Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 6, 2023
Jeremiah 31:1-14
1 At that time, declares the LORD, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people. 2 The LORD proclaims: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness. As Israel searched for a place of rest, 3 the LORD appeared to them from a distance: I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. And so with unfailing love, I have drawn you to myself. 4 Again, I will build you up, and you will be rebuilt, virgin Israel. Again, you will play your tambourines and dance with joy. 5 Again, you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; farmers will plant and then enjoy the harvests. 6 The time will come when the watchmen shout from the highlands of Ephraim: “Get ready! We’re going up to Zion to the LORD our God!” 7 The LORD proclaims: Sing joyfully for the people of Jacob; shout for the leading nation. Raise your voices with praise and call out: “The LORD has saved his people, the remaining few in Israel!” 8 I’m going to bring them back from the north; I will gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the disabled, expectant mothers and those in labor; a great throng will return here. 9 With tears of joy they will come; while they pray, I will bring them back. I will lead them by quiet streams and on smooth paths so they don’t stumble. I will be Israel’s father, Ephraim will be my oldest child. 10 Listen to the LORD’s word, you nations, and announce it to the distant islands: The one who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them safe, as a shepherd his flock. 11 The LORD will rescue the people of Jacob and deliver them from the power of those stronger than they are. 12 They will come shouting for joy on the hills of Zion, jubilant over the LORD’s gifts: grain, wine, oil, flocks, and herds. Their lives will be like a lush garden; they will grieve no more. 13 Then the young women will dance for joy; the young and old men will join in. I will turn their mourning into laughter and their sadness into joy; I will comfort them. 14 I will lavish the priests with abundance and shower my people with my gifts, declares the LORD.
Good Morning. Our God is an awesome God!
9 With tears of joy, they will come; while they pray, I will bring them back. I will lead them by quiet streams and on smooth paths so they don’t stumble.
I take great comfort in these words. No matter where our wandering takes us, God welcomes us back. During the storms of our lives, God is with us, leading us over the rocky paths that we encounter.
As I sit and watch the beautiful palette of pinks and purples filling the sky this morning, I thank God for my blessings. I remember those I’ve lost with tears of joy as I pray this morning. I rejoice in the knowledge that they are walking with you on this beautiful morning.
With each season of life, you are with us. The memories of the sunrise linger with me as I watch the sky change and settle into a new day of hope filled with endless opportunities to serve our Lord. Your love warms my heart.
Caring God, We love you! During our times of struggle, you are with us. You give us many signs to remind us of your love. Thank you. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God’s love for me is steadfast and sure.
Look for God’s love around you! Pastor Liz
Comments