Today Daily Devotional

I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. — Psalm 23:6 Forever is a long time. And most of us are not fans of waiting. Sometimes even TV ads between our favorite shows can seem unending. When we think about it, forever can seem intimidating or overwhelming. So it can help to think about this in connection with relationships. Relationships with family members often stand the test of time, and yet today a 35-year marriage can seem like a rare treasure. In our mobile and divisive culture today, a 46-year friendship may also be less common than in the past. The psalm writer wants the Lord's sheep to know that the good shepherd will never let us go. This is a comfort that can carry us through the ups and downs of challenging relationships in the here and now. We can also think of forever in terms of location. Many of us sheep are pretty happy with the life we have here on earth. We are often able to find places we enjoy for beauty and bliss, and it can be hard to imagine anything better because this is all we know. But the psalmist reminds us that the shepherd may call us to move along to other pastures—and yet that may mean going through tough passageways and dark valleys at times. Being in a loving relationship with the good shepherd will keep us calm, though, and eventually we'll move on to new pastures in a new heaven and earth, where we will live with him forever. How does this promise encourage you today? Lord, help us to trust in you, knowing that you are with us now and forever. Amen.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. — Psalm 23:6 Most cultures have a word for that feeling we all get when we experience being home. It includes a sense of safety and warmth and even coziness and intimacy. We all long for these things. If we didn't have these in the setting we grew up in, perhaps we could find them in the home of a friend or in a group of caring friends or in the wonder of God's creation. Home is where we can let down our guard and be ourselves. The psalm writer affirms that he feels at home “in the house of Lord”—and that has to do with the presence of the Lord. So home is wherever the Lord his shepherd is present. In this sense home is experienced more in relationship than in terms of place. Home is not restricted to time or space. The one who made us and shaped us and knows our name is home to us. Following the shepherd is where we belong, and this includes being with the Lord's other sheep. The shepherd even searches out his sheep who might leave the fold because he knows he can care for them best. In today's world there are so many people who feel lonely and isolated. They long for home. And those who know the shepherd can point out the way, confident that the lost and lonely will be received with joy! In what ways is the shepherd nudging you to extend someone an invitation home today? Lord, we are so grateful that we belong to you and your flock, your church. Help us to extend your love to all who need the home that only you can provide. Amen.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. — Galatians 5:22-23 My mother used to advise me and my sisters to leave a place better than we found it. What might that look like for followers of the good shepherd? What evidence might there be that one of Jesus' sheep has been in the area? Paul, who wrote Galatians, lists some attributes and behaviors that ought to be noticeable in Jesus' sheep. As the Holy Spirit shepherds us from within, we grow to reflect the Spirit's presence within us. We begin to radiate the character and attributes of Jesus. As he treats us with gentleness, patience, and kindness, these attributes begin to flow out from us to others. The goodness, love, and peace that we experience in his constant companionship overflow to others as well. Jesus' sheep are anointed and filled with the Holy Spirit and, as Psalm 23 puts it, our cups overflow. Anyone we meet can be a recipient, and everywhere we go can be a veritable splash zone of God's goodness, which is so attractive that others want to share in it too. We need to pray that we reflect the Lord's attributes faithfully, because we know we are still tempted to wander and to hoard and squander the goodness that the shepherd gives us. Where is the Spirit inviting you to share his presence today? Spirit of God, help us to bear your fruit as you work faithfully within us, aiming to bless others with Jesus' love wherever we go. Amen.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. — Psalm 23:6 Looking again at Psalm 23, we can see that the Lord our shepherd is not like a cowboy chasing us to move us along or dragging us along by a rope. Our shepherd walks ahead of us and among us—and if we are wandering, he goes out searching for us to draw us back in. His love, goodness, grace, and mercy surround us. We don't have to go chasing after the shepherd's love and care. It is always there because Jesus is always there. Grace pursues us. It is not something we have to earn; nor is it something we have to prove we deserve. It is freely given from the giver of all good gifts. Psalm 23 begins and ends with notes of gratitude. We have everything we need—so much, in fact, that it overflows to everyone in our midst. We can't contain it. The psalm writer's thought here is that wherever we are present, grace should abound. It should have a ripple effect in our relationships with others. Goodness and mercy not only follow us; we share these blessings with others and leave them behind as we move along. When we follow the shepherd well and lean into our calling as sheep, we take the blessings we receive and bless others, who in turn are able to bless still others, and so on. Lord, we want to honor you by being a blessing in our families and communities. Make us attentive to the needs of others and open to coming alongside people who need to experience your presence in us. Amen.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” — John 14:18 One of the hardest things for the disciples to grasp was how Jesus could continue to shepherd them after he returned to be with the Father. So Jesus prepared them ahead of time for that transition. He told them that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to be in each one of them. They would always have a comforter and advocate to guide them, reminding them of Jesus' teachings and giving them peace. Jesus tells us that “the Spirit of truth” will teach us and remind us of all that Jesus has taught because he knows that his physical absence will make us forgetful. Jesus knows that we have to grow used to seeing him with spiritual eyes. As we keep his commands and learn from his Word, the Spirit will fulfill God's promise to love and care for all who follow him. The Spirit will comfort us with peace as we go through the valley of shadow. The Spirit will advocate for us, serving as our supporter, protector, and champion. The Spirit will advise us and uphold us as we journey with Jesus. Jesus, the good shepherd, continues to be present among us through the Spirit even as he prays for us and upholds us while ruling beside the Father in heaven today. Where have you experienced Jesus' presence in your life lately? Lord, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to guide us from within. Help us to listen for the Spirit's voice and to respond with trust and obedience to the Spirit's leading. Amen.

“It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” — Luke 24:34 Buoyed by a renewed understanding of Jesus' mission and their calling to tell others, all of the disciples found renewed hope. They shared stories among themselves of other encounters with the risen Lord, and their joy and confidence grew. Hope was the very thing these sheep needed, and Jesus provided it in abundance (see also vv. 36-49). Hope is powerful. It sustained the disciples well into the future. It comforted them when Jesus returned to heaven (Luke 24:50-53). And with the coming of the Spirit, it propelled them into new places and fortified them when they faced persecution (Acts 2-8). These sheep could declare with the writer of Psalm 23 that they lacked nothing. Jesus provided all that was needed to anchor and build their faith. They regained confidence that they belonged to him and to each other. They had renewed knowledge that God faithfully keeps working in the world. They also had a renewed sense of calling to be on mission with God as they continued working and waiting in hope for Jesus' return. We can declare the same. The shepherd continues to form our faith. And like the early disciples who shared testimonies of their encounters with the living Jesus, we are invited to give witness to our own encounters with Jesus today. With whom can you share stories about the Lord's work in your life? Lord, help us to encourage one another by sharing about the ways we have seen you working in our lives and in the world around us. Amen.

