Tuesday - February 11, 2025

Kris Baker

READING


The courage to be brave when it matters most requires a lifetime of small decisions that set us on a path of self-awareness, attentiveness, and willingness to risk failure for what we believe is right. It is also a profoundly spiritual experience, one in which we feel a part of something larger than ourselves. And guided, somehow, by a larger Spirit at work in the world and in us. Decisive moments make believers out of everyone, for no matter what name we give to it, the inexplicable, unmerited experience of power greater than our own working through us is real. -Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

 

WORDS OF HOPE

 

This morning as I was scrambling eggs for breakfast, admittedly coming to the task on autopilot rather than from a place of gratitude, I reached for the spice jar, one that is always on the counter in the same place by the stove. As I unscrewed the lid, something I have done many, many times, the name on the label jumped out at me like I was seeing it for the very first time…Outrage of Love, from Penzey’s Spices. Why today? Why did I need to know on this particular morning that I was starting my day by sprinkling “outrage of love” on my eggs?

 

Though I have used this spice blend for a while, I had no idea what was actually in it, so I read the label more closely. Outrage of Love contains salt, black pepper, citric acid, shallots, lemon peel, white pepper, garlic, and green onion. That explains why it makes my eggs taste so good, but why do those things in combination deserve the lofty name, Outrage of Love?

 

I started thinking about the individual spices contained in this blend and the symbolism of each.

 

Salt symbolizes preservation, purity, loyalty, as well as enduring covenants. When Jesus tells the disciples that they are “the salt of the earth,” he is telling them that they are to preserve the goodness in the world, to be love in the world. In the Gospels of both Mark and Luke, Jesus also says, “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?” He is using this metaphor as a teachable moment for the disciples. If the going gets tough and your loyalty, your love wanes, how do you restore it? Jesus shows here that love can be tough and it takes courage, and perhaps a little outrage, to restore and sustain what may have been taken for granted.

 

Shallots, onions, and garlic are associated with good things like health, strength, good fortune, and protection. Certainly, loving amidst all good things seems easy, but what happens when we are called to love when we don’t feel strong or protected? In Numbers 11:5, the Israelites comment, “We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic.” They are wandering in the wilderness with only manna to eat, remembering the good taste of the food that they consumed in Egypt. But, they are forgetting that they were slaves there and are now being led to freedom. In their minds, the immediacy of good tasting food seems more important than the long-term goal of being freed from captivity. This is also a story about being outraged enough “to fight the good fight.” 

 

It is easy to get caught up in the here and now of love, but our courage to love is tested when “it doesn’t taste good,” when we are wandering in the wilderness, when we lose sight of why we love. Again, courage and outrage are needed to keep going, to persevere through the challenging times those inevitable times in the wilderness.

 

Though black and white pepper and lemon peel have no Biblical references, they do each carry some symbolism. Pepper can be symbolic of worldly things, sin, temptation and distraction. Though we may not want to admit it, these things do inform our ability to love at times. Lemon is associated with love and longevity.  Bring on the lemonade!

 

For me, it is more like bring on the scrambled eggs.

 

To actively love as Jesus calls us to do requires that we navigate many different circumstances, a lot of them quite difficult. Love is not easy. Loving is even harder. Amidst the hatred, injustice, and chaos of our current times, a healthy sprinkling of Outrage of Love may be the only thing that helps us to survive. Isn’t that how Jesus made his way in the world? 

 

We fail as Christ-followers when we give up and are no longer outraged by the injustice in the world. When we walk with our Jesus, we are made strong; our hearts are filled with a perfect love. We must continue to be outraged by the ugliness that surrounds us while we also work diligently to fill the world with the kind of love that Jesus exemplified. Our outrage must sustain us until justice and peace extend to every corner of God’s creation.

 

Seasoning my eggs with Outrage of Love this morning was “a small decision” that set me “on a path of self-awareness, attentiveness, and willingness to risk failure for what I believe is right.” Today I thought deeply about what it means to be filled with the outrage of love - love for family, stranger, our physical world…and enemies. Now, each time I pick up that bottle of spice, I will be reminded again and again to go about my day filled with the outrage of love. More importantly, I will walk out into the world nourished with a healthy serving of outrage and the belief that I am a part of something larger than myself and am being guided, somehow, by a larger Spirit at work in the world and in me.

