The Upper Room Devotional 7th August 2023
The Upper Room 7th August 2023 Devotional, Monday Message by John Alter (Florida, USA)
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TOPIC: Our Life’s Heartwood
TODAY’S READING
Ephesians 3:14-19
Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, “Our ancestors possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good.” – Jeremiah 16:19 (NIV)
The day after a hurricane I ventured into our backyard to check the damage. I found one sizable limb that had snapped off where it had joined the trunk of a 50-foot-high tree. The limb measured 15 inches in diameter, and I was puzzled why such a big limb had fractured.
As I looked at the base of the limb, I saw that the inside, its “heartwood,” had rotted away. It had been held to the trunk of the tree by only the weaker outer bark and cambium portions of the limb. When its core had decayed, the limb was weakened; only the frail outer layers of the limb provided support. In the storm, that hadn’t been enough.
The condition of the tree reminded me how we derive our inner strength from our relationship with God. If the core of our union with God is decayed and unhealthy, then we become weak and will not have the strength and resilience to handle the hard times of our lives. But when we have a healthy bond with God, we can remain strong in times of struggle. Through worship, Bible study, and prayer we keep our spiritual heartwood healthy so that we can endure any storm.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Strengthening God, help us to maintain a healthy connection with you so that we can endure the challenges that come our way. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
How am I creating a healthy bond with God?
PRAYER FOCUS
For resilience
The Upper Room 7th August 2023 Devotional Message, 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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