The Upper Room 29 December 2021 Daily Devotional | Change the World

The Upper Room 29 December 2021 Daily Devotional | Wednesday Message

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Change the World
Jason John (New South Wales, Australia)

KEY VERSE: Why do you call me “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I tell you? – Luke 6:46 (NRSV)

TODAY’S READING
Luke 6:37-49

The Upper Room 29 December 2021 Daily Devotional Message

My friend Adam and I were camping, celebrating my decision to follow Christ. As I sat by the campfire, wrestling with the responsibility of my new faith, I felt a firm encouraging hand on my shoulder. I knew it was Jesus — Emmanuel, God with us.

I once would not have appreciated God’s presence with me. When I was young, there was a Christian television ad which claimed that “God might not change your circumstances, but he certainly changes you.” Back then I didn’t want to be changed; I just wanted God to fix things with miracles like those in the Bible.

Only after my fireside encounter with Christ, as I read the whole Bible for myself, did I see beyond the miracles. Jesus expected his followers to live out his teachings by doing for others and choosing God over power. I discovered that discipleship means being transformed so that we can help change the world rather than sitting back and waiting for God to change it for us.

Being a Christian means not just saying “Lord, Lord” but doing what Jesus said. Following Christ’s teachings is scary sometimes, uncomfortable at others. It can cost us money, jobs, friends, family, even our lives. But God promises to be with us as we walk the way of Christ, being changed ourselves so that we can change the world together.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, as we walk with you, help us continue to change to become more like Christ so that with you we can change the world. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
With Christ’s help, I can change the world.

PRAYER FOCUS
For courage to follow Christ’s teaching