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THE UPPER ROOM

Daily Devotional

June 24, 2025

Turn It Off!

Gail Parker (Maryland, USA)

Today's Reading

Luke 12:22-31

Thought for the Day

Immersing myself in God’s word can protect me from fear.

Prayer Focus

For a healthy relationship to media.

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"The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." - 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

"'Years ago when I was young, my siblings and I thought it would be fun to watch a scary movie. More than just “scary,” the movie we chose turned out to be dark and terrifying. As it progressed, we were swept up in the story and gripped by fear. At one point, we all erupted in screams. Suddenly, our dad strode into the room, pointed to the TV and said, “You know, you can turn that thing off.”

I still smile when I think of my father’s practical wisdom. But his words ring true even today as I stare at screen after screen, subjecting myself to an unprecedented amount of news, information, and opinions that mostly stress me out and sometimes fill me with fear. Fortunately, I am learning that I do, indeed, have the power to turn it all off.

The world and its problems don’t magically disappear when we turn off our screens. Nor do our responsibilities. But when we turn our worries into reasons for prayer (see Phil. 4:6) and immerse ourselves in God’s word, we can remember God’s sovereignty and power. Then our perspective changes. In God, our hearts and minds find protection and peace as we engage with the world."' If things are closing in on you, turn off the media and just pray.

Today's Prayer

"O Lord, help us to be discerning and self-disciplined as we navigate life in an overwhelming world. We trust in your power and love. In Jesus’ name." Amen.

Luke 12:22-31

"'22 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Therefore, I say to you, don’t worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. 23 There is more to life than food and more to the body than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither plant nor harvest, they have no silo or barn, yet God feeds them. You are worth so much more than birds! 25 Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life? 26 If you can’t do such a small thing, why worry about the rest? 27 Notice how the lilies grow. They don’t wear themselves out with work, and they don’t spin cloth. But I say to you that even Solomon in all his splendor wasn’t dressed like one of these. 28 If God dresses grass in the field so beautifully, even though it’s alive today and tomorrow it’s thrown into the furnace, how much more will God do for you, you people of weak faith! 29 Don’t chase after what you will eat and what you will drink. Stop worrying. 30 All the nations of the world long for these things. Your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, desire his kingdom and these things will be given to you as well."' We truly never, ever have to worry. Things may seem very dark and ugly at this moment, but God alone, knows the outcome. He blesses us with so much! Joe

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Daily Devotion

The Price of Prayerlessness

If you want to live with peace and purpose, make time in prayer a priority.

June 24, 2025

Related Scripture

Colossians 4:2-4

1 John 1:9

Psalms 71-75

Colossians 4:2-4

Have you ever noticed what happens if we allow our prayer life to fall by the wayside? When we fail to make prayer a priority in our life—essentially forfeiting our time alone with the Father—we will begin to feel an emptiness in our heart, accompanied by a sense of uneasiness. In contrast, when our prayer life is active, the weight of burdens will be lifted from our shoulders by the mighty hand of God.

With this in mind, why would anyone choose to cease praying? The sad truth is that many of us have become so busy that we’ve failed to set aside time to spend with the Lord. Yet if we continue this style of living, we will become vulnerable and run the risk of giving in to temptation.

To avoid these difficulties, we should place a high priority upon our fellowship and communication with the Father. After all, we must be in contact with God in order to hear from Him. How else can we understand and follow His will?

If you have allowed distance to come between you and the Lord, confess this to Him today. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us.” When you renew your prayer life, you’ll be able to experience God’s best.

Bible in One Year:

Psalms 71-75

Copied from Intouch Ministries - 2025

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Daily Devotion

Waiting on God

There is always blessing for those who patiently seek God's direction.

June 23, 2025

Related Scripture

Psalm 37:1-9

1 Samuel 24:1-7

2 Samuel 11:1

Psalms 67-70

Psalms 37:1-9

Waiting on God is an important spiritual discipline in our walk of faith. King David’s life both teaches about the value of following the Lord’s plan and warns of the danger in moving ahead of Him.

