Dear First Baptist Members and Friends, There is a war being waged, and I am not just talking about the war against the existing pandemic Covid Virus.  Nor I am just talking about the racial war in the USA.  I am talking about the spiritual war between good and evil,...

Psalm 71:20-22 20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. 21 You will increase my honor and comfort me once more. 22I will praise you with the harp for...

I hope you are doing well spiritually and physically.  Now that our state is gradually opening up again, I hope you enjoy the restored freedoms, while taking cautious measures against being infected. It is my hope that these devotions are helpful spiritually. Weekly Devotion #7 In his book, The Screwtape Letters, theologian C.S....

In light of the riots surrounding the death of George Floyd, I am setting aside today’s Corona Virus devotion in order to address our national crisis. I believe we all are shocked by the senseless and needless homicide of George Floyd by a policeman sworn to “serve and protect”.  Our God is...

Even though some people are beginning to venture out of their homes now, I though this Facebook posting was still very relevant. SPIRITUAL LOCKDOWN RULES Wash your heart with Christ’s blood. (Ps.73:1) Keep a social distance from evil. (Job 28:28) Avoid the crowd of wickedness and wicked men. (Ps. 1:1) Cover your mind from being infected from the sneeze of sin and hatred. (Lev. 19:17) Do not shake hands with abomination. (Deut. 25:16) Do not hug heresy and false teachings. (2Peter 2:1) Be safe so you will be saved. (Jer. 17:14) Sanitize your life with the Word of God. (Ps. 1:2) In case you notice any symptoms of sin, call the helpline of Christ in prayer. (Jer. 33:3) Always remember to boost your spiritual immunity with faith and the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:11) Be safe; be blessed! Pastor Bruce

17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’ ” (2 Chronicles 20)...

In a couple weeks, our country and state are finally trying to “open up” gradually.  Businesses will re-open with new guidelines; people will gradually start to work at the office on a limited basis. I think we all can agree that we are very tired of being shut down and...

How are you doing?  I know for me, I am tired of staying home to avoid the virus.  I also know that staying home actually weakens my immune system for when I do finally re-enter the world.  But for now, there is a boredom creeping in.  I can understand people’s...

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) Paul had endured worse things than we do with the Covid virus pandemic.  He lived through famine, floods, shipwrecks, being at sea for days, beatings…and of course the...

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,   I hope to send you a devotion addressing the Covid virus each week.  It is my hope that you will find these devotions helpful spiritually.  I am also hoping that this be one small way that we still find ourselves connected as the Body of Christ here in Willimantic.    Devotion: Keeping Spiritually Strong During Draining Times     “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)   I’ll admit it, I am afraid of getting the Covid virus.  I am in the “at high risk” population.  I try to work from home mostly, with the occasional trip to the church.  Otherwise, it’s me, Bettylou, and our cat “Fella”.   It’s hard not to  be afraid.  Every day we hear nothing but tragic news of a spreading disease which is far from over.  In fact, it should peak in the Willimantic during the next week or two.  It seems that, while our state Governor and the CDC revise various mandates every week as we learn more about this disease.  States have made so many mandates that people are finally demonstrating against our individual rights being taken away.   Long-term fear is damaging.  We give up our rights way to fast; many people are still in a selfish hording mode; many businesses will not re-open; and millions are suddenly without an income. Do you find yourself being on edge even with yourself?  I know I am greatly missing handshakes and hugs during this “physical distancing” time.   Rather than let fear continue to creep into our lives, may I suggest remember that God gave us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.  We should be reflecting these attributes at all times, especially when our country needs an alternative to fear.   Empower yourself; there are things you can do.  Yes, you can wash hands, wear gloves and masks, keep six feet apart.  You can also have a neighborhood bbq on your front lawns; you can sing at the window of a resident in a nursing home; you can check up on your neighbor’s heath and needs by phone.  You can continue to feed the hungry with the proper precautions.  You can rediscover the art of writing letters or emails. Start a new hobby.  Read the Bible so you can share insights to others when this is all over.  Make a list of what you would like your “new normal” to be, rather than automatically slide back into routines when this is all over.  Take charge of your life.  Better yet, work on letting God take charge of your life.   Show the spirit of love to your family while confined to the house for long periods.  Extend your love to those you haven’t contacted in a year.  Check in on your neighbors.  Show your appreciation to all those front line workers who are working night and day to help us.  Introduce someone to the love of Jesus, our Risen Savior.   Practice your spirit of self-discipline.  Hording is contagious.  Simply purchase what you need. Don’t become a “grazer” when stuck at home.  As one Facebook posting said: “I thought my pants were shrinking due to the dryer.  Come to find out, it was the refrigerator!”  How many times in the past have you said: “I never have enough time to read the Bible.”  Well, here’s your time.  No excuses.  Now is the time to expand your prayer life.  No excuses.  Now is the time to thank God for all we do have, even when sheltered in.   Our country needs a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.  We Christians can show them the way!   May you stay healthy and spiritually strong throughout these challenging days!     Pastor Bruce