Devotionals https://www.rcajax.org Sat, 05 Sep 2026 09:59:40 -0400 https://www.churchplantmedia.com/ Ordinary Time https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/ordinary-time https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/ordinary-time#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:40:00 -0400 https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/ordinary-time If you've been involved with our church or come from another Anglican communion, you know that Anglicans cherish liturgy and structure. We follow carefully planned rhythms and patterns of worship. In Anglican worship, we experience God through songs, Scripture reading, preaching, prayers, Holy Communion, and acts of service. God reveals Himself to us as we serve Him through these rhythms and practices.

The Anglican Church calendar is divided into three main cycles: the Christmas cycle (from Advent through Epiphany), the Easter cycle (from Lent through Pentecost), and the Ordinary cycle, also called Ordinary Time (which begins the Monday after Pentecost and ends the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent).

During Ordinary Time, green paraments (decorative hangings and cloths used on the communion table and pulpit) emphasize the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work to not only transform us into disciples of Christ but also to empower us to make disciples of all nations.

I'm sure you can see that Ordinary Time is anything but ordinary. Instead, it is a season for personal growth, to seek God, strengthen our faith, and serve others regularly through the Holy Spirit's power. So, this morning, I want to share some ways we can energize our walk with Jesus and His mission to the world around us.  

]]> If you've been involved with our church or come from another Anglican communion, you know that Anglicans cherish liturgy and structure. We follow carefully planned rhythms and patterns of worship. In Anglican worship, we experience God through songs, Scripture reading, preaching, prayers, Holy Communion, and acts of service. God reveals Himself to us as we serve Him through these rhythms and practices.

The Anglican Church calendar is divided into three main cycles: the Christmas cycle (from Advent through Epiphany), the Easter cycle (from Lent through Pentecost), and the Ordinary cycle, also called Ordinary Time (which begins the Monday after Pentecost and ends the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent).

During Ordinary Time, green paraments (decorative hangings and cloths used on the communion table and pulpit) emphasize the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work to not only transform us into disciples of Christ but also to empower us to make disciples of all nations.

I'm sure you can see that Ordinary Time is anything but ordinary. Instead, it is a season for personal growth, to seek God, strengthen our faith, and serve others regularly through the Holy Spirit's power. So, this morning, I want to share some ways we can energize our walk with Jesus and His mission to the world around us.  

]]> The Fear of the Lord is... https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/the-fear-of-the-lord-is https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/the-fear-of-the-lord-is#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:20:00 -0400 https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/the-fear-of-the-lord-is The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (Psalm 111:10)

The phrase “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom/knowledge” is found three times in the Bible: Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, and Proverbs 9:10. But what does it really mean to “fear” the Lord? Does it imply being “afraid,” “cowering,” or “bowing in terror”? I don’t think so.

In all three cases, the Hebrew term “yirah” refers to experiencing awe or reverence toward someone or something. It does not imply fear of a distant, unapproachable deity, but rather a sense of awe and respect for the personal and benevolent God of the Universe—the God Jesus described as our Father in Heaven.

But what exactly is wisdom? Biblical wisdom can be described as goodness, justice, and righteousness—traits observed in those who are guided by God’s Word and Spirit. God’s wisdom assists everyone who follows it to distinguish between good and evil, enabling them to make right decisions. 

So, how does one gain wisdom? Essentially, biblical wisdom comes from a personal relationship with God. It isn't derived from abstract ideas or esoteric philosophies. Instead, wisdom originates from God, who is all-wise. In fact, wisdom is personified as a Person. As the Scriptures say, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Wisdom comes from trusting in and relying on God. As we do so, we learn to live wisely (Proverbs 3:5-6).

But what about those who don’t walk in the reverence and awe of the Lord? According to Proverbs 1:7, they are fools because they reject, and therefore despise, God's wisdom and instruction. The question I must ask myself is, which one am I? Am I open to and walking in the instruction of the Lord? Or do I foolishly do what is right in my own eyes? The good news is that it’s never too late to change course.

The Lord's peace be with you.

Joe

]]> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (Psalm 111:10)

The phrase “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom/knowledge” is found three times in the Bible: Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, and Proverbs 9:10. But what does it really mean to “fear” the Lord? Does it imply being “afraid,” “cowering,” or “bowing in terror”? I don’t think so.