When David was a shepherd, the prophet Samuel anointed him as Israel’s next king. Yet he did not become the ruler for many years. Waiting for the Lord to place him on the throne was made more difficult because the current king, Saul, turned against David and repeatedly tried to take his life. Despite the opportunity to take matters into his own hands, David held back (1 Samuel 24:1-7). He waited on God and was blessed for his obedience.

Years later, David made a decision without consulting the Lord. He chose not to join his troops in battle, even though that was one of his duties as a ruler (2 Samuel 11:1). During the time he stayed home, he noticed Bathsheba and coveted her. He conceived a child with her and then tried to cover up his sin. Instead of following God’s plan and being blessed, he experienced divine chastisement and heartache.

As believers, we want to obey the Lord, but there may be situations when we move forward without waiting for His direction. We must always be sure to seek God’s plan before we act.

Bible in One Year:

Psalms 67-70

Copied from Intouch Ministries - 2025

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THE UPPER ROOM

June 23, 2025

God of Surprises

Jesús Manuel Salazar-Núñez (Texas, USA)

Today's Reading

Deuteronomy 31:1-8

Thought for the Day

God will provide for me in real and unexpected ways.

Prayer Focus

Prison security staff

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"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." - Psalm 23:1 (NIV)

"I am serving time in a federal prison. I have started writing to pass the time, and I decided to work on some meditations. I have faith that God will always provide what I need — sometimes in unexpected ways.

One day as I attempted to write, I was complaining about the pencil I was using. The pencils provided by the prison are not good quality. They are flimsy by design to prevent inmates from harming themselves or others with them, and the low-grade graphite does not write well. I continued to plug along writing with the uncooperative pencil when a security guard walked up to the cell and knocked. I didn’t pay much attention and continued writing. My cellmate went to see what the guard wanted. The guard showed him a pen and asked if he needed one. My cellmate took the pen and thanked the guard. Turning to me, my cellmate said, “Here, take the pen. I already have one.”

For 40 days, I had been asking different guards for a pen. I felt this was God’s way of showing me that even in the smallest of details, the Lord is aware of my needs and always by my side. And if God is by my side, all will be well, and I will lack nothing. I felt an inner sense of peace and comfort knowing that my life and my situation are in God’s hands." Whatever our current situation, God provides all that we need.

Today's Prayer

"God of wonder and surprises, be patient with us as you teach us to place our trust in you. Thank you for the joy of knowing that in your love, we lack for nothing." Amen.

Deuteronomy 31:1-8

"'1 Then Moses said these words to all Israel, 2 telling them: I’m 120 years old today. I can’t move around well anymore. Plus, the LORD told me “You won’t cross the Jordan River.” 3 But the LORD your God, he’s the one who will cross over before you! He’s the one who will destroy these nations before you so you can displace them. Joshua too will cross over before you just like the LORD indicated. 4 The LORD will do to these enemies the same thing he did to the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, and to their land, when he destroyed them. 5 The LORD will lay them out before you, and you will do to them exactly what the command I’ve given you dictates. 6 Be strong! Be fearless! Don’t be afraid and don’t be scared by your enemies, because the LORD your God is the one who marches with you. He won’t let you down, and he won’t abandon you. 7 Then Moses called Joshua and, with all Israel watching, said to him: “Be strong and fearless because you are the one who will lead this people to the land the LORD swore to their ancestors to give to them; you are the one who will divide up the land for them. 8 But the LORD is the one who is marching before you! He is the one who will be with you! He won’t let you down. He won’t abandon you. So don’t be afraid or scared!” The Lord God is always with you. He blesses you every day. Joe

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THE UPPER ROOM

June 23, 2025

God of Surprises

Jesús Manuel Salazar-Núñez (Texas, USA)

Today's Reading

Deuteronomy 31:1-8

Thought for the Day

God will provide for me in real and unexpected ways.

Prayer Focus

Prison security staff

.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." - Psalm 23:1 (NIV)

"I am serving time in a federal prison. I have started writing to pass the time, and I decided to work on some meditations. I have faith that God will always provide what I need — sometimes in unexpected ways.

