Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. - 1 Peter 1:3-5

Dear heavenly Father, by sending Jesus for me you have given me a living hope. He conquered death and gives me the grace and power to live forever after I die. Believing this gives me a sense of optimism even while I am a realist about my situation. My biggest goal is to live joyfully in faith while I love others in your name. Help me be honest with myself about whatever challenges and problems I face, but not depressed by them. I do not have to resolve every problem or achieve every goal when you have promised I will leave them all behind anyway. Oh, Father, make me honest about my earthly life and hopeful in my eternal life at the same time. AMEN

Real faith honestly treats earthly matters with passing concern and heavenly matters with tenacious respect.

Additional Readings: Luke 12:13-21, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, Mark 8:36