Even when we stray, the Good Shepherd never gives up on us. He seeks us with love and carries us back on His shoulders, bringing us to the safety of home. Often, we hide in empty places—work, distractions, trivialities—but true joy is found in serving and being with God. The invitation stands: return to the Shepherd's arms and experience the peace of being home once again.

The Love That Brings Us Back

Loving others is one of the most important and difficult commands Jesus gave us. We are messy, needy, and broken people. We constantly have to deal with our wounds and the wounds of others, but if we can learn to love others well, a rich and life-giving relationship will be our reward. May you receive the love of your Father given you by his grace and be empowered to love others.

Love People

We may not always see or feel it, but God is always with us... even when we're going through hard things. In this plan, Finding  Hope Coordinator Amy LaRue writes from the heart about her own family's struggle with addiction and how God's joy broke through in their darkest times.

Joy for the Journey: Finding Hope in the Midst of Trial

How can painful times of waiting become sweet times with God? Whatever you are waiting for—a spouse, a child, a job—this season can be a time of beauty. Are you ready to find peace in the pauses and hope in the future? 

From Proverbs 31 speaker Wendy Pope and her new book "Wait and See."

Wait And See

Whatever your personality or circumstance, God has a word of encouragement for you: You can still know joy. Speaking from her own journey of pain and hope, Kay Warren reminds us that joy is not a nice add-on to your life; it is God’s purpose for your life. And it’s something that’s within your control. Happiness will never be enough. You were meant for more. You were meant for joy. 

Choose Joy by Kay Warren

How can we continually receive God’s joy, comfort, and hope in the midst of physical or emotional suffering? Joni Eareckson Tada, who uses a wheelchair and is a cancer survivor, offers insights from Carmelite monk Brother Lawrence as well as from her own experiences in this powerful devotional.

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus

We often struggle setting boundaries for our emotional health. We might perceive them as too mean, too aggressive, or not living like Jesus. Yet Jesus practiced boundaries in his time on Earth. In this 3-Day Bible Plan, we’ll explore what loving boundaries look like through the lens of Jesus, so we can set loving boundaries as well.

The Boundaries Of Jesus

Joy. Most people want it. Few people have it. In this study, we’ll talk about what joy is and what it is not. By the end, you will have a deeper understanding of joy and how to practice it in your life (the keyword being practice). Along the way, we’ll discover some key truths from God’s word that will help us along this journey.

Cultivate Joy

Stories of the nativity are important, but the story of why Jesus came should involve so much more than a manger scene. Focusing on one chapter a day through the book of John will reveal the beauty of who Christ is and why His birth was so important. In the flurry of Christmas, keep 
your eyes on Him. Come and see why Jesus is our greatest gift.

Joy