Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 1, 2024
Matthew 8:23-27
23 When Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. 24 A huge storm arose on the lake so that waves were sloshing over the boat. But Jesus was asleep. 25 They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, rescue us! We’re going to drown!” 26 He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you people of weak faith?” Then he got up and gave orders to the winds and the lake, and there was a great calm. 27 The people were amazed and said, “What kind of person is this? Even the winds and the lake obey him!”
Good Morning! Blessed be the name of the Lord!
On October 1, 2024, I officially began my journey as a pastor when I was appointed Lay Supply pastor for Rodes UMC in Afton. In the blink of an eye, four years have passed, and I thank God for calling me to serve in this new way. When I stepped into the pulpit that first Sunday, I felt at home.
I will not pretend to say that everything has been easy. I have experienced moments of panic when I felt the waves crashing over the hull of my boat, but my blessings have far outweighed the rough times. My ministry seems to mimic my life, with challenges and successes that allow me to grow and mature into a pastor. God often calls me to step outside my comfort zone to serve the needs of others, but each time, God is with me, holding my hand until I find “great calm” and am ready to take the next step.
"For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you'". Isaiah 41:13
I must take time to bless the angels God has placed on my path of ministry, both those who offered great support and those who challenged me. As Christians, we are all stretched to grow and mature in our faith, but we aren’t meant do it alone. We need Christian community to encourage and challenge us.
Thanks be to God for leading me on this new journey of blessings and challenges.
Dear Lord, I will not fear. I've heard your instructions through your scriptures. I know the journey ahead is not on a calm lake; it's on a turbulent river. Help me tune out the noise of the rush of water surrounding me. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: With faith in Christ, we can face anything.
God leads us through our storms! Pastor Liz
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