Morning Devotional 082525 Serving With Joy

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

August 25, 2025

Philippians 2:12-18

12 Therefore, my loved ones, just as you always obey me, not just when I am present but now even more while I am away, carry out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes. 14 Do everything without grumbling and arguing 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, innocent children of God surrounded by people who are crooked and corrupt. Among these people you shine like stars in the world 16 because you hold on to the word of life. This will allow me to say on the day of Christ that I haven’t run for nothing or worked for nothing. 17 But even if I am poured out like a drink offering upon the altar of service for your faith, I am glad. I’m glad with all of you. 18 You should be glad about this in the same way. Be glad with me!

Good Morning! This is the day the Lord has made!

We, God’s children, are set apart to shine like stars so that those who are seeking God may find their way. When we engage in our Lord’s work, we should do so joyfully, without grumbling or arguing.

Jesus taught us to embrace God’s love within us so that the love is our motivation to serve one another. We serve out of love, not obligation. Whenever we feel obligated to do something, our demeanor shows that we are only doing it because we have been told to do it.

I remember when I was young and given chores to do. I would rather have been playing with my friends, but I had to do my duty first. A simple chore like setting the table for dinner was done with angst. I did all the right things, but the aura that surrounded me announced for all to see that I didn’t want to be there doing that. 

The same is true in our call to serve others. If we come and work only because we feel that we are fulfilling some requirement, then this feeling of obligation sets the tone. However, when we serve out of love, all are blessed: the ones serving and the ones being served. Rejoice and be glad! Share your blessings and be blessed.   

Loving Lord, you bless us abundantly! In return for our blessings, we try to share them with others. Help us share the love that you bestow on us. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Blessed are those who serve with joy!

Be a cheerful servant! Pastor Liz