Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 5, 2024
Colossians 1:9-14
9 Because of this, since the day we heard about you, we haven’t stopped praying for you and asking for you to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, with all wisdom and spiritual understanding. 10 We’re praying this so that you can live lives that are worthy of the Lord and pleasing to him in every way: by producing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God; 11 by being strengthened through his glorious might so that you endure everything and have patience; 12 and by giving thanks with joy to the Father. He made it so you could take part in the inheritance, in light granted to God’s holy people. 13 He rescued us from the control of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. 14 He set us free through the Son and forgave our sins.
Good Morning! Praising my Savior, all the day long!
We, as God’s children, are inherently good. Unfortunately, it often takes a crisis for this goodness to surface. But in these moments, it's our faith that empowers us to act with courage and selflessness. We all remember the stories of people going above and beyond to save others. Firefighters, first responders, and police officers are trained for such situations, but in the moment of crisis, they act first and rely on their training later. There's no time for analysis because the lives of others come first.
Every day, I hear heartwarming stories of people stepping up to help those in need after the hurricane disaster in western North Carolina. Those with chainsaws are clearing roadways, and those with food and water share with those without none. The efforts to check on neighbors and strangers are truly remarkable. I came across a post on Facebook expressing concern about a friend in the stormdamaged area who was not answering calls.
I noticed the friend lived in the same town as one of my church members' family members, who was there helping his mom. I contacted him, and he made inquiries through a local Facebook page. Almost immediately, a young woman took on the task of locating the person with whom contact was sought. Even an incorrect address did not stop her from her quest. She located and confirmed that the family was without power but otherwise okay. I got the information and shared the news with the person here.
This is what it means to love your neighbors as yourself! I pray we find a way to make this mindset exist every day. Some look and see all the badness in our world. Take a moment and look for everything that is good!
Dear Lord, We are your children! You give us the direction and the tools. Help us accept them and seek the lost among us. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God works through us to help those in need.
Be the amazing being God created! Pastor Liz
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