Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
August 11, 2023
Psalm 118:8-16
8 It’s far better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust any human. 9 It’s far better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust any human leader. 10 All the nations surrounded me, but I cut them down in the LORD’s name. 11 Yes, they surrounded me on every single side, but I cut them down in the LORD’s name. 12 They surrounded me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns. I cut them down in the LORD’s name! 13 I was pushed so hard I nearly died, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD was my strength and protection; he was my saving help! 15 The sounds of joyful songs and deliverance are heard in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s strong hand is victorious! 16 The LORD’s strong hand is ready to strike! The LORD’s strong hand is victorious!”
Good Morning, Precious Lord, Take my Hand!
Everything in our lives begins with God! When we commit ourselves to God, God is with us always.
What habits do you have? Think of those things you do in a certain way and at a specific time. Habits are things that, when they are missing, make your whole day seem out of wack. Habits include things that are good for us as well as bad things. Out of habit, we might get up or go to bed at the same time each day. We might have a habit of chewing gum or drinking coffee in the morning. Most habits could be called routine.
So how do we start a new habit or routine? For example, if you decide to start an exercise program, it often begins with purposefully planning when and where the exercise will happen. At some point, it becomes a normal part of your day. Sometimes, our routines are abruptly halted due to a change of circumstances. If you strain a muscle, you must take it easy for a few days, and then all of that time developing the habit must begin again.
Do we have habits in how we spend time with God? Absolutely! Remember when the pandemic closed many churches for a period of time? People got out of the habit of going to church to worship God on Sunday mornings. Some joined virtual services while others started doing other things on Sunday mornings. We can also develop habits of prayer and meditation. My morning devotional time is precious to me, and I protect this special time from distractions and interruptions.
Everything in our lives begins with God! When we commit ourselves to God, God is with us always. When we make habits of spending time with God, we are blessed.
Loving God, We thank you! We easily fall in and out of habits. Help us remain steadfast in spending time with You. Thank you! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Jesus Christ is my salvation and the source of all I need.
Make God a habit in your life! Pastor Liz
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