The Upper Room Devotion for Tuesday, September 12, 2023, was written by Tun Thwin of Myanmar.
Scripture
6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you. 7 For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. 8 For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.
11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. 13 And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Author's Thoughts
My uncle was the editor of The Upper Room in Myanmar. Each time a new issue was published, he always sent two copies to me - one English and one Burmese - while I was in prison. As soon as I received them, I immediately shared them with other inmates who were desperate for spiritual nourishment.
On Sunday mornings we gathered and worshiped together, reading The Upper Room and the Bible. We took turns delivering the sermon, and we prayed and sang hymns together. Sometimes we used musical instruments (a guitar, a wind pipe, or bamboo flute) in our services. Our group included people of many races and ethnicities, and we were elated to be together as siblings in faith, sharing our sorrows, difficulties, and joys. Though we were in confinement, we were strengthened and enriched. And we strode forward together to face all the obstacles and challenges of our daily lives.
Through The Upper Room, we received the gift of companionship on our spiritual journeys and heard and shared the good news. The Holy Spirit bring this same good news to all corners of our struggling world.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
I have found the Upper Room to be a well spring and an invaluable tool for my personal spiritual development. The scripture reading, memory verses, and insightful reflections have provided invaluable spiritual nourishment. Yet, what makes the Upper Room, and other devotionals, most impactful is our consistent use of these resources. May our faith continue to increase as we avail ourselves of opportunities to commune with God.
Author's Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to share your good news with the world. Amen.