The Upper Room Daily Devotional in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "HE’S BEEN THERE" for Saturday, 22 July 2017 - Read Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:14-16-------
Hebrews 2:14 Therefore, since the children share a common physical nature as human beings, he became like them and shared that same human nature; so that by his death he might render ineffective the one who had power over death (that is, the Adversary) 15 and thus set free those who had been in bondage all their lives because of their fear of death.
16 Indeed, it is obvious that he does not take hold of angels to help them; on the contrary,
“He takes hold of the seed of Avraham.”[Hebrews 2:16 Isaiah 41:8–9]
17 This is why he had to become like his brothers in every respect — so that he might become a merciful and faithful cohen gadol in the service of God, making a kapparah for the sins of the people. 18 For since he himself suffered death when he was put to the test, he is able to help those who are being tested now., 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great cohen gadol who has passed through to the highest heaven, Yeshua, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we acknowledge as true. 15 For we do not have a cohen gadol unable to empathize with our weaknesses; since in every respect he was tempted just as we are, the only difference being that he did not sin. 16 Therefore, let us confidently approach the throne from which God gives grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.
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Because [Jesus] himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. [Hebrews 2:18 (NIV)]
When I was young and did something I shouldn’t have, I knew I was about to get busted when my dad would come into my room, turn my chair around, and sit backward on it. One time when the chair came out and I braced for a scolding, Dad said a few words that have stuck with me to this day. He said, “Son, when you think you’ve found a gutter I haven’t crawled into, you let me know.” He was telling me two things: that he had been tempted by the same thing I had succumbed to, and also that I wasn’t fooling him. Knowing all this was unnerving, and yet it brought me closer to my father because I knew he could relate to my life, and that he cared for me.
Unlike my father and me, when faced with temptation Jesus did not succumb to it. He was persecuted for a righteous life, tempted in the desert, and died in a most hideous way. Our Savior understands our temptation because he too was tempted. Because Jesus loves us, he reminds us that we aren’t fooling him, and that we don’t need to remain distant because we think he can’t relate to us. At those moments, we can remember that Jesus knows, understands, and cares for us because he’s been there.
See photos of Michael and his dad, here.
Michael Wolff with his dad in 1969
Michael Wolff with his dad today
© 2017 The Upper Room®. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.Read more from the author, here.Watching and Waiting
Habakkuk 2:1-3 is a passage that has come to mean much to me over my 39 years as a believer. I know God has a special calling for my life, and I find myself “stationed on the rampart,” as Habakkuk says, of that calling. I feel like I'm standing at the gate, eyes scanning the horizon for any hint of the impending arrival of destiny.
But then there’s those words I cringe at the sound of: "stand" and "station." I often feel like I am waiting for the appointed time, and I know that those God calls are often people of action not given to patience. We may pass the time in obedience to daily callings, but as the years go by become increasingly impatient. We tire of this roller-coaster that alternately takes us to mountaintops and brings us to the gates of despair, and cry out, “Either bring it to pass or take it away!” Standing at our posts, clothed in armor when there is no visible enemy on the horizon, makes us ask ourselves the same question others may have asked Noah, “Why would you build a ship in the middle of a desert?”
But every time we decide to leave our stations, or worse try to force God’s hand through our own efforts, we are reproved. We return, humbled, to our perches because we know that’s where we belong regardless of life’s circumstances. As we wait God gives us something else to do: “Record the vision, and inscribe it on tablets that the one who reads it may run!” (Habakkuk 2:2). God always wants the story passed on to inspire others! From Abraham’s tablets to John’s letters, it has always been so.
Ah, but then there is the reason we stand upon our ramparts while others may mock us. We know that, “the vision hastens toward the goal and it will not fail!” (Habakkuk 2:3). When we reach our points of deepest despair the Lord sends us answers in ways we could not have imagined! Through this God says, “I am here, the vision is alive, and you are right where I need you."
So here we stand at our stations: calloused and at times even numb from the weight of both the burden and hope of our callings. But we know God thinks we are worthy, so we steel our minds for the journey. As Isaiah would put it, the Lord opened our ears to hear and we cannot turn back. There will be those who will mock us, but we will not hide our faces for we know God gave us the vision. We will not be disgraced! God is near, and we need not be ashamed! [Michael Wolff]
The Author: Michael Wolff (Colorado, USA)
Thought for the Day: Like me, Jesus has been tempted, and he understands my struggle.
