The Upper Room Devotional 21 July 2026, Tuesday Message
A Faith that Lives On
Quennie Joyce Ibarra (Misamis Occidental, Philippines)
Today’s Reading
2 Timothy 1:1-7
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. – 2 Timothy 1:5 (NRSVUE)
As a homemaker and mother of a toddler, my days can be repetitive and exhausting. Honestly, at times, it is draining. It’s easy to get lost in the mundane and feel like what I’m doing is insignificant.
Once, after thanking God for our meal, my toddler exclaimed, “Thank you, Jesus! I love you, Jesus!” Just when I thought his words couldn’t tug at my heartstrings further, my two-year-old boy, with a solemn look on his face, asked, “Tatay (Dad), Nanay (Mom), love Jesus?” To which I answered, “Yes, we do, because he loved us first.” That moment felt like an affirmation from God, as if God were reminding me that the ordinary things I do at home matter.
From time to time, my husband has encouraged me to see that through faithfully and joyfully parenting our child, we are investing in his spiritual life, influencing his faith, and passing our faith on through him.
This thought reminded me of the legacy of faith described in Second Timothy — a faith that first dwelt in Timothy’s grandmother Lois, then his mother, Eunice, and finally in Timothy. It’s such a powerful reminder and encouragement about how our faithfulness today not only impacts the next generation but more importantly eternity.
Thought for the Day
God can use my ordinary life for an eternal purpose.
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, empower us to share your forgiving love and grace with the young people in our lives. Amen.
Prayer Focus
Mothers of young children
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God Is My Father
The Upper Room Devotional 21 July 2026 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