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Spiritual Awakening

  • Jun 13, 2024
  • 2 min read

The Upper Room Devotion for Thursday, June 13, 2024, was written by Bob Gilchrist of Tennessee.

Scripture


1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 So he told them this parable: 4 “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Luke 15:1-7 NRSV

Author's Thoughts


I've always felt closest to God when I'm enjoying nature. I often hike along the appalachian Trail, a 2,180-mile trail that runs through the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States. Markings along the trail, known as "white blazes," are white rectangles painted on the trees to let you know you're going in the right direction.

I have often wished for such clear markers in other parts of my life. I had many missteps as a young man that led me away from Jesus. I struggled with substance abuse and ended up lost, without any recollection of how I got there. For a time, I was stuck in a repetitive cycle of misery and addiction. Filled with guilt and shame, I carried this burden alone.

But at the age of 33, I had a powerful spiritual awakening and rededicated my life to Jesus Christ. At a time when I desperately needed to hear God's voice, God called to me, and by God's grace I was able to get my life back on track. I know what it is to be lost and without hope. I understand feeling unworthy of God's love because of past mistakes. Now I want to reach out to others like me with the same forgiving grace.

Thought for the Day


Today I will tell someone that God loves them.

Author's Prayer


Dear heavenly Father, guide our way, and may all we do be to your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

 
 
 

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