Daily Devotions and Podcasts

SCRIPTURE  James 2.5-6 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the realm he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? WORDS OF HOPE James’ brief instructional letter of Wisdom to the early church is my favorite writing of the New Testament (Greek Scriptures). Tradition tells us that the writer of the Book was likely the half-brother of Jesus, and I can easily imagine the two of them having casual conversations during firewood gathering and other household chores. They would discuss events of the day and the attitudes of their world. Jesus would ask his brother about his thoughts on the Pharisees showing excessive favor and awarding honors to their rich donors while dismissing poor widows who could not afford to give even a mite (worth less than a penny) but who gave it anyway to the Temple’s funds. “Such a woman is rich in faith!” Jesus would declare to his younger brother. James would remember Jesus’ words throughout the years as he watched him scorned, accused of blasphemy, of being a traitor to his faith, and finally being crucified as an insurrectionist to the tyranny of the Empire. I can also imagine a brother’s usual relations with a sibling turning into worship after the Resurrection. It’s those words of worship that we read in his epistle to the early church. The wisdom in the Book of James is therefore the wisdom of his brother Jesus, remembered from countless conversations they had before either had ever heard of Simon Peter, Mary Magdalene, Judas, or the Apostle Paul. To me, the plain talk of James gives us a clue about the essence of his brother’s message: Honor and help the poor and marginalized so that you may be rich in faith. Those who are rich in gold who are exploiting them are exploiting you as well. They are blaspheming the holy name of the One to whom you belong. This is the central message of the Book of James, and I believe of his Holy Brother as well. PRAYER May we always remember that Jesus called us his brothers and sisters, too, and that all we say or do brings either honor or dishonor to the family of God. Help us to be rich in faith. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Dan Peeler Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

SCRIPTURE Acts 7:10 But God was with Joseph and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt. So, Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace. WORDS OF HOPE In Acts chapter 7, we see Stephen brought before the Sanhedrin and put on trial. Back in chapter 6, we learn that he was one of seven men chosen to make sure widows and other overlooked people were cared for in the daily food distribution. While this might have seemed like a simple or even thankless job—basically making sure everyone got their fair share of supper—Stephen, full of God’s grace and power, went far beyond that. He performed amazing signs and wonders among the people, showing that even everyday acts of service can become something powerful when God is at work. That didn’t sit well with some people who grew jealous of Stephen, so they stirred up trouble, made up false accusations, and dragged him into a trial. But that was all the opportunity Stephen needed. Standing before the Sanhedrin, he launched into a bold retelling of Israel’s history, highlighting God’s constant faithfulness—and how, time and again, the people resisted what God was trying to do. In Acts 7:9–14, Stephen talks about how Joseph’s difficult circumstances were completely turned around—he went from being sold into slavery to becoming the governor of Egypt and overseeing Pharaoh’s entire household. It’s a powerful example of how God can take something meant for harm and turn it into something good, bringing purpose and blessing even out of unfair or painful situations. As chapter seven continues, Stephen confronts the religious leaders, accusing them of being stubborn and blind to God's ongoing work throughout history. He compares them to their ancestors who rejected God's messengers, pointing out that they’ve gone even further by betraying and killing Jesus. His bold truth-telling strikes a nerve, enraging the Sanhedrin. Frequently, we too can cling too tightly to tradition and ignore the truth that keeps us from seeing how God is working right now. Just as Stephen talks about how the people of Israel kept turning away from the prophets, we can become just as stubborn — just like the religious leaders were doing with Jesus. This narrative is our reminder to stay open to God’s direction, even when it pushes us out of our comfort zone or challenges what we’ve always believed. PRAYER God of grace and truth, Thank You for working through ordinary acts of service and turning them into something powerful. Like Stephen, help us to be faithful—even when it's difficult or when others misunderstand us. Give us courage to speak truth with love and humility, and keep our hearts open to Your direction, even when it challenges our comfort or traditions. Teach us to see Your hand at work, especially in situations that feel unfair or painful. Remind us, as You did with Joseph, that You can bring purpose and redemption from even the hardest moments. Help us not to resist Your Spirit, but to follow You boldly and faithfully wherever You lead. Amen.  DEVOTION AUTHOR Thomas Riggs