Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
January 21, 2023
Read Psalm 18:25-36
25 You deal faithfully with the faithful; you show integrity toward the one who has integrity. 26 You are pure toward the pure, but toward the crooked, you are tricky. 27 You are the one who saves people who suffer and brings down those with proud eyes. 28 You are the one who lights my lamp the LORD my God illumines my darkness. 29 With you I can charge into battle; with my God I can leap over a wall. 30 God! His way is perfect; the LORD’s word is tried and true. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. 31 Now really, who is divine except the LORD? And who is a rock but our God? 32 Only God! The God who equips me with strength and makes my way perfect, 33 who makes my step as sure as the deer’s, who lets me stand securely on the heights, 34 who trains my hands for war so my arms can bend a bronze bow. 35 You’ve given me the shield of your salvation; your strong hand has supported me; your help has made me great. 36 You’ve let me walk fast and safe, without even twisting an ankle.
Good Morning, Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in Joyful Song!
David wrote these verses as he was preparing for battles on two different fronts. The enemy was approaching from beyond the borders, but there was also dissent happening from within the walls of his own people. This is similar to a self-pep talk. As he prepares for battle, David focuses on all that he has because of God instead of the impending danger that draws near.
God does not cause our challenges, but God is with those who call upon his Holy name to see us through. Whatever enemies we face, illness, disease, persecution, or even death, God is with us. Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. - Micah 7:8 (NIV) When we focus on God on all that God provides for us, we will be triumphant. How do we find the light when we are covered with darkness? We gather in fellowship with other believers, we read scripture, we sing praises to God, and we pray.
So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can defeat us. Romans 8:31
Throughout our faith journey, we will have moments of strength and moments of weakness. As we pass through each valley and climb each mountain, rely on the strength that comes from God. God sent Jesus to be the light of the world. The light of Jesus is always present for those who seek it.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us three areas where we can know God's will: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Loving God, Thank You for being with us. You provide for our needs. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Faithful practice helps me find the light of God.
Follow the light! Pastor Liz
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