The Daily Devotional was a project initiated shortly after our in-person worship was suspended in Spring of 2020 due to the pandemic. Each devotional was written by St. Michael's members and staff, and was posted in this space. The Daily Devotional was continued through Easter, but is currently paused. To access previous entries, click on the 'Archives' or 'Categories' tabs on the toolbar located to the right of this post. 

Thank you to all who created content for the Daily Devotional, and for everyone who used this resource to deepen their faith and sense of connection to the St. Michael's Community! 

Devotion for Tuesday, April 14, 2020
by Al Barkve
 
One of my “throwback” habits from growing up on a farm is to make sure I have something very physical (the more exhausting the better actually) to do when I have some anxiety about my job, or life situations.
 
Do you ever wonder why you are the way you are?
I do.
 
When I was a young teen, my older sister became ill. At the time, she was 16.
So, one morning when my parents were preparing to leave for U of M hospitals with my sister for a major heart surgery, my Dad announced as they got in the car for the long drive, “I want you guys to make sure the barns are all cleaned today, because if neighbors come over to help with chores, I want them to arrive to a clean barn!” 
 
A HUGE job for the day.
 
I thought (but did not verbalize,) “What?! We are all saying our goodbyes, concerned about ever seeing our sister alive and healthy again – and my Dad is worried about the barns being clean?! Typical!”
 
But I must admit, the day passed rather quickly and we finished that evening and spoke on the phone with our sister who had arrived at the hospital and was in good care. The hard day of work, it actually helped me. My sister even taunted me on the phone, “I heard you cleaned barns all day!” Somehow, I knew that she was strong, and she was going to get through it all OK, and she did.
 
Today,  I reflect and rationalize on my Dad’s motives after 45 years.
He probably didn’t want three able-bodied brothers “moping around” and wracked with worry. My Dad’s solution was to instruct us to stay very busy with a very long hard spring day of cleaning the barns.
Really, I don’t know if he actually gave it a lot of thought. (He definitely wasn’t a psychologist, oh no.)
 
Maybe he meant exactly what he said. He just wanted clean barns – that’s it!
 
So I was thinking about that, while shoveling loads and loads of dirt (not manure) into a wheelbarrow last Saturday, this memory and owning my possible inherent emotional shortcomings.
I know quite a few people like this, and I thought, “Why did God create so many people with such hard heads?”
 
In my attempt to better understand and “fill some of the gaps” between the brusque ways of my family and growing-up-situation - and today’s modern informed world, I went looking for some answers. I did some reading.
 
Lo and behold, there is a treasure of information published on the related topic generally referred to as “psychological resilience.” (I like that term better than “barn cleaning” anyway, so I’ll go with that.) 
 
Here are some points to think about while we face our current C-19 adversities, and as we help others with very steep challenges in their lives.
 
I see examples of these every day from front line workers and some are making national news. If you come up with ideas based on these points, I would urge you to write down your ideas on a note card, and pray over your ideas daily:
 
Enacting Psychological Resilience when Adversity Strikes:

• Specifying – what aspects of my situation can I choose to directly influence to elicit change in the course of events? What can I do in the next few minutes, hours or day to make any improvement?
• Collaboration – who can help me? And what is the best way to engage those persons? How can I be a positive example? How can we find ways [together] to focus on something that can improve the outcome?
• Visualizing – what do I want my life to look like when we arrive at the other side of this adversity?

 
My apologies to real trained Psychologists for the above, and my thanks to contributing authors “On Mental Toughness” from Harvard Business Review, for their points on resilience.
 
One thing I do know.
God has created all of us with more resilience than we even know we have! I really believe that, and I see that in my family and in our Church community of St Michael’s.
Our ideas and actions, big or small, will make a difference.
 
I’m of course not saying I, or anyone else has an extraordinary amount of resilience. We know that we can’t just “tough it out” without God’s help or the help of others.
Resilient people, all people, need to get on their knees in prayer and humbly ask for guidance and help.
 
Prayer:  Dear Lord, Our world is hurting and please help us use our gifts of resilience evident in the power of your grace. Help us to follow Jesus’ example on earth of humility, patience and tender peace, as we celebrate as Easter people.
Amen
 
Bio: Allen Barkve is a member of St Michael’s and has a fairly large number of farm stories, looking back fondly on his upbringing near Ada, MN.

Devotion for Monday, April 13
by Mary Jane DeWitt

LOVE ISN’T LOVE UNTIL YOU GIVE IT AWAY
 
Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,
If you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35
 
Love isn’t love until you give it away.  Love is an action, an activity.  Love is not just something we feel; love is something we do.  It’s easy to master.  Just throw love away, high and wide.  Give love as much and as often as you can.  You’ll be surprised how much comes right back to you.

