Morning Devotional 020824 Spend Time with God

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  February 8, 2024

Psalm 19:1-9

1 Heaven is declaring God’s glory; the sky is proclaiming his handiwork. 2 One day gushes the news to the next, and one night informs another what needs to be known. 3 Of course, there’s no speech, no words their voices can’t be heard 4 but their sound extends throughout the world; their words reach the ends of the earth. God has made a tent in heaven for the sun. 5 The sun is like a groom coming out of his honeymoon suite; like a warrior, it thrills at running its course. 6 It rises in one end of the sky; its circuit is complete at the other. Nothing escapes its heat. 7 The LORD’s Instruction is perfect, reviving one’s very being. The LORD’s laws are faithful, making naive people wise. 8 The LORD’s regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The LORD’s commands are pure, giving light to the eyes. 9 Honoring the LORD is correct, lasting forever. The LORD’s judgments are true. All of these are righteous! 10 They are more desirable than gold than tons of pure gold! They are sweeter than honey even dripping off the honeycomb! 11 No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them; there is great reward in keeping them. 12 But can anyone know what they’ve accidentally done wrong? Clear me of any unknown sin 13 and save your servant from willful sins. Don’t let them rule me. Then I’ll be completely blameless; I’ll be innocent of great wrongdoing. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Good Morning! Focus on the beauty of nature!

When I am troubled or feeling overwhelmed, I go on a walk! I don’t use earbuds or headphones because I want to commune with God. Sometimes, I walk and just let my mind wander through my issues, but other times, I purposely work to free my mind and focus on what I am seeing as I travel along my path. 

I embrace the presence of God as I look closely at a flower petal, hear the birds singing, or feel the gentle breeze that brushes my cheek. When I focus on those things, I can slowly release my worries to God. I remember that God is with me and directing me. 

In these moments, I thank God for my blessings and accept God’s love and mercy for me. God loves me as I am and gives me the tools to become the child he created. 

Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. Direct the words of our mouths so that we share kindness and love with all we meet. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Experience God’s goodness through the world that surrounds us.

Share time with God! Pastor Liz