e-Devotions: Inbox Inspirations from Bob Dannals

The Rev. Dr. Robert (Bob) Dannals is currently Interim Rector of  All Saints Episcopal Church, Beverly Hills, CA.  I became aware of his daily devotional pieces (based, for the most part, on the lectionary readings for each following Sunday) while he was Interim Rector at St. Bartholomew's Church in New York City.

ENJOY!!!!

Wednesday, August 22

... be strong in the Lord... Ephesians 6:10

The Epistle writer counters fear, doubt, anxiety, and anger with strength. He does not understand strength as brute force or domination. In fact, quite the opposite! He himself exhibited strength by submitting himself to sacrifice and self-discipline. He enacted it in countless ways including imprisonment and beatings.

Challenge and Opportunity:

This text portrays a believer who is ready to do his/her best in God's strength. Very often that begins with a realization of our weaknesses -- that we need God in our daily endeavors. It follows by a dedication to receive all of God's merciful benefits and to extend them to others. This often involves self-offering, a trait that our prevailing culture doesn't see as "strength." But Christians know better ... just look at the person of Jesus and we have our model.

 

Daily Devotionals - Based on RCL Proper 16, Year B:

Joshua 24:1-2, 14-18; Psalm 34:15-22; Ephesians 6:10-20; John 6:56-69