The Upper Room 29th December 2023 Devotional || Stepping Up
Read and Study Today’s The Upper Room Daily Devotional for December 29, 2023 Message written by Steven “Paul” Simmons (Texas, USA). God bless you as you study today! Please share with your friends and loved ones.
TODAY’S READING
John 3:16-21
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Jesus loves me. This I know!
God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16 (NIV)
Growing up, I was the youngest of four boys. Sometimes my older brothers would talk me into doing things that would get me into trouble. My parents would discipline me, but occasionally one of my brothers would step up and take the blame for my actions.
A brother taking the punishment that I deserved represents only a small fraction of the love that Jesus has for each one of us. Jesus knows us and all the mistakes we have made, yet he loves us so much that he took the pain and agony of the worst punishment — death. But unlike my brother, Jesus was not guilty of anything. He “stepped up” because of the immeasurable love he has for each one of us. Like today’s verse says, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” All of this so we can spend our lives — even into eternity — worshiping God and loving God’s creation. Truly, Jesus is the perfect example of grace and forgiveness.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, may our love for you always be a response to your grace-filled love and forgiveness — and may it show in our love for others. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS
Gratitude for God’s grace
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