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Belford United Methodist Church, 180 Church Street, Belford, NJ (2026)

06/06/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Saturday!
Today is "D-Day." Today we honor and remember all those who landed on the beaches of Normandy, France on this day eighty two years ago. We remember all those who gave their lives in those battles.
Give thanks for the gift of the day and spend some time with our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Be blessed and be a blessing.

Daily Devotional for June 6, 2026

The Strength to Endure

By Emily C. Marszalek (Idaho, USA)

Read Exodus 15:1-6

The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
Exodus 15:2 (NIV)

It had been a difficult couple of months. Health challenges left me chronically fatigued. Staff shortages and extra responsibilities at work caused me constant stress.

One morning, after another restless night, I woke up with a throbbing headache and felt sick to my stomach. I did my best to prepare for what I knew would be a challenging day. As I drove to work, I spoke the only prayer I could muster: “God, I cannot get through this day without you. Please help me. I need you.” While my headache didn’t magically disappear nor did my nausea subside, I felt a wave of peace come over me.

In spite of not feeling well, I survived the workday. Through God’s strength and grace I was actually highly productive. On the drive home that evening, my prayer of desperation was replaced with a prayer of thankfulness: “I made it through today only because of you. Thank you for strengthening me.”

We are not intended to operate only on our own strength; when we try to do things on our own, we end up overburdened and exhausted. Our strength comes from God, who gives us all we need to endure.

Today's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for being our strength. Remind us to rely on you each and every day. Amen.

VOYAGE
Sight Psalm for June 6, 2026
"Then [Jesus] climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed. Mark 6:51 (NIV)

06/04/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Friday Eve!
Today is National Cheese Day, so celebrate accordingly!
On this day in 1896 Henry Ford drove his first Ford motorcar through the streets of Detroit, in 1919 Congress approved the 19th Amendment guaranteeing 26 million women the right to vote, and in 1992 the US Postal service released its first Elvis Presley stamp.
Now ya know. . . .
Enjoy the gift of this day and spend some time with our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Be blessed and be a blessing.

Daily Devotional for June 4, 2026
In the Arms of Love
By Emily Acker (Wisconsin, USA)

Read Isaiah 46:3-5

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

I wanted to hold my youngest nephew for as long as he was content. He was heavy in my arms, but I wasn’t going to put him down or pass him off to someone else at the family gathering. Later on, I carried my other young nephew and let him help me hand out gifts. As he leaned forward with each gift he gave, I could barely keep my hold on him — but I held on. My arms were sore the day after that family event, but my heart was happy. My love for my nephews made my tired muscles worth it.
God offers to hold us through all that life brings our way, and God is strong enough to take on anything that we face. Just as we want to be close to those we love, God wants to be close to us. Out of great love for us God carries us, regardless of the weight of our burdens.

Today's Prayer
Dear God, help us to see how much you love us and how you want to be close to us. We pray as Jesus taught us, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen”
(Matt. 6:9-13, KJV).

PERSIST
Sight Psalm for June 4, 2026
May our lives be a testament to the power of perseverance.
Photo by Carol Wilson

06/03/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Hump Day!
Today is National Egg Day and it is also National Repeat Day it is also National Repeat Day!
On this day in 1784 the Regular United States Army is established by Congress, in 1851 the first ever baseball uniforms were worn by the NY Knickerbockers, in 1863 led by Gen. Robert E. Lee, the Gettysburg campaign begins, and in 1871 Jesse James and his gang robbed the Obocock Bank in Iowa and stole $15,000.
Now ya know. . .
Make it a great day and spend some time with our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Be blessed and be a blessing.

Daily Devotional for June 3, 2026
New Seasons
By Nicholas Parrish (North Carolina, USA)

Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

When I graduated from college, I wondered, Where do I go from here? In school, I had structure and the goal of achieving my degree. But after college, endless opportunities arose. I struggled to decide if I wanted to go straight into my career, take a gap year volunteering, or go back to college to obtain my master’s degree. Many young adults struggle to adjust to the new season that awaits after graduation.
Abraham endured many new seasons. He was stuck in his ways for seventy-five years until he was called to follow God. He experienced seasons of waiting, mourning, rejoicing, and trusting in God. Abraham waited twenty-four years between when God promised that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky and when his son Isaac was born. Going through new seasons is a natural part of life. As Christians, we can go into new seasons with the faith that it will all work out according to God’s purpose. God is constantly molding us to serve and to know God more deeply, which is made possible by changing with each season.

Today's Prayer
Dear God, may you embolden us in our faith so that we are prepared to follow you no matter where you take us. Amen.

GIFTS
Sight Psalm for June 3, 2026
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." Romans 12:6 (NIV)
Photo by Catherine Hargrove

06/02/2026

It is with deep sadness that we post about the passing of our dear member, Richard "Rick" Murek. Please keep his wife, Maureen and their family in your prayers.

