Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 18, 2022
Read Philippians 1:1-6
1 From Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. To all those in Philippi who are God’s people in Christ Jesus, along with your supervisors and servants. 2 May the grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 3 I thank my God every time I mention you in my prayers. 4 I’m thankful for all of you every time I pray, and it’s always a prayer full of joy. 5 I’m glad because of the way you have been my partners in the ministry of the gospel from the time you first believed it until now. 6 I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus.
Good Morning, May the grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
As I begin to settle back into my “normal” routine after my crazy week last week, I finally have some time to reflect upon my trip and consider the remarkable blessings that I experienced. I am currently studying the Old Testament, but more specifically the Torah/Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) through Nehemiah. I will honestly admit this is a part of the Bible I have invested less time during my life.
Of course, I know the major characters and the main themes, but I have not done the deep dives into this text that I am currently doing as I read and wrestle to develop a deeper understanding. My brain fills as if I ate a great feast and now I’m full (stuffed) and it will take time to digest all of the wonderful contents that I have received.
Have you ever created something? Perhaps your own recipe, a painting, an invention, or even a new way of doing something. It is a great feeling when you can see your project completed, and even more amazing when you and others use your creation to make a job easier or more pleasing. At first, our creation is new and in great working order, but over time with continued use, it becomes worn, stained, and maybe needs to be adjusted or repaired. You, as the creator, know its potential and its beauty, and you will do everything that you can to restore your creation.
We are God’s creation and God sees within us the beauty and potential for which we were made. Even when we become covered in the dust of humanity and display scars from the challenges that have troubled us along our journeys, God still sees beauty. God, our Creator, sees past the grungy stains and broken parts. God sent Jesus to restore us to the glory for which we were created. Praise be to God!
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. We are worn and weary, but you see beauty. Thank you for Jesus our Redeemer. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: No matter my scars, God sees the beauty in me.
Look around and see the beauty! Pastor Liz
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