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. . . . Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. — Luke 24:33-35 The news about Jesus was too important for the disciples in Emmaus to keep to themselves! Isn't it interesting that these disciples “returned at once to Jerusalem” to tell the others about their meeting with Jesus? A little while earlier, they had urged Jesus to stay with them because it would soon be dark—and generally too dangerous to travel. But now they rushed back to Jerusalem, seemingly without a care for their own safety. These disciples could not contain their excitement to tell the good news about Jesus. They were no longer victims of a terrible loss; they were disciples on a mission. They realized that their calling was to confirm the teaching of the Scriptures about Jesus and to bear witness about the resurrected Jesus to others who were feeling lost and defeated. They brought to the other disciples the same encouragement, comfort, and grace that they had received. When we think of ourselves as part of Jesus' sheepfold, it can be easy to think that we have been invited to be passive followers. What we see in the Emmaus disciples' response is that we too are invited to partner with Jesus. We are called to tell the world that God loves everyone so much that he continues to seek all who are lost so that they can come home where they belong. Who in your midst needs to hear this good news? Lord, give us courage and energy to share your good news with all who need to hear it. Amen.

Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. — Luke 24:27 The two disciples from Emmaus needed to be reminded that they belonged to Jesus. They were like lost and confused sheep that couldn't articulate what they were feeling. They also needed to hear the Lord's story again in all of its beautiful simplicity and complexity. Like a good teacher, Jesus retaught his students so that they would be well prepared to tell his good-news story to others. While Jesus' closest disciples hid from the authorities who had arrested and sentenced him, these two sheep had fled for the distant safety of their home in Emmaus. Thinking that Jesus was a stranger, they shared about their trauma and disappointment with their shepherd, and he helped them make sense of recent events by rooting his death and resurrection in all the Scriptures had said about him. Jesus gave them the Word to feast on, despite their doubts and fears and the threats of their enemies. The disciples' encounter with the living Word and what the Scriptures said about him changed their lives forever. We are reminded that we too need to know God's big story so that we can make sense of how God keeps working in his world today. It can be easy to be overwhelmed by surprising, chaotic events and forget God's promises, invitations, and commands to us today. How have you responded to the Lord's invitation to feast on his Word today? Lord, thank you for your Word, and help us to feast on it daily. Amen.

. . . Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. — Luke 24:15-16 Does it seem unfair that these disciples were kept from seeing Jesus? I have heard people say that it seems Jesus was being tricky here. While Jesus walks along with them, the disciples think he is an out-of-touch stranger who has no idea what happened recently in Jerusalem. But let's look at this from a different angle. From a teaching and learning perspective, Jesus makes a brilliant move. The disciples do not know Jesus is right there with him, so they can express their misunderstanding and frustration without being distracted. They have no need to try to act as they would if they knew he was there. They have room to hear God's story all over again and to begin learning anew. We learn that they also asked each other later, “Were not our hearts burning within us as he talked with us . . . ?” Somewhere deep inside they sensed that their fellow traveler had remarkable understanding and authority as he spoke about the Scriptures, but first they needed to be in a space where they could be redirected. Jesus their shepherd had more than one agenda to attend to in order for them to grow as disciples who would be invited to share in his mission. While not being able to recognize him, they could begin to develop spiritual eyes of faith by which all new disciples would begin to see him. How has the good shepherd gotten your attention lately? What is he trying to teach you? Lord, help us to learn anew and to be more attentive so that we can see you at work in the world today. Amen.

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them. . . . — Luke 24:15 One of the more poignant places where Jesus shows up as the good shepherd is when he goes after two despondent, lost sheep on the road to Emmaus. Jesus meets these two followers in their grief and invites them to tell their story, processing their disappointment. Jesus' very presence with them reminds them that they still belong to him and are part of his sheepfold, in spite of their doubts and confusion. He literally walks with them in the valley of the shadow of his own death. The good shepherd is a pursuer. These sheep are on their own, vulnerable, lost, and in need of their shepherd's care. They are not abandoned to their misconceptions of current events. Jesus seeks them out and tends to them as only he can. This story serves as a comforting reminder to any of us who may be facing doubts or disappointment with God. Maybe we have had to adjust our understanding of how God is working in our lives, or maybe we feel unworthy of the shepherd's care because we have wandered away. This picture of Jesus underscores his love for us and our worth to him as his beloved sheep. In what ways does this story bring you comfort today? When we feel lost and alone, Lord, open our eyes to your very real presence in our lives. Give us glimpses of your presence and work all around us. Amen.

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” — John 19:26-27 Here we see the good shepherd so near to the end of his life and in so much pain that we would certainly understand if he focused only on his own suffering. But he doesn't resign from his duties. In our reading for today the gentle shepherd is moved by compassion for his mother, Mary. In a final act of honor for her care, Jesus ensures that she will not be left homeless and vulnerable. He commissions his dear disciple John to take Mary into his household. The gospel account of Luke shows, as well, how Jesus responds to the prayer of a convicted criminal who is dying next to him. He blesses the man with forgiveness and with the promise of life in paradise (Luke 22:39-43). The Lord our shepherd continues to pursue the lost and the wandering even as he faces his own cruel death. These incidents show us that taking care of his Father's sheep was Jesus' passion. Jesus walks with them through the valley of the shadow of his own death. What wonderful love this is! Death and the tomb cannot contain it. The passage of thousands of years beyond his resurrection and return to heaven cannot dull such love. This is good news for us all. Where in your life have you encountered the good shepherd's love? Lord Jesus, we cannot thank you enough for your loving sacrifice for us. Help us to honor you in all we do as we seek to extend your care and love to the world. Amen.

While they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” — Matthew 26:21 The patience and generosity Jesus shows as he prepares for his last supper with his disciples is really awe inspiring. Without anger or malice he tells the truth of what is about to happen. He not only sets a table in front of an enemy but also serves that enemy. This too is amazing grace. The good shepherd feeds his sheep both physically and spiritually with a meal (the Lord's Supper) that the flock will eat in remembrance of his sacrifice and love for years and years to come. It will nourish them spiritually so that they will have what they need to stay on mission. And even in underground churches to the present day his sheep have joined in this meal despite being surrounded by enemies. Humanly speaking it would not have been easy to think about the sheep in his care as Jesus set his face toward the cross and he became the sacrifice for sin for the sake of all who would follow him. But while Jesus was fully human, he was also fully the Son of God who continued to care for his flock even as he faced death on their behalf. Here we see his overwhelming love for both the Father and the flock, including any who opposed him. We are called to live and act like Jesus. How does his example of showing love to both his faithful followers and his enemies inform how we can engage with people who are unkind to us? We praise you, Lord Jesus, for your undying love shown to us in so many ways as you walked toward your death for our sake. Amen.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” — John 10:11 Jesus makes clear that his work is much more than a job to do. He has real skin in the game. He is not playing at caring for the Lord's sheep until something better comes along. Jesus is the gate that any poacher or corrupting force would have to pass through to get to the Lord's sheep—and because of his deep love for us, he is willing to die on our behalf in order to bring us back home to his Father. This is Jesus' mission. The sheep and the good shepherd are completely connected to each other. As Romans 8:39 tells us, nothing can “separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus doesn't feel put upon to carry out this mission for the Father; he and the Father are of one mind, both driven by a shared love for the sheep. Jesus the Son gave up his privilege in heaven, emptying himself to come and invite us back into a relationship with God our Father and Creator (Philippians 2:6-8). What an amazing sacrifice! And this is amplified by Jesus' willingness to lay down his life for us so that we can be saved. This is amazing grace! This is abounding love! How can you thank God for this astonishing gift today? We thank you, Jesus, for your sacrificial love. Thank you that nothing can separate us from you. Help us to live boldly into this gracious truth. Amen.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me. . . .” — John 10:14 When Jesus, the Son of God, came to live and teach among us, he picked up on the imagery of Psalm 23 and told all who would hear, “I am the good shepherd.” Jesus came to us as the Lord God in the flesh, declaring that he was there to shepherd God's people and lead them home to the Father. He moved into our world, our neighborhood, and reminded everyone of what the Lord our shepherd had been doing all along: guiding us, pursuing us, and calling us back to him. The Lord's sheep began to recognize God in his Son and to follow him. Jesus made a strong connection to the work that his Father had already been doing, highlighting that his close relationship with the Father informed how he would save, guard, and protect the Lord's sheep. When we read the accounts of Jesus' life and ministry in the Bible, we see Jesus gathering his flock, walking among God's people, and getting to know them. He teaches them and models what it looks like to do the will of his Father so that they can live God's way as well. Like the shepherd in Psalm 23, he lives among God's sheep and leads them to the one thing they need: a renewed relationship with the Lord, who calls them to live in abundance and full life forever with him. In what ways have you found that the good shepherd knows you? Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us God's love and how to live for him. May we hear your voice in your Word and by your Spirit. Amen.

