The Upper Room Daily Devotional 3rd January 2023 by Rachel Cywinski (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: Accessible to All
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TODAY’S READING
1 John 3:11-16
As God’s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. – Ephesians 2:20 (CEB)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 3rd January 2023 MESSAGE
In 2016 I planned a visit to Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. I wanted to go to this church to be in solidarity with the congregation who had suffered a horrendous attack the previous year.
A few weeks before my visit, I realized that as a historic structure, the church building might be inaccessible to me because I use a wheelchair. In a panic, I found the church’s website, saw the mention of plans for wheelchair access, and dialed the number provided. The person who answered the phone explained that when donations arrived after the tragic event of the previous year, the church decided to complete an exterior elevator that connects the building’s levels. She assured me of access and a welcome.
When I arrived at the church, a woman warmly invited me to a seat next to her. After the service, she took my hands in hers and had me promise to come to the church every time I visited Charleston. Now each time Communion is served, I think not only of Jesus but of how
Emanuel A.M.E. welcomed me without hesitation. Even after the unjust deaths of nine church members, the congregation continued to open their doors and make their sanctuary accessible to all.
TODAY’S PRAYER
God of mercy, we give thanks for your abiding love. Give us courage to open our doors and our hearts to the world. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Even in the midst of tragedy, God can inspire hearts to open.
PRAYER FOCUS
Victims of hate crimes
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
