Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
July 21, 2021
Read Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.
Good Morning! Again I say rejoice!
This is Lowell’s first heavenly birthday! Let us rejoice and be glad in it for if we are Christians the day we go and join our Lord is indeed a day of celebration. Lowell shared these ideas at each funeral service that he had the privilege to officiate during his earthly ministry. We, who are left behind, are sad for our loss and I deeply grieve not being able to be together and to hug each other, but I am blessed with such wonderful memories and the knowledge that we will be rejoined together one day. On this one-year anniversary, I am reminded that we know not the day, nor the hour that we will be called so we must be forever vigilant in our faith journey. I smile as I envision Lowell joking, talking to Jesus, and feasting at the heavenly banquet table without the pain of cancer that filled his last days on this earth. Thank you, God, for giving us a wonderful life together. Hallelujah!
Many of you know about my connection with the light. This is a perfect passage around which to start my day today! I have been fascinated by lighthouses for a long time. I love the stories that go with each beautiful tower, and I have been fortunate enough to climb to the top of many lighthouses on the east coast. One of my favorite trips to Florida included a day when I climbed to the top of three lighthouse towers on the same day: St. Augustine, Ponce de Leon, and Key Biscayne. This was followed a couple of days later by an ascent to the top of the Key West lighthouse.
Just as each emission of light represents a way home for those who are at sea, Jesus is our lighthouse lighting our way, standing tall, in this world of darkness. The story does not stop there because we are called to accept Jesus and let His light shine from us to light the path along the way as we journey towards Jesus on our faith journey. As with any source of light, there are bright spots, but there are also shadows. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are walking in the light, but there are so many lost or wayward children who are in the shadows, stumbling in the darkness. We must let our light shine to light their path to the way, the truth, and the light of Jesus. We must be brave as we are called to be the light of Christ for we will encounter our own challenges along the way. “When day comes, we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid. The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.” Amanda Gorman Jan. 2021
Each night the light of love and mercy shines on the hill,
Awaiting the dawning of a new day, it shines
Through times of trouble and times of celebration
The light continues to shine.
For more than two hundred years, God’s name has been lifted in praise,
Parishioners have proclaimed the word of God in the mountains and valleys.
Sharing the light of the world with family and friends, neighbors, and enemies.
The light continues to shine.
Even the challenges of our present-day problems and unrest across our nation
Cannot dim the light. The light continues to shine.
Each generation of believers must pick up the cross and share the light.
So the light continues to shine.
Lord Jesus, you brought the light into the world with your birth.
You walked among us and taught us how to share the light.
Many have tried to extinguish the light,
But the light continues to shine.
Liz Petry 2021
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. This is the day to accept the challenge and let Your light shine through us. May we lovingly, passionately share Your light with the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: I can use my faith to bring out the best in others.
Be the light! Pastor Liz
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