Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 23, 2024
1 Thessalonians 5:9-18
9 God didn’t intend for us to suffer his wrath but rather to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him. 11 So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already. 12 Brothers and sisters, we ask you to respect those who are working with you, leading you, and instructing you. 13 Think of them highly with love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are disorderly. Comfort the discouraged. Help the weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure no one repays a wrong with a wrong, but always pursue the good for each other and everyone else. 16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray continually. 18 Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Good Morning! Rejoice! Pray! Give Thanks!
Be patient with everyone! Oh, what a challenge this one is. We often struggle with patience with ourselves, let alone with others. How often do we steam over someone who cuts us off on the highway or drives too slowly? What about those taking longer to manage their business at the cashier?
A few years ago, I had a colleague who said we should never pray for patience because God would give us many opportunities to practice it. Then, there is the role of anxiety in our ability to be patient. Too many times our impatience with others grows out of our own struggles. We left home late, so someone driving slowly annoyed us.
As a teacher, I learned that I was more patient with those who tried hard but didn't succeed than those who didn’t bother to try. What about our self-patience? Think about a time you were doing something new. Did you give up after one attempt, or did you give yourself the grace to fail?
How many failures are too many? One? Two? Ten? God calls us, his flawed children, to become the face of Christ for the world. This is hard, and we struggle, but the good news is that God allows us the grace to continue trying no matter how many times we mess up.
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times! Matthew 18:22
In all things, God’s grace will prevail long beyond our understanding. Give yourself the grace God freely offers, and then extend that grace to all you meet.
Dear Lord, We are your children! We are impatient with ourselves and others. Thank you for being infinitely patient with us. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Daily time with God helps us deepen our faith.
God’s grace is sufficient! Pastor Liz
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