In all three cases, the Hebrew term “yirah” refers to experiencing awe or reverence toward someone or something. It does not imply fear of a distant, unapproachable deity, but rather a sense of awe and respect for the personal and benevolent God of the Universe—the God Jesus described as our Father in Heaven.

But what exactly is wisdom? Biblical wisdom can be described as goodness, justice, and righteousness—traits observed in those who are guided by God’s Word and Spirit. God’s wisdom assists everyone who follows it to distinguish between good and evil, enabling them to make right decisions. 

So, how does one gain wisdom? Essentially, biblical wisdom comes from a personal relationship with God. It isn't derived from abstract ideas or esoteric philosophies. Instead, wisdom originates from God, who is all-wise. In fact, wisdom is personified as a Person. As the Scriptures say, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Wisdom comes from trusting in and relying on God. As we do so, we learn to live wisely (Proverbs 3:5-6).

But what about those who don’t walk in the reverence and awe of the Lord? According to Proverbs 1:7, they are fools because they reject, and therefore despise, God's wisdom and instruction. The question I must ask myself is, which one am I? Am I open to and walking in the instruction of the Lord? Or do I foolishly do what is right in my own eyes? The good news is that it’s never too late to change course.

The Lord's peace be with you.

Joe

]]> Not Just Your Everyday Friday https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/not-just-your-everyday-friday https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/not-just-your-everyday-friday#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:55:00 -0400 https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/not-just-your-everyday-friday Today, we observe Good Friday, the one day of the year set aside to remember the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Although for most people that day started just like any other Friday, make no mistake: there was nothing ordinary about it. Citizens and visitors in Jerusalem reverently celebrated Passover, the annual festival honoring Israel’s release from 400 years of slavery. The night before, around candlelit tables filled with Passover foods, fathers and mothers retold the Exodus story to their children, recalling how YAHWEH had rescued Israel. They remembered how the blood of sacrificed lambs was painted on the doorframes with hyssop so that the angel of death would pass over each home, and how God had outmaneuvered Pharaoh to free His people from slavery.

Every year after that first Passover, Israel gathered to remember their freedom. So, in late March or early April, somewhere between A.D. 30 and A.D. 33, people again flooded Jerusalem and the surrounding area to observe Passover, with one clear difference. While Israel sacrificed lambs to remember God’s deliverance from Egypt, at this Passover, God sacrificed His own Lamb to atone for the sin of the world. 

Today, we meditate on God's great love for the world revealed through Jesus Christ’s supreme crucifixion. As Isaiah foretold: “Our sins did it to him, our sins ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment that made us whole. Through his bruises, we get healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, MSG) Through His death on the cross, Jesus purchased our redemption, peace, and freedom. What we could never do for ourselves, God did for us!

That Friday was a miserable day for those first followers of Jesus, but as they were soon to learn, Sunday was coming! 

]]> Today, we observe Good Friday, the one day of the year set aside to remember the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Although for most people that day started just like any other Friday, make no mistake: there was nothing ordinary about it. Citizens and visitors in Jerusalem reverently celebrated Passover, the annual festival honoring Israel’s release from 400 years of slavery. The night before, around candlelit tables filled with Passover foods, fathers and mothers retold the Exodus story to their children, recalling how YAHWEH had rescued Israel. They remembered how the blood of sacrificed lambs was painted on the doorframes with hyssop so that the angel of death would pass over each home, and how God had outmaneuvered Pharaoh to free His people from slavery.

Every year after that first Passover, Israel gathered to remember their freedom. So, in late March or early April, somewhere between A.D. 30 and A.D. 33, people again flooded Jerusalem and the surrounding area to observe Passover, with one clear difference. While Israel sacrificed lambs to remember God’s deliverance from Egypt, at this Passover, God sacrificed His own Lamb to atone for the sin of the world. 

Today, we meditate on God's great love for the world revealed through Jesus Christ’s supreme crucifixion. As Isaiah foretold: “Our sins did it to him, our sins ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment that made us whole. Through his bruises, we get healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, MSG) Through His death on the cross, Jesus purchased our redemption, peace, and freedom. What we could never do for ourselves, God did for us!

That Friday was a miserable day for those first followers of Jesus, but as they were soon to learn, Sunday was coming! 

