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I have an odd, and yet very true story to share with you.

Years ago, while doing deliveries for a print shop, I pulled up to a bank building to make a delivery to a business that was in the office building above the bank. There were 2 shady characters by the door (not unusual for the 30^th and Euclid avenue area) so I waited for the right moment to get out of the car and go into the lobby of the building. The lobby was glass windows facing the bank and elevators on the other wall. I went up, made the delivery, got back on the elevator and proceeded down to the lobby. When the doors opened, I stepped out, facing the windows to the bank. I will never forget what I saw. The 2 men that I bypassed on the street earlier were in the bank, playing Bonnie and Clyde…or Butch and Sundance! They had guns out and everyone had their hands in the air. Well, I proceeded out toward my car…as they ran pass me and escaped with the money…and police arrived within seconds. We all gave our eyewitness accounts (by the way, they were all different…that will be another devotion I will write). When I got back to the shop, I shared the story with a co-worker named Jack.

The next day Jack decided to play a joke on me. When I can back from that day’s deliveries, Jack met me at the door and said 2 guys came asking about who I was. I asked Jack “who were they, did they leave their names?” , he said “I don’t know, they just wanted to know who the guy driving the delivery car yesterday was”. I was in fear for my life that the robbers were looking for me…because I was a witness to what they did. Well this went on for a few days until he broke down laughing and owned up to it just being a prank. I can still hear Jack say, “you white guys are so gullible!” It’s a story that will be part of my life forever.

So…how does that story impact you? Well…you are a witness to the Love of the Lord and all He has done for you. You have a story to tell about your relationship with Jesus! Your story does not include armed bank robbery (at least I hope not) …. but you have facts to share…your story does include:

• The fact is that…. God hand made you.
• The fact is that… (For most of you) God adopted you into His family through baptism. (If baptism is not part of your story, let me know)
• The fact is that…Even though you are a child of God you are still sinful…you miss the mark…let God down.
• The fact is that…Sin separates you from God…its wages are death.
• The fact is that…. God still loves you. (in spite of your flaws)
• The fact is that…On Good Friday Jesus paid the price for your sins. On Easter He rose and so will you!
• The fact is that…YOU HAVE ETERNAL LIFE through faith in what Jesus did for YOU!
• The fact is that…You are an eyewitness to the fact that all can be saved through faith. It is the main story that all of your other life’s stories are founded upon!

The fact is that just like the bank robbers, many others do not want you to share or witness to the fact that Jesus is your Savior. It upsets their plans, their motives, their worldview…and unfortunately their eternal destiny.

So, what will you do? Go into hiding, witness protection, change your identity, keep quiet? (I hope not) Or will you be a witness for the Lord and share the Good News with everyone?

Who can you share the Love of the Lord with? How will you do it? Will you use words or actions? What random acts of kindness can you do to God’s Glory? Who can you call, text, email, send a card to? Who can you pray for? The time has never been riper than it is today! The world needs a Savior and you are a witness to His identity!

One last thought…this world probably seems upside down to you. Well…I think we all love snow globes….and yet they are nothing until they get turned over and shaken…and then when they are returned upright, we see a new vision and are in awe. I can’t wait to see what God will do when this world gets set upright again!

Well…I certainly hope that you took Jesus’ Holy Week journey with your church family as we worshiped on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and then again on Easter. If you missed any of these you can go to royred.org/sermon-unveiled-grace/ and watch them.

As I reflect on the fact that…the worst thing that ever happened (Jesus death on Good Friday) turned out to be the best thing that ever happened! (on Easter…for us sinners), I want to ask you 2 questions.

What was the worst thing that ever happened in the history of the world (beside Jesus death)? Maybe you would say the holocaust, 9-11 attacks, 1^st or 2^nd world war, famine, bubonic plague?

Did God create those things? Well…Genesis 2 says that God created a perfect world and Genesis 3 says that sinful man ruined it, and the rest of the Bible is the story of God’s Love for us in spite of our sinfulness. It would seem out of character that He caused those events!

The second question is, what is the worst thing that has happened to you personally in your lifetime? Maybe abuse, illness, broken relationship, bankruptcy, coronavirus and its collateral damage? Did God cause those things to happen? John 3:16 reminds us that God loves you so much that Good Friday happened for you! And Romans 8 reminds us that nothing can separate you from His Love! This does not sound like a God trying to hurt you or ruin your life. Let God speak to you as you look up and read those verses and the verses around them up.

