Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
November 26, 2022
Read Hebrews 10:19-25
19 Brothers and sisters, we have confidence that we can enter the holy of holies by means of Jesus’ blood, 20 through a new and living way that he opened up for us through the curtain, which is his body, 21 and we have a great high priest over God’s house. 22 Therefore, let’s draw near with a genuine heart with the certainty that our faith gives us since our hearts are sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies are washed with pure water. 23 Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering because the one who made the promises is reliable. 24 And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. 25 Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.
Good Morning, Join together in fellowship and praise God!
Jesus told us, “Love one another, my little children.” God did not create us to live in isolation from one another. We were made so that when we join together we become a whole being with each part working together to accomplish beautiful things.
Each of us encounters struggles along our journey. Because we are unique beings, these challenges affect us in different ways. Some will ask for help, others will close themselves and their feelings away.
Remember a time when you did or said something you regretted to someone. The more you tried to forget about it, the more it gnawed at you. You became consumed with your thoughts. I have learned that I must reach out to the person that I’ve wronged and ask for forgiveness. Only then, I can let go of those feelings of regret.
The bigger the problem, the more we struggle. Have you ever had those internal arguments with yourself? Whether you created the problem, someone else created the problem, or there is no cause for the problem (it just happened), turning to others to help you with your struggles is the best solution.
When we join with others, we can support each other with love and compassion. We gain strength from those with whom we share our lives. To share means that we make ourselves vulnerable as we let others see us as we are even in our weaknesses. This does not come naturally for many of us. We like to put on this strong persona that we have everything in control. When we openly share, we are filled with the strength of the body of believers.
God knows each of us intimately. O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. (Psalm 139 NIV)
God is waiting to share in a relationship with us. To do this, we must humble ourselves and open ourselves fully. God sees past the strong facade we put up and into our hearts. Yet, it is up to us to invite God into this relationship. When you turn your worries and struggles over to God, you will be filled with the peace that comes only from our Creator.
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. We love You. God, you are with us always. Help us welcome You into our lives. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: My burdens are easier to carry when I share them with my community in Christ.
Share with God! Pastor Liz
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