July 15, 2026 – Reading from “Streams in the Desert” by L.B. Cowman  

Trusting even when it appears you  have been forsaken; praying when it seems
your words are simply entering a vast expanse where no one hears and no voice
answers; believing that God’s love is complete, and that He is aware of your
circumstances, even when your world seems to grinds on as if setting its own
direction and not caring for life or moving one inch in response to your petitions;
desiring only what God’s hands have planned for you; waiting patiently while
seemingly starving to death, with your only fear being that your faith might fail –
“this is the victory that has overcome the world”; this is genuine faith indeed.
-- George MacDonald

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 – Psalm 37:7 – Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.

Last summer, my car broke down on a remote road during
   a long-distance move.  With no cell service and the nearest
   town miles away, I felt my anxiety rising.

In that forced pause, I had no choice but to be still.  I sat on
   the hood of my car, watching the sky turn from blue to
   brilliant orange.  The quiet was unsettling at first.  I was used
   to constant motion and continuous productivity.  But as the
   minutes passed, I began to notice the gentle sway of wildflowers
   in the breeze, the distant call of birds returning to their nests, the
   cool evening air on my skin. 

An hour later, a kind farmer stopped to help, and soon I was back
   on my way.  But that unexpected pause taught me something
   valuable about waiting.  Psalm 37:7 counsels patient waiting
   while enduring challenging situations.  My car’s breakdown
   showed me that waiting isn’t just an interruption; it’s an invitation
   to notice God’s presence.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 – “No Rain” by P. Williams

What a beautiful morning God gave us this morning.

Not hot yet… but we all know
   that by mid-day the heat will
   surround us.  And it has!

I don’t think any of us are big fans of
   the extreme heat we have had in the
   past few days.  So I will pray for the “ordinary”
   summer days…  filled with
   ordinary temperatures!

No rain…  So farm fields look
   dry and burned…  Nothing looks
   like a real field of corn…  swaying
   in the summer wind…

So I will pray for rain…
   summer showers to water the crops.

Many have been to the beach and
   saw the lovely sand & ocean…
   crashing with foam on the coast.

Some have been to the mountains…
   filled with trees and wonderful
   views…  watched a big cloud roll over
   and not drop a bit of rain….

North Carolina is dry.  From the
   mountains to the sea.

God… we pray for rain… to
   fill the streams and lakes and farm ponds.

Touch us with your gift of rain.

We thank You for your many blessings.  Amen

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Proverbs 4:12 - When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when
you run, you will not stumble.  (Streams in the Desert)

The Lord only builds a bridge of faith directly under the feet of a faithful traveler.  He never builds the
bridge a few steps ahead, for then it would not be one of faith.  “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor.  5:7). 

Years ago automatic gates were sometimes used on country roads.  They would securely block the road as
a vehicle approached, and if the traveler stopped before coming to the gate, it would not open.  But if the
traveler drove straight toward it, the weight of the vehicle would compress the springs below the roadway,
and the gate would swing back to let him pass.  The vehicle had to keep moving forward, or the gate would
remain closed.

This illustrates the way to pass through every barrier that blocks the road of service for God.  Whether the
barrier is a river, a mountain or a gate, all a child of Jesus must do is head directly toward it.  If it is a river,
it will dry up as he comes near it, as long as he still forges ahead.  If it is a mountain, it will be removed
and “cast into the sea” (Mark 11:23) providing he approaches it with unflinching confidence.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – Excerpt from “Streams in the Desert” by L.B. Cowan

Matthew 14:29-30 – Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the
wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 

  John Bunyan said that Peter did have a little faith, even in the midst of his doubts.  In spite of crying out
in fear, it was by getting out of the boat and walking that he got to Jesus.

  In this passage of Scripture, we see that Peter’s sight was actually a hindrance.  Once he had stepped out
of the boat, the waves were none of his business.  His only concern should have been the path of light
shining across the darkness from Christ Himself.  Even the glow of a kingdom ten times brighter than that
of ancient Egypt should not have diverted Peter’s eyes. 

   When the Lord calls you to come across the water, step out with confidence and joy.  And never glance
away from Him for even a moment.  You will not prevail by measuring the waves or grow strong by gauging
the wind.  Attempting to survey the danger may actually cause you to fall before it.  Pausing at the
difficulties will result in the waves breaking over your head. 

   “Lift up your eyes to the hills” (Psalm 121:1) and go forward.  There is no other way. 