So then…what do we make of the pain and junk that we have to face in this less that perfect world? Where is God in those moments? Doesn’t He care?

Many of you are parents who love your child and would never purposely hurt your child…and yet we know that they will get hurt at some point. As a parent your job is not to wrap them in bubble wrap and lock them in their room. Your job is to love them, guide them, comfort them and help them learn from the issues they face, to become all that God created them to become.

Now…it is hard for us to comprehend when we are in the midst of a bad season of life, but God says that He will bring good out of all situations. John 8:28 … And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Life can seem tough…make no sense…we want to say “stop the ride and let me off”! I want to share one of my favorite stories. I don’t know who wrote it, many have claimed it as theirs. It is called – THE STORY OF THE TEACUP.

There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in the beautiful stores. They both liked antiques and pottery, especially teacups. This was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. They were in this one shop when they saw a beautiful teacup. They said, “We’ve never seen one quite so beautiful.” As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke. “You don’t understand,” it said. “I haven’t always been a teacup. There was a time when I was just red clay. My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, ‘Let me alone,’ but he only smiled and said, ‘Not yet.’” “Then I was placed on a spinning wheel,” the teacup said, “and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. ‘Stop it! I’m getting dizzy?’ I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, ‘Not yet.’ “Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I didn’t understand why he wanted to burn me, and I yelled and knocked at the door. I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head, ‘Not yet.’ “Finally the door opened. He put me on the shelf and I began to cool. ‘There, that’s better,’ I said. But then he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. ‘Stop it, stop it!’ I cried. ‘Not yet.’ “Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, but not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening nodding his head saying, ‘Not yet.’ Then I knew there wasn’t any hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. “But the door opened and he took me out and placed me on the shelf. One hour later He handed me a mirror, and I couldn’t believe it was me. ‘Wow. I’m beautiful.’” “‘I want you to remember, then,’ he said, ‘I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, you would have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I knew it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven but if I hadn’t put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn’t done that, you never would have hardened; and you would not have had all this beautiful color. And if I hadn’t put you back in that second oven, you wouldn’t survive for very long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when I first began with you.”

Maybe you feel like that teacup and life seems more than you can handle. Maybe you have the coronavirus, or a loved one does. Maybe you are in quarantine. Maybe you are alone and feeling lonely isolated from friends and family. Maybe you have lost your job, your investments, your business. Maybe “staying home” means chaos, violence, relationship issues. Maybe you miss your church family and public worship.

First of all….God did not create the virus or anything that is evil! That would be against His very character! And yet…the good news is that God promises to bring good out of what seems painful, evil, and is not the way we would have planned it. I don’t know what good will come out of this coronavirus situation we are all facing, but perhaps we will appreciate the things we took for granted, maybe we will slow down and smell the roses, maybe we will spend more time with family, have quiet time alone with the Lord, value our public worship. Maybe we will be kinder to others. Live a life of generosity.

The teacup story reminds me of the image found in Isaiah 64:8… yet you, Lord, are our Father.We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

God the potter has you in His loving hands…forming you into who He handmade you to be. He is with you in any tough times you may be facing.

What I do know is that each of us will have to face trouble, pain, issues as long as we are on this earth…but I also know that Good Friday and Easter seal the deal that we will spend eternity in a place with absolutely no viruses, hospitals, funeral homes, relationship issues, money worries, or sin!

Pastor Dave

Let me know if I can help 440-237-7958 ext.118

So here is my plan for you:

My next devotional will be on Monday (13^th)

I want you to go to royred.org each day and worship!

• Worship with Pastor Harris on Maundy Thursday (noon or later). Follow Jesus as He commands the disciples (and us) to love our neighbors, as He demonstrates what love does by washing their feet…giving them a Holy Meal, a last supper…going to the garden…the betrayal and arrest.
• Worship with me on Good Friday (noon or later). Realize the fact that the sinless life and painful death of Jesus was for you (personally). He paid the price for every one of your sins! The road from Palm Sunday to Easter had to go through Good Friday…He willingly paid the price for you!
• Worship with Pastor Zahrte on Easter (Saturday and  Sunday). I suggest you worship with him both days! Watch the traditional on one day and the contemporary on the other day. Celebrate the fact that Jesus rose from the dead…assuring us that thru faith we too will rise one day! HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
• I encourage you (and tell a friend) to view any missed devotions… or go back and re-read them. You can tell them to do that by copying and pasting this to an email! “Go to royred.org/resources and scroll down to “Daily Devotions by Pastor Dave Timm”

Blessings! Stay safe!