One day as I attempted to write, I was complaining about the pencil I was using. The pencils provided by the prison are not good quality. They are flimsy by design to prevent inmates from harming themselves or others with them, and the low-grade graphite does not write well. I continued to plug along writing with the uncooperative pencil when a security guard walked up to the cell and knocked. I didn’t pay much attention and continued writing. My cellmate went to see what the guard wanted. The guard showed him a pen and asked if he needed one. My cellmate took the pen and thanked the guard. Turning to me, my cellmate said, “Here, take the pen. I already have one.”

For 40 days, I had been asking different guards for a pen. I felt this was God’s way of showing me that even in the smallest of details, the Lord is aware of my needs and always by my side. And if God is by my side, all will be well, and I will lack nothing. I felt an inner sense of peace and comfort knowing that my life and my situation are in God’s hands." Whatever our current situation, God provides all that we need.

Today's Prayer

"God of wonder and surprises, be patient with us as you teach us to place our trust in you. Thank you for the joy of knowing that in your love, we lack for nothing." Amen.

Deuteronomy 31:1-8

"'1 Then Moses said these words to all Israel, 2 telling them: I’m 120 years old today. I can’t move around well anymore. Plus, the LORD told me “You won’t cross the Jordan River.” 3 But the LORD your God, he’s the one who will cross over before you! He’s the one who will destroy these nations before you so you can displace them. Joshua too will cross over before you just like the LORD indicated. 4 The LORD will do to these enemies the same thing he did to the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, and to their land, when he destroyed them. 5 The LORD will lay them out before you, and you will do to them exactly what the command I’ve given you dictates. 6 Be strong! Be fearless! Don’t be afraid and don’t be scared by your enemies, because the LORD your God is the one who marches with you. He won’t let you down, and he won’t abandon you. 7 Then Moses called Joshua and, with all Israel watching, said to him: “Be strong and fearless because you are the one who will lead this people to the land the LORD swore to their ancestors to give to them; you are the one who will divide up the land for them. 8 But the LORD is the one who is marching before you! He is the one who will be with you! He won’t let you down. He won’t abandon you. So don’t be afraid or scared!” The Lord God is always with you. He blesses you every day. Joe

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Daily Devotion

Waiting on God

There is always blessing for those who patiently seek God's direction.

June 23, 2025

Related Scripture

Psalm 37:1-9

1 Samuel 24:1-7

2 Samuel 11:1

Psalms 67-70

Psalms 37:1-9

Waiting on God is an important spiritual discipline in our walk of faith. King David’s life both teaches about the value of following the Lord’s plan and warns of the danger in moving ahead of Him.

When David was a shepherd, the prophet Samuel anointed him as Israel’s next king. Yet he did not become the ruler for many years. Waiting for the Lord to place him on the throne was made more difficult because the current king, Saul, turned against David and repeatedly tried to take his life. Despite the opportunity to take matters into his own hands, David held back (1 Samuel 24:1-7). He waited on God and was blessed for his obedience.

Years later, David made a decision without consulting the Lord. He chose not to join his troops in battle, even though that was one of his duties as a ruler (2 Samuel 11:1). During the time he stayed home, he noticed Bathsheba and coveted her. He conceived a child with her and then tried to cover up his sin. Instead of following God’s plan and being blessed, he experienced divine chastisement and heartache.

As believers, we want to obey the Lord, but there may be situations when we move forward without waiting for His direction. We must always be sure to seek God’s plan before we act.

Bible in One Year:

Psalms 67-70

Copied from Intouch Ministries - 2025

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Daily Devotion

Waiting for Answers to Prayer

The Lord may delay His response to your request, but He is never late.

June 22, 2025

Related Scripture

Psalm 33:20-22

Mark 12:30

Galatians 5:22-23

James 4:3

Hebrews 11:1

Psalms 60-66

Psalms 33:20-22

Scripture makes it clear that our heavenly Father hears and answers prayer. But there have been times when we’ve all had to wait. What are some reasons He might delay answering us?

