THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 23RD NOVEMBER 2025, SUNDAY MESSAGE
Freely Given
Nancy Nye Spasic (Texas, USA)
Today’s Reading
Matthew 7:7-12
Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you with me. – Revelation 3:20 (NRSVUE)
I headed to the front door after hearing an abrupt knock, hoping it hadn’t woken my toddler. I wasn’t happy about the prospect of telling yet another sales representative that I didn’t want what they were offering. So imagine my surprise when I opened the door and instead saw three bouncy, smiling children! One exclaimed, “We’re selling cards!” and held up a few loose greeting cards. When I asked how much they cost, the little boy said, “No, lady, it doesn’t cost money. It’s for free!” They handed me a card, then bounded off, leaving me happy but perplexed. This well-worn and discolored greeting card made me smile, and the pleasant memory of these children knocking at my door has lasted many decades.
Frequently, I think I know who’s knocking at the door. Too often, I expect that cost will be involved. Thankfully that’s not God’s way of giving. God comes to the door with gifts in hand, and they are given freely.
God uses the simplest of gifts to make a lasting impact on our lives. When we give to others and serve God, we can help God to bless others.
Thought for the Day
What gift can I give in service to God?
Prayer Focus
To accept God’s gifts with gratitude
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More from Nancy Nye Spasic
Today’s Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to receive with gratitude the gifts that come to us. May we be willing to take time from our schedules and open the doors you knock on today. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 23rd November 2025 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