Morning Devotional 080425 Blessed Are Those Who Serve

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

August 4, 2025

Isaiah 41:8-10

 But you, Israel my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, offspring of Abraham, whom I love, 9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant; I chose you and didn’t reject you”: 10 Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand.

Good Morning! God chooses us and loves us.

We are God’s chosen people. We are set apart and given the honor to be servants of God. Those words seem to be contradictory to each other. How can it be an honor to be a servant? First, in Matthew 22:14, we read, “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Most importantly, as servants of God, we are called to be active participants in the greatest love story ever told. We are blessed with the skills and provisions that we need to carry out our assigned role. We are walking in the light of Jesus, who is always by our side, and we are filled with the Holy Spirit, who is within us, transforming us into our best selves.

Verse 10 is one of my mantra verses, a verse which I repeat when I’m approaching challenges, in the midst of challenges, and overcoming challenges. “Fear not, I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand.”

When we consider all we’ve been given, it is only natural to praise God with shouts of joy. Hallelujah! Amen! 

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! We think of being a servant as a negative thing. We don’t understand that when you make us servants, you are blessing us. Thank you for opening our hearts and minds to serve you. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: God holds in his hand!

Blessed be those who serve God!  Pastor Liz