Morning Devotional 030326 Stand Up For Jesus

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

March 3, 2026

2 Timothy 3:10-17

10 But you have paid attention to my teaching, conduct, purpose, faithfulness, patience, love, and endurance. 11 You have seen me experience physical abuse and ordeals in places such as Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I put up with all sorts of abuse, and the Lord rescued me from it all! 12 In fact, anyone who wants to live a holy life in Christ Jesus will be harassed. 13 But evil people and swindlers will grow even worse, as they deceive others while being deceived themselves. 14 But you must continue with the things you have learned and found convincing. You know who taught you. 15 Since childhood, you have known the holy scriptures that help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus. 16 Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, 17 so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.

Good Morning, God equips us for our journey!

Each day, we see evidence that evil is growing at an alarming rate. It is understandable when some succumb to fear. Those worst-case scenarios play in our heads. We ask, “How can people be so hurtful to each other?” Others ask, “How will the world survive if we continue in this direction?” 

In 2 Chronicles 7:14, we read,  "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 

We, God’s children, must lead the way forward dressed in the armor of God. In Ephesians 6, Paul shares, 

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

God equips each of us with all that is necessary to overcome evil. We must take action to stand up against evil: not with pointed swords, but with the powerful force of love, truth, mercy, peace, and faith in God.

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! What a mess we have made of your perfection. Help us stop and listen to your directions. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: It’s time to stand with God!

God stands with those who humble themselves! Pastor Liz