Prayer: Dear God of compassion, help us to acknowledge our sins and seek your love and forgiveness. Amen.
Prayer focus: TO ACCEPT FORGIVENESS
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The Upper Room Daily Devotional in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "BACKWARD OR FORWARD?" for Friday, 21 July 2017 - Read Ephesians 3:14-21
-------Ephesians 3:14 For this reason, I fall on my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its character. 16 I pray that from the treasures of his glory he will empower you with inner strength by his Spirit, 17 so that the Messiah may live in your hearts through your trusting. Also I pray that you will be rooted and founded in love, 18 so that you, with all God’s people, will be given strength to grasp the breadth, length, height and depth of the Messiah’s love, 19 yes, to know it, even though it is beyond all knowing, so that you will be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who by his power working in us is able to do far beyond anything we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the Messianic Community and in the Messiah Yeshua from generation to generation forever. Amen.
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Jesus said, “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” [John 12:24 (NIV)]
Driving through a lush, green forest, I rounded a curve to see hundreds of white cylinders studding a bare hillside. The scene resembled a cemetery marked with rows of tombstones. Then I looked closer. Each white cylinder surrounded a tiny hand-planted sapling, protecting it from nibbling deer and harsh winds. In a few decades a forest would again cover this hill. I meditated on the larger truth of this picture: with loss comes space for new growth. Then I thought, How often have I experienced the loss of possessions, people, or jobs from my life? Each time, my immediate response had been anger and frustration. I had wasted energy looking backward when I could have been looking forward to the new life God could plant in that now-empty space.
Rather than fighting change, we can instead consider how much sooner something new and beautiful could grow if we would only hand over our pride and control to God who longs to bless us. Contrary to the “me first” attitude that the world encourages, God tells us that if we die to our selfish desires (see Gal. 5:24), we will see doors opening to new growth — “far more than all we can ask or imagine.”
The Author: Linda Jett (Oregon, USA)
Thought for the Day: With each loss, God provides an opportunity for new growth.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to trust you with our losses. Then help us to look forward to the new growth only you can provide. Amen.
Prayer focus: TO BE OPEN TO NEW LIFE
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The Upper Room Daily Devotional in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "A SIMPLE LIFE" for Thursday, 20 July 2017 - Read 1 Timothy 6:6-12-------
1 Timothy 6:6 Now true religion does bring great riches, but only to those who are content with what they have. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world; and we can take nothing out of it; 8 so if we have food and clothing, we will be satisfied with these. 9 Furthermore, those whose goal is to be rich fall into temptation; they get trapped in many foolish and hurtful ambitions which plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all the evils; because of this craving, some people have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves to the heart with many pains.
11 But you, as a man of God, flee from these things; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith, take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you testified so well to your faith before many witnesses.
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What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? [Micah 6:8 (NRSV)]
My grandfather led a simple life; he was always content with whatever he received. He developed a good command of the English language as he worked with doctors and missionaries before and after India gained its independence.
After he retired, my grandfather dedicated his life to language and literature. He taught English to school children and seminary students. He wrote innumerable meditations and articles for Christian periodicals. He also wrote Christian books. His use of English helped connect me to a wider cultural understanding.
At age 88, my grandfather died. From his funeral, we could see his powerful impact on the lives of those he encountered and that he had earned tremendous respect from our family and society. Through his simple lifestyle, he had used his talent in language to raise the Lord’s name higher — adding joy and peace to other people’s lives.
Our world often praises only those who dream big and achieve “great” things. But then there are those who work in smaller ways with their God-given gifts to touch our lives and make them better. In today’s restless world that’s a challenge for us all.
See a photo of Rohan and his grandfather, here.
Rohan Diarsa and his grandfather, Clement Diarsa
© 2017 The Upper Room®. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Author: Rohan P. Diarsa (Gujarat, India)
Thought for the Day: Who has shown me how to live faithfully?
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the people who have led us to you and have shown us how to live simply so that we can appreciate your blessings. Amen.
Prayer focus: GRANDPARENTS
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The Upper Room Daily Devotional in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "A SMALL WORLD" for Wednesday, 19 July 2017 - Read Matthew 5:13-16
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Matthew 5:13 “You are salt for the Land. But if salt becomes tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except being thrown out for people to trample on.
14 “You are light for the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Likewise, when people light a lamp, they don’t cover it with a bowl but put it on a lampstand, so that it shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they may see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.
