Morning Devotional 072525 God's Vessel of Love

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

July 25, 2025

Mark 4:3-8

3 “Listen to this! A farmer went out to scatter seed. 4 As he was scattering seed, some fell on the path; and the birds came and ate it. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground where the soil was shallow. They sprouted immediately because the soil wasn’t deep. 6 When the sun came up, it scorched the plants, and they dried up because they had no roots. 7 Other seed fell among thorny plants. The thorny plants grew and choked out the seeds, producing nothing. 8 Other seed fell into good soil and bore fruit. Upon growing and increasing, the seed produced in one case a yield of thirty to one, in another case a yield of sixty to one, and in another case a yield of one hundred to one.”

Good Morning! Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Have you ever played the game where you try to transfer water from one pail to another placed at the end of the course? There are many variations to this game, which increase the level of difficulty. In the basic version, you have a cup and dip it in the water. Then, run as fast as you can to the other end and pour the remaining water into the bucket. 

Of course, water is spilled as you make your way down the path. You can increase the difficulty by using a smaller cup, a spoon, a sieve, or even a sponge. Regardless of the vessel you use to transport the water, your goal is to fill the bucket at the other end of the course. (On a hot summer day, the goal might be to see how wet you can get. 🫠)

Just like the farmer in the parable, the water that you spill will quickly dry up in the hot summer sun. The water spilled along the way will never reach the bucket you are trying to fill. If you happen to create a puddle of water, a bird or insect might find a place to quench its thirst. The water that fills the bucket will provide life-sustaining benefits to the one who receives it.

First, imagine working outside on a hot, humid day! Can you feel the stickiness of your skin, your parched mouth, the perspiration dripping from your brow, and, of course, the pungent odor filling the air around you (sorry for evoking that thought)? Now, think of drinking a cool sip of water on a hot summer day! Even sitting here typing, I can feel the relief that fills my body, heart, and soul. 

In that sip of water is everything I need for renewal and regeneration so that I might complete the task upon which I’m toiling. Like the seed that falls on fertile soil, allowing it to grow and multiply, God’s living water empowers us to continue our mission of sharing God’s love and serving one another. 

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! Sometimes, we run around trying to transport your love in a leaky sieve. Thank you for providing a never-ending supply for our journey.  Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Drink from the cup of living water and be renewed! 

We are God’s vessel!  Pastor Liz