Daily Devotional

Among the many photos my mother has saved is one from 1972 of me holding up a rainbow trout. I had hurt my elbow playing baseball and spent the entire summer in a cast. For vacation, we visited family in northern Arkansas and stopped at Dogpatch USA, a hillbilly-themed park based on the old comic strip.

As Jesus traveled through towns and villages, he taught, shared scripture, and told stories to help everyone he met better understand what the kingdom of God should look like. Perhaps the best way he demonstrated God’s kingdom was by his own examples. One of the ways that Jesus set an example is through his actions at the table and before significant meals. At the beginning of these meals, Jesus demonstrates the importance of gratitude.

Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring forth my people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?”

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

This Sunday, St. Luke’s will celebrate our Confirmation students as they come before the church, profess their faith, and take the vows of membership. It will undoubtedly be an exciting day for our family of faith as we gather to welcome our newest members.

The New York City Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world. In fact, this year. The New York City Marathon set the record for the largest marathon in history. 61,529 people began the race this past Sunday. 61,146 runners completed the marathon. This year, over 240,000 applications were submitted from just over 140 countries. The course ran through all five boroughs, with an estimated 2 million people cheering on the runners all along the course. Amazing!

The temperature outside is much better these days. After a long, hot, dry summer, colder weather has arrived in Oklahoma. For many, this is a reason to celebrate. It means the seasonal end to 100+ degree weather, the joy of wearing sweaters, and pumpkin spice drinks. For others, it brings a longing for summertime and the joy that comes with warm days outside. Perhaps it makes you look forward to warm days on the beach.

And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came, and put in two copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him, and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living.”

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The young nation of Israel experienced great trials and pain throughout its early existence. Not long after David and Solomon sat on the throne, Israel truly began to struggle. After Solomon died, the nation split into two kingdoms, Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Soon, their internal problems would lead to external pain. In 722 BC, the Assyrian army conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. Many of the people of Israel were captured and dispersed throughout the vast Assyrian empire. Others were brought in to occupy the territory, taking land and possessions from families held since the time of Joshua.