For Such A Time as This – September 29, 2020 – Sandi Smith

 To the Good Folk of the Palmyra Church of the Brethren,
 
Joys and Concerns
If you have a joy or concern you would like us to share and pray about, please call, text, or email it to me.  If you would like it included in our Sunday Worship sharing and prayer time, please share it with me that week by Friday morning. 
 

• Prayers for Deb Lohrer, who is having hip replacement surgery tomorrow morning.
• Continued prayers for Ben Long following brain surgery last week to remove a tumor.It will take a couple of weeks for the pathology report to be completed and a follow up plan to be determined.Ben and his wife Sarah live in California.He is the son of Lori and Tim Long.
• Prayers for Ron “Pickle” Hepner, and family.Ron has entered Hospice Care, declining further treatment for metastasized prostate and liver cancers.Ron is Angie Gottshall Hepner’s father-in-law.Ron’s son and Angie’s husband is Brian Hepner.

 
Thank You:
To all who call others to check in on them and to share our emails and devotions.
 
Today’s Devotion:
I am thankful to Sandi Smith for providing today’s devotion.  If you wish to respond to Sandi directly, her email address is tomandsandi@sandisbreads.com.  
 
Shalom,
Dennis
 
Scripture – Hebrews 4:15-16
Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
 
Reflection
God understands! Through Jesus’ experiences, he relates to us. Knowing that He understands us so intimately gives us the courage to approach Him. How beautiful! How awesome it is to feel both understood and welcomed at His throne of grace. Despite our shortcomings and sin, He welcomes us. Not only that, He gives freely of his mercy. And He does all this when we need it most.
 
This time of year – during the Jewish High Holy days of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur – is a traditional time for Jews to review how the year has gone and reflect on our own behavior. Have we stood up for what we know is right? Have we acted honorably? Have we treated others with the respect they deserve?
 
It is against this backdrop that I view this verse. Once we have made any necessary amends with people, we are free to approach God on His throne. We ask Him for mercy that, in spite of our sins, we might be written into the Book of Life for the coming year.
 
As I return to re-read the verse, I am struck again at how, during this time - this time of the Jewish Days of Awe, COVID, spotted lantern flies, uncontrolled wildfires, massive hurricanes, political upset, societal anguish over police killings, and so many other issues – God not only allows us to approach Him, but encourages us to do so in order that we will receive the comfort of His mercy and grace.
 
This is the beauty of our faith – that even in light of our struggles we have a God who understands us. This is what gives me hope and brings peace to my heart.
 
Prayer
God of mercy and grace, hear our prayers of thanksgiving. We are so grateful to be understood and loved. We pray you will write us into the Book of Life for the coming year and that we may live lives filled with your presence.