Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
July 9, 2021
Read Psalm 119:1-8
1 Those whose way is blameless who walk in the LORD’s Instruction—are truly happy! 2 Those who guard God’s laws are truly happy! They seek God with all their hearts. 3 They don’t even do anything wrong! They walk in God’s ways. 4 God, you have ordered that your decrees should be kept most carefully. 5 How I wish my ways were strong when it comes to keeping your statutes! 6 Then I wouldn’t be ashamed when I examine all your commandments. 7 I will give thanks to you with a heart that does right as I learn your righteous rules. 8 I will keep your statutes. Please don’t leave me all alone!
Good Morning! Peace and joy abound!
Study and Walk in Faith! As I read today’s passage, I think of the number of trips that I have taken in my life. I love and embrace technology, but there is something to be said for paper maps when planning a trip to an unknown destination. As the daughter of a cartographer and later a geography teacher, I was reading maps at a young age. I was even schooled in the elusive art of map folding because of course maps must be refolded just so on the original fold lines every time.
Studying the maps in detail brings great excitement to me because I know this is the preparation for a journey. A funny thing about following maps is that you must know your starting point to have success. I remember a trip to a corn maze with some students. They were confident in their own abilities and ready to jump right in. So off we went with maps in hand and ready to tackle this challenge. After a while, they began to realize that they had no idea where we were going when we came to the same clearing the third time. That’s when they handed me the map and said, “what way do we go?” It was frustrating to try to figure out where we were and orient ourselves so that we could choose the correct path to follow. Eventually, we made it out!
When we are called by God, we must first study our map known as the Bible full of scriptures to help us on our journey. If we start our journey with God in our lives, the path will open itself in accordance with God’s plan. However, if we start our journey without reading God’s word, we are like the children in the corn maze, lost and unsure of our next turn. The Good News is that God will lead us when we call on Him. God is the keeper of our map and will be there whenever we are in need. Open your map, study the landmarks, and embark on your journey with confidence.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. Each day represents a new journey. Help us read and discern your will for us as we spend time talking to You. Thank you for being the map in our lives. May we follow you with the trust of children in a time of uncertainty. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: With God’s guidance I can always find my way.
Have you planned today’s journey? Pastor Liz
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