Pastor Dave

As I was sending out my devotional thoughts yesterday, one of the verses that I quoted really jumped out at me. It was 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It is part of 3 short verses (16-18) that are powerful. I think they are the key to a peaceful and happy life regardless of what life throws at us.

1 Thessalonians 5:18… Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Did you notice that it refers to 3 actions (rejoice, pray, give thanks) and it tells us to do them always, continually, and in all circumstances!

Search as you may…using what ever translation you want, and you will not find an asterisk (*) saying to only do them when you feel like it. You may say “really, does God really want and expect me to rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances?” Yes! Note that He does not say to rejoice and give thanks FOR all circumstances, but we can rejoice and give thanks IN all circumstances!

• Yes…Even if you or a loved one has the coronavirus!
• Even when you are financially impacted by the coronavirus!
• Even when your job is on hold due to social distancing!
• Even when the kids are bored and driving you crazy staying home all day!
• Even when you are lonely and isolated from friends and family!
• Even when you miss your church family and face to face worship!
• Even when there are no sports on tv!

So how is this possible? Well, it is only possible when we focus on the fact that God Loves you on the good days and the not so good days! He is with you on sunny days as well as being with you during the storms of life. He is with you during every physical, emotional, financial, relational, and spiritual blessing you receive…as well as being with you in every storm you face. There is a section from Romans 8 that focuses on the fact that Jesus died (you can worship with us at royred.org on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday) and that He rose again (online worship on Easter) and He did it all for you personally! This section then tells us that nothing can separate Him from you! That He is interceding for you!

Romans 8:31-39… ³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³ Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”  ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Now, our verse that we started out with from Thessalonians says to pray continually! Why is that important? Well, first of all it connects you to your Lord and Savior. It reminds you that He is with you, that He cares for you, that He has a plan for you, and that He promises to bring good out of every situation. We can rejoice and give thanks knowing that we are His children. Not sure what to say, then try this format known as the ACTS of prayer.

A =Adore Him for He is almighty, all powerful, all-knowing, All-Loving!
C =Confess that you are sinful but sorry and want to repent and change!
T =Thank Him for all your blessings (food, family, health, etc.)
S =Supplicate, ask and petition. Let Him know what’s on your heart.

It may sound like this:

Lord, I adore you and praise you for who you are, the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. I confess that try as I may, I let you down, I sin and fall short of your plan for my life. In your mercy and on account of Jesus death, please forgive me. Create in me a clean heart. Thank you for every good thing that I have. It’s all a gift from you. Help me to be a good steward of all that you have entrusted to my care. Lord, I petition you for the desires of my heart. Guide my thoughts, words, deeds to your glory. Lord, bring good out of the evil coronavirus. Draw people close to you in faith. Protect me and my family. Give wisdom to the leaders. Protect those working. Unify families thru this stay in place season. Amen.

So, the reality is that in this world we will have trouble. God does not create the trouble, our sinful world does. But the reality is that the same God who created a perfect world, will make all things new again in His heavenly kingdom. Knowing and trusting that fact will let you rejoice always, praycontinually, give thanks in all circumstances.

May you find God’s Peace in the present storm, His Hope for the future, and His Joy always. May you live a life of Thankfulness. May the Lord use you to impact those in your circle of influence!

So here is my plan for you:

• My next devotional will be on Monday (13^th)
• I want you to go to royred.org each day and worship!
• Worship with Pastor Harris on Maundy Thursday (noon or later). Follow Jesus as He commands the disciples (and us) to love our neighbors, as He demonstrates that love by washing their feet…giving them a Holy Meal, a last supper…going to the garden…the betrayal and arrest.
• Worship with me on Good Friday (noon or later). Realize that the sinless life and painful death of Jesus was for you (personally). He paid the price for every one of your sins! The road from Palm Sunday to Easter had to go through Good Friday…He paid the price for you!
• Worship with Pastor Zahrte on Easter (Saturday and Sunday). I suggest you worship with him both days! Watch the traditional on one day and the contemporary on the other day. Celebrate the fact that Jesus rose from the dead…assuring us that thru faith we too will rise one day!

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!!!

I imagine many of you have a plaque or picture on your wall that says, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Many times it is placed over the entrance door as a reminder to those who live there, as well as a statement to all who visit. A statement that says that this house and household will glorify God.

