THE UPPER ROOM ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 10th February 2023 by Marsha Howard (Texas, USA). As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
TOPIC: The Gift
TODAY’S READING
Ephesians 2:1-10
By grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. – Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 10th February 2023 MESSAGE
The pink clutch with plastic embossed flowers was one of the prettiest things my eight-year-old eyes had ever seen. The salesclerk told me it cost one dollar, so I decided to work until I could buy it.
I did jobs at home and for neighbors until I finally had enough money. At the checkout counter, the clerk said, “That will be one dollar and ten cents.” I asked her why it cost an extra ten cents, and she explained that it was tax. I didn’t have enough money.
As I turned around to put the purse back, a man standing behind me placed change on the counter. “I’ll pay the ten cents for her,” he said. I looked up and thanked him for this gift. I cherished the purse for years, and every time I think of it, I also think of the man who paid the tax for me.
Much like I worked to earn money for the purse, we often try to do everything God asks in an effort to obtain salvation for ourselves. But it takes the gift of God’s grace and forgiveness for us to receive salvation. Our works will always come up short, but Jesus has paid the full price for us and our salvation.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, help us realize that there is nothing we can do to buy or earn salvation. Thank you for making it available to us as a gift. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Jesus has paid the full price for me.
PRAYER FOCUS
Gratitude for God’s gift of eternal life
The Upper Room 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