Morning Devotional 071325 Always and Forever

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

July 13, 2025

Isaiah 49:14-18

14 But Zion says, “The LORD has abandoned me; my Lord has forgotten me.” 15 Can a woman forget her nursing child, fail to pity the child of her womb? Even these may forget, but I won’t forget you. 16 Look, on my palms I’ve inscribed you; your walls are before me continually. 17 Your builders come quickly; those who destroy and demolish you will depart from you. 18 Look up all around and see: they are all gathered; they come to you. As surely as I live, says the LORD, you will put them all on like ornaments, bind them on like a bride.

Good Morning! Take time to praise God!

What do you do when you are busy, but you need to remember something for later? I use a variety of techniques, including holding up a finger, tying a string around my finger, writing something on my hand, or typing a word or number on my phone. 

Later, when things have calmed down, I notice my reminder and think, “Oh yes, I remember!” Of course, there are those times when remembering comes more slowly. I find myself awaking at night, and suddenly what I needed to remember is right there before me. 

I recall a movie where a human becomes God and suddenly hears all the prayers and thoughts directed to God. I get the feeling that their brain is exploding from all the words coming at them. 

Only God can hear and make sense of all our prayers and thoughts. God will never forget, nor ignore our pleas. Verse 16 says, “Look, on my palms, I’ve inscribed you.” When I think of inscribing something, it is more than a hurried scribble that washes away or fades with time. An inscription is forever. Even when my eyes grow too weary to read, I can feel the etching and remember. We are all important to God, who will never forget us. 

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! Thank you for loving us so deeply. Even when we forget to spend time with you, you are always there waiting for us to come. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: I can find peace knowing that God loves me always.

Always and Forever! Pastor Liz