READ: JEREMIAH 29:8-14; JOHN 21:20-22; 2 CORINTHIANS 10:12; GALATIANS 6:4

Ever been online scrolling, watching your friends and other people you follow as they share their vacations, adventures, accomplishments, funny stories…and you just ended up feeling like your own life was on hold? Let me tell you something: you’re not alone! Comparison steals your joy, and it can even make you forget about anything good that might be happening in your life. It can make your life seem like a sob story.

One night, I remember sitting alone in a local park, feeling left behind. When I looked at my friends’ socials, it was just stories of which colleges they were set to attend. Meanwhile, I had yet to start the application process, let alone decide which colleges to apply to. I felt low and ungrateful. Nevertheless, I decided to think of three things I was thankful to God for. I thought of my dog, the recent earth-nourishing rains, and a wonderful phone conversation with my parents. Though spending that time in thankfulness to God didn’t change my situation, it redirected my focus from feeling small to feeling gratitude for the good things God was doing in my life.

Isn’t it good news that God doesn’t compare us to each other? And He calls us not to compare ourselves with others either. Rest assured, God loves you and He has good plans for you. He made you unique, and He will lead you on your journey according to His timing and purpose. You will never get left behind— Jesus is with you every step of the way.

So instead of fixing your eyes on someone else’s life journey or achievements, pay attention to what God is doing in yours. As you fix your eyes on Jesus— resting in His faithful love and following where He leads—you just might discover that true freedom is found, not in a life of comparison, but one of gratefulness (Hebrews 12:1-2). • Sammy Mwatha

What are three things you’re thankful to God for today, no matter how small?

• We live during a time in history when the internet, smartphones, social media, etc. are still relatively new, and we’re constantly learning how to steward these resources well—and limit the potential negative impacts they can have on our brains. This week, consider turning off all your devices (anything with a screen) for at least one hour per day, and focus on things in your life that you’re thankful for—and do them with Jesus! You might spend the time relaxing outside, playing with your pet, eating a meal with your family, or engaging with something you enjoy (like art, music, sports, etc.) either alone or with friends.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD, “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) 

READ: ROMANS 10:11-17; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7

I was born legally blind. Usually I can see enough to get by, but if I have to find a classroom where the room number is posted above the door, I can’t see it. When the church puts the words to the chorus on the big screen up front, I can’t see it. If I’m in a restaurant where the menu is hanging behind the counter, I can’t see it.

To compensate for not being able to see such things, I have to ask for help: “Do they have cheese curds here?” When the people around me are kind enough to answer my questions, I have to take them at their word. I can’t verify if cheese curds are on the menu until I place my order and say, “I’d like cheese curds with that.”

Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Most define faith as “belief” or “trust.” But take it from this legally blind guy: it’s a little deeper than that. I’m looking for information to act on—information I can’t see. Faith relies on someone who has more power and knowledge than I do. My bad sight forces me to depend on others and take them at their word.

“For we live by faith, not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7 says. I know full well what this means. I regularly put my life into the hands of others who can see what they’re doing.

Similarly, God knows more than we do. He has more power, more insight, and is never wrong. We are wrong frequently. Faith acknowledges our weaknesses, but also God’s strength—and through the Holy Spirit, God leads us to rely on that strength (Romans 5:6; 8:26; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 John 4:16).

Faith in Jesus is more than mental agreement with some statements; it’s living in light of sure information (1 John 5:20). As Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” • Jeff Weddle

• Can you think of a time you had to depend on others? What was that like?

• Faith in Jesus means relying on Him to save us, and depending on Him in every area of our lives. Of course, none of us will have perfect faith—at least, not until Jesus returns. But as we draw near to God, the Holy Spirit will help us grow in faith, reminding us that we can rest in a secure relationship with God because Jesus has made the way for us to become His dearly loved children (1 John 3:1). How could it be helpful to think of faith, not just as belief and trust, but also as reliance and dependence?

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) 

READ: MATTHEW 13:44-46; JOHN 10:10; PHILIPPIANS 3:7-9, 19-21

Kellen crossed his arms and shook his head as smoke engulfed his one-man transport. He turned away and stepped off the tracks that connected the two largest cities in the world. This delay would cost him. Negotiators were expecting him in the northern city within the hour.

