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Gentleness: Strength Wrapped in Love

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Paul names gentleness as one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23. At first, the word might sound like weakness or passivity, but true gentleness is anything but that. It is strength under control—power guided by compassion. It reflects the heart of Christ, who could calm a storm with a word yet stoop to touch the untouchable, heal the broken, and forgive those who crucified Him.

To me, gentleness means living with a tender heart in a harsh world. It’s choosing to speak softly when anger could easily rise, to listen when I’d rather defend, and to offer kindness even when I feel wronged. Gentleness calls me to approach others with respect and care, seeing their humanity before judging their actions. It reminds me that my goal isn’t to win arguments but to build bridges of understanding.

Gentleness also invites me to treat myself with that same compassion—to let go of self-condemnation and receive God’s mercy anew each day. It’s the Spirit whispering, “You don’t have to force life; you can trust God’s timing.” When I practice gentleness, I make space for grace to do its work—in me and through me. It’s the quiet strength that transforms relationships and reflects the heart of Jesus to a world desperately in need of His touch.

My Personal Pledge

I pledge to live with gentleness in my words, my actions, and my heart.
I will seek to understand before I judge, to comfort before I criticize, and to speak truth wrapped in love.
I will treat others—and myself—with patience, respect, and compassion, knowing that gentleness is the language of God’s love.
In moments of tension or pain, I will pause, breathe, and choose the way of peace over pride.

Prayer

Loving Spirit, teach me the way of gentleness.
Help me to reflect the tenderness of Christ in how I speak, listen, and live.
When I am tempted to react in anger, soften my heart with Your calm.
When I encounter those who are hurting or difficult to love, remind me of how gently You have loved me.
Let my presence bring peace where there is conflict, healing where there is hurt, and hope where there is despair.
Shape my spirit to be gentle, like Yours.
Amen.

Finding My Voice in a Divided World: A Reflection on the Book of Joel

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Today I read the Book of Joel, a brief but powerful message that begins with devastation and ends with hope. Joel speaks of a locust plague that destroyed the land — a symbol of judgment and loss — but also of a God who calls His people to return with all their hearts. Joel’s cry, “Rend your heart and not your garments,” reminds me that true change begins within. After repentance comes renewal, and God promises, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”

As I look at our world today, filled with political division, fear, and moral confusion, I feel the same tension Joel must have felt. I struggle to know what role I should play and how to be a voice of truth and love. I am 75 years old, and while I may not have the strength to march or protest, I still believe God calls me to speak — but with wisdom, grace, and compassion. Sometimes courage looks like quiet faithfulness, choosing peace over hate, and hope over despair.

I know that dissent can be risky; it can bring misunderstanding, isolation, or even danger. Yet I also know that silence in the face of injustice can wound the soul. My voice may not be loud, but it can still be strong — shaped by love rather than anger, by prayer rather than fear. In this way, I hope to live out Joel’s promise: to be filled with the Spirit that renews hearts and restores what has been lost.

A Prayer for Courage and Wisdom

God of mercy and justice,
In a world torn by anger and fear, give me the courage to stand for what is true,
and the wisdom to speak with love.
When I am afraid, remind me that Your Spirit still moves across the earth.
Restore what is broken within me, and help me live as a light of peace and truth.
May my life, even now, be a quiet testimony of faith in You.
Amen.

💔 The Faithful Love of God — Reflections from the Book of Hosea

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The book of Hosea is one of the most moving love stories in all of Scripture — not just between a man and a woman, but between God and His people. Hosea’s own marriage to Gomer, a woman who was unfaithful to him, became a living parable of divine love. Through Hosea’s heartbreak, God revealed His own heart — a love that suffers, forgives, and keeps reaching out even when rejected.

