Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 1, 2022
Read:Colossians 3:1-3, 12-17
1 Therefore, if you were raised with Christ, look for the things that are above where Christ is sitting at God’s right side. 2 Think about the things above and not things on earth. 3 You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 12 Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. 14 And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 The peace of Christ must control your hearts—a peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful people. 16 The word of Christ must live in you richly. Teach and warn each other with all wisdom by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.
Good morning! Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
As I sit and watch the wind and rain this morning, I consider my blessings. We have all watched those suffering in Florida and the Carolinas, and have offered prayers on the behalf of those who are experiencing loss. I have noticed that even in our most turbulent times of division that when a disaster happens, people pull together and help those in need. What if we could harness that goodwill and compassion all the time? What a wonderful world this would be!
Today’s passage is full of guidelines for living a holy life. When we accept Christ in our hearts, we die and become new. How can we possibly become this new person, this person of God? We are works in progress, struggling against the Holy Spirit. We are easily persuaded and distracted by evil. Evil now, as always, has a stronghold in this world. The toughest part is that evil is often presented in such a way that we don’t recognize it until we are pulled deep into the fray.
The Good News is that God promises to be with us always and through Jesus, we have an advocate working on our behalf. Jesus knows the challenges, met them, and conquered them through his death and resurrection. He did this to save us! What wondrous love is this to give your life so that others may find glory? Despite our failings, we have the opportunity to claim the peace and grace of our Lord as we work to live as Christ did loving and serving all of the children of God.
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. We are Your children and we are needy. We need love, compassion, and grace which You unconditionally provide for us. May we embrace the new life to which we are committed. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: The love of God is the source of my peace.
Live for Jesus, a life that is true! Pastor Liz
Comments