The railway cut through a thick forest. Kellen marveled at some of the trees before he reached for his phone. As he slipped his hand into his pocket to call for a new transport, something caught his eye. A sliver of blue glistened through an opening in the trees. He pulled back some branches and stepped into the forest.

Kellen gasped as he found himself standing in a new world. The brilliant blue was coming from a rushing waterfall. Beyond the cascade was an endless golden field. A gust of wind swept over the meadow and stirred up a flock of colorful birds that piloted over the waterfall and down to a cluster of luscious green branches.

Kellen breathed deeply. His soul had never felt like this before—completely refreshed, utterly satisfied. He thought about his immense riches, and the steel utopia he had built for himself, but neither of them compared to the peace that he felt now. For the first time, Kellen knew he was home.

“It can all be yours,” said a voice. Kellen turned to see an old man holding a staff twice his height. “It is of more value than anything you can ever achieve,” said the man.

Kellen nodded and looked over the paradise one more time. As he turned and stepped back through the tree line, he repositioned some branches to hide his newly discovered treasure.

- -

It didn’t take long for Kellen to sell everything he had. The following morning, he returned to the field. He stepped off the transport and pulled back the branches like he had the day before. Then He stepped through the brush and into the paradise.

The man greeted him, “Welcome home.” • Rafe Bellers

• Today’s allegorical story echoes Matthew 13:44, which is one of many parables Jesus told about the kingdom of heaven, also called the kingdom of God. Why is this kingdom far more valuable than anything we could ever possess or achieve? Why is it worth giving up everything for?

• The only way into the kingdom of God is through Jesus. He gave up everything for us when He died and rose again to rescue us from the dominion of darkness and bring us into His kingdom of light (Colossians 1:12-14). Jesus promises that everyone who has put their trust in Him is a part of that kingdom forever! Why is it so important that nothing we do—or don’t do—can earn our place in His kingdom? (Hint: read Ephesians 2:8-9.) For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page.

• We live in a time when the kingdom of God has already come and is still coming. When Jesus came and lived among us, He announced that the kingdom has come near (Matthew 4:17), and He promised that when He returns, we will experience the kingdom in all its fullness! As we wait for that glorious day, we can see glimpses of the kingdom wherever we see Jesus’s rule and reign bringing “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Can you think of a time you glimpsed the kingdom in your own life? What was that like?

• If you want to dig deeper, you can read about the refreshment Jesus offers in Psalm 23:1-3; Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:10-11. And you can read just a few of the many passages about the kingdom of God in Mark 1:14-15; 4:30-32; 10:14-31; Acts 28:23; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Peter 1:3-9; Revelation 11:15; 12:10; 21:1-5; 22:1-5. 

[Jesus said,] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” Matthew 13:44 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 10:27-30; 14:16-17, 26; 15:4-10; 1 CORINTHIANS 6:17

Have you ever wanted to go skydiving? The thrill! The exhilaration! The absolute terror?!

If you’re not quite daring enough to jump from a plane with nothing but a parachute, you could try tandem skydiving instead. This much safer option means you’re connected to a harness, which is attached to a highly experienced tandem instructor. The instructor guides you through each and every step prior to, during, and after the jump. You’re secured to this expert skydiver the whole time. From exiting the plane to landing safely on the ground, they’re responsible for and in control of everything that’s happening. Your part is to rest in their control and enjoy!

The tandem’s connection means placing all your trust in the instructor’s abilities and knowledge. For all practical purposes, you’re placing your life in their hands. It wouldn’t be good to fight against their movements or try to go in a different direction from where they’re leading. No matter what happens on the journey, you can trust the safety of the harness and the person you’re attached to.

