Devotionals are short essays written by GSLC members and staff that explore the ways the Holy Spirit works within our every day lives. There are several ways we invite you to use these devotionals:

Make them a part of a prayer practice - read a devotion and consider the ways that Christ has worked similarly in your life or works in unexpected ways.
Make them a part of a journaling practice - read a devotion and journal about what the Holy Spirit is stirring in you as you reflect on the essay.
Use them as a reminder that God works in all things, the bad and the good.

With over 400 available devotions, you can use these daily, weekly, or monthly. It's up to you! We just hope that by reading these inspiring stories provided by Good Shepherd's flock you are able to better see where Jesus is present in all things! Thank you to all of our members that have provided devotionals throughout the past couple of years!

Event date: 5/11/2020

Pastor Heidi Johns / Monday, May 11, 2020

/ Categories: Publications, Daily Devotions

Daily Devotion

As we continue our month long theme of Joyful Generosity here are two stories shared by the Heppler and Jowanovitz Families regarding their support of Operation Give Back with the check they received on God’s Grace Your Hands Sunday last September:

From the Heppler Family

Our family decided to donate our gift to Operation Give Back (OGB). The organization was started by a family in our neighborhood to help Sycamore school students through tutoring, mentoring, literacy help, school supplies, a food pantry and holiday toys and food. The programs help kids in our local community to be successful in school and to not go hungry. Our family has volunteered with OGB and we felt that the gift, including our matching donation and my company’s match will multiply Good Shepherd’s and God’s grace threefold to make a bigger impact on our community.

From the Jowanovitz Family

Our deliberations went all over the place. From the environment, to hunger, to animals. In the end, we decided to match our gift of $100 with another $100 and support Operations Give Back. OGB works with under severed students and their family in the Sycamore School district. OGB's mission is to strive for educational equity and provide community outreach to students and families in need, inspiring all to realize their full potential and GIVE BACK to society. It felt right to help those in our community. We know the funds will make a positive difference in someone's life... which is God's Work... in our Hands.

Mark 10:13-16 People were bringing little children to Jesus in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. ¹⁴But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. ¹⁵Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

Reflection: it is easiest to ignore the needs of the most powerless in our communities. Instead of ignoring the children, Jesus lifts them up, making room for them, showing everyone that children are beloved to God. How do you feel called to follow Jesus’ example and empower children?

Print

8586 Rate this article:

5.0

Name:	Please enter a name.
Email:	Please enter an email address. Please enter a valid email address.

Comment:	Please enter comment.
I agree	This form collects your name, email, IP address and content so that we can keep track of the comments placed on the website. For more info check our Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use where you will get more info on where, how and why we store your data. You must read and accept this rules.

Daily Devotion