February 2021 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for February 28, 2021 – Nothing is impossible for God…allowing Him to number your steps

Luke 1:37
“Nothing is impossible for God!”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

I tried going back to our community aquatic center a few months ago for my 3-day-a week swimming and water aerobics sessions…but I just was too uncomfortable to continue. Something about unmasked adults gasping for breaths as they swam laps in an enclosed, moist environment during a pandemic didn’t give me confidence for my safety. But I needed to exercise – to be moving and active. I have walked and jogged for fitness since my early 20s…but years of running and genetics have resulted in osteoarthritis, and I took up swimming and water aerobics because I felt that walking long distances was too much “wear and tear” on my joints.

At the same time, the pandemic halted my husband’s hiking adventures with his childhood friend. For the last few years, this duo would often drive an hour or better into the Ozark forests of Arkansas for interesting and exciting treks of 5-10+ miles…and now riding in the car together at all was deemed unsafe, because of the virus.

I went in search of answers for my own fitness regimen. What could I do safely and effectively? And yes, I prayed for answers. I asked God to show me how to get needed exercise without crippling myself and/or inflicting pain. And the answer? Walking! It turns out that the arthritis associations and medical “experts” recommend walking for arthritics – maintaining that the benefits far outweigh any negative impact. Suggestions are offered for how to combat aches and pains – warm baths/showers, NSAIDS like naproxen or ibuprofen, and more.

So I set out before the New Year to try a few short walks in our neighborhood. As my confidence and stamina grew, my husband graciously accommodated me and went with me on some walks that were shorter than his normal routine. He encouraged me to try adding some distance – and we tried different venues. We’ve walked virtually every public trail in and around our community. We’ve hiked around a local landmark known as Sugar Loaf Mountain, and we love walking in the camping areas around the lake that borders our city.

Even with a flare-up of plantar fasciitis, I walked 36+ miles in January. This month, I managed to maintain an every-other-day regimen through an epic snowstorm, winter rains, and more. I’ve walked in 9-degree wind chill with blowing snow, steady raining mist, brilliant sunshine, and smothering humidity – all in the course of the last 28 days! This month, I logged over 49 miles…and I’m still standing!

Do I have achy bones? Absolutely. Do I plan to continue walking? You better believe it! Greg and I don’t always walk together. Sometimes, he goes off on a longer trek than I am able to manage…and I walk in our neighborhood and do some heavy-duty praying. Walking and prayer really do go together well – and accomplish so many things, physically and spiritually. We have agreed that walking is our “zen” – that our moods and attitudes are far better with regular treks that get us up, out and breathing fresh air.

There is no question that this is all God’s doing. He has shown us so many ways this past year to adapt and adjust – sometimes “on the fly” – to the situations and circumstances brought about by this horrific pandemic. Not everything has gone as planned…and there have been challenges and heartaches along the way. But God has blessed us…and I have no doubt that nothing is impossible for Him. So I will keep on walking – and praying – and trusting God.

I will also keep on encouraging others to seek God’s will and directives in their own lives. I will try to live in a way that shows how faithful God is in something even as seemingly insignificant as our exercise regimen. I will ask you and everyone I encounter to please keep wearing your masks, washing your hands, maintaining a six-foot distance from others, and isolating as much as possible to help eradicate this deadly virus. And when your turn comes for the vaccine, please step up and get your shot(s)! Only God could have created effective vaccines in such a short time. He is always working on our behalf!

I don’t know how far we will walk in March or the months afterward – or where our treks will take us. But I know that God will be numbering the steps and guiding each one. Nothing is impossible for Him…and I am so grateful that He is orchestrating every second of my life. My prayer is that you are trusting God to do the same in your life, on this day – and always.

Daily Devotional for February 27, 2021 – Sharing Christ’s love and truths with others…it’s time to decide where we stand!

John 3:1-8
There was a man named Nicodemus who was a Pharisee and a Jewish leader. One night he went to Jesus and said, “Sir, we know that God has sent you to teach us. You could not work these miracles, unless God were with you.”

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God’s kingdom!”

