For many of us, one devotional source just isn’t enough – we crave variety. Jesus Calling is becoming a favorite, particularly because the passages are written as though coming directly from Jesus.

“…Instead of scrutinizing your checklist, focus your attention on My presence with you. This continual contact with Me will keep you in My Peace…”

~ May 6^th devotional passage from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

During the pandemic this brings a wry grin. Our checklists, planning and actions will be important. Without the focus on all considerations with God at the center, they can become like treading water however. It helps to relax and focus on faith even in frenzied situations, allowing the peace that passeth all understanding to be with us as we journey together …

ACTION: If you have a few minutes today, find a quiet place, sit calmly and enjoy time with God with no words necessary.

May you enjoy this day, drawing nearer to Jesus every step of the way!

HUMOR

• Save on Shipping?
• Christian Playbook humor links – new updates as of 5/2

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES:

• For People Critically Ill, or Facing Great Uncertainty – from New Zealand Prayer Book (bottom of first page shown HERE)
• Celtic Daily Prayer
• CP Prayer Page – containing LOADS of possibilities…

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, May 10, 2020:

• Acts 7:55-60 
• Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 
• 1 Peter 2:2-10 
• John 14:1-14

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I’ve always felt a bit of a “Purposes kindred spirit” relationship with Rick Warren. After all, a few years before Rick published Purpose Driven Life (PDL,) my buddy Lee and I developed and presented “Purposes For Life” workshops with lots of themes consistent with PDL. When my brother, Thad, mentioned he likes Rick’s daily devotional posting, it seemed worth a try and I’m glad I have (thanks Thad!)

In an email post from 2016, Rick talks about the importance of journaling the key lessons in our Christian experience. This is of particular value when in wilderness times…

“Some of you are in the wilderness right now. Remember this: The way to the Promised Land is through the wilderness. You’ve got to go through that waiting period. You’ve got to go through that desert. You’ve got to go through that dry spell.” 

~ Rick Warren in Small Lessons Lead to Big Successes post

That commentary is consistent with the concept of “fallow time” that Bill Bridges discusses in the book Transitions. In order to have a proper ending and a positive new beginning, we must go through the wilderness/fallow time. The lessons we learn about ourselves during such times are substantial, and it’s worth writing down your “aha” moments.

POSSIBLE ACTION: Know someone going through such a wilderness right now, especially during this pandemic? If so, consider forwarding this email and/or Rick’s post along with a little encouragement? With prayer, encouragement and love (plus a little journaling?), we’ll all make it to the promised land!

May you have a wonderful day, filled with the Spirit!

P.S. this one bears repeating – it was originally posted in January, 2016…

HUMOR

• Save on Shipping?
• Christian Playbook humor links – new updates as of 5/2

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES:

• For People Critically Ill, or Facing Great Uncertainty – from New Zealand Prayer Book (bottom of first page shown HERE)
• Celtic Daily Prayer
• CP Prayer Page – containing LOADS of possibilities…

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, May 3, 2020:

• Acts 2:42-47 
• Psalm 23 
• 1 Peter 2:19-25 
• John 10:1-10

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE