The Upper Room Devotion for Friday, June 7, 2024, was written by Deborah Ormay of Pennsylvania.
Scripture
6 If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives' tales. Train yourself in godliness, 8 for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 11 These are the things you must insist on and teach. 12 Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4:6-16 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
I enjoy watching the birds outside my home-office window. From this vantage point, I have learned about the feeding styles and food preferences of various birds. Slate colored Juncos hop backward on the garden floor to reveal food. Mourning Doves poke around on the ground to find miller seeds that have fallen from the feeders. Downey Woodpeckers take a seed from the feeder and hammer it against a tree branch to crack it open. Goldfinches can't get enough thistle seeds. Nuthatches peck away at suet. Black-capped Chickadees like everything!
Watching the birds reminds me of the many spiritual disciplines we use to stay close to God and grow in faith. Fasting, prayer, daily Bible reading, meditation, waking a labyrinth, worship, and Bible study are some ways we can feed our faith. Personally, I keep a prayer journal and use The Upper Room as part of my daily spiritual practice. Anytime is a perfect time to try a new spiritual practice. Whether it's walking a labyrinth for the first time or joining a Bible study, whatever we learn from these new practices will stay with us and serve us in the future.
Author's Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for the many ways we can learn about you and grow in our faith. Bless us and keep us close to you. Amen.
ความคิดเห็น