~ A Quiet Witness ~

[Lani]

Philippians 3:12-17


12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7 (NRSV)




Since I was a small boy, my mother has read The Upper Room each day. Occasionally I read it also. One witness I can remember from my childhood was about Frank Ryan, quarterback of the Cleveland Browns football team in the early 1960’s. The Browns were my favorite professional team, and Frank Ryan’s willingness to witness to his faith left a lasting impression on me. When I left home to attend college, my mother faithfully sent me The Upper Room every two months. After I graduated, she continued sending it over the next 10 years as I went through several job relocations.

During those years I got into the habit of reading the meditations daily, even though my mother never preached to me about it. She never knew whether or not I read the magazine.

Now that I am a member of a church that supplies The Upper Room, my mother no longer has to mail them to me. But I realize how important her example and persistence were building a discipline of Bible Study and prayer in my life. I want to be the same example for my children and for people I meet.




Prayer: Dear God, thank you for loving role models whose devotion to you sets an example for use to live by. Amen

Prayer Focus of Day: To make daily time with God a priority.

Thought for the Day: Write a Thank-you note to someone who is a good example to you.

Story shared by: J. Hensley (GA)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 8/24/11