I took 13 people to the movies last night to see The Chosen. One of the most powerful moments was watching the scene of the Last Supper. It hit different. Watching Jesus break the bread, pour the wine, and look at His disciples with eyes full of love—it was like time froze for a second. And it reminded me of just how sacred and powerful Communion really is.

See, in the Lutheran tradition, we don’t believe Communion is just a symbol or a memory. We believe it’s real. When Jesus said, “This is my body… this is my blood,” He meant it. We believe He is truly present in the bread and the wine. We don’t fully understand how—but we believe His presence is real, and His promise is true.

And that changes everything.

Communion isn’t just a ritual. It’s not something we do because we’re supposed to. It’s an invitation to encounter the living Jesus. Every time we come to the table, He meets us there. We receive His body and blood—not just to remember what He did, but to actually experience it again. His grace. His forgiveness. His presence. Right there in our hands.

Think about that for a second—we get to touch heaven. We come with empty hands, and Jesus fills them. We come with sin and shame, and He meets us with mercy. We come as individuals, but He unites us as one body—His body. Communion is personal, but it’s also something we share. It’s a moment that ties us not only to Christ, but to each other.

So the next time you kneel at the altar or stand in a circle and take the bread and wine, don’t rush it. Don’t reduce it to a moment on the schedule. Jesus is there. And He’s not just watching. He’s offering Himself—again and again—so we never forget how close He really is.

We all have them—faults.

Some of us speak too quickly. Others carry a short fuse. Some are forgetful, while others struggle with pride, jealousy, or insecurity. And guess what? If you’re human, you’re in that mix somewhere too.

Hailey and I have learned that love isn’t just about big moments and sweet words. It’s about patience when the other person is tired. Grace when someone’s attitude flares up. Forgiveness when things don’t go as planned. In friendships, teams, marriages—any relationship—it takes room. Room to grow. Room to stumble. Room to still be loved even when you mess up.

Paul’s words in Colossians hit hard: “Make allowance for each other’s faults.” That’s not just a suggestion. It’s a calling to build space in our hearts for people who aren’t perfect—because that’s exactly what Jesus did for us.

Think about it: if Christ held every one of your faults against you, where would you be? But instead, He gives us mercy. He steps in and forgives. Not because we deserve it—but because that’s who He is.

We’re called to reflect that same heart to others. Not because it’s easy. But because it’s holy.

Here’s the challenge:

This week, look for a moment to give grace instead of judgment. When someone’s words hit wrong, when a friend drops the ball, when your sibling gets under your skin—pause. Choose grace. Make room.

John 14:2 – “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”

Last week, Hailey and I took a trip to Rhode Island. It was beautiful. We visited some of the historic mansions, and one in particular stood out—the Elms. As we walked through the grand hallways and intricate rooms, guided by people who were so excited to share their stories, I couldn’t help but think: this is just a glimpse.

A glimpse of something greater.

Jesus tells us in John 14 that in His Father’s house, there are many rooms. And He’s not just talking about space. He’s talking about belonging. About welcome. About home.

The people at the Elms couldn’t wait to show us around. Their joy made the tour come alive. I imagine heaven will be like that—but infinitely more joyful. I imagine saints who’ve gone before us saying, “You’ve got to see this room! Look at what God did here!” And Jesus, with that same loving excitement, personally walking us into the home He prepared for us, saying, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

That thought should change how we live now.

Because if Jesus is preparing a place for us, He hasn’t forgotten us. If He’s advocating for us in heaven, He’s not ignoring what we’re facing on earth. He sees every tear, every disappointment, every prayer that feels unanswered. And still—He’s working. He’s preparing. Both there… and here.

1 Corinthians 2:9 echoes this promise: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” That’s not just about heaven. That’s about today, too. The peace He gives now. The strength He offers now. The healing, the growth, the grace for the journey—we have it because Jesus is not just preparing a place, He’s preparing us.

So friend, don’t let the struggle make you forget the promise. There is a room with your name on it. A future with your soul in mind. And a Savior who never stops advocating for you.

