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ST. TIMOTHY’S TIMES

DAI LY DEVOTIONAL READING

Used with permission from the Reading Fellowship PO Box 380 Winter Park, Florida 32790

Prayer for St. Timothy’s Saturday, August 1 Birthdays: Fr. Larry DiSano, Ignacio Munguia Most loving God, whose wisdom Prayers for: Ted & Donna Ritts, Eric; Rodabaugh, Lauren, Cassie; Kathy Rohm; Ronkainer has guided St. Timothy’s Psalm 75 God says, “At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked. When the earth Anglican Church since its beginning, quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm.” (vv.2-3) stir up your Spirit in our midst I often tell my husband, “ could come back at any moment now.” It’s usually after watching the nightly and lead us forward in the work news when I say this. On the news there is so much turmoil, crisis, hatred, violence, and horrible things we are called to do. happening in our world. It can be unsettling. Jesus warned us about the last days. He also left us with an Enable this congregation to encouraging promise. The promise of Jesus coming again. This brings me comfort. These words in the psalm continue in service to you and reassure me that in an unsettling world, He has everything under control. The foundations of the world I live in ministry within and beyond our walls. in, as well as my own life, are in His hands. I don’t need to worry. He reminds me the day is in fact coming Cleanse us of petty rivalries, when there will be a judgment for all the evil in this world. Justice will be served. I will rest in His powerful, sensitivities, vanities, yet gentle hands. He is my firm foundation. I will not be shaken. discourtesies – everything Judges 5:19-31; Psalm 76; :22-26; Matthew 28:11-20 which distracts us, thus freeing us to rejoice in the good performed by others. Grant that we may be united in Sunday, August 2 a common purpose and share in Birthdays: a single spirit… Prayers for: Al Rosso; Horacio & Leticia Salazar Jr., Elizabeth, Horacio III, Victor, Santos, Alberto, Ramin Salbi your Spirit, Lord. Judges 6:1-24 So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord is Peace. (v.24a NIV) Bless our work together that we may faithfully envision what you The of the Lord appeared to Gideon and exclaimed, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” (v.12). This are calling us to be and to do, remarkable greeting opened a conversation in which Gideon asks good questions and declares himself weak. and bless our efforts to be In fact, he laments, “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (v.15). What faithful to your calling. follows is even more remarkable than the greeting from the angel. Did you notice? Whereas the angel Grant that your attractive addressed Gideon at first, the Lord Himself replied to his expressions of humility and reverence. I find the goodness may be seen in all our Lord’s words reassuring and His actions mystifying. In verse 16, He declares, “I will be with you,” which is faces, your warm accents of love heard in all our words, and amazing enough. And when Gideon asks for a sign that it is really the Lord speaking and asks for time to bring in our lives may we show an offering, the Lord replies, “I will wait until you return” (v.18). What an encouraging thought to recognize something of you to God sees us, hears us, and even waits for us! In our uncertainty, may we remember He is faithful. When we all the world. feel alone, may we recall God is with us, whether we sense His nearness or not. In His presence is our peace. Through Jesus our Lord, Psalms 93, 96; :6-15; Mark 3:20-30 AMEN.

Saturday, August 3 Birthdays: Hillary Gerber Prayers for: Kay Sanford; Dick & Jackie Savacool; Debbie Schaberg, Emma; Aaron & Mary Scherzer, Simon, Amelia, Eleanor; Ronnie Sefcik John 1:1-18 From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. (v.16) As the according to John opens, we see Jesus exalted as the God who is with us and for us. The author reminds us that from the fullness of his grace we have all received blessing upon blessing. While reading that verse, my mind took me on a heartwarming journey of recalling one blessing after another. Like the blessing of being raised by loving parents. Like the tiny neighborhood church where my faith was ignited as a little girl, and the school where knowledge was added to faith, and prayer and worship watered the seeds that were planted. So many faces of loved ones came to mind—friends and family, even coworkers who are now as close as siblings. I recalled my sweet pets, kind neighbors, and the joy of meaningful work and using my gifts to bless others. I thanked God for the gift of health and the ability to see my beautiful children, hold hands with my husband, behold a sunrise, hear songs, smell roses, and walk, run, and dance! “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). May our lives be expressions of our grateful hearts. Judges 6:25-40; Psalm 80; Acts 2:37-47

