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.

“A Fresh Start”

Ezekiel 37:22-32

The prophet Ezekiel announced God’s judgment upon the nation of Israel in the sixth century as they lived in the clutches of captivity and exile. The pronouncements were written in approximately 571 B.C. and were directed to the Jews who lived in Babylonia. He was a younger contemporary of Jeremiah who delivered prophetic messages to the people of the covenant in Judah, while Ezekiel prophesied to those already exiled in captivity.

The prophecy begins with messages of doom and the promise of correction for God’s people in their sinful condition and rebellious ways (1:1-24:27) and continues with messages of moral judgment against nations that doubted the intention or ability of a divine intervention to save and redeem the people of the covenant. But they themselves would later learn of God’s ability to save by facing their own predicaments and learning how crucial it is to get help from the Lord (25:1-32:32).

After the fall of Jerusalem, Ezekiel prophesied a message of restoration and hope for the future (33:1-48:35). Through God’s holy standards and character, the people of faith can now experience a fresh start on their spiritual journey. The past was covered by the forgiving love of God, so they now stood with wonderful possibilities for personal, national, and relational deliverance. A significant aspect of the return to the priorities of covenant life was the restoration of worship at the center of their national life and their personal faith walk. But the fulfillment of these prophecies will be ushered in through the rule of the Messiah who will offer perfect fellowship with God and one another. When we focus our attention on Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and commit ourselves to worship in spirit and truth we will experience a fresh start.

Pastor Dumas A. Harshaw, Jr.

Archived Devotions click on title to read in its entirety

Waiting Together

“Waiting Together” Acts 2:1-12 We find a glowing picture of the spiritual intimacy of the New Testament church in the second chapter of the book of Acts. Living on the edge of the crucifixion and the resurrection, they were now living in concert with the instructions from the risen Christ. The command was to stay […]

The Coming King

“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 […]

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

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. […]