THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 26TH OCTOBER 2024, MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 26th October 2024 written by Deborah L. Ormay (Pennsylvania, USA)
TOPIC: Imperfect
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 18:1-6
We have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. – 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NRSVUE)
Today’s Message
The mug I had just bought at the local antique mall had several shades of green and featured a pattern that reminded me of dragonflies with outstretched wings. Wide at the base and tapering up to the lip, it was clear to me that it had been crafted by a ceramics artisan. I turned the mug over and found the maker’s mark on the bottom.
This piece of ceramic ware had been made by a particular craftsperson for a particular purpose — just as God made me. But why was it in a second-hand store? Then I noticed that the handle slanted to the left rather than running straight up and down the side of the mug. It wasn’t perfect, but it still held my morning coffee just fine.
The green mug has made me think about my own imperfections. Sometimes I fail to listen with a loving heart. At times I’ve lost my temper. Scripture says, “All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory” (Rom. 3:23, CEB). Yet, I do not lose hope!
The Bible reminds us of God’s faithful people who, though imperfect, made themselves available to do God’s work. Moses, Noah, Rahab, Peter, and Paul — none of them was perfect. Their examples remind me that even though I’m imperfect, I can still share God’s love with the world and serve God faithfully.
Today’s Prayer: Gracious Creator, thank you for loving us and for using us to spread your love. Help us not to let our imperfections get in the way of serving you and others. Amen.
Thought for the Day: God can use me in spite of my imperfections.
Prayer Focus: Artisans
Read More: Link2Life – October 26
The Upper Room Devotional 25th October 2024, 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