Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
January 8, 2025
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. The Lord delivers us from danger!
… And He will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand…
I am amazed when I consider the strength of an eagle's wings. Eagles have an enormous wingspan, sometimes as big as six or seven feet, so it is easy to imagine how an eagle could carry a human being. The eagle’s wings are symbolic of God’s protection and life-transforming power. One of my many blessings during my trip to Alaska was the presence of eagles. I feel blessed to see one eagle here, but in Alaska, I saw many sitting majestically on posts and flying along the air currents.
Like all birds, Eaglets have to be coaxed when it comes time to fly. The mother removes the soft lining of the nest to encourage them to fly. Their first attempts are shaky, and the mother often has to catch them as they fall, but gradually, they learn how to catch the wind to soar higher and higher.
God, our creator, provides us with a safe, comfortable existence within the fellowship of believers. We gather and do what we know how to do: cook meals, sing songs, pray for others, and devote time to God. Like the eaglets, there comes a time when we are ready to do more, and God calls us outside our comfort zones so that we can soar to greater heights as we allow Jesus to shine through us. Our first attempts will be shaky, but God will be there to catch us as we fall, and gradually, we will grow in strength so that we may confidently go out and share God’s word with the world.
Loving Lord, Maker of all things! Thank you for providing us with a comfortable place to land. Help us when our time to soar comes. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: When we feel afraid and in doubt, we can find comfort in God’s word.
It’s time to soar! Pastor Liz
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