The Upper Room honors recently retired publisher Rev. Stephen Bryant with online global celebration, January 21.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. January 7, 2021 / The Upper Room / The Upper Room will honor Rev. Read More
Dan R. Dick | Read Psalm 121:1-8
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Sign Up TodayThis psalm gave my Grandmother Dortie great confidence
and comfort. She could recite it by heart, and it empowered
her to cope with everything life threw at her. Through desperate
times on her farm, the loss of her husband, recovery from accidents,
illness, loss of loved ones, she lifted her...
Lord, be with me in prayer, speak to me through your word, and remind me to do for others. Amen.
Faith in God and deliverance by God are themes that dominate these scriptures. Abraham casts aside all baser loyalties and in daring fashion entrusts life and well- being to God’s care. Abraham follows God’s initiatives into new realms of loyalty and purpose. Paul reminds us that while Abraham models good works, his righteousness results from his faith. Nicodemus models an Abraham who has yet to leave Ur of the Chaldees. Nicodemus’s comprehension of God’s initiatives is shallow and sterile. The psalm for this day greets with joy God’s invitation to renewal.
• Read Genesis 12:1-4a. How is God calling you to leave behind the familiar for some new opportunity?
• Read Psalm 121. What aspect of this psalm draws your attention? What offers you comfort and hope? To whom do you turn for help?
• Read Romans 4:1-5, 13-17. What distinction do you draw between your doing great things for God and God’s doing great things through you?
• Read John 3:1-17. What experience does the phrase born again bring to your mind? Does it foster positive notions? In what ways do you evidence your baptism in the Spirit?
Respond by posting a prayer.
Our resolve must be different. My prayer is that we have finally reached a tipping point. My hope is that when the protests fade and the marches slow that our will as a church to truly eradicate the scourge of racism won’t dissipate but grows even stronger.”
View a growing list of resources for the spiritual work of overcoming racism.