Nicodemus asked, “How can a grown man ever be born a second time?”

Jesus answered:

I tell you for certain that before you can get into God’s kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit. Humans give life to their children. Yet only God’s Spirit can change you into a child of God. Don’t be surprised when I say that you must be born from above. Only God’s Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

My beloved Great-aunt Altha declared in her 70th year that she was old enough to say and do as she pleased. And for the last 20 years of her life, that’s how things went! Don’t misunderstand me…I never knew Aunt Altha to say anything ugly or hateful…and the extent of her daring was to eat donuts almost every morning for breakfast and wear her “house dusters” everywhere she went! But in her own way, she declared that “I’m not going to conform to what others think or expect any longer.”

As I read this passage about Nicodemus, I admit that I had to do some digging to learn more about this man. Nicodemus was a respected scholar, and he had questions about Jesus. But rather than ask them in the openness of a crowd, Nicodemus came to Jesus in the dark of night for his answers. He wanted to know more…but he didn’t necessarily want the world to know that he sought insight and understanding of Jesus. And when Jesus explained to Nicodemus how we must surrender to Him and be “born of the Spirit”, Nicodemus pretty well kept this information to himself.

Now I will also tell you that Nicodemus showed up at the crucifixion, and as one historian notes, he brought a boat-load of spices and oils for the embalming – enough for a “royal funeral”. In this way, perhaps Nicodemus acknowledged the truth that Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords – even if it was pretty well too little too late. My take-away for us today is…”Don’t be like Nicodemus.”

Don’t keep the love and power of Jesus to yourself. Speak up and out for what you know is right – what you know that Jesus is telling you. We are living in the era of “When you see something, say something.” This is not the time to continue to shuffle our feet and divert our eyes when someone makes racist or discriminatory comments or claims. This is not the time to look the other way when people are hungry and hurting. This is not the time to go along with those who suggest – even in nuanced subtleties – that the love and salvation of Jesus Christ is available only to those who think, speak and act like they want.

This is the time to speak and act in the truths of Jesus’ teachings…to love one another with the love of Christ – and as He loves us…and to treat others as you wish to be treated. I am not yet 70 years old, but I’m not waiting to share these truths with others with my words and actions. I am not going to seek answers from scripture, prayer and communication, and then keep them to myself. I am not going to show up only when it is convenient to make a big splash with “spices and perfumes” – and act like I am fully living in the favor of God!

We cannot pick and choose when to love and serve in the name of Jesus Christ. We are either all in – now and forever – or we’re not really “born of the Spirit”. It’s time to figure out where we stand.

Daily Devotional for February 26, 2021 – Sardines, Brussels sprouts and “thorny” people – sharing the love of Christ with ALL of God’s creations

John 3:16-17
God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

I have never eaten sardines…and I never plan to try them. I tasted anchovies once, and I did not like them. I just didn’t. I am not interested in eating crawfish…and I am most certainly not interested in eating the heads and all parts of any crustaceans, despite food experts’ claim that “the head is the most flavorful part”! I know people who love these fish…and I get it. I’m sure there are plenty of people who don’t like liver, and I happen to enjoy a dish on occasion, even though I am aware that many believe it is an unhealthy food choice. I also happen to like cream and a little sugar in my coffee – in moderation, of course!

Our nephew Nathan has always been a picky eater. For the longest, he didn’t eat any fruit except maybe an occasional bite of a banana…and there were dozens of vegetables he wouldn’t touch. Nathan’s mother has been gradually introducing fruits and veggies to his diet – and insisting he at least try them. So far, this 8-year-old has decided that eggplant, spinach, salads, and most fruits are actually pretty tasty. He still isn’t a fan of Brussels sprouts, but he acknowledges that others enjoy them, and this is okay.

Let me ask you…is there a fruit or vegetable that God did not create? I know…this is an absurd question. Of course, God created all flora and fauna…fruits and vegetables…plants and animals. The same God who created salmon and tuna created anchovies and sardines. The God who created potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, and carrots created kale, gooseberries, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts …all foods that are delicious to some – and abominable to others!

