THE UPPER ROOM ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL
The Upper Room Devotional 9th April 2023, Sunday Message. As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
Easter Sunday
Jeff Evans (Texas, USA)
TODAY’S READING
John 20:1-9
KEY VERSE: Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. – John 20:1 (NIV)
The Upper Room Devotional 9th April 2023 MESSAGE
One Easter Sunday, my pastor preached on the account of the Resurrection in John 20. I don’t even recall what the main point of her message was because the phrase “while it was still dark” captured my attention.
My wife and I had been going through a very difficult time regarding destructive choices that our teenage son was making. We had lost control, and we knew it. Our situation seemed hopeless, and it felt like it would go on forever.
But though the scripture reading began with “while it was still dark,” as it continued it became clear that God had already been at work! Not only had the stone been rolled away but our Lord Jesus Christ had risen! In a time of perpetual sadness and despair, the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart that although my outward circumstances had not changed, the God of resurrection was at work in our son’s life. Hope and faith were kindled in my wife and me that Easter morning. How wonderful that our loving God speaks to us at our lowest moments, giving us the hope of resurrection and new life to come!
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the stories of hope we find in scripture, especially that of your Son’s resurrection. Help us to trust in that living hope. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Even when we don’t perceive it, our loving God is at work.
PRAYER FOCUS
Parents worried about their children
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