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Monday, April 26, 2025 Asbury Devotionals Revisited by Bill |
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Scripture: Psalm 100:2-4 (NLT) – “Be glad as you serve the Lord. Come before Him with songs of joy. Know that the Lord is God. It is He Who made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His field. Go into His gates giving thanks and into His holy place with praise. Give thanks to Him. Honor His name.” Message: Eight hundred ninety-six (1,082 - to end of Eastertide, 2025) Past Advent, Lenten and The Connection Devotionals, written by 176 members and friends of Asbury United Methodist Church! Wow! What a tribute to God’s interaction with men and women. Women and men who took time to share a moment in their lives when they were in tune with God and felt His presence. Twelve years of God’s love shared, in printed form, so people all over the world could relive and relate to God’s love for all of us. Twenty-eight booklets that were read by believers and non-believers alike from all walks of life. What a blessing the devotionals have been. What an outreach. Wouldn’t it be a continual blessing if all these devotionals could be accessed as a collection, in one place, in one media? I have been blessed to be part of the effort to make this happen. The collection is called AsburyDevotionals.com and is as close as your closest access to the Internet. Eight hundred ninety-six devotionals by Contributor and by date. Open up your browser (or have your kids or grand kids do it for you) and take a tour; you will be blessed by the blessings of others, maybe blessed to read your own devotionals, all in one place, and maybe blessed by writing one yourself – I look forward to reading it if you write it. I sincerely and honestly invite you to peruse the website. I got to read all 896 devotionals again as we put the site together. What a joy to re-read my own and ask myself, “Where did that come from? It sure doesn’t sound like me!” Need inspiration, a blessing, a moment of joy? There are 897 love-notes God is waiting to share with you. Prayer: Lord, thank You for including me in this project. I came to see the depth of Your love in so many experiences shared by so many Asbury members and friends. Remind me often, to share Your love in any way I can as often as I can. Amen. Bill Erdman This devotional is an extra thought by the WebMaster in recognition of all those that took time to share their God experience and were loving enough to share them with other, like-minded friends. |
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Maundy Thursday, March 21, 2024 |
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Scripture: Job 29:24 (NIV) – “When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them.” Message: Have you ever wondered if it is worth the effort to reach out to strangers and sincerely say, “Have a great day”, or “Have a blessed day”, or “Make it a blessed day”? This morning as I rode my bike through Eatonville, I received many reminders of how important it is to reach out, without expecting a reaction from everyone you pass. I need to accept an obvious snub, a guttural grunt or a typical ear bud induced trance, not as a personal rejection but as a challenge. Because they are a grump, I don’t need to quit smiling. People need to be encouraged all day, every day. The size and scope of my greeting is not important. It is the size of my smile and the sincerity in my voice that matters. For example, today in a single, short block, I was greeted by a Mom, her daughter, her grandson, their dogs, and an “about to be” Dad who wanted to thank me for praying for his pregnant wife. Several days ago we were all strangers. A smile and “Hello” made the difference. Are you lonesome and perhaps grumpy? Try a smile and maybe add a “Have a blessed day” to a stranger and mean it. If they respond – great! If not, give the next stranger another sincere try. If you have ever been a sales representative, you will know that it takes seven to nine “Nos” to make a sale. It might take longer to get a pleasant response, but remember smiles are free so give a lot of them away. Jesus loves us and we need to let others know how His love has changed our lives. Incidentally, if “Have a blessed day” is tough to say, a simple, “Have a nice day” will suffice. As an aside, over the years in Eatonville I’ve gotten to know the ex-mayor, Chief of Police, a State Trooper, two Sheriff Deputies and eleven residents simply by smiling and saying, “Have a blessed day.” This makes the smiles worth it. I think it makes God smile also. Prayer: Lord, remind us every day that there are many people we meet that desperately need a smile, a word of encouragement, or a simple acknowledgement of their existence. They might even see Jesus in our greeting. Amen. Bill Erdman |
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Christmastide - Tuesday, January 2, 2024 |
