The Upper Room Daily Devotional 26 June 2023
The Upper Room 26 June 2023 Daily Devotional, Monday Message by Paul Benjamin (New Jersey, USA)
TOPIC: Never-failing Love
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 5:43-48
KEY VERSE: [God] makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. – Matthew 5:45 (NRSV)
MESSAGE: We had just planted a few vegetable seedlings when our town had continuous cold and rainy days for a week. Tender sprouts of green beans were just peeking out of the ground. But because of the cold weather, nothing showed any sign of further growth. Sadly, some leaves were even curling up due to the cold spell in the middle of spring. I was concerned about my garden. Would it survive without the warmth of the sun?
As I looked out one morning, the sun was shining and the birds were singing! Surely, the day looks different, I thought. I stepped out to see how it felt outdoors. What a nice warm day! I felt good. When I looked at the plants in my garden they seemed to feel good too. What a difference the sun had made!
The warmth of the sun made me realize my gratitude to God, whose warmth embraces me in all weather and circumstances. What’s more amazing is that God’s rain and sun benefit all people, whether they are righteous or unrighteous. I also remembered the faith of the displaced Israelites, who affirmed, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lam. 3:22-23). Let us give thanks for God’s never-failing love.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Loving God, we receive your gifts with joy. We are grateful that your blessings are assured for us always. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God’s gifts never cease.
PRAYER FOCUS
gratitude for the gift of life
The Upper Room 26 June 2023, is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More.
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