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I hope that you had a safe, healthy, and Christ centered weekend? I hope that you and your family and friends worshiped with us online! If not…DO IT!

So…on this Monday morning, let’s think about the storms that we had over the weekend. They were very intense! Take a minute to think about the biggest storm that have experienced in your lifetime. Share your thoughts about that storm with whoever might be with you…or call someone and see what their biggest storm was. Perhaps it was:

• A Hurricane like Katrina, Harvey, Sandy.
• A snow storm like the blizzard of 1977 or the winter of 1988.
• A tornado…perhaps Xenia in 1974..or the 4^th of July 1969 in Lakewood.
• Maybe a wind storm, hail, power outages, lightning strikes, flooding…?

Sometimes there are storm warnings, giving us time to prepare…to change our plans…to get indoors…to board up windows…to move to higher ground….and to pray to the Lord that we are protected from the elements.

But what about the other (non-weather related) storms that are so common and devastating!

• Physical storms of sickness or disease…sometimes life changing or deadly (like coronavirus). Maybe you are dealing with cancer, heart issues, or respiratory illness, physical limitations.
• Financial storms. Many are facing storms due to businesses, restaurants, and stores being closed for the time being…stock market losses, or poor budgeting skills, lost income or child support due to this strange time we live in as a nation.
• Relational storms. Marriage issues or the pain of divorce…parents struggling with grown children and their life choices…Poor and toxic relationships at work or neighbors….relational stress due to staying home with loved ones (at least we love tham most of the time) 24/7 in close quarters. Relationship issues are as old as man and woman (Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed God, Cain killed Abel, Noah’s kids mocked Noah, throughout every generation right up to your relational storms today)
• Emotional storms. Dealing with the storms caused by anger, depression, anxiety, fear, pride…addictions to junk food, shopping, drugs, pornography. God gave us all emotions to make us human…but we face storms when those emotions get out of control.
• Spiritual storms. Many times our life’s situation, the storms that we have listed above, cause is to blame God…to wonder if He is all powerful…if He hears our prayers…if He even cares about you and your issues. Satan loves to mess with our minds, trying to separate us from the only real Hope that we have. (Jesus!)

WOW…you might be saying to your self that this devotion is a real downer!

Well…There are 3 important facts to be reminded of:

1. This is not the Garden of Eden…nor is this is Heaven! This is life in a fallen and sin flawed world. It’s the result of Adam and Eve (and us) being removed from the perfection God created for us. That can be very sobering to think about. It can leave us feeling hopeless. But God Loves us too much to leave us like this! Sin does separate us from a Holy God…but it never separates us from His Love!!! Romans 5:6-8…You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
2. Holy week begins next week. It shows God’s love for you and His plan to fix the problem. Jesus (who lived a sinless life) will sacrifice Himself on the cross for you. To die for your sins. To purchase eternity for you in His Heavenly kingdom. There will be no weather storm, no physical, financial, relational, emotional, nor spiritual storms there!!
3. What do we do in the meantime? How do we handle the countless storms that this world will throw at you?
   Well John 16:33 says “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” The Message translation puts it this way “I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”

•  The way I see it…is that we will all face trouble and difficulties as long as we live on this earth…And yet we find PEACE in any storm we face…due to the fact that God has overcome (conquered) this world for us
•  We can face each new day and each new storm knowing that God Loves you…is with you…cries when you cry, smiles when you smile…has a plan for your life…has a place prepared for you in His Heavenly kingdom.
• Our job is to trust in Him and to glorify Him through our thoughts, words and actions.
• It starts by staying connected to Him through Bible study and prayer. Seek His will for you in the midst of this corona storm. And then acting on His nudged! Who would He have you reach out to, to pray for, to call with encouragement, to support financially, to do random acts of kindness for?
• Trust that God will somehow bring good out of this, and every storm that you face.
• Romans 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. 
• I don’t know how he can bring good out of all of the storms we listed earlier…but my trust is in He who is the creator and sustainer of all life…the Redeemer, Savior, Messiah who died for me (and you)…the Comforter and Counselor who will point us to our Hope in Jesus!

