Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 16, 2024
Psalm 34:8-18
8 Taste and see how good the LORD is! The one who takes refuge in him is truly happy! 9 You who are the LORD’s holy ones, honor him, because those who honor him don’t lack a thing. 10 Even strong young lions go without and get hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. 11 Come, children, listen to me. Let me teach you how to honor the LORD: 12 Do you love life; do you relish the chance to enjoy good things? 13 Then you must keep your tongue from evil and keep your lips from speaking lies! 14 Turn away from evil! Do good! Seek peace and go after it! 15 The LORD’s eyes watch the righteous, his ears listen to their cries for help. 16 But the LORD’s face is set against those who do evil, to eliminate even the memory of them from the earth. 17 When the righteous cry out, the LORD listens; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed.
Good Morning! Come into our hearts, Lord Jesus!
Jesus calls us to listen so we may hear the Words of eternal life. We must keep his commandments: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves.
17 When the righteous cry out, the LORD listens; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed.
We, your children, are weary and brokenhearted. Our world has closed its eyes to the plight of the most vulnerable. We see injustice and evil growing in strength each day. We believe in Your mighty power, but we are overwhelmed with the immensity of the task before us and don’t know where to start.
God’s love is the only power greater than evil. We must not succumb to evil's ways. Jesus came and taught us to fight our battles with the outpouring of love. Counter every act of evil with love. Focus on what is good, holy, lovely, and righteous. Take one step forward and share God’s love. If you are shunned or turned away, share love in a new direction.
God’s love is deeply rooted and waiting to grow. Its growth is dependent upon our acts of goodness and mercy. With each act, love activates within the dormant souls of the lost and downtrodden. One becomes two, two becomes four, and the power grows exponentially. We can’t sit and wait for someone else to begin the process. We are the face of Jesus to the world. Sow love, and love we will reap. God’s power and love are within us. We must boldly share it with all we meet.
Dear Lord, We are your children! Help us ignite the embers within us! The world needs us to step up to the challenge of making disciples in all corners of the earth. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God’s power is available, but we must act to turn it on!
Boldly Love God and Your Neighbor! Pastor Liz
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