Take the time today to read the passion and resurrection of Jesus in its entirety.

All four books of the Gospel tell the story but each with a different emphasis based on the author and the message.

If you steadfastly desire to serve the Lord, opportunities will present themselves. When a door is open to you, walk through it confidently, knowing the Holy Spirit will guide your words. In preparation, read Scripture. There are no better words than those that came straight from Jesus’ mouth! Make it a goal to memorize a new Bible verse every week.

In order to share God’s Word and His love, you must know to whom you are talking. When Jesus told a story, his message was focused to the group in front of Him. He knew their lives and their culture and, in doing so, was able to teach them in a way they could understand. Paul says he became like those he was trying to reach with the Gospel. He built trust and understanding first. When struggles in ministry arise, take a look at yourself, and ask God if there is something you need to change to more effectively reach the lost.

Ministry doesn’t happen on your watch; it happens in God’s perfect timing. Therefore, it is vital to surround yourself in prayer and wait in patience, being ever watchful for the opportunities God puts in your path. Think back on your week. Were there opportunities that you missed to share the message of Christ’s love with your words and actions? Ask God to help you prepare for the next time that door is opened.

You are called to fulfill your ministry in the Kingdom of Christ, but that calling is different for each person. We are all given unique talents and experiences to be used for God’s purpose. Some are called to teach or preach, while others are called to positions behind the scenes, but all of us are called to build up the body of Christ. Whatever your calling is, do a thorough job as God’s servant. Ask Him what his mission is for you and commit to it wholeheartedly. Take time to pray and reflect on your interests, skills, and experiences. Instead of asking God to help you with the work you are doing, try asking Him to show you how you can help in the work He is already doing.

Now that you have the light of Christ in you, it would be wrong to hide it from the world. Do not be ashamed, but be ready to give the answer to others, with a clear conscience, should they ask about your joy, never fearing what others might say. In what parts of your life are you hiding your light? What talents do you have that could be used to the glory of God?

Father, because of our sinful nature, we will always remain like a helpless infant, unable to correct our condition apart from your intervention. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, who was willing to rescue us from eternal damnation and separation from you and help me to lead others to the cross. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We are asked to act. Jesus gave his life to save us, and in thanksgiving and joy, we should be willing to do the same for the lost, to set aside our own plans and life to help those in need. Prayer is powerful and necessary, but we are also called to be Jesus’ hands and feet while on this earth. Jesus’ ministry did not end with His ascension; it was passed on to us to continue. The best way for us to show His love to those in need and hurting is “not with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Listen to God’s calling for you. What is He asking you to act on? Which part of this broken world is He asking you to help fix?

Jesus’ death and resurrection were for all mankind. Jesus, the righteous, did what we, the unrighteous, cannot do. He left behind the flesh to be made alive in the Spirit, as we are all called to do when we follow Him. However, many people want only to be alive in the flesh, clinging to their earthly desires and never knowing peace. Pray for those in your life who are consumed by (or lost in) the world, that the Holy Spirit may guide them to the cross and the joy of the Resurrection.

If you could save yourself and gain righteousness by following the law of the Old Testament, Jesus’ death on the cross would have been foolish and wasteful. But God is not foolish. Jesus had to die and rise again. Now, our sinful nature must also be put to death, so Christ can live in us, bringing us to our new life in which we live by faith and not by law. Don’t let Jesus’ death and resurrection go to waste. What are you clinging to that does not reflect Christ living in you?