]]> On the cusp of Holy Week https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/on-the-cusp-of-holy-week https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/on-the-cusp-of-holy-week#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:50:00 -0400 https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/on-the-cusp-of-holy-week We are on the cusp of Holy Week when we begin in the celebration of the triumphal entry of Jesus our Messiah into Jerusalem only to be plunged into mourning the death of our Lord Jesus.  Happily, the week culminates in celebration, in Jesus' victory over death.  I encourage you to use your imaginations this week to ponder how you would have felt and done as a first century believer in this person claiming to be Messiah. Would you have experienced joy and hope when Jesus entered Jerusalem?  Would you have looked forward to celebrating Passover with Jesus?  Would you have run away with the disciples when Jesus was arrested?  You get the idea.  Allow your emotions to enrich your appreciation for what Jesus and his followers went through.  Of course, at the end we get to say, perhaps with renewed fervor, “The Lord is risen!”

]]> We are on the cusp of Holy Week when we begin in the celebration of the triumphal entry of Jesus our Messiah into Jerusalem only to be plunged into mourning the death of our Lord Jesus.  Happily, the week culminates in celebration, in Jesus' victory over death.  I encourage you to use your imaginations this week to ponder how you would have felt and done as a first century believer in this person claiming to be Messiah. Would you have experienced joy and hope when Jesus entered Jerusalem?  Would you have looked forward to celebrating Passover with Jesus?  Would you have run away with the disciples when Jesus was arrested?  You get the idea.  Allow your emotions to enrich your appreciation for what Jesus and his followers went through.  Of course, at the end we get to say, perhaps with renewed fervor, “The Lord is risen!”

]]> Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/out-of-the-depths-i-cry-to-you-lord https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/out-of-the-depths-i-cry-to-you-lord#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:40:00 -0400 https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/out-of-the-depths-i-cry-to-you-lord Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, 
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love 
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
.

Psalm 130 has been designated by Martin Luther and others as one of seven penitential psalms. It is assigned as the psalm for this coming Sunday, the fifth and last Sunday in Lent.  Verses one and two remind us to be aware of the gravity of sin in our lives.  It is so easy to go along through life thinking we're not so bad. One purpose of Lent is to remind us that we are.  Verses three and four go on to extol the mercy of our loving God.  What an awesome and wonderful God we have who not only forgives our sins, but doesn't keep count.  It says elsewhere, that He doesn't remember our sins. As I close, I quote verses 7 and 8 of Psalm 130:  “O Israel (and we are the new Israel), put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.  He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.”   

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

]]> Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, 
more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love 
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
.

Psalm 130 has been designated by Martin Luther and others as one of seven penitential psalms. It is assigned as the psalm for this coming Sunday, the fifth and last Sunday in Lent.  Verses one and two remind us to be aware of the gravity of sin in our lives.  It is so easy to go along through life thinking we're not so bad. One purpose of Lent is to remind us that we are.  Verses three and four go on to extol the mercy of our loving God.  What an awesome and wonderful God we have who not only forgives our sins, but doesn't keep count.  It says elsewhere, that He doesn't remember our sins. As I close, I quote verses 7 and 8 of Psalm 130:  “O Israel (and we are the new Israel), put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.  He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.”   

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

]]> The God Who Shepherds Us https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/the-god-who-shepherds-us https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/the-god-who-shepherds-us#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:55:00 -0400 https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/the-god-who-shepherds-us The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; 
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (PSALM 23, ESV)

 

The lectionary readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent are 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:1-14, John 9:1-13, 28-38, and Psalm 23, which is one of the Bible's most famous psalms. Since I do not intend to include Psalm 23 in this Sunday’s sermon, I decided to use it for this morning’s devotional.

As I am sure most of you already know, Psalm 23 is King David’s personal testimony. Each verse reveals a truth about the type of relationship David had with the Lord, and the kind of relationship we can also have with Him. The testimony in Psalm 23 creates a vivid word picture, helping us better understand Him as our Great Shepherd. Not only does it clarify what it means for God to be our Shepherd, but it also shows how our relationship with Him can be transformed through meditating on these truths. To keep this devotional brief, I will share five short statements about David’s testimony of the Lord that you can use to enhance your own study.

…“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” testifies to God’s sufficiency.
…“He makes me lie down… He leads me beside still waters…” testifies to God’s satisfaction.
…“He restores my soul… He leads me in paths…” testifies to God’s sovereignty.
…“Even though I walk through the valley… I will fear no evil…” testifies to God’s security.
…“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me… I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” testifies to God’s steadfastness.

