SEPTEMBER 13 – DEVOTIONAL
THANK GOD FOR THE BEAUTY HE IS BRINGING FROM OUR ASHES
Psalm 103:1–5 | Isaiah 61:3 | 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Beloved, today, let us pause from our requests and simply give God thanks. We have entered another ember month, and the gift of life itself is a reason to praise Him. We are here because of His mercy, sustained by His grace, protected by His power, and provided for by His unfailing love.
Let us thank Him for bringing us through the months behind us and for carrying us into September—our Month of beauty for ashes with Divine Transformation. BOA is specially grateful to God for 8 years of grace and faithfulness. So let us all thank Him for the visible victories and the battles we never knew He fought for us. Thank Him for answered prayers and even the prayers that are still becoming testimonies.
Think of David, who experienced rejection, persecution, danger, and seasons of uncertainty. Yet, again and again, he returned to praise. He could say, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2). David understood that remembering God’s faithfulness gives strength for the journey.
Some of the things we now thank God for were once seasons that brought tears, fear, or uncertainty. God has sustained us through the ashes, and even where the transformation is still unfolding, His grace has kept us.
So today, thank Him for life, protection, provision, family, strength, grace, and the gift of another day. Thank Him because His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22–23).
You may not have seen everything you prayed for yet, but you have already seen enough of God’s faithfulness to know that He is worthy of your praise. Keep trusting Him.
May your heart overflow with gratitude today. May God continue to turn every ash into beauty, every testimony into encouragement, and every season into evidence of His faithfulness.
Have a thankful and blessed Sunday! May you and your family enjoy the gift of life, walk in God’s protection and provision, and experience the transforming power of His abundant grace. Shalom! 🙏🏽
Bible Reading Summary
Isaiah 12:1–14:32
Isaiah speaks of a future time when God’s people will rejoice because He has saved and comforted them. They will confidently praise Him and tell others about His greatness. The following chapters contain messages of judgment against Babylon, Assyria, Philistia, and other nations that opposed God’s people. Although nations may appear powerful, God remains sovereign over them all. Their pride and wickedness will not last forever. The passage reminds God’s people that they can find hope and security in Him.
Key Themes: Salvation, praise, God’s sovereignty, judgment, humility, hope, and God’s protection.
2 Corinthians 13:1–14
Paul prepares to visit Corinth for a third time and warns those who continue living in sin that he will address their behaviour firmly. He encourages the believers to examine themselves and make sure their faith is genuine. Paul desires their spiritual growth and restoration rather than their punishment. He closes by encouraging them to rejoice, pursue restoration, live in peace, and support one another. His final words remind them of God’s grace, Christ’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Key Themes: Self-examination, repentance, spiritual growth, restoration, peace, God’s grace, and Christian fellowship.
Psalm 57:1–11
David cries out to God for protection while hiding from those who want to harm him. He describes God as his refuge and trusts that God will send help from heaven. Although surrounded by danger, David chooses to praise God rather than focus on his circumstances. His confidence grows as he declares that God’s love and faithfulness reach the heavens. The psalm ends with repeated praise, recognising that God is exalted above all the earth.
Key Themes: God’s protection, refuge, faith, praise, courage, God’s faithfulness, and trusting God in danger.
Proverbs 23:9–11
These verses warn against wasting wisdom on people who deliberately reject correction. They also strongly defend the rights of vulnerable people, particularly those whose property or inheritance could be taken unfairly. God is described as their Defender, and He will stand against anyone who exploits them. The passage encourages us to respect others, listen to wise instruction, and never take advantage of those who are unable to defend themselves.
Key Themes: Wisdom, correction, justice, protecting the vulnerable, integrity, and God’s defence.
Final Reflection
Today’s passages remind us that God remains our refuge, defender, and source of hope regardless of what is happening around us. Isaiah shows that earthly powers and human pride cannot stand against God’s authority, while Paul calls us to examine our lives and pursue restoration. David demonstrates how praise can rise even in the middle of danger, and Proverbs reminds us to use wisdom and defend those who are vulnerable.
The simple lesson is this: Stay humble, examine your heart, trust God in difficult moments, and use your strength to protect and bless others. God is faithful, and He will never abandon those who put their trust in Him.
Mark Your Calendars! You’re Invited to the 2026 BOA Annual Conference!
You are specially invited to BOA’s Zoom meeting.
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 61:3-4
Host Minister Joyce King
Date: 9/13/26
Time 4pm EST, 8pm GMT, 9pm UK & 10pm European time.
Zoom ID: 819 4369 4022
Passcode: 936644
Join us in counting our blessings to acknowledge God with praise and thanksgiving for 8 years of grace and faithfulness, divine exchange, beauty for ashes
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