Devotional Thought, June 10, 2023

What a strange week. As I prepared for this devotional, I was distracted by so many things. My granddaughter in Halifax called me, crying, frightened by how close the fires were burning to her place. She was packing a suitcase, ready for the evacuation and wanting to know what she needed. And some of her friends had to evacuate! Very scary reality for a 10-year old! And now, we have spent the better part of this week a little on edge ourselves. That campfire smell we so enjoy, brought certainty into our minds that this time it was more than that. The forests were burning, many people losing their homes, running for their lives. No one was giving any thought to roasting marshmallows or hot dogs over the backyard fire, telling stories and sharing memories. They were trying to grab their most precious possessions and run for safety.

The unsettled feeling continued to grow. What if it were me? Or my neighbour? Not just about fires! Any circumstance that shakes us! And that is when the Lord led me to remember a story. A wise woman, walking through a stream, picked up a precious stone. As she continued on her journey, she was met by a fellow traveller. Hungry and alone, she opened her bag and offered to share her meager meal with him. He noticed the precious stone and asked her for it. Without hesitation, she gave it to him. And he left.

A couple of days later, the man returned and found her. He said to her: “I know the worth of this. I want to return it for something more valuable.” As she stared at him, he continued: “Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this stone. For that is something more precious than riches.”

Life can be unsettling. The future uncertain. I ask myself this: “Do I believe the Scripture from Psalm 19: 1-10. When you read it in the New Living Translation, I’m sure you will find your heart rejoicing. Please take the time to look it up.

But just in case, I will give you a teasing glimpse from verse 10 (The Message):  ‘God’s Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries.’

What do you have inside you? Are you ready to share it? To give it to another in need of Your Saviour? Be vigilant! For the next person you meet may be the one who needs saving!

May you shine as God’s Light in the world!

 

Liz Church

Director of Pastoral Care

Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge

 

 

 Camp Awesome is a full-day faith-based day camp summer program, July 17-21 at Trinity United Church, Smiths Falls, that is active, engaging and fun for children.  We combine vacation bible school teachings, including stories, songs and crafts, with interactive games and theme day fun.  Healthy snacks provided!

 Camp Awesome has a program for every age group:
CA Camper – Ages 4 * – 12

CA Crew – Ages 12 – 13

Youth Leadership – 13+

Cost per child is $150 for the week at Trinity United Church, Smiths Falls, with a free (return) bus from Perth (pick up at St. Paul’s United, Perth at 8:15am, returning at 4:25pm).

Financial assistance is available for families.

Children of any faith, or none, are welcome!

Healthy snacks provided!

* Campers must be at least 4 years of age at time of camp and completed a year of school. (JK or equivalent)

www.camp-awesome.ca