Monday - September 2, 2024

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.

SCRIPTURE  1 Peter 1. 15-16 For the Scriptures say, but now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. “You must be holy because I am holy.” WORDS OF HOPE I read this scripture numerous times before it finally clicked. God is literally calling every believer to walk in holiness. Not an unattainable request with strict rules, degrees, titles or unusual ideology, just the simple act of practicing holiness in everyday life. We just concluded Holy Week, with specially dedicated days between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday to honor the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. The word holy means to “set aside” for a divine purpose dedicated entirely to God. Consecrated objects set apart for the purpose of worship such as the sacraments, Bible, garments, and the priests who handled them were considered holy. However, the scripture assures us holiness isn’t limited to appointed servants or objects; we are holy simply because God is holy. When God calls us to walk in holiness and separate ourselves from worldly thoughts, it may seem daunting and out of reach, as if its only reserved for the “most” spiritual people. We tend to connect holiness with overbearing rules instead of feeling free and joyful to live as followers of Christ. The word holy is used everywhere. Sometimes sacred and sometimes not so much. We sing revered songs such as Holy, Holy, Holy, referring to the Trinity and ask the Holy Spirit to bless us in prayer. Holy matrimony is about marriage and then there are slang expressions of Holy Toledo, Holy cow or Holy Moses which are uttered by millions. Each of us is called to be holy. Holiness isn’t about trying to be good; it’s about living “in” the goodness of God. This surrender to God’s will is life-changing, enabling us to fulfill our purpose to love one another as God loves us. PRAYER Creator God, we are grateful for your reminder of our holiness. As we align our prayers with your will, let the Holy Spirit remove all obstacles that keep us bound. In Jesus Holy name, Amen DEVOTION AUTHOR Donna Jackson

SCRIPTURE 1 Peter 1:8-12 Although you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace intended for you made careful search and inquiry, inquiring about the time and circumstances that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings intended for Christ and the subsequent glory. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things that have now been announced to you through those who brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look! WORDS OF HOPE This passage from Peter has the great Advantage of being applicable to almost anytime or place. Clearly, Peter is talking to people who are not witnesses to Jesus‘ life, death, and resurrection. He reminds them that even though they have not been direct witnesses they still believe; they still love Jesus; and they are still capable of feeling the certainty and the joy of salvation. Of course, this applies to today’s believers as it did to those to whom Peter was writing. We are only able to see Jesus in the words of the Gospels. We are only able to feel the presence of Jesus in our hearts and not with our eyes and ears as the disciples were able to do. Peter reminds his audience that the prophets had been clear about the coming Messiah. And while those of us who are not of Jewish descent, may not always feel close to the words of the Ancient prophets; even we can look and see how they were serving the future generations to whom they were writing. This is why we still read those ancient words. This is why we still look to them to understand how they were fulfilled by Christ Jesus. So today in your devotional time, reflect back on all you have heard and been taught and seen about the risen Christ. Jesus came to restore the connection between God and humankind which had been lost. Remember that Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, lives within you and that Jesus gives you a way to understand, and grace to act on that presence of God within your heart. PRAYER Great Creator, though we cannot see you or your Christ in the way the early disciples did, we long for your presence in our lives. We pray to be able to live the life you have given us so that we reflect your love and the sacrifice of Jesus. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Weber Baker Order of Saint Francis and Saint Clare

READING  Jonah 1:7-10 As my life was ebbing away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple. Those who worship vain idols forsake their true loyalty. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Deliverance belongs to the Lord!” Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out onto the dry land. WORDS OF HOPE I always remember hearing the story of Jonah and the Whale as a child. I guess it was more believable that he was swallowed by a whale than a “big fish”, but I think the story as told to children misses the point. Jonah was swallowed by the fish because he was running away from God. He had been tasked with carrying God’s message to the great city of Nineveh and that overwhelmed him. He was so reluctant that he tried on escape on a ship, and we all know where that led. The point is not about being swallowed by a whale, but perhaps it is about being overwhelmed by missions that feel a bit like facing a whale: big, scary and a lot of work. The moral of the story to me is that sometimes we must face our fears and just buckle up and do the work before us. In the end just following God’s plan seems a lot easier than enduring time in the stomach of a big fish. PRAYER May I use the strength that God gives me to do the work before me. May I always remember how Jonah made his task much more difficult that it was by trying to run away from God’s guidance. Amen DEVOTIION AUTHOR Hardy Haberman

SCRIPTURE Jonah 1:1-5 One day long ago, God’s Word came to Jonah, Amittai’s son: “Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore it any longer.” But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish—as far away from God as he could get. But God sent a huge storm at sea, the waves towering. WORDS OF HOPE  Jonah’s flaws are so relatable. He chooses to disobey God. Yet in verse 9, he tells the sailors, “I worship God.” Have you ever decided that your way was better than the Lord’s? Have you tried to maintain the appearance of faith while actively running away from it? I learned about a Married Men’s virtual Life Group at the church of a well-known and influential pastor. During a chat with the group leader, I told them I was married to a man. I wanted to show up as my most authentic self. The group leader said someone from their senior leadership team would reach out. They never did, even after I followed up. This wasn’t the first time a church rejected me for being gay, but the experience still stung. In my heart, I could hear the words of Jesus: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34) Did I listen and forgive the church leaders? Of course not. Like Jonah, I chose to run, not to another city, but into the darkness of resentment and depression. I lost an entire day of work feeling sorry for myself and googling churches that would validate my identity. I considered never listening to the pastor’s sermons again, and felt guilty for supporting someone with views so different from mine. This suffering was my version of the storm God sent Jonah. Eventually, I realized that it wasn’t a punishment. It was an act of love to get me back on course. I took away several lessons: Anchor to God’s unconditional acceptance and approval instead of human validation. My spiritual practice is richer when it’s not in an echo chamber. I can take a religious leader’s wisdom that resonates and leave the parts that don’t. Forgiveness is about setting yourself free from negativity and aligning with God’s love, not condoning another person’s actions. We all face storms. I hope sharing this story helps you weather your next one and follow what God is calling you to do. PRAYER Lord, I’m ready for Your assignment. Speak to me and give me the courage to obey. I trust that Your Love will bring me through every storm. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Logan Alexander Johnson