The Upper Room Daily Devotional of The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "God’s Steadfast Love" for Monday, 9 October 2017 - Read Psalm 25:8-12

The Upper Room Daily Devotional of The United Methodist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "God’s Steadfast Love" for Monday, 9 October 2017 - Read Psalm 25:8-12
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Psalm 25:8 Adonai is good, and he is fair;
this is why he teaches sinners the way [to live],
9 leads the humble to do what is right
and teaches the humble [to live] his way.
10 All Adonai’s paths are grace and truth
to those who keep his covenant and instructions.
11 For the sake of your name, Adonai,
forgive my wickedness, great though it is.
12 Who is the person who fears Adonai?
He will teach him the way to choose.
13 He will remain prosperous,
and his descendants will inherit the land.
14 Adonai relates intimately with those who fear him;
he makes them know his covenant.
15 My eyes are always directed toward Adonai,
for he will free my feet from the net.
16 Turn to me, and show me your favor;
for I am alone and oppressed.
17 The troubles of my heart are growing and growing;
bring me out of my distress.
18 See my affliction and suffering,
and take all my sins away.
19 Consider my enemies, how many there are
and how cruelly they hate me.
20 Protect me and rescue me;
don’t let me be disgraced,
for I take refuge in you.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
because my hope is in you.
22 God! Redeem Isra’el

from all their troubles!
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All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. (Psalm 25:10 (NRSV))
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 and decided to have surgery to remove the tumor and keep the cancer from spreading. Each of my many chemotherapy treatments produced debilitating side effects. My body changed; my hands, feet, and nails turned dark; my hair fell out.
I suffered physically and mentally, but my faith in God helped me to stand strong and stable. When I found out that I had cancer and would undergo treatment, I spent time in prayer, read the Bible, asked for mercy, and asked other believers to pray together that God would hear my cry. The Bible encouraged me, helping me remember that God has the answers I seek.
During that time 18 years ago, God gave me a life work: preaching the gospel. Now I see life as a blessing from God. Even when we are troubled in body and mind, we can rely on God’s grace and receive God’s mercy with humility. As the psalmist wrote, “Good and upright is the LORD.”
The Author: Nitraporn Laddakornbhand (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
Thought for the Day: Life is a blessing from God.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for your healing, kindness, justice, and steadfast love. Amen.

Prayer focus: Cancer patients
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