READ: MARK 2:1-12; ROMANS 5:6-8; 1 JOHN 4:19

Two teenagers in Tennessee risked their lives to save an unaccompanied toddler who ran toward a busy highway. With an oncoming truck barreling toward them, the teens snatched up the toddler just in time. On another occasion, two other teens came to the rescue of a capsized boat in the Florida Keys, saving six people—including a four-year-old, and a three-month-old baby. What do these stories have in common? Each time, the teens saw something and believed they could help, so they acted on that belief.

They’re not the only ones who have acted on what they believed. Back in Jesus’s day, four men had a friend who had a tremendous need. They heard Jesus was in town and knew He was the one who could help their friend. So, they carried their friend—who was paralyzed—to Jesus because they believed He could make the difference in his life.

When they arrived at the home where Jesus was preaching, there was no more room. Not even at the door to stand and listen. So, they went up to the roof. After digging a hole, they lowered their friend using the mat he was lying on. These men acted on their belief that Jesus could heal him. Mark 2:5 says, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” Jesus went on to tell him to get up, carry his mat, and walk home— which he did! “This amazed everyone and they praised God” (Mark 2:12)!

Maybe someday you will jump in and save someone like the teens in those news stories. But even today, there are probably people around you who need an encounter with Jesus. Could you be like the four friends whose faith compelled them to bring their friend to the only one who could truly help him? Maybe you could pray for them, or even talk to them about Jesus or invite them to come to a church event with you. Or maybe you could show them kindness by helping with a need they have or just showing that you care. Trust Jesus to work through you, and watch what happens. • Deborah del Villar

• Like the man who was paralyzed, we are all in desperate need of Jesus every moment of our lives. That’s why He came to die on the cross and rise again to save us from sin and death—because He loves us and wants to help us! What are some practical ways you could step out in faith and show others, both those who know Jesus already and those who don’t know Him yet, the same love that Jesus showed you? (Galatians 6:10; 1 John 4:19)

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 23; JOHN 10:1-18

Anxiety has me tossing and turning until I hear someone whispering my name from outside. I crawl out of my tent and see a man. The sun is just starting to rise, and I can make out a staff in his hand. Is this a shepherd?

As if reading my thoughts, he says, “I am the good shepherd. Your shepherd.”

I follow as he motions me forward. We walk until we come to a beautiful, lush hillside.

“You’re tired.” The shepherd grabs a blanket that had been draped over his shoulder. “Rest.”

I stretch out on the soft blanket. The air is fresh, the sky turning blue. I close my eyes and immediately fall asleep.

I don’t know how long I sleep, but I feel refreshed when I wake up. The shepherd is waiting. He motions for me to follow and leads me to a peaceful river where I can drink. As we walk along the water, I feel my insides beginning to heal. My fears, my sorrows…are soothed.

We start into a valley, and I hear a growl. Suddenly, the sky seems darker. Then I see them—a pack of beasts coming toward us, teeth bared and hackles raised. The shepherd holds up his staff and stretches it out in front of him. I watch the beasts turn away.

As we continue through the valley, I am no longer afraid.

Soon, we come to an open place again. The sun shines brightly.

“Sit.” The shepherd motions to a table set up in a beautiful garden. I breathe in the scent of sweet flowers as I obey.

He brings me food. As I start to eat, I see the beasts watching me. They eye me but don’t come close; they seem to be stuck in the valley. The food is delicious, and my drink…not only is it more enjoyable than anything I have had before, but no matter how much I sip, the glass stays full.

I close my eyes, soaking in what it feels like to be cared for by this good shepherd. Never before have I experienced this feeling—this peace, this rest. • Emily Acker

• Today’s allegorical story was inspired by Psalm 23, which begins with the words, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Consider taking some time to reread Psalm 23 slowly. What sticks out to you?

• In John 10, Jesus says He is “the good shepherd.” If you know Jesus, He promises to be with you each day of your life, even when times are hard. He laid down His life for you so you could be saved from sin, death, and the devil. Because He rose again, you can know that He will bring you safely to His heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18). For more about what it means to know Jesus, see our "Know Jesus" page.

• Can you think of a time Jesus led you through a dark valley? Were there any ways He reminded you that He’s with you? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this.

[Jesus said,] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (NIV)

READ: 1 CHRONICLES 16:11; PSALM 23; LUKE 5:15-16

When I was in college, I distinctly remember being overwhelmed by various assignments. It felt like there was never going to be enough time to finish everything on my to-do list. I was exhausted and irritated. I felt like there was no relief in sight.

I knew I needed to keep up with my devotions, because I knew that was important, but how could I give up time to do that when all the assignments had deadlines that were quickly approaching? The priority of the tasks that needed my immediate attention continued to outweigh spending time with God.

But I continued to feel more and more exhausted. I felt like I was still drowning, like I would never finish everything on time.

I had put it off long enough. I decided to put my assignments to the side and spend time with God. And you know what? I felt so much more refreshed. I felt like I could accomplish my tasks in a better way and faster than ever before.

Too often we are quick to look at the things we need to do in this world and put them above our relationship with God. We think that spending time in His presence is going to slow us down and keep us from getting things done. But He wants to refresh and renew us. He wants to remind us of His unconditional love, a love that has nothing to do with our performance. And He wants to give us the strength we need to keep going—or redirect us if we’re going the wrong way.

In those moments when we’re busiest, what we actually need most is to slow down and spend time with God. • Tynea Lewis

• Can you think of a time when you were extremely busy and you felt your stress level growing? In times like these, it might seem irresponsible to put your to-do list to the side and spend time with God. But the truth is, even though God cares about the things you have to do, He cares way more about you. He invites you to lay your worries at His feet and rest in His love, remembering that Jesus has already done all that was needed to save you when He died and rose again. And Jesus is with you every step of the way, ready to help you do the good things He has called you to do.

• What are some ways you like to spend time with God? We all need to be in His Word, but maybe you also like to journal, sing worship songs, talk to and praise Him through art, or go for walks and enjoy His creation with Him. How could you do at least one of these things today?

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16 (NIV)