"The American author and humorist Mark Twain wrote that "the two most important days of our lives are the day we are born and the day we learn why." I believe the answer to the second portion of Twain's proposal can be found in John 17:1-26. This is known as the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. He prays this amazing prayer just before His arrest, torture, and execution is about to begin. The prayer is divided into three segments. The first has Jesus praying to the Father, seeking to be glorified in the events that lie ahead, only that the Father may be ultimately glorified. The second part finds Jesus praying for His Disciples and the final segment is Jesus praying for all of us! Throughout, Jesus asks that we all may be one, through the message of the gospel, just as the Father and Jesus are one. Jesus says that eternal life is knowing the one and only true God and knowing Jesus Christ, whom the Father sent to us. Thus, to know why we were born is this: "To have eternal life in knowing the one and only true God and Jesus whom He sent." Indeed, all else flows from this statement of our faith, knowing God and His son Jesus. This brings forth the unity that Jesus prays for all of us. Our call, our purpose is simply to be one, in unity, with the Father and His son Jesus Christ. From this, the ebb and flow of our lives will follow."

"A priest, an evangelist, and a rabbit walked into a blood donation clinic. The nurse asks the rabbit, “What blood type are you?” The rabbit answers, “I think I’m probably a Type O.”

Funny joke, right? But it reminds me of a serious truth…every one of us needs the right blood type. Per Google.com, there are 8 common blood types…but did you know, there are over 30 other blood group systems with hundreds of rare antigens? While every one of us needs our own blood type to survive, there is only one that leads to salvation! Scripture says, " You were bought with a price…” Not good works, not wealth, and certainly not religious beliefs…only by the blood of Jesus Christ. His blood still cleanses the sinner, restores the broken, and gives hope to the lost. Our lives no longer belong to the world, but to our Savior who gave Himself for us. Don’t ever forget, you are bought by the blood!"

"Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” To be called by God is to be called to serve. Jesus, the King of kings, chose the path of humility—washing feet, meeting needs, and giving His life for others. Serving begins when we stop focusing on ourselves and start seeing the needs of others. As C.S. Lewis said, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” Jesus modeled that kind of humble service every day. If our Savior served, then our calling is clear. Serving isn’t always visible or celebrated. Often, it’s found in quiet moments—helping someone in need, offering encouragement, or simply showing up when it matters. But in God’s kingdom, no act of service is small. Every act done in love reflects the heart of Christ. You don’t need a title to serve—you just need a willing heart. Right where you are, God has given you opportunities to make a difference. Someday we will stand before Jesus, and the question won’t be how important we were, how recognized we were, or how comfortable we stayed. The question will be: Did we love people enough to serve them? The hands that serve are often unseen by the world, but never unnoticed by God. So don’t wait for a title, applause, or the perfect moment. Someone around you needs the love of Christ today—and God may have placed you there to be the answer."

Be sure to check back here and on our Facebook page each week as we continue this journey through the Bible from A–Z! Every devotional title corresponds with a different letter of the alphabet, creating a unique and engaging way to explore biblical truths and grow deeper in faith one letter at a time. From “A” to “Z,” each week brings a new topic, a new writer, and a new opportunity to be encouraged by God’s Word.