THE UPPER ROOM ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 28 February 2023, Tuesday Message. 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)
Gratitude
Reshmisadhana Y. R. (Tamil Nadu, India)
TODAY’S READING
Luke 17:12-19
He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. – Luke 17:16 (CEB)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 28 February 2023 MESSAGE
In today’s scripture reading, ten men with a skin disease stood at a distance and “raised their voices” to Jesus, crying out for mercy. At that time these people would have been made to live on the outskirts of the city because of their disease. When they heard the news that Jesus could heal the sick, they came to him. Jesus asked them to show themselves to the priests. On their way to the temple, all ten men were healed. But one man came back to thank Jesus. He fell at Jesus’ feet, expressing his gratitude and praising God.
Inspired by this man who expressed gratitude, I try to give thanks to God for every blessing I have received — even the smallest ones. When I travel by bus from college back to my hostel, I start thanking God. There are times when I forget to give thanks, like the days when I fall sick or when I have examinations, yet those days never feel complete.
So often we are ready to do what God says, but we cannot hear God’s word because we are far away. We fail to see the distance that is created by our lack of gratitude. To reduce the distance between God and us, we can start giving thanks. The more we give thanks, the closer we get to God.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, we give thanks for each blessing you bestow. Help us to draw closer to you through expressions of gratitude. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Gratitude brings me closer to God.
PRAYER FOCUS
Those struggling to show gratitude
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