Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
January 2, 2023
Read Psalm 34:1-7
1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise will always be in my mouth. 2 I praise the LORD let the suffering listen and rejoice. 3 Magnify the LORD with me! Together let us lift his name up high! 4 I sought the LORD and he answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to God will shine; their faces are never ashamed. 6 This suffering person cried out: the LORD listened and saved him from every trouble. 7 On every side, the LORD’s messenger protects those who honor God; and he delivers them.
Good Morning, This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Yesterday, we had a gorgeous day and it was a wonderful way to usher in the new year. As I consider verse 5, I am remembering a song that I used to teach to my youth choir: “God’s Not Finished With Me Yet”. In this song, we would explore and realize that we are a work in progress and that sometimes we have rough edges and we make poor choices. We are the work of God, our creator, and God doesn’t make junk.
No matter how far we stray and how broken we become God is waiting to complete his work and mold us into perfection. Philippians 1:6 offers us comfort in our times of reflection. 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Our God is a gracious God and each Christmas Eve we are given the opportunity to be reborn with Christ, to allow the Holy Spirit to continue reshaping and remolding us so that we can start our lives anew as children of God.
On the day of Jesus’ return, we will look into our mirrors and see the one that God created within us, free of blemishes and cracks. For now, we must open ourselves to transformation, and when we look into our mirror try to see past our faults and into the glory that awaits us.
If you don't like the way I am, don't judge me yet just hang around
God's not finished with me yet
Now I'm not what I used to be, there's still work to do in me
God's not finished with me yet
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. We are your works in progress and only you, our Creator, can see the vision of the finished work. Thank you for seeing the beauty and possibilities that lie within us. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: I can find comfort in God when I honestly share my feelings.
Look past the surface! Pastor Liz