The Upper Room Devotion for Wednesday, May 31, 2023, was written by Awlwyn Balnave of British Columbia, Canada.
SCRIPTURE
3 I thank my God every time I remember you, 4 constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, 5 because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:3-6 NIV
A GRATEFUL HEART
The apostle Paul felt this kind of gratitude. Today’s quoted scripture is the beginning of Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi. The church supported him in his ministry and sent one of their own with a gift for him when he was under house arrest in Rome. In the book of Philippians, Paul remembers the many blessings he received from the church. Even in prison, he thanks God in his prayers. Like Paul, may we remember how much God has blessed us through others, and may our prayers come from grateful hearts.
THOUGHTS
Friends,
Who have been the people that have had the biggest impact on your life? Who are the people whose imprint appears on your heart and mind, shaping the way you view the world? For many of us, the names and faces of these influential people spring to mind instantly. We remember them with fondness, celebrating the time we spent with them and the lessons we’ve learned. May we all take time today to pour into the lives of others the gifts of hope and grace that were poured into us.
-Pastor Anthony
PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for the people you have brought into our lives at just the right time. Help us to remember them with a grateful heart. Amen.
- Awlwyn Balnave