Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
May 7, 2023
Matthew 28:16-20
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”
Good Morning, Go and make disciples of all nations!
Most adults have experienced that moment when they feel totally alone. It is a very uncomfortable feeling. What amazes me is that my most alone feeling came when I was in a crowd of people. I was among strangers with whom I held little or nothing in common. All I wanted to do was to return to my space, my home.
In my home, I would be by myself, so why did I feel less alone at home versus in a big crowd of people? For me, it had to do with the noise of the group and the feeling that I was without personal space. I was challenged to sense God with me when my senses were in this overloaded moment of wariness. I felt I had no identity and didn’t belong, so I didn’t stay there very long.
Perhaps I could have been stronger and better prepared for the crowd if I had “strapped on” God before entering that space. We can feel utterly alone when we forget to invite God to share our lives with us. Imagine being among those disciples that morning and being asked to go out and teach, preach, baptize, and make disciples. Only by the grace of God are such things possible within us as mere mortals. I know that when I embrace my call to serve God, I always feel the strength and power of God surging within me.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in the place.
I can feel His mighty power and His grace
I can hear the brush of angel’s wings
I see glory on each face
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place
God is with us! Jesus is with us! Praise be to God! Psalm 46:10 reminds us to seek God’s presence in the quietness of the moment. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.”
Blessed God, We thank you for Your blessings. Help us take time to notice your presence in our lives. You surround us with your love. Thank You! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God is with me always.
Invite God into your space! Pastor Liz
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