Wednesday - October 30, 2024
Kris Baker
SCRIPTURE
Ruth 1:22
So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.
WORDS OF HOPE
The story of Ruth and Naomi, daughter-in-law and mother-in-law is one whose message and lessons can be hard to figure out. Naomi and her husband Elimelech had two sons. During a time of famine, the family fled from Judah to Moab, a pagan nation. The two sons married Moabite women. All three men, Elimelech and his two sons, died. The book of Ruth tells the story of their three widows.
Despite this book of the Bible being called the Book of Ruth, Naomi is the central character. Or, is she?
Naomi decides that she is going to make her way from Moab back to her homeland of Judah. Her two daughters-in-law were determined to accompany her. Naomi does her best to dissuade them, worrying that because they were outsiders they would not find husbands. In the end, Orpah stays in Moab and Ruth accompanies Naomi to Bethlehem in Judah.
One can wonder if Naomi’s wishes that her daughters-in law stay behind was about her being overbearing, controlling, manipulating, or perhaps being worried about what it would say about her if she was to bring an outsider, a woman from Moab, with her back to her homeland. Or, did Naomi genuinely care about Ruth’s happiness, wanting her to find a husband and bear children?
Perhaps Naomi actually did desire Ruth’s friendship but believed herself to be underserving. Naomi saw herself as a woman for whom “the Almighty has made my life very bitter…has afflicted me…has brought misfortune upon me.” Ruth, on the other hand, remained steadfast in her call to accompany Naomi, despite all the uncertainty that her move to Judah would bring. Ruth moved forward in faith, committed to taking care of her mother-in-law and trusting that they both would be okay. She was the example of faith that Naomi needed in her darkest moments. As she believed they would, things worked out for Ruth. She married Boaz and they had a son, Obed. Boaz was a relative of Naomi’s husband, so her grandson, Obed, perpetuated the lineage of Elimelech.
Ruth was welcomed into the community of faith. Ruth is one of the few women mentioned by name in Matthew 1:1-16, which chronicles the genealogy of Jesus.
Ruth is the quiet protagonist in the story of these two women. She is a woman of few words, but strong actions, actions that are guided by strong faith. Thus, she becomes the title character for this book of the Bible and an example of faith in action for all of us.
PRAYER
God of all, as I journey through my days, help me always to act in faith, trusting that you are guiding me and leading me to all that I need to do your work. Amen.
DEVOTION AUTHOR
Kris Baker
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare
Need Some Inspiration? Read our Daily Devotions
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
SCRIPTURE Judges 6:39-40 Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.” That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew. READING "The opposite of faith is not doubt -- it is certainty." - Anne Lamott WORDS OF HOPE In Judges 6, we meet Gideon at a moment of deep uncertainty. God has already called him to deliver Israel, but Gideon hesitates. He asks for a sign: first, that a fleece would be wet with dew while the ground stays dry, and then the reverse. Miraculously, God graciously answers both requests. When we first look at this story, it seems that Gideon displays doubt. Given how overwhelming the stakes can be to being Israel’s deliverer, I think it’s less about doubt and more about assurance. Gideon is not testing God out of rebellion; he is seeking clarity in the face of fear. How often do we find ourselves in Gideon’s shoes? We’re looking up phone numbers for a real estate agent and a mover. Suddenly, what felt like a nudge now doesn’t seem so sure. The new job offer looks like a win-win, but you don’t know if you’re ready or qualified. That person you’ve been seeing is everything you’ve hoped for, but you’ve been hurt before and you’re not sure you want to leap again. Are you asking for a sign because you doubt or because you just need that little bit of extra assurance? What’s striking in Gideon’s story is that God doesn’t rebuke Gideon for what could be perceived as doubt. Instead, She does exactly what she always does. She provides reassurance. Looking for signs shouldn’t become our default setting when making a meaningful decision and that’s not what this story is implying. Instead, it reveals something important about the nature of God. He is compassionate with our fragile faith. The story isn’t about Gideon’s uncertainty; it’s about His patience. Anne Lamott got it right: Faith is not the absence of questions or being fearless in the moment. It is the willingness to move forward even when resolutions to the questions are not fully resolved. PRAYER Gracious God, You know how often we long for clarity and reassurance. Thank you for your patience with us when our faith feels small. Give us wisdom to discern your voice, courage to trust your leading, and strength to act when the time comes. Help us to move from hesitation to faithful obedience. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Thomas Riggs
SCRIPTURE The Book of Psalms 25:6-8 (adapted from NRSVUE translation) Be mindful of your mercy, O God, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from days of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, Holy One! Good and upright is God; therefore God instructs the broken in the way. WORDS OF HOPE The Sins of Youth and Other Times I have replayed them in my head too many times. Poor decisions of my past. Hurts I’ve inflicted on people whom I genuinely loved and cared for. Words I’ve spoken thoughtlessly that left wounds upon others. Actions I took or neglected to take. The writer of today’s passage from the Book of Psalms understands. Sins of our youth are common. The Creator of our frontal lobe where decisions are made must understand better than any experienced neurologist. After all, that part of the brain isn’t fully developed until around our mid-twenties (usually a bit earlier in women) so I would imagine God’s expectations are lowered and forgiveness is a given. What about the rest of our life? The years of our 30’s and 40’s and upward can seem equally horrid in places. The poor choice that cost us dearly. The good job we left too soon. The failed relationships, broken marriages, poor parenting. It is the human experience—but not entirely. We can take comfort in knowing that it is also the nature of being human that along with mistakes there will be successes. There are times of blessing and opportunity and moments of unexpected kindness and serendipity. Theologically, we call it Grace. We demonstrate both our character and our persistence by trying and failing and trying again. We make many good choices, too. Especially when we follow the path that Jesus demonstrated which became known simply as, The Way. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. What the Apostle Paul proclaimed as the fruit of the Spirit of God. The nature of the Christ-follower. Psychologists and sociologists tell us that there are times when we are not fully prepared for what we face. Those are times when we did the best with what we had or what we knew at the time. Or perhaps we are still making choices out of our wounded parts that were formed from childhood hurts or neglect. We’ve not taken time to heal our wounds and live out of our better and true Self. Turn the page. It gets better, especially when we seek to make it so. As the Psalmist said so well, “All the paths of the Divine are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep covenant and seek to live in God’s sacred way.” PRAYER Dear Jesus, who loves us, help us we pray, to strive for good choices, and live in Grace when we stray. Today, may we offer ourself and others Grace. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Rev. Dr. Gary G. Kindley, LPC Pastoral Psychotherapist drgk.org