My point is this…just because a food is unappealing to you doesn’t mean it is “bad” – or wrong for another person to eat. Brussels sprouts may not be your cup of tea – and I have a cousin who declared when he was about 8 that lima beans should be outlawed! You may LOVE a good crawfish boil, heads and all…while you may not enjoy catfish, tuna, or salmon! By the same token, there may be people who rub you the wrong way…whose ideas and values are not your own – and you want nothing to do with them. I cannot tell you how many times I have said of someone, “He/she is the nicest person,” and someone reacted with anything from shock to indignation – to an outright disagreement with my opinion. By the same token, I’ve had people speak glowingly of someone that I find to be reprehensible. And the simple fact is that every single person, plant and animal is a creation of God – and precious in His sight.

God sent Jesus to earth for every single one of us. He did not tell Christ to only forgive the sins of certain races, ethnic groups, genders, sexual orientations, economic classes, or religious faiths. God didn’t say, “Heal these, but don’t reach out to those.” He did not say, “Minister only to the pretty people…those without blemish, deformity, or quirks. No need to bother with those who aren’t ‘cool’, stylish, popular, or wealthy.” God did not send Jesus to redeem a particular political party or group.

God did not send Jesus to ignore the “thorny” people in our midst…or to pick and choose who to love and serve.” And we are not to do this, either. Just like Nathan doesn’t have to eat Brussels sprouts – and I don’t have to eat sardines – we don’t have to judge or condemn those who do. We don’t have to associate with people that we disagree with…but we don’t have to be unkind toward them – or disparage them, either.

I know some of you do not agree with me about a lot of issues – and that’s your privilege. You may not even want to associate with me because of this…and I know some have stopped reading these devotionals because of things I have said and opinions I have expressed. But I serve a God of love who sent His only Son to live and die for each and every person who will embrace Him and follow His teachings. Chief among His lessons and commands is to “love one another”. The longer I live and the more I grow in love and understanding of Jesus – and cultivate my relationship with Him – the more convinced I become that God did not intend for a single person to burn in hell. God did not create any of us with the hope that we would turn from Him and willingly serve the devil. God never gives up on a single one of us…and we cannot do this with each other.

I heard someone say this morning that she grew up with two Christian tenets…”love one another”, and “do not judge”. God sent Jesus to teach us how to live and work in these principles…and to offer us Salvation and His perpetual love, care and guidance. Search your heart and see where you might be missing the mark – and/or judging others. Ask God to strengthen you as you walk in love and understanding…and to fill you with a new appreciation and respect for His gift of Jesus – offered to all people. This is the one thing on which we all need to agree.

Daily Devotional for February 25, 2021 – Being of one heart and mind,,,we are all in this together!

John 17:20-23
“I am not praying for these alone but also for the future believers who will come to me because of the testimony of these. My prayer for all of them is that they will be of one heart and mind, just as you and I are, Father—that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me.

“I have given them the glory you gave me—the glorious unity of being one, as we are — I in them and you in me, all being perfected into one—so that the world will know you sent me and will understand that you love them as much as you love me.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Like many people, I have spent a great deal of my life planning for the future. We ask children, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I wanted to be an architect and a ballerina! We plan for high school graduation, college or “adult” life, and “coming of age”. A lot of our life is centered on, “When such-and-such happens”…as in, when we are old enough to drive, marry, vote, and more. Many plan families, careers, vacations, and their retirement. While some “wing it”, I know plenty of relatively young people who have their entire life already designed in their minds – and they are working toward achieving these goals.

Surely there are a lot of folks who prayerfully make some – or all – of these plans. As a retiree, I reflect on how I got where I am and realize that I did a lot of praying along the way. Just as importantly, quite a few folks prayed for me as well. And that’s where this passage from John 17 comes into the mix. I have always prayed for children…my students, my nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. And this is no time to change course!

