Heart disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death in the United States. Our society has longed for years to find a cure to these voracious killers. While our society pains itself to find a cure for these physical killers, most people embrace the most deadly killer of all: sin.

Our house has a hard time staying clean. Multiple pairs of large and small feet come traipsing through the house from a wide variety of destinations. Contamination arrives with us. Just like spring cleaning is necessary for a home, spiritual refreshing is necessary for the believer’s heart.

Though we don’t enjoy feeling guilty, conviction of sin is an essential step to repentance and forgiveness from God for our sins. The Gospel message first calls us to humility and guilt before it lifts our eyes to the Lord who bore the guilt of our sins and paid for them in full on the cross.

Occasionally one of my children will bring a jar of pickles or spaghetti sauce into my office. I immediately know the reason for their visit. Mommy has given the lid her strongest twist and has not succeeded in breaking the seal. More power is necessary than she is able to muster. Too often we are trying to twist life to make it work.

A federal judge ruled last Friday that the law requiring men — but not women — to register for a U.S. military draft is unconstitutional. Thankfully drafting people into military service hasn’t been necessary since 1973. Our current military is filled with those who serve our nation voluntarily. Similarly, though our Lord calls every one of us to be His witnesses, He does not force any one to serve Him.

My children and I have something fun planned for this afternoon. All day long they have been stopping by my office to ask, “When are we going?” Until 3:00pm roles around, they need to keep doing their school work! God’s grace promises a wonderful future for us! Our hearts long for the day when Christ will usher in the next phase of His glorious kingdom bringing an end to suffering and sin.

Every human achievement is dependent on empowerment. We will never accomplish something beyond the level of our empowerment. Our outlook on a mission depends upon our estimation of empowerment. Too often our hope, encouragement, and motivation crash because we measure life based on our own power.

Children are a gift from God and a blessing to be treasured (Psalm 127:3). If you are a parent, God has given you the incredible privilege and responsibility to raise your children to love and serve Him (Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Ephesians 6:4).

Every human being wants to be happy. We make choices and pursue life trajectories that promise the most happiness. No one pursues intentional emptiness, emotional distress, and sadness. Trials and struggles in life present real obstacles to joy! In order to maintain joy, the source of your joy must be more robust and capable than your troubles.

Whether you realize it or not, you are an investor. So far God has given you life and allowed you to round the corner into another year. How will you invest this year of your life? The world preaches that self-centered living will be the best investment. Spend your time soaking up ease. Spend your life working feverishly to build your kingdom. God’s Word promises the exact opposite.