The Third Week of Easter: From FEAR to FRIENDSHIP
STEP ONE: BREATHE
Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.
STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD
“So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.”
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FEAR NOT - Some things to try out
Ending each week of this devotional, there will be a collection of practical suggestions on how you can FEAR NOT. As pastors we know the importance of bringing the abstract ideas of faith down to earth. What can I do in the face of fears? Here are a few suggestions from the pastors who wrote this week’s devotions. Try them out. Allow them to spark other ideas within yourself.
“Many of us are worried in this time about the breakdown of our communities. But there are practical things that can be done to bolster our communities during difficult times such as these. Consider giving a donation to a local food bank. Often some of the most in-demand things are personal care supplies (Depends, sanitary napkins and other feminine hygiene supplies, laundry soap, toilet paper, etc.). Help to be the part of the safety net for those who may find themselves unexpectedly dependent upon help from the community.””
“A month ago, my knowledge of video conferencing technology was limited at best. I knew of ZOOM but if you were to mention it, my thoughts would go to the sound of a race car. Now, ZOOM has a meaning that is linked to online meetings, prayer groups, bible studies, and worship. I have also been using ZOOM to get together with friends. Just the other night, I was part of a birthday cake celebration with four families across the continent. Seeing family on their birthday is something I look forward to even after we no longer need to keep social distances. This pandemic is forcing us all to connect in ways that we never thought of doing.””
“What’s a relationship you can nurture from a distance? Send an email or a letter to someone who has been on your mind. We can all use a little more love and to know we are being thought of. While you’re at it, write yourself a note that says it’s okay to not have it all together right now. You are enough. As you are. God loves you. As you are. “”
STEP THREE: PRAY
Loving God, Our savior Jesus surrounded himself with friends. None of us is an island yet in this time of isolation we feel that we are alone in the middle of some ocean. As this third week of Easter comes to a close, with thank you for family and friends who are just a phone call or video chat away. May we never take for granted the precious gift of friendship. We ask this in your most holy name. Amen
Today’s prayer is by Pastor Dennis Sepper .