Posts with the category “mid-week-devotional”

What Is Your Moral Compass?
June 26th, 2024
"Your moral compass is the most important characteristic that will speak to who you really are." - Huffington PostThe worldwide United Methodist Church believes God's love for the world is active and ...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
STRIVING TOWARD PERFECTION
June 19th, 2024
Last week, we had the Haiti Hope House’s second quarter Board of Directors' meeting. At least it was scheduled. Unfortunately, the meeting had to be postponed because the Member who had the responsibi...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
ORDINARY PEOPLE
June 12th, 2024
At the beginning of the year, I started reading a series of books called “Extraordinary Women of the Bible.” So far, I have read the following books: Highly Favored (Mary, Mother of Jesus), A Harvest ...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Love Broken Open
June 5th, 2024
While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ (Mark 14:26)A retired pastor once wrote: Sunday morning arrives...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
CUT OFF FROM THE MAIN SOURCE
May 22nd, 2024
A few weeks ago on the job, the Information and Technology (IT) Department ran a report and saw that my computer was using two different versions of the Microsoft Office Program, so they took it upon ...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
SEEING THE ANT’S TRIPE (Intestine)
May 15th, 2024
In Haiti, where I grew up, one of the common local sayings was “with patience you can see the ant’s tripe (intestine).My family’s financial situation, while somewhat better than a large portion of the...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
SPIRITUAL LISTENING EARS
May 8th, 2024
On April 28th, Rev. Kay started her sermon by telling us to be quiet and listen to the world around us.  Listen to the groaning.  Listen to the aching of the world. The world needs to hear the Good Ne...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Navigating Life’s Storms Through Spiritual Depths
May 1st, 2024
“Study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.” John 5: 39Unbeknownst to us, we were blindsided by unexpect...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
WALKING BY A BLESSING
April 24th, 2024
“If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been live a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:18How often have you put money in a safe place and forgot...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
DEPENDING ON GOD
April 18th, 2024
As a result of my near-death experience last month, when my heart rate dropped to around 20, a pacemaker had to be implanted in my chest to regulate my heart rate and ensure that it remains around the...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Looking Ahead
April 10th, 2024
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11I usually take the same route to work daily—Ro...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Finding Grace and Growth in Glorified Scars John 20:19-31
April 3rd, 2024
When I see someone with an interesting scar, I’m always curious to know its story. Although it’d be impolite to ask, I always hope it will come up in conversation. What event led to the stitches on th...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
THE BEAUTY OF SCARS
March 28th, 2024
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV)We are in Holy Wee...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
The Hummingbird Feeder: A Parable of Grace
March 20th, 2024
Christians all over the world observe Lent to remember the events that led up to Easter Sunday, particularly Holy Week. As I prepare for and reflect on this time, I am reminded of a story representing...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Welcome Home to the God of Many Chances
March 6th, 2024
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20 NIV).Continuing the theme o...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
EMERGENCY BUTTON
February 28th, 2024
Emergency buttons can be found almost everywhere, such as hospitals, homes, office buildings, cars, trains, banks, machinery, cellphones, etc., so in the event you get into a crisis, you can push the ...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Love and Time: Nurturing Our Spiritual Journey
February 21st, 2024
As we journey through life, we are often challenged to reflect on the nature of our spirituality and where we invest our life energy. Recently, I came across a powerful message that resonated deeply w...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL LOVE
February 14th, 2024
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”1 Corinthians 13:13 Today, we celebrate “Ash Wednesday,” the beginning of Lent, where Christians around the world...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Hineni: Here I Am Exodus 3: 1-4
February 7th, 2024
During my school days, attendance was taken every morning and marked in the roll book. Being punctual and attentive, I always waited for my name to be called. When my name was called, I would say eith...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Who Packs Your Parachute?
January 31st, 2024
Charles Plum, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, was a jet fighter pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy ...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
STILL PLACE
January 24th, 2024
Scripture: James 1:2-4 NIV "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseveran...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
See Through the Eyes of Grace
January 17th, 2024
During last night’s small group discussion on 1 Corinthians 6:12-14 and 19-20, one member made a profound statement: “We need to give ourselves grace.” This reminder immediately brought to mind the st...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
STAY ON COURSE
January 10th, 2024
God spared our lives to see this New Year.  With the New Year comes lots of resolutions. Some resolutions will be kept, while others will fall by the wayside. We always start the New Year strong with ...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Epiphany: God’s Transformative Light
January 3rd, 2024
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.” -Isaiah 9:2 (NIV)Epiphany is a significant event in the church calendar, cele...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
ARE YOU IN NEUTRAL OR DRIVE?
December 27th, 2023
What is the point of having the neutral gear in a vehicle? Neutral is necessary because when you inevitably have your car shut off and have to push it, neutral works great, as the engine is not connec...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Rejoice, Rejoice | Joy
December 20th, 2023
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mig...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Finding Peace during the Advent Season
December 16th, 2023
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 KJVOn the Second Sunday of Advent, ch...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Peace
December 6th, 2023
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia, and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same m...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Songs of the Season: Hope
November 29th, 2023
HopeBy Rev. Kay DubuissonIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
EXTRA PLACE SETTING
November 22nd, 2023
Families across the United States look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday, where they can celebrate with family and friends as they feast on all the fancy dishes. However, it is so easy during the ho...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
God’s Merciful Rainbow: A Sky Bound Promise
November 15th, 2023
Whenever I travel by air, I always prefer to book a window seat, as I enjoy observing the world from above. During my flight to Georgia yesterday, as the plane soared at an altitude of 35,000 feet ear...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
BROKEN PIECES
November 8th, 2023
Every time I purchase my favorite organic wheat crackers (plant-based), whether from Whole Foods, ShopRite, or Amazon, and open the box, there are always broken pieces at the bottom. Sometimes, the wh...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
A Celebration of All Saints
November 3rd, 2023
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked ...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
ATM INSIDE
October 26th, 2023
Several weeks ago, Donald and I were driving to Home Depot when I saw a church had a sign posted outside saying “ATM Inside.” My first reaction was why they would advertise that they have an ATM machi...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Israel: A Journey of Reflection and Hope
October 18th, 2023
Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Israel, a journey filled with rich history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences. My trip began in Tel Aviv, where I explored the modern ...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
GOD’S GOODNESS
October 11th, 2023
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that y...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Squirrel Wisdom: Embracing Preparation
October 4th, 2023
I love this season because of the refreshing and invigorating temperatures. The beauty of God's creation is on full display as we move from Summer to Fall and Winter. We live in a stunning part of the...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
TREASURED PRAYERS
September 27th, 2023
Squirrels are amazing animals. They prepare for winter every year by hiding acorns during the summer months. Then, when winter arrives, they retrieve the hidden acorns. Survival mode – how do they kno...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
Embracing God's Charted Path in Psalm 139
September 22nd, 2023
Psalm 139 is very dear to my heart, as it is the one God used to break through my stubborn resistance to God's call for me to serve in ministry. I had many excuses, and each one convinced me that I wa...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas
FINISH STRONG
September 13th, 2023
As I contemplate this month’s sermon series, “Rising Strong,” and couldn’t help but think about all of the group exercises I attended. Usually, as you approach the final few minutes of the forty-minut...  Read More
by Sharon Douglas