In this opening episode of the Still Waters Devotional Series, Pastor Peaches reminds us that our lives are not random or forgotten—God is the Author of our story. Even when we can't see the ending, we can trust the One who's writing it. Join us as we reflect on the power of surrendering our narrative to God’s greater plan.

**Scripture**: *“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”* —John 13:35

Jesus didn’t say they’ll know us by our words alone—but by our love.
Love is our loudest witness. It's how the world knows who we follow.

Today, remember: your life preaches a sermon every day. Let it say, "Jesus lives here."

**Prompt**:
How can you show love today in a way that reflects Christ?

🎶 *Special thanks to the Salem United Methodist Church Choir for the opening and closing music. Your voices lead us closer to Christ.*

**Scripture**: *“Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying.”* —John 20:11

Mary didn’t run. She stayed.

While others had gone home or moved on, Mary remained near the place where she had last seen Jesus—broken, confused, and weeping. She didn’t know how the story would end. She just knew she couldn’t leave. And it was there, in that quiet moment of staying, that Jesus appeared.

This is the love that stays.
It shows up in hospital rooms, at kitchen tables, and in long nights of prayer. It doesn’t rush grief or demand answers. It simply remains.

**Prompt**:
Where are you being called to remain present, even when it’s difficult?

🔔 *Special thanks to the Wesley United Methodist Church Handbell Choir for providing today’s music. Your ministry continues to ring with hope and healing.*

**Scripture**: *“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”* —Ephesians 4:2–3

Love doesn’t build walls. Love builds bridges.
That’s the kind of love Jesus modeled—and the kind we’re called to live. In a world that is often divided by race, class, politics, and pain, resurrection love invites us to do the hard and holy work of unity.


Is there someone you’re called to reconcile with or reach across to?
Ask God to show you where a bridge needs to be built—and for the grace to start laying it down one step at a time.

🎶 *Special thanks to the Salem United Methodist Church Choir for the opening music and the Wesley United Methodist Church Handbell Choir for the closing. You are a blessing to us all.*

**Scripture**: *“Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’” – John 21:17*

Peter denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus returned not with judgment, but with love. In one of the most powerful moments of restoration, Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?”—not to shame him, but to call him back into purpose. That’s the kind of love that forgives. It doesn’t erase the past—it redeems it. It gives us room to begin again.


What part of your life needs grace, not guilt?

🔔 Special thanks to the Wesley United Methodist Church Handbell Choir for providing today’s beautiful closing music. Your ministry continues to ring with hope and healing.

Scripture: “Jesus himself came near and went with them.” – Luke 24:15

After the resurrection, two followers of Jesus walked away from Jerusalem—confused, grieving, and unsure of what to believe. And then, quietly and lovingly, Jesus joined them on the road. He didn’t interrupt. He didn’t condemn. He simply walked beside them.

Resurrection love doesn’t rush healing or demand answers. It walks alongside people in their pain. It listens, it lingers, and it reminds us we’re not alone. Sometimes, the most powerful act of love is simply to be present.

Welcome to Week 1 of our Still Waters Devotional Series.
Today’s message, “Love That Lives Within,” invites us to reflect on the power of God’s love at work in us.
Even when life feels heavy or uncertain, Christ’s love doesn’t just carry us—it lives within us.

Scripture reminds us in Romans 12:1-2 and Luke 9:23 that true transformation begins when we surrender fully to God’s will. Let this devotional stir your heart to reflect, release, and renew your walk with Jesus.

Listen. Reflect. Be reminded that love lives—and so do you.

This special Resurrection Week edition features highlights from our Easter Sunday worship at Salem United Methodist Church.

We begin with the gentle sound of handbells from Wesley United Methodist Church, setting a sacred tone for reflection. Then, experience the heart of the Easter message—a call to rise with Christ and walk in love.

We close with the choir singing "They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love," a powerful reminder that resurrection is not just about the empty tomb—it’s about how we live, love, and serve.

💬 Share this message. Let it bless you.
🕊️ He is risen—and so are we.