DEVOTIONS FOR APRIL 27-MAY 2 2026

Based on the sermon from April 26

Transcript here

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2026

 Scripture: John 10:9 – “I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved…”

Reflection:
Jesus doesn’t just show us the way—he is the way. He is the gate, the one who stands between us and all that would harm us. So often, we try to decide who belongs and who doesn’t. But that role was never ours. Jesus is the gate, and that is good news. It means our place in God’s care does not depend on human judgment, but on Christ’s love.

Prayer:
Good Shepherd, help me trust you as the gate. Keep me from judging others, and lead me to rest in your grace. Amen.

 

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026

Scripture: John 9:34 – “And they drove him out.”

Reflection:
The man born blind told the truth about Jesus—and lost his community for it. Being pushed out hurts. Many have experienced this, even in the church. Yet Jesus sees those who are cast aside. He draws near to those th world rejects. When others shut doors, Jesus opens them.

Prayer:
Jesus, you see those who are cast out. Draw near to those who feel excluded today. Help me to be a source of welcome and compassion. Amen.

 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026

Scripture: John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Reflection:
A shepherd once lay across the entrance of the sheepfold, becoming the gate—protecting the flock through the night. Jesus does the same for us, but even more. He lays down his life so we might live. Our safety is not in our own strength, but in his sacrifice.

Prayer:
Good Shepherd, thank you for laying down your life for me. Help me to trust your care, even when I feel afraid. Amen.

 

 THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026

Scripture: Matthew 7:1 – “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.”

Reflection:
We often fall into what we might call the “sin of certainty”—believing we have all the right answers and others do not. But faith is not about perfect knowledge. It is about trusting Jesus. When we try to take God’s place as judge, we forget that grace belongs to Christ alone.

Prayer:
Gracious God, forgive me when I try to judge others. Teach me humility, and help me to trust in your wisdom instead of my own. Amen.

 

FRIDAY MAY 1, 2026

Scripture: John 13:34 – “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

Reflection:
Jesus’ command is simple, but not easy: love one another. He loved people from every walk of life—the outcast, the sinner, the confused, and the faithful alike. We are called to do the same. Love is not about agreement; it is about grace.

Prayer:
Loving Savior, teach me to love as you love. Open my heart to those who are different from me, and guide my words and actions. Amen.

 

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026

Scripture: Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Reflection:
Jesus, our Good Shepherd, leads us beside still waters and through life’s darkest valleys. We are not alone. We are not unprotected. Our security rests not in ourselves, but in him. Because Jesus is the gate and the shepherd, we can trust that we are held in his care.

 Prayer:
Good Shepherd, lead me today. Calm my fears, guide my steps, and remind me that I am safe in your care. Amen.