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.
March 21, 2023
Love of Family
A powerful thing. It’s the glue that holds a family together. No one, no family is perfect. All have their problems.
The family unit is as unique as each individual. No one chooses their family except the Lord.
A family with God in their lives will stand all that life brings. They say a family that prays together stays together. I believe this.
Hebrews 10: 24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.
1Peter4: 8-11 Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins.
Ephesians 4:2-3 Be completely humble and gentle: be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Galatians 6-2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
These scriptures apply to all. We are not only family by blood and marriage but also God’s family, his children.
Amen
March 27, 2023
Broken
This is a Humpty Dumpty world. It seems it's in a million pieces. There are wars and rumors of war. The Bible told us this would come.
Our children are being exposed to evil, as I've never seen. Addictions of all sorts are invading lives. Locking our doors and being aware of our surroundings — crime has left nowhere untouched.
Now for the good news: there is an answer. God can put Humpty Dumpty together again. He's the only one.
Man's choices have gotten us where we are. Faith allows us to live in hope, not fear. Everything about life changes. but one thing is God's word.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know my plans for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalms 32:8 I will instruct you how you should go: I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Meditate on these verses and be encouraged.
Amen
April 5, 2023
All my devotions are my life experiences; God has been with me every step since I was a wee little girl, and realizing that is a blessing. This devotion is a blessing found in hard times.
April the 3rd, 1974!! A day so many of us will never forget. What a testimony to our dear Lord!! I know some will say, "How can you say that? You lost everything on your farm and all your belongings." That's true, but he saved our lives, the most important of all, my family and neighbors! He prepared us for that day and even gave the children in that school a rehearsal the day before. He gave my mind a lasting memory of our home and the town as I drove through it that morning to work. I noticed everything that morning, things I never took the time to notice before. He kept Donna home from school that day as she was to save her father's life, without her being there, I wouldn't have had enough left of him to bury. He equipped us with the strength and faith to dig our way back "No easy task"; I count my blessings.
James 1 says; Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or dread them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.
Psalm 55; 22 Cast your burdens on the Lord, and he will sustain you and never permit the righteous to be moved.
He's telling us we don't have to go it alone. I know from experience our trust and faith in God will get us through everything.
Amen
April 11, 2023
Power of Words
Something we don’t give enough thought to. The right or wrong words can break a heart or bring joy.
I was always told, “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything.” I read another statement, “Be kind or be silent.” All easier said than done; emotions get in the way.
That’s when a little prayer helps: “Lord help me handle this situation” and gives me the power to be silent.
Proverbs 12:6 The power to use words is a unique and powerful gift from God; our words have the power to destroy and the power to build up.
Matthew 12:34 The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Matthew 12:37 For by my words will be justified and your words you will be condemned.
Acts 7:22 Moses was educated in all the learnings of the Egyptians and he was a man of power in words and deeds.
Amen
April 20, 2023
Our Changing World
It is changing so fast. Sometimes the more things change, the more they stay the same. In my 81 years, it’s unbelievable. There have always been problems and turmoil. We relate our world today with the Lord’s return, and yes, those fulfillments are happening.
We worry about our children and what they will have to endure. We must remember the children of the Bible. The Lord puts us here in His timing to do what we are here for. He knew Daniel could handle the Lion’s Den and David, Goliath. It’s all God’s plan. It is our job to prepare our children, to teach them God’s love and strength. Teach them to pray and always have faith.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all ways, acknowledge Him and He will make straight your path.
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.