Daily Devotional

Every kid needs a fort. I was reminded of this truth when our family brought down our decorations from the attic. There were boxes for outside decorations and boxes for inside. We brought the boxes into the living room. It did not take long for my youngest daughter to discover these boxes. With the help of a blanket and a pillow, she quickly made a new fort. Soon, she was in her new hiding place with all the toys she needed.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I give thee thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing thy praise;
I bow down toward thy holy temple
and give thanks to thy name for thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness;
for thou hast exalted above everything
thy name and thy word.

The book of Romans is one of the most theologically rich letters written by the Apostle Paul. Throughout the 16 chapters of this amazing letter, Paul articulates his deep understanding of the Christian faith. In the book of Romans, we are taught some of Paul’s foundational understandings of the faith. Paul takes on topics such as the meaning of the law, salvation, death and so many other questions that cause concern for so many.

God‘s grace is truly amazing. Wrapped into our concept of grace are so many wonderful parts of our life of faith. Grace is God’s presence in our lives. We are not alone as we walk the journey of life. Deuteronomy states, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be in dread of them: for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

You may not know the name of Eugenia Duke, but the people of Greenville, South Carolina do, and they recently took time to honor her legacy. Eugenia Duke lived in South Carolina. In 1917, Eugenia and her daughter Martha began selling her homemade sandwiches to the soldiers at the Army camp, Camp Sevier. Eugenia sold her sandwiches throughout World War I to help support her family.

At my daughter’s elementary school, the fourth graders were just given the opportunity to sign up for the Kindness Club. Carter, being my sweet gal, jumped at the opportunity. The Kindness Club is run by the school counselors and gives these students a chance to spread kindness in several ways. I was so impressed and elated when I read about this in the latest email. Students in the Kindness Club are asked to attend a morning meeting once a month and are given the chance to spread kindness around the school and the community.

Friday nights, under the lights, is a magical experience. The marching band takes years of learning musical instruments to the point of being able to march a routine while making music. So many students want to participate in these extra-curricular activities. Casey Hubbard is one of those students. His desire is to perform with Southmoore High School Band. Casey has been playing trumpet since the seventh grade. He worked hard to learn his instrument. When he arrived in High School, he wanted to join the marching band. The big obstacle for Casey is that he is in a wheelchair.

Adam Mewhorter is the Band Director for Southmoore. He knew Casey’s dream of playing in the band and he saw the challenge Casey was facing…

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.

“I will praise you, Lord.
    Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
    and you have comforted me.
Surely God is my salvation;
    I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
    he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water
    from the wells of salvation.

In that day you will say:

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done,
    and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
    let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
    for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”