Morning Devotional 081825 Shine For Jesus

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

August 18, 2025

2 Timothy 1:7-14

7 God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled. 8 So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of me, his prisoner. Instead, share the suffering for the good news, depending on God’s power. 9 God is the one who saved and called us with a holy calling. This wasn’t based on what we have done, but it was based on his own purpose and grace that he gave us in Christ Jesus before time began. 10 Now his grace is revealed through the appearance of our savior, Christ Jesus. He destroyed death and brought life and immortality into clear focus through the good news. 11 I was appointed a messenger, apostle, and teacher of this good news. 12 This is also why I’m suffering the way I do, but I’m not ashamed. I know the one in whom I’ve placed my trust. I’m convinced that God is powerful enough to protect what he has placed in my trust until that day. 13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Protect this good thing that has been placed in your trust through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Good Morning! God is the one who saved and called us with a holy calling.

By God’s grace as revealed through Jesus Christ, we are saved. By faith, we are to journey toward our God-given destiny: eternal life. We are not promised an easy road without challenges, but God promises to protect those who choose to follow Him every day. 

God gives us the choice to follow Christ. By doing so, we chose life and blessings. We are called to harness the power and love through the Holy Spirit so that we may stand up for one another. We are to provide for those who cannot provide for themselves, and to fight against the injustice that separates the outcasts from the community of faith. 

To be a Christian, doesn’t mean that we sit and count our blessings while we wait for Christ to return. We are called to live our lives as mirrors of Christ, so that the world will know to whom we belong. We must not be ashamed to shine the light of Christ that lives within us.

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! Help us when we forget that you set us apart to lead others from the darkness that is trying to envelop the world. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Lead so that others may follow you to Christ.

Let your light shine! Pastor Liz