Dear Christian Mentor,

I often find myself dwelling on the past or worrying about what tomorrow might bring. I think about things I wish I had done differently, things I need to accomplish, and what might happen next. Sometimes I get so caught up in my thoughts that I forget to appreciate the day God has placed right in front of me. How can I become more intentional about being present and finding joy in today?

Dear Christian Mentor,

I often find myself dwelling on the past or worrying about what tomorrow might bring. I think about things I wish I had done differently, things I need to accomplish, and what might happen next. Sometimes I get so caught up in my thoughts that I forget to appreciate the day God has placed right in front of me. How can I become more intentional about being present and finding joy in today?

Dear Christian Mentor,

I often find myself dwelling on the past or worrying about what tomorrow might bring. I think about things I wish I had done differently, things I need to accomplish, and what might happen next. Sometimes I get so caught up in my thoughts that I forget to appreciate the day God has placed right in front of me. How can I become more intentional about being present and finding joy in today?

Dear Christian Mentor,

I am finding it difficult to be grateful lately. I know God has been good to me, but I spend more time thinking about what is missing in my life, what isn't going the way I hoped, and what I wish were different. How can I shift my perspective and become more intentional about recognizing God's goodness, especially when life feels difficult?

God is working even in the silence. What feels like an ending is often the beginning of His redemption story. Because of Jesus, darkness never has the final word—resurrection is coming.

It’s easy to look at Judas as a monster or villain, but in Matthew 26:14-16, we are reminded he was one of the twelve. He walked the same dusty road as Peter and John, witnessed the same miracles, and heard the same sermons Jesus preached. Yet in a quiet moment of calculations, he walked away from the light and into the shadows.

It’s easy to look at Judas as a monster or villain, but in Matthew 26:14-16, we are reminded he was one of the twelve. He walked the same dusty road as Peter and John, witnessed the same miracles, and heard the same sermons Jesus preached. Yet in a quiet moment of calculations, he walked away from the light and into the shadows.

After cursing the barren fig tree on Monday, Jesus returns to Jerusalem on Tuesday, and His disciples notice the withered fig tree. Jesus uses the barren fig tree as an object lesson. He points to it—and even to the mountains around them—as examples of the obstacles we all face: hardened hearts, misplaced priorities, religious performance, and human pride.

As we journey through Holy Week, today we observe Holy Monday—a day that invites us into reflection and realignment. On this day, Jesus entered the temple and drove out the merchants who were buying and selling, declaring that what was meant to be a sacred place had become a “den of thieves.” The temple, designed for worship and communion with God, had been overtaken by distraction, self-interest, and misuse.

This Sunday is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds laid down their cloaks along His path and waved palm branches, shouting, “Hosanna, Hosanna.” The word Hosanna means “save.” While the crowd longed for deliverance from Roman oppression, Jesus understood the deeper rescue that was needed—the salvation of our souls.

You are cared for. Do these words bring you peace? You are loved, seen, heard, and valued by your Creator. He knows you so intimately that He knows the number of hairs on your head. Nothing about your life is unnoticed or insignificant to Him. Even in the quiet, hidden, or uncertain places, you are fully seen and deeply known. Jesus watches over you, is aware of every detail of your life, and will provide for you all your days.

Selfishness vs. Selflessness and Sacrifice

Lamentations 3:22–23 reveals the beautiful character of God. He loves deeply. He is full of compassion. His mercies are new every morning. His faithfulness never wavers.

It is one thing to know who God is—but another to truly believe it.
Do we actually trust in His faithfulness?

Selfishness vs. Selflessness and Sacrifice

Every day, we are faced with a choice—will we live for ourselves, or will we live surrendered to God for the sake of others? Selfishness draws us inward, centering our desires, comfort, and control. But selflessness and sacrifice call us outward, inviting us to love deeply, give freely, and trust God fully.

Have you ever felt distant from God? Or maybe your spiritual growth feels stagnant. Maybe you aren’t sure what God’s purpose or plan is for you. Or perhaps you recognize there are things in your life you need to surrender, change, or heal from—but you’re left wondering how.

How do we feel God’s presence more deeply?
How do we grow closer to Him?
How do we understand His plan and release the things that weigh us down?

The answer is simple: abide.

Have you ever felt distant from God? Or maybe your spiritual growth feels stagnant. Maybe you aren’t sure what God’s purpose or plan is for you. Or perhaps you recognize there are things in your life you need to surrender, change, or heal from—but you’re left wondering how.

How do we feel God’s presence more deeply?
How do we grow closer to Him?
How do we understand His plan and release the things that weigh us down?

The answer is simple: abide.

We live in a broken world and, therefore, are susceptible to the things of this world that can break us—disappointment, sin, loss, harmful words of others, and mistreatment. But we are not left in that brokenness.

We have a loving Father who refuses to leave us as we are. Instead, He gently gathers every broken piece and begins the careful, intentional process of reshaping us. Like a potter with clay, God molds, presses, refines, and rebuilds—not to harm us, but to restore us into something beautiful and whole.

In the same way, Isaiah 43:18–19 reminds us that God is always at work, creating something new within us. But to recognize His movement, we must first be willing to let go of what is behind us.

Light is meant to be seen. A lamp is not lit to be hidden, and a city on a hill cannot be concealed. In the same way, our faith is meant to be lived openly so that others who are struggling, searching, or walking in darkness can see the hope of Christ through us.

During Lent, we often focus on what we are giving up, but this season can also be an invitation to reflect on how we are living out the light of Christ. When we choose kindness, patience, forgiveness, humility, and love, we illuminate the path toward Him for others.

When we first come to Christ, there is often a deep sense of excitement and renewal. We recognize our need for Him, receive His grace, and begin a new life. But the Christian journey was never meant to end there. Salvation is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the Lord.

God is for you. When you give your life to Christ, your salvation is only the beginning. You enter into a relationship with Him, and like any relationship, it grows as we intentionally draw near.