The viewing will be Saturday morning from 11 AM to 1 PM at Scott-Kedz Home for Funerals, Church St., Belford. Pastor Kevin will be doing a service at 1 PM. There will be a luncheon immediately following Pastor Kevin's service in our church hall.

If anyone would like to bring a dessert, it would be greatly appreciated.

06/02/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Tuesday!
Give thanks for the gift of today, as we have experienced a loss in the Belford Church family this morning, it just serves to remind us that every day we are given is precious.
Make the most of it and set aside a few moments to spend with our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Give thanks for, and lift up your/our church families in your prayers.

Daily Devotional for June 2, 2026
I Will Fear No Evil
By Vanessa Ekhaese (Lagos State, Nigeria)

Read Psalm 23:1-6

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

One Tuesday evening I was in our living room watching the news when my mother’s phone rang. As she answered, her face drained of color, and I knew something was terribly wrong. Before I could ask, a headline flashed on the screen: “Tragic car crash claims the life of Mr. David Churchill.” David, our kind and vibrant choir leader, was gone. Just the Sunday before, he had led us in a powerful song. My heart sank, and emotions swirled within me.
As I processed the news, a deep unease settled within me. Is this how life works? One moment, everything is fine, and the next, it’s gone? What if I die unexpectedly? The flickering images of the wrecked car on the screen haunted me. For fifteen years, the unpredictability of life cast a shadow over every moment of my life. My struggle led me to God. I thought giving my life to Christ would make my fear disappear, but it didn’t happen. One day, out of utter frustration, I picked up my Bible, thinking surely there was a way for God to help me overcome this fear of death. So I incorporated Bible study into my daily life. Every time I studied, the character of God became clearer to me.I began trusting God’s presence and finding courage in God’s promises.
Psalm 23:4 became my comfort, and I prayed this scripture whenever I felt afraid. Slowly, my faith grew, and my fear dissipated as I released it to God.

Today's Prayer
Thank you, heavenly Father, for being our refuge and our very present help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

PRAYER
Sight Psalm for June 2, 2026
Quiet moments in the day offer opportunities to converse with God.
Photo by Ann Emerson

06/01/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Monday!
Let's welcome in the month of June together!
Enjoy the beauty of the day and spend some time with our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Be blessed and be a blessing.

Daily Devotional for June 1, 2026
Traveling Companions
By Mandy Yatta (Mississippi, USA)

Read Acts of the Apostles 13:44-52

This is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” Acts 13:47 (NIV)

When my son was in kindergarten, I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle, the mother of another student. I felt an instant connection with her — as if we were kindred spirits. Working full time while juggling parenting duties was overwhelming, but Michelle had a calming presence. I felt grounded when I was near her.
She invited me to a gospel concert one Friday night and then to church. I hadn’t been to church in years, but I said yes. No doubt it was the Holy Spirit working in me.
I felt that this friendship was God’s divine work. Michelle was my Barnabas — my encourager. Barnabas found Saul and brought him to Antioch, planting him in a community that God was growing (see Acts 11:25-26). They were traveling companions on a missionary journey. I am so thankful for the faithful friends God has placed in my life as my traveling companions. I need encouragement. I need the example of other believers living out their faith. I’m thankful for my encouragers, and I pray that I can be an encourager for others. Friends are truly a gift from God.

Today's Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the people who encourage us in our faith. Help us to sow seeds of encouragement for others with our words and actions. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

PRECARIOUS
Sight Psalm for June 1, 2026
O God, when our path feels insecure, remind us of your unfailing presence with us.
Photo by Merle Mills

05/30/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Saturday!
Enjoy your day and spend some time with our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Be blessed and be a blessing.

Daily Devotional for May 30, 2026
A Simple Greeting
By Setyo Warsono (West Java, Indonesia)

Read Ephesians 1:1-14

From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will. To the holy and faithful people in Christ Jesus in Ephesus. Ephesians 1:1 (CEB)

As a way of feeling connected to my friends, I like to check their messaging profiles and read what they have put as their current status. Some list activities such as enjoying a meal at a restaurant, relaxing on the beach, or traveling abroad. Others share their feelings and emotions, which makes me reflect and connect with them more deeply. Reading and responding to these statuses has made me realize the importance of reaching out, especially to friends who seem to be sad or facing a difficult situation. Simple questions such as, “How are you?” or “What is wrong?” show care and empathy. I never imagined these messages would have a big impact, but I have been surprised. Some people have told me they cried when they read my message because they felt like someone was really paying attention to them. One friend felt that my message was a sign from God, a reminder that he was not alone.
The apostle Paul sent messages of support to many people, like in today’s scripture. I am sure his letter to the Ephesians strengthened them in their faith. Following this example, when we see that someone is going through a difficult time, let’s not hesitate to send a message of support. You never know how much that small gesture will mean to someone.T

oday's Prayer
Almighty God, fill us with empathy so that we may offer support to the people around us. May our simple messages comfort those in need. Amen.

