Daily Devotions and Podcasts

SCRIPTURE  Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. WORDS OF HOPE At one time or another, we’ve probably all heard someone say, or maybe you’ve said it yourself, “I am not a creative person.” No matter who says it, this is a false statement. We are all made in God’s image and God is the ultimate creator. Within each of us is a spark of our divine creator. We are so made so that we are able to use our gift of creativity to further God’s work in our world. Today is World Creativity and Innovation Day. It’s purpose is to raise awareness of the role of creativity and innovation in all aspects of human development, economic growth, and sustainable development. and “to encourage multidisciplinary thinking, problem-solving, and the use of new ideas to make the world a better place.” As one who has always lived a creative life and a Christian life, I still wrestle with the truth that creativity is a part of my vocation as a follower of Christ. Having an “artist’s temperament” often is considered as negative. Artist’s are described as being disorganized, irresponsible, arrogant and moody. Jesus, the carpenter, was a creative. Would we describe him using these words? Probably not. Describing negatively the creative forces within us is rooted in not recognizing, understanding, and honoring the divine creative spark that we all carry. Spontaneity may actually be perceived as disorganization, Non-conformity and independence as arrogance, intense focus on one thing as irresponsibility, and extreme sensitivity and emotions as moodiness. Those of us doing the work of Jesus know that spontaneity, not conforming to the world, focus and passion on our work, and a deep emotional connection to the world around us are exactly what are required of us to keep going in a time when we face something new each day that attempts to test our faith and derail our creative life in Christ. Jesus showed us this time and time again. On this World Creativity and Innovation Day, take time to kindle the divine spark within you. Pray about how you can use your unique gifts of creativity to share the love of God in a world that is scared of the artists, and then go out there and do something to destroy that fear. Draw, paint, dance, write, sing, sculpt, speak, whisper, be love. That is what God created us to do. PRAYER God, creator of all things, thank you for the divine spark that burns within me, making me a uniquely creative being. Give me vision and strength to see new and innovative ways to create and reflect love in the world. I pray that all that I create with my hands, my mind, and my heart will inspire others to see you more clearly and love more deeply. Amen DEVOTION AUTHOR Kris Baker Order of Saint Francis and Saint Clare

SCRIPTURE  Exodus 13.3 Then Moses said to the people, “Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the Lord brought you out of it with a mighty hand.” WORDS OF HOPE These are uncertain times. Much of the world is in turmoil and many around us are experiencing various degrees of suffering. Today’s scripture refers to the tumultuous events that surrounded the exodus of the Hebrew people from their years of suffering in Egypt. Moses had led the Hebrews out of Egyptian slavery. Now, thousands of them, in wagons and on foot, had reached the edge of the Sea of Reeds. Approaching at the rear of this mass of frightened humanity was the ancient world's strongest army of Egyptian war chariots. The Hebrews were caught between approaching death by violence and drowning in the nearby seawater. Their path for progress was uncertain; the outcome was unsure. But, on their journey from Egypt, "the Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them and in a pillar of fire by night to give light for continued safe travel... In fear the Hebrews cried out to Moses: What have you done to us? But Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid, stand firm [trust in God's continued guidance] and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today...” The pillar of cloud, which had led them, moved back behind them as a shield against the Egyptian army and allowed them to cross the parted sea unharmed. When we read the words of the miraculous events of Exodus, our tendency is to think sure, it’s a good story, but what does it have to do with me today? If we’re looking for the sea to part or for pillars of smoke and fire to save us, the answer would be, “Not much,” but it is actually a story about following God’s guidance when we face uncertainty. Are there times in your life lately when you feel as if the entire Egyptian army is in pursuit of you and you see nothing but an impassible sea up ahead? Today, we live in times of chaotic events and both national and international divisiveness. Many of us have faced or are facing adversity of health, finance, and relationships; troubles unlike those we have faced before. Yet, even in uncertainty, our life path may be guided and shielded if we choose to trust God to provide the guidance. Our task is to walk faithfully in the path which God provides. The decision is up to each of us. Do we trust in God's comforting promise or rely on our human and uncertain path? Which road will you take today? PRAYER O God, as we face the unknowns of this day may we remember the words and certainty of your promise: "Fear not. I am with you, O be not dismayed, for I am your God and will still give you aid. I'll strengthen you and cause you to stand, upheld by my righteous and omnipotent hand." DEVOTION AUTHOR Donald (Luke) Day Order of St. Francis and St Clare.