Today's Devotional: The Upper Room Daily Devotion "A Super God" for Thursday, 23 April 2015 - Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you together constitute the body of the Messiah, and individually you are parts of it. 28 And God has placed in the Messianic Community first, emissaries; second, prophets; third, teachers; then those who work miracles; then those with gifts of healing; those with ability to help; those skilled in administration; and those who speak in various tongues. 29 Not all are emissaries, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? or teachers? or miracle-workers? 30 Not all have gifts of healing, not all speak in tongues, not all interpret, do they? 31 Eagerly seek the better gifts.
But now I will show you the best way of all.
God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.”[Genesis 1:26 (NRSV)]
I was looking through some childhood mementos — old photographs and the like — and I remembered how in my dreamy, idle moments as a youngster I would contemplate what I would do if I had certain superpowers like some of my comic-book heroes.
In reality, though, we all have superpowers: Our skin can heal when it’s been cut; broken bones can mend; we can see color and movement, hear sounds, taste food, smell roses, and recall happy memories. More importantly, we have the superpowers of patience, tolerance, understanding, empathy, and love.
God has given us an astounding array of skills, functions, and abilities — which all too often we take for granted. Just like those superheroes in the comics, we can put God’s superpowers to great use with those around us every day, whether by offering physical or financial assistance, being willing to listen, or by telling someone about the God who offers these gifts to all.
I may not be able to bend steel with my bare hands as I imagined in my childhood, but I hope that I can allow God’s love to flow through me to all those I meet; to help the lost become found; to battle evil and injustice in the name of Jesus.
The Author: John Porter (New South Wales, Australia)
Thought for the Day: How can my God-given powers benefit someone I encounter today?
Prayer: Source of strength, we thank you for the amazing powers you have given each of us through your Holy Spirit. Help us to use our gifts in ways that reflect your love and grace. Amen.
Prayer focus: Those Who Doubt Their Own Worth
But now I will show you the best way of all.
God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.”[Genesis 1:26 (NRSV)]
I was looking through some childhood mementos — old photographs and the like — and I remembered how in my dreamy, idle moments as a youngster I would contemplate what I would do if I had certain superpowers like some of my comic-book heroes.
In reality, though, we all have superpowers: Our skin can heal when it’s been cut; broken bones can mend; we can see color and movement, hear sounds, taste food, smell roses, and recall happy memories. More importantly, we have the superpowers of patience, tolerance, understanding, empathy, and love.
God has given us an astounding array of skills, functions, and abilities — which all too often we take for granted. Just like those superheroes in the comics, we can put God’s superpowers to great use with those around us every day, whether by offering physical or financial assistance, being willing to listen, or by telling someone about the God who offers these gifts to all.
I may not be able to bend steel with my bare hands as I imagined in my childhood, but I hope that I can allow God’s love to flow through me to all those I meet; to help the lost become found; to battle evil and injustice in the name of Jesus.
The Author: John Porter (New South Wales, Australia)
Thought for the Day: How can my God-given powers benefit someone I encounter today?
Prayer: Source of strength, we thank you for the amazing powers you have given each of us through your Holy Spirit. Help us to use our gifts in ways that reflect your love and grace. Amen.
Prayer focus: Those Who Doubt Their Own Worth
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