THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 1ST NOVEMBER 2024, MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 1st November 2024 written by Zoe M. Hicks (Georgia, USA)
TOPIC: The Cloud of Witnesses
Today’s Reading
Hebrews 11:17-28
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us . . . run with perseverance the race that is set before us. – Hebrews 12:1 (NRSVUE)
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Recently my husband and I attended my great-nephew’s graduation from a military academy. I like to walk early in the morning and, not knowing the area, decided to walk the halls of the historic campus hotel for exercise. On the walls of each floor were pictures of famous academy graduates dating back to the early 1800s — generals, astronauts, senators and governors, and prominent figures in public service.
Had I been a student at the academy, these pictures would have inspired me to become like these famous graduates. Instead, I thought of today’s verse from Hebrews and began to imagine pictures of biblical figures and photos of family and friends who have encouraged me in my faith. I thought particularly of my dad, who took such good care of his aging parents, telling me to care for the elderly.
And of my mom, who worked to help people overcome addictions, encouraging me to have compassion. Their lives were a gift to me, and as I walked those halls thinking of them, I wanted to live my life in a way that would be a gift to others coming behind me. Knowing I am supported by the saints through the ages and in my own family gives me strength and courage to run with perseverance even in the face of discouragement.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for the people who encourage us in our faith. Help us to be a source of encouragement for others. Amen.
Thought for the Day
How am I living my life in a way that is an inspiration to others?
Prayer Focus
Those who need encouragement
The Upper Room Devotional 1st November 2024, 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
