He Did Tell Us
Sunday, May 11
John 10:22-30
Andi Long
Covenant Congregational Church
North Easton, Massachusetts
The crowds in this passage may have been mocking Jesus with their question, but his answer holds a beautiful truth for us: “I did tell you” (v. 25). He did tell us who he was, and we have the gift of the Word to turn to when we are feeling unsure, anxious, or wondering where he is.
Even in just these few verses, Jesus offers us assurances we can cling to: He knows us. He gives us eternal life. We will never be snatched out of our Father’s hand. Jesus told us so!
Are you worried, wondering, or struggling with difficult circumstances? Turn to his Word and find comfort in the promises of Jesus. Let us choose to do what he says: listen and follow him, finding peace, guidance, and truth in what he did tell us.
Breath prayer: (Breathe in) I will listen and follow you. (Breathe out) I trust what you say. Amen.
Dark Valleys
Monday, May 12
Psalm 23:1-4
Laura Slomba
Covenant Congregational Church
North Easton, Massachusetts
Through one of the most difficult and darkest times of my life, when my daughter suffered with encephalitis and the symptoms compounded themselves, turning months into years, I turned to this psalm. A mother’s role is to comfort, protect, guide, and care for her child. I had to make critical medical decisions under immense pressure and fear. The choices were not always popular or practical. As I prayed about my decisions, asking for courage, perseverance, and insight, I found many fears lifted and the discerning path to healing and health opened. I gave my fear of loss to God and sought the promise of tomorrow. We did not walk alone through this valley but were shrouded in prayer and support from our church family.
Despite the odds, my daughter survived and recovered all her functions. She is a constant reminder of God’s goodness delivering through the darkest valley.
In my darkest moments, Lord, I know you are there. Please comfort and guide me through all things. Amen.
Christ Cares For Us
Tuesday, May 13
John 20:19-23
Janie Hayes
Covenant Congregational Church
North Easton, Massachusetts
What a gift it is that God has breathed the Holy Spirit on us and that we have three different ways to relate to God: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For me, the Holy Spirit brings warmth, a feeling of embrace, a sort of tingling and electricity, physical balance, and mental stability.
The Spirit speaks to me through God’s glorious creation. For the past twenty years I have been so blessed to have lived on the ocean facing west, listening to the peaceful waves and drenched in spectacular sunsets every day. But the time has come for us to move to a new home that won’t have a water or sunset view. I’m very sad to be leaving my little piece of heaven on earth, and I am wondering how God will speak to me in this new chapter. Yet I am excited for new ways to feel God’s presence in my life with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, I pray that your Spirit will speak to me in dramatic ways that draw me close in your warm embrace. Amen.
A Personal Encounter With Jesus
Wednesday, May 14
John 20:24-31
Christy Barrett
Covenant Church of Thomaston
Connecticut
So often the focus on this passage has been “Doubting Thomas,” but what stands out to me is Jesus’s compassion and love for Thomas. Jesus knows exactly what Thomas requires to be sure of the resurrection, and he meets Thomas in that need for certainty. When the testimony of friends is not convincing, Jesus walks through literal and metaphorical locked doors to show himself to us and say, “See? It really is me! Believe!” Jesus presents himself to Thomas so he can personally examine the evidence and declare, “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28). How loving is our God to reveal himself in just the way we each need to receive it!
Thank you, Jesus, for understanding the unique needs each of us has on our faith journey and for meeting each of us where we are to reveal yourself. Amen.
Unity In Christ
Thursday, May 15
John 17:20-26
Allison Beth
Trinity Covenant Church
Manchester, Connecticut
This text reminds us that God wants all God’s people to be a united team. We are to pray for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ as Jesus taught us to pray through the Lord’s prayer. God loved us before we were ever created—so powerful.
We see God’s great love in Jesus’s words on our behalf as he reminds us how much God loves us. God sent Jesus to teach us, prepare a way for us, and gift us with the Holy Spirit to reside in us. We, too, can have the same intimacy with God. May we be united as witnesses to the world so that all hear the message of salvation.
Dear Lord, thank you for your love and for inviting us into deep, personal, and intimate relationship with you. May the unity of your people become so prevalent that many more will come to know you. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Raising A Community
Friday, May 16
Acts 9:36-43
Amanda Jensen
Christ Church
East Greenwich, Rhode Island
This story begins with a good, charitable woman being laid to rest. Her community, aware that Peter was nearby performing healings, traveled to get him, even though she was already dead. Peter went with them, raised her to life, and many believed in the Lord.
What faithful friends to head out to find Peter! What a faithful community to embrace hope even after death. In Jesus’s ministry on earth, twice he raised others from the dead. Each time the healing request came when the person was still alive.
The people today’s passage believed and acted on behalf of this woman, and they did not hesitate to ask. What did they value about her? Was it that she was charitable, or was there more? I wonder.
While the raising of the dead was what the people sought, the miracle brought glory to God and expanded the community of believers in Joppa.
God, take our hopes and our answered prayers and use them for your kingdom! Amen.
Hope
Saturday, May 17
Psalm 23:5-6
Ada Gomes
Covenant Congregational Church
North Easton, Massachusetts
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (v. 5, NIV).
This passage brings me hope. God is providing David with strength, power, and everything he needs to keep going in the face of his many enemies. The good news is God still does this today for us.
In my life, I have struggled with anxiety, as do many people. My enemies are not like David’s; my enemies are anxiety and fear. This psalm shows me how, even when everything seems wrong and I am anxious about something, God will provide me strength. If we trust God, God’s love and goodness can bring joy. Next time I feel anxious I will remember that God prepares a table for me.
Thank you, God, for giving me strength even in front of my enemies. Amen.
