The Upper Room 22 February 2024 Devotional: Beautiful Transformation
Read and Study Today’s The Upper Room Daily Devotional for February 22nd, 2024 Message written by Navamani Peter (Karnataka, India). God bless you as you study today! Please share with your friends and loved ones.
TODAY’S READING
John 12:20-29
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I rejoice in God, who has given me new life through redemptive love.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. – Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
A few months ago, I put a flowering potted plant in my garden. Unfortunately, scorching heat caused the plant to dry up. I thought it had died, but to my surprise a few days later I noticed new signs of life. Tiny green leaves began to appear, followed by little buds that blossomed into beautiful pink flowers. Even though the plant looked lifeless on the outside, there was still beautiful life within it.
While telling his disciples about his death, Jesus said, “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (Jn. 12:24). It is the same with us. When we let our sinful nature die, God’s life-giving grace can begin redemptive work within us. As the light and love of God transform us, our lives become beautiful, fragrant, and fruitful. Dark thoughts, despair, and doubt can make us blind to God’s love and grace, but scripture reminds us that God’s love is always available. As we commune with God, we are strengthened and can bear much fruit. And when we “die” to ourselves, we can see Christ glorified in and through us.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Loving God, thank you for your living word that transforms us into a new creation in Christ. Help us to surrender our lives so that we may bear much fruit for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS
Gardeners
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