Pray for those impacted by coronavirus and it’s collateral damage, those in the middle of one of life’s storms, for those whose jobs put them on the front lines, those lonely and fearful! Keep your eyes open for Jesus holding an umbrella over you…to keep you dry in spite of the rain!!!!! He is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble!!!!

TGIF!!  You may remember when FGIF meant you would have two days off from fighting traffic going to the office… it meant time to be spent at home…or time to go out to the movie or your favorite restaurant…to stay up late since no work tomorrow! Times have changed for most of you, but you know what?

TGIF still works! You can THANK GOD for this Friday (it is the day that He has made) as well as thanking God for all of His countless blessings in your life! Each day is a gift from your loving Lord and Savior. Thank Him and use His gift wisely.

Today I want us to look at my favorite section of God’s word. I referred to this verse eight days ago when a few of you were on my mailing list.

Philippians 4:4-8…Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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.

I think these verses give us all that we need in our lives at this uncertain time. First it says to “rejoice”…to have JOY. The word “happy” comes from the base word “hap” which means to be lucky. When life goes our way we feel happy or lucky…when our luck changes, we feel unhappy! But his verse says to have JOY. JOY is a fruit of the spirit. Our JOY is found in our relationship with the Lord. We can have JOY on good days and corona filled days. We can have LOVE< JOY< PEACE…and much more from God.

Did you notice that this verse says to have that JOY “always”? There is no asterisk* It does not say rejoice sometimes! When 9/11 first happened, Royal Redeemer got a message out to our church members and community to gather at church that evening. As you can imagine, it was a packed house. Pastor Martin, Pastor Luecke, and I wondered “now what”? So the 3 of us decided to take turns reading scripture and taking prayer requests. You can imagine the looks I got when I read… Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! I’m sure that those gathered wondered how could the pastor tell us to rejoice in the midst of what seemed like the end of the world as we knew it? And yet in faith…God’s Word is always true. I paused and said “we have the JOY of the Lord (His presence in our lives) even on 9-11. We have the JOY of knowing that God loves us…has a plan for us…forgives us…has an eternal home for us!!! We had God’s JOY on 9/11 and I might remind you we have that same JOY today!

Our verse goes on to say… Let your gentleness be evident to all. I know there are some news stories of people scamming or hoarding…but I have seen so many people stepping up to care for their neighbors in the midst of this pandemic. People calling to check up on others, donating food and cash to churches and food banks, people getting takeout to support local businesses. I was walking yesterday in our development and was blessed by someone who wrote loving messages in chalk on the walkway. The list goes on! What acts of kindness and gentleness can you do today?

Our verse then says… Do not be anxious about anything. Really? You may ask…. “Does God know I lost my job, cancelled vacation, feel trapped in my home, miss my church family, the stock market is a roller coaster, I am afraid I will get the virus? I have a lot to be anxious about!”

Well, we all have a lot to be concerned about…but anxiety over things that are out of our control accomplishes nothing. And don’t forget…God say to cast those anxieties on Him because He cares for you! He can handle them. Sound too good to be true? Wonder how to handle the anxieties and worries. Well the verse tells us how… in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

As always…the answer to all our issues is found in our relationship with the Lord. Go to Him in Prayer…with a thankful heart. Let Him know what you are feeling and thinking. Be honest with Him. He then promises that you will have PEACE. Not the kind of peace we get when we accomplish earthly things…but a PEACE that can only be found in the arms of a Loving God!

So…how do you guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Verse 8 tell us… 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.

I know that the news can be terrifying and at times very political and scary…very much the opposite of what this verse calls us to fill our minds with. Stay in touch with the latest governmental plans for you…but walk away from it as well…be sure to have your “God time”. So where do we find the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy? I would suggest that you start in GOD’S WORD. Read it often…find some online devotionals…listen to some Christian music…go to royred.org and connect with us…. meditate.

Now that you have read this breakdown on Philippians 4:8…go back and read the verse 3 more times slowly!

