Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
November 7, 2022
Read Matthew 25:1-13
1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten young bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and the other five were foolish. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but didn’t bring oil for them. 4 But the wise ones took their lamps and also brought containers of oil. 5 “When the groom was late in coming, they all became drowsy and went to sleep. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Look, the groom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 “Then all those bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 But the foolish bridesmaids said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil because our lamps have gone out.’ 9 “But the wise bridesmaids replied, ‘No because if we share with you, there won’t be enough for our lamps and yours. We have a better idea. You go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 But while they were gone to buy oil, the groom came. Those who were ready went with him into the wedding. Then the door was shut. 11 “Later the other bridesmaids came and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us.’ 12 “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore, keep alert because you don’t know the day or the hour.
Good Morning, This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Two of my sons are Eagle Scouts and for a short time, I was their den mother. I remember the scout motto, Be Prepared. As leaders, we tried to instill these words into the minds of our young scouts. Our lives are full of unexpected events filled with unexpected needs.
Camping is one of those adventures for which you must be prepared for absolutely anything when you are at the mercy of the outdoors. Anyone who spends time attending spring sports events knows that one day the weather might be thirty, the next rainy, and the next might be seventy. Because of this, you learn to keep proper gear for all of the possible weather situations close at hand.
Imagine that you are waiting with a group for the doors to open for a big event. Maybe you are waiting for the doors to open on Black Friday for your favorite store. You arrive early so that you get a good spot in line. You come up with creative ways to fill your time by playing games and doing things on your phone. When it comes time for the doors to open, you move forward with the crowd. Oh, you’re so excited.
The time has finally come to enter. When you get to the gate to show your ticket or badge, you realize that your phone has died and you can’t present the credentials that will allow you to enter. You panic as you frantically look to anyone who might have a portable charger, but if they share with you they might have the same problem. Out of desperation, you run to the nearest store to get a charger. When you return, the doors have been closed.
We do not know when Christ will return, but we must be prepared. If we are in the midst of our disobedient times, we will miss our opportunity to enter the kingdom. Spend each day preparing for Christ’s return by praising God, reading the Bible, praying, and serving God’s children as we “practice” living a holy life. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing there will be! Don’t find yourself on the outside looking in because you were not yet ready to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. We are sinful and we make poor choices. Without your grace, we are without hope. Thank you for sending your son to save us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Christ’s return will be a joyful reunion.
Be Prepared! Pastor Liz
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