Saturday, August 4 Birthdays: Charles & Jennifer Scherzer; Fr. & Rachel Schwandt, Margaret; Warren & Donna Settles, Linden, Ethan Deanna Prayers for: John 1:19-28 “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” (v.23) ’s ministry succeeded. He was the voice calling in the desert, “Make straight the way for the Lord” (John 1:23). He proclaimed one who was so worthy of worship that untying his sandals would be an unspeakable honor. John’s message came on a certain day in Bethany, on the other side of the Jordan River. While baptizing people there, he announced the one he knew was coming. And then, we are told, the very next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and praised him as the very Lamb of God! I find this story so encouraging. Why? As we preach the gospel … as we speak of Jesus … as we proclaim his goodness and praise his faithfulness and announce his coming … one day, we get to see him coming toward us! One day we get to say with John, “Look, the Lamb of God who took away my sins! Behold, my Savior lives, so I, too, live. Hallelujah!” Judges 7:1-18; Psalm 78:1-39; :1-11

Wednesday, August 5 Birthdays: Keila DiSano, Evelyn Trevino Prayers for: Grant & Heather Seiver, Wade, Mackenzie, Savannah, , Abigail, Luke; Valerie Shepherd; Brenda Spiess John 1:29-42 “I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” (v.31) All over the Bible, from beginning to end, we see the central role of revelation—an unveiling, often in a surprising or supernatural way, of something previously not known. We do not know, yet God reveals. We are in the dark, and God shines a light. We are lost, then we are found. We swim in lies, and God comes to us as Truth—in Jesus. For John the Baptist, seeing the truth of the one who was coming appears to have been a striking event, like Paul’s experience on his way to Damascus () or Enoch’s departure from earth (Genesis 5:21-24). John said, “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on (Jesus) … I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God” (John 1:32-34). In , Paul writes, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.… For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (vv.4-6). God’s revelation enlightens darkened minds, and we see Jesus. “Knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10b). Judges 7:19—8:12; Psalm 119:97-120; Acts 3:12-26

Thursday, August 6 Birthdays: Barbara Garney Prayers for: David Sierra & Nina Torre, Alondra, Andrea; Eric & Myschel Spiess, Kevin; Troy Spiess, Coltin, Gavin; Frank & Pat Stahl Psalm 145 The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. (v.13b) From now on, I will call Psalm 145 the “all” psalm. Did you notice this word repeat? I counted 15 appearances. Our God, the one who sits enthroned on high yet stoops down to look on His creation (Psalm 113:6) cares about all of us, no exceptions. He is the God of All. While we waste time dividing ourselves into groups, parties, and cliques, God sees each of us, and knows all of us. The psalmist reminds us the Lord is good and compassionate to all (v.9) and faithful to all his promises (v.13). He is loving toward all He has made (vv.13, 17), upholds all who fall, and lifts up all who are bowed down (v.14). He is righteous in all his ways (v.17) and near to all who call on Him in truth (v.18). He watches over all who love Him, yet all the wicked will be destroyed (v.20). Yes, that last “all” is not uplifting, but it highlights how, throughout the psalm, a relationship is apparent. In response to God’s love and faithfulness, we are to praise and extol our Lord (v.10). All our eyes are to look to Him, that we may enjoy His provision (v.15) and the safety of His embrace. The God of all wants our whole heart— all of it. Judges 8:22-35; :1-12; John 1:43-51

Friday, August 7 Birthdays: Lauren Burns Prayers for: Lee & Dianna Stein; Anne Sundquist; Fred & Charlotte Talley; Bill & Debbie Taylor, Katherine, Charlie, Bella; Linda Tervay John 2:2-12 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (v.5) “Do whatever he tells you.” These words of Mary launched Jesus’ public ministry. Through the miracle at the wedding in Cana, Jesus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him (v.11). As soon as I noted this miracle began with Mary’s command to the servants to obey Jesus, I wondered, what is Jesus telling me to do that perhaps I have not yet done? This question is, of course, not as simple as it sounds because to obey Jesus, we must stay close enough to hear and learn to discern his voice. We must be in relationship. The servants obeyed Jesus. As instructed, they filled the jars with water, drew some out, and took it to the banquet master. That was it. The servants didn’t realize the water had turned to wine, in part, through their obedience. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all- surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). As Christians, we are walking jars of clay filled by the Spirit of the living God. As we pray boldly to step out into whatever Jesus is calling us to do, he will empower us by the Spirit, that his glory may be revealed. Like Peter and the disciples, we can trust the one who makes the ordinary, extraordinary. Judges 9:1-16, 19-21; Psalm 88; Acts 4:13-31

