Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
December 11, 2021
Read Joshua 2:8-15, 21
8 Before the spies bedded down, Rahab went up to them on the roof. 9 She said to the men, “I know that the LORD has given you the land. Terror over you has overwhelmed us. The entire population of the land has melted down in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea in front of you when you left Egypt. We have also heard what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites on the other side of the Jordan. You utterly wiped them out. 11 We heard this and our hearts turned to water. Because of you, people can no longer work up their courage. This is because the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below. 12 Now, I have been loyal to you. So pledge to me by the LORD that you in turn will deal loyally with my family. Give me a sign of good faith. 13 Spare the lives of my father, mother, brothers, and sisters, along with everything they own. Rescue us from death.” 14 The men said to her, “We swear by our own lives to secure yours. If you don’t reveal our mission, we will deal loyally and faithfully with you when the LORD gives us the land.” 15 So she lowered the spies on a rope through the window. Her house was on the outer side of the city wall, and she lived inside the wall. 21 She said, “These things will happen just like you said.” She sent them away and they went off. Then she tied the red cord in the window.
Good Morning! This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Today, the Petry family and Daily family will join together to witness the joining of Carmen and Alex. This sacred event had to be postponed twice because of the Pandemic, but this special day is finally here. As we joined together last night for the rehearsal, I felt the presence of the Lord all around us.
We never know who or how two people meet and fall in love, but we praise God for bringing us together. May Alex and Carmen’s love for each other grow through the years as they follow their journey of love and faith together.
In our passage this morning, we read of Rahab who agrees to help the Israelites in their bid to take over the city of Jericho. Rahab, a prostitute, becomes a faithful follower of God who wipes away her life of sins. This is another example of God’s love and power.
When we give ourselves to God, we will be loved and protected. Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus, is a direct descendant of Rahab. God blesses all who call upon his Holy Name. As followers of Christ, we are called to invite all to join the family of Christ. Just as the Israelite spies chose to accept Rahab, it is not our place to judge or decide who we deem worthy. The invitation is open to all.
Creator God, Thank You for loving us. When we read stories of how others come to worship you, we have hope that we, too, will be part of the family of God. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Who is God inviting me to welcome into my community?
We are one family! Praise God! Pastor Liz
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