Morning Devotional 042825 Stand Up For Jesus

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  April 28, 2025

Matthew 5:1-12

1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. He sat down and his disciples came to him. 2 He taught them, saying: 3 “Happy are people who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 4 “Happy are people who grieve, because they will be made glad. 5 “Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth. 6 “Happy are people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because they will be fed until they are full. 7 “Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy. 8 “Happy are people who have pure hearts, because they will see God. 9 “Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children. 10 “Happy are people whose lives are harassed because they are righteous, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 11 “Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me. 12 Be full of joy and be glad, because you have a great reward in heaven. In the same way, people harassed the prophets who came before you.

Good Morning. Be full of joy and be glad!

We live in an interesting time when non-believers outnumber believers. Many non-Christians scoff at those who openly believe in God. In some countries, being a Christian is punishable by death. Our forefathers established this country upon the foundation of religious freedom. 

Due to this shift, we must learn to connect with people in various ways. If we continue to do church as we did when we were children, we will slip away into the crevices of society. Jesus calls us to boldly declare our faith as we exhibit the joy and happiness in our hearts. 

Some will mock us and call us fools, but Christ will stand beside the righteous and protect us from those who hurl insults. We must stand strong in our faith, so that we can find those who are ready to listen to the call of Jesus to come unto him. 

Loving Lord, Maker of all things! By your grace, we are your heirs. Help us to lead the way for others. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Even when it is difficult, we must live by faith. 

Happy are those who proclaim Christ as their Lord and Savior! Pastor Liz