The Upper Room Devotional 29 June 2026, Monday Message
Good Memories
Lisa Stackpole (Wisconsin, USA)
Today’s Reading
Acts of the Apostles 9:36-42
[Dorcas] was always doing good and helping the poor. – Acts 9:36 (NIV)
My brother-in-law Phil had been a creative man who taught art, loved nature, and made hand-crafted jewelry, wood items, and pottery. When he died, my family dressed thoughtfully for his celebration-of-life service. Instead of a traditionally somber color, I chose to wear a sweater with a design of birds and trees — natural elements Phil had loved. One of his daughters-in-law picked clothes reflecting his favorite colors. Another sister-in-law wore jewelry that he had made for her.
Seeing the way our family honored Phil
reminded me of the story in today’s reading. Dorcas, a disciple in Joppa, had died, and the local believers sent two men to fetch Peter. When he arrived, a group of widows gathered around him crying, showing him the robes and clothing Dorcas had made for them. Scripture says Dorcas was “always doing good and helping the poor” and in doing so, she influenced many lives with her generous, giving spirit.
God has created each of us with different gifts and talents. Not everyone will create beautiful jewelry like my brother-in-law or robes like Dorcas. But we each are called to love God and one another. As we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, in Christ’s name we can make a beautiful impact on the lives of others that may continue long after we are gone.
Thought for the Day
How can I use the talents God has given me to serve my community?
Prayer Focus
Artisans
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Using Our Gifts
Today’s Prayer
Gracious God, work through us to use the gifts you have given each of us to show love to others in your name. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 29 June 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