Once again, with these thoughts in mind, let us pray: Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen!

]]> The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; 
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (PSALM 23, ESV)

 

The lectionary readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent are 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:1-14, John 9:1-13, 28-38, and Psalm 23, which is one of the Bible's most famous psalms. Since I do not intend to include Psalm 23 in this Sunday’s sermon, I decided to use it for this morning’s devotional.

As I am sure most of you already know, Psalm 23 is King David’s personal testimony. Each verse reveals a truth about the type of relationship David had with the Lord, and the kind of relationship we can also have with Him. The testimony in Psalm 23 creates a vivid word picture, helping us better understand Him as our Great Shepherd. Not only does it clarify what it means for God to be our Shepherd, but it also shows how our relationship with Him can be transformed through meditating on these truths. To keep this devotional brief, I will share five short statements about David’s testimony of the Lord that you can use to enhance your own study.

…“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” testifies to God’s sufficiency.
…“He makes me lie down… He leads me beside still waters…” testifies to God’s satisfaction.
…“He restores my soul… He leads me in paths…” testifies to God’s sovereignty.
…“Even though I walk through the valley… I will fear no evil…” testifies to God’s security.
…“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me… I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” testifies to God’s steadfastness.

Once again, with these thoughts in mind, let us pray: Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen!

]]> True & Authentic Religion https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/true-authentic-religion https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/true-authentic-religion#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:55:00 -0500 https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/true-authentic-religion In his letter, James, Jesus' brother, made a clear statement about religion and religious practices. He noted that there is a type of religion that God the Father accepts, and another, lacking power and effectiveness, which He regards as worthless. He not only distinguished between what our Father finds acceptable and what He regards as worthless but also described what pure and faultless religion entails.

To keep our religion pure and acceptable, God wants us to keep a tight rein on our words. As James jarringly said: “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself.” I don’t know about you, but I find this really difficult. I think about it, work on it, and strive daily to control my mouth, yet inevitably I catch myself saying something I shouldn’t or failing to say what I should.

Furthermore, James emphasized that true religion in God’s eyes involves “caring for orphans and widows in their distress and avoiding worldly corruption.” Once again, I find myself coming up short here. You might wonder how, and I respond by redefining James’ call, such as qualifying which distressed orphans and widows and what worldly corruption. However, when I read James 1:27 alongside Jesus’ message in Matthew 25:31-40, his intent becomes quite clear. By caring for the orphans and widows who cross our paths, we not only serve them as if serving the Lord Himself but also guard ourselves from the corrupt influences of the world. Truly, authentic and sincere religion includes mindful speech and sacrificial service to those in need, which are expressions of Christ’s love working through us.

With this reflection in mind, may we sincerely pray the collect for Sunday: O Lord, our heavenly Father, keep your household the Church continually in your true religion, that we who trust in the hope of your heavenly grace may always be defended by your mighty power; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s peace be with you!

 

]]> In his letter, James, Jesus' brother, made a clear statement about religion and religious practices. He noted that there is a type of religion that God the Father accepts, and another, lacking power and effectiveness, which He regards as worthless. He not only distinguished between what our Father finds acceptable and what He regards as worthless but also described what pure and faultless religion entails.

To keep our religion pure and acceptable, God wants us to keep a tight rein on our words. As James jarringly said: “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself.” I don’t know about you, but I find this really difficult. I think about it, work on it, and strive daily to control my mouth, yet inevitably I catch myself saying something I shouldn’t or failing to say what I should.

Furthermore, James emphasized that true religion in God’s eyes involves “caring for orphans and widows in their distress and avoiding worldly corruption.” Once again, I find myself coming up short here. You might wonder how, and I respond by redefining James’ call, such as qualifying which distressed orphans and widows and what worldly corruption. However, when I read James 1:27 alongside Jesus’ message in Matthew 25:31-40, his intent becomes quite clear. By caring for the orphans and widows who cross our paths, we not only serve them as if serving the Lord Himself but also guard ourselves from the corrupt influences of the world. Truly, authentic and sincere religion includes mindful speech and sacrificial service to those in need, which are expressions of Christ’s love working through us.