These words are spoken by Joshua. As far as we know, Joshua never had to deal with the impact of the coronavirus! And Yet, here is a guy who experienced many ups and downs in his life. As a youth he lived in slavery in Egypt, witnessed the plagues, the sea parting, military victories by the Lords power, went up the mountain with Moses, was one of the 12 spies that checked out Canaan, (by the way only he and Caleb trusted the Lord would prevail over the Amalekites in the land that the Lord had promised. The people rebelled and ended up wandering for 40 years. Read the story in Numbers 13-14). Joshua replaced Moses and lead Israel into that promised land. At the end of his life, he looks back at God’s blessings through it all, renews their covenant with the Lord and says:

Joshua 24:14-15…Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.  But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

So, what does your “house” look like these days? Maybe it’s an apartment, an assisted living/nursing home room, a house in the suburbs, or mansion by the lake. Maybe your “household” consists of you feeling lonely and isolated since you are living by yourself, or as a retired couple, or in a family of 6 feeling very cramped in this new “stay in place, social isolation” world that we live in. Maybe your “household” is filling their boredom by cleaning and doing home projects, or maybe yours has lost its enthusiasm to accomplish anything more than moping around the house in despair.

Regardless of where you fit into the above paragraph…The question to ask is if you can say, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” It’s easy to shake your head and say “yes, of course we do!…we don’t worship the Gods of the Amorites!” But is the Lord number one in your household? Does His Word guide and direct your plans and choices? Does your Hope come from Him alone? Is serving Him more important than gaining money, power, career, pleasures? So what does that look like in this coronavirus season we are living through? Well it would include a household that:

• Prays! Thanks to the Lord for blessings, interceding for and lifting up the needs of others, for wisdom, compassion, and integrity for our leaders, protection for those out working, for those financially struggling, for an end to this madness.
• Worships! Are you glorifying the Lord with your thoughts, words, and deeds? Are you going to royred.org and participating with our online worship? Are you supporting the church financially during these times of need? Are you reading and then passing my devotionals on to others…and doing the same for Pastor Harris’ daily devotionals?
• Is Thankful! Do you count your blessings every day? Regardless of how this virus is affecting you, God has richly blessed you…and promises His eternal Blessings simply through faith.
• Shares Christ! Do you take time to call, skype, online chat, send cards sharing Jesus and giving His Hope to others? The way I see it, people are very open to hearing about the “Good News” in this world filled with daily death counts on tv.
• Helps those in need! The opportunities are countless. Maybe it’s donating food to our food pantry (they are working hard to provide for the needs within our community). Maybe it’s baking cookies and dropping them off at a neighbor’s house. Maybe it’s chalking encouraging words on the sidewalk that is overly busy with people taking walks. Maybe it’s some other random act of kindness!
• Trusts! That the Lord is still the Lord. That this will pass…that He will bring good out of all that is bad and evil. That He has a plan for each of us (a plan to prosper us and not harm us, a plan to give us a hope and a future). We trust in the fact that this Holy week is a reminder to each us that we have eternal life thru faith in Jesus perfect Life and death and resurrection!

Proverbs 3:5-6…Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Check my devotion tomorrow as I highlight 10 verses for your household.

I imagine many of you have a plaque or picture on your wall that says, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Many times it is placed over the entrance door as a reminder to those who live there, as well as a statement to all who visit. A statement that says that this house and household will glorify God.

These words are spoken by Joshua. As far as we know, Joshua never had to deal with the impact of the coronavirus! And Yet, here is a guy who experienced many ups and downs in his life. As a youth he lived in slavery in Egypt, witnessed the plagues, the sea parting, military victories by the Lords power, went up the mountain with Moses, was one of the 12 spies that checked out Canaan, (by the way only he and Caleb trusted the Lord would prevail over the Amalekites in the land that the Lord had promised. The people rebelled and ended up wandering for 40 years. Read the story in Numbers 13-14). Joshua replaced Moses and lead Israel into that promised land. At the end of his life, he looks back at God’s blessings through it all, renews their covenant with the Lord and says:

Joshua 24:14-15…Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.  But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

So, what does your “house” look like these days? Maybe it’s an apartment, an assisted living/nursing home room, a house in the suburbs, or mansion by the lake. Maybe your “household” consists of you feeling lonely and isolated since you are living by yourself, or as a retired couple, or in a family of 6 feeling very cramped in this new “stay in place, social isolation” world that we live in. Maybe your “household” is filling their boredom by cleaning and doing home projects, or maybe yours has lost its enthusiasm to accomplish anything more than moping around the house in despair.