When one loves God, it is natural to pass on that love to others, for love is the fundamental nature of God.  When one is filled to the brim with the affirming love of the heavenly Father. Love springs forth.  When you cast forth love to others, you embody the commandment to love one another as Christ loved you.

As you give yourself with joy to others, others will see God in you, and his love will come back to you.  It may be warm thanks from a special friend or a smile from a stranger, but however it comes back, you will be lifted higher than you can imagine.

As we go through this crisis, this world has come together in many ways.  Whether it’s through prayer, helping others or just listening to a friend.  For once, we’re all on an equal plain right now.  Will it stay that way?  Is God testing us on how we deal with one another?

“If Nature has made you for a giver, your hands are born open,
and so is your heart; and though there may be times when
 your hands are empty, your heart is always full
 and you can give things out of that.”
 
When Jesus stretched his arms out wide on the cross, He was saying,
“I love you this much.”

Bio: Mary Jane and her husband Stan, have been members since 2018.  Before joining St. Michael”s, we were members of First Lutheran of St. Paul.   After retiring, I had the pleasure of volunteering in church. The most rewarding was conducting a class on scripture and how it involved in daily life.

​Daily Devotional for Saturday, April 11
by Bill Jolitz
 
Quote:  “The Creator-Logos has implanted in each created thing a characteristic ‘thought’ which is God’s presence in and intention for it and which draws it to God.  By virtue of this indwelling [thought] each created thing is not just an object but a personal word addresses to us by the Creator.” --Maximus the Confessor

Reflection:  The early Celtic Christian church knew something that has been largely forgotten.  The Bible is actually God’s second book.  God’s first book is creation itself.  Paul testified to this in his letter to the Romans, verses 1:19-20.  Do we have the eyes to see it as Jesus and Isaiah remind us?

Notice that Maximus says ‘each created thing’ and not being.  Everything we can see with the naked or aided eye is a message from God.  Can we read it?  Notice also ‘intention for.’  Everything has a role to play.  Rocks do rock-ing perfectly.  Trees do tree-ing perfectly.  Dogs do dog-ing perfectly.  Only human beings refuse to perfectly be what God intended.
That brings up the question, what is my characteristic thought, my destiny?  Do I know, even imperfectly?  Do I put it into action?  Can other people read God in me?

Paul (2 Corinthians 4:7) reminds us we are vessels of clay containing great treasure.  That great treasure is Trinity itself, living deep down inside us.  It calls us to meet in love.  It calls us into transformation that comes from Love Itself.  Are we going there?  What do we hear in the silence that is God’s love language.

What a long and scary set of observations and questions!  What hope have we?  Two!

The Celtic saint Ninian reminds us that the fruit of all study is ‘… to perceive the eternal word of God reflected in every plant and insect, every bird and animal and every man and woman.’  Stop looking and start seeing.

What we can do next is to sit in silence and allow God to speak to us in silence and with love.  Stop the internal monologue.  Forget about all the musts, shoulds, oughts maybes, demanding phones, demanding people, demanding deadlines.  Just be.  Explore maybe unknown territory.

I AM.
You ARE, so
Just BE.

Prayer:  Father, Christ and Holy Spirit, pull me in close to a place of intimacy.  Teach me the word that dwells in me that I may grow into You and clearly show You to others who might not otherwise understand. Amen.
​
Bio:  Bill Jolitz and his wife Susan served as mission pastors to churches in a country closed and hostile to Christianity for over a decade.  He is currently diving deeply into Contemplative/Mystical Christianity.

Devotion for Friday, April 10
by Becky Sorlien
 
Reflections and 10 Daily Prayers on the pandemic of 2020
Written on Palm Sunday - April 5, 2020
 
Scripture:  I lift up my eyes up to the hills. From whence does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.  --Psalm 121, v. 1, 2
 
Reflection:  As I watched online church today and wished for a palm in my hand and church community, I cried. 
This pandemic is a shock and a surprise.  It has turned the world upside down.
But at this terrible time, we must not be afraid and as Pastor Ali stated today, we are not alone.
One of the most important names for Jesus right now is Emmanuel, God With Us.
 
Every day I become aware of new things in people and situations affected by this virus.
Every day it feels like a war with silent casualties and an invisible enemy.
Every day I search for the balance.  I need to begin each day with a prayer, and then think about how I can help others and if I am able, to act on something that day, while trying to take care of myself and family.
There are so many people and situations to pray for, I needed to start with that.
 
