Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
June 23, 2022
Read Romans 8:31-39
31 So what are we going to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He didn’t spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. Won’t he also freely give us all things with him? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect people? It is God who acquits them. 34 Who is going to convict them? It is Christ Jesus who died, even more, who was raised, and who also is at God’s right side. It is Christ Jesus who also pleads our case for us. 35 Who will separate us from Christ’s love? Will we be separated by trouble, or distress, or harassment, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, We are being put to death all day long for your sake. We are treated like sheep for slaughter. 37 But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us. 38 I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers 39 or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.
Good morning! We are called to take up the cross of Jesus!
The last day is now! What a ride the past 25 years have been as a teacher for 5 different school divisions in the Commonwealth of Virginia! I have experienced so many blessings as I touched and was touched by the lives of so many students, teachers, and staff. It still seems a bit surreal, and perhaps it won’t really sink in until I don’t go back to school in August.
God called and led me when I was “never going to be a teacher” to a career where I could care for God’s children who needed to feel the love of God in their lives. Two years ago, God called again and said that it was time for me to sing a new song. God called me to preach the Word and care for congregations of believers. These past two years have been a time of transition, growth, and transformation through which the Holy Spirit is working to prepare and teach me my “new” song.
I have loved my life as a teacher, and I eagerly anticipate this next chapter as I work to teach and love a new group of “students” with whom I can share the Word. Through our struggles and through our good times, we will grow together in Christ’s love as we are blessed by the fruits of the spirit.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. It is sometimes easy for us to dismiss our everyday blessings as ordinary things. Lord, help us see your gifts with open hearts and minds every moment. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: What is one way God has been faithful in my life?
Rejoice in the moment! Pastor Liz
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