We often think that making a difference for God requires extraordinary skills or achievements. But the truth is, God delights in using ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary purposes.

God takes ordinary people and uses their struggles for extraordinary purposes. Suffering often shakes us, whether we are strong in faith or just figuring it all out. When pain hits, it often leads to doubt. “Where is God in this?” “Why is this happening to me?” Even Paul, the great apostle, faced suffering that wouldn’t go away—a thorn in the flesh that he pleaded with God to remove. But instead of taking it away, God gave Paul something even greater: the assurance that His grace was enough.

You are not an accident. God created you with a purpose: to glorify Him. One of the most powerful ways to live out this mission is through generosity.

Generosity isn’t just about giving money; it’s about trusting God with all your resources—your time, talents, and treasures. When you live generously, you make a bold declaration: God is my provider, and I trust Him, not my possessions, for my safety and security.

Our culture often minimizes the value of individual lives, but Jesus tells us that each of us has a unique purpose—one that not only matters but has an eternal impact. This purpose is rooted in living a life that glorifies God and points others to Him. Jesus calls us to “greater things” than we could ever achieve on our own, and He assures us that when we ask in His name, He will work through us to accomplish these things. This kind of life—one that is truly on mission—starts with a foundation of prayer.

Our practices shape us deeply, influencing not only what we think and believe but also whom we love and fear. The world, especially through politics, often tries to teach us what to love, who to fear, and where to place our trust. But Jesus calls us to seek the Kingdom of God first and to let our hearts be shaped by practices that draw us closer to Him.

Our culture is full of messages competing for our attention, allegiance, and even our love. Whether through political news, entertainment, or social media, these “cultural liturgies” influence our hearts and minds, shaping what we love and where we place our loyalty.

In our fast-paced, highlight-driven culture, it’s easy to feel that only the exciting and dramatic moments matter. Yet, what if the ordinary parts of life are where God is truly at work?

Jesus' story of two sons who both got lost in different ways is not just a tale of forgiveness but a powerful illustration of God’s initiating love. Whether you’ve run away like the younger son or stayed close but distant in heart like the older son, this parable has something to teach each of us.

Many of us are familiar with the younger son’s story—he left home, squandered his inheritance, and returned to the father's open arms. But there's a second act to this parable that is just as important: the older brother's story.