Like last week, I will not be sending a new message out over the weekend. My desire is that you go to royred.org and worship with us. I suggest that go back and watch the online worship a few times. Participate in the prayers and join in from home singing praises along with us through the music. If you are able, continue to support the finances of your church.

Look for a new devotional out on Monday, if you need me call me at 440-237-7958 ext. 118, or think about passing these thoughts on to whoever can use them.

Lord…Bless us, draw us close to you, protect us all from this virus. Unify your people, your church, this nation. Be with those whose jobs make them vulnerable to the virus. Be with those feeling lonely, fearful, depressed. Give wisdom to the leaders. Use these times to draw us ever closer to you. Amen.

May the Lord Bless you with His Love, Joy, and Peace!!!

I started to put this devotional together yesterday, the 25^th. That date is significant to me because yesterday, Sue and I had tickets to fly to Florida and use a friend’s house for 2 weeks. Yahoo!!

However, a few weeks ago (prior to any stay-in-place orders) we had to ask:

·       If flying would be safe? Answer NO!

·       We then went to AAA to plan a road trip wondering if staying in a hotel on the way was safe. Answer NO!

·       As yesterday got closer we saw restaurants and attractions close.

·      Although I really wanted to go …We needed to reschedule at a later time. It was a wise and necessary choice to make.

I imagine that many of you have had to make wise and necessary choices as well …things like:

·       Changing your vacation trips like we did.

·       Working at home.

·       Postponing a wedding. (I have had 2 change dates so far.)

·       Scheduling a family and friend gathering for the death of a loved one. (I have had 2 so far.)

·       Changing plans for birthday parties (like we did for my grandson…today is his birthday).

·       Changing the date for your Easter extended family lunch and egg hunt (we did for our large (20+ family)

·       Postponing baptisms, dinner meetings …and the list goes on!

The good news is that this coronavirus will pass. Life will return to normal (or at least to a new normal). The one thing that we know for sure in these unsure times is that God Loves you! He will never leave you or forsake you…He is watching over you… He has you covered in His loving arms. Things look different and unsure…but God is our constant!

But back to my trip! Even though the weather has been nice here…It is 86 and sunny there. As we would have made our way to the beach, Sue would be putting on sun tan lotion to protect her from the sun (wise woman). I tend to ignore the dangers and end up with a burn on my nose, forehead, and shoulders. That’s better than those folks that fell asleep with items (like sunglasses or the book they were reading) on them only to wake with weird shapes on their sun burn bodies. Life is like that!!!  We don’t always protect ourselves from things that can be harmful. Hopefully you are taking all of the recommended precautions in regard to the coronavirus, as well as the flu and pneumonia…stay in…stay away from people…wash hands and sanitize…wait it out.

Now, we have suntan lotion for the sunburn and social isolation for the coronavirus to protect us…but what about the dangers of living in our daily lives a sinful world?WE HAVE GOD’S WORD! (His Word is a lamp to your feet) Are you reading it daily? Applying it to your choices and direction in life? If not, start today!!!!!

There is a story that I read once that has fascinated me! It goes like this: “A pet-store delivery truck driver was traveling down the road. Every time he came to a stop light, he would get out of the truck, grab a 2×4. He would then run to the back of the truck and start beating on the back doors. This went on for miles. No one could figure out what he was doing. Finally, a guy pulled up next to him and ask “what are you doing?” The truck driver said “I am driving a 2-ton truck, but I am carrying 4 tons of canaries. I have to keep 2 tons of them in the air at all times!”

How about you? Does your life feel like that? Frantically trying to juggle all that life is throwing at you…trying to keep it from crashing down on you. Keeping it all in the air. Juggling issues, worries, obligations, fears all by yourself. God says that He wants to lift you up.

1 Peter 5:7… “Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.”

Isaiah 40:31…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Proverbs 12:25…Anxiety weighs down the heart but a kind word cheers it up.

Psalm 28:7…The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Romans 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.

Psalm 56:3…When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

So…whether you are fearful of bills to be paid, stressed about being a homebound teacher for your kids, anxious about you job or business, lonely in isolation, fearful of the virus…Ask God to calm the storm. Ask Him to help you be concerned about the things you can control, and then to not “worry” about the things out of your control. Take care of the 2 tons of canaries you were created to handle!

