February 28th, 2007
Wednesday’s Reflection
IMMEDIACY, vivid immediacy in that Life of the Universe, is what we seek. Not in the earthquake, not in the whirlwind, not in the fire, but in a still small voice that we all have heard within us is God most immediately to be found. …
It is this Inner Witness, this Inner Light, that grows brighter, in fellowship with Scripture writers, in fellowship with nature, in fellowship with service and suffering.
- Thomas Kelly
The Sanctuary of the Soul
From page 42 of The Sanctuary of the Soul: Selected Writings of Thomas Kelly, edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe. Copyright © 1997 by Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
One thing I ask of the LORD, it is the one thing I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life.
- Psalm 27:4, REB
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for the leaders of the world, that they might be lead the world to a place of peace and justice. Visit the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Psalms has been called the prayer book of the Bible in both Jewish and Christian traditions. Psalms teach us to hide nothing from God, but to bring all that is real into the only relationship that can bless the best and heal the worst in us. Try Praying the Psalms.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember John Wesley (March 3).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
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Copyright © 2007 Upper Room Ministries | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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February 27th, 2007
Tuesday’s Reflection
THE LINK BETWEEN the faith we profess and the lifestyle we live is crucial. … As Christians, as living witnesses in a secular world, no longer can we believe one thing and act a different way. The faith that truly guides us is reflected in our lifestyles. More often than not, that faith is secular or idolatrous. No longer can I speak of faith apart from the reality of how I live. Faith must inform my thoughts, actions, and behaviors. For all of us, faith must be the central core of our being. We must live our faith in all of our life and not limit our discipleship to particular times or areas.
- Ann Hagmann
Climbing the Sycamore Tree
From page 18 of Climbing the Sycamore Tree: A Study on Choice and Simplicity by Ann Hagmann. Copyright © 2001 by Ann Hagmann. Published by Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Abram believed the LORD, and [the LORD] credited it to him as righteousness.
- Genesis 15:6, NIV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for the leaders of the world, that they might be lead the world to a place of peace and justice. Visit the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Psalms has been called the prayer book of the Bible in both Jewish and Christian traditions. Psalms teach us to hide nothing from God, but to bring all that is real into the only relationship that can bless the best and heal the worst in us. Try Praying the Psalms.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember John Wesley (March 3).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today
Copyright © 2007 Upper Room Ministries | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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February 26th, 2007
Monday’s Reflection
SELF-SCRUTINY is part of Lent’s process, but we do not observe Lent for the sake of self-scrutiny alone. To sit too long with the guilt and shame of our misdeeds would, in fact, go against the gospel message. Christ’s message is one of new life and forgiveness, so Lenten self-scrutiny must serve this purpose.
To arrive at newness of life, we first name the parts of our lives that are shrouded in darkness, the parts of ourselves where life does not flourish. We walk through some muck so that we can leave it behind us and find Easter joy beyond.
- Sarah Parsons
A Clearing Season
From page 9 of A Clearing Season by Sarah Parsons. Copyright © 2005 by Sarah Parsons. Published by Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
- Psalm 27:1, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for the leaders of the world, that they might be lead the world to a place of peace and justice. Visit the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Psalms has been called the prayer book of the Bible in both Jewish and Christian traditions. Psalms teach us to hide nothing from God, but to bring all that is real into the only relationship that can bless the best and heal the worst in us. Try Praying the Psalms.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember John Wesley (March 3).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today
Copyright © 2007 Upper Room Ministries | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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February 25th, 2007
FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
Sunday’s Reflection
THE PATH of love that I walk is neither predetermined nor clear cut. It is forged in the process of walking day by day, listening deeply to the silence brooding beneath the noisy instructions issuing from without and within our own hearts. God’s will is not a puzzle to be solved but a mystery to be lived into. It is a mystery whose contours emerge as we journey on.
- Wendy M. Wright
The Rising
From page 36 of The Rising by Wendy M. Wright. Copyright © 1994 by Wendy M. Wright. Published by Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
There is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.
- Romans 10:12, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for guidance during the Lenten Season — what you might give up, what you might take on, or how to live closer to God during these 40 days before Easter. Visit the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- The season of Lent began this week on Ash Wednesday. Read Simplicity: A Lenten Path.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Jacinta Marto, Francisco Marto, and Lucia dos Santos (February 20).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today
Copyright © 2007 Upper Room Ministries | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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February 24th, 2007
Saturday’s Reflection
WHENEVER I THINK on the way of integrity, I hear an invitation to come and walk more fully in that way myself. … As I consider the invitation, it presents me with no swift answers. Though I yearn for such answers, the way of integrity does not at any point say, “Now here is just the right program to solve this problem, and here is the one to solve that problem.” If I move forth in response to the invitation, I shall not find swift answers. I shall, however, find myself drawn into a way of being that will itself become the deepest form of answer.
- Stephen Doughty
To Walk in Integrity
From page 133 of To Walk in Integrity: Spiritual Leadership in Times of Crisis by Stephen Doughty. Copyright © 2004 by Stephen Doughty. Published by Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. Learn more about or purchase this magazine.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Be grateful for the good things that the LORD your God has given you and your family; and let … the foreigners who live among you join in the celebration.
