April 3, 2020
Today’s devotion is based on God’s Word to us in 1Corinthians 9:22, “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”

Governments around the world are deciding what workers are essential during this pandemic. While we can understand law enforcement and firefighters, national defense workers, and those who feed us and care for us as crucial workers, we might not think of those who proclaim and teach the Word of God as essential.

Our, actually all who believe in God, essential role is to share the love of God with others in this troubled time. We, as people of God, can make a difference in people’s lives. We can share with them hope and confidence in the future. We know that God surrounds those who believe in him with his loving arms.

Stay connected to as many people as possible by every available means, by old-fashioned telephone or online. Be bold and loving among those who have no bedrock under challenging times, and by all possible means, share the love of God with them.

Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, you know how reluctant I am sometimes to share the Good News of Jesus. Help me to remember that we, who believe, are to be a reflection of your Light. It is only through your words that we become not just a reflection of your life, but a light on the hill to those who are living in the darkness of fear and loneliness. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. ​

April 1, 2020
Today’s devotion is based on God’s word to us in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

Jesus isn’t advocating for us to ignore our responsibilities, but I believe that he is inviting us to let go a bit. Some things aren’t all that important, after all. And others are, but they are beyond our ability to control.

The landscape is changing. As we stare into the unknown, it is easy to worry while we each start to consider the road ahead. These troubles in our present-day are real and sobering, but they are not beyond our Father’s attention or his ability to reconcile. Has he not already given us Jesus? Why would he not be with us during the trials of this season?

We need to cling to the truth that God loves us. He promises to be with us and he cannot lie; otherwise, he could not be God. If we can keep that in the forefront of our minds, the other things, things that worry us, that we have no control over will start to slip away. Do what you need to. Let go of the rest.

Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me with an everlasting love while the world is changing you are not. Help me to embrace the security that your goodness and mercy will follow me all my days. Thank you for giving me, Jesus. In his name, I pray. Amen.
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March 31, 2020
Today’s devotion is based on Luke 18:1 where we hear Jesus saying to his disciples who were discouraged. You might want to read the parable verses 2-8.“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
I firmly believe that during these testing times, God is calling us to humble ourselves, surrender ourselves, and rely on his strength and power instead of anything or anybody else, especially our own self. This pandemic is bigger than anything, many of us have ever faced, and regardless of the intelligence and expertise of human beings, our only hope lies in the love that God the Father has for us.

The most potent weapon we humans have at this time is prayer. None of you reading this devotion may possess the scientific expertise and skill to create a vaccine or organize medical or quarantine procedures. Still, each of us praying as one with Christians all over our planet can change the course of this pandemic. God listens to and responds to earnest prayer. That is his promise.

Please pray with me the prayer for today: Father, Lord of all creation, seen and unseen, we are your children and you are our God. You are our hope, our strength, and our rock during this time, and you have given us authority through your Son to cry boldly for healing and renewal in your people and your creation. We come before you acknowledging our dependence on you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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March 30, 2020
Today’s devotion is based on John 11:1-4, “Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

Those words were tough to believe for those following him given the circumstances they faced. The disciples didn’t believe him. They believed that if they went with Jesus, they would all die with him. But they did not die. Just as Jesus stated, the illness ended with life for Lazarus and glory for Jesus.
I believe that is a good lesson for us today as our country, as we, whatever it might be we are going through? For circumstances in the world and personally can lead us to question the words of Jesus?. If so, remember what Jesus said, as it is recorded for us in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” That is God’s promise, a promise that cannot be broken.

Illness from a virus, loss of wealth, job insecurity, fear for the family will not negate those words and lead to destruction. Jesus’ words are true and will remain true. His death and resurrection conquered sin and eternal death and ushered in for his people an age of life; true life, abundant life, life in relationship with him—and all that brings! After all, Jesus is alive!
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Please pray with me the prayer for today: My blessed Jesus, You came that I might have life and have it abundantly. Send your Spirit to help me to look beyond my circumstances of today so that I can fully experience today the life you have earned for me. Then help me to care for my neighbors by pointing them to you in all your glory. In your name, I pray. Amen.

March 27, 2020
Today’s devotion is based on Psalm 23, particularly verse 4. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff comfort me.”

As I was thinking about the term ‘social distancing’ yesterday, I think a better name might ‘physical distancing.’ Whatever you call it, this time can be a time of loneliness. If you are feeling lonely, separated from those you love, or your friends and business acquaintances, God’s Word can give you comfort. Here are two these two favorites of mine:
‘And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age‘ (Matthew 28:20b)
‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you‘ (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Our God is a God of peace, comfort, faithfulness, and love. His name Immanuel means “God with us.” Thus, he knows no distance!

Please pray with me the prayer for today: Jesus, help us to remember that your name, Immanuel, means that you are always with us, even though we cannot physically see you. As we go through this new normal for a time, help us to remember that even though we are presently physically apart from friends, colleagues, and even family, you are with us right now. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen
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