Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
March 2, 2023
Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
7 But we have this treasure in clay pots so that the awesome power belongs to God and doesn’t come from us. 8 We are experiencing all kinds of trouble, but we aren’t crushed. We are confused, but we aren’t depressed. 9 We are harassed, but we aren’t abandoned. We are knocked down, but we aren’t knocked out. 10 We always carry Jesus’ death around in our bodies so that Jesus’ life can also be seen in our bodies. 11 We who are alive are always being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake so that Jesus’ life can also be seen in our bodies that are dying. 12 So death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 13 We have the same faithful spirit as what is written in scripture: I had faith, and so I spoke. We also have faith, and so we also speak. 14 We do this because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus, and he will bring us into his presence along with you. 15 All these things are for your benefit. As grace increases to benefit more and more people, it will cause gratitude to increase, which results in God’s glory. 16 So we aren’t depressed. But even if our bodies are breaking down on the outside, the person that we are on the inside is being renewed every day. 17 Our temporary minor problems are producing an eternal stockpile of glory for us that is beyond all comparison. 18 We don’t focus on the things that can be seen but on the things that can’t be seen. The things that can be seen don’t last, but the things that can’t be seen are eternal.
Good Morning, Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary!
Today is March 2, 2023. When I began this new year two short months ago, I could never have envisioned the events that would unfold around me. In times of uncertainty, I have learned that I must cling to my God, who promises to deliver me.
Psalm 116:10, from which Paul draws in vs. 13, says, 10 “I kept my faith, even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted” NRSV I like the wording of the Amplified Bible Translation that expounds upon the extent of belief/faith. 10 I believed (trusted in, relied on, and clung to my God), and therefore have I spoken [even when I said], I am greatly afflicted. AMPC
7 But we have this treasure in clay pots so that the awesome power belongs to God and doesn’t come from us. 8 We are experiencing all kinds of trouble, but we aren’t crushed. We are confused, but we aren’t depressed. 9 We are harassed, but we aren’t abandoned. We are knocked down, but we aren’t knocked out.
I believe in God with all my heart, soul, and strength, and I know that he does not cause bad things. I do know that when bad things happen, God looks for and focuses on the good that can be found in the situation. God can turn things upside down and inside out so that we may grow and prosper from the ashes.
Our world is broken, and it is easy to focus on everything that is wrong or out of sync with what we see as God’s plan for the world. Over the past 36 days, I have learned that through the darkness that seems to envelop the earth, the light of Christ is shining brightly. The members of the Madison Charge and I are experiencing all that is good in our community and the world.
The unexpected acts of care and compassion continue to flow to us as we move forward to restore Rose Park. The donations of money, goods, and services are truly overwhelming. These are not simple, shallow gifts from those who are giving because they feel obligated. These gifts come from deep within the givers' hearts because they reflect sacrifices of time and effort.
As we step forward each day, we believe that though we were knocked down, we are not knocked out. Our Lord is with us and gives us the strength to face each new challenge. Even when we grow weary, God will raise us up so that we can continue our path to glory. While our bodies decline, our souls are renewed every day. We must always trust, rely upon, and cling to our God, who promises to always be with us.
Gracious God, Thank You for being with us. You bless us. Wow! These are crazy times. We know that only through your grace, power, and strength will we overcome our difficulties. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Even as my body declines, my spirit is made new in Christ.
Give thanks for all things! Pastor Liz
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