Saturday, August 8 Birthdays: Cassie Giles Prayers for: Greg & Terry Thomas; Lucy Tischler; Stacey Tortorice; Jim & Elaine Tumy, Jack; Mary Lee Turk; Jose & Brenda Valencia Psalm 90 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (v.12) Our children are growing up! Our oldest son recently finished college, and his siblings will soon follow. As each one has approached the time for high school graduation, so many verses from this psalm sound like my heartfelt prayers for them. Would you join me in ending our weeklong devotions by praying God’s word over our children, our spouses, and all our loved ones? Heavenly Father, You are our dwelling place. Keep us and those we love close to You, where we may hear Your voice and obey Your commands without delay, and with joy. Remind us every morning of Your unfailing love, and draw us near to You when temptations assault our minds and disturb our hearts. Fill our lips with Your Truth, that we may draw one another toward good deeds because we know and love You. Reveal Yourself to us as we pray, dear Lord, and give us the zeal of Jesus for Your house and the boldness of Mary, Peter, and Paul in prayer. Teach us to number our days aright, that our hearts may be wise. May Your favor rest upon us, and may we serve one another with charity and selfless hearts, to the glory of Your name. Amen. Judges 9:22-25, 50-57; Psalm 87; Acts 4:32—5:11; John 2:13-25

Sunday, August 9 Birthdays: Prayers for: & Edith Valdez, Hiroshi, Yuriko, Eric; Dick & Marlene Van Horne; Pete Varney; George & Sandra Vick; Ray & Suzi Waters Mark 4:35-41 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. (vv.37-38a NKJV) How can Jesus sleep in the boat when we are in a storm? Doesn’t he understand the ship is sinking because of the current Doppler radar forecast? Doesn’t he see my son is on drugs or my marriage is about to hit the rocks? My adjustable interest rate is going up and I can’t continue to pay the mortgage. First, you need to realize that earlier in the Scripture Jesus had told them to cross over to the other side. They were listening to God’s will. Second, they were men of the sea who knew boating. Many were fisherman who kept their boats in good repair. God wants me to be more sensitive to hear His plan. I also need to do the daily work and tasks to be prepared. I need to be present in my son’s life. I need to educate myself on adjustable rate mortgages and not just buy one because a salesman said it was great. I might need counseling to be a more loving husband. Faith is an action word, not just sitting on our hands praying. Judges 11:1-11, 29-40; Psalms 66, 67; :21b-31

Saturday, August 10 Birthdays: Ana Acosta, Bill Davies, Declan Ritts Prayers for: Louie & Amanda Wang, Timothy, Nathan; Chris & Lisa Wanner, Matthew, Nicholas; Mike & Anna Weil; Guy & Sonji Williams John 3:1-21 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (v.3) This parable is one of the “pearls” of the Bible. I remember many years ago when God used the worst moment of my life to transform it into one of the best moments—all due to the truth of what Jesus taught the Pharisee . My life had come crashing down, due to alcoholism and living a secret life. I stood at a crossroad because I had been an actor in church for many years, singing the hymns and praying the prayers with no real personal relationship with Christ. I had lived my life under my own strength, and it was a mess. God had always been there, ready to transform my heart, but I had such a grip on the wheel. Fourteen years ago, I finally, in my heart of hearts, asked Jesus to be my personal savior. It wasn’t because I had fixed myself up, but because I was finally ready for Him to fix me up with a rebirth. Judges 12:1-7; Psalm 89:1-18; :12-26

