Naturally, most humans are risk-averse. If bad weather blows up before a hike, I will most likely cancel my hike. If I heard that sketchy people were hanging around my destination, I’d most likely change my plans. Sometimes, God does guide us toward safety and protection. But this is where His wisdom comes in, because sometimes, He calls us to walk straight into the perceived danger.

There's no denying it, you and I are blessed immensely.  From physical provisions like food, clothing, homes and transportation to a heavenly Father who loves us, gave his son for us and everything in between...we have so much to be thankful for.

All our time, money, actual “talents,” and other resources belong to God. I need to ask myself, am I squandering these? Or am I investing them in a way that will grow glory to God and love for him around my family, community and the world? This will look different for each unique individual. However, I’d encourage us all to pray and ponder this about our own lives so we can be called, “good and faithful servant."

It's only when we completely surrender and lose ourselves that we increasingly find the resurrection life, joy, hope and peace that Jesus offers. This is not a decision that is made once, but many times over and over as we are reminded of the Gospel – and it changes our hearts.

Jesus was willing to courageously leave the ultimate comfort zone(heaven) and endure the hardships of humanity and ultimately death, all because he loves you...Let that sink in...The gospel of Jesus is not a message of fear or avoidance of pain, it's one of love and sacrifice. I encourage you to live in light of that gospel. How is God calling you to sacrifice your comfort for the love of others this week?

All of Christ' sufferings, every part displays part of our salvation. It is all steeped in meaning and purpose. In addition, as we look in Scripture, we also see many different things fulfilled from the Old Testament. My prayer this week as we celebrate and remember Jesus' death and resurrection is that God would bring us all into a deeper understanding of what was accomplished for us by Jesus, not just in His death and resurrection but through His sufferings on our behalf as well - through that, I pray we would be led to worship, praise and thanks to our one and only Savior, Jesus Christ.

If we truly want to be used by God, we need to be willing to answer his call at a moment's notice. Oftentimes we must be willing to let our schedule's be interrupted, our tasks be put off, our "me time" infringed upon.

I am willing to bet there are spiritually, physically and emotionally weary people in your community that you can help or encourage in the grocery store, on the roadside or walking down your street. Step out in faith and lend a helping hand. Who knows how God will use your brief encounter to impact someone's life for eternity!

In other words, no matter what you find yourself doing: all things you do, in word and deed, provide opportunity to worship and glorify God. Whether you’re changing a diaper, standing in front of a sink with dirty dishes, sending emails at your office job, or chatting with a neighbor - opportunities are plenty!