What if we thought about our Christian journey as being on a tandem flight with the Lord? When we come to faith in Jesus, we aren’t just attached to Him, we are united with Him. We are inseparable—connected together forever. The Holy Spirit is our highly qualified instructor, there from the beginning. As our traveling partner, the Spirit of Christ guides us along our journey till we safely reach our final destination of eternity with Jesus (Ephesians 4:30). So, as Christians, we never have to be afraid of freefalling alone. We can rest and abide in the one who holds us securely, now and forever. • Deborah del Villar

• Can you think of a time your life felt like a freefall? Maybe you felt disoriented or just unable to handle the things you were going through. Consider taking a moment to imagine Jesus right there with you—you could even picture Him strapped to your back like a tandem skydiving instructor. How does this image make you feel? Is there anything you want to say to Jesus?

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NIV) 

READ: JOHN 11:1-44; 14:16-18; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-5

Do you know the shortest verse in the Bible? It’s John 11:35, “Jesus wept.” It has only two words, and yet it’s so profound.

A few years ago, my brother died suddenly. It was a big blow to me and my family. I asked God many questions. Why did He not save my brother? Why did He allow it to happen? Does He care?

When I was reading the book of John, God spoke to me through the story of Lazarus. Lazarus, Martha, and Mary were siblings, and they were close friends of Jesus. When Lazarus died, Martha and Mary were very sad. They were grieving over his death and wished Jesus had come earlier to save their brother. Both sisters said the same thing to Jesus: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32). What they said echoed the words that I had bottled up in my heart.

Jesus understands the pain of losing our loved ones. He grieves with us. In John 11:35, it was written that “Jesus wept.” Even though Jesus is God, He is human as well. He felt the pain of losing his close friend. When Jesus wept, the Jews who had gathered to mourn said, “See how he loved him!” (verse 36). Jesus was there when Martha and Mary were grieving the loss of their brother. He showed compassion and comforted them. These two words, “Jesus wept,” meant so much to me. They made me realize that even though I could not see Jesus, He was there with me when my brother died. The Holy Spirit was with me. God cares!

And Jesus Himself assures us that He will comfort us. In Matthew 5:4, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” We are not alone. God gives us family, friends, and His very own presence to comfort us in our loss.

In the story of Lazarus, Jesus performed a miracle and raised Lazarus from the dead. And Jesus assures us that our loved ones who are believers will be resurrected one day, and we will live together in renewed creation—forever. Yet He also feels our sadness as we wait for that day. So whenever we feel the pain of losing our loved ones, we can remember that Jesus is weeping with us too. • Kelly Choy

• When we experience loss, how could it be comforting to remember Jesus wept with Martha and Mary, and He also weeps with us, holding us close in our grief?

Jesus wept. John 11:35 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 103:12; EPHESIANS 2:8-10; 1 JOHN 1:8–2:1; 3:1-2

Sometimes I hate myself. I look at the people around me and wonder how they look so put together, so beautiful, so confident. My jeans don’t fit right, and my jacket is warm instead of trendy. I feel unremarkable and worthless. I want to disappear into the wall.

But sometimes I love myself. My hair looks great today, and that shirt I found at the thrift shop works perfectly with this outfit. I even made a grumpy person smile. I feel awesome.

Sometimes I hate myself. Once again, I sinned in the same way that always comes back to tempt me. I should be able to resist it by now, and yet, when the temptation came knocking in the same sweet way I know so well, I gave in. I feel like a total failure.

But sometimes I love myself. My friend says, “You are so good at using your spiritual gifts! We love your ministry at church.” Pride fills me up like a tall glass of lemonade, and pride is what splashes out when I move. I feel fantastic.

Then I stop. Is it true that I am a wonderful child of God, created in His image and indwelt by His Holy Spirit? Yes. Is it also true that I am full of sin and failure? Yes! I puzzle for a while: How am I supposed to think of myself? Am I good or bad? Wonderful or disgusting?

I remember. There is someone far more beautiful, completely without sin, who loves me more than words can say. He is eternal, omnipotent, infinitely creative, and never gives up. In His love for me, He died on the cross for my sins, and He is making me like Him—free from sin. No matter what I do or how I feel, my identity and worth are found in Jesus. • Amy Glendinning

• Humans seesaw so quickly between pride and shame. But Jesus reveals who we truly are. We were created in God’s image, and we were created good. Yet ever since the first humans sinned, we’re all born sinful, so we all sin daily. In the words of Paul, “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:24-25). Though we were sinners, God still loved us! And through Jesus, He made the way for us to be forgiven, made new, and adopted into His family. Today, if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we live in the “already-and-not-yet” of His transforming work. We’ll struggle with sin until Jesus returns and finishes the work He started (Philippians 1:6), yet we’re already blameless in God’s sight. How can this affect the way we think about ourselves?

