The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Thursday, 19 July 2018 "Showing God’s Love" by James Tang (Singapore) Psalm 34:1-10

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The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Thursday, 19 July 2018 "Showing God’s Love" by James Tang (Singapore) Psalm 34:1-10
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; 
he delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4 (NIV))
Recently, I went through three medical procedures for my prostate, bladder, and colon. Initially I was worried because I had overheard the attending doctor say something about a round spot in one of my X-rays. However, friends reassured me with their prayers, and the results of the follow-up procedure turned out to be all clear.
When I shared some details of the procedures with my Walk to Emmaus prayer group, one of them said that he was grateful to hear my story because he was preparing for a procedure himself. He was worried because he had no one to drive him home since his wife would be overseas that week and his only son was busy with school exams.
On that day, one of our group members turned up to stay with him at the hospital and drive him home. He was also given the all-clear by his doctor. God had given our friend a double dose of peace: a clean bill of health and a friend to take him home.
Through our prayers and conversation, our prayer group has demonstrated God’s love and care, reminding us that anyone can come forward to show God’s love.
TODAY'S PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us opportunities to show your love to our friends in need. Amen.
TODAY'S READING: Psalm 34:1 (0) By David, when he pretended to be insane before Avimelekh, who then drove him away; so he left:
2 (1) I will bless Adonai at all times;
his praise will always be in my mouth.
3 (2) When I boast, it will be about Adonai;
the humble will hear of it and be glad.
4 (3) Proclaim with me the greatness of Adonai;
let us exalt his name together.
5 (4) I sought Adonai, and he answered me;
he rescued me from everything I feared.
6 (5) They looked to him and grew radiant;
their faces will never blush for shame.
7 (6) This poor man cried; Adonai heard
and saved him from all his troubles.
8 (7) The angel of Adonai, who encamps
around those who fear him, delivers them.
9 (8) Taste, and see that Adonai is good.
How blessed are those who take refuge in him!
10 (9) Fear Adonai, you holy ones of his,
for those who fear him lack nothing. (Complete Jewish Bible).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: How will I show God’s powerful love to others today?
PRAYER FOCUS: Those awaiting medical procedures
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