Rainbow ribbons - Thandiwe

Spreading Love & Hope...

Welcome to today's devotion created for your use at home during these anxious 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 Joan and Nancy.
Blessings & peace, Ana & Tod
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Kids Corner

Rainbows everywhere!
Rainbow on RIdgeway Road
Look at the rainbow, and praise God who made it. --Ecclesiasticus 43.11
These rainbows appeared on my neighbours front window, as they have on windows across the globe. They are a sign of hope and promise, as they were to Noah long ago. (For the whole story ready Genesis 8-9.) And they truly cheer up all who see them! Send photos of your rainbows for me to post here and send them to BBC to be shared more widely. Click on the button:

Today's Reflection

Thank the health care workers
Including my niece, Jessie, an ER doctor in North Carolina. Her husband, Nino, is also a doctor and they have two sons at home.
Doctor Jessie
Whom do you know working in a hospital or medical centre? I'm happy to post names and photos as we share in expressing our thanks and prayers to them all.

Music

nasa.com
Click on the button to listen to a meditative version of the Lord's Prayer.
(Thanks, Joan, for the link.)
Send in your favourite music links to share.
Music is Living Water for the soul
and connects us to one another.

Today's Prayers

Join Christians around the world praying daily at 12:00 noon, making each day a World Day of Prayer.
Don't struggle
Shared by Joan
Haines blossoming tree

A Psalm a day

Psalm 2

We're joining Chris H in her personal challenge to read a Psalm a day. If the day's psalm inspires you, share your thoughts and questions.

Psalm 2:1-11
Verse 11: Happy are all who take refuge in God.
Psalm 2 is fairly heavy going, so I've chosen to highlight the last verse. During this anxious time, God offers refuge. How are you accepting that offer today?

Yesterday's question: Why is 'Selah' printed after some verses?
Answer: The meaning of 'selah' is a mystery; it may mean taking a musical interlude or a pause in reading. I like this explanation from Martin Luther:
'Selah is telling us to pause and reflect diligently on the words of the psalm; for they require a calm and tranquil soul who is able to grasp with understanding what the Holy Ghost is presenting to ones thought.'
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.
Sun

In case you missed these...

Really?

--reflection by Ana
‘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.
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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