Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:28–30 (MSG) When people find out that I’m a pastor, a common phrase I hear is, “I don’t like organized religion.” I always respond, “Me either,” which really confuses people. They can’t understand how a pastor could say that he hates religion, but it’s true. There’s nothing about religion I enjoy. You see, just because you …

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 (ESV) Why is it that we often have an easier time weeping with the hurting than rejoicing with the successful? Maybe you’ve wrestled with insecurity when someone you know started doing better than you. Or maybe you know someone who struggled with jealousy when you moved on to a better house or job. As believers, we need to be there for others in both cases. We’re all familiar with the story found in Matthew 14 when Peter walked on water. When Peter focused on the storm and began to sink, Jesus caught his hand and walked back to the boat with him. When others are sinking in life’s seas, Jesus’ example shows us …

Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:7 (NKJV) We lose sight of our true worth when we focus on the wrong identity. Let’s say that a man gets a job washing cars at a dealership. He shows up daily to work in his coveralls and rubber boots like the rest of the crew, enjoying camaraderie and friendship. Then one day he gets promoted to the parts department, receives a raise and now is expected to come to work in a dress shirt and tie. The first day he shows up dressed for his new position, his former colleagues might comment, “Shirt and tie? Who do you think you are?” …