Here are ten things I want to pray for daily:
 
Prayer #1
I pray for those lost to the virus and their friends and families not only for dying in a way we never would have thought four months ago, but for having to adjust to new ways of grieving without funerals and a physical presence of all those who would have grieved with them. Help them keep their memories alive and know their loved ones are all in God’s arms.
 
Prayer #2
I pray for all those on the front lines of this war—not only the medical and emergency community, but also anyone taking care of others and at risk in close contact.  Keep them all well and provide for them the tools and supplies they need.  Help them know we all are extremely grateful for their work, and give them rest and revitalization between working shifts.
 
Prayer #3
I pray for those known and unknown hundreds of people working on a cure.  Provide them insight, help them share their work with one another, and keep everyone risk-free.  I pray with all my heart that the cure be found soon and available for all people.
 
Prayer #4
I pray for those businesses providing products and services we all need including medical supplies, medications, computer devices and internet service, cleaning products, gloves, masks, grocery and drug stores, and providers of funeral services.  As people are working long hours and getting exhausted, worried, and overwhelmed, give them the tools they need for themselves and others, help them also know how much they are appreciated whether they hear it or not, and also give them rest and revitalization between working shifts. Help leaders be honest and fair in pricing and in the distribution of supplies and services. I pray that we can find new ways to keep the economy going to get us through the storm.
 
Prayer #5
I pray for those financially affected in the loss of jobs, pay, and hours.  Enable them find the ability to provide for themselves and their families and for all of us who are able to help them get what they need.  May landlords and owners of properties continue to support helping families stay in their homes.
 
Prayer #6
I pray for the homeless, those in prison, those living alone or in large groups, and any people in at-risk circumstances that feel or have felt forgotten and lost during this time.  Help us help them in providing ways to get them food, housing, medical needs and support.  Help people living alone, young and old, to reach out to others in their isolation and for others to reach out to them as well.
 
Prayer #7
I pray for the families of the world.  While we are fortunate that most children aren’t contracting this virus, help us remember the extreme disruption in their daily lives and help us to talk to them in a positive loving manner. Give all children the tools they need to continue learning with devices, Wi-Fi, and schoolwork mailed home to them, and especially children struggling academically. Be present with those losing and grieving interactions with friends and colleagues, sports, music, other extracurricular activities, and graduations.  Help parents balance home and school for their families and be with those struggling without work.  Keep grandparents and other elderly relatives safe and supported as we connect with them at a distance.
 
Prayer #8
I pray for people to come together in the world against hate of any individual or group of people around this virus such as anyone of Chinese descent.  In all the world, we must realize that hate and fear go hand in hand and it is easier to fear and hate others we don’t know, especially when we are looking for someone to blame.  Help us understand that when we get to know one another as people who want the same things in this world, the energy required to keep up hate and fear diminishes.
 
Prayer #9
I pray for the media and government officials to keep us informed on what is happening in our world.  Provide for them the tools to present information in a truthful and clear manner.  Help them remember the influential power they have and to use this power wisely.  Please be with people combating misinformation, internet interference, scams, and fear tactics and help those who prey on people to gain an understanding in the damage this causes both to themselves and others. Help government officials serve all people, setting partisan politics aside, doing what is best for everyone while taking care of themselves at work and home in this difficult time.
 
Prayer #10
I pray for the mental health of all of us.  Help us all overcome the shame in telling others or admitting to having feelings of worry, depression, anger, and anxiety.  Open doors for all of us to know that one of the keys to combating this is doing what is the most difficult to do--talk to others.  Help us reach out in any manner and use this time as an excuse (“this pandemic has made me feel….”) to directly communicate with someone we trust. Be present with people who at home suffer from physical, emotional, or psychological abuse providing them resources to be safe, and help those inflicting the suffering to know that there is always another way to live if they can but reach out to others to find it.
 
Closing Prayer:  Dear God, we are living in a time of tragedy as well as opportunity.
Help us all grow as individuals, be kind to one another, obtaining a greater ability to see and help others in need.
 
Bio:  Becky was born in Minneapolis, grew up in Brooklyn Park, and moved to Seattle in 1988 where she met Ron LaFond and married in 1992.  They returned to Minnesota in 1996 with their son Ben following the death of Becky’s father Don the year before. They joined St. Michael’s that year raising Ben and their daughter Mia in Roseville.  Becky works for an area school district.  She enjoys being the family photographer, genealogy, nature and gardening.  On days working at home, she, Ron, and Mia (in college) each find a separate corner of the house to work and study. Becky feels grateful that in all this tragedy, there is hope in springtime.