We are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. 1 John 3:2 (NLT) 

READ: ESTHER 2:5–4:17

If she did not act, they would all perish. You are uninvited. The threat tormented her, stealing her breath—and her confidence with it. To go before the king uninvited is a death sentence.

Esther reached the ornate doors of the throne room and stopped. One more step would bring her before her husband, the king of Persia, and if he did not welcome her in with a wave of his scepter, she would die. “Why me?” she breathed. She was a young Jewish woman, not a queen. Yet the sparkling crown on her head declared otherwise. Why did he choose me?

The words of her cousin, Mordecai, the man who had raised her from childhood, now rang in her mind: Perhaps it is for such a time as this that you have been chosen.

Such a time as this. A time when the king was deceived by his secon-in-command, Haman, who hated the Jews. The deceived king had sealed a proclamation to eradicate every Jew in Persia on the charge of treason. Did the king know he had just sentenced his own queen to death?

Esther stared at the closed doors. Someone must unveil the lies that had borne an impending massacre. You will die if you go, her mind taunted. Esther tilted her chin in defiance. I will die if I stay. Even now, the king’s men waited to be unleashed upon the kingdom and not one living Jew would be left in their wake.

The young queen straightened her shoulders and nodded to the guards. The massive doors swung open. Lord, give me courage, she pleaded. Her eyes met the king’s across the royal throne room. If I perish, I perish. • Anita Seavey

• Today’s story is how one author imagines Esther 2:5–4:17. Consider taking some time to read what happens next in Esther 7–8. How did God intervene in Esther’s situation?

• Esther’s courage, risking her life to save her people from genocide, foreshadows Jesus’s courage to face death on a cross to save us from sin. And once we know Jesus, His Spirit fills us with that same courage, so we can do whatever He calls us to do. Are there any ways you feel God may be calling you to take a risk—perhaps by telling others about Jesus, showing kindness to your enemies, or helping someone who’s in trouble? Who are trusted Christians in your life you can talk to about this—people who can help you discern God’s guidance and next steps?

[Mordecai said to Esther,] “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 (NIV) 

READ: EPHESIANS 4:20-32

We deal with anger for a number of different reasons. We get angry at ourselves when we fail. We get angry when we see others being treated in an unjust way. We get angry when the people in our lives hurt us.

The Bible doesn’t call the feeling of anger a sin, but it does say we shouldn’t sin because of our anger (Ephesians 4:26). It’s okay to feel angry at times. After all, God gets angry, and we’re made in His image (Genesis 1:26-27; Exodus 34:6; Psalm 30:5). It’s actually good for us to be angry at what makes God angry— things like lies, injustice, and death. Unfortunately, because our world has been broken by sin, we don’t feel anger perfectly. Sometimes we get angry because of something silly or selfish. Sometimes anger causes deep, hurtful divisions in families, friendships, and the church.

So what does God want us to do with our anger? How do we know when we should just punch a pillow, and when we need to get out there and do something about the anger we’re feeling? We look to Jesus. He invites us to come to Him with all our feelings, including anger. He understands how we’re feeling because He experienced the pain and brokenness of this world firsthand, and He wants to help us (Hebrews 4:14-16). Here are some helpful questions to talk to Him about:

• Have I been hurt by someone, or am I upset that things aren’t working out my way?

• Did someone intentionally harm me, or did an accident cause me pain?

• Can I take the anger I’m feeling over an injustice and use it to go out and help those who are being wronged? Am I ready to do that well, or do I need to wait and calm down?

• Is my anger causing me to do things that are wrong?

• Am I hurting others because of my anger?

