Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
September 14, 2024
Isaiah 42:1-4
1 But here is my servant, the one I uphold; my chosen, who brings me delight. I’ve put my spirit upon him; he will bring justice to the nations. 2 He won’t cry out or shout aloud or make his voice heard in public. 3 He won’t break a bruised reed; he won’t extinguish a faint wick, but he will surely bring justice. 4 He won’t be extinguished or broken until he has established justice in the land. The coastlands await his teaching.
Good Morning! I bring you tidings of great joy, a message that will fill your day with hope and positivity!
I often avoid turning on the news because it is filled with the worst our society has to offer. I don’t need or want reminders of how far from God we have wandered. At their core, people are good, so what is the root of the hate, discontent, and injustice to our neighbors that fills our newscasts?
Evil! It has a strong power of persuasion that acts like a tractor beam to pull us into darkness. We see others having fun as they move slightly into the shadows, and we want to have what they have. We’re tired, we work hard, and we deserve some fun. This desire pokes at us until we take one step into the earthly realm of fun. Before we know it, we find ourselves falling down the proverbial rabbit hole and landing in the pits of despair.
We quickly learn (or sometimes not so quickly) that all that glitters is not gold, and we have made a serious wrong turn. Climbing out of the pit is not easy, but the first step is to call on the strength of the Holy Spirit that lies within every believer.
God does not wait to smack our hands because of our sins but is waiting for us to ask for guidance. God is the prodigal father ready to celebrate each lost child's return. The words of Isaiah are not only for a people long ago; they speak to us, the weary and lost. God’s love and words are timeless, and in Christ is the hope that we seek.
Isaiah prophesies the coming of the Messiah to a weary land. Many have lost hope and turned to false prophets for answers. But Isaiah brings an image of God’s love, a love so powerful that it takes the form of a servant who will lead them to a just land filled with His love and justice.
Faithful God, Thank you for creating us. Without you, we are poor and weak, but with, we are rich and strong. Thank you for blessing us and claiming us as heirs of your kingdom. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: The Lord Almighty can restore our lives.
Come home! Jesus is waiting to welcome you! Pastor Liz
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