Wednesday, 12^th August, 2026

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 16:6–7

Memory Verse: Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

Pastor Prince Ben once shared a very honest and eye-opening testimony about something many of us struggle with. He calls it confirmation bias. He explained that confirmation bias is when you form a belief about something or someone, but only notice the things that support that belief, while ignoring everything else.

He said that growing up, he had an unpleasant experience with someone from a particular tribe. Even though he forgave the person, that negative experience quietly shaped his thinking.

Later in life, he met another man from the same background who initially treated him well. He even showed kindness to this man, helping him financially and supporting him during a difficult time. But when things went wrong in business and payments were delayed, the man reacted badly and disrespected him. That moment reinforced his hidden belief: “People from that tribe are bad.”

Without realising it, his mind had already concluded. But God had a different plan. When it was time for him to get married, guess what? The very woman God chose for him came from that same tribe. At first, he struggled internally because of his bias. But as he got to know her, she completely broke that wrong belief.

She became a blessing to his life; brought him joy, peace, and fulfilment. He later realised something more powerful: If he had held on to that bias, he could have missed his destiny partner.

Lesson

1. Many of us are not where God wants us to be, not because God is silent, but because our minds are already made up.
2. We judge people, opportunities, and even places based on past experiences, family opinions, or stereotypes. Meanwhile, God is saying, “Look again.”
3. Just like in 1 Samuel 16, when Samuel almost chose the wrong king based on appearance, God had to correct him: “You’re looking at the outside appearance; I’m looking at the heart.” Bias can blind you to God’s best.

Quote: Be careful of your belief system. It may prevent you from receiving God’s best. 

Prophetic Decree:  I break you free from every wrong mindset and limiting belief, in Jesus name. 

Prayer Focus

1. Lord, reveal any hidden biases in my heart to me today, in Jesus name.

2. I receive humility to unlearn wrong beliefs, in Jesus name. 

3. I ask for discernment to judge situations through God’s perspective, and not past experiences, in Jesus name.

4. Henceforth, my eyes are open to see people and opportunities the way God sees them, in Jesus name 

5. I will not miss my destiny because of wrong bias, in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Jeremiah 18-22