We’re all going to feel angry at times, but it’s how we respond to our anger that really matters. Thankfully, Jesus knows how we feel, and He’s there to help us figure it out. • Emily Acker

• What kinds of things make you angry? One day, Jesus will return to put an end to sin and heal all the brokenness sin has caused, so anger will be gone because there will be nothing left to be angry about. How could these truths help us process our anger in healthy ways?

• Who is a trusted Christian in your life who can help you prayerfully process your anger?

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NLT) 

READ: GENESIS 1:26–2:15; 3:17-19; EPHESIANS 2:10; 4:28

In a certain season of my life, I felt bored. I had mundane chores to perform each day. But simply being “busy” didn’t feel satisfying. I wanted something significant.

I shared my longings with my mom; then she shared her idea. Over the years, our family had saved up multiple boxes of photographs from all kinds of events. Mama asked if I wanted to organize them and place them in photo albums. It seemed like a daunting task. It also seemed like one that would give meaning to otherwise empty moments.

As I secured photos in albums, I saved a few for my siblings. I wrote up memories to accompany the pictures. Then I gave those to my brothers and sister. This project provided purpose for me and for my family.

Though I didn’t realize it, I had craved work. We often complain about work, but God Himself works (John 5:17), and He established work as His good design for us. When God created Adam and Eve, they shared perfect connection with Him, and their work flowed from that relationship. Then they sinned. Ever since then, humanity’s relationship with God has been corrupted by sin, which is why Jesus came. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, believing that His death and resurrection paid for our sins, that means we have received forgiveness—and we have been reunited with God!

Even before Adam and Eve disrupted their relationship with God, He gave them work in caring for the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). After they sinned, Adam and Eve faced “painful toil” in their work (3:17), but God didn’t form work as punishment.

Sometimes we grumble about schoolwork, part-time jobs, chores, or yard work. Yet God lovingly ordained work for His people. And He often chooses to accomplish His work through us! We get to work together with the King of the Universe. So, whether we’re doing work that enables us to earn money, share with those in need, or enjoy satisfaction in creative pursuits, we can experience God’s presence and purpose as we engage faithfully in work. • Allison Wilson Lee

• God delighted in His work when He created the world. What work do you delight in doing?

• How might viewing work as something ordained by God, something He wants to do with us, affect the way we feel about it?

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15 (NIV) 

READ: PSALM 139

Have you ever wondered why your life has taken the twists and turns it has? Sometimes our circumstances and disappointments leave us feeling frustrated, and it can feel like the people around us don’t really get what we’re going through.

Feeling misunderstood, lost, and alone are all terrible parts of living in a broken world—but, as Christians, we are not without hope! Even though we may feel isolated in our struggles, we have an incredibly caring God who knows every detail of our lives, and He understands how we feel.

In Psalm 139, David describes God’s intimate knowledge of our lives—and His tender care for us. This passage goes into great detail about how we can never escape God’s loving presence (verses 7-12). It tells us God knows our thoughts before we have them and our words before we speak them (verses 2, 4). That’s both comforting and convicting. Convicting because we can’t lie to God or trick Him when we sin, but comforting because God understands us completely and loves us fully.

How powerful to know God understands our weaknesses and our struggles! More than that, Paul tells us in Romans 8:26-27 that God searches our hearts and His Holy Spirit prays for us when we don’t know what to pray for ourselves. And in Hebrews 4:14-16, we find that Jesus doesn’t just understand us, He even empathizes with us in our weaknesses because He is God in flesh, and He knows firsthand what it’s like to suffer as a human in a broken world.

What’s more, it’s because Jesus suffered for us that we can have hope in any circumstance. Through His death and resurrection, He made the way for our sins to be forgiven so we could be with God—forever!

So whenever we feel alone, misunderstood, or anxious about what’s happening in our lives, we can look to Jesus, our Lord who knows us completely and loves us fully. • Phil Cox

• Can you think of a time you felt misunderstood? Jesus sees your pain, and He cares. Consider taking a moment to talk to Him about whatever hard things you’ve been going through and receive His tender compassion.

• Consider reading Psalm 139 slowly, one verse at a time, savoring the words. What catches your attention? If you were to choose one verse to memorize from this psalm, which one would it be?

You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. Psalm 139:1 (NIV)