When you look around your church on a Sunday morning, who do you see? Beyond the familiar faces, think about the people who truly inspire you. Perhaps it’s the elderly woman who prays faithfully in the back row, the young couple who consistently volunteer in the children's ministry, or the person who greets everyone with a genuine, welcoming smile. These are the quiet heroes of our faith communities, the living examples of God's love in action.

You can read today’s devotional and past reflections at followingtheleader.org.

It is easy to critique leadership. Whether we are talking about politicians, pastors, or our bosses at work, we often find ourselves discussing their decisions, questioning their motives, or complaining about their mistakes. We look at the state of the world or our local community and wonder why those in charge aren't doing a better job. But as followers of Christ, our primary responsibility toward our leaders is not to criticize them, but to cover them in prayer.

We have all felt it—that heavy feeling in the pit of our stomach when we think about something looming in the future. It could be a difficult conversation, a challenging medical appointment, a tough deadline, or an uncertain change on the horizon. Dread can cast a long shadow over our days, stealing our joy and filling our minds with anxiety. It makes us want to hide, to postpone, or to simply wish the situation would disappear.

You can read today’s devotional and past reflections at followingtheleader.org.