Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
September 27, 2021
Read Matthew 25:31-40
31 “Now when the Human One comes in his majesty and all his angels are with him, he will sit on his majestic throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in front of him. He will separate them from each other, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right side. But the goats he will put on his left. 34 “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. 35 I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. 36 I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37 “Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? 38 When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’
Good Morning! Serve the least of these in the name of Christ!
Are you a sheep or a goat? Those who joyfully serve in the name of Jesus are the sheep. We are each called in different ways to serve because God blessed each of us with our own unique gifts. Those called to be missionaries in foreign lands have been given an immeasurable gift that opens the possibilities of fruitful harvests, but not all are called to serve this way. Sometimes the one in need is in our own “backyard”.
How can you serve God? We must first consider our gifts, and then open ourselves to the possibilities of service. For the giver, it doesn’t always seem like you’re doing anything special. Whether we make prayer shawls, or dresses for little girls in far off lands, or we prepare meals for those unable to cook for themselves, we are serving God’s children. When you donate some clothes to a homeless shelter, imagine the smile that lights the face of the receiver.
The key is giving of yourself to others joyfully, not because you feel obligated or because you want to impress others with your generosity. Giving from your heart allows the receiver of the gift to feel the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior. Each gift to someone in need brings a ray of light to someone in darkness.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. There are so many of your children living in darkness. Help us to be the light for someone today! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Every day holds opportunities to serve God.
Be a sheep, and serve with joy! Pastor Liz
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