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – Reading from Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians 3:13-18 – We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being
transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

I paused along the edge of the pond during my morning walk to take a picture of the blue heron
that stood motionless among the reeds and grasses. A perfect mirror image of the heron was
reflected on the surface of the water. The reflection was radiant in the early morning light and
reminded me of how we are called to reflect the image of Christ to the world.

When I was a new Christian, I thought I needed a special talent or ability to be able to make Christ
known to others. However, as I studied the Bible, I learned that it is the Holy Spirit who makes
Christ known by transforming us to be more like him in holiness, grace, and love (see Rom. 8:29).
As we cooperate with the Spirit’s work, we mirror Christ through our words and actions, reflecting
the character of Christ and shining his light to the world around us.

Wednesday, June 10, 2025 - Excerpt from “Streams in the desert”

Romans 8:28 – “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

  What a tremendous claim Paul makes in this verse!  He does not say, “We know that in some things,”
“most things,” or even “joyful things but “ALL things.”  This promise spans from the very smallest detail
of life to the most important, and from the most humbling of daily tasks to God’s greatest works of grace
performed during a crisis.

   Paul states this in the present tense: “God works.”  He does not say, “worked” or “will work.” 

   We also know from Scripture that God’s “justice (is) like the great deep” (Ps. 36:6); at this very moment
the angels in heaven, as they watch with folded wings the development of God’s great plan, are undoubt-
ably proclaiming, “The LORD is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all he had made” (Ps. 145:17).

  Then when God orchestrates “all things … for the good,” it is a beautiful blending.  He requires many
different colors, which individually may be quite drab, to weave into the harmonious pattern.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 – “New Seasons” from Daily Devotions

Abraham endured many new seasons. He was stuck in his ways for seventy-five years until he was
called to follow God. He experienced seasons of waiting, mourning, rejoicing, and trusting in God.
Abraham waited twenty-four years between when God promised that his descendants would be as
numerous as the stars in the sky and when his son Isaac was born.

Going through new seasons is a natural part of life. As Christians, we can go into new seasons with the faith that it will all work out according to God’s purpose. God is constantly molding us to serve and to know God more deeply, which is made possible by changing with each season.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 – “Greatest Calling” from Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians 3:18 – We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being
  transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 – “When You Pray” by P. Williams

What is a prayer?  Prayer doesn’t only happen when we kneel
  or put our hands together, focus, and expect things from God.
  Thinking positive and wishing good for others is a prayer.

And when you hug a friend, that’s a prayer.
  And when you cook something to nourish family and friends,
  that’s a prayer.

When we send off our near and dear ones and say “be safe” or
  “drive safe.”  “Call me when you get home”, that is a prayer.

When you help someone in need by giving your time and energy,
  you are praying.  When you forgive someone, that is a prayer.

A prayer is a vibration, a feeling, a thought.
  Prayer is the force of love, friendship, genuine relationship.

Prayer is an expressing of your silent being.
  Be praying always.

I love all of you.  God bless each one of you.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 “Greatest Calling” Reading from Daily Devotions

I paused along the edge of the pond during my morning walk to take a picture of the blue heron
that stood motionless among the reeds and grasses. A perfect mirror image of the heron was
reflected on the surface of the water. The reflection was radiant in the early morning light and
reminded me of how we are called to reflect the image of Christ to the world.

When I was a new Christian, I thought I needed a special talent or ability to be able to make Christ
known to others. However, as I studied the Bible, I learned that it is the Holy Spirit who makes
Christ known by transforming us to be more like him in holiness, grace, and love (see Rom. 8:29).
As we cooperate with the Spirit’s work, we mirror Christ through our words and actions, reflecting
the character of Christ and shining his light to the world around us.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 –   “What is it like to be a Christian?” by P. Williams

A woman was asked by a coworker, ‘What is it like to be a Christian?’
The coworker replied, ‘It is like being a pumpkin.’

God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the
   dirt off of you.
Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.  The anger, the
  bitterness and the jealousy.

He also removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed

Then He carves you a new smiling face and
  puts His light of love inside of you to shine
  for all the world to see.

Love that is too wonderful and too powerful to be
  bottles up.
Let it out with your smiles, your voice, your manners, your enthusiasm
  and your continuing acts of kindness. 

Cherish it and safeguard it. 
God loves you, and so do I.

Let us sing the Delta Hymn.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 – Reading

Dear God, Thank you for being by my side on good days and difficult days, too.  Sometimes
I feel weak, but I know You never abandon me.  My life has not been perfect, but I have always
had Your love.

