The Upper Room Devotional for October 1, 2023
The Upper Room Devotional for October 1, 2023 , Sunday Message by John Hall (North Carolina, USA)
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TOPIC: God’s Open Table
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 22:1-10
Look at the birds in the sky. They don’t sow seed or harvest grain or gather crops into barns. Yet your heavenly Father feeds them. – Matthew 6:26 (CEB)
I love birds, and I feed them at multiple locations. They are amazing creations of God, and I enjoy hearing and seeing them. They also remind me of Jesus’ love and care as scripture affirms.
My feeding areas attract many different birds: colorful cardinals, perky wrens, cute chickadees, assertive mockingbirds. All these diverse species eat together, though they don’t always get along. I am happy they all enjoy their food side by side.
This reminds me of the parable Jesus shared with the chief priests and elders in Jerusalem shortly before his death and resurrection. His story of the king who prepared a wedding feast for his son and filled the banquet hall with all types of people is an example of how God loves us and delights in our presence, regardless of race, gender, creed, or other differences. In fact, the king sent his servants throughout the town to ensure that all were invited.
Just as all birds are welcome at my feeders, so all people are welcome at our Lord’s table. May we invite everyone to our faith fellowship, regardless of how we may differ. As Paul says, “Christ is all things and in all people” (Col. 3:11, CEB).
TODAY’S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for your wonderful and diverse creation. Help us to seek and welcome all people to your table of living bread. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
All are welcome at God’s table. Are they welcome at mine?
PRAYER FOCUS
Bird lovers
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READ MORE TOPICS: OPEN HEAVENS, OUR DAILY BREAD, IN TOUCH, SEEDS OF DESTINY, STREAMS OF JOY, JOEL OSTEEN, MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE, DCLM DAILY MANNA, UCB WORD FOR TODAY