DIVINE LOVE LENT - HOLY WEEK - EASTER
A Devotional Inspired by Nature: Volume 4
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Shirley’s writing comes from a place of deep love for and faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have often heard her say, and pray, that the Cross of Christ is at the center of all that God has done for us. The Cross must also be at the center of our lives, our families, our churches, our nation, and our world. The Cross is at the center of our Lenten journey of faith.
In this book of devotions Shirley uses scripture, song, photos, wise words, and prayer to bring us to the foot of the Cross. She reminds us of our sin, which made the Cross necessary. She writes of God’s love for us, which made the Cross possible. She urges us to come to the Cross and receive the forgiveness that is offered there. She leads us to rejoice in the new life that is ours because Jesus conquered sin on the Cross and conquered death as He rose from the grave.
I join Shirley in praying that this book will bring glory to God. May it find its way into the hands of those who don’t yet know Jesus, and be used by the Holy Spirit to show them the Cross which leads to life; May it bless those who do know Jesus, helping them to draw closer to Him through the Lenten season, the season of the Cross. May the Holy Spirit lead you to the Cross and perform God’s renewing work in you as you read this.
- Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox, elder, Upper New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, pastor, Amsterdam United Methodist Church and Restoration Ministries, Bilingual, Spanish/English, Amsterdam, NY.
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About the Book
Shirley’s writing comes from a place of deep love for and faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have often heard her say, and pray, that the Cross of Christ is at the center of all that God has done for us. The Cross must also be at the center of our lives, our families, our churches, our nation, and our world. The Cross is at the center of our Lenten journey of faith.
In this book of devotions Shirley uses scripture, song, photos, wise words, and prayer to bring us to the foot of the Cross. She reminds us of our sin, which made the Cross necessary. She writes of God’s love for us, which made the Cross possible. She urges us to come to the Cross and receive the forgiveness that is offered there. She leads us to rejoice in the new life that is ours because Jesus conquered sin on the Cross and conquered death as He rose from the grave.
I join Shirley in praying that this book will bring glory to God. May it find its way into the hands of those who don’t yet know Jesus, and be used by the Holy Spirit to show them the Cross which leads to life; May it bless those who do know Jesus, helping them to draw closer to Him through the Lenten season, the season of the Cross. May the Holy Spirit lead you to the Cross and perform God’s renewing work in you as you read this.
- Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox, elder, Upper New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, pastor, Amsterdam United Methodist Church and Restoration Ministries, Bilingual, Spanish/English, Amsterdam, NY.
Our family thoroughly enjoyed Shirley’s hope-filled devotions. Her themes of trust in Jesus and the importance of sharing the Good News with others resonate for those of us striving to do both, but sometimes faltering. This volume is incredibly helpful to those seeking to move through Lent and Easter with a sense of purpose and intentionality. We particularly enjoyed the language of the prayers – spirit filled and from the heart. Shirley has presented us with an opportunity to reflect on our place in the grand scheme of God’s saving work in the world. She invites us to claim all the rich blessings that life in Christ has to offer.
- The Rev. Brooke Newell, elder, Upper New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, pastor, Queensbury United Methodist Church, Queensbury, New York.
About the Author
Shirley is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY and has a master’s degree from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY. She taught elementary public-school music for 31 years. Most of those years were in Scotia-Glenville School District. She also taught music education classes at Schenectady County Community College. She loved her career in teaching and Music ministry. She has two children and two grandchildren.
After retirement and the death of her husband, Shirley pursued a career as a Certified Lay Minister in the Upper New York Annual Conference, Adirondack District of the United Methodist Church. She has held leadership positions at Porter Corners UMC, Ballston Spa UMC, and led worship at Woodlawn Commons in the Wesley Community. Having recently moved to a new community, she is now a member of the Amsterdam United Methodist Church in Amsterdam, NY. She continues to be passionate about devotional writing for God lovers, God seekers, nature lovers and the family altar. A future project might be “FAITH FOR AN UPSIDE-DOWN WORLD” – Resurrection to Pentecost: A Devotional Inspired by Nature: Volume 5.