The Upper Room Devotion for Friday, September 29, 2023, was written by Dale Middleton of Texas.
Scripture
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. 14 The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. 16 You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing. 17 The Lord is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings. 18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry, and saves them. 20 The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. 21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.
Psalm 145:13-21
Author's Thoughts
Years ago, I wore a shirt with the inscription "I depend on Jesus." But it was not until after I was diagnosed with concer that I began to understand how important depending on Jesus is. Shortly after being diagnosed, I started a series of radiation and chemotherapy treatments, followed by surgery. After the cancer was removed, my condition went from life-threatening to life style-changing. The surgery and treatments caused side effects which I have to live with every day.
I have come to realize just how improtant memorizing scripture can be. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, for example, Paul refers to a thorn to his flesh, but he adds that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. We will have troubled times, but Matthew 28:20 assures us that Jesus will be with us to the end of the age. The Bible contains thousands of God's promises and God is faithful to them all (see Ps. 145:13). What a comforting thought! We serve a mighty God. Now I live each day confident that nothing can separate me from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ (see Rom. 8:38).
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
I invite you to re-read Dale's reflection, then take a few moments to remember all the challenges God has helped you overcome in the past year or two.
Author's Prayer
Thank you, loving God, for staying with us when life gets tough and for your promise of an everlasting life. Amen.
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