October 16, 2026

From The Pastor's Pen....

Psalms 23

The Shepherd Who Leads, Restores, and Protects

Psalm 23 is David’s intimate confession of trust in God as Shepherd, Guide, and Guardian. It is a Psalm of rest, restoration, and reassurance. This Psalm invites us to live with a quiet confidence rooted in God’s presence. The Shepherd leads with provision, not pressure.

David begins with the bold declaration: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” This is not the absence of desire but the absence of lack. God’s leadership is gentle, generous, and gracious. When God is enough, we discover we have enough. God restores what life drains. “He restores my soul.” David knew the exhaustion of leadership, the weariness of warfare, and the heaviness of guilt. Yet he experienced God as the One who replenishes what life depletes. God is a source and our guide for spiritual renewal. Rest becomes strength, stillness becomes power, and surrender becomes restoration.

God guides us into righteousness, not randomness. “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” God’s guidance is purposeful, not accidental. He leads us not by confusion but by conviction. He provides His divine direction. He leads us beside still waters, He teaches us to chill out! God’s path may be narrow, but it is never aimless. God’s presence transforms dark valleys into holy ground.

David does not say God avoids the valley, but that God accompanies him through it. The valley of the shadow of death becomes the valley of the presence of God. The places that scare us often become the places where God is most near us. God prepares blessings in the presence of our enemies. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” God does not remove every enemy; He reveals His goodness in front of them. This is the beauty of His favor: God blesses us not by eliminating opposition but by elevating us in spite of it.

The Psalms close with the twin bodyguards of the Kingdom, goodness and mercy always following our path with their presence.

Illustration

A shepherd once said, “Sheep do not follow a voice they fear; only a voice they trust”. Psalm 23 is the testimony of a man who learned to trust the Shepherd’s voice more than the valley’s shadows.

Questions

1. Which area of your life needs the Shepherd’s restoring touch today?
2. Where is God inviting you to trust His presence more than your fear?

Prayer

Lord, be my Shepherd today. Lead me beside still waters, restore my soul, and guide my steps. Let Your presence calm my fears and Your goodness follow me all day long. Amen.

Ministry News & Events

Dear Ministry Leaders,

As we prepare for another Christmas season, Triumph Cares is once again excited to bring joy and blessings to children and families in our community through our annual Toy Giveaway. Last year, with the help of our dedicated volunteers, we sorted and organized over 800 toys and provided Christmas gifts to more than 175 children in our community. It was a wonderful example of what we can accomplish when we come together in service and love. We would love to build on that success this year, and I am reaching out to ask for the support of our Rites of Passage and Princess Within youth ministries once again.

On Saturday, December 5, we will gather to sort, organize, and match toys with the children whose families have registered for this year's giveaway. This is an excellent opportunity for our young people to experience the joy of giving, work together as a team, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We will also provide community service verification letters for all participating youth, documenting their volunteer hours. These letters can be used to fulfill school community service requirements.

Volunteer Event Details

• Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Church Fellowship Area & Sanctuary
• Lunch: Provided for all volunteers

Our activities will include sorting toys by age and gender, organizing donations, and matching gifts with registered children.

We would be grateful if you would encourage the youth to participate. Their helping hands, energy, and enthusiasm would be a tremendous blessing as we prepare to serve families this Christmas. Please let me know if your ministry will be able to participate and approximately how many youth and adult leaders we can expect. This will help us plan our activities and lunch accordingly.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for the important role you play in developing young people with hearts for service. Together, we can continue to demonstrate God's love in action and make this Christmas season special for children in our community.

Blessings,

Roz

Triumph Cares Food Ministry

Transform Your Midweek.

Renew Your Life.

Feeling drained by the noise of the week, the chaos of the culture?

Give yourself 75 minutes to recharge, reconnect, and gain practical wisdom that strengthens your personal life, marriage, family, and friendships.

Join Pastor Giles at Triumph Church for an engaging dive into the Book of Mark the action- packed gospel that shows us how Jesus loved, led, restored and transformed the lives of people like you and me in real-time.

What’s in it for You?

 Clarity & Peace: Walk away with actionable biblical wisdom to navigate life & everyday stresses.

 Healthier Relationships: Learn timeless principles on love, forgiveness, communication and overcoming struggles that transform your home and workplace.

 Spiritual Renewal: Fuel your faith midweek so you can thrive, not just survive.

When: Every Wednesday | 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM

Where: Live in person at Triumph Church OR Online via Zoom from anywhere you are.

Go to our Website @ triumph1293.org to receive notes, discussion questions, and devotional helps.

Invest in your faith.

Watch every area of your life flourish.

All are Welcome! It’s just for YOU!

COMMUNITY NEWS & OUTREACH