With this reflection in mind, may we sincerely pray the collect for Sunday: O Lord, our heavenly Father, keep your household the Church continually in your true religion, that we who trust in the hope of your heavenly grace may always be defended by your mighty power; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lord’s peace be with you!

 

]]> A Spectacular Sight https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/a-spectacular-sight https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/a-spectacular-sight#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:55:00 -0500 https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/a-spectacular-sight On Sunday, we celebrate the transfiguration of the Lord, a supernatural event recorded in Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9. In each of these gospel accounts, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him up a high mountain to pray. As He was praying, His face shone like the sun, His clothes became as bright as lightning, Moses and Elijah appeared with Him, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and God the Father spoke from the cloud to the disciples. The Lord’s transfiguration must have been a spectacular sight to behold!

Matthew and Mark employed the ancient Greek term "metamorphosis" (meaning "to change or transform") to depict Jesus’ transfiguration. This word appears only four times in the New Testament: in these two gospel accounts of the transfiguration and in Paul’s letters to the Romans and Corinthians (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18), with a key difference. The gospel writers used it to describe Jesus’ transfiguration, whereas Paul applied it to the Christian's transformation from worldly likeness to Christlikeness.

Why might someone embrace such a radical transformation? There are two main reasons. First, God’s explicit desire for us is to become like Christ, which requires radical transformation. Second, as we grow to resemble Jesus, we reveal God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 8:29; 12:2).

The transfiguration of Jesus foreshadows his resurrection and our future resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6). Until that day, may we continue to be transformed into His image as we await a future that “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Therefore, let us pray: O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

]]> On Sunday, we celebrate the transfiguration of the Lord, a supernatural event recorded in Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9. In each of these gospel accounts, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him up a high mountain to pray. As He was praying, His face shone like the sun, His clothes became as bright as lightning, Moses and Elijah appeared with Him, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and God the Father spoke from the cloud to the disciples. The Lord’s transfiguration must have been a spectacular sight to behold!

Matthew and Mark employed the ancient Greek term "metamorphosis" (meaning "to change or transform") to depict Jesus’ transfiguration. This word appears only four times in the New Testament: in these two gospel accounts of the transfiguration and in Paul’s letters to the Romans and Corinthians (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18), with a key difference. The gospel writers used it to describe Jesus’ transfiguration, whereas Paul applied it to the Christian's transformation from worldly likeness to Christlikeness.

Why might someone embrace such a radical transformation? There are two main reasons. First, God’s explicit desire for us is to become like Christ, which requires radical transformation. Second, as we grow to resemble Jesus, we reveal God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 8:29; 12:2).

The transfiguration of Jesus foreshadows his resurrection and our future resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6). Until that day, may we continue to be transformed into His image as we await a future that “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Therefore, let us pray: O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

]]> Fourth Sunday of Epiphany https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/fourth-sunday-of-epiphany https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/fourth-sunday-of-epiphany#comments Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:10:00 -0500 https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/fourth-sunday-of-epiphany Recently, I talked with a friend about our world. We both agreed that, despite its many blessings, life is also full of challenges, hardships, and dangers. There is a simple reason for this: God is good, and His goodness encompasses us and His creation. Yet, the world we inhabit — including ourselves — is fallen and laden with temptations that stem from our broken world system, our sinful nature, and our ultimate adversary, the Devil.

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul acknowledged that everyone faces temptation, but God offers a way out of every one of them (1 Corinthians 10:13). While I know God’s grace is sufficient in every situation, my stubborn flesh still gets in the way. Despite my desire to walk in the Spirit and follow God's good plans, my flesh tends to act selfishly, leading me to do what I don’t want to do, and failing to do what I truly desire.

Then, if my flesh isn’t enough to fight, the world with its temptations and the devil with his tricks come into play. I am flooded with sights, sounds, and lies that try to lure me away from God and His Word. However, God’s Word assures me that no test or temptation “is beyond the course of what others have had to face [including Jesus Himself]. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it” (10:13, MSG).

If you are experiencing temptation, or know someone who is, remember that God’s grace is enough in all circumstances (2 Corinthians 12:9). His Word supports us through every trial (Matthew 4:1-11), and His armor enables us to resist the schemes of the world, the flesh, and the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18).

