Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
September 4, 2023
1 Peter 5:1-11
1 Therefore, I have a request for the elders among you. (I ask this as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that is about to be revealed.) I urge the elders: 2 Like shepherds, tend the flock of God among you. Watch over it. Don’t shepherd because you must, but do it voluntarily for God. Don’t shepherd greedily, but do it eagerly. 3 Don’t shepherd by ruling over those entrusted to your care, but become examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive an unfading crown of glory. 5 In the same way, I urge you who are younger: accept the authority of the elders. And everyone, clothe yourselves with humility toward each other. God stands against the proud, but he gives favor to the humble. 6 Therefore, humble yourselves under God’s power so that he may raise you up in the last day. 7 Throw all your anxiety onto him because he cares about you. 8 Be clearheaded. Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith. Do so in the knowledge that your fellow believers are enduring the same suffering throughout the world. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, the one who called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be power forever and always. Amen.
Good Morning. Look for God’s grace among those you meet!
Peter reminds us that we are to serve God with joy, not out of obligation, but simply because we want to. Jesus walked among us and taught us how to be humble as he served all of God’s children.
The more earthly accolades we gather, the harder it becomes to humble ourselves. I’m sure you can think of someone for whom menial tasks are beneath them. It is amazing when you meet a leader who still remembers and exemplifies his/her humble roots. Someone who jumps in to help and gets their hands dirty without regard to their status is a joy to follow.
Are they/ we authentically humble? Sadly, there are those who serve others when there is an audience to see, but without the limelight, they stay behind their self-constructed walls. When we see someone in need, what is our first thought? We live in scary times, but haven’t all generations lived in scary times? WWJD? Evil has been at work since the beginning and evolves as we do. Jesus would reach out and meet the needs of the one who is suffering without regard as to who is watching or who he will offend in offering help.
By the grace of God, Jesus redeems us! Share God’s grace with those you meet. Those in need do not choose this life of dependence. One kind act might be the beginning of a new journey for a lost soul.
Loving God, We love you! Each day you give us another opportunity to humble ourselves and work for the good of the body of believers. Help us embrace this gift. Thank you! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Make time to help those who need you!
Serve God with joy in your heart! Pastor Liz
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