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession. . . . — 1 Peter 2:9 Remembering that priests and prophets and kings were anointed as confirmation of their special callings, we need to take our calling as God's sheep seriously. The apostle Peter points out the high calling that is on our lives as “the people of God.” We are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, . . . God's special possession.” Called to kingly and queenly service, we are to lead in the same manner as the great high King, the Lord Almighty. We are to radiate God's excellent attributes to the world through our leadership as parents, in our workplaces, in our communities, and everywhere else. As priests, we are called to pray for a broken world, bringing that brokenness to the one who can heal. Priests also represent God to the world and invite people who don't recognize the shepherd to gain a glimpse of his love and mercy in our own lives. Peter also uses the word holy, meaning that we are set apart for this valuable work for the sake of the Lord's lost sheep. Our purpose in all of this is to share with others the good news and the great works of the Lord who has called us “out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Each one of us is a living picture of the shepherd's mercy and grace, equipped to invite others to the best way to live. What is one concrete way in which you can live into your high calling today? Lord, help us to radiate your goodness in the world. By our words and actions may we reflect the light of your love. Amen.

You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. — Psalm 8:5 Earlier this month (July 2) I mentioned that I wasn't so sure I liked being compared to a sheep, as in Psalm 23. But even though it's not very flattering for us to be called sheep, we can be assured that the Lord our shepherd dearly loves and treasures us. Psalm 8, which is also attributed to David, reminds us that God values us human beings so highly that he has “crowned [us] with glory and honor.” At creation we were anointed with glory and commissioned to the important work of partnering with God in caring for and tending to his creation. We have been given a high calling, and in order to live into that calling we are best served by following our Lord and shepherd well. Just as the Lord's leadership blesses us and guides us into flourishing, we are invited to do the same with all of creation and all the creatures and people we engage with. To others who may feel lost, alone, or abandoned, we have the opportunity to extend the great care that our shepherd has given us. How does the truth of your own high calling affect how you will live today? Lord, help us today and every day to live into the great calling you have placed on our lives. Fill us with your love and care, we pray, and surround us with other followers of your way who can support and encourage us. Amen.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. — Psalm 23:5 This line in Psalm 23 picks up on an interesting tidbit about the shepherd's care for his sheep. Shepherds will use oil on a sheep's head to keep pesky bugs away and to help protect the animal's skin from the sun. The psalmist David's phrasing here also points symbolically to anointing as a calling or commissioning that comes from God. Anointing a person's head with oil was very significant in ancient Israel. David himself was anointed with oil when God chose him to be the king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Prophets and priests were also anointed with oil (see Exodus 29:9; 1 Kings 19:15-16). And these anointings included more than just a few drops on the recipient's head. Psalm 133 describes the anointing oil as “running down on the beard” and dripping onto the collar of a person's robe. This picture describes something of the lavish blessing and equipping that God bestows on his dedicated servants. When David says his cup overflows, he is referring to the lavishness of the shepherd's care and protection. The psalmist is overwhelmed by the goodness of God, despite the foolishness and wandering of his beloved sheep. In what ways are you experiencing God's lavish care? Generous Shepherd, fill our minds and hearts with memories of the many ways you care for and provide for us, watching over us always. We are grateful for the lavish abundance of your care. Amen.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. — Psalm 23:5 One of my favorite sights is to see pets and other animals playing in the spring when plants and trees are blossoming and green again. I imagine this is also the case for sheep after a long hike from a well-grazed pasture to a fresh one with lots of lush, green grass. I have read that before the sheep can frolic in a new space, their shepherds must check through the pasture in case there might be holes that could cause a sheep to stumble and break a leg or where poisonous snakes might be hiding. Shepherds apparently spread a stinky oil near those holes so that the sheep stay away from them and snakes can't make use of them. Are there any hidden dangers we might encounter as the Lord's sheep today? Could there be “rabbit holes” we go down as we scroll through our phone and computer screens? And what about messages in advertising and social media that imply we are not enough or don't have enough? What tools does the Lord our shepherd have for those situations? First, God provides us with his Word, which is also accessible on our phones today. The Bible reminds us who God is and that we belong to him alone. Second, there is the community of believers we can depend on to remind us of these things and to support us. In what ways have you engaged these resources lately? Thank you, Lord, for going ahead of us into the scary places and situations in our lives, keeping us safe and secure in your care. Amen.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. — Psalm 23:4 The psalm writer, King David of Israel, provides here a lasting testimony of being comforted by the Lord. Many years after the reign of David, however, destruction came to Israel and Jerusalem. The people faced terrible losses because their kings and other leaders had wandered after the gods of other nations. They had chosen pathways other than the right ones God had set for them. Yet despite the people's calamity and being taken into exile, the prophet Jeremiah in that day made a declaration of faith and hope: “Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). In a way like the psalmist, Jeremiah pointed out that the people could find comfort in God's faithfulness. There is evil in the world, and there are sinful things that we do, going contrary to the guidance of the Lord our shepherd. And as we learn from the testimony of God's sheep throughout the ages, we can be comforted that the good shepherd does not abandon us in our sin and waywardness. His pursuing grace doesn't give up on us. God is faithful even when we are not. In our lives today we need to hear this message as well. We will not be consumed because God is faithful! Lord, remind us of your faithfulness in all the times of our lives. Amen.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. . . . — Psalm 23:4 As we noted earlier (July 4), Psalm 23 is attributed to King David. In this part of the psalm, David may be recalling not only his own shepherding days but also times when he was pursued by the armies of King Saul, who wanted to kill him. In both situations David would have traveled through wadis (small canyon-like places) that remained dark even in daylight. These could be dangerous places where animal or human predators would hide in wait, especially for lonely travelers. Yet sometimes a wadi provided the only route to fresh water and greener pastures. Some translations of this text call this the “valley of the shadow of death” because there are so many possible dangers. A lost lamb has no defenses, but the shepherd carries a rod or stick to ward off predators and a long staff with a hooked end to grab a lamb that may have fallen into danger or to snatch a sheep out of harm's way. The wadi is not a place where one would want to travel alone. Though we may not live near dangerous wadis, the world itself can be a scary place of dark valleys and threats of many kinds. Yet the good news is that we are not abandoned or alone. Our shepherd is with us always. In what situations have you been comforted by the Lord's presence? Lord, at times we can feel as if we are lost in dangerous, dark valleys. Remind us of your presence and protection, we pray. Amen.

