Dr. Paul J.

Palma

Mother Teresa provided a paragon of humility. She followed her passion for the destitute into the city projects to teach the children of the poor and care for the needy. Although she never sought acclaim, she’s been awarded with numerous honors, providing a model we can build on—the path to godly success begins with humble reliance on God’s leading.

Despite our loftiest plans, God has something even bigger in store. Life’s unexpected twists and turns are often the moments of deepest spiritual growth. A detour along your route may lead to a surprising opportunity down a road you never intended to venture. One closed door often leads to an unforeseen open one as God’s providential purposes prevail in your midst.

As Jesus laid it all down on the Cross, our true act of worship is giving ourselves to God in love and adoration. Like an athlete, we compete on a team comprised of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our commitment to worship God with all that we are, laying even our bodies at the altar of God’s mercy, springs from our gratitude for all that He has done for us.

In God’s eyes, you and I are worth more than any other facet of the created realm. No matter the wonder or beauty in the world around, you and I are His prized possession. We reflect God's creative powers in a unique way as those who are crowned with glory and honor, and given responsibility to look after the land, sea, sky, and every creature therein.

Our heavenly Father sometimes sovereignly permits momentary pain to accomplish a greater purpose. In fact, Jesus’ suffering on the Cross represented the consequence that a sinful humanity was supposed to endure. Jesus stood in for the rest of us, as a glorious substitute. We can take heart in knowing that our present hardship may be an instance of God’s loving discipline.

God calls us to strive for the true Light, His one and only Son, in whom there is no darkness. Pride misleads us when we confuse the true Light for what we suspect or think might be light. Only the radiant fullness of God’s Son can flood out the darkness within.