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)

READ: JAMES 1:2-5; ROMANS 8:28-39

BOOM! Thunder crashes. Lightning illuminates the house as the walls shake and dishes rattle in the cupboards, followed by an even louder thunderclap.

I grew up in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona. Most of the year, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. But during monsoon season, the rain came with a vengeance. Streets flooded, dry washes became roaring rivers, trees were ripped up, yards washed out, and cars were stranded in floodwaters.

It might sound terrifying. But I’ve never seen it that way. As a kid, I loved to go out after it rained, jump in the puddles, and throw leaves in the streams running down the street. As I got older, I loved the smell of creosote that always came before the rain. Even now, I love the awe of the power of the storm.

But I don’t just appreciate monsoons. I also understand why we need them. Though the Sonoran Desert is indeed a desert, it’s filled with beautiful cacti, flowers, and creatures who need rain to survive. The raindrops pelt the dust, cooling the scorching ground and creating streams from which to drink. The storm seems scary, but the desert is far more beautiful after it.

Many people compare trials in the Christian life to storms. They talk about weathering the storm and making it to the other side. But I think sometimes we forget that God is working through the storm. If everything was always sunny, we would never grow, just like the desert plants.

Storms are hard. Things get pelted, uprooted, destroyed. But if we weather the storms from inside the safety of God’s love, remembering that Jesus endured the unsafety of the cross because He cares so deeply for us, we can begin to appreciate the storms’ beauty. And after they pass, we can praise Him for the life and growth they bring. • Alyssa Roat

• What storms have you gone through? What growth has God produced in you through them?

• What storms are you going through right now? We can have hope in every storm because Jesus was willing to die on the cross for us, and then He rose from the grave. Our hope is twofold: (1) our suffering will not last forever because Jesus will return and make all things new,and (2) even when we suffer, He is with us—He loves us, and He truly understands what we’re going through because He suffered for us. Consider taking some time to talk to Him about the storms in your life. (If you want to dig deeper, read Genesis 50:20; Isaiah 53; Philippians 1:19; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; Revelation 21:1-5.)

The LORD is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7 (CSB)

READ: MARK 9:14-29; LUKE 24:36-53

Doubt. The very word conjures up images of wrinkled foreheads and turned-down mouth corners. Contrary to how we may feel about it, doubt can actually benefit our spiritual growth. And remember, Jesus Himself was patient and loving to those who wrestled with doubts.

In Mark 9, a desperate father brought his son to Jesus for healing. The boy had been possessed by a spirit from childhood, one that continually tried to harm and kill him. “If you can do anything…” was this father’s cry of desperation (verse 22). Imagine how this man might have felt as Jesus responded: “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes” (verse 23). Without hesitation, the father cried out something so raw and beautiful: “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (verse 24). Jesus didn’t rebuke this father for his unbelief. Jesus heard his honest cry, and He healed the boy completely. Similarly, in Luke 24, when Jesus’s disciples doubted His resurrection, Jesus patiently assured them He was not a ghost. He invited them to look at His wounds and touch Him. He went even further by eating fish in front of them.

Without a doubt, pun intended, Satan wants to use our doubts to make us feel far away from God. But in our times of doubt, we can practice the three Rs: (1) Remember: Recall how patient and assuring Jesus was with those who doubted. He will do the same for us. (2) Relay: Talk to God about your doubts. He already knows our every thought, but He invites our honesty. Oftentimes, just getting our concerns out in the open brings relief. (3) Read: Continually be in Scripture. Times of doubt might make us want to turn away from God and close our Bibles, but it is in these times—when we seek God in the midst of doubt—that we will learn more about the consistent character of God.

The pain of doubt can pave the way for us to experience the presence of God as never before. When in doubt, ask God how He will use this for your good and growth. • Savannah Coleman

• Everyone, at some point, will experience doubt. What is one time you remember struggling with doubt? Jesus loves you so much that He died and rose again to give you faith. Consider spending some time in prayer, perhaps echoing Mark 9:24, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”

• Do you know someone who is experiencing doubt today? God calls us to respond by listening and validating others’ feelings. He listens to us without shaming us, and we can do the same for each other. Jude 1:22 says, “Have mercy on those who waver.” As we rest in Jesus’s love and remember the mercy He gives us daily, we can extend His love and mercy to those around us.

Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24 (CSB)

READ: PSALM 103:1-13; MATTHEW 10:29-30; ROMANS 8:14-16; 1 JOHN 4:14-19

Today my dad gave me a hug

I felt safe and warm inside

It made me think of how You love me

And are holding me so tight.

Today my dad encouraged me

“You’re my child,

and I’m proud of you.”

And I thought of all the ways

You tell me that too.

Today my dad was busy

He missed a really big day

But I remembered

You’re always here for me

And You care about what I have to say.

Today my

dad lied to me

And then got mad and yelled

I’m thankful You keep your promises

And never shut me out.