Regardless of where you fit into the above paragraph…The question to ask is if you can say, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” It’s easy to shake your head and say “yes, of course we do!…we don’t worship the Gods of the Amorites!” But is the Lord number one in your household? Does His Word guide and direct your plans and choices? Does your Hope come from Him alone? Is serving Him more important than gaining money, power, career, pleasures? So what does that look like in this coronavirus season we are living through? Well it would include a household that:

• Prays! Thanks to the Lord for blessings, interceding for and lifting up the needs of others, for wisdom, compassion, and integrity for our leaders, protection for those out working, for those financially struggling, for an end to this madness.
• Worships! Are you glorifying the Lord with your thoughts, words, and deeds? Are you going to royred.org and participating with our online worship? Are you supporting the church financially during these times of need? Are you reading and then passing my devotionals on to others…and doing the same for Pastor Harris’ daily devotionals?
• Is Thankful! Do you count your blessings every day? Regardless of how this virus is affecting you, God has richly blessed you…and promises His eternal Blessings simply through faith.
• Shares Christ! Do you take time to call, skype, online chat, send cards sharing Jesus and giving His Hope to others? The way I see it, people are very open to hearing about the “Good News” in this world filled with daily death counts on tv.
• Helps those in need! The opportunities are countless. Maybe it’s donating food to our food pantry (they are working hard to provide for the needs within our community). Maybe it’s baking cookies and dropping them off at a neighbor’s house. Maybe it’s chalking encouraging words on the sidewalk that is overly busy with people taking walks. Maybe it’s some other random act of kindness!
• Trusts! That the Lord is still the Lord. That this will pass…that He will bring good out of all that is bad and evil. That He has a plan for each of us (a plan to prosper us and not harm us, a plan to give us a hope and a future). We trust in the fact that this Holy week is a reminder to each us that we have eternal life thru faith in Jesus perfect Life and death and resurrection!

Proverbs 3:5-6…Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Check my devotion tomorrow as I highlight 10 verses for your household.

A few days ago I mentioned that Sue and I were planning to go to Sarasota on March 25^th for a 2 week vacation. Well, we would have been be flying home this Sunday. I’m sure our story is not unique. I imagine that many of you have had to cancel or postpone weekend trips to the cabin or longer vacations of a lifetime. I suggest that we should look back and relive the memories of past trips.

Sue and I have made many great memories from trips when the kids were young, weeklong trips to Florida, and our joy filled trips to Niagara Falls. We have loved going to the Canadian side of the falls and sitting in awe, watching the power of this God-made spectacle. We always looked forward to opportunities to get away from the chaotic world that we all live in and to be able to spend time with each other.

I think part of the joy for Sue was for the 2 of us to be somewhere all alone. There are few local trips to the store, restaurant, or movies where I don’t run into someone that I know…or that someone doesn’t recognize me and start a conversation, (even though I can’t always place their name.) It is a blessing for a pastor to have impacted so many people for the Lord…but it can make it hard for us to have some alone time as husband and wife.

I am writing this article because someone asked me this morning “if there was a story to share from one of our trips?” Yes! Lot’s of great ones, but one kind of funny one came to mind.

We went to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, had a room with a great view, the 2 of us were all alone in the beauty of God’s creation. We walked out of the hotel to find a place to eat when I hear….HEY! PASTOR TIMM! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?

Needless to say. My wife laughed out loud and said “really…even hundreds of miles from home”. It turned out that this person was a now grown up confirmand that I had in class years before. She was on her honeymoon. Well, we talked for a while and then Sue and I managed to salvage the trip and have plenty of alone time. I treasure the times that we have been blessed to go places together….and to experience the beauty of God’s creation.

So, what I want you to do is to call someone today. Instead of complaining about the current situation, ask them if they have any vacation stories to share. Be ready to share your own story with them.

Also, take time to thank the Lord for all of His glorious creation and the countless blessings you have had with past trips, vacations and weekend getaways.

Find awe in your Loving Lord and His incredible creation!

Psalm 19: 1…The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands

John 1:3…Through Him all things were made, without Him nothing that was made has been made.

Psalm 93:3-4…The seas have lifted up, Lord,the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea— the Lord on high is mighty.

Romans 1:20…For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Isaiah 40:26…Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Psalm 139:14…I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Colossians 1:16…For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

So…in spite of this coronavirus world we live in…. take a walk today (using social distancing guidelines) and marvel at the sunrise and sunset, birds in flight, flowers budding, and all of God’s creation.

