The Upper Room daily devotional

Endings and Beginnings

31 Dec 2011

The Lord spoke to Joshua . . . saying, "My servant Moses is dead. Now proceed to cross the Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the Israelites."

- Joshua 1:2 (NRSV)

Today's Devotional

A new era began for Israel when Moses died. What would Joshua and Israel do now? The Israelites had not yet gone into the Promised Land, and probably they questioned what they would do without Moses.In today's Bible reading, God reassures Joshua, the new leader of Israel, that he should cross over the Jordan River and enter the land of Canaan. God wanted Joshua and the children of Israel to know that the God of their ancestors would go with them into this new adventure.As this year ends and another begins, we look back at all that has happened. We then look forward to a new adventure and into the unknown. Just as God encouraged Joshua and the Israelites when they prepared to enter the Promised Land, God also says to us, "Be strong and courageous" (Josh. 1:6). We can trust God to see us through any trouble we face in the future. The Lord who reassured Joshua and the Israelites long ago gives us the same assurance today.

Roger Brannon (Florida, USA)

Thought for the Day: The God who has sustained me through 2011 will walk with me through 2012.

Prayer: Loving God, as we face a new year, help us to place our trust and confidence in you and your promise to go with us always. Amen.

Prayer Focus: Those insecure about the future

The scripture quotation is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Eternal Love

30 Dec 2011

Read 1 John 4:7-16

God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

- John 3:16 (NIV)

Today's Devotional

As part of a family trip to New Delhi during the Christmas season, we visited the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. We spent four hours inside this architectural marvel. A Moghul king constructed it in remembrance of his beloved wife. Centuries later, their love is symbolized in the beauty and atmosphere of the monument.This building honoring mortal love reminded me of the much greater, immortal love that the King of kings showed for us over 2000 years ago. Jesus came to the earth and gave his life for us. More than the love of a human king for his queen, we can experience God's eternal, unconditional, unfailing love today and forever.The love of God shown in Jesus Christ has the power to wipe out our guilt and sins. God in love also promises us eternal life. But we don't have to travel to a special place to find and feel this amazing love. All we have to do to experience the life God offers us is to believe in and follow Jesus Christ. And then we become monuments to that love by the way we live each day.

Rohan P. Diarsa (Gujarat, India)

Thought for the Day: Christ is the "landmark" who has changed both history on earth and our lives for all eternity.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming into this world and giving your life for us. Help us to feel your love in our hearts and to share it with others. Amen.

Prayer Focus: People traveling during the holidays

Our Father

29 Dec 2011

Read Luke 11:2-4

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

- Luke 11:2 (KJV)

Today's Devotional

I have clear memories of my beloved grandmother. She came to my room each evening when I was tucked in bed to be sure I said the Lord's Prayer.I often said, "My Father in heaven." Grandma Sophie would smile and gently correct me, saying, "Our Father in heaven." But I felt that God was my Father, mine alone. When I reflect on my simple childhood error, I see a powerful truth. God is "Our Father" in heaven: my God, Grandma Sophie's God, and the God of the entire world. We live in a community of faith. Like brothers and sisters, we share one faith. God's love binds us to God in Christ and to one another. God is truly "Our Father" who gathers all of us into one family, united by God's love. I rejoice in that.Each day when I read The Upper Room, I am reminded of our Father in heaven and our worldwide family. I know that we read each day's devotion and prayer together. God has adopted each of us into the family through Jesus Christ, the Son.

John C. Holman (Minnesota, USA)

Thought for the Day: We are part of an eternal family.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to know you are our loving Father. Comfort us with the knowledge that we have a place in your heavenly home, prepared by Jesus Christ. As Jesus taught us, we pray, "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation."* Amen.

Prayer Focus: Children whose fathers are absent

Storm and Calm

28 Dec 2011

Read Psalm 106:1-12

Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest."

- Matthew 11:28 (TEV)

Today's Devotional

My mother taught us about God's love and often concluded our conversations with, "Take it to God in prayer."I did not appreciate the wisdom of her counsel until my life was filled with storms. Day in and day out, I found myself saying one steady prayer: "God, I need your counsel. I need to hear from you. Guide me; teach me; talk to me." However, the storms kept coming. I struggled to reconcile my continuing troubles with my relationship with God.One night while I was in the gym's pool, taking a break from swimming and saying again my prayer for God to speak to me, God finally got my attention. I heard God say, "Look how the water becomes calmer and clearer when your movement stops. Cast your burdens at my feet, and I will give you rest."We want answers to our prayers here and now. God says to us, "If only you would stop moving around and making so much noise! Stay quiet in my presence, and I will open the gates of heaven and bless you until your cup runs over." (See Mal. 3:10.) I realized that even in prayer, we have to stop talking in order to listen.

