Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
February 16, 2023
Read Romans 18:24-39
24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake, we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Good Morning, What Wondrous Love is this?
God wants us to successfully navigate our challenges and struggles so that we might join together in glory! Because of our sinful nature, God knows that we cannot find our way by ourselves. First, God, the Father, sent his Son to teach us, walk among us, and sacrifice himself for our sins. Next, God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us so that we might be transformed from our brokenness.
Have you ever been bowling with young children? I laugh at how off-course a bowling ball can be when there is an obvious path upon which to roll the ball. I have seen a ball bounce from one gutter to the other and even end up in the next lane. Then there are those times when the ball rolls so slowly that it actually stops before getting to the pins. Sometimes the gate comes down in the interim and the ball hits the gate.
To help young bowlers, someone created gutter guards so that the ball has to stay on the path. Even so, the ball can squiggle and dart from guard to guard, but still, it stays in the field of play.
Think of our own faith journeys! Like the bowler preparing to start the ball in motion, we prepare by reading Scripture, praying to God, and joining with others in worship. When we are ready we are released into the world as representatives of Christ. Sometimes we get going so fast that we quickly lose control, hit some ruts, and start bouncing from gutter to gutter. Then there are times when we cross into a different lane.
Have you ever felt like you were going the wrong way on a one-way street? You see where you want to go, but there are too many obstacles. Other times we are like that young bowler whose ball is rolling so slowly that the gate closes before we arrive. Perhaps Jesus and the Holy Spirit are our gutter guards. They work to keep us on the path so that when we stray, our destination is still within reach. Christ lights our way while the Holy Spirit is smoothing out and reshaping our edges so that we can roll down the lane.
When a bowler rolls their ball and scores a strike, you hear the great noise of pins falling, followed by cheers of those awaiting the news. When we all get to heaven, it will be a great day of rejoicing with cymbals clanging and the chorus of angels proclaiming our arrival. When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory.
Loving God, Thank You for being with us. We are broken, but you never give up on us. Through your grace and mercy, You invite us to share your glory. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: How can I walk with God today?
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Pastor Liz