Morning Devotional 040424 Look: See! Listen: Hear!

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  April 4, 2024

Matthew 5:1-12

1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. He sat down and his disciples came to him. 2 He taught them, saying: 3 “Happy are people who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 4 “Happy are people who grieve, because they will be made glad. 5 “Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth. 6 “Happy are people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because they will be fed until they are full. 7 “Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy. 8 “Happy are people who have pure hearts, because they will see God. 9 “Happy are people who make peace because they will be called God’s children. 10 “Happy are people whose lives are harassed because they are righteous because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 11 “Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me. 12 Be full of joy and be glad, because you have a great reward in heaven. In the same way, people harassed the prophets who came before you.

Good Morning! Happy are those who walk with God!

Some mornings my head is filled with concerns for myself and others, and to-do lists that could fill a large book. Jesus reminds us that our earthly suffering will be turned into joy when we walk with him. He doesn’t promise that our lives will be easy, but that when we follow his teachings, we will be happy and blessed. 

Jesus teaches us to see the good in everyone and align ourselves with those who freely serve God. How is your soul this morning? Do you feel heavy burdens pushing you down? This is the day that the Lord has made. Don’t allow your soul to be darkened by the things that are separating you from God. It seems like a good morning to turn over another problem to God. Lay your burdens at the foot of the cross and accept the joy that awaits you. 

Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. Again, we cling to our burdens. Help us let them go and cling to You. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Stop, look, and listen for signs of God!

Look and See! Listen and Hear! Pastor Liz