Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
June 20, 2023
Psalm 29:1-11
1 You, divine beings! Give to the LORD give to the LORD glory and power! 2 Give to the LORD the glory due his name! Bow down to the LORD in holy splendor! 3 The LORD’s voice is over the waters; the glorious God thunders; the LORD is over the mighty waters. 4 The LORD’s voice is strong; the LORD’s voice is majestic. 5 The LORD’s voice breaks cedar trees. Yes, the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon jump around like a young bull and makes Sirion jump around like a young wild ox. 7 The LORD’s voice unleashes fiery flames; 8 the LORD’s voice shakes the wilderness yes, the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The LORD’s voice convulses the oaks and strips the forests bare, but in his temple, everyone shouts, “Glory!” 10 The LORD sits enthroned over the floodwaters; the LORD sits enthroned—king forever! 11 Let the LORD give strength to his people! Let the LORD bless his people with peace!
Good Morning, Rejoice, Rejoice, Again I say Rejoice!
As I reflect upon the 2023 Virginia Annual Conference, I shout, “Glory!” The conference gave me spiritual fulfillment as I worshiped and prayed with the participants. As a body, we conducted the business before us as the grace of God led us. For the first time in three years, we could share Holy Communion together. We celebrated and commissioned new pastors, rejoiced in those retiring, and remembered those who had gone to be with our Lord and Savior.
Now, it is time for us to embrace the challenges before us, go outside our walls, and make disciples in Jesus Christ to transform the world. We serve a mighty God who provides us with the tools to share the Good News.
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:35-38
Some of our efforts will succeed, while others will fail. Jesus asks us to focus on those ready to hear the message of hope, for it is their time to join the fellowship of believers. Do not get distracted by those who are not yet ready! Share your peace, the peace of Christ, with those who yearn to have their thirst quenched.
Each day begins by thanking God. Throughout the day, thank God! Before going to bed, thank God! Regardless of your successes and failures, thank God for all things.
Loving God, We thank you for Your blessings. Our failures challenge us. Help us focus on what is good and what is holy! Even when we fall short of Your glory, You love us and comfort us. We Thank You! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Even when I fail, I will remain grateful to God.
Be Grateful! Pastor Liz
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