Sometimes a dad

can show God’s love

Sometimes pain abounds

But even then,

I have a Perfect Father

Who will never let me down. • Faith Lewis

• What are some ways that the people around you point you toward God’s love for you? Perhaps you have a parent who makes you laugh, and that reminds you of how God delights in blessing you. Or maybe there’s a friend who is always willing to listen to you, and that makes you think of how God is there for you no matter what.

• God created fatherhood as a gift to show His love, but because we live in a world that has been broken by sin, it doesn’t always happen that way. Sometimes, a dad may not be around for some reason, and all parents have times when they sin and hurt us. If they know Jesus, the Holy Spirit will help them repent, but these situations can still be so hard. Thankfully, Jesus promises to be with us in them. Don’t be afraid to cry out to God—He cares about your pain, and He alone is a perfect Father. What fears or doubts might be keeping you from resting in that truth today? Who are trusted Christians in your life you can talk to about this, such as pastors, parents, teachers, or counselors?

• Are there any dads or father figures in your life who’ve shown God’s love to you? Consider taking a moment to thank God for them, and maybe thank the person/people too!

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV)

READ: PSALM 68:4-6; JOHN 1:9-14; 3:16-17; EPHESIANS 1:5

When Father’s Day comes around, how do you feel? Maybe you have a great relationship with your dad and you’re excited to celebrate him. Praise God for that! Or maybe you wish that it was any day but this one. Maybe you decide you’ll treat it like just a normal day. But that’s not so easy to do…You go to church and the message is all about fathers. Your friends can’t hang out with you because they’re spending time with their dads. It’s pretty much impossible to avoid thinking about what’s missing in your life.

If Father’s Day is difficult for you, you’re not alone. There are others who feel the same way, and they’re feeling the sting of this day along with you. But you also have an amazing God by your side, one who wants more than anything to be your Father.

If you ever wonder how much God cares for you, what lengths He would go to for you, look at the cross. God the Father sent Jesus, who is God the Son, to live among us and reveal the Father’s love to us. Ultimately, Jesus suffered and died on the cross so that we could become God’s children. It was worth it to Him to give up everything so He could be with us.

No matter what your situation is with your earthly father—whether you never met him, you lost him, things aren’t as good as you’d like them to be, or things are great—you have something to celebrate on Father’s Day.

God made you. He chose to make you. He chose to be your Father. He is there for you at any hour. When you cry out in fear or pain, He hears you. Because He loves you, He will always choose you, always be there for you, never give up on you. God is greater than any other father we celebrate on this day—and if you know Jesus, He is your Father. • Emily Acker

• How do you feel about Father’s Day?

• If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, believing He died and rose again to save you, then you are God’s child forever. He is your Father, and He delights in you! Consider taking some time to tell Him about whatever is on your mind. You can be honest about any pain or loss you’re experiencing. He longs to wrap you in His arms, minister to your hurts, and remind you of His compassionate love.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 (NIV)

READ: COLOSSIANS 1:15-23

Think for a minute about everything you see around you every day—the sky, your home, your shoes, your food…Within each of those visible objects are invisible objects that are working together to create something tangible. Your shoes are made of molecules, which are made of atoms, which are made of electrons and protons and neutrons, which are made of quarks. Inside the sun are myriad electrons exploding around each other and bare protons fusing together, creating something powerful enough to heat the entire earth. The sun’s heat creates temperature differences (and therefore pressure differences) in the earth’s atmosphere, and this creates wind. You can’t see the heat, and you can’t see the wind. Yet around you every day the wind is causing sailboats to float calmly down a river or crash headlong into cliffs.

And that’s just on earth. In heaven, the Lord is sitting on His throne, directing the events of human history and sending out His angels to do His work. Meanwhile on earth, all the rulers and authorities in every dominion sit on their thrones—but each of them sits under Jesus Christ. Colossians 1 tells us that every person in power (and not in power) is subject to Him alone.

God created all things, and it’s vital for us to understand that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God” and all things were created “through him and for him” (verse 15-16, emphasis added). Everything we see, as well as everything we can’t see, is working under His authority.

Let’s take you for example. Everything on the outside—your hands, your legs, your face—as well as everything you can’t see on the inside—your heart, your lungs, your brain—was created by God and is working together for Him. Your heart keeps pumping, your blood keeps flowing, all because the Lord loves you, and He has a reason for you to be here today.

God is sovereign; He is in control. Nothing happens without His divine oversight. We have to start there. God is above all and in all (Ephesians 4:6). He is working behind the scenes in every situation for our good because He loves us (Romans 8:28). So no matter what happens, you can rely on Jesus, knowing that He is working in you for His good purposes on this earth. • Merrick Potter

• Especially when life feels out of control, how could it be helpful to remember that Jesus is with us, and He is holding everything together—including us? (Matthew 28:20; Colossians 1:17)

For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 (CSB)