THE UPPER ROOM ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 1st April 2023, Saturday Message. As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
Living Signs
Benjamin Ankrah (Ashanti Region, Ghana)
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 5:14-16
KEY VERSE: God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years.” – Genesis 1:14 (NRSV)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 1st April 2023 MESSAGE
When I think of signs that keep people safe or offer guidance, I first think of traffic lights, lighthouses, and billboards. But we often forget how much more valuable we are as signs that have the potential to show others the hope, joy, and direction God can give to them. In a world where there is so much despair and hopelessness, living, practical signs and beacons of hope are important for us all to hold on to.
While God is invisible, God has shown us through Jesus Christ how to make God visible for others. We are to be living signs of God’s light of love, drawing people from darkness into the light of life. Sharing a loving word and performing acts of kindness serve as openings to God’s kingdom for those who have lost hope. And in this way we make the world a bit brighter.
TODAY’S PRAYER
O Lord, teach us to be beacons of hope, living signs of your transforming power, and active witnesses to your salvation. In the name of Jesus who taught us to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt. 6:9-13, NIV). Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
My actions and words can lead someone closer to Christ.
PRAYER FOCUS
For courage to shine the light of love
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The Upper Room 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
READ MORE TOPICS: OPEN HEAVENS, OUR DAILY BREAD, IN TOUCH, SEEDS OF DESTINY, STREAMS OF JOY, JOEL OSTEEN, MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE, DCLM DAILY MANNA, UCB WORD FOR TODAY