I ask God to not only bless and care for these youngsters now – in their childhood. I ask Him to bless the persons He has already chosen to be their spouses or life partners…their careers…their own children…and every aspect of their lives. In recent months, I have prayed that the world will be well for these children – and their children…that the planet will be healthy, there will be treatments and cures for diseases and maladies, and that we will figure out how to get along with each other and live in harmony.

God’s Kingdom is not finite. We are not the last generation…but what we do while we are on this earth serving as Christ’s disciples has everlasting ramifications. Too many people have developed tunnel vision (and I’m being kind)…or downright selfishness as their way of life. “When is it my turn? What’s in it for me?” have become questions by which many measure everything about their lives. We need to stop and recognize that God’s love and care is just as critical to the other guy as it is to us…that He wants the children of other people to thrive and enjoy success.

We need to understand that God wants all of us to live in harmony…that the peace, joy and well-being you seek for yourself and your loved ones is equally designed for everyone else. Our efforts to demonstrate the love of Christ for all people will have ramifications for decades and centuries…truly for all Eternity. We are called to love one another…to love others as Christ loves us…to treat all others as we wish to be treated. And whether we realize it or not, we are called to demonstrate these things for our children and future generations…and to pray that God blesses them – and multiplies our efforts. We still have a lot of work to do on this…and not a minute to waste! Pray for harmony, peace and healing…and do your part as Christ’s disciple to make it happen!

Daily Devotional for February 24, 2021 – Honoring Christ by serving with harmony and peace…and leaving a legacy of love and unity

John 17:11
Holy Father, I am no longer in the world. I am coming to you, but my followers are still in the world. So keep them safe by the power of the name that you have given me. Then they will be one with each other, just as you and I are one.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

I’ve been to enough estate sales to know that often, when someone dies, there are often no plans in place for dispensing with that person’s property and belongings. Too many times, I’ve seen family members haggle over a loved one’s personal items. I’ve become keenly aware that while some things have significance to you and me, they are often just “stuff” in the scheme of things – and not worth an argument.

I’ve also come to appreciate the critical importance of having a solid “plan”. For me, this is a Living Trust that spells out all of my wishes – including an attachment for dispersing my personal “treasures”. I do not want anyone squabbling over my dishes, books or jewelry when I am dead and gone! I also hope that my loved ones have a good idea of my wishes for them with regard to a happy, productive life. I hope they can say with confidence, “This is what she wanted for me.”

I want my “legacy” to be one of peace and harmony. I want my children to be safe and cared for well. I also want them to live and work with others in cooperation and agreement…with no resentment or ill will. I certainly don’t want to think that others would be arguing over my “stuff” and who gets what!

Jesus left specific instructions and directives for His disciples. And he asked God to keep them safe and guide their words and actions. He wants us to know where we stand as His redeemed believers…and to live and breathe in confidence that we are fulfilling His missions and ministries – and upholding His demonstration of peace, harmony, kindness, love, grace, mercy, compassion, inclusion, patience, generosity, and more. Jesus wants us to be one with each other, just as He and God are one.

We have “big shoes to fill”…but we can do it. We have the perfect road map in God’s word and the demonstrations of Jesus during His earthly ministry. And God stands ready, willing and more than able to equip us to fulfill Christ’s desires. We just have to step up and say, “I’m ready to serve.” Make this the day that you start to fulfill your obligations and live up to the blessings and glory of salvation in Jesus Christ. People are watching. Be sure you show them Jesus!

Daily Devotional for February 23, 2021 – No one left behind…calling on the Holy Spirit to fill each of us with His peace of mind and heart

John 14:25-27
“I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Comforter instead of me—and by the Comforter I mean the Holy Spirit—he will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

A friend once said to me, “Don’t ask what else can happen – we don’t want to know!” Indeed, it seems that every time we turn around, there is a new “crisis” – and in the midst of a pandemic, each challenge seems compounded. Another friend noted that our current situation reminds her of how long they had to endure the hardships of WWII…and “we made it through that.” She added that in many ways, this is a “war”, too.