Our relationship with God should have priority over any earthly matter (Mark 12:30), yet our minds and prayers can become so fixed upon what we need that our gaze shifts away from Him. So the Father may be delaying His answer until we refocus our attention rightly. In other situations, God waits because the timing is not right for granting our request.

There are seasons when the Lord wants to stretch and grow our faith. One of the ways He accomplishes this is by having us watch for His response. The Spirit will work in these times of waiting to mature us and bring forth fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Other reasons for a delay include asking with a wrong motive (James 4:3) or engaging in sin. God may delay His answer so He can help us see the need to confess wrongdoing and turn back.

Waiting on the Lord isn’t easy—faith is needed (Hebrews 11:1). If an answer seems slow in coming, make sure that your focus is on Him, your motive for asking is God-honoring, and you aren’t practicing habitual sin. Then believe that God’s response will be for your good and His glory.

Bible in One Year:

Psalms 60-66

Copied from Intouch Ministries - 2025

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THE UPPER ROOM

Daily Devotional

June 22, 2025

Living in Mercy and Hope

Janet B. Edwards (North Carolina, USA)

Today's Reading

Matthew 25:14-23

Thought for the Day

I will seek to serve God and be grateful for God’s mercy.

Prayer Focus

Gratitude for God’s mercy

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His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” - Matthew 25:23 (NIV)

"'I like sitting quietly in the pew in our small church before the worship service. The sunlight filters through the beautiful stained-glass windows, depicting stories from the Gospels. Long ago, such artwork helped people who may not have known how to read learn and remember the stories of Jesus. They continue to prompt me to reflect on their messages for my life today.

On a recent Sunday I was sitting in my usual spot between the windows illustrating the parables of the prodigal son and the good and faithful servant. I observed that in both stories the main characters are welcomed and embraced. One is forgiven for his past errors while the other is affirmed for his correct choices.

I thought about how living to serve Jesus is often a struggle. We have to start afresh each day in gratitude for God’s mercy and seek God’s help through the Spirit to love God and one another. It isn’t always easy.

Oh, how much I hope to hear those words from Jesus: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” But I am grateful for the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness that I see in the story of the prodigal son. I can seek to serve the Lord by also extending mercy and forgiveness to others in my life."' God's mercy is unlimited and forever. We cannot stray away or commit to many sins to lose it. Strive to live as He wants and know He is there, always.

Today's Prayer

"Merciful God, help us to extend mercy and forgiveness to others as we remember the mercy and forgiveness you have given us." Amen.

Matthew 25:14-23

"'14 “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who was leaving on a trip. He called his servants and handed his possessions over to them. 15 To one he gave five valuable coins, and to another he gave two, and to another he gave one. He gave to each servant according to that servant’s ability. Then he left on his journey. 16 “After the man left, the servant who had five valuable coins took them and went to work doing business with them. He gained five more. 17 In the same way, the one who had two valuable coins gained two more. 18 But the servant who had received the one valuable coin dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. 19 “Now after a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The one who had received five valuable coins came forward with five additional coins. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five valuable coins. Look, I’ve gained five more.’ 21 “His master replied, ‘Excellent! You are a good and faithful servant! You’ve been faithful over a little. I’ll put you in charge of much. Come, celebrate with me.’ 22 “The second servant also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two valuable coins. Look, I’ve gained two more.’ 23 “His master replied, ‘Well done! You are a good and faithful servant. You’ve been faithful over a little. I’ll put you in charge of much. Come, celebrate with me.’" Be worthy of God's allegiance. Whatever He gives you, take it and multiply it all for His Glory. Then you will be considered a Good and faithful servant. Find that blessing! Joe

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Daily Devotion

The Greatness of God

Our God, clothed with majesty and power, is truly worthy of our praise.

June 20, 2025

Related Scripture

Isaiah 40:12-26

Isaiah 55:9

Psalm 93:1

Psalms 50-54

Isaiah 40:12-26

When you think of God, what comes to mind? People often view Him in the way that best fits their particular need or situation. The truth is, His character encompasses far more than we could ever comprehend or try to explain. At the same time, it is important to look at Scripture in order to learn all we can about the One we worship.

