Daily Devotional


Rev. Dr. Steven Sunghwan Cho, Pastor​
11023 Liberty Road 
Randallstown, Maryland 21133

410-922-6556    Email: WardsChapel@verizon.net

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Serving Baltimore, Carroll, and Howard Counties. We are conveniently located on the corner of Liberty Rd and Wards Chapel Rd in Baltimore County, just a short drive from Carroll County and Howard County.​

Daily Devotional

12/3 Thursday - Advent Season

 by WCUMC Member on 12/03/20

Carol:

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
This carol is based on a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on Christmas Day in 1863, in the midst of the Civil War. It was written not only during a time of darkness and strife for the country but in Longfellow’s personal life as well. Two years earlier he had lost his wife to a fire. In early 1863 his son joined the Union army against his wishes and was severely wounded in November in the Battle of Mine Run. The words of this carol reflect the hope that God brings even in troubled times. Enjoy this version by Casting Crowns.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F756Mjxxrvc


Bible verse:
Hosea 6:3
3 Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”


Reflection:
Each morning like clockwork, the sun comes in our kitchen window. On cloudy and rainy days, we know the sun has risen because we have faith in God's time clock. Over the last twenty years, Pauline and I have read a morning devotion from Daily Guidepost We acknowledge the power of God to guide and inspire us through the words of our faith-filled friends.
When we acknowledge the power and greatness of our God, the darkness of life is only a challenge to meet. During Advent, our faith provides us the Hope of a new world. The Son has Come!!!


Pray with us:
Creator God, hear our prayer. Our creation is Awesome. As we ponder the intricacy and power of the sun and the marvel of the rain cycle, help us get closer to a personal understanding of our faith. As we acknowledge You in worship and practice may the world see through us the real Hope of the world, Jesus Christ born and risen. Amen.


(Reflection and Prayer by Wayne Reisberg)

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12/2 Wednesday - Advent Season

 by WCUMC Member on 12/02/20

12/2 Wednesday - Advent Season

Carol:
View the Present Through the Promise
This is a more recent carol, written in 1994 by Thomas H. Troeger. You can find it in the United Methodist hymn supplement Worship & Song, number 3048. You may recognize the melody from the welsh song ‘All Through the Night’ which is also often used as a Christmas carol. Usually, songs that talk about the second coming of Christ are a bit more upbeat but this carol uses the gentle lullaby like tune to gently remind us to serve the Lord faithfully as we await his arrival.


Bible verse:
1 Samuel 12:24
24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.

Reflection:
Forty years ago I answered the call to serve on a committee of three to "look into" the possibility of starting a preschool as an outreach ministry of Wards Chapel. In February 1980, we presented our ideas to the Church Board and Trustees. There were many obstacles to overcome.
The plan was to open in September with 2 classes. It seemed an almost impossible task. So we turned to prayer every day and asked the Lord to lead us. We trusted that we would reach our goal. The Lord was faithful, and many people came on board to support us. We opened in September with 2 classes, a total of 23 children!
Looking back over the years, I give God all the glory and praise for the opportunity to serve Him and the many families that were touched and are still being touched. Great things can happen!

Pray with us:
Gracious Lord, We give you thanks for the overwhelming blessings that are ours each day. We wish to serve you faithfully to further your kingdom. Open our hearts to the many opportunities you give us to follow your commands. Thank you for loving us and always being there for us. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

(Reflection and Prayer by Pauline Reisberg)

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12/1 Tuesday - Advent Season

 by WCUMC Member on 12/01/20

Carol:
Now Behold the Lamb
This gospel song, released in 1995 by Kirk Franklin & the Family, is now a staple in many churches around Christmas time. It is a joyous proclamation of the redeeming power of Christ. Jesus is referred to as “the Lamb of God” many times in the bible, mostly in the book of Revelation. Revelation 7:17 states, “For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”


Bible verse:
Lamentations 5:19
19 You, LORD, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation.

Reflection:
Advent is a time to remember traditions that strengthen our faith. We remember those in our church family who were our past mentors and those who are our faith encouragers now. Our church has remained a symbol of love and faith through many generations of Advent times - a beacon in this community. It is our responsibility and honor to pass this faith on to the next generations. The world will need servant leaders dedicated to strengthening faith. This year in the midst of turmoil, we see how these traditions and the joys of the season help steady us and give us hope. The Lord will reign and will endure from generation to generation and we are thankful.

Pray with us:
Our Heavenly Father, we rely on your steadfastness. As we approach the Advent season, we know in our hearts you have many joys and revelations for us. We will begin a faith journey with the babe which keeps us on track to a renewed understanding of his love. We will serve all God’s children and share with them the legacy of his peace and joy. In His name, we pray. Amen.

