The Upper Room Daily Devotional 1st May 2023
The Upper Room 1st May 2023 Daily Devotional, Monday Message by Doug Wingert (Arizona, USA)
TOPIC: Solid as a Rock
TODAY’S READING
1 Peter 2:4-10
KEY VERSE: Jesus said, “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” – Matthew 16:18 (NIV)
As a child, I developed a fascination with rocks. I would wander the desert areas around my home picking up rocks of all shapes and sizes. My rock collections would line the window sills at home or pile up on the back porch. I could hold a rock in my hand and imagine that it may have been formed in the fire of a mighty volcano or through the pressure of an ancient sea. I also tried to imagine how God put all these things in motion, resulting in the rock I held in my hand.
In the quoted verse from Matthew, Jesus recognized the inner strength of his disciple and calls him Peter, which translates to “rock” in Greek. Even solid rock has its cracks, flaws, and imperfections. But despite his imperfections, Peter went on to spread the good news wherever he went.
What about me? I tend to have far more flaws and imperfections than I would like to admit. Still, I ask myself, Am I strong enough, like a solid rock, to be the foundation of love and forgiveness that Jesus has called me to be? Thankfully, through the grace of God, I don’t have to be perfect to fulfill God’s purposes for my life.
TODAY’S PRAYER
God of grace, guide us on a path that leads us to an unshakable faith, as solid as a rock. In the name of Jesus, the living cornerstone. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I don’t have to be perfect to fulfill God’s purpose for my life.
PRAYER FOCUS
Those worried about their imperfections
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