Morning Devotional 081625 Stand Up for Jesus

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

August 16, 2025

Matthew 10:26-31

26 “Therefore, don’t be afraid of those people because nothing is hidden that won’t be revealed, and nothing secret that won’t be brought out into the open. 27 What I say to you in the darkness, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, announce from the rooftops. 28 Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body but can’t kill the soul. Instead, be afraid of the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell. 29 Aren’t two sparrows sold for a small coin? But not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father knowing about it already. 30 Even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 Don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.

Good Morning! I sing because I’m happy!

The promise of God's protection and the hope of a new tomorrow satisfy my heart. We all have days when it seems as if the world is crumbling around us. In those moments, we struggle with what we should do. Should we run and hide, or are we too terrified to move? The other option is to stand your ground, not because you can’t move but because you choose to stand for what is right. 

Psychiatrists categorize our reaction to a perceived threat as freeze, fight, or flight. Without God’s grace and mercy, it would seem logical when confronted by a force bigger than you can handle to flee from its path, and there are times when we are so terrified we are unable even to flee because our feet won’t move. 

As believers and followers of Christ, we have within us the power of God that can even defeat death. To stand for justice and right takes courage, but for each one who stands, the power of evil is diminished. Be brave, stand tall, others will join. God has got your back.

Just one voice

Singing in the darkness

All it takes is one voice

Singing so they hear what's on your mind

And when you look around you'll find

There's more than one voice

Singing in the darkness

Joining with your one voice

Each and every note or another octave

Hands are joined and fears unlocked

If only one voice would start it on it's own

We need just one voice facing the unknown

And then that one voice would never be alone

It takes that one voice

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! When we are confronted with evil, we get scared. Help us harness the power that lies within us, so that we may teach the world to love one another. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Even in uncertain times, know that Jesus watches over us.

Stand for Jesus! Pastor Liz