Deborah Dimowo (Lagos, Nigeria)

Thought for the Day: We have to stop talking in order to hear God's response.

Prayer: Precious Lord, teach us to recognize that you are powerful and that we are not. We live not by our own power but only by your grace. Amen.

Prayer Focus: Those who taught me to pray

Words of Life

27 Dec 2011

Read James 3:1-12

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so.

- James 3:10 (NRSV)

Today's Devotional

What damage we can do with our words! One day I was all ready to "have it out" with my husband on an issue that was burning within me. But God stopped me. The Bible verse at the top of the page of the devotional I was reading for that day told me in no uncertain terms to watch what I said and to refrain from speaking rashly.Who knows what harm I would have caused had I blundered on without heeding that warning? James tells us that our tongue is "a restless evil, full of deadly poison" (3:8, NIV). But the tongue can also soothe, encourage or instruct. With our words we can bless or curse, build people up or belittle them, praise God or spread discontent.In Proverbs we read, "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life" (10:11). Therein lies the key. The righteous--those who are in right relationship with God--surrender to God, asking the Holy Spirit to guide them in what they say, to accomplish God's purposes. As we let the Spirit direct us, self-control--part of the fruit of the Spirit--will grow in us. Then the words we use under the Spirit's direction will truly offer life to those who hear them.

Colette Williams (South Australia, Australia)

Thought for the Day: When we allow God to guide our speech, our words will not hurt but heal.

Prayer: May the words of our mouth be acceptable in your sight, O Lord. (See Ps. 19:14.) Amen.

Prayer Focus: To be aware of my words

The Second Day of Christmas

26 Dec 2011

Read Romans 5:1-10

We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

- Romans 5:2 (NIV)

Today's Devotional

The Christmas season has long been my favorite time of year. I love the lights, the decorations, the parties, the meaning, and the overall feel of this time. Christmas is also the worst time of the year for me. I cannot enjoy the last couple of hours of Christmas Day because I know that it will be gone soon and that, starting on December 26, life won't be the same. In this moment I feel despair. What keeps me going is the hope that I will see another Christmas. The countdown for the next Christmas immediately begins, as I remember that each day is a step closer to the season I love so much.I think the disciples experienced similar feelings of yearning. Jesus had been taken from them when he was crucified. Then he rose--only to ascend into heaven, leaving the disciples alone once again. But the hope that they would see Christ again kept them moving forward.Remembering all that he had taught them and all of the wonderful things he had said and done kept their eyes and hearts focused on heaven. We need that same hope each day, the hope that will carry us through every day. That hope is Christ, who is near us in every season. That hope overcomes despair and will carry us until the day we see Christ face to face.

Andy Wayne Clapp (North Carolina, USA)

Thought for the Day: Read about the 12 days of Christmas to learn how to extend your celebration.

Prayer: Faithful God, encourage us when we feel despair, and help us to hold on to the hope we have in you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Prayer Focus: Those who are alone at Christmas

Christmas Day

25 Dec 2011

Read Ephesians 3:14-21

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

- Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

Today's Devotional

Like the tune of a Christmas carol that won't go away, the phrase "the wrong sound weakens" (from a poem by William Stafford) has been coming to my mind again and again. The wrong sound--any word or sound that is out of harmony with God's truth--can only weaken.But a word of truth spoken at the right time, in the right spirit can change everything about us and about our lives. It's like the clear, pure sound of a trumpet rising above a noisy crowd. The song the shepherds heard on the first Christmas announcing the good news of the Savior was that sort of sound.Advent reminded us to watch and work for the time when the song of the angels would become the song the whole world sings. We waited for fulfillment of the promise. Sometimes it felt as if the wrong sound would drown out everything else. But then somehow, somewhere deep within, we began to hear the gentle hum that reminds us God is always at work. This hum is what the Bible calls hope.To believe the gospel is to believe that Jesus Christ is the Word of truth, the Sound who changes everything. Following Christ frees us from the ordinary ways the world conditions us to live and offers us an eternal hope. At Christmas, we come to see that the good news the angels proclaimed is the only sound that can save us.

James A. Harnish (Florida, USA)

Thought for the Day: Our hope is grounded in what God did in Christ.

Prayer: God of hope, when we are tempted to give up, remind us to listen for the sound of angels. Amen.