Know in your heart that God exists…that you matter to Him…that He has the power to help you navigate this season of your life! Maybe you have seen this list before…but in this time of things we can not do…we can (and should):

·       Pray (for all who are impacted by this pandemic)

·       Worship in thought, word and prayer…as well as online at www.royred.org

·       Be thankful for your many Blessings!

·       Share Christ with others via phone, Facebook, email, etc.

·       Impact someone you know who is all alone

·       Help those in need. Donations to church, food banks, friends and neighbors you know

Lord…we know and trust that you are the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings! We also know that this is not the garden of Eden. This is a broken world…and yet you are sovereign. You have sent your son to overcome the evil, hurt, pains, worry and issues, and temptations we face daily. Help us to put our Hope in you. Help us to identify those that you would have us reach out to. Keep us safe, as well as the nurses, doctors, pharmacist, store and carry out workers. Give wisdom and unity to the governmental workers as they address the issues. TO YOU BE THE GLORY! Amen!

Happy Wednesday! (I only start these devotionals with the day of the week… because I am finding that the days are all blending together!)

I have visited a number of people in jails and prisons. There is a ominous fact that they are “locked in” …unable to come and go as they want! They dream of the day that they will get out, free to wander where they desire, and to do what they want. (gee…does this sound familiar in our current situations?) I remember talking to an inmate (8 years for voluntary manslaughter…driving with no license due to 7 DUI convictions, drunk, crashed into and killed a woman) about being locked up. I asked him what the worst part of prison was. His answer struck me. He said, “I can’t go get a hamburger when I want…and the phone will never ring!”

Many of us can relate to those thoughts with the stay in place, social isolation, quarantine type situations we find ourselves in. They (and maybe you) may even feel like you are in a prison (solitary confinement…in “the hole” so to speak) within the walls of you home. Can’t sit at your favorite restaurant and get a burger. No places open to go to. Now, the bright spot for us is that this too will pass!

You know, not to long ago, I was working 70 hours a week. Oh sure, I was doing God’s work, helping people in need, fulfilling God’s plan for me, and feeling blessed to do so! But I have to admit, I would long for and dream of just being alone for a while…down time…30 minutes, a few hours, dare I dream a whole day off…alone. Now the truth is that I have a loving wife, so my alone time was not to the exclusion of her….but to take a walk, meditate, and be all alone with God was a cherished moment! Well you know the old saying…”be careful what you wish for!”

As my work days and my work hours are more limited now, I have more time to be with my wife, to be alone with the Lord, as well as time to meditate and to be alone with my thoughts. I pray that you will use this time of forced isolation to connect with the Lord…and to meditate on His Word. And now since our situations have changed and….we are all mandated to social distancing, stay in place orders…and isolation, it can cause some issues. This can lead many of to us feeling alone and lonely!

So…where am I going with this devotion? Alone and lonely are both adjectives, but they have different meanings. A person is alone when he is by himself. A person is lonely when he feels abandoned or sad due to isolation. Alone refers to a state of solitude, rather than lonely which is an emotion. Some of you live alone. Maybe not in a relationship, no family close by, widowed. Maybe you have felt lonely for a long time. Perhaps limited travel or health issues, few visitors, staring at the phone wishing it would ring. For others, limited due to the coronavirus world we live in, you are now part of the “new” all alone and lonely section of our world and church family! You can no longer go out to eat, have a birthday party, go to the zoo, worship or participate on site at church activities.

So… I would like to share some thoughts with you:

• Being alone can be good for a while. So what are you doing with your “alone” time. Are you connecting with God’s Word and His plan for you?
• Know that you are never really alone!
• Joshua 1:9…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” The message translation says to focus on God’s word… Joshua 1:9 (msg)… Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”
• God is by your side 24/7!
• Zephaniah 3:17…The Lord your God is with you,the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
• Know that your church is still here for you. I am only a call away (440-237-7958 ext. 118), visit our website royred.org and our Facebook can connect you with your church family.
• Know that your phone (and computer keyboard) work both ways….incoming and outgoing…..you can reach out to someone! Initiate or renew a relationship by phone or electronically. You never know, they may be as lonely as you are!
• As I was typing this (yesterday) my phone rang…a wonderful couple baked and dropped a gift of bakery. Thank you!!! Does it give you any ideas?

