Morning Devotional 031825 Stand For Goodness and Mercy

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  March 18, 2025

Philippians 2:12-18

12 Therefore, my loved ones, just as you always obey me, not just when I am present but now even more while I am away, carry out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes. 14 Do everything without grumbling and arguing 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, innocent children of God surrounded by people who are crooked and corrupt. Among these people you shine like stars in the world 16 because you hold on to the word of life. This will allow me to say on the day of Christ that I haven’t run for nothing or worked for nothing. 17 But even if I am poured out like a drink offering upon the altar of service for your faith, I am glad. I’m glad with all of you. 18 You should be glad about this in the same way. Be glad with me!

Good Morning. God loves a cheerful giver!

One day, I was walking along a busy street when I came upon a loud group of teens. The teens were making fun of one person who was in the group. It might have started as a joke, but it grew into an awkward situation where their comments obviously hurt the one who was the butt of the joke. 

Curiously, I tried to listen to their insinuations. On the surface, this looked like a homogenous group of teens. No one stood out as being different from the others. How had this one member affronted the others to the point of this public display of contempt?

This teen had supported a classmate, an outcast from this group, during a struggle in the hallway. The group was walking, talking, and messing around when they bumped into this classmate and knocked all they were holding from their hands. Papers, pens, and odds-n-ends scattered over the floor. 

The group laughed and walked on, barely noticing the efforts of the one whose things were scattered to gather their things. One, the one who was now being made fun of, stopped and helped her pick up her things, and now, the group was making fun of him for his kindness. 

My heart ached with empathy, and then, unexpectedly, another member of the group moved and stood with the one who had helped. No words were exchanged, but the action spoke volumes. 

The actions of the person who offered kindness and the person who stood in support show us God’s way of serving our neighbors. Don’t miss an opportunity to be a light to someone whose world is covered by the shadows of indignation. 

Loving Lord, Maker of all things!  Sometimes, we are afraid to speak up for those who need help. Give us the strength to serve with the love and compassion that you provide us. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Serve God with joy today!

Be the light of hope for the hopeless! Pastor Liz