Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
June 2, 2022
Read John 15:9-17
9 “As the Father loved me, I too have loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete. 12 This is my commandment: Love each other just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I don’t call you servants any longer, because servants don’t know what their master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because everything I heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you could go and produce fruit and so that your fruit could last. As a result, whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. 17 I give you these commandments so that you can love each other.
Good Morning, Let us love one another.
Last night, I attended my school division's retirement celebration. What a blessing to be lifted up with fellow educators who have touched the lives of so many students! Each of us has our own experiences of nurturing and loving our children (students) as Christ taught us. Teachers are called to plant seeds and nurture their gardens/students so that their students might grow and bear much fruit.
Today’s passage from John when Jesus says that we are no longer servants, but friends, makes my heart soar each time I read it. Jesus taught us a new way and shared God’s love with us so that we could share this love with others. Like ripples emanating from a pebble tossed into the pond, the love continues to grow as each person is invited into the fellowship of love.
We are each called, in Jesus’ name, to be the source of love to all that we encounter. There are so many who have yet to hear the Good News. Our mission is to go and make disciples and transform the world: a world of love, a world in which we do not grow weary.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. Thy Word is a light unto our path! May we embrace the love and share it with all we meet. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Through all my triumphs and trials, I will remember God’s love.
Love Another! Pastor Liz
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