The Upper Room 3rd January 2022 Daily Devotional | Monday Message
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A Heart of Love
Bernadette Butler (Ohio, USA)
TODAY’S READING
Ephesians 3:14-21
KEY VERSE: I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power . . . to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV)
The Upper Room 3rd January 2022 Daily Devotional Message
One morning the Holy Spirit taught me a lesson about the love of Christ through my son Melvin. Melvin has autism. He is 44 years old now, and what a journey we have had!
Two weeks ago Melvin said to me, “I would like to talk with my dad before he dies.” Stunned by his request, I didn’t know how to reply. His dad had never accepted him, and in his disappointment had withdrawn himself from Melvin. Though Melvin has not seen his dad for many years, he loves him. His heart remembers his dad, and he wants to see him.
Others may turn their backs on us, but Christ turns toward us with love. We may forget Christ, but Christ remembers us. When we are lost, Christ finds us. When we are in trouble, Christ rescues us.
This steadfast love is what the apostle Paul, in the verse quoted above, prayed for us to know — a love that can fill us with all the fullness of God!
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear loving Father, teach our hearts to know the unconditional love of Christ Jesus and to let that love overflow toward others. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Christ’s love for me knows no bounds.
PRAYER FOCUS
People with autism
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