Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
January 22, 2022
Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
1 It is necessary to brag, not that it does any good. I’ll move on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago. I don’t know whether it was in the body or out of the body. God knows. 3 - 4 I know that this man was caught up in paradise and that he heard unspeakable words that were things no one is allowed to repeat. I don’t know whether it was in the body or apart from the body. God knows. 5 I’ll brag about this man, but I won’t brag about myself, except to brag about my weaknesses. 6 If I did want to brag, I wouldn’t make a fool of myself because I’d tell the truth. I’m holding back from bragging so that no one will give me any more credit than what anyone sees or hears about me. 7 I was given a thorn in my body because of the outstanding revelations I’ve received so that I wouldn’t be conceited. It’s a messenger from Satan sent to torment me so that I wouldn’t be conceited. 8 I pleaded with the Lord three times for it to leave me alone. 9 He said to me, “My grace is enough for you because power is made perfect in weakness.” So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power can rest on me. 10 Therefore, I’m all right with weaknesses, insults, disasters, harassments, and stressful situations for the sake of Christ, because when I’m weak, then I’m strong.
Good Morning! I once was lost, but now I’m found.
God loves us! Amen! Because there is nothing that we can do to earn God’s love, there is no reason for us to brag about our contributions to others. As children of God, we are called to serve others humbly as Christ modeled for us during his time on the earth. God knows our every thought and action even before we awaken. When we serve in humility without accolades and fanfare, we are fulfilling our calling.
There are times when we are hurt or angry because we believe that God is not listening to us. We ask, “why isn’t God answering my prayers?” God’s ways are not our ways! Regardless of our problems, God is with us and uses our weaknesses to make us stronger. When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, God promises to be by our side through whatever challenges we face.
God blesses each of us with unconditional love. Through the acceptance of this love comes power. We must simply open our hearts and trust God. We are called to go where we are led with joy in our hearts.
Creator God, Thank You for loving us. You made us and gave us the ability to love and to think. Help us accept that we do not know everything, and trust that you will provide for our needs. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God’s grace is with us today and always.
Trust and Obey! Pastor Liz
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