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Scripture: Psalm 119:105 (NIV) - “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Message: This morning as I rode my bike up the I-4 Expressway / Maitland bicycle / pedestrian bridge, an interesting phenomenon occurred that was an answer to my prayer for a meaningful Advent devotional. As I zigzagged up the West ramp to make the ramp less steep (but longer), a moth joined me and flew ahead of me. For several zigs and several zags it was synchronized perfectly with me. The interaction was very surreal – moths do not usually behave that way. I finally laughed and said out loud, “I don’t think you know where you are going, Mr Moth.” My next thoughts were, “Bill, do you know where you are going? Did you ever know where you were going?" Later that morning, as I thought about those questions, I came up with even more questions. I realized that the moth had been attracted by my bike light as I went back and forth, up the ramp. I then thought, “Am I being attracted, or am I being guided by Jesus, God’s light?” My Advent devotional efforts resulted in two basic questions: 1) “As I journey through life am I using God’s bright ‘Son’ to lead me on my spiritual pilgrimage even though I am not always sure of my destination?”; and 2) “Is God’s Son, the light of the world, always illuminating my way?” Prayer: Dear Lord, please continue to guide me through the many unique places I find myself. Keep my family safe and healthy. Help me to obey Your commands and try to be Your witness to everyone I meet. Amen. Bill Erdman |
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Thursday, March 23, 2023 by Bill |
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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (MSG) - "Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live." Message: My 2022 Advent Devotional expressed my new awareness of the power of simple prayers - how I realized my job was to pray and God will honor my prayers in His power, not mine. This awareness continues to grow in mysterious ways. While at an extended care facility the attending physician shared that his 77 year old father, living in Miami, was in Hospice with terminal cancer and that he was his caregiver. I asked if I might pray for him and his dad. "Mysterious ways?" Why else would I be praying for a 77 year-old Cuban exile living in Miami? Why else would the Jim Terry Wednesday, Morning Men's Group be praying for a 77 year old Cuban exile living in Miami? Why else would the Asbury Open Door Class be praying for a 77 year old Cuban exile living in Miami? Mysterious? No. God is just using my obedience to spread His love in many places and many hearts. Incidentally, the man I'll never meet just happened to have the first name of "Guillermo." This translates to "William" in English, my first name also. Did God smile when He set this up and say, "Bill, how can you NOT believe?" Prayer: Lord, why do I still question Your ways? Thank You for Your mysteries. Amen. Bill Erdman |
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New Years Day, Saturday, January 1, 2022 On The Road Again by Bill |
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Scripture: Micah 6:8 (NIV) - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Message: As I rode my bike this morning and prayed about an Advent Devotional for this year's booklet, the song "In the Garden" started running through my mind. I don't always feel alone with God in my backyard, but I do feel alone with God every time I ride early in the morning. I revised the song to describe my rides with God:
When I got home I looked up the song's origin and discovered: "In the Garden" (Copyright© Public Domain) is a gospel song written by American songwriter C Austin Miles (1868-1946), a former pharmacist. According to Miles' great-granddaughter, the song was written "in a cold, dreary and leaky basement that didn't even have a window in it let alone a view of a garden." and was inspired b y John 20:14. The song was first published in 1912 and popularized during the Billy Sunday, evangelistic campaigns.I am looking forward to tomorrow morning when I can sing this song as He rides with me and talks with me. He will be with me and will ignore my lack of musical talent because "Jesus loves me, this I know." Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the reminders we get every day, of Your love for us and our families. Help us to listen for these messages of love and to use them to reach out to others - that they may be blessed also. Amen. Bill Erdman |
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Thursday, April 7, 2022 by Bill |
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Scripture: Mark 16:15-16 (NLT) – “And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.’” Message: Did you ever pause and think back to all the “Good News” you have received in your lifetime? Here is my list:
“Here is your Driver’s License.” The best “Good News” I ever received isn’t listed above as it came to me at so many different times and in so many different ways that I can’t place the times exactly. I have heard the “Good News” of Jesus Christ all through my life. Sometimes I listened, sometimes I didn’t. In 1972, I truly listened and actually heard it with my heart and not just my ears. This was the best “News” ever! Prayer: Thank You Lord for not giving up on me. Help me to pass on this wonderful story of salvation to all those I meet and interact with. Your resurrection is the “Good News” we all must share with others. Amen. Bill Erdman |
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Christmastide - New Years Eve, Saturday, December 31, 2022 Perspective by Bill |
