Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
September 4, 2021
Read Romans 12:9-13
9 Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. 10 Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. 11 Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! 12 Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home.
Good Morning! What the World Needs Now is Love, Sweet Love!
It’s amazing how a slight change in weather can motivate my soul. I love the slight coolness to the air as I wander outside. Labor Day weekend has been called the unofficial end of summer. Even though Fall doesn’t begin for three more weeks, our lives seem to move into a new season after Labor day. This shift is even enhanced by the arrival of the “new season’s flavors like pumpkin spice that has reappeared in so many businesses. Maybe we could establish a mini transitional season to represent this three week period.
This short passage from Romans says everything we need to know about loving our neighbors. When we were serving our appointment in Emporia, we met the most interesting group of women: the Purdy Bible Study Group. This multi-denominational group took turns hosting a weekly Bible Study in their homes. We studied scripture, prayed, shared a meal, laughed, and cried as we shared each other’s life stories.
Each of these ladies welcomed all into their homes, and would work to meet the needs of anyone to their ability. They lovingly shared the bounty of their gardens and the fruits of their labor. As newcomers to the area, we immediately became members of the family. There was a beautiful bond that surrounded this group that was centered around Christ. Many of these ladies have now gone on to share the glory of eternal life, but the memories and the example they set remain.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. Bless the saints and angels that you place in our lives, so that we may learn Your ways. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Praying with others connects us all to God.
May your fire for the Lord always burn! Pastor Liz
9/4/2021 👍🏻 🙏 🤗 ❤️ 🦩