The Upper Room 23rd March 2024 Devotional: Our Source of Power

The Upper Room Devotional 23 July 2022 | Work in Progress

by admin July 23, 2022

written by admin

THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 23 JULY 2022 SATURDAY

Today’s Topic: Work in Progress
Kim Koratsky (Tennessee, USA)

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
How can I choose God today?

What good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it? Claiming to have faith can’t save anyone, can it? – James 2:14 (CEB)

As I was putting away the dishes this morning, I looked at our spoonula — a silicone kitchen tool that is a cross between a spatula and a spoon. I consider it a mediocre utensil — neither a good spatula nor a useful spoon. This got me thinking about those times in my faith when I am mediocre.

I am a work in progress, and have been ever since I accepted Jesus into my heart. Sometimes I am on fire and put my faith into action. Other times, I am lukewarm with one foot in and one foot out. Without being committed to any particular path, I lose my way. My work, problems, and worries distract me from loving God and loving others.

I once heard that love is a choice we must make every day in order to keep it alive. Faith is the same way. We have to choose it daily. And when we choose it, faith changes our beliefs and conduct. We are transformed. So if our lives do not change in a meaningful way because of what we choose to believe, our faith falters. As James wrote, “A person is shown to be righteous through faithful actions and not through faith alone” (Jas. 2:24). We must remember every day to choose God and show the Lord our love.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord of love, help us when we become lukewarm. Show us the right tools and actions so that we can act out our faith and demonstrate our love for you. Amen.

PRAYER FOCUS
Cooks