The Upper Room Devotional 5th August 2026, Wednesday Message
Crumbs
Henry L. Childress (Washington, USA)
Today’s Reading
Matthew 15:21-28
[Jesus] replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” – Matthew 15:26-27 (NIV)
One morning at the breakfast table, I watched as beautiful birds enjoyed the seed at my bird feeder. Cardinals , chickadees, and a dove eating peacefully made me smile. Suddenly, several larger, more aggressive birds flew in all at once. Startled, the smaller birds flew away. It upset me, so I got up, opened the glass door, and chased the new birds away. The seed I had put out was intended for the songbirds!
The next morning at breakfast the same thing happened. Just as I was about to chase the birds away again, today’s scripture from Matthew came to mind. A Canaanite woman was pestering the disciples and Jesus to heal her daughter. This upset the disciples, and they wanted Jesus to send her away. When Jesus told her he was sent only for the chosen, the people of Israel, her determined faith led him to show her compassion. The bigger birds weren’t the birds that I intended the seed for, but they too were hungry for nourishment.
Likewise, as Romans 9:23-26 reminds us, God’s grace is for everyone, not just a chosen few.
Thought for the Day
God’s grace is for all who believe.
Prayer Focus
To show God’s grace to everyone I meet
Today’s Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, may we never forget we are to spread the good news to all. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 5th August 2026 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