Prayer Focus: Those who feel hopeless

Christmas Eve

24 Dec 2011

Read Genesis 18:9-15

Sarah laughed to herself.

- Genesis 18:12 (TEV)

Today's Devotional

In our family, Christmas Eve was always a night of joyful expectation. Singing carols with my family and anticipation of opening gifts kept me awake beyond my bedtime.Gifts come in various forms: not only in decorated packages sheltered beneath the lights of the Christmas tree but also in supportive words and kind deeds. Gifts are symbols of the giver's love and may bring joy and wonder to the receiver.God's gift to Sarah so surprised her that she laughed in disbelief. The gift was news that she would become a mother and fulfill God's promise to Abraham. Centuries later, Abraham's lineage would also bring us Jesus Christ, born to a young woman named Mary. Like Sarah, Mary was surprised by the news from God. Sarah laughed. Mary pondered. Mary's call was to be the mother of God's everlasting gift to the world.During the Christmas season, we remember that God came to the world in Immanuel--"God with us." Jesus is a reminder of God's enduring love for each of us. We receive this gift with joy, knowing that God wrapped it in love and sealed it with grace.

Carlene L. Hodge (Tennessee, USA)

Thought for the Day: The best gift we can give is the news of God's love shown in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: God, what a joy it is to receive your gift of Jesus Christ! We welcome him in our hearts as a reminder of your love and share your gift with others as a token of our love for you. Amen.

Prayer Focus: Those people sad at Christmastime

Christmas Meeting

23 Dec 2011

Read Ephesians 1:3-12

How are they to believe in [a Savior] of whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?

- Romans 10:14 (NRSV)

Today's Devotional

I reluctantly agreed to go to the Christmas service in one of the Orthodox churches in our city. When we entered the church I saw a woman talking to the priest. The woman's face was not immediately familiar, but I felt sure that I knew her.During the service, I listened to the wonderful singing and the prayers. I looked at the faces of the icons and the flickering candles. But I could not stop thinking about the woman. Where do I know her from?Suddenly I remembered: she had been my first music teacher. I hadn't seen her for 25 years. She had done much more than open up the world of music to me. This woman was the first one to talk to me about God--during a period when it was practically forbidden in my country to mention God's name.I went up to her. When I asked if she recognized me, she said yes and added, "You have the same eyes." I told her, "You know, you were the very first person who told me about God." A smile lit up her face. I felt overwhelmed by emotion. Meeting her this way reminded me that when I searched for God, the people I needed to guide me appeared.

Galina Galaktionova (Pskov, Russia)

Thought for the Day: On our spiritual journey, no meeting is mere coincidence.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for coming to us at Christmas and always, wherever we are. Amen.

Prayer Focus: Those who have guided me toward God

Responding with Grace

22 Dec 2011

Read 1 Samuel 1:1-18

Eli said to [Hannah], "How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine." But Hannah answered, "No, my Lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord."

- 1 Samuel 1:14-15 (NRSV)

Today's Devotional

I can empathize with Hannah in this story, as I too have endured embarrassing public accusations, rumors, and misunderstandings. Unfortunately, although my experiences may mirror Hannah's, often my responses don't. Usually when I am falsely accused, my responses range from angry insults to frosty put-downs to tearful complaints.In contrast, when Hannah was falsely accused, she politely explained her behavior. Her words to Eli were gracious and respectful. Any cutting remark I might have made would only have shown my disdain for Eli--and that would not have achieved the positive result that Hannah's response did. When Hannah responded without rancor, she allowed Eli to respond in the same spirit, in spite of his earlier misunderstanding. While one of my knee-jerk responses could have prompted harsh words from Eli, instead Eli's kind response brought Hannah both comfort and hope. She went home happy.Imagine the impact we could have on our families, our churches, and our communities if we responded to accusations, rumors, or insults the way Hannah responded to Eli!

Leona Matson (British Columbia, Canada)

Thought for the Day: No matter what others say or do, I can respond with grace and love.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for the examples you give us in your word. Help us be as gracious as Hannah was to Eli. Amen.

