Daily Devotional August 11, 2020
Jesus Along the Way: Words of Hope and Grace. By Pastor Tom Joyce
August 11, 2020
“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13
There are times when we just need someone close by, to not only walk with us along the way but to give a certain amount of comfort in an uncertain time. When I first read God’s Word according to Isaiah 41:13, I thought the grammar was off; there should have been the word “will” before the word “hold.” But as always, God’s Word is God’s Word and God means what God says! God does not say he may hold your hand or will hold your hand at some point in the future; God says I am holding your hand now, right now! Thank you Jesus for the gift of your presence, even when we think you are not around. At some point in a child’s life, they venture away from their parent’s hand; yet the watchful, loving parent is still watching, arm extended just far enough for them to take the child’s hand if they stray too far. At first, there is resistance; the child really wants their independence, they can do it all by themselves. But eventually the parent notices a tiny hand reaching to theirs, feeling the hand clinging hard to the comfort of another. There are times when life just seems almost overwhelming; COVID19 and the resultant restrictions are bad enough but then other life struggles happen at unexpected times. Health declines, loss of loved ones happen, financial resources become scarce; but all the while the powerful, loving hand of Jesus has never let go of you. The word of the Savior promising “I am with you now, even to the end of the age” strengthens your resolve not to fear, because God is with you, and will be forever more. A golf instructor once told me one of the most important parts of a golf swing is a good grip. One of the most important things to remember about life is the good grip God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, has on you; it will never let you go and will guide you all along the way.
Rev. Tom Joyce, pastor
Fields United Methodist Church

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