Image from twelvestoneart.com
Hear the devo: https://bit.ly/43kUUVV
View devo: https://bit.ly/3SqHzoM
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. (Psalm 23 NRSV)
Dear Friend, just a sad update to our prayer request; Mr. Steven Slavik, passed away this evening (Wednesday) while on life-support. Please pray for his widos, Mrs. Penny Slavik and their children and family. Prayers for our SIL Eric Cortez as he continues to improve and await results from the pathology of that which was removed from him. And prayers for this old man as I see an ENT tomorrow morning at 8:30 am; also our grandson, Eli Muñoz sees a sleep doctor at the same time. May the Lord bless you and your needs.
Hello, Lamb. When our two first babies were indeed babies, we enrolled them into a daycare called Little Lamb College and The Clownhouse. Yes, sounds made up doesn't it? Our oldest went to the college and our second to the Clownhouse. The oldest loved it for a day or so, but our second, ever observant said, "Dad, they (meaning the adults) throw babies around." Gulp. To this day she still holds to that memory and accusation. We pulled them out not wanting them to become lambs that get thrown around or clowns of the same torture. It was both of their insistence that we withdrew them and moved them to another place. My idea for children and daycare is for them to be safe and sound, loved and appreciated; much like God desires that for you and me, no matter our age or even attitude; not all of us want to be or act like sheep. God's love is for our whole being and our entire body, but I believe a special emphasis on our soul. One definition of soul says, "A soul is the inner, spiritual part of a person—their true essence beyond just the physical body. It’s often seen as the part that holds emotions, thoughts, and connection to something greater, like God or the universe. Many believe it’s eternal and represents who a person really is." And if God cares for our soul, God would certainly want our soul to be refreshed. A careful re-walking through this psalm shows the different aspects of our lives being addressed and cared for by God. Our physical rest, our thirst, our paths through life; our fears and comfort; our recognition by Him at critical times; and the sharing of that which is good and a blessing for our souls; and the ultimate promise of life with Him in His house. And this psalm is an Easter passage, for Easter is not just a sunrise moment of joy; it is an eternal truth of strength and promise that walks with us through every valley and every shadow. This is the "go to" psalm read and recited at bedsides, over coffins and graves; powered by the resurrection hope that comes with the words of the psalm. The message is clear; the Risen Shepherd is with us - not far off, but with us - guiding, restoring, and leading us into the fullness of life.
“He restores my soul” is not only a promise of comfort, but a call to transformation. Easter restoration is more than recovery—it is resurrection. The good news is not simply that Jesus lives, but that in Him, we are being made new, even now. His goodness and mercy do not just follow us like shadows—they pursue us like grace on a mission.
But do we live like we believe that? Do we trust the Shepherd enough to follow Him into uncomfortable places—into hard forgiveness, into generosity, into peacemaking? The Resurrection is not a safe, quiet truth to be admired; it’s a bold, unsettling reality that challenges our self-made paths and invites us to walk a better way.
PRAYER: Risen Shepherd, thank You for walking with us, even when the path is dark and the way unclear. Thank You for restoring our souls, not just for our comfort, but for Your purposes. Lead us into the life You’ve made possible—one of mercy, justice, and deep trust. Teach us to follow You with courage and humility. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Let the resurrection truth reshape your walk—step out of the valley with bold faith, and follow the Shepherd into the work of healing and hope that only He can do through you.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
