The Upper Room Daily Devotional – 7th December 2022 written by Macie Craven (Oklahoma, 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: Divine Examples
TODAY’S READING
John 6:5-13
The apostle Paul wrote, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. – Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional – 7th December 2022 MESSAGE
My mother grew up in a large family whose meals came mostly from their own land and animals. They were not poor, but they had as many mouths to feed every day as I would for an entire dinner party! My mom told me of times when an unexpected guest would drop in, and her mother would always find a way to feed one more person.
This reminds me of the story of the two fish and five loaves of bread. One Sunday my pastor asked us to consider: What if this weren’t just a divine miracle but also a human one? The scripture only describes how the miracle was performed — the bread and fish were blessed, broken, and shared with those seated. But could it be that by divine example people shared with others the food they had brought for their journey?
If on that day people came together to feed a multitude, can’t we find the generosity to include one more at each meal? For most of us, giving such a small donation is possible. For others, receiving such a meal may be a miracle of great magnitude.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for our daily bread. Give us the opportunity and also the courage to feed one more. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
How can I share my abundance with those in my community?
PRAYER FOCUS
To generously share what I have
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