I have to wonder…were people more attuned to the Holy Spirit during the 1940s? Were they more dependent on His guidance and care during the flu pandemic in 1918? History does seem to reflect that, on the whole, people pulled together more during those struggles. I can tell you that in my own life, I have experienced the power and peace of the Holy Spirit – and been sustained by His presence. This is not to say that I don’t have my moments of weakness, when fear and worry find a way into my heart and mind. I battle these weapons of the devil continually. But I have a bigger “arsenal” – more powerful artillery. I have the Comforter on my side.

I challenge you today to call on the Holy Spirit to fill you with peace of mind and heart. I encourage you to ask Him to remind you of everything Christ has told us…and to guide your words and actions. I am convinced that when we Believers come together to harness the power and peace of the Holy Spirit in our own lives, others will take notice and come along for the ride. On the field of combat, there is a motto…”no one left behind”. Let’s make this our motto as soldiers in Christ’s army. Let’s call on the Holy Spirit to fill us – and demonstrate His peace and presence in our daily living for the world to see and embrace. Let’s gather everyone together in the arms of our Comforter – and see how far He can take us!

Open your heart and mind to the presence and peace of the Holy Spirit. Make an extra effort to keep Him front and center in each thought, word and action – now and in every day to follow. “Come, Holy Spirit!”

Daily Devotional for February 22, 2021 – It’s time to flee the devil and come clean!

James 4:7-10
So give yourselves humbly to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. And when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and let your hearts be filled with God alone to make them pure and true to him. Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and sincere grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Then when you realize your worthlessness before the Lord, he will lift you up, encourage and help you.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

As much of the nation digs out from an epic winter storm, I’ve made several observations. Yesterday, Greg and I drove through town – my first trip out of our neighborhood in about three weeks. In certain areas (including our own street) there are still places where the pristine beauty of a perfect, deep snowfall remains untouched. Snow blankets the ground and lulls us into a false sense that all is quiet and peaceful.

But we drove past piles of snow and ice yesterday that were almost as tall as a building – where plows had bladed the icy goodness together with the mud and muck underneath – the resulting mounds were dirty and ugly. Regardless of your age, if you’ve been outside in the last week, you’ve likely tracked in some mud and debris on your shoes or boots. Now your house has a layer of “residual snowstorm” on it. Where a week ago we saw the beauty and purity of a fresh snow – we are now seeing the underbelly of the melt – and realizing that all was not necessarily as unspoiled as we allowed ourselves to think!

This is how we often behave as Christians. We are lulled into a false sense of peace and satisfaction by the devil. Like a gentle snowfall, sometimes our wrongdoings accumulate gradually. Sin creeps in, and we find ourselves “going with the flow”. We agree with friends who share off-color or disparaging remarks. We pass on the latest gossip. We judge others in all kinds of ways, based on everything from peer pressure to personal bias – to downright greed and selfishness. We can’t like someone who is happy in his/her life or relationship when we are miserable in some way. So THAT PERSON must be the reason for our unhappiness, and we set in to figure out why – race, sexual orientation, ethnic background, a different way of worshipping, economic “affluence”…you name it!

In other words, we allow the devil to tell us that nothing is our responsibility. We are perfectly fine under our imagined blanket of snow…and any “melting” that reveals our flaws must be someone else’s doing. We play right into the devil’s hand when we fool ourselves into justifying our own sins – and we are quite good at blaming others for them.

Since our children were toddlers, I have told them, “Whisper Jesus’ name, and the devil shrinks away.” They know without a doubt that when there is trouble, they can send the devil packing – and they do! It’s time for us to do the same thing. Now is the time to clean up the mess and regroup from the storm…to say to the devil…”Not today – not ever!” Now is the time to humbly recognize that under whatever façade we present to the world, we have likely been harboring the mud and muck of sin…and remove it once and for all.

Make this the week that you start to tidy up and get on track with God. Resist the devil and call on Jesus…and let the deep cleaning begin!

Daily Devotional for February 21, 2021 – It’s time to do our “job” as Christ’s disciples…and get along with others in the process!

James 3:13-18
Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish plotting. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.

Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

I’ve noted before that Greg and I really enjoy the program CBS Sunday Morning*. Today’s offering was especially good – with most segments showcasing harmony and goodwill in communities near and far. Among them was a story about a group in Virginia that is rescuing hundreds of tombstones belonging to African-American residents of Washington, D.C., that were discarded when graves were relocated to another cemetery some 60 years ago so that the land could be used for a train station. The markers were not moved…instead, they were sold for “scrap” and ended up on the banks of the Potomac River in Virginia as a landowner’s “riprap” to protect the shoreline. Now a group of Virginia citizens is digging out the markers and making efforts to restore and preserve them.

Another was of a pastor in Baltimore who has gone to great lengths to encourage his parishioners and area residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine, while also helping them stay fed during these difficult economic times in our country. Then there was the story of a man who referred to himself as “Mostly Harmless” that hiked the Appalachian Trail from New York to Florida, where he was found dead in his tent. Hikers across the nation collaborated efforts, information – and money – to figure out this man’s real identity – and notify his family and friends.

One of the most heartwarming stories was about Robert Peters, a delivery man for the last 31 years for Pizza Hut in Tipton, Indiana. Peters noted that while some in his family felt he should get a more financially stable job… “It is my purpose in life – making people happy. When you deliver to somebody, you may be the only face they see all day.” And Peters’ customers took notice of his kindness and exemplary service! They collected over $19,000 and gave him the biggest “tip” of his life – a new car, complete with insurance and gas money. The reporter ended this segment by saying that Robert Peters understands that “the only job you know can make the world a better place – is yours.”

You and I have a “job” to do – directed and ordained by Christ Jesus. Maybe we are called to something as seemingly insignificant as being the kindest, most honest and generous pizza delivery person, clerk, waitperson (you fill in the blanks) that we can be. Or perhaps Jesus has put a project in your path, like the tombstone rescue in Virginia – or finding the true identity of a stranger. MAYBE, Christ is calling you to be the best spouse, parent, grandparent, friend, relative or neighbor you can be. And I am quite sure that He intends us to be the best disciples possible…to serve as His hands and feet, wherever and whenever He gives us an assignment.

I have a former student who is battling COVID-19 right now. He is an airline attendant who noted that he flew almost a complete year with some potential exposures to the virus, but not one positive test…until 10 days ago. He worked 3 days with another attendant who refused to wear her mask properly…and she was infected with the virus at the time. My student noted that obviously, masks worn correctly work. This is a simple job that we can all do, humbly, quietly, without fanfare – but with great demonstration of care and concern for those in our midst. And there are other equally critical “jobs” placed before us each day.

The program we watched today reminded us over and again of how important every person is…and how vital it is that you and I reach out to them in ways great and small – with determination, faithful obedience to Christ Jesus, and a humble, loving attitude. Christ is counting on us to offer dignity and honor to His children as we go about our day. In the words of Robert Peters, this truly is our purpose in life as earthly servants of Jesus. Look around…see the needs…and do your “job”. Christ is counting on you! Remember the words of these verses…“it’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts.”

*CBS Sunday Morning

Daily Devotional for February 20, 2020 – Entertaining angels…and sharing brotherly love in Jesus’ name

Hebrews 13:1-2
Continue to love each other with true brotherly love. Don’t forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The South is digging out from an epic February snowstorm. In my community, people have come to the forefront to offer rides, plow parking lots and driveways, and lend other assistance. While some are charging for their professional services, there have been plenty of situations where help was delivered “free of charge”. I have been reminded of childhood snowstorms when my dad would use his trusty ’57 Chevy pickup to help whoever was in need. Some paid cash for this assistance, but I bet a lot only offered a “thank-you” and “hearty handshake” of gratitude. Still, the aid was rendered.

We’ve all seen the news reports of people who are literally without power, water, heat – and even homes. Some have quite literally frozen to death. Perhaps you have felt a little helpless to assist them. But there are ways we can help. We conserved electricity for several days at the request of our electric cooperative. Some utilities are still calling on customers to curtail usage wherever possible until temperatures warm for a few consecutive days. Others have made donations to agencies such as the American Red Cross and United Way. Where possible, some have handed out food and water to those in need.