Saturday, August 11 Birthdays: Mary Ellen Harrington, Joe Kenney Prayers for: David & Helen Weigand, Alaina, Cassie, Nicole, Nathaniel, Charlie, Emma, Bailey; Kent & Tracey Weissling, Sean, Jeff Psalm 100 Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing. (v.2) Attitude! I know I fail in this area so many times. I let my circumstances dictate my attitude. I can get so caught up in the troubled moment and forget I serve a God who has given me eternity. We are always testing God with one more hoop to jump through and then we can be joyful. Heal my ailing mother; help me secure that promotion or maybe some financial help. Please God, jump through this one more hoop. Reality is that He has already jumped through the highest hoop by giving us eternity with Him when we accept Christ as our Savior. What more should He have to do to make us have a joyful spirit and singing? The modern-day atheist at times could easily ask us Christians, “I thought you all were saved? Why don’t you look saved?” Attitude is a choice. Judges 13:1-15; Psalms 97, 99; Acts 5:27-42; John 3:22-36

Wednesday, August 12 Birthdays: Dear, Dena Fennell, Joshua Kenney Prayers for: Kate Williams; Matt Willoughby, Meghan, Clare; Danny & Debbie Winkler, Jennifer; Addie Yeboah; John & Kathryn Zacharias John 4:1-26 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with . (v.9) One day, years ago, I looked around and found myself living in a Christian bubble, interacting with mostly Christians all day—listening to Christian radio constantly, Bible studies, home groups, and church on Sundays. This is not where Jesus would have been hanging out because he wanted to touch those that did not know him. We can’t witness the transformation God has done in our life if the world never sees us. To witness is not forcing people to hear Scripture we have memorized, but instead allowing them to see our transformed lives. I am a recovering alcoholic due to the grace of God. Daily, the world needs to see what God can do with a willing heart. Go out and show the world with a humble heart. Judges 13:15-24; Psalms 101, 109; :1-15

Thursday, August 13 Birthdays: Nancy Kison, Dianna Stein Prayers for: Ana Acosta; Pat Alvis; Suzanne Arnold; Gwen Arora; Clement Asuoha; Cody & Rachel Ault, Alex, Evelyn, Margaret, Charlotte Judges 14:1-19 But his father and mother did not know that it was of the LORD—that He was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines. (v.4a) This was when Samson was telling his parents to go and get a woman they disapproved of to be his wife. She pleased Samson, but not his parents. God had a plan. So many times in my own life I have not seen God’s plan in the circumstances around me. I protest what a friend or family member is doing because I think I’m a better author of the story then God. Sometimes I have looked at my own current situation or choices and failed to see God’s plan. But God does have a plan to use all things for good. Yes, it is wise to get good counsel and make well thought out choices. But even at times when you see your child rebel or go against your will, the story isn’t over. You can’t just judge a book by a few pages, or even a chapter. God’s ending is always more interesting than what we could have written. Psalm 105:1-22; Acts 6:15—7:16; John 4:27-42

Friday, August 14 Birthdays: Prayers for: Jackie Austin; Jon Austin; Lourdes Aviles, Lance; Fehintolu Babayemi, Oluwabukunmi David, Oluwafolawemi Anne :17-29 At this time was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months. (v.20) What a wonderful declaration made over Moses when he was born: to be well pleasing to God. We all know the great trails Moses had in front of him and how God placed a hand on his shoulder. What encourages me is when all of us were born God was well pleased. He speaks to us just like Moses through prayer, people, and Scripture. He has a plan. That love for each one of us never ends, no matter where we are in life. When I chose years of alcoholism over God, He never stopped pursuing me. God welcomed me home when I bent my knee to accept Christ as my Savior. What if we made our children a healthy breakfast every morning, but they never stopped to eat it and instead headed out the door for junk food. God waits for us each morning with a meal for our heart of hearts. Sit with Him. Judges 14:20—15:20; Psalm 102; John 4:43-54

Saturday, August 15 Birthdays: Prayers for: Wayne Ballentine; Maria Del Carmen Bastard; Kyla Bayang, Martin, Vicki; Steve & Nanette Benoit; Ken & Patti Bill John 5:1-18 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. (vv.8-9a) Jesus was performing another miracle in a needy person’s life. Yes, a miracle, but pay attention to the work the crippled man had done before Jesus arrived. Sometimes it is not just sitting on our hands and praying, but also an actionable task we must try. The crippled man had struggled for 38 years to be first in the pool to be healed. Always too slow, he never quit trying. He was faithful to do his part even though he was at a disadvantage. He couldn’t heal himself. The man needed Jesus, but was the work he did earlier part of the miracle? Do you need a financial miracle today but haven’t learned to budget properly? Do you need a relationship miracle today in your marriage but haven’t followed through on the marriage counseling? God needs all of us to be in action doing our work so He can bless us with His daily miracles. Judges 16:1-14; Psalms 107:33-43, 108; Acts 7:30-43

