Wednesday - October 30, 2024

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.

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