²³ Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. ²⁴ I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. ²⁵ Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. ²⁶ Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

John 12:23-26

Dear God, I have a few things on my mind this morning. First, I think I have slipped into an arrogance problem again. I think I’m taking credit for things that are not of me. I’m taking credit, even in my own mind and to myself, for good things I know are from you. I felt like your Holy Spirit nudged me and convicted me of this yesterday. I am truly sorry. And I thank you for the good things in my life. Thank you.

Second, I woke up this morning after a pretty unsettled night’s sleep. The dreams weren’t bad nightmares, but just full of angst and problems. Problems I was supposed to be solving but struggling to. I’ve experienced some of that this week. In fact, as I sit here now, I have thought hard about some problems, but I don’t think I ever once stopped and asked your guidance in finding the solutions you might have for us. I’m very sorry for that too.

Finally, when it comes to this verse, I am, well, I am so grateful that you did what you did, Jesus. I am so glad you gave it all for me. You gave it all so I can be here. You gave it all so I can also be a seed that metaphorically dies so that others might live. If I sacrifice my will then you can use me for them. I read an article this morning about how hot peppers are self-pollinating and bees help them cross pollinate so they can create more creative varieties. Whether I am the seed that needs to die or I am pollen that needs to be spread–whatever it is–Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, use me today.

I pray all of this in the name of the one true Triune God,

Amen