Sunday, August 16 Birthdays: Prayers for: Anne Birkhead; Ed Bock; Jim & Kathy Boggs, Chris; Ruby Bosh, JB; Bob & Bonnie Boyce; Frank Boyd; Jim & Carolyn Boyd Psalms 118 The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. (v.22 NAS) The new popularity of feature programs such as The Voice, America’s Got Talent, and even Undercover Boss rely on the element of surprise—a child who belts out opera, a one-armed woman who has mastered the violin, or the humble dedicated plant worker secretly discovered and promoted by a company owner. There is universal appeal for the underdog. It is one reason why Scripture remains compelling. As one pastor pointed out, the list of people God chose is also unusual. Moses a murder, David a murder and an adulterer, a man with concubines, Ruth a foreigner, Matthew a tax collector, and, of course, Christ the Messiah—born in a manger. The list goes on. None of these would ever fit the typical gold standard of most societies. And yet, just as today’s Scripture observes, all these potential rejects were chosen for significant purposes. While I have my fair share of self-doubt, I take encouragement that if God can choose these, maybe He can find use for a cracked pot such as myself. Judges 16:15-31; :1-11; Mark 5:25-34

Saturday, August 17 Birthdays: Robin Cross, David Gandin, James Johnson, Timothy Wang Prayers for: Nettie Briggs; Bob & Diann Brooke; David & Janice Brookes, Philip; Bruce & Jane Brough; Tom Burgess; David & Betsy Burns Acts 7:44—8:1a And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him [Stephen] to death. (v.1) Paul, formerly known as Saul, first appears on the scene in Acts not as a believer but as an accomplice to murder proving to be yet another peculiar choice of God. As a youth, I recall reading narratives like these and being impressed that God is not content to preach to the choir. One of my first elders was akin to a converted mad scientist, wielding his enormous telescope by night and articulating the mysteries of Christ by day. I also had a die-hard Marxist high school friend later struck by the arrow of God—still in service to Christ some 40 years since. And, of course, there was the Oxford scholar C.S. Lewis who came to God kicking and screaming. The night he converted he recalled, “I gave in…the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England.” That God hounds the naughty and the skeptic as much as those who hunger and thirst for righteousness is to me, in a word, convincing. Judges 17:1-13; Psalm 106:1-18; John 5:19-29

Saturday, August 18 Birthdays: Abigail Seiver Prayers for: Eric & Lauren Burns; Nita Burrer, Jason; Brian & Gail Cahill; Brian Callahan; Bob & Mary Capps; Otto Carl; Chism Psalm 120 In my trouble I cried to the LORD, and He answered me. (v.1) As a 66-year-old, I feel in a constant state of catch-up with today’s technologies. While they are wonderful, I also find them wildly frustrating. More than once I swore if I heard the words “we don’t support that” one more time, I’d throw my technologies in the river. Last week my new puppy got a hold of my cell phone. The phone itself survived, but not the plastic cover. I spent hours driving from store to store only to learn my cell phone was “no longer supported,” thus finding parts nearly impossible. I remember a time when telephones, TV sets, clocks, and radios could last for decades. New technology is spellbinding, but I am unable to trust it just yet. Far too often its reliabilities leave me reeling. In today’s reading the psalmist makes a case for his Creator. In life’s more serious troubles, I have also reeled unto the Lord. The answers don’t always come in the way I expect, but I have been answered often enough and, in the direst of times, find Him always there. Judges 18:1-15; Psalms 121, 122, 123; :1-13; John 5:30-47