He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. — Psalm 23:3 While sheep are not marked in the same way as cattle, they do bear the mark of their owner along with other helpful information that identifies them. The Lord's sheep also carry the name of their shepherd. We are God's beloved sheep, and he gives us the best care “for his name's sake.” His reputation is reflected in all the ways he cares for us. What is the Lord our shepherd known for? As God reveals himself throughout his Word, we learn that he is powerful and wise, merciful and all-knowing, faithful and good, gracious and just, loving and trustworthy. God works for the good of his beloved. All of these attributes and more are on display in the way the Lord cares for his sheep. Our shepherd doesn't want anyone to wonder if he is a fickle or capricious caregiver. His reputation of constant and consistent care is important because he wants other sheep to join his flock. The care received in his fold is incomparable. Though wandering sheep are tempted by singular self-reliance or by trusting in more earthly things like money, status, or power to see them through, the shepherding Lord wants them to know that his care is best because he knows their needs best and meets them without fail. The psalmist's statement here is a declaration of faith because nothing in the shepherd's behavior runs contrary to these truths. What is your declaration of faith? Lord, help us to reflect your character and will in all that we do. For your name's sake, Amen.

He guides me along the right paths. . . . — Psalm 23:3 The shepherd's main goal for his sheep is soul care. Our souls suffer when we are running quickly and taking life at a pace that is unsustainable. When we try to chart our own course, we often misjudge the best way forward because we are either impatient for good things to happen or scared that they won't. The psalm writer trusts that the shepherd is guiding him along the right paths and that these paths will lead to flourishing. In some Bible versions these are called paths of righteousness, and that means these pathways honor the shepherd. The way of the shepherd is noble, pure, and ethical, reflecting the very character with which he leads the sheep. Following the right pathways is the best way for the sheep to go because that helps others find and walk in the way of the Lord as well. I can picture the psalm writer reflecting on God's law, summarized in the Ten Commandments, as the best way to live because it leads to flourishing, full life with God. Loving God and our neighbor is the best way to live, creating shalom (peace) with God and his creation, including all of his creatures. Obeying the Lord, honoring our parents and loved ones, and caring for others and their well-being—all these things lead to living God's way and bringing peace. Where are you being led today? Lord, help us to see that empty promises for a better life do not come from you. Redirect us to your path, which leads to life with you. Amen.

He refreshes my soul. — Psalm 23:3 There is good profit for the shepherd who takes good care of his sheep. Good care means it is less likely for the sheep to suffer disease or exhaustion. Good care means the sheep will more likely fetch a good price at the market. But that is not the motivation of the Lord our shepherd. The care of our shepherd is driven by love and mercy and the desire for abundant flourishing. The psalm writer tells us that the Lord refreshes his soul. The kind of care that the psalmist receives as he follows the one who loves him deeply reaches the depths of his soul. It is the kind of care that reminds him that he belongs to the shepherd. The psalmist knows he is beloved, cherished, and precious. Our culture tends to commodify people, and that is anxiety producing, often leaving us to wonder about ulterior motives. Social media, for example, often encourages us to present false or aspirational impressions of ourselves so that we will be liked. The Lord's beloved, however, are secure in the knowledge that they are dearly loved just as they are. They are confident in the knowledge that they belong to the Lord and have purpose and hope because they are his and no other's. In what ways does God's loving care for you refresh your soul? Lord, slow us down so that we may take time to meditate on your goodness. We thank you that our souls can be refreshed by spending time in your presence. Amen.

He leads me beside quiet waters. — Psalm 23:2 Water bottles are everywhere these days. Most of us know that our bodies need water and that dehydration can have devastating consequences. A good shepherd knows that the dry air and relentless sun in a desert climate can dry out and weaken sheep quickly. And where might the shepherd find a good source of water for his sheep? Well, it's important to know that sheep cannot drink from a fast-flowing stream. They can lose their footing and drown in too forceful a flow. A good shepherd will take his staff and make a hollow in the ground next to the stream where the water can pool and be safe for the sheep to drink from. There are many times when life moves so fast that it can feel like we are drinking from a firehose. Many of life's experiences can be very good, but there are times when even the good things can be overwhelming. The shepherd not only sets a sustainable pace for us but also helps us to slow down so that we can take in all the good that is going on around us, making it more manageable. The Lord my shepherd provides me with two times of quiet waters each day. Every morning and evening I have a quiet time. Where might the shepherd be inviting you to rest and reflect beside still waters that will refresh your soul? Good Shepherd, we live in a busy, noisy world. Lead us to quiet places where we can be revived by your presence in our lives. Amen.

He makes me lie down in green pastures. . . . — Psalm 23:2 It is a busy season as I write this short devotional message. My list of responsibilities has increased lately, and I have less open time than I would like. Sheep have a difficult time pacing themselves as well. They need a guide who can provide them with a life-giving cadence. The psalm writer found that with the Lord as his shepherd, he was not driven but made to stop and rest. Rest is a part of the Lord's kingdom rhythm. All who are within God's care are invited to work diligently for six days and then rest in him on the seventh because that is the best way to live. While resting, we sheep are encouraged to trust that whatever tasks we haven't accomplished or plans we haven't completed will be covered by the one who promises that we will lack nothing. Resting is one of those invitations that is also a command. Rest! Stopping our labor is a concrete way of showing that we trust the shepherd to make good on his promises to care for us. This is not easy in today's work-driven culture, so the testimony of a rested sheep can actually be quite powerful. Where in your life might you be invited to slow down? Good Shepherd, help us to rest in you, trusting that you have us in the palm of your loving hand. Thank you for giving us this confidence. Amen.

I have learned the secret of being content in . . . every situation . . . whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. — Philippians 4:12-13 The apostle Paul was someone who followed the Lord as his shepherd through dark valleys of persecution and danger as well as to heights of church growth as new followers of Jesus became part of the Lord's flock. Paul wrote this declaration of trust and contentment in a letter to Christian friends while he was in prison. He recognized the Lord's presence and provision through the gifts of other believers who supported him and shared in his troubles. Paul found that he could rejoice. He could give thanks. He could be content because he was not alone in his suffering. He experienced the pursuing grace and mercy of God through the support of other Jesus-followers. When he received news of God's continued work, that fed his soul. In his posture of gratitude Paul was bolstered by recounting God's continued goodness and mercy to him. And that led to contentment. Paul was assured that the shepherd who always led and guided him would continue to do so. Paul's testimony reminds us that the words of Psalm 23 are more than a beautiful word picture. They are a bold witness to the shepherd who supplies what we need when we need it most—and in ways that may be confusing to people who do not yet follow him. How has the Lord your shepherd surprised you with his provision and care lately? Lord, may we too learn to be content in any situation, that we may testify to your gracious care for us. Amen.

