The Upper Room Devotional 5th August 2023
The Upper Room 5th August 2023 Devotional, Saturday Message by Donna L. Williams (Pennsylvania, USA)
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TOPIC: A Caring Heart
TODAY’S READING
1 Samuel 16:6-13
The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
MESSAGE: When I arrived at the hospital by ambulance, no beds were available in the emergency room. Instead, I was put into a wheelchair and taken to a large room where I sat all day, waiting for care. Then a biker with tattoos and chains around his neck entered the room and sat down by his elderly mother. I felt uncomfortable and apprehensive at his being there. In the late afternoon, he overheard me saying that I am diabetic and hadn’t eaten since 5:00 a.m. He jumped up and said, “That’s terrible! I’ll tell the nurse you need some food.” Later he said, “You look cold. I’m going to get you a blanket.” He returned with a blanket and tucked it around me in my wheelchair. This man had a compassionate and caring heart, and I had misjudged him based on his outward appearance.
In today’s scripture reading, Samuel made a similar mistake. God sent him to the home of Jesse to anoint the son that God had chosen to be king. When he saw Eliab, Samuel liked the way he looked and thought he must be the one God had chosen. But God said, “I haven’t selected him. God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the Lord sees into the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7, CEB). I learned a valuable lesson. This Bible story and my experience in the hospital remind me to have compassion for all humanity.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, forgive us when we misjudge others. Help us to see others as you see them. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Today I will look for Christ in every person.
PRAYER FOCUS
Those I have misjudged
The Upper Room 5th August 2023 Devotional Message, 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.
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