“I want to be found in Christ, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead”. - Philippians 3:9-11

Dear God, You sent your Son to give me what I needed in order to give back to you. I could never be completely right in your eyes. I know what you want. I even nod in approval. But still, I somehow choose to fall short and do my own will each day. Then you, like a mother giving her child the money he needs to buy her a present, give me Jesus to be the righteousness you desire. I believe this, and so I cannot leave your side. Help me to know what it means to live in your Son and to obediently participate in his sufferings. My generation tells me to seek comfort and convenience but you tell me to seek love and sacrifice. It scares me to think that you have called me to suffer, but I believe it is holy and right to selflessly serve. Now, by your grace, help me experience the sacrificial Christian life with a spiritually mature heart. AMEN

Jesus came to save us, change us and then make us a replica of him for our generation.