Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 5, 2022
Read Isaiah 43:16-21
16 The LORD says—who makes a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters, 17 who brings out chariot and horse, army and battalion; they will lie down together and will not rise; they will be extinguished, extinguished like a wick. 18 Don’t remember the prior things; don’t ponder ancient history. 19 Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness. 20 The beasts of the field, the jackals and ostriches, will honor me, because I have put water in the desert and streams in the wilderness to give water to my people, my chosen ones, 21 this people whom I formed for myself, who will recount my praise.
Good morning! This is the day that the Lord has made!
God makes all things new. For God, who has the power to turn the world upside down, can recreate a luscious forest in what was once a desert. Each moment of every day is a new opportunity to make a difference, to make a new choice. We must not focus on the ways of the past but look toward the future.
Think of your favorite possessions: a car, clothing, quilt . . . Over time, they grow old, fade, rust, tarnish, or become threadbare. Maybe we think that we should replace it or get rid of it, but we have memories of a better day when the item was new.
We, God’s children, grow old. Our bodies change in ways that we don’t like Our skin becomes wrinkled, our hair turns gray or disappears, and we start feeling aches and pains. Is it time to trade us in for a new model? No, God has a great plan for us. Who we are does not present itself or lie on the surface, but is found deep within our souls. Despite the outward appearance of our aging bodies, the Holy Spirit is working within us transforming us to prepare us for our new beginning.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. We are vain about our outward appearances. Help us focus instead on developing what is within us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God is always doing a new thing in my life.
God makes all things new! Pastor Liz
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