Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
September 21, 2023
Mark 9:38-41
38 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone throwing demons out in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.” 39 Jesus replied, “Don’t stop him. No one who does powerful acts in my name can quickly turn around and curse me. 40 Whoever isn’t against us is for us. 41 I assure you that whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will certainly be rewarded.
Good Morning. It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood!
Today’s passage reminds us to focus on those who are for us. Some claim to be serving and working in the name of Christ, who do things differently than we do. Does this make them false followers? I believe that it is not our job to judge their motives and intentions. If they are helping others in the name of Christ, then praise be to God. One day, each of us will come before God and receive our blessings.
Imagine if we were standing on judgment day with a tally sheet and God gave us tally marks for the times when we were righteous but also kept tally marks for all those times we sinned or missed an opportunity to meet the needs of someone. I fear that I might end up with a negative balance.
When we extend a cup of water to someone who thirsts, we are offering Christ. We can’t control how the gift is received or what the person will do next. We are simply providing a bridge to taking the next step. Without that bridge, how does someone in need access the gifts awaiting them? God’s time is known only to God. This might be the last opportunity this soul has to find their way to Christ.
Loving God, We love you! You bless us in countless ways until our cups overflow. Nudge us so that we remember to offer your grace to those we meet. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: The bridges we build can connect others to Jesus.
Be a builder of bridges! Pastor Liz
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