"Whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it" (Mark 8:35).
 
One morning in 1888 Alfred Nobel awoke to read his own obituary. The obituary was a simple journalistic error. In fact, it was Alfred's brother who had died, and the paper had carelessly reported the wrong Nobel. However, Alfred was overwhelmed with grief because he saw himself as the world saw him. The "Dynamite King," the great industrialist who had made his fortune as a merchant of death. At that moment, he resolved to find a more meaningful purpose for his life. The result was valuable prizes being given to those who do the most for the cause of world peace. Today we call it the "Nobel Peace Prize."
 
The truth is - no one wants to live a wasted life. Yet some of us find ourselves focused on things that, by themselves, do not satisfy. We are absorbed with finding the right job, the right wife or husband, having a family, owning a home, keeping good friends, building up an adequate retirement. But not much is going on of eternal significance. Here is the thing. God calls everyone to different places and stations in life, but He calls all of us to make a lasting difference for the sake of His kingdom. My prayer is that you will make a real difference this year in place God has put you!

 

Blessings to you,