Look back with joy at past vacations and forward with anticipation for upcoming opportunities once this corona “stay in place” order will be removed.

Take time to thank and worship your Lord who is the creator of all that is good.

I will write another of these devotions on Monday. In the meantime:

• Go to royred.org this Palm Sunday weekend and worship with us.
• Note that Pastor Harris will be leading 2 online Maundy Thursday worship services starting at noon on Thursday (a traditional and a contemporary) ….as well as I will be leading 2 online Good Friday services starting at noon on Friday (a traditional and a contemporary)
• And then plan to worship with us on Easter weekend!!!! Invite family and friends to tune in as well!
• Call me if I can help 440-237-7958 ext.118
• Reach out to check in and support your family, neighbor and friends!!!!

So, here’s the deal. It’s not easy to come up with new topics to write about day after day. Sometimes I’m in the shower and a thought or word comes to me. Sometimes I’m out taking a walk, getting my steps in, and I get the nudge. Well, my nudge today was the word REFRIGERATOR!!! So here goes…

During this time when we want to limit trips to the store and shortages existing on some items…many of you have refrigerators overflowing with items. And yet conversely for others, the loss of a job or investments means that the inside of the refrigerator looks pretty bare. Hopefully you are reaching out to the food bank and the Royal Redeemer (partnership with North Royalton) Food Pantry for assistance. A big shout out to Terry and Elizabeth who are working tirelessly to help those in need and to work on Saturday’s holiday food distribution day. Of course, we need to daily thank the Lord for providing us with our “daily bread.”

That’s the inside of the refrigerator…but equally important is the outside of the refrigerator. If you are like most people, it is full of love. Pictures of family and special moments, calendars of upcoming events, and a report card or 2. Unfortunately, I would imagine my mom would need to cover my report card up if company was coming over! We should thank the Lord daily for family, friends, scheduled events (which hopefully will resume shortly), and of course teachers! The newer home-grown parents called into teaching and our professional loving teachers. A big shout out to Heidi, Avery, and the fantastic school staff at Royal Redeemer in these uniques times!

But here is my favorite REFRIGERATOR story. For many years Royal Redeemer would have the “Great Generosity Giveaway!” After a sermon on generosity with our time, talents, and treasures…we would take 50 $100 dollar bills and hand them out to worshipers. The only directions were that they could not keep it! They needed to pray on who God wanted them to give it away to and if they should try to grow the $100 by including other donors. To be creative! They would then write up their story for us to publish each week. One of my favorite stories included a REFRIGERATOR. No it was not a story of “cold cash” …and not a story of buying a REFRIGERATOR for someone. This family took a magnet and stuck the $100 bill on the refrigerator waiting for God to nudge them toward the person to help. As time went by their kid’s friends would come over and see the money and ask about it. They would then get to retell the story about the Great Generosity Giveaway and fact that we are all called to help those in need. BY the way, they did many $100 projects with their own money, but kept the original $100 on the REFRIGERATOR as a reminder and a conversation starter to all who visited that house. I know that times may be challenging but take some time right now to thank the Lord for the countless blessings he gives you daily…and for opportunities to reach out to those in need due to the coronavirus! A big shout out to our members who so generously donate food, clothing, and dollars to our Helping Hand Fund…as well as those supporting their church in this time of online worship! A big shout out to George, Marissa & the worship/tech team. Take time right now to pray for those in need and for God to nudge you to watch out for your fellow man.

What does God have to say about all of this?

Matthew 25:34-40…“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Is God nudging you? Are you ignoring Him…or Glorifying Him?

Well, are you impressed…I figured out what God wanted me to say to you today about REFRIGERATORS!!!!

Lord…we look to in these days of uncertainty about the economy, the stock market, and supplies at local stores. We thank you for the countless blessings that we have received from you and look in faith that you will provide for us today as well. If we are in need, help us find those who can help. If we have plenty, show us who to help. Lord use us to be your instruments in our homes, neighborhoods, communities. May we reflect your love to all in our circle of influence. As Holy Week fast approaches, remind us of your sacrifice for us, and your desire for us to respond by caring for others. Amen.

So…I wonder how many of you spend hours trying to come up with “April Fool’s” tricks. You know what that means. You try to trick someone into believing something that is not true. I was never good at this because my face always gave me away. These are meant to be fun twists of the truth…as opposed to those who intentionally try to “fool” or lie to people for their own personal gain.

