Jeffrey Graham

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

The Upper Room Devotion

This is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 13:47 (NIV)
When my son was in kindergarten, I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle, the mother of another student. I felt an instant connection with her — as if we were kindred spirits. Working full time while juggling parenting duties was overwhelming, but Michelle had a calming presence. I felt grounded when I was near her.
She invited me to a gospel concert one Friday night and then to church. I hadn’t been to church in years, but I said yes. No doubt it was the Holy Spirit working in me.
I felt that this friendship was God’s divine work. Michelle was my Barnabas — my encourager. Barnabas found Saul and brought him to Antioch, planting him in a community that God was growing (see Acts 11:25-26). They were traveling companions on a missionary journey.
I am so thankful for the faithful friends God has placed in my life as my traveling companions. I need encouragement. I need the example of other believers living out their faith. I’m thankful for my encouragers, and I pray that I can be an encourager for others. Friends are truly a gift from God.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the people who encourage us in our faith. Help us to sow seeds of encouragement for others with our words and actions. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

05/31/2026

The Upper Room Devotion

Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. - Mark 11:24 (NIV)
We’ve all prayed prayers that seem to go unanswered, which can make it difficult to fully accept and put into practice today’s verse. We may feel that our prayers haven’t been answered when we don’t get the results we want within the timeline we expect. However, I have found a new way to pray, inspired by Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Mark.
Previously when I prayed, I’d picture the person I was praying for with their current troubles — whether sickness, grief, relationship difficulty, or financial woes — and ask God to help with their needs. Now I begin with asking God to grant the person what they need, and then I thank God for hearing my prayer, trusting that God is at work to fulfill the need in God’s time and way.
When I pray like this, I can more easily picture the person I’m praying for as being healed, comforted in their grief, or freed from some difficulty. Maybe picturing the person with their prayer answered is what Jesus meant when he said, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” This new way of praying has strengthened my faith and fills me with joyful expectation. God hears our prayers and will answer them in the way and time that is best.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for hearing our prayers. Help us to trust that you love us deeply and will always meet our needs. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

05/30/2026

The Upper Room Devotion

From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will. To the holy and faithful people in Christ Jesus in Ephesus. - Ephesians 1:1 (CEB)
As a way of feeling connected to my friends, I like to check their messaging profiles and read what they have put as their current status. Some list activities such as enjoying a meal at a restaurant, relaxing on the beach, or traveling abroad. Others share their feelings and emotions, which makes me reflect and connect with them more deeply.
Reading and responding to these statuses has made me realize the importance of reaching out, especially to friends who seem to be sad or facing a difficult situation. Simple questions such as, “How are you?” or “What is wrong?” show care and empathy. I never imagined these messages would have a big impact, but I have been surprised. Some people have told me they cried when they read my message because they felt like someone was really paying attention to them. One friend felt that my message was a sign from God, a reminder that he was not alone.
The apostle Paul sent messages of support to many people, like in today’s scripture. I am sure his letter to the Ephesians strengthened them in their faith. Following this example, when we see that someone is going through a difficult time, let’s not hesitate to send a message of support. You never know how much that small gesture will mean to someone.

TODAY'S PRAYER
Almighty God, fill us with empathy so that we may offer support to the people around us. May our simple messages comfort those in need. Amen.

05/29/2026

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05/29/2026

The Upper Room Devotion

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. - Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
For many years my husband and I tried to have a baby. I always expected this to happen easily for us; when it didn’t, I felt betrayed.
As a result, I lost the desire I once had to spend time with God. Attending worship services, reading the Bible, and praying all became extremely difficult for me. I felt far away from God. Part of me, however, longed to make a connection, so I began putting my feelings on paper.
While writing honestly about my experience — which I felt I couldn’t share with others — I began to heal. I drew from a faith that I thought was no longer there. Yet there it was — deep inside. As I wrote, I once again felt near to God.
I am thankful for my community of believers and the privilege of worshiping together, but I am especially grateful for God’s presence when I write. As we face pain or misfortune, it is never too late to seek out new ways to commune with God.

TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, help us to be aware of new opportunities to draw near to you and feel your presence in our lives. Amen.

05/28/2026

The Upper Room devotion

Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last — and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” - John 15:16 (NIV)
I struggle with asking others for help, even though my sister believes people want to help if you let them know what you need. Last year, while hosting a garage sale alone, circumstances caused me to test her theory.
An elderly woman purchased a wooden end table and required assistance putting it in her car. I was frustrated that I couldn’t help her because arthritic joints have kept me on crutches in recent years. In desperation, I asked a stranger who had just bought a vintage coffee pot, “Could you please help this woman?”
The man thrust his shoulders back and swooped into action, single-handedly lifting the heavy table. When the task was complete, I thanked him profusely. He walked away clutching the coffee pot and looking rather proud of himself.
Quite frequently, we forget to pray and to ask our benevolent heavenly Father for help when we need it. We carry around our daunting problems, fearful that our needs will go unmet. Yet when we pray, we can trust with gratitude that God will answer. God loves us more than we can imagine. God will give us what we truly need, often in mysterious ways, if only we ask.

TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, when times are good, may we remember to thank you. When times are bad and we need help, may we remember to reach out to you, trusting that you will answer. Amen.