Maybe you are reading this and life is fine for you. Maybe you live with others, connected thru work at home relationships, have a good social network, kids doing school from your dining room table….not alone or lonely. First, thank the Lord for your situation. Second….reach out to someone else. Call them and let them know you care, that they are not alone, give them the opportunity to share their story….and give them support and encouragement. Why not send out a “thinking of you card”. Send an email or text. Drop off some cookies (chocolate chip of course). Make someone’s day! Check in on neighbors…especially those older and vulnerable. Pray for those that are lonely…for those on the front lines…those making governmental decisions.

Lord…you created Adam, put him in paradise…but soon you said “it is not good for man to be alone”. Reach out and remind each of us that we are never alone, that you are always by our side. Help us to pray to you often, and to listen to you through your Word. Connect us to other  people like family, friends, and church brothers and sisters. Help us realize that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. May we look out for others. Direct us to those that are in need of a caring voice. Also watch over those who are on the front lines of the war on the coronavirus. Keep us safe. Give our political leaders wisdom and compassion. Amen.

Take time today to:

• Talk to God in prayer, read His Word…it’s His message (a love letter) written to you!
• Ask God to point out those He wants you to reach out to.
• Share the Love of Christ with at least 3 people today!
• Use this season of life to repair broken relationships.

Happy Tuesday! This is the day that the Lord has made …our job is to rejoice and be glad in it! These are strange times to do ministry! Yesterday, I performed a graveside funeral for 5 people upholding social distancing and no gatherings. It broke my heart to not have hugs and high fives for them.

Today, I will be doing a funeral by skype (or speaker phone) to a small group gathered with their loved one…but they can not go to the cemetery because Rittman National Cemetery is closed to families.

And yet in these uncertain and ever changing times, the message stays the same! God hand made each of us. We sin and fall short….daily. The wages of our sin is death…separation from all God and all that is good. And yet, God loves you in spite of you! Sent His Son…to live a sinless life in your place…to die in your place….and to rise so that you too will rise to eternal life thru faith. Even though this world seems broken and messed up …God loves you and is by your side!

I wanted to share a story of a young couple that I was blessed to minister to (I share this with their permission). I did their pre-marriage counseling and wedding. In 2008, they got pregnant….excited to be parents! On a Saturday in October, I got a call that they were in labor, but something was wrong…please pray. A second call asked me to come to the Clinic…baby had complications. There world felt like it was caving in on them! We baptized their baby boy…and watched with fear as he had many operations over the next 7 days. Just hours before the life support was shut off, the father said something very profound. He said “I always imagined all the things I would teach my son…and yet I learned much more from him in his short life”.

My funeral message expounded on that thought. Their son taught us that life is fragile…every moment counts…it’s a gift from God! Their son taught us that we need to tell our loved ones that we love them…do it daily! Their son taught us that family is a gift of God to get us thru the storm. Their son taught us that church is central to spiritual growth and connection with God. Their son taught the power of baptism. The mom clutched the baptism certificate to her chest knowing that her son was a child of God. Their son taught us that faith in Jesus is the greatest gift of Hope during all of life’s trials. The family eventually grew with 2 healthy children…and faith grows daily!

So…why did I share their story with you? Well…life today (3/24/2020) seems like the world is caving in for many of us! Many feel the grief of lost jobs, isolation from loved ones, loss of control of their situations. So…what can we learn from the 7 day life of the child I just told you about?

