Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
February 4, 2023
Read Colossians 3:12-17
12 Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. 14 And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 The peace of Christ must control your hearts—a peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful people. 16 The word of Christ must live in you richly. Teach and warn each other with all wisdom by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.
Good Morning, Let the light of God shine through you!
12 Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We must never lose sight of this simple fact: we are God’s chosen ones. This morning I sit and marvel at God’s glory as God paints beautiful strokes of color across the sky. Our God is an Awesome God, who chooses us to be his reflection on the earth.
Do you remember those pep talks you received as a child, student, and athlete when the leader would remind the group members that you must behave because they are representing your family, school, or team to all in attendance? Sometimes we took these directives very seriously, but other times we might have ignored them. As adults, most of us have had an occasion to share these same words with a group of youngsters.
Paul reminds us that we are God’s chosen ones and that we represent God through our thoughts, words, and actions. The tough part of this agreement is when our human emotions get the better of us. Someone wrongs us and we say or do things without considering the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience that God shows us every moment of every day. Just as we are loved and blessed, we are called to share love and blessings with all we meet.
17 Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.
Loving God, Thank You for being with us. We are sinners! We make mistakes! When we fall on our knees and give ourselves to you, You welcome us. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: How can my words and actions represent God today?
May the love of God guide your words and actions! Pastor Liz