The Upper Room Daily Devotional Nashville, Tennessee, United States “Changed by the Spirit" for Saturday, 24 January 2015 - Scripture: Acts 9:26-28

The Upper Room Daily Devotional Nashville, Tennessee, United States “Changed by the Spirit" for Saturday, 24 January 2015 - Scripture: Acts 9: Saul in Jerusalem
26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the followers. But they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe he was a true follower. 27 Then Barnabas helped him by taking him to the apostles. He explained how Saul had seen the Lord and how the Lord had spoken to him. Barnabas also said that when Saul was in Damascus, he had spoken bravely in the name of Jesus.
28 Saul moved about freely with the followers in Jerusalem and told everyone about the Lord.
What is impossible for humans is possible for God.[Luke 18:27 (CEB)]
Since my retirement six years ago, I have volunteered to help in the kitchen of a local rescue mission two days a week. Several months ago a new resident admitted into the mission’s rehabilitation program was assigned to the kitchen for his work duty. He was loud, confrontational, and unpleasant to work with.
After his work assignment was changed to another area of the facility, I had no contact with him for several weeks — until one day recently. While I was helping to set up for the morning meal, he walked up and asked how I was doing. I rather warily gave the pat answer: “Fine.” He then said he wanted to pray with me. He led me over to a quiet corner of the dining room, held my hands, and prayed the most gentle, humble, heartfelt prayer I have ever heard. It was immediately obvious to me that the Holy Spirit was deeply at work in his life. I was stunned, and moved to tears. He gave me a quick hug and left.
When I first met this man, I had felt there was little chance he could turn his life around. But I had viewed him from an earthly perspective, not from the perspective of what God might be ready to do in his life. I realized anew that no addiction, no pain, no regret is too overwhelming for the redeeming love of God.
Read more from the author, here.
Update from Terry:
Since my devotional was accepted for publication by UR (about which I was thrilled!), I have continued to volunteer at this local rescue mission, plus another local Christian based organization that delivers food donated by local stores to needy families.  Although not as dramatic to me as the incident I described in my devotional, I continue to see changed lives on a regular basis at the mission. I also continue to receive much more than the little I can contribute.
Before my retirement (I was an anesthesiologist for 30 years), I was concerned that I would be bored when I took this step.  Now I wonder how I had time to work.  I also get to spend much more time with Jackie, my incredible wife of 42 years.
I’ve been a daily reader of the UR  devotional for many years, and also really enjoy the comments.  I feel like I know many of you closely.  May God continue to bless each of you.[Terry Gabrielson]
The Author: Terry W. Gabrielson (California, USA)
Thought for the Day: No problem is beyond the redeeming love of God.
Prayer: All-powerful God, you are an awesome God for whom nothing is impossible. In the midst of dealing with life’s problems, may we always keep your eternal perspective in focus. Amen.
Prayer focus: Rescue mission volunteers
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