Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
November 13, 2024
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray continually. 18 Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t suppress the Spirit. 20 Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, 21 but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil. 23 Now, may the God of peace himself cause you to be completely dedicated to him; and may your spirit, soul, and body be kept intact and blameless at our Lord Jesus Christ’s coming. 24 The one who is calling you is faithful and will do this.
Good Morning! Again, I say rejoice!
The first three verses are words I live by. They are the foundation upon which each day is built and the framework for my time with God. This morning my attention is drawn to verse 20: Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages. Perhaps this is a continuation of listening and following God’s calling.
Have you ever felt the need to go to a particular place? You’re not sure why you should go, but when you get there, it is evident that you are in the right place because your gifts and skills are needed.
What about when we feel we should go but talk ourselves out of it? It’s easy to create excuses for every situation. Our excuses include thoughts like, it is too far, I’m too old, I’m scared, or I can’t help. When we choose not to go, are we brushing off a Spirit-inspired message?
Let’s examine verse 20 in the context of the first three verses. When we feel called, rejoice in the Lord for this opportunity, pray for strength and love to show you the way, and whatever awaits, challenges or successes, give thanks to God.
Never lose sight of God’s hand in your life. Whether your calling seems random or unexpected, God has provided you with gifts for which he has a purpose. Sometimes, we are unaware of our gifts until they are most needed, so when you feel called, freely go and allow the Spirit within you to guide you. This path will lead to remarkable blessings.
Dear Lord, We are your children! Help us discern your call from all the chaos and distractions that fill our spaces. Give us the strength to trust the call you place upon us. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Answer God’s call and follow Jesus.
Rejoice! Pray! Give Thanks! Pastor Liz
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