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.
August 2, 2023
Scripture is Powerful
Reading the Bible daily is a blessing and privilege. Not only does it restore one’s soul, but leads to answers.
During our worst days when life is in turmoil, I have picked up my Bible and asked the Lord to point me in the right direction. Open it, go to a verse, just ask for his direction, and let him lead you.
Always, I find it applies to my problem, and sometimes it is, without a doubt, the answer.
The closer we become to God, the closer he becomes to us. Our hearts change as we learn to understand his word.
Hebrews 4:12 for the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than a two-edged sword.
Psalm 119: 105
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
Amen
August 9, 2023
Living For Jesus
The Lord protected me when I made bad decisions; he guided me when I made the right ones. Now I’m following his direction.
Ben Franklin said, “Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.” The upside is that we wouldn’t be who or where we are without good or bad decisions. God wanted us fulfilling his plan.
Jeremiah 29: 11-13 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declared the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Then you will call on me, come and pray to me, and I will listen. You will seek me with all your heart.
Proverbs 16: 9 A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
Living for Jesus means living the 10 commandments and the Golden Rule.
Amen
August 16, 2023
Growing Old
Today I turned 82.
Benjamin Franklin said, Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late. We also often think, “If I only knew then what I know now”! I can relate to both. We can only take life a day at a time, from the beginning to the end, and I can only speak for myself.
The Lord was always with me, and his blessings were many. Each day we make our own choices, some good, some bad. It isn’t until we’ve lived through those times and hopefully have learned from them we get a little wiser.
The Bible is our foundation. It’s what we grow and develop on. That is what sees us through. All life’s answers are there. Also, how to appreciate and share the good times and the bad.
Scripture tells us old age is one of God’s gifts. Solomon wrote, “The glory of the young is their strength: the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old. Every day is a gift from God.
Isaiah 46:4 “And I will still be caring for you when you grow old. Your hair will turn gray, and I will still care for you. I made you, and I will carry you to safety.
Psalms 73:26 My flesh and heart may fail, but God is my heart's strength and portion forever.
Amen
August 22, 2023
How Can I Be More Like Jesus?
First, we must remember Christ loved all people, even those that hated him.
God sent him to live among us; he was the only perfect one. He taught us by example. To be more like him, we must follow him.
Once we put Christ in our hearts, we become more like him. He taught us to love, he taught us to forgive, and he showed us humility. He taught us the need for knowledge, in all forms, to study his word, attend church, and school yourself.
Every time we are faced with a problem or decision, we ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” I think with God in your heart; you’ll be given the answer.
1 John 2-6: Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
Ephesians 5: 1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
John 14: 15 if you love me, you will keep my commandments.
Amen
August 31, 2023
Wind, Fire, and Water
All are essential to life, but each can be total destruction. Let’s see what the Bible says about it.
WIND: Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
John 3:8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes and where it goes; and so is everyone born of the spirit.
John 20:22 And when he had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, receive the Holy Spirit.
FIRE: Exodus 3:2 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire and out of the midst a bush. And he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
Fire is used to define God’s Holiness, where God gave Moses the 10 commandments.
All these refer to fire and hell:
Revelations 14:11, 20:10, 19:20, 20:13-15, 14:9-11
Matthew 10:28, 5:20, 23:33
James 8:6
WATER: Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you, when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze.
Our lives consist of storms. We are blown away, covered in water, fires consume everything, and we come through these things by faith; he gives us strength, I personally know this to be true.
God’s power is incredible. He created all things, and he can take them, only he knows the purpose. He created Heaven for us, and Jesus gave us everlasting life through his son.
All he asks us to do is accept him as our Savior, ask him to forgive us our sins, let him into our hearts and serve him daily.
Amen
September 7, 2023
Making Decisions and Choices
Decisions and choices begin as children. It’s so important to teach our children how to make good choices.
It begins with instilling love in their hearts. The world has become too self-centered. People have become numb to sin. The devil's plan, and he works hard at it.
We forget we are our brother’s keeper. With others in mind and love in our heart, our Lord gives us the ability, the wisdom to make better decisions and choices.
Go to the Lord every day in prayer, talk to him, he’s the best friend you will ever have.
Proverbs 4: 5 Get wisdom, get understanding, do not forget my words or turn away from them.
Psalm 25:4 Show me your way Lord teach me your path.
Amen
September 13, 2023
The Family Table
When I grew up, this was the most important place in the house. The gathering spot. We learned about one another’s day. We talked about what had happened that day.
The table saw a lot of laughter and its share of tears. We gave our advice and opinions coming from those who loved us.
Sunday dinners were at Grandma’s or a family member's. Again, we gathered around the table, laughed, told stories, encouraged one another, and left with memories.
So many of today’s problems could be solved “around the family table” if we brought back those priorities.
2 Corinthians 6:18 God told us, I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters to me.
Gathering together gives us a sense of belonging. It gives you confidence and people you can lean on. Without it comes a family breakdown.
Hebrews 10: 24-25 Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another.
Amen
September 20, 2023
What A Friend
This assignment from God has taught me so much. It amazes me! Regardless of the emotion, pain, or problem. I’m talking about every encounter in life; the answer is in the Bible. There is a scripture with the answer.
We can read about these answers and talk to the author, the best friend you will ever have. He keeps your secrets and forgives your sins.
My favorite hymn is “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” The verse goes on “oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer”.
1 Thessalonians 5; 16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you.
Amen
September 27, 2023
Seeing God's Presence
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path.”
The one place to find strength is in the Bible. The most important thing to do is pray. Read the word, study, and share with others, attend your church. Learn to open your heart and mind. The more you learn, the closer you become to God, become Godly in your ways. He is always with you.
Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
From my personal experience, I know we must give things time. It’s then we realize God was with us all along.
Psalm 118: 8 “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust man.”
Psalm 56 3 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
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.