Jeffrey Graham

11/05/2026

11/05/2026

The Upper Room Devotion

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. - Matthew 6:33 (NRSVUE)
As I cleaned my home, I placed a stack of books on the left side of the stairs to take to the second floor. A few minutes later, I walked upstairs without the books and soon heard my dog barking frantically below. My poor pup was distressed, believing that the books — which were not actually blocking the way — were an insurmountable barrier. I chuckled but then paused. How often do I allow life’s distractions to hinder my daily time with God?
I often intend to spend time each day in prayer and reading scripture, but then a long to-do list, unexpected responsibilities, or even my own exhaustion stand in the way. The truth is, much like my dog, I can perceive obstacles where a simple shift in focus would reveal a clear path.
After a few moments, my dog realized he could simply go around the books and continue up the stairs. In that moment, I understood a valuable lesson: I have a choice. We all do. We can allow distractions, busyness, and responsibilities to get in the way of our daily time with God or we can intentionally step around them, making God our priority. Today, I choose to shift my focus and move closer to God.

TODAY'S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help us to see past distractions and prioritize time with you. Give us wisdom and discipline to seek you first each day. Amen.

11/04/2026

The Upper Room Devotion

The Israelites groaned under their slavery and cried out. Their cry for help rose up to God from their slavery. - Exodus 2:23 (NRSVUE)
The Israelites had suffered under Egyptian oppression for years. Their cries were not just words — they were groans of deep anguish. Yet God heard them. God saw their suffering, remembered God’s covenant with them, and prepared to act. Even when we feel forgotten, God is attentive to our pain.
I was recently reminded that God knows our hearts. I sat with my friend in a quiet, dimly lit hospital waiting room following the loss of his father. He whispered, “I don’t even know what to say to God.” He had prayed for healing, but now he sat with his face in his hands, barely able to speak. But just as God did with the Israelites, God listened to his unspoken pain. God is not indifferent; God is near. Though answers may not come immediately, we can trust in God’s covenant love.
I want to practice resting in the truth that God hears, remembers, and responds. I will remind my grieving friend that even in sorrow, he is not alone. Let us hold fast to the promise that God is always listening. And when we encounter others in pain, may we be echoes of God’s love, reminding them that they are heard, seen, and deeply known.

TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for hearing our cries, even when we have no words. Help us trust your faithfulness and remind others of your listening love. Amen.

11/03/2026

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11/03/2026

The Upper Room Devotion

Boaz said to Ruth, “Don’t go glean in another field; don’t go anywhere else. Instead, stay here with my young women.”- Ruth 2:8 (CEB)
One snowy day, I prepared to shovel our driveway, thinking it would be easy. I reasoned that because I worked out frequently, I could easily shovel a couple of inches of snow.
As I began to shovel, I realized how wrong I was. The snow was wet and difficult to shovel. I quickly began to tire, but I plodded on. Then I heard a car come to a stop. A woman rolled down her car window and asked, “Do you need some help? My husband can help you.” Swallowing my pride, I answered, “Yes, please.” Her husband got out of the car and made quick work of shoveling. The couple refused payment and drove away.
This unexpected blessing reminded me of the story of Ruth. Ruth received an unexpected blessing from Boaz, who allowed Ruth to glean in his field and left extra grain for her. He even invited Ruth to a meal.
Many times, we want to do grand things for others. However, it is in the small, unexpected, and uncompensated gestures that we can best show our love for the Lord. I treasure this lesson and the unexpected blessing I received from my neighbors. I pray that I can bless others in unexpected ways too.

TODAY'S PRAYER
Loving Father, help us all in our own quiet way to be a blessing to others in need. Amen.

11/02/2026

The Upper Room Devotion

David wrote, “Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?” - Psalm 139:21 (NIV)
As our mothers visited in the kitchen, my best friend and I played a game in the next room. But we soon disagreed on the rules and started arguing. Finally we hurled the worst words our young imaginations could conjure: “I hate you!”
My mother came into the room with a serious look on her face. “We don’t say ‘hate’ in this house! You can be mad, but we don’t hate each other.” She was right. Our anger had gotten the better of us, and my friend and I had forgotten how much we loved each other. We hugged and went back to playing. Years later, as an adult, I’ve found myself getting angry with people who’ve offended me, especially people who have insulted my faith. And every time I remembered Mom’s simple words: “We don’t hate.”
Hate is the easy choice. But Jesus gave us a more challenging call: to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (see Matt. 5:43-44). It takes strength to step back from our anger. It takes courage to pray for people who have hurt us. But Jesus commands: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn. 13:34-35). Love is always the better choice.

TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, give us the strength to love others as you love them, and help us to choose kindness and compassion over hate. Amen.

11/01/2026

11/01/2026

The Upper Room Devotion

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. - Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
It has been 20 years since my mother died. I had no idea how much her example would mean to me now, nor did I fully grasp the extent her life would influence mine. She showed determination with kindness and love in spite of significant suffering. Her sweet spirit of faith shone brightly through years of multiple hospital stays, numerous emergency room visits, uncomfortable procedures, and treatments. She was an example of goodness, and she had a loving heart that unknowingly commanded respect and admiration. Her life bore witness to God in word and deed to the very end.
Hebrews 11 lists the great “cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us. They are powerful biblical examples of perseverance, devotion, and dedication. From Noah to Abraham, Sarah to David, Hebrews presents a long list of people whose faith in God was the driving force behind their actions and decisions.
We also have personal examples of faith heroes — people whose legacies inspire us, people to emulate. My mother is that for me.
I am thankful I have a vast cloud of witnesses, including my mother, who point me to God and inspire me to run with faithful perseverance the race that is marked out for me.

TODAY'S PRAYER
Thank you, God, for people who encourage us on our faith journeys. Help us to show our gratitude for them. Amen.