For Such A Time As This 042220 – Dino Faiola

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To the Good Folk of the Palmyra Church of the Brethren, 

It’s been a quiet week so far, or maybe it just seems that way now that the extras of the Easter season are past.  And perhaps, we are settling in to some of the “new” ways, so far, of doing things. I’ve had a chance this week to do some planning of our May worship and sermon themes.  We can look forward to worship services and sermons that will remind, challenge and inspire us as people of faith living in today’s uncertain world.  This coming Sunday, we finish the “Guided by Women” series. I will be preaching on Junia.  Junia appears in only one verse in scripture, and depending on the date of your Bible, maybe not even there. So, what happened to Junia? We’ll see… 

I shared yesterday that our Board would be meeting last night. Each Board meeting starts with a devotion, with Board members each taking a turn at different meetings.  Last night Dino Faiola, our Properties Team Chair led our devotion.  I asked him to email it to me so that I could share it with the whole congregation. 

Today’s Devotion: 

So, I am thankful to Dino Faiola for providing today’s devotion. His words not only spoke to us last night, but speak to us all today.  If you would like to respond to Dino directly, his email address is dafaiola@comcast.net.  

Thank You:   

To all who call others to check in on them and share our emails and devotions. 

Shalom, 

Dennis 

Scripture – Philippians 4:5b (4-9) 

The Lord is near. 

Thoughts: 

It is very easy to get discouraged during these times of pandemic-imposed isolation and uncertainty about the future. Protests in the streets, both by those who want to end isolation and healthcare workers who need us to continue, demonstrate the restlessness and desperation folks feel as the “stay-at-home” policies continue. We don’t know what tomorrow will look like. We know that after 9-11, travel completely changed. What will happen now? We are left with lots of questions but very few answers – or are we? 

Remember Paul. Remember Paul faced illness, imprisonment, and execution while steadfastly proclaiming that God is with us. What shall we do in these times of trouble? Paul answers in Philippians Chapter Four, verses 4 thru 9 with: 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. 

In the midst of all the craziness, that’s what Lori and I have been trying to do: find the good – and there has been a lot to find. From stories on the news of people helping one another, to our neighbors who remember us with a friendly wave, to the continuation of our worship services (virtual for now), and the addition of the daily devotions, we continue to be blessed. We are blessed with assurances, a natural world filled with lots that is “worthy of praise,” and all of you who continue to “Rejoice in the Lord” and “keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen.” It is through all of us that our community will continue to see “the God of peace” and recognize that “the Lord is near.” 

As we prepare for this evening’s meeting, let’s keep in mind that “The Lord is near” and has prepared us even for such a time as this. 

Prayer: 

God of Peace, Tonight. we rejoice in the blessings all around us. We thank you for staying near to us in this time of uncertainty. We ask that you guide us in our work tonight and in the coming weeks. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

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