- Deuteronomy 26:11, GNT
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for guidance during the Lenten Season — what you might give up, what you might take on, or how to live closer to God during these 40 days before Easter. Visit the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- The season of Lent began this week on Ash Wednesday. Read Simplicity: A Lenten Path.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Jacinta Marto, Francisco Marto, and Lucia dos Santos (February 20).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today
Copyright © 2007 Upper Room Ministries | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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February 23rd, 2007
Friday’s Reflection
THE ONE who sets the course of this road, and whose entry into it defines the way forward, is the same who walks beside us, flesh of our flesh, God with us. Therefore, we can trust without reservation a journey whose future turns we cannot see.
- John S. Mogabgab
Weavings Journal
From “Editor’s Introduction” of Weavings Journal, November/December 2001. Copyright © 2001 by The Upper Room. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. Learn more about or purchase this magazine.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Say this: “GOD, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!”
- Psalm 91:2, THE MESSAGE
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for guidance during the Lenten Season — what you might give up, what you might take on, or how to live closer to God during these 40 days before Easter. Visit the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- The season of Lent began this week on Ash Wednesday. Read Simplicity: A Lenten Path.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Jacinta Marto, Francisco Marto, and Lucia dos Santos (February 20).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today
Copyright © 2007 Upper Room Ministries | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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February 22nd, 2007
Thursday’s Reflection
THE ASH WEDNESDAY shadow on the wall, cast by my own solidity blocking light, generates deep penitence and at the same time a yearning for the “new and right spirit” that God gives. We do not search out our sinfulness in order to indulge in feeling bad but to set ourselves on the path of return. … We were created with a deep sense of where we belong. Often alienated, sometimes far away, we find the warmth of the God in whose image we have been made touches us; and our hearts respond with desire for homecoming. Always we find a place set for us at the welcoming banquet table.
- Elizabeth J. Canham
Heart Whispers
From page 130 of Heart Whispers by Elizabeth J. Canham. Copyright © 1999 by Elizabeth J. Canham. Published by Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
It’s exactly the same no matter what a person’s religious background may be: the same God for all of us, acting the same incredibly generous way to everyone who calls out for help.
- Romans 10:12, THE MESSAGE
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for guidance during the Lenten Season — what you might give up, what you might take on, or how to live closer to God during these 40 days before Easter. Visit the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- The season of Lent began yesterday on Ash Wednesday. Read Simplicity: A Lenten Path.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Jacinta Marto, Francisco Marto, and Lucia dos Santos (February 20).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today
Copyright © 2007 Upper Room Ministries | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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February 21st, 2007
ASH WEDNESDAY
Wednesday’s Reflection
WE ARE FORMED OF DUST — which suggests, among other things, not only our humble beginnings but our startling potential. For if God can breathe life into soil, what does that say about the latent potential in our lives? Who can tell what God’s breath might make of us yet — of will and mind, of imagination and compassion — opened to the One whose breath is life?
- John Indermark
Genesis of Grace
From page 17 of Genesis of Grace by John Indermark. Copyright © 1997 by John Indermark. Published by Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
[God said,] “When [those who love me] call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them.”
- Psalm 91:15, GNT
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for guidance during the Lenten Season — what you might give up, what you might take on, or how to live closer to God during these 40 days before Easter. Visit the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- The season of Lent begins today, Ash Wednesday. Read Simplicity: A Lenten Path.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Jacinta Marto, Francisco Marto, and Lucia dos Santos (February 20).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today
Copyright © 2007 Upper Room Ministries | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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February 20th, 2007
Tuesday’s Reflection
O LORD JESUS,
in this hour
let me hear again your call,
“Follow me.”
My steps are prone to wander.
Come therefore, I pray,
and make your way clear before me.
Amen.
- Rueben P. Job and Norman Shawchuck
A Guide to Prayer for All God’s People
From page 8 of A Guide to Prayer for All God’s People by Rueben P. Job and Norman Shawchuck. Copyright © 1990 by The Upper Room. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
The devil said to [Jesus], “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’”
- Luke 4:3-4, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for guidance during the Lenten Season — what you might give up, what you might take on, or how to live closer to God during these 40 days before Easter. Visit the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- The season of Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday, February 21. Read Simplicity: A Lenten Path.
- Saints, Inc.:
- Today we remember Jacinta Marto, Francisco Marto, and Lucia dos Santos (February 20).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today
Copyright © 2007 Upper Room Ministries | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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February 19th, 2007
Monday’s Reflection
LENT SERVES as our annual invitation to come closer to God. It provides a time to look at our lives and ourselves, not so we may criticize ourselves more harshly but so we can identify the obstructions that keep us from God. What keeps us from feeling the presence of the divine in our every day? How do we hide from God, and why? Lent gives us a chance to look at such obstructions and to move them gently away so that we can come closer to the Love that gives us life, the Love whose triumph we will celebrate on Easter morning.
- Sarah Parsons
A Clearing Season
From page 8 of A Clearing Season by Sarah Parsons. Copyright © 2005 by Sarah Parsons. Published by Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
- Romans 10:9, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for guidance during the Lenten Season — what you might give up, what you might take on, or how to live closer to God during these 40 days before Easter. Visit the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- The season of Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday, February 21. Read Simplicity: A Lenten Path.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Jacinta Marto, Francisco Marto, and Lucia dos Santos (February 20).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today
Copyright © 2007 Upper Room Ministries | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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