Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
January 3, 2024
1 Thessalonians 5:12-23
12 Brothers and sisters, we ask you to respect those who are working with you, leading you, and instructing you. 13 Think of them highly with love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are disorderly. Comfort the discouraged. Help the weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure no one repays a wrong with a wrong, but always pursue the good for each other and everyone else. 16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray continually. 18 Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t suppress the Spirit. 20 Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, 21 but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil. 23 Now, may the God of peace himself cause you to be completely dedicated to him; and may your spirit, soul, and body be kept intact and blameless at our Lord Jesus Christ’s coming.
Good Morning! Hang on to what is good!
In any given situation, there are many things upon which we can focus. I call these the “coulda, shoulda, woulda” moments in our lives.
Meanwhile, in the moment, we have choices and decisions to make. After the moment, we play the scenario over again and again, thinking about how we might have acted differently. I could have done this, or I should have done it another way. We even consider the thought: if only I had known, I would have responded better.
During his earthly walk, Jesus taught us to listen to God, who works through the Holy Spirit within us. We are to humble ourselves and work for the good of all, especially those who cannot do this for themselves. When we focus on the good, we are no longer distracted by the evil that is poking at us on all sides.
Through Christ, we can find the peace that God provides.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We are easily pulled into the fray of evil because we want to know the details. Help us remember to submit ourselves so that we find the peace that centers us. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Focus on what is good and give thanks to God.
On this tenth day of Christmas, rejoice! Pastor Liz
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