SEPTEMBER 1 – DEVOTIONAL
HAPPY NEW MONTH — WELCOME TO SEPTEMBER! SEPTEMBER — OUR MONTH OF DIVINE TRANSFORMATION
ARISE & SHINE: THERE IS BEAUTY IN YOUR ASHES!
Isaiah 61:3–4 | Isaiah 60:1 | Isaiah 66:8
Welcome to September, the first of the “ember” months and the ninth month of the year—a month that naturally reminds us of birthing and delivery after travail. Isaiah 66:8 declares, “For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.” We therefore enter this month expecting the birthing and breaking forth of every good thing we have been given in Christ, including transformation and divine breakthroughs.
For BOA, September has carried special significance over the years as a season of birthing new visions and Kingdom assignments on our journey of discovering God’s beauty for ashes.
Isaiah 61:3–4 and Isaiah 60:1 reveal a powerful journey of transformation: beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, restoration after devastation, and the call to arise and shine. But transformation does not end with us—those who are restored are also empowered to “build the old wastes” and “raise up the former desolations.”
Beloved, whether you are emerging from life’s challenges, loss, disappointment, or a season of travail, may this be your month to move from pain to purpose, ashes to beauty, travail to birthing, and restoration to rebuilding, just as we see in the inspiring biblical examples of Joseph, David, Nehemiah, Naomi, Hannah, and many others.
May you and your family be encouraged and empowered to ARISE from every ash, SHINE with God’s glory, bring forth what Heaven has placed within you, and become God’s agent of transformation—helping others arise, rebuild, and shine!
Happy New Month! Welcome to September to Remember—our Month of Divine Transformation!
ARISE & SHINE: THERE IS BEAUTY IN YOUR ASHES! 🌿🔥✨Shalom! 🙏🙌🏽
Bible Reading Summary
Job 40:1–42:17
God continues speaking to Job, reminding him of His unlimited power and wisdom. Job realises that he has spoken about things he did not fully understand and humbles himself before God. God then corrects Job’s friends because they did not speak rightly about Him. Job prays for his friends, and God restores Job’s fortunes, giving him twice as much as he had before. Job is also blessed with a new family and many more years of life.
Key Themes: Humility, God’s sovereignty, repentance, restoration, forgiveness, and trusting God’s wisdom.
2 Corinthians 5:11–21
Paul explains that believers should live in a way that honours Christ because everyone will one day stand before Him. The love of Christ motivates Christians to live no longer for themselves but for Him. Through Christ, God reconciles people to Himself and gives believers the responsibility of sharing this message with others. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. God made Christ who had no sin to bear sin so that we could receive God’s righteousness.
Key Themes: Reconciliation, new creation, Christ’s love, forgiveness, salvation, and sharing the Gospel.
Psalm 45:1–17
This psalm celebrates a royal wedding and praises the king for his majesty, righteousness, and victory. The king is honoured because he loves justice and hates wickedness. The bride is beautifully prepared and brought into the king’s presence with joy. The passage speaks of honour, beauty, love, celebration, and lasting legacy. It ultimately points beyond an earthly king to the greatness and eternal reign of God’s chosen King.
Key Themes: Righteous leadership, honour, love, beauty, celebration, faithfulness, and God’s eternal Kingdom.
Proverbs 22:14
This proverb warns against sexual immorality, describing the temptation of an immoral person as a dangerous trap. It reminds us that careless choices in relationships can lead to serious consequences. The verse encourages us to guard our hearts, avoid situations that can lead us into sin, and make wise choices that honour God.
Key Themes: Purity, wisdom, self-control, avoiding temptation, and honouring God.
Final Reflection
Today’s passages remind us that God can bring restoration when we humble ourselves and trust Him. Job’s story shows that God is greater than our understanding and that genuine humility opens the way for restoration. Paul reminds us that Christ has reconciled us to God and made us new, giving us the responsibility to share His love with others. Psalm 45 points us toward the beauty of righteous leadership, while Proverbs calls us to guard ourselves against temptation.
The simple lesson is this: Humble yourself before God, live as a new creation in Christ, choose righteousness, and guard your heart. God is faithful to restore and use those who trust Him.
Step away from the noise and routine for spiritual reflection and relaxation
JoyCo encourages you to take intentional moments to refresh your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Engaging in recreational activities—whether traveling, exploring, relaxing, or enjoying simple moments of joy—helps restore balance and strengthens you to face life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.
And don’t be by yourself—join others through JoyCo’s recreational activities for a holistic, life-giving approach to meaningful living. Community brings encouragement, joy, and the support we all need during the holiday season.
By patronizing JoyCo, you also help BOA continue extending the indescribable gift that keeps giving—spreading Christ’s joy, hope, and gratitude to many who are hurting or in need during this season. Your participation becomes a seed of compassion that reaches far beyond you.
As you enjoy your experiences with JoyCo, you are partnering with BOA in supporting the hurting and broken. Together, we extend hope, healing, and grace to those who need it most.
Remember, God desires for you to triumph in fullness of life—spirit, soul, and body. May this season bring you renewal, peace, and joyful refreshment.
Call 703 350 2799 or email joycotourdmv.com to save your spot and join us for an All Day Bus Trip to Sight & Sound and Hershey Chocolate Factory with at least $50 deposit before August 31st. Final Deadline for payment is OCTOBER 31st.
Anniversary Outreach Announcement
You are warmly invited to join BOA for our upcoming anniversary community outreach to the homeless and to help win souls for the Lord on Saturday, September 5, at 10:00 a.m. in Fairfax, VA.
Your presence, prayers, and donations will support our efforts to put smiles on the faces of the least in communities, as Jesus said in Matthew 25:40:
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
We look forward to serving together and sharing God’s love with our community. 🙏🏽💜
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