. . . I lack nothing. — Psalm 23:1 This is a bold statement for the psalm writer to make: “I lack nothing.” Is this a statement that you can make too? This psalm is attributed to King David, so we might think, “It's easy for a king to say that he lacks nothing!” (David's story is found in 1 Samuel 16 – 1 Kings 2.) David wasn't born into royalty, and he sometimes experienced a great deal of want and danger. He was also well acquainted with sheep because he was a shepherd when he was young. He even understood wandering firsthand because at times he had to be drawn back from paths that would lead to misery. David is not writing here about having enough stuff. He is testifying to how deeply he trusts the Lord to guide him onto the right paths and to provide for him along the way. I imagine David recalling times when he was in danger and how God provided him with friends, allies, and spiritual care when he needed these things most. This was true when David's life was in danger. It was also true when his very soul was in peril because he stole another man's wife (2 Samuel 11-12). David declares that the Lord his shepherd is worthy of his trust, and he does this with boldness because the Lord has never let him down. In what ways has the shepherd provided for you in your journey with him? Thank you, Good Shepherd, for your constant, loving care. Grow in me a deepening sense of trust in your provision. Amen.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way. . . . — Isaiah 53:6 Sheep need particular care. They need to be led to still waters because they can't drink safely from fast-moving streams. They can't predict when the grass will run out and when they need to move to new pastures. Often there are holes in the ground that dangerous snakes can shelter in, and sheep do not suspect that they could be bitten. We need special care as well. We can't always predict the dangers and challenges ahead; nor do we always make wise choices. We don't always pace ourselves well when it comes to managing our resources and our day-to-day living. We are prone to burning out and tuning out—both of which can lead us astray. Of course there are other ways in which we are like sheep. We are easily distracted by anyone or anything besides the shepherd. So many shiny and alluring things draw our attention. Social media, TV, shopping, and other things can distract and lead us into pastures that may look inviting but don't satisfy. The psalm writer reminds us that when we follow the Lord our shepherd, we will lack nothing and that his provisions are soul satisfying. But we are responsible to follow. In what ways might you have acted sheepish lately? Forgive us, loving Shepherd, when we don't keep our eyes on you. Push away any distractions that keep us from fully following you. Amen.

The Lord is my shepherd. . . . — Psalm 23:1 If the Lord is our shepherd, then the psalm writer is thinking of us as sheep. I'm not so sure that I like being compared to a sheep. Sheep are not very bright. Humans are far more intelligent. For better or worse, we have more capacity for directing our own lives. So how are we like sheep? I wonder if the psalm writer might be highlighting how vulnerable sheep are. They have few defenses from predators, for example. And sheep are not very good at finding their way or finding the best grazing areas. They need a shepherd to bring them to good pastures and to find good water to drink. We humans are vulnerable too. We often lead hurried, distracted lives that wear us out and leave little room for the things that will refresh our souls. We don't always choose what is good for us. We can get confused about who our enemies are, and we often forget that our major enemy, the father of lies, will tell us anything to make us believe that we are unworthy of the shepherd's attention and care. We fall for the lie that there isn't enough to go around and that we need to get what we can before it is all gone. The deceiver makes us think that we are alone on the journey. We are vulnerable, and we need a shepherd. In what other ways are we like sheep in need of a shepherd? We need you, Good Shepherd. Help us to entrust our vulnerabilities to your wise care, knowing that we cannot manage our lives well on our own. Amen.

The Lord is my shepherd. . . . — Psalm 23:1 There are many times when I have needed the help of a guide: an IT expert to help me with my computer; a nurse to help me understand a diagnosis; a biking guide to help me set the pace on unfamiliar roads. Some of these guides have been more helpful than others. A lot depended on how much they knew me and cared for me as a person. When I reflect on how the Lord shepherds or guides us, I am struck by two important things. First, the one who has made us and knows us intimately is the one who invites us to follow him as our shepherd. He knows our names. He understands our strengths and weaknesses. He knows where we will find the journey challenging and where we will find joy. This gives us comfort and hope for the journey. Second, the Lord knows and cares for all of his sheep—every one of us. While some of us will follow similar paths, they will not be exactly the same, and many of us will follow quite different paths. But each one of us can say, “The Lord is my shepherd. . . .” because he is leading each one of us, and we will lack nothing for the journey he takes us on through life. Everyone who follows the good shepherd can have the same confidence that they are being guided well by the one who loves them best. In what ways does the Lord's guidance help you? Thank you, Lord, for being our guide. We pray that you will continue to make your will and way plain to us. Amen.

Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons . . . nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 8:38-39 Dana, 20, from Wisconsin, ended up on Chicago's South Side after she stopped taking her prescribed medications. She began self-medicating with street drugs and eventually found shelter with us for a while. Tragically, Dana died alone in an abandoned building from a fentanyl overdose. Each year we hold a service for people who couldn't have a proper funeral or were unclaimed at death. Members approach the microphone, sharing memories of God's goodness in the lives of the departed. I'm reminded of a Jason Isbell lyric: “Hardly even know my name anymore/ When no one calls it out, it kind of vanishes away.” So, we say the names of these people, remembering we are saved by God's grace and joined together by God's Spirit. After the names are spoken, we are reminded from Scripture that nothing in this world—neither death nor life nor anything else—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Near the front, Tyesha cradles her son Hakeem while Layla and Brooklyn sit beside her. Brooklyn's eyes widen as I proclaim, “For you, Dana, Jesus Christ came into the world; for you, he died; for you, he conquered death. Dana, child of God, you are part of God's family.” For you, dear reader, Jesus Christ came into the world, died, and conquered death. You are part of God's family. Lord, thank you for making us part of your family, adopted in love forever in Jesus. Amen.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace. . . . — 1 Peter 4:8-10 D'Near Scott, known as “Twin,” is actually a triplet—but that's another story. Today he stands with us in a large circle before lunchtime. Twin has spent much of his adult life working odd jobs, staying in abandoned buildings, and trying to survive. At Roseland Christian Ministries (RCM), Twin has found something more—a place where he is valued. Like a member of any family, Twin takes on roles that help us function together. He's quick to mop floors, take out the garbage, or shovel snow when necessary. Sunday through Friday, you'll find him at RCM, smiling, helping with odd jobs, and sharing in the meals we serve. Today, as 25 to 30 of us stand in a circle before lunchtime, tears well up in Twin's eyes, and his voice quavers as he says, “You are my family.” As we go around the circle, each of us shares our name, gives thanks, offers prayer requests, and speaks words of encouragement. Then we pray together, lifting each other up to God in Jesus' name, and we break bread as a community. In this way we remember that Christ calls us into a new family—his body, the church. May we always see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, bound together in his love and grace. We are family. Father, thank you for the family we find in Christ. Help us to be united in your love. May we serve and uplift each other, reflecting your grace and compassion. Amen.

Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. . . . Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace. . . . — 1 Peter 4:8-10 In the beginning, God created human beings in his image (Genesis 1:27). This foundational truth shapes how we view all of humanity. Unlike other creation stories, where only kings or rulers bear the divine image, the Bible teaches that every person carries God's likeness. This truth underpins the entire biblical social ethic: Do we truly recognize the image of God in all people, regardless of their status, background, or differences? We need to see people correctly, as many moral philosophers and ethicists have recognized. In other words, if we fail to see someone as made in God's image, we reduce them to something lesser, even less than human. And if we dehumanize people, that can easily lead to mistreatment, marginalization, inequality, and injustice. In contrast, when we learn to view all people—our neighbors, strangers, and even our enemies—with love and justice, we begin to recognize their inherent worth and dignity. (See Matthew 5:43-48.) As believers in God, we need to see people as God does. May God's Spirit work in us to see correctly all the people we are in community with, wherever we are. Loving God, open our hearts to recognize the dignity and worth in each person. May we treat everyone with love, justice, and the honor they deserve. Amen.

Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. — Hebrews 13:3 Debbie Zeigler brings greeting cards to church for members to sign for incarcerated family members of Roseland Christian Ministries. Most are African American men—some young, some old. If you haven't explored the connections between slavery and mass incarceration in the United States, you may want to research this challenging topic. I've written about this before, and I continue to believe that God desires that we do better in our society. People are not meant to waste away in prison cells. While personal responsibility is essential, we all share moral responsibility for the societies we help to create. The Jewish theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel noted that in matters of social injustice, “Few are guilty, but all are responsible.” As followers of Christ, we are called to build better communities through our schools, churches, and businesses. We are part of the human family, God's creation, and we must reflect God's love and justice. By signing those cards at church, we recognize that no one is beyond the reach of grace—and we are called to stand with people whom society mistreats and forgets. How can we stand with these brothers and sisters today? Lord, guide us to build communities that reflect your compassion and justice, and to stand with people who are mistreated and forgotten. In Jesus, Amen.

If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. — Isaiah 58:10 The roles of mom, dad, brother, and sister can be broader than traditional definitions suggest. My mom has embodied an expansive view of motherhood throughout her life. She not only raised my siblings and me alongside our father, but she also served as a Christian school principal for 35 years and as an elder in her church. Her influence reached far beyond our home—spending summers in Ukraine, Uganda, and Russia, as well as three years in Bangkok to help establish Christian schools. When I was a single father with sons ages 7, 4, and 1, my mom stepped in to help me, sharing as a grandmother the same energy and devotion she had shown as a mother. Her love, especially in times of need, reflected God's calling to spend herself on behalf of others. She's always been a square peg in a world that tries to fit people into round holes, and that uniqueness is her strength. The churches, orphanages, and schools she has served have benefited deeply from her gifts—as have we, her family. God promises his servants: “You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Is there someone in your life whose faith and service reflect God's light and bless others in remarkable ways? Lord, thank you for all whose love and service reflect your light. Bless those who give generously of themselves. May their lives be like well-watered gardens, ever refreshing others. Amen.

“When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” — Luke 14:13-14 Ms. Watts bakes hot water cornbread. Ms. Sabrina brings sweet tea. Mrs. Johnson cooks a pot of greens. Elder Bennett prepares spaghetti. David Walker's mom bakes pies. One of the beautiful things about the Roseland community is how each person has their signature dish, and you'd better not try to compete! When you bring all that food together around the table, it becomes a feast. What I love even more is that everyone eats. Whether you attended church that morning or were just passing by, everyone is welcome to the meal. There's even a city bus driver who has stopped his bus at the corner and run in to grab a plate. (His passengers didn't seem to mind.) It's a reminder of the abundance and inclusivity found in community meals. Jesus often gathered around meals with people. And in Luke 14 he talks about inviting people with disabilities, who are usually overlooked, ignored, or even outcast. A shared meal isn't just about food—it's about hospitality, inclusion, and breaking down barriers. When we gather to eat, we follow Jesus' example of welcoming all to the table. Whom can you welcome to your table this week? What will you prepare? Will you let them give to you as well? Lord, thank you for the beauty of shared meals where everyone is welcome. May we embrace hospitality and receive others freely. Amen.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. — Psalm 139:14 I officiated at the funeral of a man who had grown up at Roseland Christian Ministries. He was raised in the church and had attended Christian schools. But in his early twenties, something seemed to break in his mind. Always kind and smiling, he began to tell delusional stories. He was convinced of an alternate reality that featured celebrities, lawsuits, and fortunes coming his way. He had an undiagnosed mental illness, and he self-medicated to try to cope. His father, a veteran, also self-medicated and experienced mental breaks. Both men had endured severe trauma. They learned to “tough it out” until they broke from reality. I don't know of any family that doesn't face mental health issues in some form. I know that many don't talk about it. But silence makes us sicker. Mental illness is not a sign of weakness or failure but a call to lean on God's healing presence. We are invited to walk together in openness, seeking help, and trusting that God meets us in our brokenness, offering hope and restoration for our minds and hearts. I am concerned that many followers of Jesus believe that our struggles can be met only by prayer and through spiritualizing our problems. But in my experience, a strong faith community and a trusted therapist are necessary on the journey. My prayer is that you have both available to you. Lord, we need strong faith communities and good therapists to help heal our mental and emotional wounds. May we seek both, trusting you to guide us toward healing. Amen.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress. . . . — James 1:27 Getting into drug rehab is not so simple as one might think. Charlene, Mary, and Demetris, women who had spent their adult lives on the streets, wanted to get clean. We might imagine they'd be dropped off at a facility, given a room, and soon headed on the way toward healing. But the reality is more complicated. Just getting into a facility can take weeks. The first hurdle for these women was to fill out forms—simple, right? Not when hands shake uncontrollably from withdrawal or concentration fails due to decades of drug use. Not when you have a twisted leg and need a cane. At one facility, Mary wasn't allowed entry because of her cane. Twelve hours in hospital waiting rooms, struggling with forms, having nothing to eat, and obtaining identification—these obstacles were just the beginning. Yet our shelter director, Kadie Verstrate, stayed with each woman, offering encouragement and support. Kadie's presence reflected God's steadfast love. We need volunteers who can be “on call” to sit with people as they fill out forms, gain proper identification, and go to rehab facilities. God calls us to look after people who are often disregarded, disadvantaged, and in distress. Kadie's work truly embodies this call, and I'm grateful for the Spirit's work through her to support Demetris, Mary, Charlene, and many others. Lord, teach us to serve as Jesus did, bearing burdens as family, trusting your love to guide us always. Amen.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. — 1 John 4:18 Elen, a single mother of three, lives in our shelter for women and children. Tiny but with a tough veneer, she survives through her own means. Her children, with their big brown curls and bright eyes, bring warmth to our community. Her youngest child finds comfort in the arms of a young woman without children in the church pews, and her son sits with our family during church services. Elen often stands apart, her demeanor distant. One day, during a prayer circle before lunch, something changed. As we shared our goals for the New Year, Elen's voice broke in, her lip trembling, “People think I'm really angry, but I'm really just scared.” Her fears have to do with finding permanent, safe housing; her children's father; worry that her children could be taken away; and the chaos she faces daily. In this moment of vulnerability, Elen took a step toward trust and connection. As 1 John 4:18 reminds us, “Perfect love drives out fear.” By being in a safe environment and allowing herself to be vulnerable, Elen began to build deeper bonds and trust with the people around her. In shared suffering and openness, we form a family of support and compassion, reflecting the unconditional love of Christ. May we all embrace our vulnerabilities to foster true, loving connections within our community. Lord, drive out our fears with your perfect love, building a family of support and care that reflects your grace. Amen.

