Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
June 29, 2022
Read Isaiah 41:6-10
6 Each helps the other, each saying to the other, “Take courage!” 7 The craftsman encourages the metalworker; the one who smoothes with the hammer encourages the one who strikes the anvil, saying of the welding, “That’s good,” and strengthening it with nails so it won’t move. 8 But you, Israel my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, offspring of Abraham, whom I love, 9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant; I chose you and didn’t reject you”: 10 Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand.
Good morning! Fear not, God is with us!
In between my quiet morning prayer time and my evening prayer time, my life is a bit hectic with the move. This is either my first week of my last summer vacation from school, or it is the first week of my retirement from teaching. LOL Right now, it feels more like the first choice because summer time off has been part of my life for a long time. This last week of June also contains moving day for the United Methodist Church, so again it seems “normal”.
As much as I long for a day when all is not upside down, there is also a bit of excitement in the anticipation of starting a new chapter of ministry. All of those churches, their members, and especially the friends and family that I have developed along the way are forever a part of me and my calling. One of the joys of the Annual Conference is getting to reconnect in person with the special people who are part of my faith journey. When we meet, we laugh, we talk, and we catch up on each other’s news.
Each of us within the family of God are there to support and nurture each other along the way. We are all special because God has chosen us and given us unique gifts that are necessary for the building of the kingdom. Regardless of our challenges, God is with us always. Fear not, I am with you so be not dismayed. I will strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand, upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
In response to our gifts, God asks for us to join in a relationship and share our lives through our prayers and devotions to Him. Imagine sharing a story with a friend with all the laughing and crying that is part of the story. God is waiting to share our lives with us. We each have our own story to share! Fear not, God has chosen you and will not reject you!
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. You are powerful, yet you still are interested in our daily lives. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: I will tell God about my day today.
Laugh with God! Pastor Liz
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