Morning Devotional 043025 Peace Abides

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  April 30, 2025

1 Thessalonians 5:16-21

16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray continually. 18 Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t suppress the Spirit. 20 Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, 21 but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil. 23 Now, may the God of peace himself cause you to be completely dedicated to him; and may your spirit, soul, and body be kept intact and blameless at our Lord Jesus Christ’s coming. 24 The one who is calling you is faithful and will do this.

Good Morning. Make today a great day!

It’s a wonderful way to start the day when one of my sustaining Bible passages pops up. Rejoice always! Pray continually! Give thanks in all things! 

Yesterday’s conference sessions were amazing! There’s a lot of love and joy in a space filled with 285 female clergy. We began the day with singing and lifting praise to God. God’s presence moved among us as we learned, shared, and supported one another. 

 Don’t suppress the Spirit. 20 Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, 21 but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good.

I was filled with Spirit-filled messages that touched my soul and renewed the Spirit within me. We are called to examine and live into the unique calling that God places within each of us. Along our journeys, we meet those with whom we share experiences and those who have lived a very different life. 

These encounters allow us to share a part of ourselves while we receive the parts of others who share in return. Blessings upon blessings are available to all who seek Christ. This morning, I am rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. In these ways, we respond to our Creator. 

Seek the love, hope, joy, and peace that are freely offered. 

Loving Lord, Maker of all things! We love you, Lord, and we lift our praises to you. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Adopt a cheerful heart and see the beauty that surrounds us. 

Rejoice! Pray! Give Thanks! Pastor Liz