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The King will reply [to those at his right hand], “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” [Matthew 25:40 (NIV)]
As a child I was fascinated by maps. The world then seemed so big. Recently a charitable organization sent me a map of the world, and I was struck by how small the world now seems. I am convinced that we cannot isolate ourselves when there is so much desperate need in the world.
I put the world map on my refrigerator and marked every place where I had made a donation: places recovering from a natural disaster, communities experiencing a health crisis, a refugee organization for which I knitted gifts. I also include my own community where I have helped to fulfill a need. When friends travel abroad I give them a donation and ask them to share it wherever God nudges them. I do this so that this act will bless not only the one in need and me, but also friends serving as intermediaries.
I believe that as citizens of the world, we are called to make a difference with whatever we have and however we can. As the colored arrows on my map have increased to include all the continents, I smile as I realize that even if I can’t travel to all these areas I can still do something to help people there. I may never meet any of them, but I am certain that God is directing my resources to those who need my help.
See a photo of Jeanne and her map, here.
Jeanne and the map she mentions in today’s meditation
© 2017 The Upper Room®. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.Read more from the author, here.
More from Jeanne Carper
Sometimes in the seasons of life there are times we feel inadequate, nonproductive, and like we are not fulfilling any useful purpose. We may struggle with health issues or financial worries or concerns about friends or family members. After I retired from freelance editing medical books for 38 years, I didn’t expect to have chronic debilitating health concerns for which no medication or therapy seems to help. I supposedly have fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome and get daily headaches that flare with weather shifts—all of which I cannot control. So retirement has not been as I had hoped. I have realized that I don’t have to do the grand gestures but to focus on doing small things where I am with what I have.That’s why I started the map and send money with those who can travel (soon I will be able to add Alaska, British Columbia, and Peru to the map), or I give to organizations doing amazing work amid hardship to provide basic needs or to help the environment. I
even adopted a penguin in Antarctica so I could cover all the continents! I have taken up knitting and made many prayer shawls for those struggling at my church and for the families of fallen soldiers. I have also made several hundred caps to be distributed by charities to children. I know that God has blessed these items. I have learned to pray unceasingly for all in need of relief from pain, for my friends and family, my church and community, my country, and the world. There is much to be done even in “small” ways. No service is too small if done for good and for God. [Jeanne Carper, Pictured above: Jeanne and the map she mentions in today's meditation and, below, the items she has knitted so far this year to mail out in the fall]The Author: Jeanne Carper (Maryland, USA)
Thought for the Day: I will follow God’s nudge to help where I can.
Prayer: Dear God of all, empower us to help those who are struggling in difficult situations beyond their control. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE LACKING NECESSITIES OF LIFE
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The Upper Room Daily Devotional in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "SAYING 'YES'” for Tuesday, 18 July 2017 - Read Judges 6:11-18
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Judges 6:11 Then the angel of Adonai came and sat under the pistachio tree in ‘Ofrah that belonged to Yo’ash the Avi‘ezri. His son Gid‘on was threshing wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from Midyan. 12 The angel of Adonai appeared to him and said to him: “You valiant hero! Adonai is with you!” 13 “Excuse me, sir,” answered Gid‘on, “but if Adonai is with us, then why is all this happening to us? And where are all his miracles our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Didn’t Adonai bring us up from Egypt?’ For now Adonai has abandoned us and handed us over to Midyan.” 14 Adonai turned to him and said, “Go in this strength of yours and save Isra’el from the hands of Midyan. Haven’t I sent you?” 15 But Gid‘on answered him, “Forgive me, my Lord, but with what am I to save Isra’el? Why, my family is the poorest in M’nasheh, and I’m the youngest person in my father’s house!” 16 Adonai said to him, “Because I will be with you, you will strike down Midyan as easily as if they were just one man.” 17 Gid‘on replied, “If indeed you favor me, would you mind giving me a sign that it is really you talking with me? 18 Please don’t leave until I go and return with a gift and present it to you.” He replied, “I’ll wait till you come back.”
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God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. [2 Timothy 1:7 (NRSV)]
I was offered a new job with more responsibility and a substantial increase in salary. The job description was lengthy and intimidating. I began to feel anxious. It seemed to be a dream job, but I felt unprepared and under-qualified. I prayed, “God, I just don’t know about this.” I wrote the company back, explaining my concerns; but the next thing I knew, I had the job.