Many years ago, I worked in a print shop downtown on Euclid Avenue. One of my jobs was to deliver the printed materials around town. On a particular day, while I was out making deliveries, there was a construction project happening on the street (19^th) next to our dock. As I approached the corner there was a barricade preventing thru traffic. I stopped, got out and moved the barrier. I then got back in and moved the car onto the side street and get out to put the barrier back. Well…apparently, I did not put the car in park. So, I watched as the driverless car drove right thru the front window into the printshop lobby! Needless to say, I thought I would be looking for a new job.

I went to the boss and said, “I am so sorry, I’m not sure what happened but the car went thru the window.” He said to me, “Did you see that construction truck lose a piece of material that went thru our window?” I said “No, it was me that watched your delivery car go thru the window!” He again said, “Did you see that construction truck lose a piece of material that went thru our window?”  I am now confused and very loudly said, “I got out of the car with the engine running and did not put it in park and it drove itself thru the window!” Well he smiled and once again said “Did you see that construction truck lose a piece of material that went thru our window?”  I got the point! He did not care about the truth…all he wanted was to create his own truth in order to get an insurance claim from a construction company!

I learned a lot that day about the value of the truth! Truth by definition is based on fact and reality. Unfortunately, in today’s world there seems to be no absolute truth. People are searching for the truth in all the wrong places. They seek truth in culture, tradition, emotions, personal desires. That’s a big problem! Especially in these uncertain and ever-changing times.

We all need to gather and respond to the truth about the coronavirus, latest info on job and school closings, and how to get government stimulus checks. But we know that there is a problem. Like my old boss, there are many money hungry people looking to take advantage of us…to lie and twist the system to swindle you out of your money. So we need to be careful. There are many rumors and much false information out there, so we need to find the sources that can be trusted with the truth about tis pandemic. I would suggest places like the local news and Coronavirus.ohio.gov or cdc.gov/coronavirus.

More importantly, we need to know the source for the TRUTH to all of life’s issues and questions! The TRUTH that sets you free! That TRUTH changes everything, gets you through the storms of life, gives you Hope, Joy, Peace and purpose. That TRUTH can only come from your loving Lord and Savior. You will find that TRUTH in your Bible, in online worship at www.royred.org/onlineservices, Devotional books, or calling your pastor.

This TRUTH will protect you from the deadly disease called sin. It will set you free from anxiety, depression and fear.

It’s interesting that when we are looking for the truth…Jesus says of Himself in John 14: 6…Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

He is the TRUTH…He will show you the WAY…and in Him we find LIFE!

So…have fun today with “April Fools” tricks that are fun and harmless but at all times seek the life-giving TRUTH that can only be found in Jesus!

I said that the truth is found in God’s Word, so here are some verses about the real truth. Read them over a few times, let God speak to you thru His Word. May they bring Love, Peace and Joy that can only be found in your loving Lord and Savior.

• John 1:14…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
• John 6:14…Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
• Psalm 25:5…Guide me in your truth and teach me,for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
• Psalm 4:8… Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
• Psalm 4:15…Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
• 2 Timothy 2:15…  Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
• 1 John 1:8-9… If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
• 1 John 3:18… Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

What is the Truth? The Truth is that God hand made you…you are His child…God Loves you unconditionally…He wants to spend eternity with you. He loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for your sins. You are forgiven and have new life. He will see you through every storm you face. Trust in that TRUTH!

Lord…As your children, we come to you in prayer trusting you as our all Loving Father. Lord we are anxious about this virus and its collateral damage. Lord be with those suffering from the disease, from lost jobs and financial struggles, from loneliness and isolation. Protect those who are out there every day serving us. Be with doctors, nurses, pharmacist, police, fire, truck drivers, mail carriers, restaurant and store workers, nursing home and hospice workers. Lord the TRUTH is that we live in a broken world…but the TRUTH is that you Love us unconditionally. May we find our Hope and Peace in your word. Encourage us to check in on our neighbors and family, to perform random acts of kindness, and to be grounded in your Word. Amen.

I pray that you will have a Blessed Tuesday the 31^st!

As I was praying about what to talk about today, I was reminded of the importance of not only reading God’s Word, but in understanding what God is saying in those Words! Many times when life gets tough, (lose of a job, a loved one, the corona nightmare hits home) we turn to God’s Word for comfort. Sometimes we read the Word and yet we’re not quite sure how it applies to our situation. Now most of us know Psalm 23 as one of those psalms that brings us peace…. And yet when I ask people about it, they are not really sure what it’s all about. So here is Psalm 23 with an explanation of each of the blessings that God offers to us.

