The Upper Room Devotion for Thursday, November 2, 2023, was written by Doug Wingert of Arizona.
Scripture
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
When I was a young boy, I enjoyed watching my father drive the family car. His feet were always moving between the clutch pedal, gas pedal, and the brake pedal. But it was the small movements he made with his hands on the steering wheel that fascinated me. So, when the family car was safely parked in the driveway, I would sit behind the steering wheel and pretend to drive. My legs were to short to reach the pedals, but I could make those small movements with the steering wheel, as if I were heading down the road. When I was finally old enough to learn to drive, I quickly understood that without those small corrections on the steering wheel, the car would drift off course.
I've come to realize that my life has been a little like driving a car. At times I've had to slam on the brakes to avoid a disaster in my life. But most of the time, I've just had to make those small corrections to keep myself on a steady course.
Now I think of God's word in scripture as my compass and my road map. Together, they can keep me on God's path, leading me to greater understanding of what God expects of my life.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
I invite you to re-read Doug's reflection, asking yourself: What small adjustments do I need to make to serve God better?
Author's Prayer
Dear God, you know what is best for each of us. Help us to make the small corrections that will guide us to a better understanding of how to please you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.