Scripture is filled with ordinary people called to do extraordinary things. The angel of the Lord called Gideon to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Gideon’s response was something like this: “My family is insignificant, and I am the most insignificant in my family.” Moses asked God to choose someone else to confront Pharaoh because he wasn’t a public speaker (Exod. 4:10). And on the day of his coronation, King Saul hid in a baggage room (1 Sam. 10:22). God often selects the not-so-willing and makes them capable.
At times, we all experience anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, and doubt. But a renewed sense of God’s presence within us gives us extraordinary abilities. When God calls us to take a job, to start a ministry, to extend a helping hand, we can rest assured that God also gives us the power, ability, love, and self-discipline to accomplish the task.
Read more from the author, here.
More from Kenneth Avon White
Many of us have a “bucket list.” It’s that collection of experiences yet to be undertaken that promise to put more life into the life we have left to live. I am happy to report that my bucket list is now a bit shorter. I’ve always wanted to visit the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. It’s the region of the country where the first successful English settlement was established, Jamestown, named after England’s King James I. In 1619, newly appointed Governor Yeardley called for the first representative legislative assembly which made Jamestown Virginia’s first capital. The legislature moved to Williamsburg in 1699.
It’s hard to believe that after 20 years of living in Washington, D.C. I never took the short trip south to see these historical sites. In hindsight, I suppose my desire to explore the beginnings of our country was fueled by America’s rich history on display in Washington – the monuments, statues of our founders and fabled words inscribed on marble stones.
Before we could crank up my aunt’s car to make the trip we had to pack my belongings around hers. No easy feat. God sent me into the world without the gift of packing lightly. When the last piece to this perplexing puzzle was set in place, the boat-sized vehicle was stuffed as tight as a marching band in a telephone booth. At last, we pointed the car east and silently pondered what our expedition into America’s past would uncover.
The museum exhibits did not disappoint. I learned that citizens of the English Crown set sail on December 6, 1606 aboard three ships: the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery. It would be early 1607 when 104 men and boys stepped onto the soil of the Hampton Roads area. What I learned of their immediate trials and hardships left me speechless – deaths by disease, famine, and war. If I could ask them one question it would be, “What possessed you to say yes to this voyage in the first place?”The topic of my devotional for today is saying “yes” when mind, will, and emotions say “no.” Understanding the stories behind the Jamestown settlers has inspired me to anticipate the next experience God nudges me to take on. It could be a directive to stand in a place of authority where I really want to shrink back into the shadows like Gideon, Moses, and Saul. Or it could be a call to embark on an adventure where the journey, not the destination, is the focus as I seek to impact lives along the way for the Kingdom.
There’s another reason why my bucket list has become a bit shorter. Thanks to a mentor at The Upper Room, I am now published in a book. Short and Sweet: Small Words for Big Thoughts is an anthology of essays that showcase clear, concise writing styles. This is a coveted first for me that’s put fresh wind in my sails. If you need to reach me, I’ll be on Cloud Nine! [Kenneth Avon White, Check out Kenneth Avon White’s blog at www.avonwhite.com., Pictured above, top to bottom: Kenneth in front of a Jameston ship replica, the inside of a Williamsburg historic courthouse, an old-fashioned carriage ride in Williamsburg]The Author: Kenneth Avon White (Tennessee, USA)
Thought for the Day: God gives me courage to do new things.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for creating us to have an impact on the world. We ask your help as we take on new challenges. Amen.
Prayer focus: JOB SEEKERS
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The Upper Room Daily Devotional in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "CLOTHED IN KINDNESS" for Monday, 17 July 2017 - Read Colossians 3:12-17
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Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with feelings of compassion and with kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with one another; if anyone has a complaint against someone else, forgive him. Indeed, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.
14 Above all these, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together perfectly; 15 and let the shalom which comes from the Messiah be your heart’s decision-maker, for this is why you were called to be part of a single Body.
And be thankful — 16 let the Word of the Messiah, in all its richness, live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts. 17 That is, everything you do or say, do in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
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As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [Colossians 3:12 (NIV)]
I was scared when we walked into the emergency room at 4 AM. My husband, Jose, had tingling and numbness down his left side and a slight limp, symptoms of a mini-stroke. As the staff checked us into a room, I fought to hold back tears. I was anxious and afraid, but a nurse’s kindness reassured me.
