For Such A Time as This September 8, 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.
 
Thank You: 
To all who call others to check in on them and 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 – Romans 8:14
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
 
Thoughts
What does it mean to be led by the Spirit? What does it mean to be a child of God?
 
When our children were young and were trying to make decisions or navigate situations, I would encourage them to follow their instincts. I would tell them to listen for the still small voice, for that was the voice of God guiding them. I still believe that. I truly believe that God speaks to us in times of need – if we are able to listen.
 
Someone recently asked me what Spirit felt like to me. Interestingly, I realized that I have very distinct impressions of concepts of Father, Spirit, and Son. My sense of spirit is akin to the feeling of meeting your newborn in those first few moments. It’s an almost overwhelming joy. At times, I sense that as a physical response – any tightness in my chest dissipates and I can feel my heartbeat. I feel as if a weight is being lifted from my shoulders.
 
So, if to be led by the spirit feels freeing and joyful, what does it feel like to be a child of God? Can we take that joy and combine it with the security we might feel in the protective embrace of a loved one? To me, that is that it feels like to be a child of God.
 
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to hear your still small voice. Give us the sensation of your loving, comforting presence as we navigate trying times. And please show us how to share with others what it can mean to be a child of yours.
 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

For Such A Time as This – June 30, 2021 – Bobbi Dykema

-
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 Pastor Bill that week by Thursday evening.   The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference begins with worship this evening, continues with morning and afternoon business sessions and evening worship services on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and concludes with worship on Sunday morning.   This conference is virtual.   All of these events and more are available through the Church of the Brethren and Church of the Brethren Annual Conference websites.   Our delegates, participating in the conference from their homes and/or offices are John Grace, Cheryl Guerrisi and me.   The primary actionable business item is the discussion and vote on the Compelling Vision statement.   Please hold our conference
Read more

For Such A Time As This 042120 – Judd Mellinger Blouch

-
To the Good Folk of the Palmyra Church of the Brethren,  Did you know that our leaders, teams and staff are continuing to meet, even though we can’t get together physically?  The ministries and business of our church are being handled through phone calls, conference calls, mail, emails, video meetings, various social media, etc. Occasionally, a few must gather to record the various pieces of our services, while observing safety protocols. Tonight, our Board will meet via ZOOM technology. Please hold our leaders, and our congregation, in prayer as we continue to discern, imagine, plan, care and serve together.  A Little Humor  Recently the Trotwood Church of the Brethren in Ohio observed their annual “Holy Humor Sunday.”  Here are a few of my favorites from their “Together in Quarantine” list.  This morning I saw a neighbor talking to her cat.  It was obvious she thought her cat understood her.  I came into the house and told my dog......we laughed a lot.  I need to practice social dist
Read more

For Such A Time As This 051820 – Mary And Andy Cantrell

-
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: Millie Rein, who suffered a major stroke on Thursday.  She is a patient at GSH.  Prayers are requested for rest and peace.    Congratulations to Don Martin! Dr. Donald Martin, a faculty member at Penn State College of Medicine for 35 years and an anesthesiologist from Lebanon County, was named the 2020 recipient of the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s (PAMED) Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Martin is now professor emeritus in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. The Distinguished Service Award is considered PAMED’s highest honor. “Dr. Martin has been a notable author, educator and advocate for physicians and patients over a distinguished
Read more