THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 3RD NOVEMBER 2024, MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 3rd November 2024 written by Larry V. Jones (North Carolina, USA)
TOPIC: Words and Actions
Today’s Reading
1 John 3:11-15
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. – 1 John 3:18 (NIV)
Today’s Message
A local church uses a renovated movie theater as their house of worship. Along the roads leading to their parking lot, the church has erected large billboards that proclaim, “You Belong!” However, the entrances to their parking lot are usually blocked by sturdy padlocked gates.
When I first saw these gates, I felt like they contradicted the message on the billboards. But as I continue to drive by these apparent mixed messages, I have realized that instead of shaking my head at them, my energy would be better spent by looking at my own words and actions. I say I’m a Christian, but do I get angry and think ugly thoughts when I notice distracted drivers?
I proclaim that I want to serve others, but do I direct my efforts only toward the people I know and feel most comfortable around? Do those who observe me on my walks see me as joyfully Christ-filled or as gloomily preoccupied with myself?
First John is addressed to a Christian community undergoing a bitter split. First John 3:18 reminded the church then and reminds us now that the love of Christ is authentic love. Let us practice love rather than just talk about it.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Jesus, though we call you Lord, many times our actions do not follow your teachings. Help us to live out our beliefs. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Today I will strive to act in a way that reflects my faith.
Prayer Focus
To live out my faith
The Upper Room Devotional 3rd 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