Light Shines On The Righteous
Sunday, June 1
Psalm 97
Sue Ann Kennedy
Trinity Covenant Church
Manchester, Connecticut
“The Lord reigns” (v. 1, NIV). He is the Lord Most High—what a wonderful reminder!
While on a mission trip years ago, I observed the true hunger of the people who wanted to know who God is and that God truly reigns in their lives. They couldn’t get enough of Jesus. They were so hungry. And even though they would likely be persecuted for their faith, they were on fire to spread the Word. Their prayer was that God would guard their lives.
On our last day there they sang us a song and wept as they sang—partly in gratitude for our visit and for teaching them, and partly because some would be giving their life in ministry. It was a most moving, loving experience of the Holy Spirit.
Lord God, thank you for reminding us you are the Lord most high. Invigorate us! Amen.
Patience In The Waiting
Monday, June 2
John 5:1-9
Erin Gomes
Covenant Congregational Church
North Easton, Massachusetts
I imagine the man in today’s passage must have felt exhausted, frustrated, tired of trying, alone and forgotten. Even as he sits by the pool hoping to be healed, he does not see a way for it to happen. And yet, even though his hope seems small, when Jesus tells the man, “Stand up, take your mat and walk,” the man was instantly made well (v. 8, NRSVUE).
When we are in the midst of our own painful season of life, we often can see no way out of it. It can be easy to start questioning why God is not helping us or fixing our troubles. As we get worn down, we can start to believe it is impossible for things to get better. But even when we feel like this, God is at work in our lives. Remember that God loves us, and one day his good plans will be revealed in ways we cannot imagine.
Lord, when I’m desperate for answers and solutions, help me to have faith in you and your perfect timing. Amen.
God Is Always Working
Tuesday, June 3
Acts 3:1-10
Marilyn Mears
Covenant Congregational Church
North Easton, Massachusetts
“Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own but only what he sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished” (vv. 19-20, NRSVUE).
Just before Jesus speaks these words in today’s passage, he healed the man who had lain on his mat for thirty-eight years, waiting to be healed. But because Jesus healed him on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders were quick to judge him for breaking their religious laws. Jesus replies that he is doing what he sees his Father doing. God loves the Son and is showing him what to do.
It is comforting to me that God is always working. God is not judging us but rather is showing us the way to eternal life through Jesus.
Lord, help us to really hear Jesus and to believe that his words come from God the Father. Amen.
Embrace Interruption To Partner With God
Wednesday, June 4
Acts 3:1-10
Christy Barrett
Covenant Church of Thomaston
Connecticut
“When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us’” (vv. 3-4, NRSVUE).
I had an experience recently that was similar to Peter and John’s disruption on their way into the temple. While I was rushing about my routine, God stopped me in my tracks to help a woman who was in need. When we embrace interruption, God invites us to partner with him to change lives. Like the disciples, we may not have a lot to offer monetarily, but we can offer what we do have: time, compassion, a listening ear, and trust that God can turn our little into a lot!
God, help us to be willing to look beyond circumstances or inconvenience to see the people you place in our paths for a reason. Amen.
God Takes Action
Thursday, June 5
Acts 16:16-24
Jean Morton
Covenant Church of Thomaston
Connecticut
As Paul and Silas were going to a place to pray, they came across a girl who “had a spirit” (v. 16). After she’d followed them around for several days, Paul seems to lose patience and calls the spirit out. “In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out of her!” (v. 18, NIV). And it did.
The man who was making money off her fortune-telling was angry because Paul and Silas had disrupted his money-making plans. He had them flogged and thrown into prison.
But the girl was freed! From her affliction—and perhaps from her enslavers. Their act was everything for her.
Lord, give us the confidence to speak boldly in your name, to trust that you are working in ways we cannot see. Amen.
Who Is In Chains?
Friday, June 6
Acts 16:25-34
Donna E. Lareau
Evangelical Covenant Church
Springfield, Massachusetts
As you read the passage ask yourself, Who is really held in the chains? Who is really in darkness? Let the contrasts of this passage flow over and through your mind, heart, and soul.
Picture a dark night in the dark gloom of a prison. Picture the jailer peacefully sleeping, knowing that his prisoners are securely chained. Imagine the sweet backdrop of prisoners praying and singing to God. Then—boom! All that was known and thought to be safe and secure is shattered and shaken by a violent earthquake. The prison walls crumble, the prisoners’ chains are broken! The jailer wakes in a panic—the prisoners must surely have escaped. Imagine his shock and amazement when he discovers that not only have the prisoners remained, but they also halt his attempt to end his life as self-inflicted punishment for falling asleep on the job. Mercy, grace, and unimaginable love lead him to seek the reason and source of this unexpected outcome!
Dear Lord, may we each discover and discern opportunities to surprise and lead others to you by showing your love and grace in this broken world. Amen.
The Love Of Our Father
Saturday, June 7
Psalm 150
Gabriella Crosby
Evangelical Covenant Church
Springfield, Massachusetts
This psalm fills me with a deep sense of nurturing love. This specific piece of Scripture reminds me of a loving parent wanting to celebrate your gifts to them because they cherish you so dearly. Witnessing your passion and joy fills their heart to the brim.
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (v. 6). We see a dual meaning in this verse. First, everything is created by God. We are called to thank the One who has and will always provide us everything, including the air in our lungs.
The second meaning I see is how the words “everything that has breath” fit into this idea. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man, woman, child, or animal—our Father loves you and wants to hear from you. Regardless of age, gender, social standing, and species, God welcomes all of creation and wants to have a relationship with you. It’s truly a beautiful thing to be so completely loved.
God, may we receive your great love and lift our praises to you. Amen.