Today we’ll focus on one attribute: His greatness. Isaiah 40 tells us God is greater than creation (v. 12), for everything we see came into being by His hands. He is higher than the nations or any idol fashioned by the finest craftsman (vv. 15-20). In fact, He is above the entire world and all mankind, surpassing even the heavens and galaxies (vv. 22-23, 26).

Our Father’s thoughts and ways are far grander than our own (Isaiah 55:9) and lofty compared with what we can understand. Psalm 93:1 states, “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord has clothed and girded Himself with strength.”

Consider the awesome God we serve. He truly is worthy of our praise. When we grasp even a fraction of His greatness, our response should be humble worship. After all, who are we that a God like this would desire our friendship—so much so that He sent His Son to die for our sins?

Bible in One Year:

Psalms 50-54

Copied from Intouch Ministries - 2025

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THE UPPER ROOM

Daily Devotional

June 20, 2025

Clearing the Way

April Bogert (New York, USA)

Today's Reading

Jonah 4:1-11

Thought for the Day

What needs to be pruned from my life to keep me on God’s way?

Prayer Focus

Roadwork crews

.Jesus said, “[My Father] removes any of my branches that don’t produce fruit, and he trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit.” - John 15:2 (CEB)

"The buzz of chainsaws and the roar of wood-chipping equipment filled my ears as I slowed my car to a halt. A work crew was lopping off big limbs of trees that had stood along this rural road for decades. Some of the trees were being readied for complete removal. At first, I felt sad to see these noble trees removed; then I recalled frequent power outages caused by branches falling on power lines or even falling on vehicles due to high winds or ice.

The pruning was necessary to keep the roadway clear and safe.

Sometimes aspects of our lives need pruning to help us stay aligned with God’s will. Like Jonah, we may not be happy about what God is doing. We may not understand the plan or the route to get there. Often I am reluctant to give up an attitude or habit that is detrimental to my faith journey or to others.

Through prayer, meditation, and study of scripture, we can come to trust that God is our protector. When we welcome God’s clearing work in our lives, we can stay faithful and remain safely on the road we should travel." Clean out the clutter and distractions and focus on God's plan for you.

Today's Prayer

"Almighty and all-knowing God, help us accept your ways and acknowledge that you know what is best for us." Amen.

Jonah 4:1-11

"'1 But Jonah thought this was utterly wrong, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, “Come on, LORD! Wasn’t this precisely my point when I was back in my own land? This is why I fled to Tarshish earlier! I know that you are a merciful and compassionate God, very patient, full of faithful love, and willing not to destroy. 3 At this point, LORD, you may as well take my life from me, because it would be better for me to die than to live.” 4 The LORD responded, “Is your anger a good thing?” 5 But Jonah went out from the city and sat down east of the city. There he made himself a hut and sat under it, in the shade, to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the LORD God provided a shrub, and it grew up over Jonah, providing shade for his head and saving him from his misery. Jonah was very happy about the shrub. 7 But God provided a worm the next day at dawn, and it attacked the shrub so that it died. 8 Then as the sun rose God provided a dry east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he became faint. He begged that he might die, saying, “It’s better for me to die than to live.” 9 God said to Jonah, “Is your anger about the shrub a good thing?” Jonah said, “Yes, my anger is good—even to the point of death!” 10 But the LORD said, “You ‘pitied’ the shrub, for which you didn’t work and which you didn’t raise; it grew in a night and perished in a night. 11 Yet for my part, can’t I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than one hundred twenty thousand people who can’t tell their right hand from their left, and also many animals?”' Jonah struggles with God as we all do. We usually do not grasp the entire picture of what is going on. Be faithful to God and bless others. Joe

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Daily Devotion

The Shared Legacy of Believers

Choose to trust God in the face of difficulty, and He will give you the courage that’s needed to overcome.