• That life is fragile…every moment counts…it’s a gift from God!
• That we need to tell our loved ones that we love them…do it daily!
• That family is a gift from God to get us thru the storm.
• That church is central to spiritual growth and connection with God.
• That there is power in the gift of baptism. Do you cherish your baptismal relationship with the Lord? If not baptized, then talk to me about getting baptized.
• That faith in Jesus is the greatest gift of Hope in the midst of life’s trials.
• The fact is that God has plans for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
• What plans does he have for you today? Who does He want you to reach out to…to pray for…to share the good news with…to give hope to?

Lord…We are faced with trials of many kinds due to the Coronavirus. Some of us are facing financial uncertainties, health issues, stress and anxiety about the future, isolation and loneliness. Lord, we need you to calm our anxieties, meet our physical needs, keep us safe and our bodies healthy, remind us that you are ever present, ever loving, and ever kind. Encourage each of us to reach out to others with love and concern. Give wisdom to our government leaders…and safety to those working in the trenches. Amen.

I encourage each of you to:

• Spend time in God’s Word and prayer. Seek and follow His will for you today.
• Reach out in Love to at least 3 people who may be in need, lonely, or depressed.
• Check out royred.org for worship, devotionals, and other resources.

GOOD MORNING! I pray that you will have an awesome day!

There is a story in the Bible that has often fascinated me. Calming the storm is one of the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels, reported in Matthew 8:23–27, Mark 4:35–41, and Luke 8:22–25 (the Synoptic Gospels). This episode is distinct from Jesus‘ walk on water, which also involves a boat on the lake and appears later in the narrative.

Luke 8:22-25 (NIV) – Jesus Calms the Storm: ²² One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. ²³ As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. ²⁴ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ²⁵ “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

This is an intriguing story…that certainly applies to us today… It involves a storm…some fisherman…and Jesus.

Some things for us to note:

• It is Jesus who invites them into the boat…to go to the other side.
• A storm comes along…and they were afraid. Strange for fisherman who would have been in many storms on that lake in the past. Did they think Jesus invited them to go with Him because He wanted to drown them….and Himself?
• Jesus (the physical man and Son of God) was right there with them all along…
• They cried out to Him…He spoke and calmed the storm!
• He asked them about their faith…They trusted Him on the good days, did they not trust Him today in the midst of a rain storm?
• But, as always, Jesus uses the storm to help them realize who He is. The fact that He commands even the winds and waters. That they need Him on good days and during the storms of life. That He is always with them…andHe is their refuge and strength in times of need.

Well God’s Word should always bring Peace and direction…and  be applied to our lives as well… Where has Jesus invited you go today…what is He nudging you to accomplish today? It may not be a boat, but what is His plan for you today? What storms are you facing today? Has the Corona virus impacted you with the winds of uncertainty about your job and finances…Have the waves of social distancing isolated you from loved ones…Do you feel like you are drowning in fear and anxiety over what tomorrow will bring? Are you flooded with worry about things out of your control? Are you swimming in a new vocabulary of negative phrases (like social distancing, fomite, epidemic, pandemic, outbreak, community spread, self-quarantine, isolation, contagious, virus…)?

Well, learn from our Bible reading from today! Jesus is right there with you! He will never leave you or forsake you. He will calm you in the midst of the storms of your life! He will use this storm to remind you that He is Lord, and that He has it covered. That He will bring good out of this (and all bad things) …and He will use this to bring you closer to Him. John 16:33 says… “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” There will be trouble this side of heaven…but we can find Peace because God has overcome this world!

Lord…. you have invited us into the boat, so to speak, with you. Help us to focus on your presence with us. Calm our anxieties and empower us to accomplish your plans today and every day. Lord, life looks different, scary and unpredictable. Remind us that you never change, that you are all loving, all merciful, and all kind. Thank you for the fact that we are your children. Use this storm to draw those who do not know you into a life-giving relationship with you. Protect those who are out there in the trenches…including but not limited to doctors, nurses, pharmacist, truck drivers, store employees, pastors, firemen, police, military. Amen. 

I hope this devotional helped you. Pass it along to those you feel it will help. Call me if you need to talk (440-237-7958 ext 118). 

So now what?

• Connect with God and His Word (take time to read and apply it to your life)
• Follow His nudges as to who and how to reach out to one another.
• Show love today to at least 3 people (Cards, phone calls, texts, smiles)
• Go to royred.org for helpful info.