At the time Hosea wrote, the kingdom of Israel was divided — Israel in the north, Judah in the south. The people were fractured politically and spiritually. “Ephraim,” “Samaria,” and “Israel” symbolized the corruption and idolatry of the north, while Judah and Benjamin were warned not to follow the same path. In their division and unfaithfulness, they forgot the covenant that bound them to God — much like how we, in our own time, have forgotten what it means to belong to one another and to the Source of Love itself.

Hosea’s message is timeless. We, too, live in an age of deep division — political, social, and spiritual. Many have turned away from truth toward idols that wear modern faces: power, wealth, nationalism, ego, and even the misuse of religion to justify hate. Like ancient Israel, we chase after false gods that promise control and security but leave our souls empty. And yet, the beauty of Hosea is that God still says, “I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely.” (Hosea 14:4) God’s love is never withdrawn; His mercy never expires.

For me, this message touches a very personal place. I have struggled with the issues that divide us — in the church, in society, and within my own heart. I have walked as a pilgrim searching for truth, trying to understand what it means to love and to be loved, to trust God’s mercy even when I cannot see the way. Hosea’s story reminds me that faithfulness is not about never failing — it’s about always returning. It’s about letting God’s love heal the wounds that judgment, fear, and false religion have caused in us. In a world shouting with anger and suspicion, I want to be one who listens for God’s quiet invitation: “Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”

The book of Hosea calls all of humanity to come home — to trade our idols for integrity, our hatred for compassion, and our fear for love. It invites us to rediscover a faith that is not about rules or politics, but about relationship — a living covenant with the God whose love never gives up.

May we each learn from Hosea’s story how to love faithfully — in our relationships, in our communities, and in the world. For even in our unfaithfulness, God remains faithful, calling us again and again into the embrace of grace.

Faithful God,
Your love is deeper than my doubts and stronger than the divisions that tear our world apart.
Like Hosea, I have known the ache of searching and the longing to understand what it means to truly love and be loved. Yet through it all, You have never stopped reaching for me.

Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have chased after false gods — the approval of others, the comfort of control, or the illusion of certainty. Turn my heart back to You, the One who heals and restores.
Teach me to love as You love — with patience, mercy, and truth.
In a world divided by fear and pride, make me a vessel of faithfulness and reconciliation.

Let my life reflect Your steadfast love,
and may my heart always return to You —
my true home, my Redeemer, my Beloved.

Amen.

Faithfulness — A Steadfast Heart in a Changing World

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“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” — Proverbs 3:3

Faithfulness is the quiet strength of the soul that keeps us steady when life’s winds blow hard. It means being loyal, dependable, and true — to God, to others, and to ourselves. To be faithful is to keep showing up with love, even when it’s hard, to honor our promises, and to live with integrity when no one is watching.

Faithfulness reflects the very nature of God, who never gives up on us. When His Spirit lives within us, we learn to love with endurance, to believe with confidence, and to remain steadfast through both joy and sorrow. True faithfulness is not just about words or feelings — it’s about living each day with a heart that can be trusted.

My Personal Pledge

I pledge to be faithful — to God, who has never failed me, and to Robert, the gift of love in my life. I will stand beside him with loyalty and tenderness, keeping my heart true and my word sure. In good days and hard days, I will choose steadfast love, patience, and trust, knowing that faithfulness is not a feeling but a daily act of devotion.

A Prayer for Faithfulness

Gracious God,
You are ever faithful, constant in mercy, and steadfast in love. Teach me to mirror Your faithfulness in all that I do. Help me to be true to You and to those You’ve placed in my life. Strengthen my heart to keep my promises, to love without condition, and to live with quiet trust in Your plan. May Your Spirit guide me to be a faithful partner, friend, and servant every day.
Amen.

Faithfulness is love that endures the test of time — a quiet promise kept, a steady heart that mirrors the heart of God.

Patience: Waiting with Trust

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“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” – Psalm 37:7

Patience is one of the hardest fruits of the Spirit to practice. We live in a world that values speed, instant answers, and quick results. Yet God’s Spirit calls us to a different pace—the holy rhythm of waiting, trusting, and resting in Him.

