Romans 8: 26-39
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died- more than that, who was raised to life- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long: we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the above scripture was one of the readings assigned for my devotional writing. It was the one my late wife -Janice- quoted often. As I write this it is early June & we are in a state of chaos. Worldwide pandemic, economy cratering, unemployment rampant, marches & riots over the death of George Floyd, shelter in place, masks & social distancing recommendations for all of us. It sure seems like a sorry world! Where is God in all of this? I hope you will take the time to read & contemplate this scripture. Even today, Paul reminds us of the one eternal truth. There is NOTHING that can separate us from God & his son Jesus Christ. Life brings all of us trials & tribulations and at times we may stagger or stumble under the load. However, we need to remind ourselves if/when we are in that dark valley... If God be with us who can be against us? May it always be so!
Prayer: Father thank you for our blessings & give us strength to conquer all the troubles life can present as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the Heavens.
Marv Jones
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Devotional 7-17-20
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me………..
I come to the end – I am still with you.
Psalm 139:1-5, 18
It is so natural for us as human beings and children of God, to reach out and touch our family, friends and loved ones constantly. We use our phones to call each other up; we meet each other for a meal or a special time together; we run into each other at various activities, so there are hugs and kisses and warm greetings. We are a touchy, feely loving group of people. It’s what we do. It’s how we get to know new people as well, so we can share God and God’s love.
That is – until this Coved 19 virus came to live among us. Now, since we are trying to not encourage the spread of this virus, we don’t touch, or hug, or get too close to each other. We must distance ourselves, and watch what we do at all times, so we can be safe and we can keep everyone around us safe.
Because of these safety issues, I have learned new ways of communicating with others, at a safe distance from them. Zoom calls have become an amazing way to talk and see others, without actually being in the same location. For me, these calls have ranged in size from a training session with just one other person, learning new techniques for reaching out to others - to a meeting with 250 other people and voting on the future of their work situations. I have also learned how to make presentations, take tests, read to others and work out math problems as I helped my grandsons in virtual school during this spring. It has been truly unbelievable to me, to learn all of these new tools for communicating at the age of 70.
But I am soooo grateful that nothing has changed with our communication arrangement with God. As the words in Psalm 139 explain, God knows us completely - no matter where we are, no matter what we are doing - from the beginning of our life to the end. God knows us inside and out, and God is always present with us. What reassuring, joy- filled knowledge for us to carry in our hearts and minds, and to know as we live out each day of out lives. God is always with us!!!
Thanks be to God. Amen!
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me………..
I come to the end – I am still with you.
Psalm 139:1-5, 18
It is so natural for us as human beings and children of God, to reach out and touch our family, friends and loved ones constantly. We use our phones to call each other up; we meet each other for a meal or a special time together; we run into each other at various activities, so there are hugs and kisses and warm greetings. We are a touchy, feely loving group of people. It’s what we do. It’s how we get to know new people as well, so we can share God and God’s love.
That is – until this Coved 19 virus came to live among us. Now, since we are trying to not encourage the spread of this virus, we don’t touch, or hug, or get too close to each other. We must distance ourselves, and watch what we do at all times, so we can be safe and we can keep everyone around us safe.
Because of these safety issues, I have learned new ways of communicating with others, at a safe distance from them. Zoom calls have become an amazing way to talk and see others, without actually being in the same location. For me, these calls have ranged in size from a training session with just one other person, learning new techniques for reaching out to others - to a meeting with 250 other people and voting on the future of their work situations. I have also learned how to make presentations, take tests, read to others and work out math problems as I helped my grandsons in virtual school during this spring. It has been truly unbelievable to me, to learn all of these new tools for communicating at the age of 70.
But I am soooo grateful that nothing has changed with our communication arrangement with God. As the words in Psalm 139 explain, God knows us completely - no matter where we are, no matter what we are doing - from the beginning of our life to the end. God knows us inside and out, and God is always present with us. What reassuring, joy- filled knowledge for us to carry in our hearts and minds, and to know as we live out each day of out lives. God is always with us!!!
Thanks be to God. Amen!