Good Morning! Remember that every day is a gift from God…use it wisely.I want to expand on a concept in a little different approach. I think many of us these days are focussing on:Things we want (and maybe need), and yet don’t seem to be able to find like:

• toilet paper
• bread
• hand sanitizers
• face masks
• restaurants and bars that are open
• and even open churches

These can consume us….and yet I want us to focus on things that we have and yet aren’t always thankful for, like:

• God’s unconditional Love. Thank Him for the fact that He loves you in spite of you! The fact that nothing can separate you from His Love!
• God’s church. Thank the Lord His church (Royal Redeemer) that prays for you…listens to your concerns…has a food pantry…offers online worship…sends you email devotionals…is there to help any way we can!
• Your health and abilities. Thank the Lord for the fact that your body is God’s temple…keep it as safe and as strong as possible. When allergies, colds, flu, and even corona come your way…lean on the Lord for comfort, and be thankful for a soft bed, medicine and a cup of warm soup!
• Your jobs and income. Thank the Lord for His past blessings. If this pandemic has not impacted you financially…thank the Lord!  If it has cost you your job and money is short…be thankful for what you have and the fact that this pandemic will end, that the government is working to provide some help, utilities are being understanding, your church has a food pantry!
• The Gospel. Thank the Lord that in spite of the fact that the wages of sin is death…that  God sent His son, Jesus, to pay your sin debt! You are forgiven! You will spend eternity with the Lord, where there will never be a pandemic,there will be no need for hospitals, hospice, funeral homes!
• Your family and friends. Thank the Lord for every person that God has placed in your life. This is a great time to thank the Lord for each one of them. If you have broken relationships, call them today and try to make amends. reach out to all of you family with love and concern.

Count your blessings…write them down…and thank the Giver of all good things!So….my challenges for you today are to:

• Take time today to thank the Lord for His unconditional Love for you!
• To reach out to at least three people today! Let them know that someone care!
• To pray for all those in your circle of family, co-workers, and  friends. Pray for their physical, Spiritual, financial, emotional, and relational health.
• Go to royred.org/onlineservices (starting this evening,into tomorrow, and all week long) and worship with us. Pastor Zahrte will be leading an online traditional and contemporary worship service. Always, but especially at times like this, we need to come to the Lord in worship, praise, and to thank our Lord and Savior!!!!!
• Know that I am here if needed….email…text…call!
• Pass this on to anyone who could use it.

Lord…Life seems upside down…complicated…unsure what tomorrow will bring. Remind is that your Love never changes. When pain, grief, fear set in….comfort us with your presence. When loneliness, depression, anxiety set in, remind us that we can cast our anxieties on you Lord because you care for us! Hold your umbrella of Love protect us from the storms of life. Be with those who are out there in the trenches…nurses, doctors, pharmacists, food delivery people, truck drivers, police, fire, store personnel, pastors and clergy, funeral homes, nursing homes, hospice, special needs care givers. Protect them and use them to your Glory Lord. Amen.

Good Afternoon!!!!! I hope you got a chance to take a walk…sit on the patio…open the window! This morning I was focussing on “social Distancing, quarantine, and isolation. Isolation is defined as…”having minimal contact with others.”Many of you have felt that way for years…ISOLATED due to:

• having few friends
• distance between family and friends
• health issues
• lack of mobility…physical immobility…or no car
• incarceration

For others this isolation is a NEW concept:

• working from home
• feeling trapped with kids and their school work
• places and events that are closed
• no visitors at the nursing home/hospice
• quarantine due to doctor’s orders
• churches closed
• funerals with few hugs as only 10 or smaller can attend

I want you to focus on 3 things today:First…..You are never alone!  

• In Matthew 28:20, Jesus tells the disciples (and I might add you) “I am with you always, to the very end of the age”.
• In Joshua 1:9… Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
• Isaiah 41:10…So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
• Deuteronomy 31:6…Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
• Zephaniah 3:17…The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you;  in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
• Hebrews 13:5…Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you“
• Romans 8:38-39… For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, 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.

