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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​March 22, 2020
Today’s devotion is based on Matthew 21:37-39 “(Jesus said) “Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.”
This story bothers me. “Why are you bothering?” I want to ask of the vineyard owner. “It’s just a vineyard. Human lives are worth more than a vineyard. Your son is worth more than a vineyard. Just give it up.”

If this were just any ordinary vineyard, perhaps the owner would give it up. But it’s not. This is God’s vineyard, which He dug out, planted, fenced, and built a winepress for making the wine. This is Jesus’ inheritance as the Son of God. In short, this is God’s world, and we are the vines in it. He isn’t going to give us up.
Take courage, because God has not forgotten you. He has already sent His Son to rescue you. And He will finish the job—soon now, very soon!—when Jesus comes again to take up His rule over all the universe. We are waiting for that day.
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Lord, look on us when we suffer under the things that happen to us in our life.  You are our rescuer, and for that we give you all praise and glory.  In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.