Morning Devotional 011626 Fully Clothed to Overcome

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

January 16, 2026

Hebrews 10:19-25

19 Brothers and sisters, we have confidence that we can enter the holy of holies by means of Jesus’ blood, 20 through a new and living way that he opened up for us through the curtain, which is his body, 21 and we have a great high priest over God’s house. 22 Therefore, let’s draw near with a genuine heart with the certainty that our faith gives us, since our hearts are sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies are washed with pure water. 23 Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable. 24 And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. 25 Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.

Good Morning! Jesus came to provide us with a portal to God.

22 Therefore, let’s draw near with a genuine heart with the certainty that our faith gives us, since our hearts are sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies are washed with pure water. 23 Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable.

It seems to be an all too common occurrence to read of injustice and despair among my friends, as well as those strangers whose names or faces suddenly appear in the news. I am saddened by the pain and suffering that each of God’s children is facing. I thank God for the mercy and love that those who claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior are freely given. 

God would not choose for anyone to be terrorized in their own home or community, nor fall victim to incurable medical diagnoses. When we suffer, God suffers with us and provides us with comfort, love, and strength. 

I know that our present day suffers will not compare to God’s glory that awaits each of us when we arrive in paradise. On our dark days, we have choices. We can throw up our hands in defeat, do nothing but sit and wait for a better day, or face our challenges clothed in the full armor of God. 

God calls us to build our foundation of faith daily by praying, meditating, reading, and studying scripture, and joining with others in the community of faith so that we have the tools that we need when our world comes crashing down around us. God never intended for us to walk this journey alone. God sent Jesus to light our way through the darkness.

Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Redeeming Lord, you bless us abundantly! We are weak, but you are strong. Thank you for leading us during our times of doubt and despair. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: Every effort to encourage and support one another matters.

Begin today with God by your side. Pastor Liz