Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
SUNDAY, August 23 12 Pentecost
Ephesians 6:10-20. Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.
Jesus never promised the life of discipleship would be easy. He repeatedly warned those who would follow him that his way, his truth, his life would incur the wrath of the way, truth, and life of the world. By "world" he did not mean God's creation, but rather the ways of a fallen humanity. The ways of the world are many and varied, but they are all expressions of idolatry. The ways of the world always seek to put something, or someone, in the place of God: money, power, prestige, possessions, nation, self, even religion.
As Christians we are called to follow the way of Jesus, which is the way of the cross. The way of the cross is not about the causes or issues I choose to support, worthy as they may be. It is about following Jesus no matter what. It is about living a sacrificial life of love, compassion, healing, truth-telling, and devotion to God and God's will for all creation. It will take strength, and only the strength that comes from the Lord will suffice.
PRAY for The Anglican Church of Korea and the Diocese of Seoul
Ps 84 and 1 Kings 8:(1-6, 10-11), 22-30, 41-43 –OR– Ps 34:15-22 and Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18; John 6:56-96
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
Check out Lent Madness -- daily devotions with the saints that are fun and informative.
Download the new Readers' Guide for the February Forward Day by Day! Updated monthly.
Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!
Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