With these thoughts in mind, let us pray the collect for Sunday: O God, you know that we are set in the midst of many grave dangers, and because of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant that your strength and protection may support us in all dangers and carry us through every temptation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

]]> Recently, I talked with a friend about our world. We both agreed that, despite its many blessings, life is also full of challenges, hardships, and dangers. There is a simple reason for this: God is good, and His goodness encompasses us and His creation. Yet, the world we inhabit — including ourselves — is fallen and laden with temptations that stem from our broken world system, our sinful nature, and our ultimate adversary, the Devil.

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul acknowledged that everyone faces temptation, but God offers a way out of every one of them (1 Corinthians 10:13). While I know God’s grace is sufficient in every situation, my stubborn flesh still gets in the way. Despite my desire to walk in the Spirit and follow God's good plans, my flesh tends to act selfishly, leading me to do what I don’t want to do, and failing to do what I truly desire.

Then, if my flesh isn’t enough to fight, the world with its temptations and the devil with his tricks come into play. I am flooded with sights, sounds, and lies that try to lure me away from God and His Word. However, God’s Word assures me that no test or temptation “is beyond the course of what others have had to face [including Jesus Himself]. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it” (10:13, MSG).

If you are experiencing temptation, or know someone who is, remember that God’s grace is enough in all circumstances (2 Corinthians 12:9). His Word supports us through every trial (Matthew 4:1-11), and His armor enables us to resist the schemes of the world, the flesh, and the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18).

With these thoughts in mind, let us pray the collect for Sunday: O God, you know that we are set in the midst of many grave dangers, and because of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant that your strength and protection may support us in all dangers and carry us through every temptation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

]]> Infinite, Yet Intimate https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/infinite-yet-intimate https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/infinite-yet-intimate#comments Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:30:00 -0500 https://www.rcajax.org/devotionals/post/infinite-yet-intimate You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 
Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence? 
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.

If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. 
Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. 

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139)


Psalm 139, authored by David, is designated for Sunday worship. It offers a magnificent portrayal of God, the creator of the universe and the Earth on which we live. God, who is infinite, is also intimate. Not only is He aware of every one of the 8.2 billion people living on Earth, He perfectly knows everything about them, even down to the number of hairs on their heads and the words they will say before they say them. Our lives are an open book to Him. Remarkable! How can God be both infinite and so intimately involved with us? David was captivated by this paradox. 

In these verses, David expresses awe and amazement that God knows every intimate detail of his life. While he doesn't give a detailed exposition of God’s greatness, these twenty-four verses serve as his personal testimony. Although the exact reason David wrote this renowned psalm remains unknown, his message is clear: God is all-knowing, ever-present, and all-powerful. David is wonderstruck that God knows everything about him, is always with him, and precisely created him, even ordaining the number of his days before one came to be.

How might we respond to David’s psalm? To me, the most honest response is one of awe and surrender. Awe for God’s infinite wonder and surrender to His intimate command over my life. One of my longtime favorite worship songs captures these feelings well, and I pray it speaks to you, too.

You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom?
Who can fathom the depth of Your love?
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty, enthroned above
And I stand, I stand in awe of You
I stand, I stand in awe of You
Holy God, to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of You. 

]]> You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 
Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence? 
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.

If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. 
Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. 

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139)


Psalm 139, authored by David, is designated for Sunday worship. It offers a magnificent portrayal of God, the creator of the universe and the Earth on which we live. God, who is infinite, is also intimate. Not only is He aware of every one of the 8.2 billion people living on Earth, He perfectly knows everything about them, even down to the number of hairs on their heads and the words they will say before they say them. Our lives are an open book to Him. Remarkable! How can God be both infinite and so intimately involved with us? David was captivated by this paradox. 

In these verses, David expresses awe and amazement that God knows every intimate detail of his life. While he doesn't give a detailed exposition of God’s greatness, these twenty-four verses serve as his personal testimony. Although the exact reason David wrote this renowned psalm remains unknown, his message is clear: God is all-knowing, ever-present, and all-powerful. David is wonderstruck that God knows everything about him, is always with him, and precisely created him, even ordaining the number of his days before one came to be.

How might we respond to David’s psalm? To me, the most honest response is one of awe and surrender. Awe for God’s infinite wonder and surrender to His intimate command over my life. One of my longtime favorite worship songs captures these feelings well, and I pray it speaks to you, too.

You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom?
Who can fathom the depth of Your love?
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty, enthroned above
And I stand, I stand in awe of You
I stand, I stand in awe of You
Holy God, to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of You. 

]]>