Prayer Focus: People who wrongfully accuse us

Hope of Glory

21 Dec 2011

Read Luke 2:1-20

To [his saints] God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

- Colossians 1:27 (NRSV)

Today's Devotional

At midnight during the traditional Christmas Eve service, I lit the Christ candle in the center of the Advent wreath. "It's Christmas," I said. "We are no longer anticipating his advent. Christ is here. Christ is with us." Teenagers came up, held their candles over the flame, and then passed the flame to the people in the pews. Lights were shut off, leaving us in the soft, flickering glow of candlelight. I remembered standing in the same place earlier and pronouncing the words of Jesus over a loaf of bread, "Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you" (1 Cor. 11:24, KJV).I realized that at our core, we Christians believe that the Spirit wants to come to each of us and take up residence inside us. Looking around at the crowd of glowing faces, I knew that Christ was with us. The warmth I felt was Christ loving me.Later, people lingered in the narthex. They hugged one another and wished everyone a cheery "Merry Christmas!" I wanted to lock up and go home to bed, but I couldn't blame them. Who wants to leave a place where they feel the presence of God?

Earl T. Dickerson (Kentucky, USA)

Thought for the Day: When worship is over, we can still feel God's presence.

Prayer: Loving God, continue to make yourself known among people who don't know you. Prepare us to receive them as family. Amen.

Prayer Focus: Those planning Christmas worship

The First Thing

20 Dec 2011

Read Psalm 23

Jesus said, "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. . . . If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, . . . how much more will he clothe you?"

- Luke 12:27-28 (NIV)

Today's Devotional

My 96-year-old mother lives in a health-care center. Each day she sits near the nurses' station, waiting patiently for my visit. I try to visit her regularly and bring flowers. When I hand the flowers to her, she thanks me repeatedly and tears of joy come to her eyes.Mom looks very carefully at the flowers as she holds them in her arms and comments on the fragrance, colors, and shapes of the blossoms. She always reminds me to place them in a certain location on her table so that when she awakens in the morning they will be the first thing she sees. At the end of my visit, we fold our hands in prayer and say the 23rd Psalm.To me, Mom's appreciation for the beauty of each flower is almost an act of worshipping God. Her faith and her love for creation have helped me see even more clearly that right relationship with God does not lie in a frenzied, desperate attempt to win acceptance by our performance. We enter and sustain that relationship by humbly accepting the love and grace God offers to us in Jesus Christ.

Al Russell (Connecticut, USA)

Thought for the Day: Relationship with God rests not on winning acceptance but on accepting grace.

Prayer: O God, help us to accept your grace instead of trying to earn your love. Amen.

Prayer Focus: People in health-care centers

Immanuel

19 Dec 2011

Read Philippians 2:1-11

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."

- Matthew 1:23 (NIV)

Today's Devotional

For more than any other reasons, I read the Bible to know that I am not alone and that I am loved. I read the word that has been handed down to us over the centuries to hear the stories of God, who loves me and comes to me even here as I serve time in prison. I read to hear the loving words of God who made me.Prison is full of men and women who are alone and suffering. Our pain does not have to pull us away from God; it can pull us closer. Pain and suffering can pull us into the heart of faith, where Christ offers us loving comfort.No matter what my pain, loneliness, or loss, God has been with me every step of the way. I have joy in what God has done and is doing. I have purpose in life; I have hope in the future.We are not alone; God is with us. We are loved and cherished by God, who created us and surrounds us with a loving community. This is the gift that came to us on Christmas morning and is given to us anew every day and in every place.

Matthew B. Harper (Virginia, USA)

Thought for the Day: No believer in Christ is ever alone or unloved.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being with us. Help us to open our hearts to you. Amen.

Prayer Focus: Those in prison

4th Sunday of Advent

18 Dec 2011

Read Revelation 21:1-7

The home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them.

- Revelation 21:3 (NRSV)

Today's Devotional

Today's reading has been used for generations as a word of comfort and hope at times of death. So it may seem odd to read it at Christmastime. But consider these words from it: "See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples." What is that but the message of Christmas? As John told us, in Jesus our God who had long seemed hidden or absent was coming to live among us, "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).When we look carefully at this passage from Revelation, we see not only the promise of an eternal future but also reassurance of what we received in Jesus. When the child of Christmas grew up, he called those who mourn "blessed" and promised comfort. (See Matt. 5: 4.) He commended those who give a cup of cold water to the thirsty. (See Matt. 10:42.) Jesus taught his disciples to pray for God's kingdom to come "on earth as it is in heaven," reminding them and us that what God wants for our world is meant to begin here and now, in this life.Not only do we celebrate Jesus' birth; we also celebrate what he did when he grew up. Now that we have again welcomed Jesus into our world, let us honor him by living the message of healing, comfort, and peace that he came to proclaim.

F. Richard Garland (New Hampshire, USA)

Thought for the Day: Each of us is called to live the truth that we see in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: O God, as we have welcomed your grace and truth in Christ, help us to show our weary world that following him is the way to peace. Amen.

Prayer Focus: Those who work for peace