SO…ALWAYS REMEMBER…YOU MAY BE (OR FEEL) ISOLATED BUT THE TRUTH IS THAT YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!SECOND:

• Your church is always there for you!
• Pastor Harris has a daily devotion – www.royred.org/dailydevotionals
• You can call Terry at 237-7958 ext. 200 in regards to food needs.
• You can call Pam at 440-237-7958 ext. 110 for medical questions, prayers, health concerns.
• You can call me if you are struggling or need someone to talk to (440-241-4779).

I am always intrigued at Paul…there he is in prison for his faith…and what is he doing? Acts 16:25…About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. I encourage you to do the same!

Worship services are online. Last weeks are available now at www.royred.org/sermons …and starting tomorrow at 5:30 you can worship online with Pastor Zahrte.THIRD:

• I encourage each of you to reach out via phone, text, skype, mail, carrier pigeon (just kidding!) to someone who may be feeling isolated.
• The church is making lists of those that would appreciate a phone call….If you would want to make a few caring calls, let Terry know at 440-237-7958 ext 200. Give her your contact info.

Lord…we worship you as Lord and Savior. You are the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. Lord, the world as we knew it seems so different today. remind us that you are the same today and everyday. Wrap your loving arms around each of us. When we feel alone and isolated, remind us that you are always with us. Lord watch over those who are out there working to keep us safe and to provide for our needs. May this crisis bring us closer to you in faith. Amen.

I am sitting in my dining room pondering about you…and life…and God’s Love. I hope you have taken the time to go to royred.org and listen to either (or both) of the traditional  (Pastor Harris) or contemporary (Me) lead worship services from last weekend. We will offer services online again this week. Pastor Zahrte will preach in both the contemporary and traditional venues.

Good morning. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it…Psalm 118:24  I love this verse because we are told that this day is a gift from God…and that we can REJOICE and be glad today. The concept of JOY and REJOICING is a common theme throughout the Bible. The key to understanding this is knowing the difference between JOY and happiness. The word Happy comes from the base word “hap” which means lucky. Thus we are “happy” when things go our way (we find toilet paper and bread in the same store). JOY is different…it’s a fruit of the Spirit! True JOY can only come from God! Our response is to God’s gift of JOY is for us to REJOICE. We can REJOICE (find God’s LOVE, JOY, PEACE, etc.) on seemingly good days, as well as not so good days like when the Corona virus impacts our lives, or health, our plans, our jobs and budgets.

A great verse for you to focus on today about REJOICING and finding God’s PEACE is found in:  Philippians 4:4-7… Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Did you notice it said to rejoice ALWAYS? There was no * asterisk after that verse that says to pick and choose the situations that make you happy. It says we can REJOICE on sunny days and stormy ones…healthy days and sick days….financially good days and lean days.

Whatever you face today, know that God is with you and that He wants you to receive His LOVE, JOY, PEACE…(see Galatians 5:22-23)Take some time today to read it a few times…and meditate on it…and apply it to your life.

I also have an action step for you today….(and every day for the near future:)Reach out to someone today. Ask the Lord to reveal who needs your call. Maybe a neighbor that is lonely…or a friend who has cabin fever…a relative that needs to hear a caring voice…someone who is ill….someone anxious or depressed…?Call them…take time to listen to them…let them know that you care….and share the JOY that can be found in God’s Word.

Lord….Bless all who read this devotional. Remind each of us individually, as well as us as a family, that you LOVE us unconditionally, that nothing (including the Coronavirus) could ever separate us from your LOVE. Watch over those who have the virus as well as those that are susceptible to getting the virus. Lord be with those on the front lines. Those whose jobs put them in harm’s way: the doctors, nurses, medical teams. Give wisdom to elected officials as they lead. Watch over your churches, staff, leaders, and pastors. Be with the Fandrich and Brinkman families as they are planning funerals with only 10 people allowed to be present. Let us be thankful for all of your blessings and fill us with the Joy that can only come from you. To you be the Glory! Amen.