Today’s Reflection
I BELIEVE THAT it is God’s nature to heal, that is, to continue creating us to be the unique persons God intends.
When we are sick; when disaster strikes; when we are buffeted by betrayal, tragedy, abuse, or our own sin; when we are oppressed by distorted social systems, God’s desire is to redeem, transform, and make new.
We are saved, redeemed, and born again not just once but repeatedly throughout our lives as we are invited to grow in grace. This growth continues whether we are old or young, renegade or saintly, overtly suffering or feeling pretty well.
We can trust that God is always inviting us to the next step in our growth and healing, even at death. At every stage, age, and circumstance in our lives, God nudges us to grow and change.
-Tilda Norberg
Gathered Together
From page 23 of Gathered Together: Creating Personal Liturgies for Healing and Transformation by Tilda Norberg. Copyright © 2007 by Tilda Norberg. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Where is God nudging you to grow and change? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.”
2 Samuel 12:13a, NRSV
This Week: pray for those who support you in your faith. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section below.
Did You Know?
Church leaders in Zimbabwe struggle to gather and distribute Christian educational materials for their congregations. Pastor Phillip Musharu is leading an effort to grow distribution of The Upper Room daily devotional guide to help meet the need for resources. Read more about Musharu here or visit www.upperroom.org/gift to donate to the Africa Initiative.
Saints, Inc.:
This week we remember Basil the Blessed (August 2).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Sponsored by Upper Room Ministries ®. Copyright © 2012, a ministry of GBOD | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
He is calling me to trust Him with a relationship with a family member. “As we are invited to grow in grace”…I will take this phrase with me as I continue down this road. This is where He is leading me…and isn’t that what I would want…to grow in grace?
Father, quiet my sarcasm as I trust Your healing power and healing ways.
God is guiding plans for a move from one town to another, one situation to another, part of the plan is underway while others parts are still being developed. Thank you Lord for your wisdom and guidance.
Thank you too Lord for the spiritual support I Have through Anneliese.
God has opened the door for my husband and me to a big life change–a move from Pennsylvania to Florida–for a new beginning. It’s a move I and my Dad had wanted to make since I was 12 years old (a LONG time ago)! The time wasn’t right. But now, after a year of much pain, loss (one of the most painful being my Dad’s death) & betrayal, God opened this door and we are walking through. It’s a bittersweet move, going without Dad. But he & Mom are much happier where they are!
Thank you, Father, for the strength and wisdom gained from the stuff of life. And thank You for the opportunities that lie before us and the pathway You’ve paved for us to follow. May we serve You with joy and faithfulness for the sake of Christ. Amen.