THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 30TH JULY 2025, WEDNESDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 30th July 2025 written by Raymond Ross (Colorado, USA)
TOPIC: An Abundant Catch
Today’s Reading
Matthew 4:18-22
I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. – Matthew 25:35 (CEB)
Years ago I lived in Key West, Florida. One morning we were catching mahi-mahi almost as fast as we could bait the hooks. We realized we had more fish than we could eat, so we headed back to shore. The skipper gave us an address where we could take the extra fish.
Six nights a week, the Catholic Sisters served supper to people living in poverty. We gave them our fish and were invited back for dinner. As the Mother Superior blessed the meal, she said, “A Catholic, a Protestant, and a Jew provided our meal tonight. Regardless of your heritage, all are welcome to eat at God’s table.”
Our gift was simple — indeed the fish would have spoiled if we hadn’t given them away. However, it transformed the rest of my time in Key West. Hardly a week went by when someone didn’t stop me on the street and ask, “Aren’t you the guy who brought us the fish? God bless you.”
Until then I had never seen those people who were struggling. People are still struggling. Look around at those who are cold, lonely, and hungry. There are countless ways to support them. The rewards of giving far exceed the value of the gift.
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, thank you for opportunities to share what we have. Open our eyes to the people in need around us, and guide us to support them. Amen.
Thought for the Day
God can do great things with simple gifts.
Prayer Focus
Those who need my support
The Upper Room Devotional 30th July 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