ENCOURAGEMENT
IN TROUBLED TIMES
During this time of uncertainty, worry, and stress we are trying to be a non-anxious presence in our community. One way we are doing this is by providing daily devotions to help ground us in the encouragement we find in the Word of God, the presence of the Holy Spirit and connection to our community.
Open Doors
Verses1 Corinthians 16:8-9But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.ThoughtsThere are a lot of closed doors these days, aren't there? I was listening to a podcast the...
Making Space
VersesPsalm 27:14Wait for the Lord;be strong and take heartand wait for the Lord.DevotionThere is no doubt that this coronavirus situation brings with it abundant uncertainty. News from multiple directions... Too much time on our hands and not enough quiet... Too much...
The Great Shepherd
VersePs 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect me.DevotionMost of us have heard this verse quoted during dark times in our lives like funerals or tragedies. But often verses...
What Fear Tells Me
VerseIsaiah 12:2Surely God is my salvation;I will trust and not be afraid.The LORD, the LORD himself,is my strength and my song;he has become my salvation.DevotionThere has been much written about fear during this season of pandemic, and I have really enjoyed and...
Free from Fear
Verses2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.DevotionMy mother will tell you that I was a difficult baby, I cried inconsolably whenever I was not being held by her. Ever since I was a young child I...
Saying Yes
Verses"Every gift God freely gives us is good and perfect, streaming down from the Father of lights, who shines from the heavens with no hidden shadow or darkness and is never subject to change." James 1:17DevotionI was sick a few weeks ago and when a friend asked...
Kindness – It’s Good For You
VersesActs 20:35 It is more blessed to give than to receive.DevotionHave you said recently, “I’ve had enough of this!”? Is social distancing and staying at home making you irritable? It’s so easy to let our emotions in this difficult time take over and spiral us...
Conspiracy Coping
VersesIsaiah 8:12-13Who doesn’t love a good conspiracy theory? Area 51, grassy knolls, moon landings, shadow governments, and disappearances of my socks in the wash all interest me at some level. Some conspiracies are a little more ominous, like 911, Oklahoma City,...
Our God is Creative
VersesCol 1:16 For by him (Christ), all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible…by him and for him.DevotionOur God is a creative God. He created the earth and the stars. He created all the animals and all thefish. He created all...
Something Good
VerseIsaiah 66:7-9“Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this?” … “Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the LORD. “Do...