(Reflection and Prayer by Barb Charnock)

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11/30 Monday - Advent Season

 by WCUMC Member on 11/30/20

Carol:

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is a hymn that merges 9th-century antiphons (short chants) with a 15th-century French melody. The first verse in the linked video is the style of singing you would have heard in a 15th-century church, a few men all in unison with no harmony. It is the quintessential Advent hymn. It expresses a longing for the coming of the messiah, calling back to the scriptures as it addresses him by a different title in every verse.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSRocN1dTrM


Bible verse:
Revelation 14:7
7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”


Reflection:
Advent begins! Usually, in the fall season, I feel different things. While other American friends and neighbors enjoy this time of Thanksgiving with their families, I miss my families in South Korea and my sister in Toronto Canada. So, I mostly miss my people than enjoying time together with them. ‘Missing them’ sounds a more appropriate feeling to me. However, it does not mean that I am sad because I can still talk with them and give them a call, and facetime as well.
I believe during the Advent season, God teaches me the same thing. Sometimes I feel a bit disconnected and distracted due to all of the unexpected happenings in my life. From time to time, I have trusted myself, my plan, my idea, and my ability more than God’s grace. But I know, only in God, I can find eternal peace and comfort.
So, now I can testify all the generous works that God has done for me. Most of all, I speak out to the world that I trust in God, and I am so glad that God loves me and gives me eternal life. So, pray with me and speak out with me this Advent season, “Lord, thank you!”


Pray with us:
Gracious and loving God, now Advent season begins. I appreciate your gracious work and endless love. Most of all, you have never forgotten me or ignored my request. How can I, such a silly man, know and understand your eternal plan and love? But lord, I trust in you. I trust your plan and I will follow your ways. Teach me your words and let me faithfully focus on your message. Thank you, Lord, pour out your blessings to me. Amen.

(Prayer by Steven Cho)

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11/26 Thursday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/26/20

Today’s Bible verse:

Isaiah 12:4
4 In that day you will say "Give praises to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted."

Pray with us:
Gracious Father God, The scripture for today is very appropriate during this season of thanksgiving. Help us to remember on a daily basis, that all things are possible only through you and that we have you to thank for everything. Help us to remember to sing to you our Lord for all the glorious things you have given us. Let us all proclaim your name as exulted. We give thanks to you today Lord for waking us each day to share the glory of your creation. We thank you Father for the homes we live in, the food on our table, and the clothes on our backs. In the name of your glorious son Jesus Christ we pray. Amen

(Prayer by Kathy Ryan)

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11/25 Wednesday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/25/20

Today’s Bible verse:
Psalm 7:17
17 I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.

Pray with us:
O’ Lord, We come today again to sing your praises. We are humbled and thankful and glad for all that we have received from you. We are thankful for the miracle of life and for our capacity to love. We are thankful for joys both great and simple. For the wisdom of the old, for the courage of the young, for the promise of the child, for the strength that comes from you when needed, we give you thanks. Of those to whom much is given, much is required. May we and our children remember this always. Amen.

(Prayer by Charlie Dell)

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11/24 Tuesday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/24/20

Today’s Bible verse:
1Timothy 4:4-5
4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

Pray with us:
Father of all creation and all that is good, we give thanks to you and praise you. With so many things to capture our attention these days, help us to stay focused on you. We know you expect us to live lives that are different from the lives of others--righteous lives. Help us to discern the truth through the help of the Holy Spirit and our relationship with your Son Jesus. Instill in us a true desire to honor you, remembering your kindness by living upright lives. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

(Prayer by Pauline Reisberg)

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11/22 Sunday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/22/20

Today’s Bible verse:

2 Corinthians 4:15-16
15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.


Pray with us:
God of Grace and God of Glory hear our prayer. As your believers let us give thanksgiving in our distresses and prosperity so that your Grace will shine to the World. When our spirits sink under the weight of fatigue (covid), responsibilities, sorrow, and things seem falling to pieces. Lift us with your unfailing Grace that when our body fails, our spirits will be lifted like the wings of an eagle. God of Grace we exalt and praise you with thanksgiving. Amen


(Prayer by Wayne Reisberg)

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11/21 Saturday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/21/20

Today’s Bible verse:
Psalm 95:2-3
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 3 For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.

Pray with us:
Our Heavenly Father, the Psalmist reminds us to thank You and extol you with music and song because You are the God above all others. We should not have to be reminded to do this!! Every morning should be greeted with praise and thanksgiving for the good and perfect gifts which come to us from you. We are grateful but sometimes we second guess You. Would you please remind us that even though some may not seem like “good gifts”, they will become so in Your time when our hearts and minds are opened to Your plan for us! You show us every day how much You love us and we are blessed. Thank you Lord for these many blessings. Amen.

(Prayer by Barb Charnock)

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11/20 Friday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/20/20

Today’s Bible verse:
Jonah 2:9
9 But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’ ”

Pray with us:
Heavenly Father, even in the belly of the whale, at the lowest point in his life, Jonah did not forsake You! With shouts of praise and gratitude, he proclaimed, “Salvation comes from the Lord !”. Today we look to experts, politicians, officials and “idols” for worldly salvation when our eyes should be on You! You are our salvation and our peace in this chaotic world. Please open our eyes and our hearts to your true peace which is not of this world. Give us mindfulness to see good in all things and center us in Your love. Keep us strong in our faith as we pray to You this day. Amen

(Prayer by Barb Charnock)

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11/19 Thursday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/19/20

Today’s Bible verse:
1 Thessalonians 5:18
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Pray with us:
Dear Heavenly Father, We thank you for all you have given us. As Paul encouraged the church at Thessalonica, we too need encouragement in today's world. Help us to see past today's issues to a future that is led by your commandment to love one another. Help us to see and give thanks in the small everyday accomplishments. Help us to reach out to others so they will know your presence and will feel your love. We pray not only for ourselves but also for the leaders in authority. Amen

(Prayer by Carol Parker)

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11/18 Wednesday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/18/20

Today’s Bible verse:
Nahum 1:3
3 The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.

