As we meet each week, we show this broken world a picture of the coming kingdom where God's people will be gathered around the throne as one praising his name.

Obedience may come at a cost—alienation, criticism, or even suffering. But as holy sojourners and ambassadors of God’s kingdom, we must remain faithful and display our true allegiance in all we do.

Since the gospel has implications for every area of our lives, no area is untouched by realignment.

Fasting doesn’t save us or make us holy, but it is a tool to glorify God in our lives. When used properly, it humbles us, trains us in obedience, and trains us in faith.

Depending on the day, I get everything done or hardly anything at all. Sometimes, it feels as random as flipping a coin. When I’ve got a sermon to prep, taxes to file, and lessons to plan, and my brain feels like it’s in hibernation mode, I’m left feeling defeated, frustrated, and guilty. I often wonder to myself: Is God disappointed with me? Is he tired of hearing the same old prayers for help while I keep struggling along? How can he be pleased with me when I can’t even get my quiet time right? Yet, I know he loves me, and he will carry me through.

We can easily go through the motions of Christianity and fulfill our checklist of duties out of a desire for some blessing rather than worship of God. Even our worship of God can be tainted by our selfishness.

On this side of glory, our hearts are imperfect in their affections. Despite the magnitude of the grace shown to us in Christ, our hearts grow dull at times.

. . . but the way of Jesus leads to life.

Satan has one design and God has another.

We can’t fully sanctify ourselves in thirty days or even in a lifetime.

When we don’t understand why God doesn’t answer our prayers, trusting him can prove difficult.

My ability to stuff my emotions has been more of a liability than an asset.