Wednesday, August 19 Birthdays: Dennis Miller, Fernanda Ramirez Prayers for: Jorge & Elizabeth Cavazos, Arianna; Emile & Lynn Champion; Travis & Shelia Chandler; Keith & Lisa Coe; Allan & Sue Cox Acts 8:14-25 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give this authority to me as well….” (vv.18-19a) One of the first things I was intuitively convinced of at my epiphany at 16 was that prayer was the most underused instrument of faith. My first naïve question was, “Why don’t all the churches do this?” (the sinner’s prayer)—assuming all the world would easily be won. Scripture tells us the greatest thing that could happen to us in life (salvation) comes not through scholarship or deeds and certainly not through trying to buy it, as Simon learns in today’s reading. This greatest thing that can happen to us comes by way of request—simple prayer. The elders in my youth taught me this by their example. They received no money for their service, they did not create a liturgy or program, and we met in private homes. All that took place—the waves of conversions, the baptisms, the gatherings, the teachings—came about by their supplications. This reading reminds me that in all that I may attain or accomplish in life it will never quite compare to what I can receive through that underused service of prayer. Judges 18:16-31; Psalm 119:145-176; John 6:1-15

Thursday, August 20 Birthdays: Prayers for: Scott & Ashley Clarke, Chase, Weston, Trevor; Caroline Craze; Robin Cross, Edward; Mike & Kay Daigle, Paul, Peter, Kaylee 1:1-22 Then the LORD said to , “Behold, all that he [Job] has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” (v.12a) Job was not only the wealthiest man in his time, he was righteous and humble—a profound candidate for testing. And boy is there testing, argument, and wretched exchange in his amazing story. I cannot pretend to claim Job status, but I have, like many people, felt my world crumble before me a time or two. Most recently after recovering heart surgery. I then faced the loss of my only companion and then the loss of the fellowship of a beloved church. It can be very hard sometimes not to welcome death when you face life so painfully alone. But when everything is stripped away from you, it can also create an opportunity for a new focus to come into light. Jesus so well knew the nature of this world. I now understand why he urged us to invest our treasures in heaven “where neither moth destroys nor thieves break in and steal.” Psalms 131, 132, 133; Acts 8:26-40; John 6:16-27

Friday, August 21 Birthdays: Mark Doremus Prayers for: Bill & Caroline Davies; Mary Karen Davis; Dorie Dawson; Shane & Kristina Dear, Jacob, Lauren; Fisoye & Solape Delano John 6:27-40 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger…” (v.35a) Being a bachelor all my life I have marveled how parents support children throughout their lives. I was one of five children in my family. I often think how lucky I was to not once ever have gone to bed hungry. Day after day, month after month, year after year my father dutifully provided for all seven of us, never failing food and shelter. As I grew older, I developed spiritual hunger—a different kind of hunger than that which my father provided for. In today’s reading, Jesus speaks metaphorically of this very hunger. For me, as a young adult, this hunger was akin to being lost—searching and yearning for purpose, direction, and for nurture and edification of an inner life. Jesus once said that if we, being evil, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will God give what is good to us. He was right. My father left me with real indelible memories—so has Christ. Job 2:1-13; Psalms 140, 142; Acts 9:1-9

Saturday, August 22 Birthdays: Parker Muskiet Prayers for: Art & Peggy DePue; Pete DeWitt; Lisa DiBiasio, Emma; Fr. Larry & Brenda DiSano, Rebecca, Keila; Tom Donley; Pat Doremus Acts 9:10-19a But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine….” (v.15a) In today’s reading, the Lord asks a dubious Ananias to search out and heal Saul who had been persecuting the church. Why on earth would God care for such a person? The last living Nuremburg prosecutor was recently interviewed by 60-minutes. 99-year-old Benjamin Ferencz recalled the trial in which, at 27 years old, he successfully convicted 22 Nazi officers after discovering a stash of their own written records of killings. Evidence so convincing not one witness was required. More than once, Ferencz broke down in his personal recollections which included the unrepentant statements of the defendants. What’s more profound is that Ferencz, today, is not a bitter man. After years of soul-searching, he believes that Nazis were not savages; they were people trying to be patriotic just as the American pilot was who dropped the atomic bomb. “War makes murderers out of otherwise descent people,” he concluded. Pray for those who hate you, Jesus commanded us. Not because he was naïve, but because God has a stake in every created soul—even someone like Saul. Job 3:1-26; Psalms 137, 144; John 6:41-51

