THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 1ST JULY 2025, TUESDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 1 July 2025 written by Julie Sipe (Pennsylvania, USA)
TOPIC: Fully Committed
Today’s Reading
1 Kings 19:19-21
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” – Matthew 16:25 (NIV)
In 2022, I used my daily devotional time to find Bible passages that I had not studied before — ones that were unmarked by my highlighter or pen. Most mornings that year I spent time in the Old Testament and gained a new appreciation for the stories and the people found there, including the call of Elisha in today’s scripture reading.
When called by Elijah, Elisha slaughtered his oxen, which provided the people with a feast, a type of going-away party for Elisha. More important, it proved Elisha’s commitment. To cook the meal, Elisha burned his plowing equipment. In doing so, there was no chance of Elisha’s returning to what he used to do or who he used to be. Elisha was fully committed to following and assisting Elijah.
To be faithful to God we must deny ourselves (see Lk. 9:23), and in Elisha we find a beautiful example of such sacrifice. Giving up old habits or turning from destructive ways can be difficult. It may mean getting help for an addiction or cutting ties with people who hinder our walk with God. Although it can be painful or uncomfortable to give up certain aspects of our lives, the closer relationship with God that we gain as a result is invaluable and incomparable.
Today’s Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your word and the example of faithful people like Elisha. Show us what we need to give up so that we may draw closer to you. Amen.
Thought for the Day
What do I need to give up to fully commit to God?
Prayer Focus
To follow God’s call faithfully
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More from Julie Sipe
The Upper Room Devotional 1 July 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