June 19, 2025

Related Scripture

Psalm 23:1-6

Deuteronomy 31:6

Deuteronomy 31:8

Psalms 44-49

Psalms 23:1-6

We sometimes make the mistake of regarding the godly men and women of Scripture as being in a special category. We think and speak of them as if they were superheroes God raised up to do His work. But the truth is, they were people just like us.

These biblical saints experienced extreme difficulties and often endured loneliness in carrying out their calling. And yet they held tight to the promise that God would be with them (Deuteronomy 31:6; Deuteronomy 31:8). That’s why David could write, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me” (Ps. 23:4).

The Bible’s men and women of faith were convinced that they were doing God’s work. A person laboring under that belief possesses a zeal and a courage that all the forces of evil will never be able to destroy. We, likewise, are doing the Lord’s work in our world. We may not earn recognition, and we may face persecution. Whatever happens, we can be sure that God will be with us, enabling us to fulfill His purpose.

The legacy of the godly ones in Scripture is trust in the Lord and the courage to follow Him, even when obedience is inconvenient or difficult. Your legacy can be the same when you choose to obey the Lord.

Bible in One Year:

Psalms 44-49

Copied from Intouch Ministries - 2025

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THE UPPER ROOM

Daily Devotional

June 19, 2025

Against the Odds

Matthew Fleitas (Texas, USA)

Today's Reading

1 Samuel 17:40-50

Thought for the Day

God gives me strength when I think I have none.

Prayer Focus

Young athletes

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"David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, striking down the Philistine and killing him; there was no sword in David’s hand." - 1 Samuel 17:50 (NRSVUE)

"At the start of my freshman year of high school, I was one of about 60 boys trying out for the basketball team. Only 20 players would be chosen. I was one of the shortest boys trying out and did not have as much experience playing basketball as the others. I could sense the doubt that the other boys and even the coaches had when they first saw me.

Throughout the week of tryouts, I practiced and played to the best of my ability. It was hard not to doubt myself. However, I tried to remember that God was giving me strength each day. I put my trust in God’s plan for me, and I made the team!

Like David’s story in 1 Samuel 17, I realized that we will all face challenges or obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. We may be discounted by others, but we can always trust that no matter what we might face, God is with us every step of the way. If God empowered David to defeat Goliath, God can also give us the strength to triumph over anything that stands in our way." God provides enough strength and determination to accomplish all things. Against all odds, you can prevail if you have faith in Him.

Today's Prayer

"Thank you, God, for giving us the strength to overcome any obstacle in our path." Amen.

1 Samuel 17:40-50

"'40 He then grabbed his staff and chose five smooth stones from the streambed. He put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag and with sling in hand went out to the Philistine. 41 The Philistine got closer and closer to David, and his shield-bearer was in front of him. 42 When the Philistine looked David over, he sneered at David because he was just a boy; reddish brown and good-looking. 43 The Philistine asked David, “Am I some sort of dog that you come at me with sticks?” And he cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he said to David, “and I’ll feed your flesh to the wild birds and the wild animals!” 45 But David told the Philistine, “You are coming against me with sword, spear, and scimitar, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of heavenly forces, the God of Israel’s army, the one you’ve insulted. 46 Today the LORD will hand you over to me. I will strike you down and cut off your head! Today I will feed your dead body and the dead bodies of the entire Philistine camp to the wild birds and the wild animals. Then the whole world will know that there is a God on Israel’s side. 47 And all those gathered here will know that the LORD doesn’t save by means of sword and spear. The LORD owns this war, and he will hand all of you over to us.” 48 The Philistine got up and moved closer to attack David, and David ran quickly to the front line to face him. 49 David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone. He slung it, and it hit the Philistine on his forehead. The stone penetrated his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. 50 And that’s how David triumphed over the Philistine with just a sling and a stone, striking the Philistine down and killing him—and David didn’t even have a sword!" It's not a weapon used, but rather the strength God adds when you bring Him along in any situation. I am so very blessed! Joe

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Daily Devotion

Feasting on the Word

The Holy Spirit illuminates the Word of God for all who want to know truth.

