Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
August 25, 2021
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
6 What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous crop. 7 Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver. 8 God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work. 9 As it is written, He scattered everywhere; he gave to the needy; his righteousness remains forever. 10 The one who supplies seed for planting and bread for eating will supply and multiply your seed and will increase your crop, which is righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every way. Such generosity produces thanksgiving to God through us. 12 Your ministry of this service to God’s people isn’t only fully meeting their needs but it is also multiplying in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. 13 They will give honor to God for your obedience to your confession of Christ’s gospel. They will do this because this service provides evidence of your obedience, and because of your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone. 14 They will also pray for you, and they will care deeply for you because of the outstanding grace that God has given to you. 15 Thank God for his gift that words can’t describe!
Good Morning! This is the day that the Lord has made!
I begin what I believe will be my final year of teaching today. Each group of students are a blessing, but come to us with special needs. As educators, it is important to see the potential in each child and show them the love and mercy that Christ showed to us. I start this morning with a quick prayer for all educators and all students. Dear Loving God, Be with us as we begin this new year together. May we embrace the opportunities to learn together. All glory is Yours! Amen!
Generosity is a great gift. I have been blessed by the generosity of many others throughout my life. This morning I am thinking of my Granny. Granny provided me with beautiful dresses. When I was young, we shopped for a velvet dress each year for Christmas. I carefully chose a different color and style so each one was special. When I was in high school, she provided me with my dresses for performances and for prom. Finally, when I was preparing to get married, she gave me the money for my wedding dress. She never did this out of obligation, but with love in her heart. I sensed great joy between us when we shopped together. Even as a youngster, I made a decision that I wanted to share this way with others.
When we share our gifts with each other, God blesses us. We are called to share based on what we have. Those who are blessed with a bountiful harvest are able to meet the needs of many. Those who have little can also share a portion of what they have. When we share our gifts, blessings abound for both the giver and the receiver. Praising our Savior together creates beautiful music. When we share God’s gifts, we are giving back to God as well.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. You bless us with so many gifts: gifts that grow each time they are shared with others. May we give of ourselves generously with joy in our hearts. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: What will I give back to God today?
Share and be blessed! Pastor Liz
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