SEPTEMBER 20 – DEVOTIONAL
GRATITUDE FOR BEAUTY FOR ASHES 🙌🏾
LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE!
Isaiah 61:3 | Psalm 115:1 | Ephesians 3:20–21
Today, we pause to return all glory and our highest praise to God for how He showed up at BOA’s 8th Anniversary, Conference, and Ordination! He exceeded our expectations, and our hearts overflow with thanksgiving. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes! (Psalm 118:23).
We are grateful for how He brought people from different parts of the world and across states to celebrate, worship, and witness His faithfulness with us. Every journey made and every expression of love reminded us of His goodness. What a beautiful testimony of unity, love, and beauty for ashes!
Beyond every plan and human effort, we recognize His grace. The God who gives beauty for ashes has brought us this far, and we will not forget His benefits. Every testimony points back to Him. Lord, the glory belongs to You!
Beloved, gratitude remembers the goodness of God. As we celebrate what He has done, may we carry thankful hearts into this new beginning, nurturing what He has planted and giving Him glory as it bears fruit.
May you and your family be encouraged by His faithfulness, knowing that your journey of beauty for ashes in Christ is just beginning. As you continue to behold Him, may you be transformed, with evidence of divine exchange, continuing from glory to glory! Have a beautiful, praise-filled day! Shalom! 🙏🏾
Bible Reading Summary
Isaiah 33:10–36:22
Isaiah presents God as the One who rises to defend His people and defeat their enemies. He describes the beauty and security of a restored Zion, where God is the righteous King and Judge. The passage also warns that those who live in sin cannot escape God’s judgment. Isaiah then records the Assyrian threat against Jerusalem. The Assyrian commander tries to frighten the people and make them doubt God’s ability to save them. The people respond by taking the matter to King Hezekiah and ultimately to God.
Key Themes: God’s sovereignty, judgment, protection, courage, faith, righteousness, and trusting God in crisis.
Galatians 5:13–26
Paul reminds believers that freedom in Christ is not permission to live selfishly or follow sinful desires. Instead, Christians are called to serve one another in love. He explains the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit and encourages believers to walk by the Spirit. Paul lists the works of the flesh, including jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, and immorality. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Those who belong to Christ should allow the Spirit to guide their lives.
Key Themes: Christian freedom, love, walking in the Spirit, self-control, spiritual growth, and the fruit of the Spirit.
Psalm 64:1–10
David asks God to protect him from people who secretly plan against him. He describes their harmful words as weapons used to attack the innocent. Although the wicked believe their plans are hidden, David trusts that God sees everything. He believes God will expose their wrongdoing and bring justice. The psalm ends with encouragement for the righteous to rejoice and take refuge in God. David’s confidence shows that God sees what people cannot see and remains able to defend those who trust Him.
Key Themes: Protection, prayer, justice, hidden attacks, God’s watchfulness, trust, and rejoicing.
Proverbs 23:23
This short verse encourages us to value truth and wisdom above everything else. We are told not to sell or abandon truth once we have received it. Wisdom, instruction, and understanding are treasures that should be pursued and protected. The verse reminds us that material possessions may come and go, but truth and godly wisdom shape our character and direction. We should therefore be willing to learn, accept correction, and hold firmly to what is right.
Key Themes: Truth, wisdom, understanding, instruction, learning, and integrity.
Final Reflection
These passages remind us that God remains our protector when we face opposition, fear, or uncertainty. Isaiah shows that God can defend His people even when powerful enemies threaten them. Galatians teaches us to use our freedom to love and to walk by the Holy Spirit. Psalm 64 reminds us that God sees every hidden plan, while Proverbs calls us to hold firmly to truth and wisdom.
MY HEARTFELT THANKS 🙏🏾❤️
My heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us yesterday for BOA’s 8th Anniversary, Conference, and my ordination. I am truly humbled that God brought people whose paths I never imagined would cross mine to celebrate His faithfulness with us. Everyone’s presence, young and old, was truly special.
I am especially grateful to my father in the Lord, Rev. Canon Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, and the distinguished leaders from different nations who accompanied him to honor our BOA family. Such love leaves me in awe. This can only be the God who gives beauty for ashes! 🙌🏾
To all our amazing guest speakers, ministers, coordinators, volunteers, music artists, family and friends and everyone who stretched themselves—traveling near and far, making sacrifices, serving, praying, giving, and showing up—thank you! Your love has left a lasting imprint on my heart.
May God bless you and your families beyond your imagination, with beautiful evidence of His divine exchange—beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and praise instead of heaviness. May your journey continue from glory to glory!
With heartfelt gratitude and love,
Rev. Joyce King ❤️🙏🏾
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