Pastor’s Blog
Daily Devotion Nov. 10, 2023
Today’s Theme: A freedom for which I am grateful
“Christ has set us free for freedom. Therefore, stand firm and don’t submit to the bondage of slavery again” (Galatians 5:1, CEB).
Four decades ago, I traveled by bus from Fort Dix, New Jersey to my next duty station at Fort Devins, Massachusetts. Interstate Ninety-five passes within a short distance of Liberty State Park from which the Statue of Liberty can be seen. I had dreamed of seeing Lady Liberty since I was a boy.
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Daily Devotion Nov. 9, 2023
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, ESV).
On August 31, 2002, Phil Brabbs lined up for the most important field goal of his life. The Michigan Wolverines trailed the Washington Huskies 29-28 with five seconds left on the clock. Earlier in the game, Brabbs was booed by the home crowd for missing three field goals.
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Daily Devotion Nov. 8, 2023
“No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24, NRSV).
My family recently experienced a significant loss. Belle was my grand dog. She was a beautiful, thirteen-year-old pug who carried the nickname of princess. Belle crossed the rainbow bridge last week at the age of thirteen. She made everyone she met feel special. I am grateful for her presence in my life.
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Daily Devotion Nov 7, 2023
“ Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, NIV).
Last week many of us lost a friend. Matthew Perry died tragically from drowning. Perry played the beloved character, Chandler Bing, in the 1990’s sitcom, Friends. Chandler’s quirky personality and wry sense of humor endeared him millions of television viewers.
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Daily Devotion Nov 3, 2023
“I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints” (Philemon 1:7, ESV).
I recently received a letter of appreciation from a person I don’t know well. Apparently, this person witnessed an act of kindness I had performed for a stranger. The acquaintance took note of my actions and subsequently followed suit.
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Daily Devotion Nov. 2, 2023
“Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things…” (Psalm 98:1, NIV).
November has been designated as a month of gratitude for the church I serve. Each day will focus on a particular theme of gratitude. (Please see the calendar below for a complete listing.)
Today’s theme centers on a song for which we are most grateful. Recently, I have had J. J. Heller’s song, Things I’m Grateful For on my mind. In part, the lyrics rejoice in the lesser recognized blessings God gives us each day:
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