Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
November 21, 2024
Psalm 34:17-22
17 When the righteous cry out, the LORD listens; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed. 19 The righteous have many problems, but the LORD delivers them from every one. 20 He protects all their bones; not even one will be broken. 21 But just one problem will kill the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be held responsible. 22 The LORD saves his servants’ lives; all those who take refuge in him won’t be held responsible for anything.
Good Morning! Do the most with what you are given!
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:25-27
I had the privilege of watching a video that highlighted one born among the least of these who became a leader in the United Methodist Church in Africa. He was born into extreme poverty in Sierra Leone, a world with little hope for the poor. By God's grace, he could go to the missionary school to learn about God and the advocate who claimed him as a beloved child of God.
He shared how he was driven out of school for lack of payment. His uniform was tattered, and he was without shoes, but this did not deter him from his love of God and his mission to serve others. All who knew him described Bishop John Yambasu as one filled with God's love, compassion, and hope.
When he looked out, he saw, like Christ saw, the needy, the poor, the hungry, and the outcasts. His lifelong mission was to tear down the walls of separation and use the bricks from the broken walls to build bridges to connect all of God’s children.
As a man of God, he did not sit and tell others what to do. John Yambasu was at the front of the group, leading them across the bridges and into the world of need and despair. Yambasu knew to whom he belonged and spent his life helping others find their way to the light.
Dear Lord, We are your children! May we follow the example of those leaders with whom you bless us. Help us to see beyond our differences and embrace our oneness in Christ. Praise be to God! Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: “The Lord saves the crushed in spirit”
Follow Christ into the world of need and despair so that you may find the least of these waiting to be saved! Pastor Liz
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