THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 14TH AUGUST 2025, THURSDAY MESSAGE
A Grateful Heart.
Emily Marszalek (Idaho, USA)
Today’s Reading
Ephesians 5:15-20
15 So be careful to live your life wisely, not foolishly. 16 Take advantage of every opportunity because these are evil times. 17 Because of this, don’t be ignorant, but understand the Lord’s will. 18 Don’t get drunk on wine, which produces depravity. Instead, be filled with the Spirit in the following ways: 19 speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; sing and make music to the Lord in your hearts; 20 always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
KEY VERSE: Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:20 (CEB)
The Upper Room Devotional – 14th August 2025 MESSAGE
For weeks I had been battling feelings of stress, irritation, and anger. I felt frustrated with everyone and everything. While getting ready for work one day, I told God I didn’t know why my attitude was so bad, but I wanted to change it. I asked for God’s help to reveal what I needed to do to reverse course. One word immediately settled into my heart: gratitude.
I spent the remainder of the morning and my commute to work expressing gratitude to God for big and small things. I thanked God for clean water to bathe in; for the scrambled eggs I enjoyed for breakfast; for a car that works; for my sweet dogs who make me laugh; for God’s mercies that are new every day; and for so much more. As I continued to express thankfulness, my sour attitude became sweeter and sweeter.
Today’s scripture reading reminds us to make music to the Lord in our hearts and to give thanks to God for everything. When we practice gratitude and center our hearts on thankfulness, we not only honor God, but we are more joyful, peaceful, and loving.
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, help us to nurture within ourselves a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving toward you. Amen.
Thought for the Day
A grateful heart honors God and gives me joy and peace.
Prayer Focus
Gratitude for God’s mercies
The Upper Room Devotional 14th August 2025, is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More