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Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (MSG) – “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” Message: The bicycle / pedestrian bridge over I-4 in Maitland has changed my perspective of God’s world in many ways. My first ride to the top gave me a place to rest and catch my breath. Then, after getting in better shape, the top gave me a bird’s-eye view of the 15 lanes of speeding vehicles beneath me. Later I marveled at the intricate man-made structure – a tribute to engineering. Later, still, I looked beyond man’s genius and looked out over God’s natural world and actually looked at the beauty of the lakes, trees, birds and the undeveloped landscape. The ride over and back consistently gives me pause to appreciate God’s gift of sight and reminds me of His many blessings. But, like many people, I tend to forget. I gloss over the wonders all around me. However, God is good and He doesn’t forget. He subtly reminds me often that He loves and cares for me. Yesterday, a hot day in July, as I looked over the edge at the traffic I wondered aloud, “I’m supposed to be a ‘witness’. How can I spread God’s Good News to those thousands of people passing below me, driving off to oblivion?” I was reminded that my duty to Jesus is to pray for others, share what He has done for me, and, most importantly, leave the results up to Him. He is capable of touching each driver and passenger, – I’m not. I realized that although I can’t physically reach many people, I can pray for lots of people. Maybe just one or two drivers or passengers will feel the presence of God as they pass by and be blessed. I must not underestimate the power and love of Jesus. I wonder if I had been touched by someone else’s prayer that very moment? Prayer: Paul reminds us to pray unceasingly. Help me to fill my idle moments with praises to You and prayers for others. Amen. Bill Erdman |
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Sunday, January 3, 2021 Gut, Science, Faith? by Bill |
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Scripture: John 7:30-31 (MSG) – “They were looking for a way to arrest him, but not a hand was laid on him because it wasn’t yet God’s time. Many from the crowd committed themselves in faith to him, saying, ‘Will the Messiah, when he comes, provide better or more convincing evidence than this?’” Message: Looking back I realize I took the “Gut” approach to spiritual matters for most of my formative years. Raised in a home where religion was of minor importance, I had a faith in God that wasn’t grounded in anything solid. I knew right from wrong but the name “Jesus” was not frequently uttered. I was a “periphery” Christian. My “Gut” stage in life was controlled by what felt right and acceptable. As a college educated Engineer in the real world of the mechanical and practical approach to things, I entered my “Science” phase. Data and evidence was the determining factor for what was correct and true. This was shattered when I realized the men in our Test Department were “tweaking” the data to match what I was expecting. They manipulated temperature, pressure and flow to produce “wanted” data. Science became suspect as I realized that we all hedge our own data to meet our immediate need. My “Faith” phase came when I realized I wasn’t really in control of my life, something else was. Christians around me pointed to Jesus. He had the answers that my gut and science didn’t have — “Faith” in the promises of God. I don’t look back, only ahead. Ahead to the promises of Jesus. Praise the Lord. Prayer: Lord, I pray as Mark did, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Amen. Bill Erdman |
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Monday, December 27, 2021 by Bill |
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Scripture: Titus 2, 11-14 (MSG) - "God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation is available for everyone. We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness." Message: Last year I experienced a moment like no others I rode my bike through an intersection, death, in the form of a pickup truck, surprised me. If I had waited to accept Jesus Christ until that moment, I would have been too late. I was not thinking spiritual thoughts at that moment - I was "nowhere." Not until I realized that I was still alive and that I had to get up and get out of the middle of the road did I think to thank God for saving my soul and my life. A last minute "moment" to accept or to thank Jesus had passed. Right now, this is the moment to forgive others. To tell people you love them, to reach out, to help, to thank God. Now is the time to pray for your spouse, your family, your church family, your neighbors, the first responders, the police, the ER staff, the driver that ran the traffic light, your enemies, yourself. This moment won't wait, it will be gone forever. Love and forgive now. You may not get another moment to thank God for all your many blessings and for saving your soul. Prayer: Accept my humble thanks that I can share this message in Your name. Remind me to thank You for all the moments ahead. Remind me to love and not hate. Amen. Bill Erdman |