Icy roads and COVID-19 have made physical assistance more challenging this week, but everyone of us can pray for others. We can share posts on Facebook to advertise specific needs…or a missing pet. We can offer recommendations based on our own experience. I can’t tell you how many people have come to the aid of those posting questions about how to safely address frozen water pipes…or to offer the name and phone number of a plumber, mechanic, or road clearing service. This is a time when social media presents an opportunity to shine and serve as a tool for lending help to strangers.

Too often, we retreat into our own little world and declare, “There is nothing I can do here.” There is almost always something you and I can do as Christ’s disciples to serve as His hands and feet. Generally, this comes down to shifting our focus from our own immediate needs and interests – and looking up and out at our surroundings. There are needs all around us that we can meet. Opportunities to serve abound at every turn. There are people who need our help – friends, family, and even rank strangers!

Jesus has told us that what we do (or don’t do) for others, we are doing (or not doing) for Him. Ask yourself today where – and how – you can serve Christ by serving others. If we all pull together, amazing things can happen. People are watching, and when they see us join forces to create good, they will see Jesus’ love and care in action…and so will we! It’s time to get busy serving – and “entertaining angels”…and this is the perfect day to begin!

Daily Devotional for February 19, 2021 – We’re all in this together…are you doing your part?

Hebrews 12:14-17
Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

The sun is shining in our neighborhood today, and we are hoping that the great thaw of this epic winter storm will begin in earnest. For several days, we have experienced sub-freezing temperatures…and many hours in the teens and single digits. The utility companies have asked citizens to conserve power, particularly during certain hours of the day when demand was highest. We have been asked to turn down thermostats…refrain from running washing machines, dishwasher and clothes dryers…and even to take fewer showers. We have tried to do all of these things…and thankfully, we have not been faced with a “rolling power outage”.

My friends and loved ones who live in Texas are not as fortunate. Some have been with out power in the frigid snowstorm for more than 36 hours. Many are boiling water – and thankful to have water to boil, as this is not the case for a lot of Texans. One woman interviewed by a national news reporter said the dilemma was whether to stay home and freeze to death – or try to go to a warm place and risk exposure to COVID-19. While countless families in our neck of the woods have enjoyed several days of snow sledding and winter fun, our “neighbors” have suffered – and even lost lives, homes and livelihoods. When I think of this, I am ashamed that I even felt a minute of inconvenience as I put on a jacket indoors – or boiled some water on our gas range to heat my dish water.

If you read Genesis 25, you will see that Esau traded his “birthright” for a bowl of stew…an action that he greatly regretted afterward. We all say and do things in the heat of the moment that we regret later. But for some, this becomes a pattern, and soon the “regret” gives way to the “reward” of satisfying selfish desires and our own greed. So instead of feeling guilty for price gouging during a pandemic or winter storm, we say, “It’s free enterprise!” We “justify” taking care of our own family and keeping them happy over tending to the genuine needs of our neighbors who are hurting. We keep our thermostats high and all the lights on, with no regard for the other guy.

Someone posted a plea on Facebook for help with her rent. This person said she is on government assistance – and already over-drafted – and her rent is due the end of this month. I cannot tell you how many people commented and suggested she find odd jobs to do…even shovel snow-covered driveways for a few bucks. Never mind that she stated she receives a disability income. And I will be honest…I don’t know her situation – or whether her need is genuine. But one of my friends commented and asked for the name of this woman’s landlord – and the amount of the rent. She didn’t question the circumstances or berate this person. She just stepped up to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

I share this to say that we’re all weary. As one politician put it, “It has indeed been a long year.” But this is not the time to bury our heads in the sand or take off for a warm beach somewhere – literally or figuratively. This is the time to pull together and help one another, in word and deed…to love one another as God directs…and to do all we can to get along. At the very least, pray for those still in harm’s way – and those who are still battling COVID-19. Ask God to show you how and where to minister to others, according to His perfect plans. Put on a sweater, turn down your heat, and do your part. We’re all in this together. Now is the time to act like it!

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