Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 22, 2023
Mark 8:34-38
34 After calling the crowd together with his disciples, Jesus said to them, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. 35 All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me and because of the good news will save them. 36 Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives? 37 What will people give in exchange for their lives? 38 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this unfaithful and sinful generation, the Human One will be ashamed of that person when he comes in the Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Good Morning. Celebrate God’s love!
When I was young, I lived in a Christian community. I did not know anyone who didn’t believe in God. We shared prayers, sang praise songs, and openly worshiped God. Many of my friends went to different churches, so we had different ideas about how to worship, but we all engaged in worship within a community of faith.
In school, we learned about those who were persecuted for their faith throughout history, but that was far from our home. I never imagined a time when Christians in our country would feel as if they needed to hide their faith. Sadly, our world has changed, and today, there are places of worship that are being attacked and others where guards stand watch to keep those inside secure.
Jesus tells us that we must say no and divorce ourselves from earthly things to be given eternal life. Are we ready to make that commitment to pick up our cross and follow Jesus? Some might think this is too much to ask, but O Lord, you offer us so much more than we can ever acquire on our own. You give us glimpses of this glory, and I say to those who have doubts, “Pick up your cross and follow Jesus.” Glory, glory, Hallelujah!
Awesome God, We love you! You offer us eternal life, yet we sometimes struggle to believe. Help us remain focused on our faith journey. Thank you for loving us. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: I can stand firm in my faith because Jesus has called me to follow him.
Pick up your cross! Pastor Liz
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