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The Upper Room International Editions: Changing Hearts and Lives
Not long after the first issue of The Upper Room daily devotional rolled off the press Read More
Tex Sample | Read Psalm 51:1-17
This psalm is tough. David has had what can at best be called an adulterous dalliance with Bathsheba and has gotten her pregnant. He then tries to cover up his actions by placing her husband, Uriah, in combat to get him killed. This leads to Nathan’s confrontation of David: “Thou...
Dear God of grace and mercy, we repent of our violations of you and of others. Grant us, O God, the presence and power of your Holy Spirit that we may live more faithfully to you and to our neighbors near and far. Amen.
In this first week of Lent, we prepare our hearts for a period of reflection. We think about areas of our lives in which we might be falling short of God’s desires. The problem of sin enters the human story at the very beginning when Adam and Eve choose to follow their own wisdom rather than guidance from God. The psalmist highlights the importance of recognizing our sin and asking for forgiveness, which God is quick to give. In Romans, Paul argues that we all partake in the broken human condition because we all have sinned as Adam did. The teachings from the Sermon on the Mount warn us against misplaced desires and selfishness.
Read Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7. How might this story help you turn to humility throughout your Lenten journey?Read Psalm 32. What seeming dichotomies comprise the full picture of your life of faith?Read Romans 5:12-19. How do you sense the differences Paul draws between Adam and Christ prompting you to turn toward God?Read Matthew 6:1-6,16-21. How do you practice your piety? What is your treasure, and where is it?
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