Sunday, August 23 Birthdays: Ayele Enders-Preston, Kathy Freeman, Jason Mickelis, Martha Rodabaugh Prayers for: Mark & Jennifer Doremus; Mike Downs; Brandon Drath; Michael & Kelly, Preston, Skylar, Jocelyn, Jillian, Silas; Kathleen Ellis Revelation 4:1-11 Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and is and is to come. (v.8 NASV) The scene is the throne room of heaven. God is seated on the throne and the 24 elders fall down before Him and cast their golden crowns before Him and say, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power” (v.11). Someday we will bow before the Lord on his throne. Let us practice now in giving Him glory and honor, and thank Him for all His blessings to us—it will be good preparation for our going home to heaven as we praise, bless, and worship our Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We worship and adore You, Lord, and look forward to doing it in Your presence in heaven. Job 4:1-6, 12-21; Psalms 146, 147; Mark 6:1-6a

Saturday, August 24 Birthdays: Prayers for: Ayele Enders-Preston, Allahyea; Grace England; Sarrah Joy Estrella; Thomas & Shala Fendia, Alex, Jacob; Wade & Valerie Fennel Psalm 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly nor stand in the way of sinners nor sit in the seat of the scornful. (v.1) Notice the progression of evil: walk, stand ,and sit—as the person gradually gets drawn into wickedness. But, the psalmist continues, the blessed person delights in the law of the Lord and in His laws he meditates day and night. Satan has his tricks, but God’s Holy Spirit draws the believer to be like a tree planted by streams of living water that yields fruit, and its leaf does not wither. By daily devotions, reading Scripture, and prayer, we equip ourselves to bear fruit for God’s kingdom. The psalm reminds us that God knows the way of the righteous and will reward them. Dear Lord, help me walk in Your ways and delight in Your law. Job 4:1, 5:1-11, 17-21, 26-27; Psalms 2, 3; Acts 9:19b-31; John 6:52-59

Saturday, August 25 Birthdays: Prayers for: Kevin & Dena Fennell, Darcy, Kelsey, Rory, Danielle; Barry Firestone; Benjamin & Tey Flores; Silvia Flores; David & Linda Flower Psalm 5 Give ear to my words O LORD, consider my groanings. Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, for to Thee do I pray. (vv.1-2) As I am writing these devotionals, our nation has experienced two devastating episodes of gun violence with over 30 people killed and many dozens injured in Texas and Ohio. When will this carnage end? Why does this type of violence continue to escalate? Our politicians seem to lack a plan of action for the safety of our citizens. The only thing we seem to be able to do is pray; and pray we must for God to intervene and make us more peaceful and loving. Yes, Lord, we cry to You for help. Please heal our nation of violence, hatred, and killing. Forgive our sins and restore our land. Job 6:1-4, 8-15, 21; Psalm 6; Acts 9:32-43; John 6:60-71

Wednesday, August 26 Birthdays: Kris Heeter, Judith Jordan, John Pegues Prayers for: Joe & Joyce Fontaine; Kathy Freeman; LaVaun French; Fr. Oscar & Alejandra, Anthony, Santiago; David Gandin Psalm 119:1-24 Thy word I have treasured in my heart that I might not sin against Thee. Blessed art Thou O LORD. Teach me Thy statues. (vv.11-12) Memorizing Scripture is such an important activity for the believer. To have a biblical answer on the tip of your tongue is a great way to minister to friends and relatives in need. When we can offer to pray for someone who expresses a doubt or fear, we are usually gratefully received. It makes our own prayer life much richer when we can recall God’s word for a real-life happening. Favorite psalms and Gospel stories can be shared with the adults and children in our lives. Thank You, Lord, for Your precious word. Help me treasure it in my heart and share it with others. Job 6:1, 7:1-21; :1-16; John 7:1-13

Thursday, August 27 Birthdays: Lance Aviles Prayers for: Leobardo & Janeth Gallegos, Daniel, Jennifer; Cruz & Lorenza Garcia; Manny Garcia & Kathy Buckner; Clay & Natasha Gardner Psalm 18:1-20 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God in whom I take refuge. (v.2) What a blessing to have our faithful God to call upon in times of trouble. When we call to Him for help, He hears us and delivers us. The psalmist assures us that God will draw us out of muddy waters and deliver us from strong enemies (vv.16-17). He is our strength in time of trouble. He is worthy to be praised and thanked. So often we make plans without consulting God and then have to beg Him to get us out of the messes we create. Let us commit our ways to the Lord and ask His guidance in the planning stage! Thank You, dear Lord, for Your deliverance in times of trouble. Help us seek Your guidance early in the game. Job 8:1-10, 20-22; Acts 10:17-33; John 7:14-36

