Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
Feb. 6, 2025
Mark 4:35-41
35 Later that day, when evening came, Jesus said to them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” 36 They left the crowd and took him in the boat just as he was. Other boats followed along. 37 Gale-force winds arose, and waves crashed against the boat so that the boat was swamped. 38 But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a pillow. They woke him up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re drowning?” 39 He got up and gave orders to the wind, and he said to the lake, “Silence! Be still!” The wind settled down and there was a great calm. 40 Jesus asked them, “Why are you frightened? Don’t you have faith yet?” 41 Overcome with awe, they said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”
Good Morning. How is it with your soul?
When the storms of life are raging, stand by me! Many feel that we are being tossed and turned in the turbulent seas of life. We are uncertain of the rapidly changing political landscape. Some people are launching protests, while others are hunkering down hoping the storm will pass leaving them unharmed.
The Virginia UM Conference Bishop wrote a letter reminding us that regardless of our differing political views, we are first of all, Christians. What does this mean? We must look inward for the characteristics of Christ as implanted through the Holy Spirit in our baptism.
We are called to be the face of Christ for the world. St. Francis said, “Where there is hatred, let me sow love!”
Lord. make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
And where there is sadness, joy.
O divine master, grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
And it’s in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen
Jesus loves us and protects us from all things. When we feel weak, we must call on him for strength to endure our current trials. “Silence! Be still!” The wind settled down and there was a great calm. 40 Jesus asked them, “Why are you frightened? Don’t you have faith yet?”
Loving Lord, Maker of all things! You love us! We are scared and struggling. Evil seems to have the upper hand. Help us find the calm that you bring to those who believe. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Life’s storms can bring us closer to Jesus.
Trust in the power of God’s love! Pastor Liz
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