"He appeared first to Mary Magdalene." (Mark 16:9)

If we want to see much of Christ, we must serve Him. Tell me who spends the most time under the banner of His love and drinks the deepest draughts from the cup of communion, and I will tell you that it is those who give the most, serve the best, and

stay closest to the heart of their dear Lord. Notice how Christ revealed Himself to this sorrowing woman—with just one word, "Mary." That single word in His voice was all it took for her to recognize Him, and her heart responded with another word: "Master." It was the only word she could say, but it was the most fitting one, as it expressed her obedience.

While we may be craving something extraordinary, we might be neglecting the blessings that God, in His infinite wisdom, has already placed within our reach, like a foolish child who cries for the moon and forgets to eat the apple in its hand. Many, in

their sincere desire to receive a "sign for good," overlook the evidence of the Spirit dwelling within them, missing out on present comforts and weakening themselves for current duties. They sit bound by chains forged by their own imagination, when they could be walking freely.