Daily Devotional August 5, 2020
Jesus Along the Way: Words of Hope and Grace. By Pastor Tom Joyce
August 5, 2020
“Jesus said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, Son of the Living God.’” Matthew 16:15-16
Several decades and journeys ago, a few of my close friends and I ventured out west to explore the “spacious skies,” “amber waves of grain,” and the “purple mountain majesty” of our nation. It was a fun trip, saw many things, but on the way home our vehicle had enough and just gave out. Fortunately, one of our dads “just happened to be in the neighborhood of Lincoln Nebraska and was there to help us get back on the road. What a relief it was to see his car and know that a loving and friendly person was there to help. When we proclaim as Peter did, “you are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God,” there is relief as well; relief that Jesus, the Son of God, meets us along the way to provide hope and grace no matter where our journey may lead. There are times when periods of anxiety, like this never-ending pandemic, just gets us down; we lose track of the presence of God even though God never left our side. To proclaim, “Jesus, you are the Son of the Living God,” opens the eyes of our heart to understand that we are never alone, and never have been; God, through our Savior Jesus Christ has been with us from the time of our conception and will be “even to the end of the age.” If you feel down, over-whelmed, or just plain tired, celebrate the presence of Jesus in your life, the “Son of the Living God.” Jesus has been with you along the way and many times has carried you; make your profession of faith relief in the eye of the storm, a mighty hand that is there to pick you up when you feel broken down, a Savior that is your comfort and your hope no matter who you are, where you have been, or where it seems life may be taking you. You are blessed today; God always shows up because God never left your side.
Grace and peace in abundance,
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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