Pause

The simple idea that God is there to guide us, that simple idea alone gives us comfort. We are not alone. We are not without direction.

God's guidance comes often when we are still and waiting. Listen for where love will take you today.

Listen

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away — and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep.

John 10:11-13

Think

We all have “sunny day” friends. Friends who are around when times are good, are happy to join us for fun events, but aren’t always available when help is needed.

This passage shows a hard truth. “The hired hand runs away.” It’s easy to be partially invested in something and then quit when times get hard. But that’s not Jesus. Jesus, the good shepherd, is fully invested. Jesus literally laid his life down for his sheep, not only providing a saving love, but also setting an ultimate example for all of us.

We can rest in the knowledge that Jesus loves us so much that he’d never run away, and we can be challenged to show that same kind of love to others.

Susan Reed

Pray

God of steadfast love, thank you for the ultimate sacrifice and the ultimate example of love you sent us through Christ. May I be changed and challenged by knowing you love me so much. Amen.

Go

Though you may feel that you have no way to go,
Love is there to lead you.
When the world seems dark and scary,
God is there to give you light.
In the midst of every trouble, every care,
Christ's arms surround and hold you.