Patience is not passive. It is not simply sitting with folded hands while life passes by. True patience is active trust—it is choosing to believe that God is at work even when we cannot see the outcome. It is enduring with hope when the waiting feels long, when prayers seem unanswered, and when life tests our endurance.

Think of a seed planted in the ground. For weeks, even months, there may be no visible sign of growth. Yet underground, the seed is breaking open, roots are spreading, and life is forming. So it is with God’s work in our lives. What seems like silence or delay is often preparation for a harvest we cannot yet imagine.

Jesus Himself embodied patience. He endured opposition, misunderstanding, betrayal, and even the cross—for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). His patience was rooted in love and in trust of the Father’s perfect plan.

Today, may we welcome the Spirit’s gift of patience. In our families, may we be patient with one another’s weaknesses. In our workplaces, may we show grace when deadlines or frustrations press in. In our personal walk with Christ, may we trust that His timing is always good.

Prayer
Lord, grow in me the fruit of patience. Help me to wait on You without fear, to endure with hope, and to trust that Your timing is perfect. Give me grace to be patient with others, as You are patient with me. Amen.

The Strength of Joy

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When I read Nehemiah 8:10 — “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” — I am reminded that joy is not something fragile or fleeting. It is a gift from God, a deep well that never runs dry, even when life feels heavy.

There are days when sorrow or worry seems closer than joy. The people in Nehemiah’s time knew that feeling. As they listened to God’s Word, they were struck with grief at how far they had wandered. Yet God’s message to them was not condemnation, but encouragement: Don’t stay in despair — My joy will be your strength.

That truth speaks to me today. Joy doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine or ignoring the struggles we face. It means knowing that God is present, faithful, and loving in every circumstance. Joy is anchored in Him.

Paul reminds us in Galatians 5 that joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. I can’t force joy any more than I can make fruit grow by tugging on a branch. Joy grows in me when I stay connected to God — through prayer, worship, Scripture, and quiet trust in His promises.

I’ve seen how joy can change the way I face difficulties. It doesn’t take away the hard things, but it gives me strength to endure them. It shifts my focus from my problems to God’s presence. It reminds me that His story is bigger than my pain.

Even Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). If He could face suffering with joy, then surely His Spirit can give me strength in my trials too.

So today, I choose joy. Not because life is perfect, but because God is good.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of joy. Help me to remember that true joy comes from You, not from my circumstances. When I feel weak or overwhelmed, let Your joy be my strength. Plant it deep in my heart so it grows into peace, courage, and hope. May Your Spirit fill me with joy today, and may that joy overflow to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

P. S. This morning, our family grieves because a dear member of the family passed away in the early hours of today. I go to the doctor this afternoon for a checkup. I am reminded of the sting of death for this family member was younger than me so the joy of the Lord is my strength each and everyday!! God is with us!!!

From Dualism to Wholeness: A Spiritual Journey Through Many Traditions Toward Sacrament, Justice, and Love

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Finding Unity in the Episcopal Church After a Lifetime of Seeking

My spiritual journey has never been a straight line. I began within the Free Will Baptist tradition, carrying with me the dualistic view of sacred and profane, and the heavy sense that humanity was broken and bound for judgment. Yet, as the years passed, my experiences, teachers, and encounters with different traditions began to weave together a richer tapestry of faith—one that ultimately led me to the Episcopal Church.

Learning That Life Is Relation

At Free Will Baptist Bible College, I sat under Professor Leroy Forlines, who wrote on Bible ethics and taught that life is essentially about relationships. He described four foundational ones: with God, with others, with ourselves, and with the universe. That idea—that life is relation—stuck with me. It gave me a framework that would shape how I interpreted every new encounter with spirituality.

