THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 20TH JUNE 2025, FRIDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 20 June 2025 written by April Bogert (New York, USA)
TOPIC: Clearing the Way
Today’s Reading
Jonah 4:1-11
Jesus said, “[My Father] removes any of my branches that don’t produce fruit, and he trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit.” – John 15:2 (CEB)
The buzz of chainsaws and the roar of wood-chipping equipment filled my ears as I slowed my car to a halt. A work crew was lopping off big limbs of trees that had stood along this rural road for decades. Some of the trees were being readied for complete removal. At first, I felt sad to see these noble trees removed; then I recalled frequent power outages caused by branches falling on power lines or even falling on vehicles due to high winds or ice.
The pruning was necessary to keep the roadway clear and safe.
Sometimes aspects of our lives need pruning to help us stay aligned with God’s will. Like Jonah, we may not be happy about what God is doing. We may not understand the plan or the route to get there. Often I am reluctant to give up an attitude or habit that is detrimental to my faith journey or to others.
Through prayer, meditation, and study of scripture, we can come to trust that God is our protector. When we welcome God’s clearing work in our lives, we can stay faithful and remain safely on the road we should travel.
Today’s Prayer
Almighty and all-knowing God, help us accept your ways and acknowledge that you know what is best for us. Amen.
Thought for the Day
What needs to be pruned from my life to keep me on God’s way?
Prayer Focus
Roadwork crews
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More from April Bogert
The Upper Room Devotional 20 June 2025, 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