“My name is Sarah,” she said. “You let me know if you need anything, okay?” Sarah took a moment to smile and make eye contact with us. In fact, everyone who came into our room stopped to introduce themselves and ask if we were comfortable. With each smile, the hospital became less cold and scary. My fear subsided as I sensed God encouraging me through the quiet, friendly care of the staff.
What a difference kindness can make! It is a powerful way to share God’s grace with others. When we put on kindness, we look more like Jesus. We never know when a thoughtful gesture could turn the day around for a co-worker, a struggling child, or the stranger behind us at the coffee shop. We can share the love of Christ with those around us through our kind words and actions.
See a photo of Betsy and Jose, here.
Betsy and Jose on their anniversary
© 2017 The Upper Room®. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Read more from the author, here.
How to Get a Good Start on the Day
Have you ever noticed how your first thoughts in the morning set the tone for your day?Often we carry those first thoughts into the rest of our day, so I desperately need God to renew my mind every morning. When my alarm goes off, it takes a few minutes for my groggy brain to wake up. By the time I pry myself out of bed, thoughts start popping up in my mind:
- Do I really have to go walking this morning?
- How can I get my kids to do their chores?
- I can’t believe he said that yesterday.
“You’re not alone.”
“Do not fear, for I am with you.”
“I will strengthen you and help you.”
“I am in control. I have a plan for you.”
“I love you.”
We never know what the day ahead holds. In today’s devotion, I wrote about how I ended up in the emergency room with my husband. I never expected that. We also never know who God will bring across our paths for us to show kindness to. Yet if we start each day out with God, we’ll be better equipped for whatever or whoever comes into our lives.The psalmist wrote, “And when I wake up, you are still with me!” (Psalm 139:18). God’s already there waiting for me when I wake up, so how do I open myself to hear his gentle, quiet voice?
Of course the easiest way to hear it is through reading the Bible, but I’ve made a baby-step decision. When I wake up, before getting out of bed, I say good morning to God. Even before I make coffee and reach for my Bible, I whisper, “Good morning, God. Fill me with your Holy Spirit today. Empower me to live for you.”
I want to start my day with thoughts of my Heavenly Father. I can trust he’ll prepare me for whatever is ahead. [Betsy de Cruz, Betsy de Cruz writes at faithspillingover.com to encourage people to stick close to God, even when life gets crazy. If you subscribe to her blog, she’d love to send you a free Bible study guide, "10 Days to More." In it you’ll find 10 different devotional Bible study methods.]
The Author: Betsy de Cruz (Texas, USA)
Thought for the Day: Who might need to know Christ through my words or actions today?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for loving us. Help us to be like Christ, reaching out to others with kindness and compassion. Amen.
Prayer focus: EMERGENCY HEALTHCARE WORKERS
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The Upper Room Daily Devotional in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "WORKS OF ART" for Sunday, 16 July 2017 - Read Genesis 50:15-20-------
Genesis 50:15 Realizing that their father was dead, Yosef’s brothers said, “Yosef may hate us now and pay us back in full for all the suffering we caused him.” 16 So they sent a message to Yosef which said, “Your father gave this order before he died: 17 ‘Say to Yosef, “I beg you now, please forgive your brothers’ crime and wickedness in doing you harm.”’ So now, we beg of you, forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.” Yosef wept when they spoke to him; 18 and his brothers too came, prostrated themselves before him and said, “Here, we are your slaves.” 19 But Yosef said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Am I in the place of God? 20 You meant to do me harm, but God meant it for good — so that it would come about as it is today, with many people’s lives being saved
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Joseph replied to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” [Genesis 50:20 (NIV)]
A number of years ago I went for a walk in the woods with Bob, a friend from church who was a professor of forestry. As we were enjoying the natural surroundings, he showed me a basketball-sized, bulbous growth on the limb of a tree and told me it was cancer. The cancer had created chaos in a tiny place, causing the cells to grow out of control, in any shape and every direction. As a result, the tree looked deformed and ugly to me. Yet Bob told me that woodworkers prize such growths because they make the most unique bowls and carvings. The grain is multicolored, and it swirls in waves. Once polished, it becomes a unique work of art.
In much the same way that a skilled artist can turn a destructive force into a work of beauty, our loving God can turn our brokenness into unique works of grace and love.
The Author: Keith M. Curran (Virginia, USA)
Thought for the Day: God can transform our brokenness into something beautiful.
Prayer: Dear Father, work in the struggles of our lives to help us turn them into testimonies of your love and power, as we pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:9-13, NIV). Amen.
Prayer focus: WOODWORKERS
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