Wesleyan Influence and the Methodist Way

After years in the Free Will Baptist Church, I had the opportunity to serve as a Church of the Nazarene pastor. Through that experience, I became acquainted with John Wesley. His teaching opened my eyes to a broader vision of Christian faith, one that emphasized holiness, grace, and practical living. Eventually, I found my way into the Methodist Church, where I discovered the Wesleyan Quadrilateral: truth is discerned through Scripture, Reason, Experience, and Tradition. This made so much sense to me—so different from the sola scriptura approach of the Free Will Baptist and Nazarene churches.

In 1997, I formally joined the United Methodist Church and went on to attend Memphis Theological Seminary. There, Dr. Barry Bryant, a Methodist professor, drilled into us the heart of the Gospel: love God and love your neighbor as yourself. From him I also learned the depth of sacrament and sacramentalism—seeing God’s grace in ordinary, tangible ways.

The Splitting of the UMC

In more recent years, I watched the United Methodist Church fracture over LGBTQ ordination. Many congregations left, and I felt the services lose some of the liturgical richness rooted in Anglican tradition. My heart longed for a worship that was more sacramental, more connected to the deep rhythms of Anglican and Catholic practice. I yearned for a place where my expanding spirituality—shaped by so many influences—could be fully lived.

Streams That Shaped Me

By this time, I had already been shaped by multiple streams of faith:

  • Native American spirituality taught me that everything is sacred and all life is interconnected.
  • Quaker spirituality taught me to listen for the Inner Light and to seek truth in silence and simplicity.
  • Progressive Christianity taught me that love and justice are the heart of the Gospel, and inclusivity is non-negotiable.
  • Taoism, through the teaching of Dr. Larry Campbell, showed me the wisdom of balance, harmony, and flow.

All of these formed within me a vision of faith that went beyond dogma—one that cherished relationship, inclusion, and sacrament.

Finding Home in the Episcopal Church

That longing found its home at St. James Episcopal Church in Springfield, Missouri. Here, I discovered a community where all the influences of my journey seemed to converge. The liturgy connects me to the ancient church, the sacraments bring depth and meaning, and the spirit of inclusion reflects the love I had discovered in Progressive Christianity. I can see the harmony of Native American spirituality, the silence and integrity of Quakerism, and the wisdom of Taoism alive in this community’s practices.

In Essence

I became an Episcopalian because it is the one place where all the streams of my journey flow together. It is where sacrament and justice meet, where ancient tradition embraces progressive inclusion, and where the beauty of worship reflects the sacredness of all creation. For me, the Episcopal Church is not just a denomination—it is the home where my faith, shaped by so many influences, has found its resting place.

Devotional Reflection on Matthew 6:12

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I heard the hymn “Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive” by Rosamond Herklots today, and it stirred something deep within me. It reminded me that forgiveness lies at the very heart of our faith.

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He included a bold request: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” Those words are both comforting and challenging. They remind us that while we long for God’s mercy, we are also called to extend that same mercy to others.

Forgiveness, however, is rarely easy.
We carry wounds from hurtful words, broken promises, and painful betrayals. Sometimes the anger or grief we feel seems too heavy to release. Yet, when we hold on to resentment, it begins to hold on to us. Our hearts harden, and our relationship with God suffers.

Jesus made it clear:

“If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
(Matthew 6:14-15)

The hymn captures this truth beautifully. It acknowledges our struggle and pleads for God’s help:

“Cleanse the depths within our souls
and bid resentment cease;
then, bound to all in bonds of love,
our lives will spread Your peace.”

Forgiveness is not pretending the wrong never happened, nor is it excusing sin.
It is releasing the burden of anger and leaving justice in God’s hands. It is choosing to live in freedom rather than bitterness. And just as God forgives us freely, He calls us to pass on that gift of grace.

When we forgive, we experience healing. Relationships may be restored, peace replaces turmoil, and we begin to reflect Christ’s love in a broken world.