 

PRAYER

God whose spirit is at work in each of us, help me to feel and use the positive power of my outrage to be the change this world needs, to be a bearer of hope, joy, love, and peace. Amen

 

DEVOTION AUTHOR



Kris Baker

Order of Saint Francis and Saint Clare

Need Some Inspiration? Read our Daily Devotions

Tuesday - October 27, 2026

By David Sims • October 27, 2026
SCRIPTURE Psalm 102:2 Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that people yet unborn may praise the Lord. WORDS OF HOPE Writers of our daily devotionals may choose their own topics, drawing inspiration from the lectionary and various observances. When I saw that today is World Day for Audiovisual Heritage , I thought, surely, I can find something a little more spiritual—and that sounds more like devotional material! But curiosity led me to take a closer look. The purpose of this day of observance is to draw attention to the fragile films, recordings, and digital media that preserve our history, as well as the people who protect them. This reminded me of the twelve stones Israel raised beside the Jordan in Joshua 4. God intended them as a lasting reminder so that when children asked, “What do these stones mean?” their elders could tell how God had brought His people safely through the river. Throughout Scripture, as Psalm 102:2 reminds us, God calls His people to remember His works and share them with future generations. Biblical remembrance is not about living in the past; it strengthens our faith today and teaches those who follow us to trust and obey God. Photographs, recordings, sermons, interviews, and family stories can remind us of God’s faithfulness. Technology preserves voices and images, but their deeper value lies in the stories they tell and the truths they keep alive. CoH Facebook followers likely know Jeanette Bell, whose camera is ever-present at worship, events, and fellowship. By sharing images of welcome, service, connection, and joy, Jeanette creates a ministry of remembrance that reveals God’s grace in ordinary moments Like the twelve stones beside the Jordan, her photographs preserve evidence of God’s faithfulness and invite future generations to ask, “What do these pictures mean?” They can open the door to stories of answered prayer, faithful service, fellowship, and the Lord carrying the congregation through seasons of change. A photograph cannot tell the whole story, but it can become a modern stone of remembrance, prompting us to say, “Look what God has done among us!” Reflecting God’s faithfulness requires neither a pulpit nor a title; sometimes ministry begins simply by paying attention. Cameras and recordings capture moments, but God gives them meaning. A picture shared today may inspire gratitude now and testify to His faithfulness for generations to come. As the Cathedral of Hope celebrates its 56th anniversary, we are reminded of the importance of preserving the memories, stories, and milestones that have shaped our journey of faith. We should do so thoughtfully, honoring the truth and dignity of others while helping future generations see where the Lord has led us. Preserving our stories becomes more than saving information. It becomes a way of passing on the story of God’s faithfulness through ministry, worship, service, and love. That is why World Day for Audiovisual Heritage holds spiritual meaning for us. It reminds us that preserving today’s images, voices, and stories helps future generations remember, celebrate, and praise God for all that God has done and continues to do for us. PRAYER Faithful God, thank You for the many ways You have shown Your goodness among us. Help us remember what You have done and share those stories with those who come after us. Give us wisdom to preserve what is true, grace to honor one another, and eyes to see Your presence in the ordinary moments of life. May every image, voice, and story we share become a testimony to Your faithfulness. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR David Sims, Deacon

Monday - October 26, 2026

By Donald (Luke) Day • October 26, 2026
SCRIPTURE  Luke 24.38 And He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why are doubts arising in your hearts? WORDS OF HOPE During the turbulent times in which we find ourselves, not knowing what the next rant might be on the internet, usually surrounding the disreputable actions of some Federal official or politician, it's hard to let go of the more civil and comfortable old ways in which things had always been done. We often look with nostalgia at how our lives were at that time. Currently, America's example of that can be summed up in the now-ancient cult phrase, "Make America Great Again". Whether we like it or not, the "way it was" has changed, and the "new stuff," some say the new normal, has often been very disquieting and emotionally challenging. There are citizens in our nation today who even fear for their lives and/or freedom born in that ambiguous phrase. The dilemma of Jesus’ disciples comes to mind. They, too, had suddenly been thrust into their own “new normal.” A few days after Jesus' death, his disciples feared that they as well might be seized or killed, so they met in a locked room. But suddenly, Jesus appeared among them. He had transported himself through a locked door in a way which previously was unknown. They thought he must be a ghost and were terrified. Then Jesus said to them, "Peace be with you". He let them touch the flesh and bones of his transitional body and even ate some of the food at their table. The disciples needed Jesus' help to accommodate to this new state of his presence in their lives, (Luke 24:36-43) and Jesus provided the necessary reassurance! The good news to us today is that Jesus is still with us. And we don’t need to be surprised or terrified like the disciples. As we allow ourselves to be comforted by this reality, we know by faith experience that he will be present with us, to guide and comfort us through the numerous transitions we must make for the good of our nation as we strengthen our spiritual life. PRAYER God of resurrections, thank you that we have this example from Luke reminding us Jesus as our guide, his example of courage and determination, will always be with us through both the challenges and the changes before us and all our neighbors of this world. Amen DEVOTION AUTHOR Donald (Luke) Day Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

