The Upper Room Devotional 7 July 2026, Tuesday Message
Lavished on Us
April McIntyre (England, United Kingdom)
Today’s Reading
Ephesians 1:1-10
In [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. – Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV)
I gazed up at the man in the ice cream van as he handed me the cone. It was huge, heaped with several scoops of ice cream. It had a chocolate wafer pushed into the middle, drizzles of red syrup, and a generous sprinkling of nuts. In those childhood days money was scarce and treats were limited, so this extravagant ice cream was something I never forgot.
Though I am now in my sixties, whenever I read the opening of the letter to the Ephesians about the riches of God’s grace being “lavished” upon us, excitement rises in me like a small child with a huge ice cream. I am overwhelmed by God’s love that blesses in so many ways: cleansing and empowering us, offering us acceptance and life in all its fullness. Such blessings are given not because we have worked hard or achieved something but simply because God loves us. We are God’s children, adopted into God’s family, chosen and called to follow Jesus. Whatever we have done or not done, however anxious, unworthy, or daunted by the future we may feel, God’s love and lavish grace are always there for us. All we need to do is reach out and express our thanks.
Thought for the Day
Where do I notice God’s grace in my life?
Prayer Focus
Young children
Read More
Sweetest Grace
Today’s Prayer
Generous God, thank you for pouring out the lavish riches of your grace upon us today. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 7 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