Reflection Questions

  1. Is there someone you need to forgive today — or someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness?
  2. How have you experienced God’s forgiveness personally?
  3. What steps can you take to let go of resentment and trust God with the outcome?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
thank You for the mercy You have shown me.
I confess that I often struggle to forgive others.
Cleanse my heart of bitterness and pain,
and help me to extend Your grace freely.
As You have forgiven me,
so let me forgive others,
that Your peace may reign in my life.
Amen.

Finding Joy in Life’s Trials

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Scripture Reading:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
— James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Reflection

Life rarely goes according to our plans. There are seasons of deep joy and peace, but there are also times when our world feels like it’s turned upside down—loneliness, loss, uncertainty, or the weight of responsibility.

James, the brother of Jesus, understood this well. Writing to believers scattered across many nations, he encouraged them to “consider it pure joy” when facing trials. At first, this sounds impossible. Who could ever be joyful about pain or struggle?

But James wasn’t saying we should be happy because of the trial itself. Instead, he invites us to see trials through God’s perspective. Difficult seasons test our faith, but they also strengthen it, just as resistance strengthens a muscle. When we keep trusting God in the middle of hardship, our perseverance grows—and with it, our character and spiritual maturity.

James also reminds us that when we feel confused or overwhelmed, we can ask God for wisdom. He promises to give it generously and without judgment. The key is to trust Him fully, rather than doubting His goodness or being tossed around by fear and uncertainty like waves in the ocean.

Your trial today might feel heavy, but it is not wasted. God can use this very moment to shape you into someone stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. What seems like a setback may actually be a setup for growth and deeper faith.

Life Application

  • Look at trials differently. Instead of asking, “Why me?” ask, “What is God teaching me through this?”
  • Pray for wisdom first. Before making decisions, take a moment to seek God’s guidance.
  • Stand firm in faith. Refuse to let doubt or fear define your response. Trust that God is with you, even when you cannot see the outcome.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being with me in every season of life. When trials come, help me to see them as opportunities to grow and to trust You more deeply. Give me the wisdom I need to face today’s challenges, and strengthen my faith so that I am not shaken by doubt or fear. May my life reflect Your love and bring You glory, even in difficult times.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Thought

Trials will come, but so will growth. When you persevere through challenges with faith and courage, you will discover a deeper joy—one rooted not in your circumstances, but in the unchanging love of God.

The Journey of a Pilgrim

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Scripture:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

When I was in high school, my English and Literature teacher, Mrs. May Ruth Ishee, assigned me to read Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan and give a report to the class. At first, I saw it simply as another school assignment—a book to read, a report to prepare, and a grade to earn. But as I turned the pages and followed the journey of Christian, the main character, I began to see something deeper.

Christian’s journey was a picture of the spiritual life—a path filled with challenges, temptations, and victories. He faced moments of doubt, times of weariness, and battles with forces that sought to turn him away from his goal: the Celestial City. I realized that my own walk with Christ was very much like his. The Slough of Despond reminded me of my own times of discouragement, while Christian’s meeting with Evangelist echoed the mentors and encouragers God placed in my life—people like Mrs. Ishee, who helped guide me in faith and learning.

That book planted seeds in my heart that have grown over the years. It showed me that being a follower of Jesus is a journey, not a sprint. There are mountains to climb, valleys to cross, and burdens to lay down at the foot of the cross.

Looking back, I see that Mrs. Ishee didn’t just assign a book; she gave me a tool for life—a story that continues to remind me that I am, and always will be, a pilgrim on the road home.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Where are you in your spiritual journey right now?
  2. What burdens do you need to lay down at the feet of Jesus today?
  3. Who has been an “Evangelist” or encourager in your walk with Christ?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for teachers, mentors, and friends who guide us along the journey of faith. Help me to walk faithfully with You, even when the road is difficult. May Your Word always light my path and lead me toward Your Celestial City. In Jesus’ name, Amen.