Friday - October 23, 2026

By Dr. Gary Kindley • October 23, 2026
SCRIPTURE  1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. WORDS OF HOPE “Faith and Risk” Rev. Dr. Fred Craddock died in 2015 at the age of 86. He was recognized as one of the most respected and popular Christian preachers, theologians, and professors of the 20th century. He once said: “The major themes of the Christian faith—caring, giving, witnessing, trusting, loving, hoping—cannot be understood or lived without risk.” (Craddock, Preaching the New Common Lectionary:Year A, After Pentecost, p 280) Not many churches or Christian organizations have large signs by the front door saying, “Come Join Us and Risk Everything!” We prefer COMFORT. We want to be cared for and loved and prefer a faith that doesn’t cost too much or ask too much of us. Re-read what Craddock said: “The major themes of the Christian faith—caring, giving, witnessing, trusting, loving, hoping—cannot be understood or lived without RISK.” As Jesus followers, we are reminded that Jesus gave all so that God’s sacrificial love might be revealed. No easy discipleship, just a servant heart of compassion and trust with hope. All while living within the boundaries of the Gospel that reaffirms the boundaries of doing for others as we would have them do for us, and loving God [including all of God’s creation] and neighbor as we love ourselves. That is Christ-like faith in a nutshell. That is the heart of Christianity. How do we risk? We witness to the true Hope of the Gospel that calls us to live today like we claim we will live in heaven. We show compassion to a stranger. We welcome an immigrant. We stand up to a bully. We speak out when someone is harming God’s creation. We give, and serve, and share what we have. May we live into the full capacity of our courage so that we might risk, like Jesus, living faithfully every day. PRAYER Grant us the courage, O God, to believe and love enough so that we become a living witness to the love that has changed our life forever—The love of Christ Jesus, who has shown us the way. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Rev. Dr. Gary G. Kindley, LPC Pastoral Psychotherapist DrGK.org

Thursday - October 22, 2026

By Dr. Pat Saxon • October 22, 2026
READING  “Dogs remind us that joy is found in small, repeated rituals like walks and shared naps.” – Evan Hart WORDS OF HOPE If I have a bone to pick with Jesus, it’s that he didn’t have a dog. I know he was on the move a lot, and a dog wouldn’t be allowed in the synagogues, but I can just see a rangy brown mixed breed dog loping along in the midst of Jesus’ pack of disciples, eating the scraps from under the tables or some canine loving guests at Cana sneaking him tidbits at the wedding feast. And on those long days of feeding the multitudes and healing people, the weight of exhaustion and responsibility could have been lightened by a good dog lying by Jesus’ side. * Today celebrates Give Every Dog his Day, a time you are invited to reverse that Biblical trend and provide the best possible experiences for your precious companion. Acknowledging the great diversity in dogs, given breed, age, physical health, and temperament, generalizations can be tricky. For example, every dog I have ever had were treat motivated, for which I am eternally grateful when needing an extra boost in training. So, Sage’s favorite freeze-dried liver treats would be part of her day. We’ve met others, though, whose dogs could care less about treats. A walk, for sure, would be high on Sage’s list—even with her mobility challenges. Let there be plenty of time for sniffing clumps of grass saturated with other doggie smells (and catty, and squirrelly, and coyoteey and humany). That’s heaven! (It is distressing to see the rare neighbor looking at her cell phone and dragging her beautiful golden retriever to move faster and faster on her morning “walk.” That’s deserving of a level in Dante’s dog hell.) My last dog, Charlie, a 75 lb mixed breed, was a snuggler, and all manner of world pains could be eased by the way he dug in next to your side and rested with you. Sage, not so much, but she loves the luxury of being able to lie in the sun in the back yard and pick which bed she wants to rest or sleep in, having been caged in a shelter crate for over a year. And kisses, kisses would be a must. Charlie and Coco, his “sister,” would have to have a trip to the lake for their Day, where they could run the edges of the water bumping each other like young colts until they were exhausted. I could go on having fun with this piece, but you know your own dearest companion’s best days, so I invite you to enjoy together those special treats, rituals, close times, and love language. And for all the dogs still in shelters, please hear the cries: “See me. See me for who I am and all the love I have to give you. Open your home and heart to me.” Please foster and adopt. God of all creatures great and small, I give you thanks for the love and loyalty and joy and pure silliness of dogs, for all they bring to our lives, and for all they teach us about life. May we pour out our love and care without measure-- not just today but for a lifetime. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Dr. Pat Saxon *The word dog had a negative connotation in Jesus’ day and I have read that they were considered unclean.

