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.
THURSDAY, September 10 (Alexander Crummell)
Philippians 2:12-30. ...among whom you shine as lights in the world....Be glad and rejoice.
Paul uses this imagery to encourage the early Christians to keep strong in the midst of a "crooked and perverse generation." In days when proclaiming Jesus Christ as savior was a dangerous thing, Paul expressed joy for those who remained faithful.
From my earliest days at church camp, I remember singing the song, "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine." Sitting around the campfire we didn't think of the world as wicked, but we did feel the joy of gathering to proclaim our love of Jesus.
When Presiding Bishop Griswold retired in 2006, those who gathered at General Convention were given light sticks to wave to show the joy we had felt in serving Jesus with him. At some gatherings we hold up our cell phones to let our light shine.
But the best way to rejoice in the Lord is to make our very life a light in the world. Most of us have known some special person who seems to light up the room. How pleasing it would be to Paul (and God ) if all of us were such persons.
PRAY for the Diocese of Southeast Florida (Province IV, USA)
Ps 50 * [59, 60] or 93, 96; 1 Kings 18:1-19; Matthew 2:13-23
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!
Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.
Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!
Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!
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
