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About Disciplines

The Upper Room Disciplines provides an opportunity to look more deeply at scripture by offering a week of devotions by a single author on a particular theme.

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Latest Disciplines Devotions

The Coming of the Kingdom - November 25, 2019

November 25, 2019

I remember my father pulling out the Thomas Guide whenever we were going on a trip. This dusty book seemed to be the key to many far-off places and, indeed, it...

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Longing for the Reign of Christ - November 24, 2019

November 24, 2019

In today’s text, Paul invites Christ’s followers who seek to live faithfully while awaiting Christ’s return to give thanks to God. Paul prays that we may be made strong with all...

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Longing for the Reign of Christ - November 23, 2019

November 23, 2019

Luke records a conversation among two criminals and a King, who are all being executed by crucifixion. We do not know the lives of the two criminals preceding their being nailed...

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Longing for the Reign of Christ - November 22, 2019

November 22, 2019

We enter the biblical text at the place they call the Skull, where Jesus is being crucified between two criminals. Onlookers sneer and sob. Mockers exclaim, “Save yourself as you saved...

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Longing for the Reign of Christ - November 21, 2019

November 21, 2019

After nine months of silence, Zechariah has much to say. His prophetic song, known as the Benedictus, is a song of praise and thanksgiving. Zechariah proclaims that God has looked favorably...

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Longing for the Reign of Christ - November 20, 2019

November 20, 2019

It seems appropriate that we share part of the birth story of John the Baptist—Jesus’ forerunner—on Christ the King Sunday, which ends the Christian year. Today we get a glimpse of...

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Longing for the Reign of Christ - November 19, 2019

November 19, 2019

When ungodly leaders rule, the results can be devastating. We all suffer when our political and spiritual leaders fail to lead, support, strengthen, and govern in a way that protects all...

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Longing for the Reign of Christ - November 18, 2019

November 18, 2019

As we reflect on the reign of Christ through scripture this week, we are reassured that God continues to watch over this world and responds to our cries for leadership that...

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A Perfect World - November 17, 2019

November 17, 2019

Today’s text predicts wars, uprisings, earthquakes, famines, and disease. Jesus says that we will be persecuted and imprisoned, but that we will have “opportunity to testify” to our faith in him....

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A Perfect World - November 16, 2019

November 16, 2019

This is the beginning of the end for Jesus, and Jesus knows it. Jesus’ contemporaries believe that those nearing death have an extra ability to see things more clearly. Nearing death,...

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