spring woodland & bloosoms from Leslie Shaw

Spreading Love & Hope...

Welcome to today's devotion created for your use at home during these trying times. With church gatherings suspended, we gather and share through telephone & technology. Staying connected during this time of Coronavirus is important for all of us. May this devotion and the links provided help you stay connected to God and the wider community.

If you have items to share -- news, a prayer, song, Bible verse, reflection, photo -- please send it by email so we can share them. Thanks to Leslie for the woodland photo and the suggestion for the lively Shostakovich music link. (It'll get you dancing!)
Blessings & peace, Ana & Tod
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Tadpole Nebula nasa.com

Kids Corner

Stories from Space
Lift up you eyes to the heavens. Who created all these? -- Isaiah 40:26
Right now astronauts soar high above us in God's heaven, and you can listen to them (and see them) reading stories for children. Totally awesome!

Today's Reflection

Blue candle
‘Giving sets us free, while hoarding entraps us.’
an interpretation of James 5

Really?
I've just added about 3 extra weeks of groceries to the Tesco delivery slot I booked two weeks ago for next Tuesday. Is that reasonable or hoarding? What if I can't get another food delivery slot? I check several times a day to see if any new delivery slots have opened up, but it's not looking hopeful. Should I be worried? How does that fit in with my faith? How do I trust as this frightening scenario unfolds, pulling us into unknown territory?

Really?
I'm supposed to feel generous and 'giving'?

'Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. God will never leave you nor forsake you.' --Deuteronomy 31:8

Thank goodness, thank God, that I have my faith and can turn to God in prayer. Thank goodness I have Elders who are thinking about how to get food to those without any Tesco deliveries. Thank goodness I have a neighbour, Lou, who persists in finding ways to help our neighbours. Thank goodness I am not alone to wrap myself in a mantle of fear and further isolation.

'Do not be afraid.'

Whew! What great news this is. And what a relief.

What can I do?
  • I can write reflections like this that might strike a chord with others.
  • I can make an on-line donations to our churches to help when it's needed most.
  • I can reach out on the telephone and via social media.
  • I can stay calm and carry on, standing in Christ's footsteps, open to the love, peace and courage that God is waiting to pour into open hearts and minds.
  • I can remember that 'Thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. My cup overflows.'
  • I can keep checking Tesco for a delivery slot and order enough to help my neighbour.
God of love, cast out our fear. Fill our hearts and minds with humble confidence, that centering our lives in you, we may live as bold ambassadors of your mercy; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today's Prayers

Join Christians around the world praying daily at 12:00 noon, making each day a World Day of Prayer.
we're tired and bored, by Nadia Boz-Weber, from Thandiwe
by Nadio Boz-Weber
Haines blossoming tree

A Psalm a day

Chris H has set herself a personal challenge, to read a Psalm a day, in order starting with Psalm 1 today. Why not join her in this discipline. If the day's psalm inspires you, share your thoughts and questions.

Psalm 1
'Happy are those who...'
What makes you happy in usual circumstances? What has made you happy today?

A question from Chris: Why is 'Selah' printed after some verses?

Music

Music is Living Water for the soul
and connects us to one another.
Sun
‘For uplifting music which might make you want to dance I'd suggest Suk's Fantastic Scherzo and Shostakovich Jazz Suite.’ -- Leslie S

Just click on the button to start smiling as you listen to the Shostakovich Jazz Suite performed by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. And say a prayer for the people of Ukraine while you're listening (and dancing).
Send in your favourite music links to share.
Bible on stand, Salisabury URC
Click on the blue button above to read all the Lectionary Readings designated for this week of Lent.
Yesterdays' Daily Home Devotions
Missed a Daily Devotion? Find it here.
Leslie's woodland blossoms up close...
spring woodland & bloosoms from Leslie Shaw

In case you missed these...

All the Hours God Gives

by Steve Turner
-shared by Fiona
I work all the hours God gives.
I work. All the hours – God gives.
I work all the hours. God gives.
God gives all the hours I work.
God gives. All the hours – I work.
God gives all. The hours? I work.
The hours God gives, I work.
The hours! God gives, I work.
I give God all the work hours.
The hours I give God all work.

--from ‘I Was Only Asking’ © 2004 Lion Publishing
Progressive Voices cover
Progressive Voices Magazine is full of thoughtful articles, poems and theological reflections for the thinking Christian. It is the regular publication of the Progressive Christian Network of Great Britain. Click on the button above to read the complete March edition. Look for the poem by Ana Gobledale (page 23).

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