June 18, 2025

Related Scripture

1 Peter 2:2-3

1 Corinthians 12:28

Psalms 39-43

1 Peter 2:2-3

Have you ever watched a baby eat? Hungry little ones clutch the bottle and smack their lips, thoroughly enjoying their warm milk. But there comes a time when that liquid nutrition isn’t enough to satisfy the baby’s appetite anymore. That’s when a whole world of culinary possibilities opens up.

Today’s passage compares new believers to babies, saying that they “long for the pure milk of the word” (v. 2). You wouldn’t feed a newborn steak and potatoes, would you? Well, baby Christians must sip scriptural truths that they understand. Then, like a growing child, they shoot up as they feast on Bible passages, gradually taking on more substantive principles and topics.

Believers aren’t left alone to make sense of the Scriptures any more than babies are expected to get meals for themselves. The Holy Spirit, who indwells God’s followers, illuminates the Word. Moreover, according to 1 Corinthians 12:28, God has provided preachers and teachers. These leaders provide instruction and clarification, motivating people to grow in their personal faith and to fulfill the church’s purpose of reaching the lost.

God’s Word is a feast for our heart, mind, and spirit. This is one banquet table where we will never be full.

Bible in One Year:

Psalms 39-43

Copied from Intouch Ministries -2025

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THE UPPER ROOM

June 18, 2025

Connected

Debbie Airgood (Pennsylvania)

"In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." - Romans 12:5 (NIV)

"My son is a United Methodist missionary. I have been fortunate to meet many faithful Christians while traveling with or visiting him in other countries. As a result, I feel just as connected to believers overseas as to those in the next town.

I feel close to these Christians because I have faces, voices, and smiles to help me connect. Andriy, Nastiya, Sergei, and Pavel are real people to me. When I read a meditation in The Upper Room written by Pavel, I can remember him and rejoice that he is my brother in Christ. When I pray for these friends, I’m praying for people whom I know personally. I have heard their stories.

Not all of us have the opportunity to travel to other lands, but each of us can find brothers and sisters God is calling us to love. A local mission trip, a feeding program, a ministry to the sick or elderly, and other creative ministries all help us make a connection in the body of Christ with those who were once strangers." Being connected, closely, to a ministry makes it stand out in your mind more. I still remember many summer days at the Baptist Mission Centers Inner City, Houston. Even find it in my dreams occasionally.

Today's Prayer

"Dear God, help us always to remember our connection to the entire body of Christ." Amen.

Today's Reading

1 Corinthians 12:12, 21-26

Thought for the Day

In Christ, we have brothers and sisters all over the world.

Prayer Focus

Christians around the world

1 Corinthians 12:12, 21-26

"12 Christ is just like the human body—a body is a unit and has many parts; and all the parts of the body are one body, even though there are many. 21 So the eye can’t say to the hand, “I don’t need you,” or in turn, the head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” 22 Instead, the parts of the body that people think are the weakest are the most necessary. 23 The parts of the body that we think are less honorable are the ones we honor the most. The private parts of our body that aren’t presentable are the ones that are given the most dignity. 24 The parts of our body that are presentable don’t need this. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the part with less honor 25 so that there won’t be division in the body and so the parts might have mutual concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part gets the glory, all the parts celebrate with it." Everyone can be a part of the body of Christ. Believe in Him and trust Him and you will be able to serve along with Him. Blessings! Joe

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Daily Devotion

Saving Faith

Have you accepted the gift of salvation Jesus died to give you? If not, you can say "yes" right now.

June 17, 2025

Related Scripture

John 1:12-13

2 Corinthians 5:17

Ephesians 2:8-9

Psalms 35-38

John 1:12-13

Yesterday, we looked at the knowledge that is essential for right belief. Now, let’s focus on the remaining elements of saving faith.

Knowledge of who Jesus is and what He did must be accompanied by conviction that the facts are true and apply to us:

We need to realize we all have broken God’s law.

We acknowledge none of our efforts can earn His favor.

We agree Jesus died for the world; He paid for all our sins.

