Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
  April 23, 2024
1 Thessalonians 5:12-16
12 Brothers and sisters, we ask you to respect those who are working with you, leading you, and instructing you. 13 Think of them highly with love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are disorderly. Comfort the discouraged. Help the weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure no one repays a wrong with a wrong, but always pursue the good for each other and everyone else. 16 Rejoice always.
Good Morning! Live in peace with each other.
This passage leads into one of my daily affirmations: Rejoice Always, pray continuously, and give thanks for everything!Â
We all have periods in our lives where it seems that all of our challenges pile up together. After days, weeks, or months of relative normalcy, we suddenly find ourselves in the midst of chaos or despair.Â
I have found that it is easy to rejoice, pray, and give thanks when things are good, but it takes a mature, deep faith to do so in times of crisis. I believe that there is good to be gleaned from every moment.Â
Sometimes, the good is sitting on the surface, going unnoticed because we are so focused on our despair. Other times we find the good when we are digging through the rubble that remains after the challenge has passed.Â
God does not create our messes and challenges but promises to be with us always. When we find ourselves on our knees looking for any sign of goodness, God is by our side to support us when we think we can’t go on.Â
Rejoice Always            Pray Continuously            Give Thanks in All Things
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. We create such a mess of things. Thank you for helping us see the goodness that remains when have nothing left. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Focus on God to find your way!
With us, Always! Pastor Liz