Thank you for giving me another day of life.  Amen

Saturday, May 9, 2026 – Reading by P. Williams

Summer is creeping over us every day.
  Every day I notice another flower
  and trees even a deeper color of green.

Some days I pass pastures, green with spring;
  a shower here and there, and
  huge fields turn greener overnight.

I love spring’s daffodils, tulips, and
  lovely knock-out roses.  They are all
  blooming.

Every day I smell newly cut grass
  or a freshly plowed field.
  The wonderful smell of a spring rain.

God treats us to so many simple miracles
  every spring.  Let’s remember to thank
  Him tonight for this special season.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 – “Work as a Means of Grace” – Sunny Limm

When we think abut spiritual growth, we often turn to familiar practices:  prayers, Scripture,
worship, and community.  These are essential.  But we may overlook something equally
significant – our work.

Much of our lives is spent in work.  Whether in ministry, at home, in offices classrooms, or
community spaces, work shapes our days and often our identity.  Yet we do not always think of it
as a place where God is forming us.

What if our work is not just something we do, but a means through which God works on us?

Work has a way of revealing what is within us.  It brings to the surface our patience and impatience,
our generosity and our self-protection, our willingness to serve and our desire to control outcomes. 
In this sense, work becomes a mirror – showing us who we are, but also inviting us to become who
we are called to be.

It is also a place where we are stretched.  We encounter limits – of time, energy, skill, and under-
standing.  These limits can be frustrating, but they can also become places of grace.  They remind
us that we are not self-sufficient, that we depend on others, and ultimately, that we depend on God. 
In this way, work becomes part of our spiritual formation.  Not separate from it, but woven into it.

Perhaps the invitation is to begin seeing our work differently – not only as tasks to complete, but as
places where God is present and active. 

As we pray, worship, and gather in community, we are formed.  And as we return to our work we
continue to be formed—sometimes slowly, often quietly, but faithfully.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 - devotion by P. Williams

These last few days have been sunny and warm.
The weatherman says “hold on!  It’s going to turn cold again.
Cold as in wear a coat and drink hot tea.

What I really think is God changed what He planned
  to have happen…

So, we get a cold surprise
After these few cold days
  I think we’ll have true spring and summer.

God seems to have a sense of humor -
  Changing the weather around.
  Fine with me.

He’s looking out for us and giving us a
  taste of what is to come.
God bless each one of you.  Thank you, God,
  for all your many blessings.

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 - “This Is My Father’s World” (UMH hymnal #144)

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
  This is my Father’s world; I rest me in the thought
  of rocks and trees, or skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
the morning light, the lily white, declare their maker’s praise.
  This is my Father’s world; he shines in all that’s fair;
  in the rustling grass I hear him pass; he speaks to me everywhere.

Saturday, April 25, 2026 – “Summer is On The Way by P. Williams

The sun is sneaking out and
   warming all around us… Not Like
   summertime yet…  just a coat
   in the morning still.

Afternoons already warm enough
   for a great walk.

Maybe see a part with flowers coming
   into bloom or just enjoy the
   trees in their New green coat.  New
   leaves from a dreary winter to
   a new Green!

Walk through the mall… load at all
   the displays…  get coffee at
   the Food Court.

On the way home look for yards
   with flowers starting to bloom…
   Maybe see a bird feeder or
   a bird bath.

Watch for children playing outside…
   Having a wonderful time.

Summertime is getting closer…soon
   families will go to ball games
   or later to a community pool.

I urge you to cherish the coming of
   Summer…  We are blessed to have
      four seasons here in NC. 

God bless You and N.C.

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 – Reading from Daily Devotions

I love that Jesus never demanded perfection or expected people to reach a certain standard first
and then follow.  Instead, Jesus met people right where they were.  He still does.  Jesus loves us 
and accepts us for who we are, offering us forgiveness even when we don’t ask for it.

On the cross, Jesus showed the extent of his love by forgiving the criminal handing next to him,
who asked only for Jesus to remember him. The criminal didn’t ask for forgiveness; he said he
deserved his punishment.  But Jesus gave hm the unexpected gifts of grace, mercy, and
forgiveness.  

Christ doesn’t expect us to be perfect.  But if we want to follow him, he expects us to love others –
just as He loves us.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 – Reading from “Just Pray” by Joretta Klepfer

Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.
Help me hear your word for me.
Help me distinguish your voice from all those
   who would lead me away from you.
Help me be patient and wait for your word, your time.
Your glory is great and your blessings are many.
I am grateful!

