fight for the solitude like Jesus did. Please pray the same for me.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

The Treasure and the Pearl

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How much do we value the Kingdom?

A few nights ago, I was reading a familiar story to my kids before bed. The story got me thinking a lot about what I value in life. Interestingly, earlier that evening, we had been watching a movie where a person was confronted with just a week to live and she wrestled with how she should spend it. And she fumbled her way in a very self seeking manor to figure out how to spend her time. The movie presented the answer in a very worldly way as one would expect. But that movie already had me in that line of thinking before I read to my children a couple of hours later.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV

All of us are guaranteed today. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. So, in reality, we are all meant to make the most of each day. And how we do that will be determined by what we value.

Text: Matthew 13:44–46

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

You see, everyone is searching for something of value in life: success, love, peace, security, things, wealth, and the list goes on. Jesus tells two short parables to show us that the greatest treasure is not in this world, but in the kingdom of heaven. I realize this isn’t breaking news but it does leave us all with a question: Do we value the kingdom this much?

C.S. Lewis – “Aim at heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in.’ Aim at earth and you will get neither.”

The Value of the Kingdom

The kingdom of heaven is compared to two things: hidden treasure and a pearl of great price. Neither of these are ordinary things—they are priceless. They are worth more than the sum of the person’s life. More than all of their possessions, career, and wealth. But what exactly is the Kingdom? The kingdom represents knowing Christ, being reconciled to God, eternal life, and true joy. It is knowing and being known by God. Paul said in Philippians 3:8 that he counted everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Not somethings, but everything.

There in lies the heart of the question. Do we count everything as loss compared to knowing Jesus? Would we forsake everything for the cause of the kingdom? Both men in the parables sell all they have to gain the treasure. This is not a half-hearted pursuit; it is total commitment. We can’t treat our faith in Christ as an add-on to life. We cannot cling to the world and fully embrace Christ at the same time.

Jesus said in Luke 14:33 – “Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” There has to be a willingness and a readiness to give up anything and everything in the pursuit of Christ and making Him known. Jesus also said in Matthew 10:38 — “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

And here’s the key…in our surrender, in our willingness to give everything, it is all done with joy. Notice in v. 44: “Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has…” Giving up everything for Christ is not drudgery—it is joy, because we gain something infinitely greater.

Jim Elliot once said: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

True discipleship is not about sacrifice alone—it is about finding the deepest joy and fulfillment in God Himself. In Psalm 16:11 we read – “In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

We pursue a lot of things in life. I have pursued my wife, I have pursued my career. I have pursued knowledge and learning. I have pursued a standard of living that provides comfort and security to my family. I don’t believe any of that is bad as long as it’s secondary to my pursuit of Christ. And if I am not joyfully willingly to give up the money, the job, the home, the possessions for Him then my heart is not in the right place.

Augustine of Hippo – “Christ is not valued at all unless He is valued above all.”

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.