The Upper Room daily devotional The Upper Room daily devotional: Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday Posted: A World Worth Saving For anyone who dismisses Lent as a seemingly endless time of self-sacrifice and introspection, this 6-week study for Lent offers a breath of fresh air. It connects prayer and other inner spiritual practices with outward actions of mercy and compassion. George Donigian guides you to grow in your prayer life by praying about daily news reports, discovering the needs around you, and responding with love and compassion. Read Philippians 4:10-13 Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” - Philippians 4:11 (NIV) Todays Devotional As I drive to a friend’s house, I notice a new sporting goods store. I think about the great sales they must be having for their grand opening and all of the fun things I could buy for camping. Then I turn my thoughts to the next day: Ash Wednesday. This holy day marks a time when I try to think about moderation. Living in moderation is a daily challenge for me. From grocery shopping, to eating, to going to new stores, it is difficult to eat and purchase only what is necessary without splurging on a little more here and there. As I approach the store, my thoughts shift to the apostle Paul, who learned to be content in all circumstances. He was satisfied whether he was feasting or starving, whether he had many possessions or none. Having an excess of goods or of food clutters my life—body, soul, and mind—without providing any lasting, deep-rooted happiness. They require time and energy to maintain, which distracts me from nurturing my relationship with God. I turn my eyes back to the road and pass the new store. Today I will make an effort to live more freely, with less stuff to hold me down and distract me from God. Heather Harshman (California, USA) Thought for the Day: Living in moderation frees up space in our hearts for God. Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, keep our thoughts centered on you by removing distractions from our lives. May we give attention and energy to your work today. Amen. Prayer Focus: To be content with less The scripture quotation, unless otherwise indicated, is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2014 by The Upper Room, a ministry of GBOD. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce or redistribute without written permission from the publisher. You are subscribed to email updates from The Upper Room daily devotional To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. Email delivery powered by Google Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 07:22:50 +0000
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