Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
November 14, 2024
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24 Don’t you know that all the runners in the stadium run, but only one gets the prize? So run to win. 25 Everyone who competes practices self-discipline in everything. The runners do this to get a crown of leaves that shrivel up and die, but we do it to receive a crown that never dies. 26 So now this is how I run—not without a clear goal in sight. I fight like a boxer in the ring, not like someone who is shadowboxing. 27 Rather, I’m landing punches on my own body and subduing it like a slave. I do this to be sure that I myself won’t be disqualified after preaching to others.
Good Morning! Pass on the love of Christ!
Keep your eye on the prize! There is a time to wander and a time to move purposefully. Our faith journey has both. Through wandering, we make discoveries, while purposeful movement allows us to advance to our destination. May we never lose sight of our destination of eternal life.
Along our journey, we need time to learn to love, discover our gifts, and listen to God’s calling. If we become too focused on our arrival time, we can lose sight of the blessings along the way.
Think of taking a trip. Most of us have traveled with someone who wanted to arrive at the best time possible. For the passengers, this meant no stops except for essentials (gas). If you need to use the facilities, you best do it during the gas stop. There was no time to stop and see the sights and enjoy things that might be hidden along the way.
We must temper our purposeful movement toward our destination by taking opportunities to live, love, and serve one another. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
We do not know what tomorrow will bring. “I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I do know who holds tomorrow.” Live in the moment with love, joy, hope, and peace.
Dear Lord, We are your children! We are prone to put things off. Help us seize each moment to live the life you gave to us. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: If I never start, I will never finish!
Live each moment with purpose! Pastor Liz
Amen!!