We believe His death is sufficient payment for our wrongdoing, and nothing else is needed.

We must accept that He paid our penalty and endured the punishment in our place.

We accept by faith that we’ve been adopted into God’s family on the basis of Christ’s atoning death.

Once we are convinced that Jesus is our Savior, trust is demonstrated through action. As a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), we are no longer who we were. Jesus has authority over our life, and He alone deserves to be our top priority. He knows what pleases the Father and has sent His Spirit to live in us and teach us.

Take time to examine yourself for evidence of knowledge, conviction, and trust. Then pray, thanking the Father for true saving faith—or asking Him for that gracious gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Bible in One Year:

Psalms 35-38

Copied from Intouch Ministries - 2025

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THE UPPER ROOM

Daily Devotional

June 17, 2025

Enough

Sheryl Ramstad (Minnesota, USA)

Today's Reading

Psalm 107:1-9

Thought for the Day

In God’s eyes, I am enough!

Prayer Focus

Gratitude for God’s unconditional love

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The Lord said, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” - Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)

"I once saw a woman with a tattoo on her wrist that simply said, “Enough.” Although I wondered what it meant to her, I didn’t give it much more thought.

After retirement, I began questioning my identity, my self-worth, and my life’s purpose. For nearly 50 years, I had identified myself by my profession — first, as an attorney, then a judge, and finally as a professor. But when I left the workplace, I no longer knew how I should introduce myself or what value I contributed to the world.

Then I remembered the woman’s tattoo: “Enough.”

My worth is not dependent upon the title I have or the position I hold. The Bible says that my accomplishments have no bearing on God’s love for me. God’s loving presence will direct my steps in all that I do.

When I feel unworthy or uneasy about myself, I am assured that the Lord loves me regardless of how well I am performing. And that is enough!" You are ENOUGH, nothing more is needed. All your abilities or talents came within you.

Today's Prayer

"Dear heavenly Father, when we look to earthly accomplishments for our sense of purpose, help us to remember that in your eyes we are always enough." Amen.

Psalm 107:1-9

"'1 “Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever!” 2 That’s what those who are redeemed by the LORD say, the ones God redeemed from the power of their enemies, 3 the ones God gathered from various countries, from east and west, north and south. 4 Some of the redeemed had wandered into the desert, into the wasteland. They couldn’t find their way to a city or town. 5 They were hungry and thirsty; their lives were slipping away. 6 So they cried out to the LORD in their distress, and God delivered them from their desperate circumstances. 7 God led them straight to human habitation. 8 Let them thank the LORD for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all people, 9 because God satisfied the one who was parched with thirst, and he filled up the hungry with good things!"' If you are struggling or feel completely lost, God is there to lead you to whatever you are needing. That is a blessing from the Lord. Joe

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Daily Devotion

What It Means to Believe in Jesus

Do you believe that Jesus is God's Son and He died for you?

June 16, 2025

Related Scripture

John 3:16-18

Acts 16:31

Philippians 2:6-7

Psalms 29-34

John 3:16-18

The apostle Paul told his jailer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31). That Philippian man and all those under his care accepted the invitation and joined God’s family. Saving faith has three elements: knowledge, conviction, and trust. Today, let’s look at the knowledge component. To believe in Jesus as our Savior, we need to know who He is, what He accomplished, and why it was necessary.

Who is Jesus? He is deity—God the Son. Jesus set aside His divine rights, took on human form, and dwelled on earth (Philippians 2:6-7).

What did He accomplish? Jesus lived a perfect life, which qualified Him to be our substitute: His death on the cross made a way for us to be forgiven and experience peace with God.

Why did He have to die? We could not save ourselves, since our “good deeds” are all marred by our sinful nature—also known as the “flesh.” However, when we trust in Christ’s atoning work on our behalf, we become a member of His family.

Understanding and accepting the answers to these questions is key to right belief, but knowledge alone cannot lead to salvation. There must also be conviction and trust—which we’ll discuss tomorrow.

Bible in One Year:

Psalms 29-34

Copied from Intouch Ministries - 2025