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Message: During a recent early morning bike ride I was blessed with a glorious sunrise. It was so overwhelming that I stopped and let its radiance flood through me. As I stood there looking at the blue of the background sky filled with awesome reds, oranges and yellows, I wanted to share the scene with someone but the street was empty. There was no one around that I could share that moment that God smiled at me. Who could I tell? I knew immediately that I had to tell two of my special friends - One who is unable to enjoy early sunrises because of intense pains as he struggles to get out of bed each morning. The other can no longer see the sunrises or anything else. But she smiles like the smile that God was giving me at the moment. She smiles, I smile and God smiles. This Easter I want to remind us all that the risen Lord makes His face shine on us every day in many, many ways. Prayer: I thank You for eyes to see with, ears to hear with and a voice to praise with. With our limited sight, questionable hearing and nonstop talking may we stop, look, listen and then praise You this season. Praise You for Your resurrection love that saved us just as we are. Amen. Bill Erdman Image courtesy of author. |
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Wednesday, April 15, 2020 by Bill |
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Scripture: Psalm 68:3-4 (MSG) – "When the righteous see God in action they’ll laugh, they’ll sing, they’ll laugh and sing for joy. Sing hymns to God; all heaven, sing out; clear the way for the coming of Cloud-Rider. Enjoy God, cheer when you see Him!" Message: The Lenten Season is a joyous season for us because we know that Easter Sunday, came and we received salvation through our risen Savior. To Jesus’ disciples and His followers it was a time of great trials and tragedy. With thankful hearts let us reflect on and understand the many messages of Holy Week, but at the same time enjoy God for the great sacrifice He made for us. He loves us, each and every one, and opened up the doors of heaven that we might enter as sinners, forgiven by His Grace. Enjoy God, enjoy the blessing of forgiveness. Prayer: Guide us through each hour of each day You have given us and remind us to sing Your praises to everyone we meet. May we be so overjoyed by Your love that we even shout to You alone, in happiness and gratitude. Amen. Bill Erdman |
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Thursday, April 23, 2020 - "The Connection" Series by Bill |
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You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Message: I think it was a “God Thing” when I was reminded of an event that triggered a spiritual awakening for me. This happened when I wrote my Lenten Devotional for April 6, this year. The moment was an awesome sunrise that reminded me of God’s “Smiles” and how many people are “smiles” to me, constantly. Recently, and unexpectedly God made the moment even more amazing by teaching me another truth of His existence and power. As I thanked Him again for His “Smile”, He seemed to ask me several questions, “Bill, was that sunrise big enough for you? Was that moment big enough for you? Am I big enough for you?” I couldn’t answer, I was overwhelmed with my own questions! Is my God big enough? Do I really realize the enormity, the vastness, the limitlessness of God? Do I really appreciate His unconditional love for me? Humbly I admitted how I fail to pass that love on unconditionally. Quietly I promised to share this new moment with you. Again it is dedicated to those two special people in my life. God is big enough for all of us. Spread the Word. Prayer: Help us spread Your Good News to everyone we meet, whether at arm’s length, across the room, just passing by, writing letters, sending emails, telephone calls, Instagrams, FaceBook, Zoom, whatever. You have provided us with many avenues to praise You and Celebrate You. May we never fail to give You the Praise and the Glory. Amen. Bill Erdman Image courtesy of author. |
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Thursday, April 30, 2020 - "The Connection" Series by Bill |
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Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-12 (NIV) – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” Message: Over the past several years I have been blessed to have the responsibility of assembling the Asbury Lenten Luncheons. Yearly since 1971, these Luncheons have been held each Wednesday, starting on Ash Wednesday, and ending in Holy Week. What a learning experience and blessing this has been as I continually felt guided and directed in ways that tested my commitment to Jesus. I found out that lip-service doesn’t cut it when you find yourself in a leadership role with a church body expecting to receive special Lenten messages and music like they were used to. They rightfully expected these meaningful sessions to continue in spite of my inadequacies and misgivings. I wish I could adequately convey to you how God helped me put these sessions together – I can only humbly say, in a trite way, “It was a God thing.” All the Glory goes to Him. May you and I always take time to pray, listen and obey God moments in our lives when we are blessed by God’s presence. God’s message, or my conscience? I don’t know. I do know that if I pray, listen and pay attention to simple God Moments around me, His plan for His message will unfold and be a blessing to others in the way He planned it. To me it is simple; pray and listen. Be willing to obey. Prayer: Lord, You are always with me in all things I do. Thank You for Your presence regardless of my motives and misguided belief that You need my help. I need Your Help. May I listen and obey. Amen. Bill Erdman |