Friday, August 28 Birthdays: Kathleen Ellis Prayers for: Phil & Susie Geaslen; Brandon & Candy Geer, Cathy; Jim Geer; Nicholas & Hillary Gerber, , Adalee, , , Eden Acts 10:34-48 “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were possessed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (v.38) Peter had the vision during his prayer time of a large sheet full of animals and birds and the voice saying, “Rise Peter, kill and eat.” When Peter says, “I have never eaten anything unholy or unclear,” the voice says, “What God has cleansed no longer consider unholy.” Meanwhile Cornelius, a centurion in Caesarea, a devoted man who feared God and prayed to God continually, had a vision of an angel who told him to send for Peter in Joppa, which Cornelius did. When Peter arrived, he preached to Cornelius’ household. The Holy Spirit descended upon them and they were all baptized in the name of Jesus. Truly our God shows no partiality. Is everyone welcomed at your church? Remember we are all one in Christ! Thank You, Lord, for sending Your Holy Spirit on all of us—Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female. Job 9:1-15, 32-35; Psalms 16, 17; John 7:37-52

Saturday, August 29 Birthdays: Gwen Arora, Benjamin Flores, Donna Graves, Nathan Wang Prayers for: Fr. Stan & Mary Gerber; Mar Giah; Juan & Alma Gonzales, Yanely, Gabriela; Leocadio & Ophelia Gonzales; Donna Graves John 8:12-20 Jesus spoke to them saying “I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (v.12) This is one of the “I am” sayings of Jesus— “I am the Bread of Life”, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”, “I am the Vine and you are the branches,” etc. At the burning bush when Moses asks God’s name so he can tell the people who sent him, God told Moses His name is “I AM.” How reassuring to know that with Jesus we can walk in the light of life and the darkness won’t overcome us. Thank you, Jesus, that you are our light in this dark world. Help us to share your light. Job 9:1, 10:1-9, 16-22; Psalms 20, 21; :1-18

Sunday, August 30 Birthdays: Fr. Bill Kotlan Prayers for: Chris & Rebekah Greenwood, Wyatt, Jesse; Bill & Cindy Griffin; Keith & Anna Maria Hager, Skylar, Slade, Sophia Matthew 5:1-12 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” (v.7 NRSV) Recently, I was having coffee with a friend. He was very angry with a third friend, who is his business partner. The third friend had made what some might call a “sharp business deal” with a client of their business. It wasn’t anything illegal, but it was certainly less than forthright, and the client paid more than he should have. My angry friend said, “I hope he has to pay a price for what he did!” I’ve known my coffee-mate friend and his business for a long time. I know for sure that he has done two “sharp business deals” of a similar kind, profiting from both of them. Driving home, I mulled over the fact that we are often willing and glad to receive mercy, but not so willing and glad to give it. This reminds me of times that, forgetting my own fallenness and failures of being merciful with someone. I seek mercy for myself. I still have much to learn from Jesus! Job 11:1-9, 13-20; Psalms 148, 149, 150; Revelation 5:1-14

Monday, August 31 Birthdays: Bailey Giles, Heather Palmer Prayers for: Russ & Eva Hardy, Josephine; Mark & Mary Hargis; Mary Ellen Harrington; Bonnie Hartwell; Bill & Kris Heeter Psalm 25 Be mindful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. (v.6) I grew up in a very strict home. From the time I was five, until I was nine, my mother and father created a bedtime ritual for me. My mother had found two ceramic faces. One was a devil’s face. The other was an angel’s face. Each night, I would stand on a stool, being handed the face my parents deemed to represent my behavior that day. I would hang that face beside my door through the next day. If it was the angel’s face, I was told that my parents and God were pleased with me. If it was the devil’s face, I was told that my parents and God were very displeased with me. Unfortunately, the devil’s face was handed me much more often than the angel’s, leaving me with the conclusion both my parents and God were displeased with me. Fortunately, along the way I met Christians who taught me about a God of mercy and steadfast love. I’ve never forgotten that liberating, life-giving truth. I pray you’ll never forget God’s mercy and steadfast love! Job 12:1-6, 13-25; Acts 11:19-30; John 8:21-32