Daily Devotional August 20, 2020

Jesus Along the Way: Words of Hope and Grace.                        By Pastor Tom Joyce

August 20, 2020

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and the ends of the earth.”  Acts 1:8

 

It is easy in this season of pandemic, social and political change to feel defeated, unable to do the things we once did for God. It may be a feeling of fear; fear of spreading or contracting COVID due to the pandemic. Could be a fear of retribution for expressing any opinion that may be different from somebody else’s opinion. Fear has a way of controlling our lives and our ability to see our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ especially in times such as these. You have the power of the Holy Spirit and you are witnessing whether you know it or not.  Many years ago, a woman came up to me and told me she felt worthless to anybody, as she was unable to be active in the life of the church like she once was.  Her fear was that she was disappointing Jesus in her inability to help others along their way. I reminded her that she was still a witness, perhaps more than ever, in how she lived her life, how she loved others and how her faith was an inspiration to others just by her being there for others. “How can that be,” she proclaimed.  God makes a way for us when we think there is no way; God offers strength when our fears seem to stifle our living.  You have the power of the Holy Spirit now, at this moment to overcome the multitude of challenges and fears that may creep into your life. God is bigger than the pandemic and is certainly bigger than politics and societal challenges. The greatest gift you can offer someone else is the gift of your faith that guides and impacts how you react to the people around you and the events of the day. You are a witness of the grace of Jesus Christ offering hope certainly in new ways. God through Jesus is doing a “new thing” in you and is strengthening you along the way; you are needed and you are God’s beloved. You are needed now more than you have ever been in your life. Things may be a bit different today than they were even a few months ago, but God’s love for you has not changed; it is just as intense, pure, and unwavering as it ever was; maybe ever greater.

Rev. Tom Joyce, pastor

Fields United Methodist Church




      

 

 
 
 
Join us for in person & online worship at 9 am or 11 am
every Sunday.
 
Pastoral Visits:
If you would like a visit or would just like to talk, please let me know. Please
call or text me at 330-416-1817, call the church office at 440-327-8753, or email me at
fieldsumcpastor@gmail.com. As always, I am available to pray anytime, just give me a call. I
am here for you and honored to be your pastor. God is good all the time!
 
Pastor Tom Joyce
 
 
If you wish to join us in person but are not ready to enter the building, you can worship from your car, tuned in to 88.5 FM or from the comfort of your home by tuning in to one of our online platforms below
 

Please join us on Sunday on our webpage: 

www.fieldsumc.org (click livestream)

FaceBook: www.facebook.com/fieldsunitedmethodistchurch, or

Youtube:  www.youtube.com/user/fieldsumc/videos.

 

The ministry of Jesus Christ continues though Fields especially during this time. If you are able to give, here are a few options:

Online: www.fieldsumc.org  tap “giving”

Text:    440-319-3537

Mail:  Fields United Methodist Church

34077 Lorain Rd.

North Ridgeville, Ohio  44039

 

Thank you for your prayers and support.

 
 
 
 
 

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Our Mission: To make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.

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Our Mission: To make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.