THE UPPER ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL 27 JULY 2024, SATURDAY MESSAGE
TOPIC: Serving without Fear
TODAY’S READING
1 John 4:13-19
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. – 1 John 4:18 (NIV)
TODAY’S MESSAGE
I was on a 24-hour train ride and decided to use the time for prayer. Despite the large number of people around, I managed to focus my thoughts by putting on my headphones, turning on some worship music, and closing my eyes. As I prayed, I heard the voice of God clearly saying one phrase that I will never forget: “Do not be afraid, child.”
To my surprise, I responded, “I’m not afraid of anything. I am ready to follow you at any cost.” But as I continued to contemplate the meaning of those words, my eyes filled with tears. I realized that God had spoken to the very depths of my spirit, knowing all my problems and fears. I had been afraid of not living up to God’s expectations, of making mistakes as I tried to live in obedience to God.
As I have matured in my faith, I now know what it means to serve God out of love, not out of fear. I have tried to stop feeling unworthy. When I make mistakes, I find it easier to repent because I know God will forgive me, not reject or punish me. As a result, by relying on God’s love I have gained more energy, more joy, and have been able to serve God and God’s people much more effectively!
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, help us to experience your love, which drives out our fear. Teach us to serve you joyfully. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God’s love gives me the power to serve.
PRAYER FOCUS
Someone who feels unworthy of God’s love
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 27 July 2024 Message. 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. The meditations are stories of real people working to live faithfully with the Bible as their touchstone. Every day, readers of The Upper Room around the world read the same story in many different languages and pray the same prayer together. Read More