Have you ever tried holding onto something so tightly that it became exhausting? Maybe it was control over your future, your finances, or even the opinions of others. I get it. I’ve been there. I’m a recovering control freak. I remember as a kid, playing football in the neighborhood, thinking I was the referee. Every time something didn’t go my way, I’d throw an imaginary flag. “That’s holding!” “Pass interference!” I spent more time trying to control the game than actually enjoying it.

And don’t we all do that? We try to control people, our finances, or our future. Since the Garden of Eden, we’ve been telling God, “I got this.” But when life gets overwhelming, we scramble. We numb our stress with distractions, hide our struggles, or pick up bad habits. And before we know it, we’re stuck in a cycle. “I love Jesus, but I also love ___.” Fill in the blank.

Here’s the problem — when we fill our lives with the world, there’s no room for the Spirit to work. It creates half-hearted followers who are exhausted and unfulfilled. As John Piper said, “Christians who have their foot in both worlds are miserable.”

But Jesus offers a different way. In Mark 10:17-22, a rich young ruler came to Jesus seeking eternal life. Jesus saw what held his heart — his love for money. “Sell all your possessions,” Jesus said. But the man walked away sad. He wanted both Jesus and his wealth. But whatever you cling to controls you. Cling to money, and it owns your decisions. Cling to control, and you’ll never find rest. Cling to praise, and people’s opinions will rule your heart.

Think of your life like a glove. It’s empty until something fills it. Who or what is filling your glove? When we cling to the things of this world, we block the space meant for God’s Spirit. But when we let go, we open ourselves to the fullness of Christ — His joy, peace, and freedom.

So, what’s God asking you to release? What’s the thing He’s prying from your hands? It might be pride, worry, bitterness, or an unhealthy habit. Whatever it is, surrender it. Imagine what God could do in your life if you came to Him with empty hands, ready to receive all He has for you.

You weren’t made to carry the weight of control. You were made to live in the freedom of surrender. Empty your hands — and let Him fill your life.

Memory verse for you:

Message: Jesus gives us a clear guideline for handling conflicts and concerns: go directly to the person involved. Instead of gossiping about someone’s actions or mistakes, we are called to speak with them in private, in a spirit of love and restoration. If we have been hurt by someone’s words or actions, we should seek resolution with them rather than spreading the issue to others. Addressing gossip biblically means choosing honesty over secrecy, grace over judgment, and reconciliation over division. When we handle things the way Jesus taught, we create a culture of trust and forgiveness, reflecting His love in our relationships.

Prayer: Lord, help me to follow Your wisdom in handling conflicts. Give me the patience to seek resolution in the right way, speaking with love and truth. Help me to be a person of integrity who chooses direct and honest communication rather than gossip. May my actions bring unity and peace. Amen.

Message: Stopping gossip requires courage, but it is essential for building a loving and Christ-centered community. When we hear gossip, we can gently redirect the conversation, remind others of the harm it causes, or even encourage them to speak directly to the person involved rather than talking behind their back. If gossip is happening in our friend group or workplace, we can set an example by refusing to engage in it. When we choose to protect others’ reputations rather than tearing them down, we act as peacemakers, bringing healing instead of division. A community built on love and honesty is far stronger than one filled with whispers and secrets.

Prayer: Father, help me to be a voice of peace and wisdom. When I hear gossip, give me the courage to address it with love and to redirect conversations toward truth and encouragement. Let my actions and words reflect Your love so that I may build others up rather than tear them down. Amen.

Message: Gossip spreads like wildfire, feeding off curiosity and negativity. The best way to stop it is to refuse to add fuel to the fire. This means walking away when gossip starts, changing the subject, or simply refusing to listen. Sometimes, we may need to set a boundary, letting others know that we do not want to participate in conversations that harm others. Avoiding gossip doesn’t mean ignoring problems—it means handling them the right way, with honesty and love. By refusing to engage in gossip, we help create a culture of trust, respect, and kindness, where people feel safe and valued.

Prayer: Lord, give me the wisdom and strength to turn away from gossip. Help me recognize when conversations are heading in the wrong direction and give me the courage to steer them toward kindness and truth. May my words always reflect Your love and grace. Amen.

Partnering Together,
Shahna Clark