WEEKLY DEVOTIONS
During this time of social and emotional upheaval it is essential to find deep spiritual resources and substantial ethical foundations. It is my sincere prayer that these weekly devotions will address this need and encourage faith and fortitude for living in these times. They are designed to provide inner enlightenment and spiritual nurture by focusing upon the Word of God and the revelation of Jesus Christ.
I am convinced that daily prayer and reflection on the Light, Love and Liberation that comes from the personal encounter with God will provide needed renewal, restoration and refreshment to our inner person for the journey through the contemporary places and spaces we find ourselves. These devotions also serve as an invitation, to engaged contemplative intercessors, to the practice, privilege and power of prayer.
Come and join me each week for the journey and the adventure of learning more about the life of prayer for such a time as this.
– Dumas Alexander Harshaw, Jr.
“The Coming King”
John 12:12-19
The crowd that gathered in Jerusalem for the religious celebrations, was poised and waiting for the arrival of a true king. In anticipation of the arrival of Jesus Christ as rumored, “they took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”
From Psalm 118:25-26, this act of adoration constituted premature praise for the Messiah and Son of God the world could not truly perceive. For his identity was yet to be fully comprehended. Prophesy was fulfilled with the acquisition of a young donkey upon which he sat to make his humble entrance. It took time and deep experiences walking in faith for the disciples to utterly understand the meaning of these happenings.
The large crowd swelled due to the news of the latest miracle performed by Jesus, that of raising his friend Lazarus from the dead. “Many people because they had heard that he had performed this sign went out to meet him.”
The religious power brokers of the day, the Pharisees, who had consistently attempted to derail the ministry and popularity of Christ, had to admit their carnal strategies failed to prevent the entry of the Savior into Jerusalem, the citadel of faith, and into the hearts of spiritually hungry people. “So, the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him.”
Thank God no human effort can prevent the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into the lives of those who seek him.
Pastor Dumas A. Harshaw, Jr.
Archived Devotions click on title to read in its entirety
It is Impossible
“It Is Impossible” Hebrews 10:4-10 The direct declaration of verse four in the Hebrews text dispenses with any thought about religious activity significantly addressing the issue and problem of sin. No religious traditions or rituals can solve human brokenness. No number of ritualistic observances can bring about the reality of closeness with God. No religious […]
Let Them Be
“Let Them Be” Matthew 13:24-30 The thirteenth chapter of Matthew’s gospel is filled with powerful parables that highlight lasting principles which inform and guide our faith walk with God. The ‘Parable of the Weeds’ is no exception. It is a kingdom message about ministry, alertness, adversarial realities, spiritual wisdom, and divine intervention. In this parable, […]
Tell Your Story
“Tell Your Story” Psalm 107:1-2, 8,37-38 Book Five of Psalms is an accounting and sacred record of gratitude and thanksgiving for the delivering hand of Yahweh. Set in the context of the last division of the book, it focuses upon the readiness to praise God for blessings and daily sustenance. Psalm 107 serves as a […]
Harvest Time
“Harvest Time” Matthew 9:35-38 (NKJV) In Matthew’s gospel we find a powerful and relevant teaching for the times in which we live. In chapter 9, verses 35 to 38, Jesus informs his followers of the spiritual needs in the world and enlightens them of their duty as true disciples to be engaged and available. We […]
The True Light
“The True Light” John1:1-14 The prologue to the gospel of John is a fitting introduction to the drama of God’s provision for our spiritual well-being. It is a glorious exposition of the divine identity of Jesus Christ. And it speaks of the eternal nature of our Lord and the intention of God to salvage what […]
A Spiritual, Social, Significant Event
“Drawing Water from the Well” Isaiah 12:2-6 Surely God is My Salvation I Will Trust and Not Be Afraid The Lord is My Strength and Defense The Lord Has Become My Salvation Draw Water with Joy Give Praise, Proclaim, Sing, Shout – Pastor Dumas A. Harshaw, Jr.
Drawing Water From the Well
“Drawing Water from the Well” Isaiah 12:2-6 Surely God is My Salvation I Will Trust and Not Be Afraid The Lord is My Strength and Defense The Lord Has Become My Salvation Draw Water with Joy Give Praise, Proclaim, Sing, Shout – Pastor Dumas A. Harshaw, Jr.
Preparation
“At All Times” The first three verses of Psalm 34 constitute a call to worship. It is an invitation to praise the Lord. It beckons us to adopt an attitude of gratitude as a way of life. This attitude can be a tremendous blessing to us and for all who find themselves in our company. […]
At All Times
“At All Times” The first three verses of Psalm 34 constitute a call to worship. It is an invitation to praise the Lord. It beckons us to adopt an attitude of gratitude as a way of life. This attitude can be a tremendous blessing to us and for all who find themselves in our company. […]
A Time for Courage
A Time for Courage Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord. – Psalm 31:24 This is a day for courage and the application of sincere faith. It seems that the world is facing unprecedented chaos and crisis. Nations, cultures and people groups appear to be […]