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – Excerpt from “Uncovering the Love of Jesus”

Good Shepherd, even in Your arrest You cared for Your own,
and even to this day You stand between me and my adversary.  I’m
so grateful that when the accuser comes to fling his worst against
me, You stand before me and protect me.  There is no situation, no
matter how difficult or frightening, that can assault me without
Your permission; nothing that can separate me from Your love. 
Thank You for being my fortress and my protector.  Help me rest in
You.  Amen.

Saturday, March 29, 2026 - "Trust Me"

Many things feel out of control
  Your routines are not running smoothly.
  You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable.

Let me lead you to the Rock that is higher than you
  and your circumstances.
Take refuge in the shelter of My wings where you
  are absolutely secure.

When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines,

Grip My hand tightly and look for growth
  opportunities instead of bemoaning
  the loss of your comfort.

Accept the calling of something new.  I lead you in
  Acts of glory to glory making you fit for my
  Kingdom.

Say yes to the ways I work in your life. 
  Trust Me and don't be afraid.
  Thanks be to God.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - Excerpt from "Uncovering the Love of Jesus"

Precious Jesus, Your patiend knows no limits.  Thank You for the patience
You demonstrated toward your disciples, because I can so relate to their 
limitations.  Thank You for being patient with me on my imperfect journey of 
walking with You.  Help me also patiently love my family and friends.  Amen

Saturday, March 21, 2026 - "Afraid" by P. Williams

Many things feel out of control
Your routines are not running smoothly
You tent to feel more secure when your life
  is predictable.

Let me lead you to the Rock that is higher than you
Take refuge in the shelter of my wings
  where you are absolutely secure.

When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines
Grip My hand tightly and look for growth
  opportunities instead of bemoaning the loss
  of your comfort.
Accept the calling of something new.

I lead you in Acts of glory to glory
  makig you fit for My kingdom.

Say yes to the ways I work in your life.
  Trust Me and don't be afraid.

Thanks be to God.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – Excerpt from “Uncovering the Love of Jesus”

Jesus, I praise You for Your love that crossed into my life one day, and every
day since then.  Thank You that human constraints can’t keep Your love out
and past sins don’t keep Your love away.  Thank You for loving me just as I
am.  Help me love others where they are, and seek them out with Your great
love for them.  Amen

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching,
   for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training
   character, so that the person who belongs to God can be
        equipped to do everything that is good.

How often do I look to the scriptures for strength, guidance, and comfort.
    I seldom look to the scriptures for correction. 
   Maybe this is another opportunity to follow God more closely.

Saturday, March 7, 2026 – “Weather” by P. Williams

This time of year the weather can’t
   decide if we will have Warm or Cold

The sun is out…  then the sun is gone.
   Rain falls from the sky…  then there
   is none.  The temperature is 33 degrees
   then 73!

Whoever is in charge of weather must
   have been on vacation this year and
   I hesitate to guess anything about
   summer.

A few things we can count on…
   It will not skip Pollen season
   for a single minute.

First comes the yellow stuff which
   not many are allergic to…  then
   the major stuff starts and seems
   to last a long time.   Everyone
   gets a reaction…  to a little to a lot!

Some have full blown misery!

Then comes the short season…
   warm days and nights

Then we have unbearably hot
   24 hours a day…  Dry, sticky,
   hot, sweaty…  terrible.  Called
   summer.

So I will let you know now
   I am already looking forward
   to Fall!

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – Reading from “Uncovering the Love of Jesus” by A. Ciuciu

O Jesus, You are the Giver of Life.   You speak, and the universe obeys.  And yet You see and care
about the smallest details of my life.  Nothing escapes Your notice.  Though You have every right to
be aloof from Your kingdom, instead You choose to be present with Your people and sensitive to our
pain.  Thank You for placing Your Spirit within me, to see, to know, and to care.  Help me do the same
for the people around me today.  Help me enter their suffering, carry their burdens, and bring the hope
of Your presence.  Amen

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 – Excerpt from Daily Devotions

Like our own homes, our houses of worship come in many styles and sizes — from grand cathedrals to one-room
chapels. They are all created as a gathering place for those who love God, where we can enjoy the fellowship of
the faithful, praise God, and gain strength and solace in times of trial. Jesus asked us to serve everyone with gen-
erous love, hope, forgiveness, and grace as members of the family of God. When we do, our own faith is recharged,
preparing us for sharing God’s love when we leave.