Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
August 15, 2023
1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
12 Brothers and sisters, we ask you to respect those who are working with you, leading you, and instructing you. 13 Think of them highly with love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are disorderly. Comfort the discouraged. Help the weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure no one repays a wrong with a wrong, but always pursue the good for each other and everyone else. 16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray continually. 18 Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Good Morning; Give thanks to God in every situation.
16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray continually. 18 Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Rejoice! Pray! Give Thanks! I adopted these words from this verse as my mantra when I answered God’s call to me to become a pastor and preach the word. Me? A pastor? Are you sure, God?
Answering God’s call has been a blessing in all parts of my life. Each day, week, and month has provided me with comfort, laughter, and challenges over the past three years. Of course, it is easy to Rejoice and Give Thanks when things are good, but I am learning to rejoice and thank God for the “opportunities” for growth that I encounter along my journey.
Thank you, God, for teaching me and leading me when I am at the bedside of one who is dying. Hallelujah for the chance to read and discern your word for me and for those that I lead. I sing praise as I wrestle with your text and how you are speaking to your children today in this chaotic world.
Praying continually allows me time each day to speak to you anytime I want. Like a friend with whom I share my life, you are there listening when we speak and speaking when we are ready to listen. My quiet conversations with God are when I feel closest to God as we share a divine space. Praying for others is a special blessing as I call to You to work in the lives of others. Help me be a prayer warrior on behalf of all who are in need!
Thank you, God, for revealing yourself as our parent, sending your Son Jesus to light the way, and filling us with your power through the Holy Spirit.
Merciful God, We thank you! Rejoice! Pray! Give Thanks! Help us embrace our lives as an opportunity to serve You as we care for all who have needs. Thank you! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Praying for others is a gift I give to them and to myself.
Rejoice! Pray! Give Thanks! Pastor Liz
Comments