Jesus commands you to take up your cross and follow him, and then he gives you the strength to carry the load.

True, humble, joyful, and perseverant love is not born out of raw duty, but out of worshipful gratitude. We love because he first loved us.

God’s care for you is secure because it does not depend on your faithfulness, but on his.

“Our father in heaven . . .” (Matt. 6:9a). There is no situation or location where I am ever alone, because my heavenly Father is always with me.

“Hallowed be your name . . .” (Matt. 6:9b). In the little moments of daily life, I must live for a greater honor and glory than my own.

“Your kingdom come . . .” (Matt. 6:10a). I must remember that God didn’t give me grace for my kingdom to work, but to capture me for a better kingdom.

“Your will be done . . .” (Matt. 6:10b). The good life is not found in the success of my will, but in the submission of all things to God’s will.

“Give us this day our daily bread . . .” (Matt. 6:11). I am not independent or self-sufficient, but dependent on the goodness of God for my needs.

“Forgive us . . . as we also have forgiven . . .” (Matt. 6:12). I must always remember the grace I am daily given and extend that grace to the people in my life.

“Lead us not into temptation . . .” (Matt. 6:13a). I rest assured that I am loved by a holy God. His will for me is always right, good, and true.

“But deliver us from evil . . .” (Matt. 6:13b). I admit that it’s the evil inside me that hooks me to the evil outside me, and I seek grace’s rescue.

You were hardwired to live for God, so even though you may not be aware of it, every good thing or bad thing you do today has verticality to it.

You have not been left to secure your own future, because God in grace has secured an end to your story more glorious than you can grasp.

Never forget that what God required, you couldn’t do. Christ did it for you. His grace is your hope.

Corporate worship is designed to alert you to the war for control of your heart and to the help that is found only in Jesus.

We are guilty. The cross purchased our forgiveness. We are unable. The Spirit gives us power. We are foolish. God’s Word provides wisdom.