Shepherd's Heart 1/30/26
This past Tuesday, our women’s Bible study began again for the spring. As I watched more than one hundred women return to gather around God’s Word, I was deeply moved. What struck me most was not simply the number of women present, but what God was clearly doing—inviting His daughters back. Back to His Word. Back to belonging.
It made me pause and consider a question for all of us: What might God be calling you back to in this season of your life? Again and again in Scripture, we see a gracious invitation from the Lord—not to strive harder, but simply to return. No doubt, He is inviting you to return to Him.
“Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate.” (Joel 2:13)
The prophet Joel spoke these words to a people who were overwhelmed and desperate. They had wandered from the Lord and were living with the painful consequences of that distance. Yet even in their fear and desolation, God’s heart toward them was compassion. His call was not one of condemnation, but of hope.
That same hope and invitation are extended to us today.
You may be weary—from the weight of life, from physical pain or health concerns, from broken relationships, grief, loss, or a sense of disconnection. God sees you. He knows your burdens. In His kindness and mercy, He is calling you back to Himself. And in Him, we experience peace that surpasses understanding, wisdom over foolishness, and light over darkness.
One way we respond to that invitation is by walking together in faith. Our weekly women’s
Bible study is just one expression of this, but it is far from the only way. Here at Good Shepherd, we value connection and belonging. There are life groups meeting in homes, opportunities to gather during Community Nights, places to serve together, and ongoing Bible studies for both men and women. We also offer care and support groups designed to walk with those facing particular challenges.
Be confident, God is calling you back—to Himself and to be part of the body of Christ.
Consider: What might be one next step you can take to respond? How might you return, once again, to the Lord and to the place of belonging He has for you?
I would love to walk that journey with you. Church, I am praying for you and praying for God to continue to move among us; leading, guiding, and empowering us to shine His light and truth to one another, to our neighbors, and to the world.
Blessings,
Pastor Pamela
It made me pause and consider a question for all of us: What might God be calling you back to in this season of your life? Again and again in Scripture, we see a gracious invitation from the Lord—not to strive harder, but simply to return. No doubt, He is inviting you to return to Him.
“Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate.” (Joel 2:13)
The prophet Joel spoke these words to a people who were overwhelmed and desperate. They had wandered from the Lord and were living with the painful consequences of that distance. Yet even in their fear and desolation, God’s heart toward them was compassion. His call was not one of condemnation, but of hope.
That same hope and invitation are extended to us today.
You may be weary—from the weight of life, from physical pain or health concerns, from broken relationships, grief, loss, or a sense of disconnection. God sees you. He knows your burdens. In His kindness and mercy, He is calling you back to Himself. And in Him, we experience peace that surpasses understanding, wisdom over foolishness, and light over darkness.
One way we respond to that invitation is by walking together in faith. Our weekly women’s
Bible study is just one expression of this, but it is far from the only way. Here at Good Shepherd, we value connection and belonging. There are life groups meeting in homes, opportunities to gather during Community Nights, places to serve together, and ongoing Bible studies for both men and women. We also offer care and support groups designed to walk with those facing particular challenges.
Be confident, God is calling you back—to Himself and to be part of the body of Christ.
Consider: What might be one next step you can take to respond? How might you return, once again, to the Lord and to the place of belonging He has for you?
I would love to walk that journey with you. Church, I am praying for you and praying for God to continue to move among us; leading, guiding, and empowering us to shine His light and truth to one another, to our neighbors, and to the world.
Blessings,
Pastor Pamela