Morning Devotional 040325 In Christ Alone

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  April 3, 2025

Isaiah 43:16-21

16 The LORD says—who makes a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters, 17 who brings out chariot and horse, army and battalion; they will lie down together and will not rise; they will be extinguished, extinguished like a wick. 18 Don’t remember the prior things; don’t ponder ancient history. 19 Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness. 20 The beasts of the field, the jackals and ostriches, will honor me, because I have put water in the desert and streams in the wilderness to give water to my people, my chosen ones, 21 this people whom I formed for myself, who will recount my praise.

Good Morning. God makes all things new!

Spring is a great season to remind us of new life. Each morning I find new signs of life poking through the soil. Last fall, my plants were turning brown and drying up. Over the winter, there were no signs of life, but now the green sprouts are beginning to appear. 

It is interesting how the type of winter affects spring growth. As we know, we had more snow and colder temperatures than for the past several years. I’m seeing an increased production of flowers and new growth in my flower garden. 

One would think that a harsh winter would take its toll on the plants, yet quite the opposite seems to be the case. Resting through a mild winter is not enough for a complete rebirth. 

For new life to occur, the old life must be completely snuffed out or extinguished. It takes energy to sit and smolder, which does not allow for true rest. New beginnings require a complete reboot of our system. 

We experience this with our modern-day electronics. When a system or device crashes, it needs a hard reboot. If it is plugged into the wall, you unplug it, count to ten, replace the plug, and turn it on. 

God offers us a chance to reboot our lives by inviting us to join the community of faith when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. In accepting, our old life is ended, God reboots our system, and a new life begins. True rebirth requires the death of the old life so that the new sprout may grow vigorously and produce abundant fruit. 

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. John 12:24 (NKJV)

Loving Lord, Maker of all things! It is hard for us to submit ourselves to you. Thank you for sending Christ to show us the way. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: We begin a new life full of possibilities through Christ. 

In Christ alone, we live a fruitful life! Pastor Liz