In this space, I am sharing devotions written by our dear Barbara Meade.
Barbara grew up a Quaker and is a regular attendee at Spiceland Friends Church. Her faith and Quaker roots go deep as her uncle was a Quaker pastor, evangelist, and artist. Barb's writings about her many life experiences reveal her faith in Christ and highlight the memories of a great family, her years in the banking industry, and her time as a local small business owner. Barb's desire is to serve those around her through her encouraging devotionals and writings from her life. Barb has recognized that our relationship with Christ grows throughout our lives, both in good times and through life's challenges.
July 3, 2023
Our Country's Birthday
This week we celebrate our Country's birthday. God has been so good to us; our freedoms are many. Those freedoms weren’t just given to us; many have died for them.
Our country was founded in our faith and our dear Lord. “In God, We Trust” first appeared on the two-cent piece in 1894. In July 1955, President Dwight Eisenhower passed a resolution requiring “In God, We Trust” to be on all American currency. The word God is mentioned at least once in each of the 50 state constitutions.
The right to worship, choose our faith, and live in our faith is our greatest blessing. Never take that for granted.
As Christians, we must pray daily that we have the right to stand on the promises of God publicly.
Ephesians 6:11-16 advises us on how to stand firm with the Lord. Verse 11, Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the devil's wiles.
The devil wants our morals, values, and faith gone! Let’s put on that armor and stand firm.
GOD BLESS AMERICA,
Amen
July 13, 2023
Time and Purpose
As an elderly woman, I ask myself, “Did I do all I can do in the time I’ve been given”? Of course, we know our time & God’s time aren’t the same.
It’s not how much time that is important; it’s what we do with it that counts.
God told us how to live in his scripture and word. Our Bible tells us exactly. His 10 commandments gave us his law, the rules of life.
I look out across a cemetery, and the lives are from a few days or hours to over 100 years. Each one was as important as the other. God gave each of us a purpose.
Proverbs 16:9 “Humans plan their course in their hearts, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Amen
July 19, 2023
His Blessing of Music
Music stirs every emotion God has given us. Those that have music in their soul have been given a special gift. It touches all living things. When music is played, our puppy dogs just have to sing. Yes, in the day, the radio was left on in the barn to soothe the cows.
We mustn’t forget those writers. God gives them those words, the words that touch our hearts. God talks to us in so many ways. When our gifts are put to God’s purpose, great things happen. Pray each day to be used by the Lord.
The word sing appears in the scripture over 400 times. The Bible mentions many uses of music, songs of praise, songs of victory, songs of mourning, and above all, the Psalms. The Holy Spirit moves within you through song.
Ephesians 5:11 Sing and make melody to the Lord with your heart.
Amen
July 26, 2023
Keep it Simple
Why analyzing and overthinking a problem often doesn’t answer it. God gave us the wisdom to think things through. More importantly, he gave us prayer. Through prayer, we are talking to the one with all the answers.
As a human, we complicate things. First and foremost, go to God in prayer. Ask him to give you the direction and wisdom you need.
Now the hard part is patience.
Psalm 116: 6 The Lord preserves the simple when I was brought low, he saved me.
Psalm 46: 1, 2 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
John 14: 27 I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart, so don’t be troubled or afraid.
Remember the Serenity prayer; change what you can, except what you can’t, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Amen
Eric is our associate pastor, working with outreach and youth ministry as well as adult discipleship and growth. Eric retired from a 28-year career in public education as a high school band director in 2019 and is now living his lifelong dream as a pastor. Eric and his wife, Diana, continue to live in Henry County where they have been lifetime residents. They "raised" three children and are now making their best attempt at "raising" themselves.