PSALM 23…with Pastor Dave’s explanation

The Lord is my shepherd. I don’t know about you. But I’ve never met a shepherd in real life. But I do know what they do. They take care of the sheep… they provide for them… they protect them… they guide them, and they are even willing to die for them. Jesus is our Good Shepherd.

 I shall not want. Well, if we are honest, we will admit that we want a lot of things. Turn on the TV and see the commercials and we all want those things. And they’re not bad in themselves. But this verse is talking about not having to want for anything, because God generously provides all that we really need. Our daily bread!

He makes me to lie down in green pastures. I really love this verse. It’s a reminder to me of God’s peace. The image is us lying in a green pasture on a sunny day… Looking up at the clouds and nature, finding peace in God’s creation. Total peace! A world hand made by God.

He leadeth me beside still waters. Well, The Bible is full of many references of water. We know that there’s the waters of creation…. The waters of the flood. Crossing rivers and seas… and most importantly we know that there are the baptismal waters. The still waters when God adopts us into his family. Heirs to His Kingdom.

He restores my soul. Well, we are identified by our bodies. The tents we live in… But it’s our soul that is the essence of who God made us to be. It’s our relationship with the Lord…through faith… He restores our soul.

He leadeth me in paths of righteousness. I have to admit that his is one that makes me laugh a little, because I have GPS in my car…. And yet I like to mess with it. I say I want to go to point (A). And it knows the exact right way to get me to point (A). It says turn left after two traffic lights. And I turn right at the third traffic light, because I know better than the GPS! I get lost! And yet it never gives up on me. It recalibrates over and over again with one goal in mind. To get me to point (A). God is the same, He is leading you on a path that leads to His plans for you. He never gives upon you…His one goal is for you to spend eternity with Him.

For His name sake. As Christians we have His name “Christ” in our title. We live by and for His most precious Name sake.

Yea it though I walk through The Valley of the shadow of death. The most important word in this section is the word “through”. We don’t end up in a Valley of death. Through faith in Jesus Christ we walk through that Valley from life here to life eternal. And by the way, you can’t have a shadow unless you have a light… and of course we know WHO that light is.

I will fear no evil. We live in an evil world…and yet we don’t have to fear any evil in this earthly life. Jesus came to overcome evil. Evil caused by people and by deadly viruses. We read in Revelation that God wins…He already won!

For thou art with me. That’s the faithfulness that God gives us. His promise is that He will never leave you… He will never forsake you. He is there on the good days and the not so good days.

Thy rod and thy staff comfort me. Well this is an interesting verse because it’s back to the shepherd again. A rod to ward off the evil Wolf…as well as a shepherd staff to gently nudged the sheep back as they wander off to danger. He never tasers us and drags us back…He gently invites us back to His loving arms.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies. The Bible is full of stories and many important ones happened around banquet tables. We gather as well, as we gather around the communion tables at our churches. Opportunities for God to come to us in a very special way. I’m sure we all long to be reunited when our church opens and to gather around that table.

Thou anointest my head with oil. That’s an Old Testament image of a priest having oil poured over his head to anoint him or set him apart. Sounds like it’s just for priest. No! In the New Testament, you and I are the priesthood of believers. A great time to share the Gospel with someone is when you’re leaving a funeral or as we are inconvenienced and fearful due to this pandemic. Longing to be restored… in the Hope of eternal life. Now is a great time to share your faith with others…The reason for your Hope!

My cup runneth over. Your cup is not half full or half empty… it’s overflowing with blessings from God. Things may seem tough right now but stop and count your blessings daily and thank the Lord for them.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Well there is a church word in this section (mercy)…That’s when God does not give us what we deserve….instead He gives us what we don’t deserve. That word is grace. A free gift of eternal life. God loves you in spite of you!

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. That’s our goal and our promise from the Lord! Face to face with the Lord. Ours simply through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!

Lord…thank you for your Word. It brings us Peace, Joy, and Hope in the midst of these chaotic and uncertain times. Lord assure us that you are with us and that you Love us unconditionally. Nudge us to reach out to those in need, those that are all alone, depressed, and vulnerable. Watch over those that are on the front lines, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, grocery and drug store workers, truckers, police, firemen, postal workers, pastors. Protect us all from this virus, and it’s physical, emotional, financial and relational impacts in our lives. Use this pandemic to bring us closer to you. Amen.