P.D. Weekly Email

Hello Great Family,

It is so COLD!! I checked in on my friends up in Paradise, MI... it's not! The people living in Hell, MI confirm that it has frozen over (now you have to do that one thing you never wanted to do). Everyone is talking about the weather in this earthly realm. I want to take your attention to the spiritual realm. I found this devotional about spiritual coldness.

An arctic freeze envelops our nation. It’s cold in America—bitterly cold. It’s the sort of cold that cuts through layers of clothes, stings your uncovered skin, and leaves you hunting for warmth wherever you can find it. In an era of global warming, it seems paradoxical. Last year was the hottest on record, yet here we are, shivering under icy skies.

It makes me think about another kind of cold—the chill that often settles over our hearts. Human connection sometimes feels like it’s in deep freeze. We grow distant from each other, huddled in the shelters of our opinions and biases, rather than braving the vulnerability of relationship and community. It’s hard to be real. It’s harder to be authentic. Our personal echo chambers separate us from one another, adding another layer of deception in our seemingly Uber-connected social media world.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of warmth, not just physical warmth but spiritual and emotional warmth too. Scripture is clear: there is power in connection. Ecclesiastes 4:11 says, “If two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?” This verse isn’t only about the cold nights but also the cold seasons of life when we need one another most. Yet, these are the seasons we find ourselves alone. There is hope and healing in togetherness. The whole world doesn’t have to understand you as long as somebody does.

We must also take inventory of the internal climate of our souls. Is my heart warm toward others, or have I allowed the frost of bitterness and anger to take root? In Matthew 24:12, Jesus warns, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”

As we collectively navigate this literal and figurative cold spell, may we be intentional about stoking the fires of kindness, compassion, and connection. We can offer the warmth of generosity to a stranger or serve as a refuge for someone who is weary, as we remind the entire world that even during the coldest seasons, God’s love never grows cold.

I pray you stay warm, dear reader, and remember: No matter how cold the Winter, Spring always comes.

Oakwood will be warm on Sunday in both the physical and spiritual realms. Come and join us at 9am or 11am. We will be talking through Acts Chapter 11. Hope to see you!

God Bless,
P.D. (Psalm 139)