MONUMENTS
Sight Psalm for May 30, 2026
No human-built wonder can compare with the miraculous craftsmanship of God's Creation.
Photo by Laura Norris

05/28/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Friday Eve!
Enjoy the beauty of the day and spend some time with our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Be blessed and be a blessing.

Daily Devotional for May 28, 2026

In God’s Perfect Timing

By Christina Ryan Claypool (Ohio, USA)

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last — and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
John 15:16 (NIV)

I struggle with asking others for help, even though my sister believes people want to help if you let them know what you need. Last year, while hosting a garage sale alone, circumstances caused me to test her theory.

An elderly woman purchased a wooden end table and required assistance putting it in her car. I was frustrated that I couldn’t help her because arthritic joints have kept me on crutches in recent years. In desperation, I asked a stranger who had just bought a vintage coffee pot, “Could you please help this woman?”

The man thrust his shoulders back and swooped into action, single-handedly lifting the heavy table. When the task was complete, I thanked him profusely. He walked away clutching the coffee pot and looking rather proud of himself.

Quite frequently, we forget to pray and to ask our benevolent heavenly Father for help when we need it. We carry around our daunting problems, fearful that our needs will go unmet. Yet when we pray, we can trust with gratitude that God will answer. God loves us more than we can imagine. God will give us what we truly need, often in mysterious ways, if only we ask.

Today's Prayer
Dear God, when times are good, may we remember to thank you. When times are bad and we need help, may we remember to reach out to you, trusting that you will answer. Amen.

INTRICATE
Sight Psalm for May 28, 2026
Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. Luke 12:27 (NIV)
Photo by Joyce Carrasco

05/27/2026

Good morning Friends,
Happy Hump Day!
Enjoy the gift of the day and spend some time with our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Be blessed and be a blessing.

Daily Devotional for May 27, 2026
When Easy Is Hard
By Brenda Louden (Manitoba, Canada)

Read James 1:2-5

The Lord says, “I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight.” Isaiah 45:2 (KJV)

After waiting in line to mail a parcel, I was informed it could not be mailed until I filled out a special form. The clerk then cheerfully handed me the printed instructions with these words, “Simply fill this out on your computer. It’s very easy to do.”Retreating to my home I realized that I had no idea how to follow the “easy” instructions. Coming to my rescue, my husband took the paper and accepted the challenge. Two long hours later he emerged, triumphantly holding in his hand the finished document. To many of us, simple in the computer world does not mean easily understood. In the same way, reading God’s word may be simple, but it can be difficult to understand fully and apply. Thankfully, we can ask the Holy Spirit for help and for wisdom. Just as I’ve been ignorant of computer ways and must learn, I must also spend time to learn my Lord’s ways. I am grateful that when we are challenged by instructions, God is a patient and persevering Teacher who is able to make those crooked places straight.

Today's Prayer
Precious Lord, remind us to come to you for wisdom to learn and apply even the simple lessons in life. Amen.

LEAVE
Sight Psalm for May 27, 2026
Following Christ often means letting go of what is familiar.
Photo by Lu Fullilove

05/26/2026

Good morning Friends!
I apologize for the extended absence in our devotions! As many of you know, I was struck down, literally, by an illness while away at our Annual Conference last week. It turns out I had been battling a bacterial infection and its aftermath and it had wiped me out. Today is the first day I have felt truly functional in ten days. I appreciate all the prayers, messages, and thoughts during my recovery. So, this morning I am very happy to be back with our devotions!
Enjoy the beauty of the day as the gift from God that it is and spend some time with our Sight Psalm and Devotion for the day.
Live out the day in that Pentecost spirit. . .

Daily Devotional for May 26, 2026

Hope of the Heart

By Wayne Greenawalt (Wisconsin, USA)

Read Isaiah 42:1-7

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:5 (NIV)

The weather was cold and gloomy the morning we launched our canoes. It was the outset of a week-long adventure, paddling the Androscoggin River in Maine. It began to rain early in the afternoon and continued as we pulled ashore to set up camp. Pitching tents and building fires were daunting tasks. Our spirits were as gloomy as the weather.

Then at dusk, as the rain began to subside, we witnessed an amazing sight. In the sky we spotted multiple rainbows gleaming through the mist. This unexpected glimpse of hope rejuvenated us, reminding us of the promise of God’s presence and watchful care. The sun came out the next day and continued to shine throughout our journey.

Prolonged periods of physical and emotional distress can cause us to be despondent. We long for assurance of God’s provision and care. But God has promised divine presence and strength to sustain us in times of adversity. God’s promises are truly the hope of the heart, and God is always faithful. When we seek God, we will discover rainbows of hope that can lift our spirits, however challenging our circumstances.

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, right now we need assurance of your presence and care. Help us to trust you and to rest in your promises. Amen.

SHINE
Sight Psalm for May 26, 2026
The world is forever changed when God's light shines through your uniqueness.
Photo by Pam Nelson

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