In this space, I am sharing devotions written by our dear Barbara Meade.
Barbara grew up a Quaker and is a regular attendee at Spiceland Friends Church. Her faith and Quaker roots go deep as her uncle was a Quaker pastor, evangelist, and artist. Barb's writings about her many life experiences reveal her faith in Christ and highlight the memories of a great family, her years in the banking industry, and her time as a local small business owner. Barb's desire is to serve those around her through her encouraging devotionals and writings from her life. Barb has recognized that our relationship with Christ grows throughout our lives, both in good times and through life's challenges.
April 26, 2023
We Learn by Example
As parents, we need to think about that every day. Our children learn by what we do. They will come to their own conclusions as they grow older.
Children are influenced by the ones that influence them. Those we grow up looking up to shape our lives. That continues as adults. Our mentors, teachers, and people we admire.
We also learn through people that disappoint us. They can show us what we don’t want in life, and that’s important too.
Without God in the equation, Satan will be. Jesus said, Proverbs 22:6, “Trane up a child in the way he should go: even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Look out for your children and care for them, not because you have to, but because you want to. If you don’t teach your child to follow God, the world will teach them not to.
One of the greatest blessings we’ll ever have is knowing we gave our children the knowledge of our Lord and everlasting life.
Proverbs 3:1 My son, do not forget my teaching but let your heart keep my commandments.
Amen
May 2, 2023
Peace of Mind
No amount of money can buy it. Yet it’s the most important thing we strive for. When our heart and soul is at peace, we can face anything.
The world is full of turmoil; only God can give us peace.
John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that you may have peace in me. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
To be happy and healthy physically and spiritually requires peace within ourselves. Only God and our faith can do that.
Rest in peace is not only for the deceased but for the living.
Matthew 5:9 Jesus said, blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God.
Amen
May 8, 2023
The Unforeseen
Don’t take the good times for granted, for we never know what lies ahead, so for just a moment, count all your blessings instead. That’s quite a message.
Philippians 3:13 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and hope.”
What a wonderful promise the Lord has given us. When we fear the hard times, and they will come, we must remember Philippians 3:13, there is always hope. He never gives us rain, but what it’s not followed by sunshine. Maybe not the next day, but it will come.
We must always maintain our faith, give our struggles to God, and remember our blessings.
Amen
A few days ago, I had someone ask me. " Barb, what's a Quaker?".
I replied what a simple, beautiful belief it is. Accept Christ, repent of your sins, live his commandments & live eternity in heaven.
May 17, 2023
Prepare for Tomorrow
I’m one of those that like their ducks in a row, everything in order. Always trying to prepare for the worst and hoping for the best. This is a good thing, but not the most important preparation we’ll ever do. That is getting ready for eternity. Some don’t prepare for death at all. The one thing that is inevitable and absolute.
As Christians, we can’t stand the thought of a lost soul. There are so many ways to minister to others. God-given gifts we’ve not discovered. You must pray about it, ask God to show you the way, give yourself to him, and let all you do benefit him and his word. Now, how do we prepare ourselves for heaven?
First, pray often, study the scripture, live the gospel, and be humble and receptive to others.
Most important, give your life to God; thru faith, all things are possible.
What will our home be like in heaven?
John 14 In my father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. Revelations 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither shall there be mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
As I begin this devotion, let's prepare for tomorrow. A tomorrow filled with peace and love, a tomorrow with our dear Lord.
Amen
May 25, 2023
Why, Lord, Why?
How many times have you said this? “Usually when we are totally baffled when things seem so unfair.” John 16:33 Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble.”
Numbers 11:11 Moses asks, “Why have you dealt ill your servants?"
Psalm 10:1 David asks, “Oh Lord, why do you stand far off?"
Habakkuk 1:3 Habakkuk asked, “Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?”
Job 7: 20 Why have you made me a target?
Matthew 27: 46 Jesus on the cross asks God, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
God is always in control and working in our suffering and struggles. He has a plan we cannot see. It’s not wrong to express grief or anger, or any emotion. It’s OK to ask why. Remember, God loves us and will never forsake us.
Amen
June 7, 2023
The Eye of the Beholder
Strangely, two people can look at a painting but see it differently. Read the same book but find different meanings. Our interpretations of so many things are different.
Three reasons why people interpret the Bible differently:
We're sinful. Sin keeps us from seeing things clearly.
We want certain things to be true, and we don't want the truth
Romans 1 confirms this pattern, and if one resists God, they will interpret to their liking.
When we become Christians, give our life and heart to God, and ask for his forgiveness, the truth of these verses comes to life.
Luke 24: 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scripture.
Only through the word of God will we know the truth.
Amen
Eric is our associate pastor, working with outreach and youth ministry as well as adult discipleship and growth. Eric retired from a 28-year career in public education as a high school band director in 2019 and is now living his lifelong dream as a pastor. Eric and his wife, Diana, continue to live in Henry County where they have been lifetime residents. They "raised" three children and are now making their best attempt at "raising" themselves.