Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
July 7, 2023
Psalm 32:1-11
1 The one whose wrongdoing is forgiven, whose sin is covered over, is truly happy! 2 The one the LORD doesn’t consider guilty in whose spirit there is no dishonesty that one is truly happy! 3 When I kept quiet, my bones wore out; I was groaning all day long every day, every night! 4 because your hand was heavy upon me. My energy was sapped as if in a summer drought. Selah 5 So I admitted my sin to you; I didn’t conceal my guilt. “I’ll confess my sins to the LORD,” is what I said. Then you removed the guilt of my sin. Selah 6 That’s why all the faithful should pray to you during troubled times, so that a great flood of water won’t reach them. 7 You are my secret hideout! You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of rescue! Selah 8 I will instruct you and teach you about the direction you should go. I’ll advise you and keep my eye on you. 9 Don’t be like some senseless horse or mule, whose movement must be controlled with a bit and a bridle. Don’t be anything like that! 10 The pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the LORD. 11 You who are righteous, rejoice in the LORD and be glad! All you whose hearts are right, sing out in joy!
Good Morning, All you whose hearts are right, sing out in joy!
It seems to be human nature to put our noses in the business of others. We seem to be programmed to judge one another. Many times, these are just simple things. “Did you see what Joan was wearing yesterday?” “Wow! Liz’s new hairstyle is different!” We share these conversations with our close friends, but sometimes what we say makes its way to the one we judge, and there are hurt feelings.
You might be saying that you would never say something like that. Good for you! What is in your heart and thoughts even if you don’t say it aloud? Fifteen hundred years after Noah's great flood, King Solomon was receiving some advice from his father, King David, who said, “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts” 1 Chronicles 28:9.
All is not lost! When we recognize and ask forgiveness for our sins, God forgives us. God accepts us as we are and surrounds us with faithful love when we trust in our Lord.
9 Don’t be like some senseless horse or mule, whose movement must be controlled with a bit and a bridle. When we pray, we ask God to help us let go of our pride and stubbornness. We must allow the Holy Spirit to transform us.
Finally, we must listen to God and follow the signs to find our way. Our world is filled with false prophets and signs to pull us from our faith journey. Christ said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:16 Even in our moments of greatest despair, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.
Accept Christ and let the Holy Spirit make your heart right so that you may sing out in joy!
Loving God, We thank you for Your blessings. We focus on the problems of others instead of our own. We think we know best. Help us to let go of our sinful ways and offer ourselves to You. We Thank You! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God will show me the way if I pay attention.
Listen and Follow! Pastor Liz
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