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The Upper Room Chaplain's Ministry
Since World War II, The Upper Room has been providing copies of the daily devotional to Read More
R. Michael Sanders | Read John 13:31-35
Disciplines is available in a variety of formats: print, digital, and print/digital combo packages. A digital subscription includes access to author bios, the ability to comment, and audio lectio.
Sign Up TodayDespite what romantics say, love is not blind. Attraction may obscure others’ flaws, but genuine mature love recognizes all shortcomings and understands and accepts others as they are.
Jesus calls his followers to love, but Jesus speaks neither in a vacuum nor as a professor teaching doctrine. Consider the context:...
Lord, help me to know that I can do all things through you. Amen.
Change can be difficult. It is easy to get comfortable with what is familiar. In Acts, some in Jerusalem criticize Peter for having fellowship with the Gentiles. Peter explains that his actions are not his own idea but are inspired by a vision from God. This change leads to the spread of the gospel. Revelation speaks of a new heaven and a new earth. God cares for the earth that God created, but at the end of time everything will be changed and made better. Jesus tells his disciples in John a new commandment, namely that they should love one another. This is how others will know that they are truly Jesus’ disciples. Psalm 148 is not about change but is pure praise for the works of the Lord.
Read Acts 11:1-18. God calls Peter to initiate change. How do you respond to changes in your church’s culture? How do you discern what changes are from God?
Read Psalm 148. The next time you sing, focus on praising God and sharing God’s love through your words and melody.
Read Revelation 21:1-6. How do you live a full life in the waiting for the new heaven and new earth?
Read John 13:31-35. In the wake of betrayal, Jesus calls his followers to sacrificial love. When have you needed to heed the call to this type of love?
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“My husband’s grandmother, Nan, will be 92 this year. We talk to her every day. She is the reason I read The Upper Room daily devotional. For years, she has mailed these devotionals to every member of her family. Thank you, Upper Room, for working every day to contribute to so many lives.” Pass along the gift of faith; give a gift subscription.