Devotional for April 9, 2020 - Maundy Thursday
by Jon Bates

Reflection on, “Communion,” sung by Common Hymnal

Devotional for April 8
by Nicholas Guiang

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

You are not alone. I know this has been a common theme across these devotionals, but under these unprecedented times, it is a sentence that needs to be repeated often. Many people across our community and the world are not lucky enough to be quarantined with family or friends but are shut in by themselves in small apartments, homes, or dorm rooms. 

Isolation creates struggles with one’s mental health and relationships. It consumes and overwhelms us. But a part of us that often takes a blow during pandemics and chaotic times like these is our personal faith. We are away from a community that bonds, heals and pushes us and that often leaves a gaping hole in our lives.

Being away from one’s faith community, away from the church and away from your religious leaders quickly takes its toll. I, now more than ever, have struggled to see God or my faith in my day to day life. As I continue with the same old quarantine routine it becomes harder to see the bright light that I often associate with his presence. Lately, I have even began to question, “Where has God gone?” However, as I watched the sometimes funny online church service video this weekend, thank you Darla the donkey, I am reminded that God is still with us.

God presents himself subtly. It might be through a zoom call with family members where laughs are shared for the first time in days, or from a conversation with a dining hall worker who continues to work through this pandemic, but, God is there. He has not forsaken us, and as we continue through Holy Week remember that. It is easy for Jesus’s last words on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” to creep into our minds, but even in Jesus’ worst moment and this current pandemic, God is with us, we might just have to look a little harder.

Prayer:
Father
Friend
Brother.
Be with us today
For we are all isolated in our own right.
Guide us with your righteous hand
Toward the light that makes our days brighter.
As we look for you in these dark times
Help us come together, stronger.
Heal those who are hurting,
And lift those who have fallen.
But God,
Help us remember that we are not alone in this,
for you have not forsaken us.

Nicholas Guiang is 20 years old - the youngest of 4 sons to Sixto Guiang and Jennifer Mehmel. Nicholas is currently attending Northwestern “Online” University in Evanston, Illinois where he is studying to be a journalist (Don’t worry, there are plenty of jobs in that field right now). He is currently in Evanston isolated with his friends in the fraternity house practicing social distancing. On days when he is not quarantined, he enjoys a good game of soccer or whiffle ball in the park. During the summer you will most likely find him eating a freshly cooked Brat with his family on their deck. Nicholas is most excited for the next time he is allowed basic human contact.

Hello!

We are glad you have been enjoying the Daily Devotional and are very grateful for the many contributions we have received from within the community! 

The Daily Devotional will continue through Easter. After Easter, we will continue to find ways to stay connected as a congregation and rooted in our faith in the living God. Though the Devotionals will pause, we hope you continue this practice of reflecting on your faith and sharing it with others!

In Thanks,

Pastor Brad Froslee
​Pastor Ali Ferin

Devotional for Tuesday, April 7
by Bill Jolitz
 
Quote:  “ … hope …” (select any one of its 80 uses in the New Testament).
 
Reflection:  Hope is a squishy word.  The World’s definition comes from dictionaries.  As a noun it is “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen;” one of its synonyms is daydream.  As a verb, it is to “want something to happen or be the case;” one of its synonyms is pipe dream.  Not very promising.
 
Churchfolk have their own intuitive definitions that come from reading the word in Scripture many times over.  The problem with individual intuition is that it can be ill-informed or simply wrong.  Cross-contamination from the world makes a proper understanding difficult.
 
Let’s get a little technical here.  What lies behind the word “hope” is the concept of probability; what are the chances something will happen.  A probability of zero means that “it ain’t gonna happen ever, no way.” A probability of one means “it most certainly will happen, no way that it won’t”  Everything between zero and one is doubtful.  Maybe yes, then again, maybe no.
 
Too many churches fail to teach its people the proper understanding of hope in the Kingdom of God.  In the New Testament, when God promises something to give us “hope,” it is an absolute certainty.  Our “hopes” are not pipe dreams or daydreams, they’re not sentimental wishes or platitudes. They’re not “nice-if-only-it-happens.”  They are as certain as the death and resurrection of Jesus bar Yusuf, the Christ.  It is a case of when and not if.  The Holy Spirit has been given as a pledge/guarantee of that happening.  SO, we can wait patiently.
 
“Christ in [me], [my] hope of glory” is an absolute certainty.  This is the basis for Kingdom confidence.
 
Prayer:  Dearest God, help me to realize that your promises are not a sentiment or wishful thinking.  Whatever promises you have made are made certain by your holy name.  AMEN!”
 
Bio:  Bill Jolitz and his wife Susan served as mission pastors to churches in a country closed and hostile to Christianity for over a decade.  He is currently diving deeply into Contemplative/Mystical Christianity.