Jesus . . . was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. — John 11:33-35 When my sons' mother died unexpectedly, my wife, sons, and stepdaughter and I came together in deep, shared grief. The intensity of our sorrow felt profoundly isolating. But I've come to understand our pain in a new light. Though deeply personal, grief connects us to a broader compassionate community. People have chosen to enter into our pain. It's reminiscent of Jesus' care for Mary and Martha when Lazarus died. Though fully aware of the outcome, Jesus entered their mourning, weeping along with them. His empathy was about understanding their loss and sharing in their suffering and grief. Similarly, we are part of a community that understands loss all too well. Parents mourn children lost to disease and violence, siblings grieve the loss of siblings to addiction or accidents, and young children mourn lost parents. It's a fellowship we haven't chosen, but in it we find support, solace, and strength. My sons and I meet with a grief counselor every other week, sharing our pain and memories about their mother. Our counselor, who has also experienced tragic loss, stands with us in our grief. Together we find strength in this shared experience, navigating sorrow with a sense of communal support and understanding. Father, thank you for the bonds formed through shared suffering and trauma. May we reflect the comfort and grace of Jesus, who shares in our suffering and grief and brings healing. Amen.

I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. — Revelation 7:9 In 1983, Ulysses left Haiti and arrived in Chicago with some fellow refugees. Stepping off the plane into the cold, he was greeted warmly by Rev. Tony Van Zanten and Rev. Emmett Harrison, pastors who worked with Roseland Christian Ministries. One of them gave him their jacket, a gesture he remembers vividly. Ulysses settled into the Roseland community, and, over time, some of his family members were able to join him. Our lives are like a tapestry, woven from diverse backgrounds and stories. Just as Ulysses' journey blends different cultures and experiences, the Bible reminds us that we are all part of a larger family. Revelation 7 speaks of a huge multitude from every nation and language, standing before the throne of God. In North America we are a mix of immigrants, descendants of slaves, recent refugees, and people native to the land. Many of our ancestors faced oppression and hardship and had to find new homes in unfamiliar places. Stories of immigrants struggling to find support in a new homeland, or of families torn apart by slavery, residential schools, and other unjust systems, remind us of the need for new relationships. Together we contribute to the beautiful mosaic of God's creation. Let's celebrate our stories, united in grace through Christ. Father, thank you for weaving us into a mosaic of your creation. Help us to find unity in your love and grace. Amen.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. — Galatians 5:13 A volunteer at Roseland Christian Ministries saw a sign for the celebration of Juneteenth and said, “Why can't we all just celebrate July 4? What is Juneteenth anyway?” I took a deep breath and said something along these lines: “I'm still learning, but here's what I know. After the Emancipation Proclamation was declared in 1863, it wasn't enforced in Confederate states until 1865. On June 19, 1865, a U.S. general arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved people that they were legally free—two years after the proclamation. That's what Juneteenth celebrates.” I pushed a little further. “Independence Day might mean something different if your freedom didn't come on July 4, 1776. And if any of us is enslaved, are we free?” In the United States, Juneteenth is not just a day for Black Americans to celebrate—it's a reminder for everyone that true freedom is something we should strive for together. Galatians 5:13 reminds us, “You . . . were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” I pray for the humility to keep learning and listening. Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the journey toward justice and equality and, as followers of Jesus Christ, to remember that we are called to use our freedom to serve one another. Lord, grant us the gift of true freedom in Christ. May we serve others with open hearts, walking humbly in your love and grace. Amen.

Ruth replied, “Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” — Ruth 1:16 A few years ago Erika's mother passed away from cancer. Erika's mother was a sister to Stephanie, so Stephanie is Erika's aunt. Despite their loss, Erika and Stephanie share a bond that is exceptionally close for an aunt and niece. They cook together, share meals, and travel from Michigan to Chicago nearly every Sunday for worship. On the Sunday when Erika and Stephanie became members at our church, we read the story of Ruth and Naomi, focusing on the line “Where you go I will go. . . . Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth and Naomi experienced deep grief together; Ruth's husband, who had died, was Naomi's son. Yet they chose to embrace one another and face the grief and unknown together as they sought community in Bethlehem, Naomi's old hometown. Grief and hardship can leave you looking around and realizing, “This is it; these are my people. And I can remain bitter, or I can take a step toward healing with the ones God has given me.” Some losses cannot be replaced, and yet opportunities and blessings can emerge as new gifts, offering comfort, hope, and companionship. I'm grateful to God that Naomi and Ruth had each other, and that Erika and Stephanie do too. Whom has God brought into your life, offering gifts and companionship to help you? Lord, guide and comfort us in our grief, and help us to support one another with grace and love. In Jesus, Amen.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. — Proverbs 17:17 Ever since I was born, my brother has been by my side. As kids, we walked to school together, and when we moved to the Chicago area, we had each other's backs. I'll never forget when I was in second grade and the bus driver dropped us at the wrong stop for our first day at a new school. I was sure we'd never find our way home, but my brother stayed calm. He found someone trustworthy, and we made it home safely. He's always been there for me, especially in tough times. He's defended me in fights, and although we've had our share of arguments, I can always count on him. My younger sister has also stood by me, especially when I was a single dad with young sons, lost and overwhelmed. She was “in it” with us, and we were blessed by her presence. The Bible shares stories about siblings—some who were rivals, others who were deeply loyal. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” I thank God for my brother and sister, who have been with me through it all. Do you have siblings? A friend who's like family? Take a moment to thank the Lord for the gift of those who stand by your side. Father, thank you for the gift of siblings, who walk alongside us through life's joys and challenges. Bless our relationships with love, patience, and understanding, reflecting the unity and grace you have shown us. Amen.

“In days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?' say to him, ‘With a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. . . .'” — Exodus 13:14 My father-in-law tells a story about his grandfather returning from Norway with a fresh salmon wrapped in newspaper under his shirt, just to bring a taste of home back to the United States. The act and the retelling of the act have power. Stories shape family identity, weaving together memories and values. At Roseland Christian Ministries, testimony plays a crucial role in worship. It recounts stories of God's grace, provision, and faithfulness. In testimony, the church bears witness to God's ongoing work in our lives. Testimonies are powerful because they highlight personal transformation and remind the community that God is always faithful. In the Old Testament, storytelling was central for nurturing the faith of God's people. God often described himself in terms of liberating actions: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” (Exodus 2:2). And the people retold this story while celebrating Passover each year to remember God's deliverance. The regular retelling shaped them as a people. What are the stories in your family or community that remind you of who you are? What stories of God's faithfulness need to be retold to help reinforce your identity as a person of faith in Christ? Lord, help us in retelling the stories of your faithfulness. May our shared memories of your grace and love inspire and strengthen us, deepening our trust in you. Amen.

