Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
October 1, 2021
Read Joshua 1:1-9
1 After Moses the LORD’s servant died, the LORD spoke to Joshua, Nun’s son. He had been Moses’ helper. 2 “My servant Moses is dead. Now get ready to cross over the Jordan with this entire people to the land that I am going to give to the Israelites. 3 I am giving you every place where you set foot, exactly as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will stretch from the desert and the Lebanon as far as the great Euphrates River, including all Hittite land, up to the Mediterranean Sea on the west. 5 No one will be able to stand up against you during your lifetime. I will be with you in the same way I was with Moses. I won’t desert you or leave you. 6 Be brave and strong, because you are the one who will help this people take possession of the land, which I pledged to give to their ancestors. 7 “Be very brave and strong as you carefully obey all of the Instruction that Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t deviate even a bit from it, either to the right or left. Then you will have success wherever you go. 8 Never stop speaking about this Instruction scroll. Recite it day and night so you can carefully obey everything written in it. Then you will accomplish your objectives and you will succeed. 9 I’ve commanded you to be brave and strong, haven’t I? Don’t be alarmed or terrified, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Good Morning! Rejoice in the Lord Always!
As I read this passage in Joshua, I remember my own call to lead God’s people. October 1, 2020 is the day that I was appointed as the pastor of Rodes UMC. Today, one year later, I look back at the remarkable year that has transpired. God has been with me every step of my journey, and placed so many people around me to love and support me along the way.
Despite being one of the most unusual years of ministry with drive-in services with always changing weather, virtual services, wearing masks, and social distancing, it has been a year of great blessings. As I reflect on my journey, I remember the words that God placed on my heart to share with all who were ready to listen. Each time I begin to preach, I feel the Holy Spirit moving within me and giving me the strength and compassion to share the Good News.
With each step, I feel my calling confirmed by the one who called me. A friend said that I was like Simeon who after years of following his calling to listen was called to sing the new song of salvation. For many years, I followed my calling to support Lowell’s ministry, and now I am called to preach the song of salvation so that all might hear the word.
Thanks to all who have prayed and lifted me up, to all who opened their hearts and minds to accept me in my calling, and to those who faithfully stood by my side. God has commanded me to be brave and strong and I will go where he calls me to go, sharing love, hope, and joy with all. I pray that you will be open to new possibilities when God calls.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. May we never lose sight of the cross as we journey forward in your name. Help us to be the example of Christ to the world. Thank you for always being present with us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Today I will seek and follow God’s guidance.
God is calling! Are you listening? Pastor Liz
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