Pray with us:
Almighty God, Nahum's words were meant to comfort Judah after Nineveh's fall. We too are looking for comforting words in a world that seems to have lost its way. We know you are slow to anger and great in power. Guide us to use this knowledge and your love as we make decisions and interact with those around us. We come to you today knowing you are always with us. You know our every thought and deed. Help us make our thoughts and deeds comforting to those around us. Help us to make a positive difference in today's world and for future generations. We pray in your name, Amen.

(Prayer by Carol Parker)

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11/17 Tuesday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/17/20

Today’s Bible verse:
Proverbs 29:11
11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

Pray with us:
Heavenly Father, You told us that if we walk in the Light as He is in The Light, we have fellowship one with the other.!! You said in Your Word, The people who walked in darkness have seen a Great Light.!! We know that Your Son, Jesus Christ is The LIGHT of the world.!! Because we have become believers and accept His Redemption on the Cross, we become light also.!! Jesus told us, Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.!! Help us let the Light Shine in Jesus Name.!! Amen.

(Prayer by Margaret Hare)

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11/16 Monday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/16/20

Today’s Bible verse:
Proverbs 15:18
18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

Pray with us:
We live in world of impatience. So many different reasons, people become upset and easily show their anger. But we know that Jesus came to this world as the king of peace, and the people of God should be the ambassadors of God’s kingdom. Help us to have a good heart so that we can have more understanding. Bring us your wisdom for becoming the bridge that the world can see the peace of God. Give us more patience, so that we can endure this harsh condition that we are facing. Take care of your children and lead us not into temptation. We pray in your name Amen.

(Prayer by Steven Cho)

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11/15 Sunday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/15/20

Today’s Bible verse:
John 14:2-4
2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Pray with us:
Lord, we know that our father’s love and grace is never-ending. That’s why your people can come to you anytime, and they can cry out to you anywhere. Your son died for us and our sin is forgiven by the sacrifice on the holy cross. We will never forget this action, and this salvation will guide us to the right pathways we believe. Help us to remember those who in need, and let us respond to your call by action. We live in hope every day because we know you have prepared a special place for your people. Thank you, Lord, we pray in your name, Amen.

(Prayer by Steven Cho)

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11/14 Saturday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/14/20

Today’s Bible verse:
Titus 2:11
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people

Pray with us:
Father, thank you for your gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus. That gift is for the whole world. In these trying times, we pray that you touch each of us that we may truly remember your salvation is for all. We pray for your world that all may accept your wonderful gifts of grace and salvation and that we may live as your children in the peace and harmony you wish for us. We pray in Jesus’ name, AMEN

(Prayer by Cindy Chambers)

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11/13 Friday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/13/20

Today’s Bible verse:
2 Kings 17:38-39
38 Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods. 39 Rather, worship the LORD your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”

Pray with us:
Father of Covenants,
How sweet and true are the promises that you made and kept with our forefathers. Scripture tells the wonderful story of your continuing act of salvation, shared not only with them but ourselves as well. How can we not worship the God of all that is good and holy? How can we not rejoice in all that is true?
In Your Son's blessed name we pray,
Amen.

(Prayer by Ron Weller)

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11/12 Thursday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/12/20

Today’s Bible verse:
Colossians 1:13-14
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Pray with us:
Heavenly Father,
It is with eternal gratitude that we recall the saving act of redemption by our blessed Savior, Jesus Christ. We were mired in sin and unable to emerge but for the single act of grace at Calvary. From the darkness at Golgotha came the redemptive light at the tomb. The curtain of the temple was torn and we were reunited with You. May we ever rejoice in the truth of the good news.
Amen

(Prayer by Ron Weller)

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11/11 Wednesday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/11/20

Today’s Bible verse:
1 Chronicles 16:35
35 Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.”

Pray with us:
You are indeed our hope and salvation. We praise you that we do not stand alone to face life’s challenges. You are with us and you gather us as your people to support each other. Alone we are more likely to falter, together we stand firm as your children and share the glories of your grace through all circumstances. We thank you for your undying love and those you send to guide and help us. AMEN

(Prayer by Cindy Chambers)

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11/9 Monday

 by WCUMC Member on 11/09/20

Today’s Bible verse:
1 John 2:23
23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
 
Pray with us:
Dear Lord God, Father of Jesus Christ, we come to you with love in our hearts for the Holy Gift of salvation through your Son’s sacrifice.  Send your Holy Spirit to be within us, to strengthen us to show love to others as Jesus did.

(Prayer by Bill Ellis)

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