Morning Devotional 101222 All Are Needed!

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

October 12, 2022

Read Colossians 4:7-16

7 Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow slave in the Lord will inform you about everything that has happened to me. 8 This is why I sent him to you so that you’ll know all about us and so he can encourage your hearts. 9 I sent him with Onesimus, our faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will let you know about everything here. 10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, says hello to you. So does Mark, Barnabas’ cousin (you received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him). 11 Jesus, called Justus, also says hello. These are my only fellow workers for God’s kingdom who are Jewish converts. They have been an encouragement to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, says hello. He’s a slave of Christ Jesus who always wrestles for you in prayers so that you will stand firm and be fully mature and complete in the entire will of God. 13 I can vouch for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas say hello. 15 Say hello to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, along with Nympha and the church that meets in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you publicly, make sure that the church in Laodicea reads it and that you read the one from Laodicea.

Good morning! We must lift up one another.

Every day is a great day to serve God! We are all given special gifts and talents with which we can support one another. No gift is more important than another. It is sometimes easy to overlook those who are quiet or working behind the scenes.

Paul is lifting up the names of all those who are working with him and handing out kudos for good work. We can be consumed by the drudgery of everyday life, especially when our plans have been upended. Paul has been arrested and is in prison. It would be easy for him to focus on his misery and simply lament over his troubles.

But Paul, God’s faithful servant does not let this stop or even slow down his work to bring the Word of Christ to others. Because of Paul’s incarceration, he must rely on others to deliver his messages and continue the physical work of the Lord. Through Paul, we are reminded that it takes all of us, the body of Christ, working together to accomplish God’s will.

Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. You give us the tools that we need to serve you. Help us be strong in difficult times to remain focused. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: What essential role do I fill in serving God?

Work together to serve the Lord! Pastor Liz