Wednesday - October 21, 2026

By Hardy Haberman • October 21, 2026
SCRIPTURE  Matthew 17:24-27 When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?” He said, “Yes, he does.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?” When Peter said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.” WORDS OF HOPE This story always sounds like Peter is looking for a loophole. That’s something I suspect everyone does occasionally, especially when it comes to money. There are whole professions who do little but look for loopholes to save money, and though Jesus agrees with Peter that there is indeed a loophole, he declines to use it. Sometimes I think when the offering plate is passed at the church, we often just pass it on. Conveniently taking the speed which with it is passed as a loophole to giving, after all we don’t want to hold up the process while we dig for our wallets. Perhaps we should remember that Jesus urged Peter to take time to go catch a fish in order to pay the temple tax. Fishing for our wallets seems a whole lot easier! PRAYER May we remember to be generous with our time and treasure to help the miracle that is our church continue to spread the message of hope, love and inclusion to all peoples. Amen DEVOTION AUTHOR Hardy Haberman

Tuesday - October 20, 2026

By Kris Baker • October 20, 2026
READING  There are times when beauty is shy and hesitant until it can trust the worthiness of the beholder…Beauty tends to avoid the siren call of the obvious…it prefers the neglected margins…beauty waits until the patience and depth of gaze are refined enough to engage and discover it…beauty is not a quality externally present in something. It emerges at the threshold where reverence of mind engages the subtle presence of the other person, place, or object. The hidden heart of beauty offers itself only when it is approached in a rhythm worthy of its trust and showing. -from Beauty: The Invisible Embrace by John O’Donohue WORDS OF HOPE I walked into class the other day and was greeted by a student who was excited to share that she was finally able to save money and purchase an e-reader. The initial enthusiasm quickly diminished when the conversation turned to the cost of books, both print and digital, and the fact that her city’s library does not have access to the e-book service she was hoping to use. I was able to brighten her day by telling her that she was entitled to use the public library, and all of its services, close to our campus by simply showing her school ID. That little piece of information made her day. Is it going to change THE world? No. Will it change HER world in a positive way? Yes. And, in my book, her smile made for a beautiful moment. We live in a world with big issues and those issues often cause big feelings, which lately seem to be more negative than positive. Some days the only way to navigate the incessant stress and ugliness of modern life is to remind ourselves to look for glimpses of beauty lurking around us in unexpected places. These moments may seem small at the time , but little by little they add up to become a life filled with immense beauty. O’Donohue says, “Only if there is beauty in us can we recognize beauty elsewhere: beauty knows beauty.” The apostle Peter talks of this kind of beauty in Peter 3:3-4; “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner, self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” The beauty that resides in our hearts is what prepares us to give and to receive the beauty around us. Our job is to fill our hearts with beautiful things—with hope, compassion, empathy, and love; love of self, love of our neighbors, and love of our God. A heart full of these things knows beauty…and is able to be beauty in our chaotic world. This kind of beauty often comes in a simple gesture like a smile, a thank-you, or a shared prayer. My prayer is, that with God’s help, beauty will surround each of us inside and out. PRAYER God of all goodness, help me to look beyond the harshness of the world that stares me in the face and to find the beauty that hides in the often “neglected margins.” Remind me that these glimpses of beauty are sacred moments offered to me by you. Amen DEVOTION AUTHOR Kris Baker Order of St. Francis and St. Clare
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