The Upper Room Devotion for Tuesday, October 10, 2023, was written by Patti Young of Texas.
Scripture
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
Several months ago, my 49-year-old nephew passed away after years of dealing with a debilitating disease. I along with so many others, drew strength from his testimonies about faith, hope, and peace. He was an example of how blessed we are to love and be loved by God, who bears all our burdens. In Matthew 28:19 Jesus tells us, "Go and make disciples of all nations." We are the hands and feet of Christ. Our testimony allows others to learn about the love and eternal life Christ offers.
I see so many problems in the world, and I often feel ill-equipped to help alleviate others' burdens or provide comfort to them. Then I remember my nephew, who served God by starting a street ministry traveling in his wheelchair. Christ's strength is in all of us - the gift of the Holy Spirit. So let us all do our best to share the comfort and love of Christ with those around us.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
At the conclusion of our worship services, I offer the same affirmation and challenge: "You are a blessing from God. Now go be a blessing!" God desires to partner with each of us, within our spheres of influence we occupy, to be conduits for hope, peace, and joy. It does not matter how young or old we may be, God wants to use us to be a blessing to others. Yet, for God to partner with us, we must choose to stretch outside the familiar and comfortable. God has chosen you to be the answer to someone prayer.
Author's Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, help us to serve you by sharing scriptures and examples of hope and comfort. Give us the strength to share our faith. We pray as Jesus taught us, "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation" (Lk. 11:2-4, NIV). Amen.
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