Pastor's Devotions by Tim Harris

This coming weekend, we as a nation will be celebrating our Independence Day (a.k.a. “The Fourth of July”). There will be fireworks, family gatherings, barbeques, and lots of flags flying. And there is much for us as nation to celebrate. The Declaration of Independence was one of the greatest statements of freedom ever made up until that time. And since gaining our independence from the British (an independence that cost the lives of hundreds of soldiers on both sides), we as a nation have experienced the greatest freedoms ever known to mankind up until that time—and in many ways since.  We’ve known a freedom that only a few throughout history have experienced—a freedom that many have only dreamed of.  I think we need to ask, however, have we used our freedom as we ought to have used it? Might there be have been times when we as a nation have used our freedom in ways that have not best served the needs of our nation or the world at large? How about us as individuals? Have there not bee

My father-in-law used to say, “The weatherman is always right!”  After all, he would point out, when they give a forecast that says, “ partly cloudy” or “ partly sunny,” whether it's cloudy or sunny, they’re right. When they say, “a chance of rain” or “a chance of snow” or whatever percentages they give, whether or not it rains or snows, they’re right. I know it’s a crazy way to think about it, but he did make his point.  Like many of you, I find myself to be pretty dependent on the weather forecast. Almost as soon as I get up in the morning I check the temperature and the forecast for the day to determine what I should wear. As I’m planning my running or cycling for the week, I’m checking the daily and even hourly forecast. This weekend, with my son Nathaniel and his wife Sarah having their wedding celebration with family and friends (they got married this past August), and with part of it planned to be outside, we are anxiously checking the weather forecast. I think you get th

As many of you know or have experienced, this past week the air here in the Northeast (USA) has been terrible to breathe, with the air quality index at times reaching over 200 due to the wildfires in Canada and the smoke they sent our way. For a couple of days, many people (including myself) wore masks, kids had to stay inside during recess, and even the Yankee game in the Bronx was cancelled. Visibility went down to less than a quarter of a mile in many places.  At times the sky was an eerie orange with the sun turning almost red. I think it has been a reminder to us all of how important the air we breathe, and quality of that air, is to our well-being.  Thankfully, as of the writing of this devotional blog, the air seems to have cleared up (at least where I am in this part of NJ). When I stepped outside this morning, I felt like I could breathe again. In fact, I even took a deep breath to test it out. I don’t think I’ve ever been so appreciative of fresh air!  The Bible tells us, “…t

When possible I like to get a run in, early in the day—as do many other runners. Today was one of those days I was able to do so. So, I was down at the boardwalk in Long Branch, NJ by 7:00 am to do a six mile run. And, it was absolutely beautiful. The sun was still low on the horizon, its rays gleaming off of the ocean. The beach was for the most part empty, except for a few surfers who were trickling in. A handful of people were walking the boardwalk.  The air felt clean, clear, and just slightly warm. It was a beautiful morning for a run. I was so glad to be there, and so thankful for the ability and opportunity to run.   I know some people can’t imagine wanting to go for a run. People will tell me all the time, “The only time I run is when I’m being chased!” or “The only thing I run for is dinner!” And, I get it. Not everyone enjoys running. For me, however, there is something about running that makes me feel alive, especially when I can run in the morning—and most especially, when