Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
March 3, 2025
Mark 16:15
15 He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to every creature.
Good Morning. We are to make disciples in Christ for the transformation of the world.
That is our mandate from God! How do we do this? We are to proclaim the good news of God’s grace.
The biggest stumbling block in following this call is our concept that the church is held within the four walls of our beautiful sanctuaries. I love the spaces that generations of Christians have created for worship. Whenever I walk into this divine space, I feel safe and blessed as I sit and allow God’s presence to envelop me. One of my favorite sanctuary features is the stained glass windows. As the light is diffused through the colored panes, I am moved into a liminal space of joy.
It’s easy to believe that everyone would want to come to these beautiful worship spaces, but the church can be intimidating for the unchurched, especially those of different cultures. It is foreign to anything they have experienced, and that is just getting them to walk through the doors.
I love the liturgy engrained in our services, but again, it makes those who haven’t grown up with these traditions uncomfortable. When do I stand, and when do I sit? Why are people going to the front? Which book are they using? These are all barriers.
So, how do we move ourselves outside our comfort zones of beauty and safety and into the messy, chaotic world filled with strangers who sound, look, smell, and think differently than we do? First, we must take the first step by asking God for strength and guidance. Second, it is easier to have a partner in these ventures. Finally, we have to open the doors of our hearts and minds and allow God’s love and grace to flow through us as we share our God stories with others.
Loving Lord, Maker of all things! You love us! Help us overcome our fear when we share our testimonies with others. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Boldly walk into the world wearing the face of Christ!
Allow God to lead you to the lost and lonely! Pastor Liz
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