Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
May 24, 2024
Romans 12:9-15
9 Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. 10 Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. 11 Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! 12 Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. 14 Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying.
Good Morning! Hate evil, and hold on to what is good!
As I reflect on this scripture, I'm reminded of the model for Christian living that Christ has given us. Today, despite feeling tired from my recent trip, I'm inspired by verse 11: 'Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic–be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord!' This verse encourages us to serve the Lord with passion and zeal, regardless of our circumstances.
In my experience, we have so many preconceived ideas of how worship should happen. As children, many of us were taught to sit quietly and don’t wiggle too much during the service. This is how children were to act, but most adults act this way as well.
It seems that we are to put on airs of sophistication by dressing our best and sitting with an approving smile on our faces. For me, this is a pretty boring way to spend an hour each Sunday morning. Who decided that we couldn’t respond to the Good News as we felt moved?
Certainly, there are denominations that are very engaged in worship, but sadly, most mainstream denominations are devoid of engagement. Imagine receiving a wonderful gift, the one you most hoped for or one that is totally unexpected. How do you react? You get excited, laugh, smile, or even cry tears of happiness.
Isn’t that what the Good News is: a gift so great that we could never have earned or expected it? Then why the non-expressive faces and reactions? Church is a place to rejoice and praise God, join in fellowship with the body of Christ, and support and nurture one another.
11 Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord!
Exciting God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We thank you, but we have forgotten how to show true gratitude when we worship. Help us let down our guard and celebrate the awe and wonder that you present to us. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Respond enthusiastically to God’s love.
Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is love! Pastor Liz
Commenti