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Wednesday, July 15, 2020 - "The Connection" Series Deaf And Blind by Bill |
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Scripture: Isaiah 6:8-11 (NIV) – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ’Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ He said, ‘Go and tell this people: “Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving. Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”’ Then I said, ‘For how long, Lord?’” (For a fuller understanding, please read Isaiah 6, NIV and MSG versions)Message: Isaiah received a strange command from God to preach a message which he knew the people would not believe. They were to be made deaf and spiritually blind. Isaiah knew ahead of time that most people would reject his message. No wonder he asked, "Lord, how long?" He wanted to know if God expected him to keep this up indefinitely. Isaiah didn’t like the answer found in verses 11 to 13. Paraphrased, “…people won’t believe you and things will get worse but keep on preaching.” Sound familiar? You and I are faced with a similar situation today. We are well aware that our country, our world, is facing serious problems. The majority hear, but don’t understand. We know in our hearts that as much as we would like to see a great, worldwide revival today, it may not happen in our lifetime. Isaiah was commanded to proclaim God’s message with little hope of results. We also are commanded to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" and leave the results to God. We need to obey and be faithful to our commission, remembering that our reward will not be based on numbers, but on faithfulness! We cannot bring all the world to Christ, but we can bring Him to the persons near to us. Prayer: Lord, when I accepted Your saving Grace, I too said, “I’ll go. Send me.” Now I find that I can’t go. I’m house-bound, my smile is behind a mask, there are protests in the streets, there are strange things in the air, I can’t travel, I can’t… I can’t… Help me to reach out in any way I can, to lift up all those I know, all those that I may pass at a distance and all that you bring into my limited realm. You are still in control. Amen. Bill Erdman |
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Wednesday, December 2, 2020 by Bill |
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Message: On the morning of my 90th birthday I was on my bike and was blessed with another gorgeous sunrise. I happened to look West and there, at the same time, was a magnificent rainbow. As I looked back and forth, I received two messages on my cell phone from our daughter, Karen, and son, David. They wished me a special day. It truly was a “special” day. I believe it was God’s way of reminding me that He is in control and I need to always look for His many reminders. I remembered the Small Groups, Sunday, School Classes and Youth Classes that I have been involved with; I often said, “Only God could have put this group together. Only He would have thought to mix … with … and then add …!” That morning I was again blessed with a “made by God” message of His love for me, one of His children. He is an involved, loving God. The birth of our Lord, Jesus, is a constant reminder of that great love. Prayer: May we all be constantly aware of how Your love for us is demonstrated daily. Thank You for the many groups and individuals that only You can bring together. Thank You for the many varied people You bring into our lives. Help us to realize that they are part of Your plan for us. Amen. Bill Erdman Images courtesy of author and a friend. |
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Pearl Harbor Day, Saturday, December 7, 2019
God's Christmas Gift
by Kay
78 years since the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor |
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Scripture: Luke 2:13-14 (NIV) - "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Message: One of the first things I do to prepare for Christmas is play Christmas music. One of my favorite songs is "I heard the bells on Christmas Day."1,2 The lyrics are extracted from a poem entitled “Christmas Bells” written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during the Civil War:
Christ was born to bring peace and salvation to all men. He did not come to bring a shopping frenzy, or endless parties, or lighting contests: He came to bring peace. Let peace begin with me. Prayer: Lord prepare us to be peace keepers and peace givers with the peace Jesus brings to each one who accepts Him. Amen. Kay Erdman 1. “Christmas Bells” poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 1863. Public Domain. 2. “I heard the bells on Christmas Day” hymn by John Baptiste Calkin, an English composer. 1872. Public Domain. |
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