Posts with the tag “devotions”

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Another music focused devotion for your weekend, from Anthony Spain:In 1994 the struggling record label Angel records released a CD of chant by the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos. The CD called “Chant,” to the surprise of all, took off and went double platinum in America and sold millions worldwide and the monks to their surprise became overnight celebrities. Even in retrospect, it is...  Read More

“The only opportunity you will ever have to live by faith is in the circumstances you are provided this very day: this house you live in, this family you find yourself in, this job you have been given, the weather conditions that prevail at the ...moment.”― Eugene Peterson Scott Minaglia sent these pictures to the rest of the staff this week to show us the blossoms emerging on the tree at the entr...  Read More

I walk everywhere in the city. Any city. You see everything you need to see in a lifetime. Every emotion. Every condition. Every fashion. Every glory. —Maira KalmanToday – another short devotional video, this one inviting us to walk and pray (and featuring a special guest...)I heard from a friend in Paris that they are now limited to walks within 1 square kilometer of their homes! Out walking toda...  Read More

Today's devotional is a link to a video devotional on Spiritual Practices during COVID-19 that UPC filmed for our congregations.PS - Spoiler alert - I've been listening to the Lord of the Rings as I work on puzzles in the evening these days. Half way through the Return of the King!May God give us grace to live the story of Jesus' kingdom in this age,Laurie...  Read More

Today's devotion is written by Stacy Kutz, who sent it to our High School and College Students and shares it today with all of us:March Madness: CancelledDisneyland: ClosedClasses: Online or cancelledTravel to Overseas: SuspendedWorship: LivestreamedCancelled. Closed. Online. Suspended. Livestreamed. Is anyone else tired of hearing these words?It’s inevitable that you are a victim of cancelled eve...  Read More

Satan dreads nothing but prayer.His one concern is to keep the saints from praying.He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion.He laughs at our toil, he mocks our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.– Samuel ChadwickNow we really are in the teeth of Lent – the fifth week. The fifth week of Lent, following on the week of Joy, is a classic let down. It’s like that...  Read More

"The most valuable thing the Psalms do for meis to express the same delight in Godwhich made David dance."                                                      – CS Lewis It is Saturday, and that means music... Prayers, affirmations of faith and Scriptures set to music reach a unique place in our souls, extending us toward God – the source of our joy. I shared one encouraging music link the other...  Read More

Happiness depends on happenings;joy depends on Christ.  I was filled with joy by images of some of our oldest and youngest members this week (photos below). Three are of Bill and Lois Batts. In a Facebook post the staff at the Kenney reported that they "are making the most of these times with a little creativity. Although they live in different buildings and cannot visit each other hand-in-hand, t...  Read More

Joy is that deep settled confidencethat God is in control of every area of my life.                                                                    – Paul Sailhamer This morning’s reflection is so simple, so central, and impossible without God’s grace.Forgiveness is the essential ingredient to joy. Not “an” essential element – “the” essential ingredient. Resentment or shame are joy killers.Rem...  Read More

If it seems a childish thing to do,do it in remembrance that you are a child.                                                  – Frederick Buechner There is a saying in theater – never share the stage with children or animals. On Sunday Ben, who sings in the choir and also has a goldendoodle, shared a video of his dog running with full enthusiasm up the stairs and hallways of his apartment buildin...  Read More

When was the last time you laughed for the sheer joy of your salvation?People are not attracted to somber doctrines.There is no persuasive power in a gloomy and morbid religion.Let the world see your joy and you won't be able to keep them away.To be filled with God is to be filled with joy.                                                                                       – Anonymous I’m not su...  Read More

Where others see but the dawn coming over the hill, I see the soul of God shouting for joy.—William Blake The fourth Sunday in Lent is my favorite. It is Laetare Sunday. Laetare means "Rejoice" in Latin. In Catholic tradition, the short chant that is sung prior to the Eucharist on the 4th Sunday is from  Isaiah 66:10-11, which begins Laetare, Jerusalem, which means "Rejoice, O Jerusalem." The pass...  Read More