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. — 2 Peter 3:18 Megan, Kayla, and Kailyn Flowers grew up as the youngest children in a family of 13 siblings. They became involved in the church during their preteen years. Every day, they would walk a block to church, attending summer camp, Bible study, liturgical dance, youth programs, and Sunday worship. Over the years, I've watched them grow into smart, responsible, caring young women. It hasn't always been an easy journey. There were times when immaturity, misunderstandings, and impulsive decisions caused strain on relationships. I can relate—I made similar mistakes in my younger years. Yet, they continued to show up, listen, and grow. Now in their twenties, they all lead their families, are active in church life, and contribute in many other ways. I am incredibly proud of the women they have become. What touches me most is their perseverance. I'm grateful they never gave up on the church, and I'm equally grateful we never gave up on them. Their growth is a testament to the power of God's grace and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father, as we grow and mature, help us to deepen in your grace. Guide our hearts to reflect your love, patience, and wisdom. May we become more like Christ, bearing fruit for your glory. Amen.

In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. — Romans 12:5 DeWitt is a beloved part of our church family. He was the first neighborhood kid to meet Rev. Tony Van Zanten, who served at Roseland before me. Seeing nowhere for young people to gather, Rev. Tony threw open the doors of the Roseland Community Center, inviting DeWitt and an entire generation to come in and play basketball and form a community, a family. Over the years, some of those young people moved away, graduated from college, or started businesses. Others died. DeWitt joined the military but returned and settled in next door. For the past 40 years he's been at Roseland nearly every day. He has cooked meals, hosted volunteer groups, played the congas in church, and participated in countless games of dominoes at the Drop-In Center. He has also sung in choirs and contributed to our vibrant community life. If you've been to Roseland Christian Ministries (RCM), you've probably met DeWitt. He's kind, fun-loving, and has a beautiful tenor voice (similar to that of Luther Vandross). I've learned that DeWitt's deepest longing is to be loved and belong—which all of us share. Some people find this in their immediate family or in their marriage. DeWitt found it in Christian community at RCM. I'm grateful that we can belong to God together in this place. Thanks be to God. Father God, thank you for the gift of belonging. In your love we find our true home. Help us to reflect the unity of Christ's body, where all are welcome. Amen.

We are co-workers in God's service. . . . — 1 Corinthians 3:9 On Sundays as I stand in the pulpit at Roseland Christian Ministries, I see DeWitt Casey at the congas to my left, Ryan Krestel at the drums, and David Walker to my right at the keyboard. Ryan and I have been friends for 30 years. Every Sunday, the four of us serve at one another's sides, leading the service. We've led hundreds of services together. David and I have also ministered at funerals in some of the darkest circumstances—for victims of gun violence, overdose, and more. When David's brother was killed, I officiated at the funeral, and when my sons' mom died, David led worship. When I moved into Roseland as a college student, DeWitt was my housemate. We all have history together. In moments when the pain and hardships of life overwhelm me, I draw strength from seeing David, DeWitt, and Ryan faithfully serving. I hope they have found some strength in me as well. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we carry each other as we serve. Whom has God brought into your life to give you strength in hard times as well as smooth times? Lord, we thank you for the strength we find in one another. As we walk through challenges together, may we lift each other up, reflecting your love and drawing closer to you. Amen.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace. . . . — 1 Peter 4:10 Jim and Mary live down the street from Roseland Christian Ministries (RCM). Retirees, they pour their heart and soul into our thrift store, sorting clothes, stacking furniture, doing what they can to help our little store thrive. The store earns money that helps to support our programs. Working with them are Arlene, Amalia, Marlene, Sue, Ruth, Ms. Green, Bruce, Jan, Terry, Arlo, Randy, and more. They use their gifts to create a community that does a lot of good in the neighborhood. Jack is our board president. He serves wonderfully in his role of setting policy, vision, and development. But on a Monday morning you'll often see Jack deep cleaning the kitchen stoves or mopping floors. Over the years I've watched him listen and learn—forming bonds and trust with people in the community. All of the people I have mentioned here are retired. It inspires me that in retirement they live lives of service and form bonds with each other. It's not simply that they are serving, but that they are serving alongside one another, each with different gifts. Who are the people you have formed bonds with while serving? Who are the gifted people with whom you serve? Heavenly Father, thank you for the deep bonds we form while serving together. Strengthen our unity as we work side by side, reflecting your love and building Christian community together. In Jesus, Amen.

Every day they continued to meet together. . . . They broke bread . . . and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. — Acts 2:46 For the first seven years of my life, we lived in a small town on the Mississippi River, and most Sundays included a family gathering. After church, we'd gather at my grandma's house. My dad, one of six siblings, was part of an extended family with more cousins than I could count. The kitchen soon filled with casseroles, chicken, pies, and Jell-O while the sound of football played in the background. Laughter echoed as we played at a nearby park, and the sense of belonging was palpable. As years passed and family members moved away, our gatherings became less common. When my grandma died, it felt like the end of an era, but the bonds we made have remained strong—much like the unbreakable ties that God gives his people. Though I have moved to Chicago to embrace new surroundings, I still miss those gatherings at times. When I go back to that small town today, it's often for funerals, and yet as our family members gather again, it feels as if no time has passed. We pick up familiar conversations, share stories, and laugh, just as God's family does when gathered in his presence. “Family” should be a verb. It's about gathering, sharing meals, talking, praying together, and supporting one another. God's people are called to “family,” actively living in community and love. Lord, thank you for the joys of gathering together. May we cherish these connections as reflections of your abundant grace. Amen.

Surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us . . . run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. — Hebrews 12:1-2 Each year, our church community holds a solemn celebration. We set up tables at the front of the church and place unlit candles on them. Church members come forward with photos of loved ones who have died. One by one, people approach the microphone, announce the name of a loved one, and light a candle. Sometimes they also share a story. We've lit candles for grandmothers who died of natural causes, young men killed on the streets, babies lost to miscarriage, and loved ones taken by overdoses. Each name carries a story; each candle represents a life that touched ours. God's family includes not only we who are living right now but also the many who came before us and who have gone on to eternity. They live on in the stories we tell, and it's important to stop and remember them. In Hebrews 11 we find many examples of people who make up the “great cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us. All of these examples encourage us to walk in faith. We all do well to pause and remember: Who came before you? Who inspired you? Who are the people for whom you are grateful, knowing that God sent them to be part of your faith journey? Take a moment to name them and to thank God for each one. Father, we thank you for all who have gone before us, paving the way with faith and sacrifice. May their legacy inspire us to walk humbly and serve others, reflecting your love and grace. Amen.