Rev. Suzanne Ellis
Friday, July 10, 2020
Devotional 7-10-20
Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 25 or Psalm 119:105-112, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1
I was blessed to be born into a Christian family. My parents were members of a Methodist Church along with their parents. In other words, I grew up in a Methodist Church with my parents, sisters, and both sets of grandparents. So, from the day I came into this world under the guidance of Gil and Bruce Ratcliff's father, Dr. Gilbert Ratcliff, Sr., I have also been under the guidance of my Lord and Savior.
In Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV), David is asking for guidance. "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
With all that is going on in the world today, I have daily asked God for guidance, as every day is a new and abnormal day. I need His guidance. I want His guidance. The Bible tells us God is always with us; there beside us wherever we are. I believe that. I feel His presence. So, it seems I am always talking to God. In fact, He is guiding this devotion. Yes, I tell God what I think and feel but in the end I have to say, "God I have to let go and let you take care of this." Then I feel peace.
I pray you are well and seeking God's guidance. Amen
Kay Lewis
I was blessed to be born into a Christian family. My parents were members of a Methodist Church along with their parents. In other words, I grew up in a Methodist Church with my parents, sisters, and both sets of grandparents. So, from the day I came into this world under the guidance of Gil and Bruce Ratcliff's father, Dr. Gilbert Ratcliff, Sr., I have also been under the guidance of my Lord and Savior.
In Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV), David is asking for guidance. "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
With all that is going on in the world today, I have daily asked God for guidance, as every day is a new and abnormal day. I need His guidance. I want His guidance. The Bible tells us God is always with us; there beside us wherever we are. I believe that. I feel His presence. So, it seems I am always talking to God. In fact, He is guiding this devotion. Yes, I tell God what I think and feel but in the end I have to say, "God I have to let go and let you take care of this." Then I feel peace.
I pray you are well and seeking God's guidance. Amen
Kay Lewis
Friday, July 3, 2020
Devotional 7-3-10
Inspired by Psalm 23
The Lord, my Lord
is a shepherd. My shepherd.
I need shepherding.
I need guidance and direction.
If I will listen, I will find all I need.
If I follow.
The Lord, my Lord
offers peace. Silence. Stillness.
When I need it,
whether I want it or not,
in him I will find it.
And my spirit will be restored.
My soul will find living water.
When I walk on the path
where he leads me.
The Lord, my Lord
When night closes in,
when darkness is all I can see,
I am not alone.
The shepherd finds me.
I do not have to be afraid.
The guidance and the protection
of the Lord
bring comfort.
Bring light, if I will open my eyes.
I need not be afraid.
The Lord, my Lord
is a God of abundance.
Is a God of mercy.
Is a God of steadfast loyalty and love.
Even when I can find no love,
No friendship,
No support,
God provides.
I am healed; I am made whole.
I am not alone.
The Lord, my Lord
is a God of mercy and grace,
Limitless goodness.
I am pursued.
I am surrounded.
I am never lost.
With my God, I am.
Forever.
Kim Matthews
The Lord, my Lord
is a shepherd. My shepherd.
I need shepherding.
I need guidance and direction.
If I will listen, I will find all I need.
If I follow.
The Lord, my Lord
offers peace. Silence. Stillness.
When I need it,
whether I want it or not,
in him I will find it.
And my spirit will be restored.
My soul will find living water.
When I walk on the path
where he leads me.
The Lord, my Lord
When night closes in,
when darkness is all I can see,
I am not alone.
The shepherd finds me.
I do not have to be afraid.
The guidance and the protection
of the Lord
bring comfort.
Bring light, if I will open my eyes.
I need not be afraid.
The Lord, my Lord
is a God of abundance.
Is a God of mercy.
Is a God of steadfast loyalty and love.
Even when I can find no love,
No friendship,
No support,
God provides.
I am healed; I am made whole.
I am not alone.
The Lord, my Lord
is a God of mercy and grace,
Limitless goodness.
I am pursued.
I am surrounded.
I am never lost.
With my God, I am.
Forever.
Kim Matthews
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