Morning Devotional 051222 Free Yourself!

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

May 12, 2022

Read Isaiah 43:16-21

16 The LORD says—who makes a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters, 17 who brings out chariot and horse, army and battalion; they will lie down together and will not rise; they will be extinguished, extinguished like a wick. 18 Don’t remember the prior things; don’t ponder ancient history. 19 Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness. 20 The beasts of the field, the jackals and ostriches, will honor me, because I have put water in the desert and streams in the wilderness to give water to my people, my chosen ones, 21 this people whom I formed for myself, who will recount my praise.

Good Morning, We are part of a new way!

Our minds are funny, amazing things. Have you ever awoken when you were away from home, and had a brief moment of not knowing where you were? Perhaps you had a full day of traveling or you arrived during the night without having time to take in your surroundings. It takes a minute for our brain to acclimate and our eyes to focus. Then our whole body responds with an “Ah, I know!”

As Christians, we are called to leave behind those earthly things which occupied us previously. Christ paid for our sins and paid our debt in full so that we may live a new life full of love, grace, peace, and joy. We should take time to celebrate the beauty and wonder of God’s world that surrounds us. Yes, we must admit that we are sinners, but that God has made us for a better purpose.

God takes that which is barren, that which is broken, and that which is destroyed by the ravages of time and makes it whole again. Without Christ in our lives, we are among the broken and barren beings. Accept Christ and see the beauty erupt around you as you gaze at the splendor of God’s creation.

Finally, we must lead others to the path of righteousness, so that all can become whole and we can all feast together at God’s heavenly banquet table. When we choose a life with Christ, we are living a new life, free of the shackles of earthly burdens.

28 “Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.” Matthew 12:28-29 TLB

Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. Help us through off those shackles which burden us, O, Lord. Open our eyes to Your glory. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: With God, I can move beyond the negative memories that limit my life.

Cast away the chains that bind you! Pastor Liz