Today Daily Devotional

What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. — Micah 6:8 The prophet Micah spoke out for the Lord against the unjust practices of his day. He pictured people asking how they might please God with offerings in order to pay for their sins: “What is it that God wants from us? How much must we sacrifice before God will be happy with us?” The answer is simple and yet profoundly life-changing: As long as you practice injustice, it doesn’t matter how much you sacrifice to God. The Lord calls you to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with him! Then you may bring your offerings and find favor with God. Get rid of your rigged scales. Stop your price gouging. End the practice of driving people into poverty so that you can buy them as servants and slaves. Practice justice. And even more than that—love mercy. Give freely to your poor neighbor rather than scheming up ways to make them your slaves. Find ways to relieve poverty rather than profiting from it. At the college where I serve as a campus minister, foreign students often struggle financially. But many of them have been embraced by local churches. On Monday mornings when they come to school, they often tell me with beaming faces how their church communities have blessed them on Sunday. God smiles along with these students as he sees his people showing love and mercy. We love you, merciful God. Teach us to love by showing mercy to others. Guide us to act with justice each day for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

“When will . . . the Sabbath be ended that we may market wheat?”—skimping on the measure, boosting the price and cheating with dishonest scales. . . . — Amos 8:5 Many of Israel’s rich and powerful merchants and other leaders despised God’s rest and justice. For them, the Sabbath was not a day for observing physical and spiritual rest in honor of God’s promises to his people. Instead the Sabbath was an unwelcome intrusion into their crooked, unjust business practices. It was as if they said, “When will this Sabbath be over so that we can overcharge for wheat, and use faulty scales to cheat the people? We will drive them into poverty so that we can buy them as our servants and slaves for the price of a pair of shoes! And in the meantime we will pretend we are good, God-fearing, law-abiding citizens.” Their sin was a violation of nearly every law that God had given to the people before they entered the promised land. Israel was intended to be a nation of truth and justice, but the ruling class generally despised those important values. God’s verdict: “I will expel you from my kingdom. Not because I want to, but because you want to live unjust, unforgiven, and God-forsaking lives.” Let’s examine our own hearts and minds to see if we are living in the way God calls us to. Lord Jesus, send your Spirit into our hearts and minds today. Guide us into living by the values of your kingdom rather than by the ways of this world. Amen.

Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. — Hebrews 4:11 Justice requires that debts be paid. God created us to love him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He also instructs us to love our neighbors as ourselves. But every day we fall short of God’s requirements, adding to our debt. Jesus, the eternal Son of God, came from heaven to become human and live among us. He kept God’s law of love perfectly. Then, although he was innocent, he gave up his life on a cross for us, paying the debt of sin for all who would believe in him. This is the good news that we are called to believe so that we can enter God’s rest. In the Old Testament, some of God’s people disobeyed and would not accept the good news that God would give them the promised land. They would not trust in God to bring them into his rest (Numbers 14). And today, as the book of Hebrews explains it, the situation is similar: we need to trust in the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus so that we can enter into his rest—enjoying the full, eternal life that God has in store for us. This is also called the “Sabbath-rest for the people of God,” and the Sabbath day is a weekly reminder pointing to that rest. Repenting of sin and placing our faith in the crucified and risen Lord Jesus brings us into his rest. So we do well to ask, “Have I entered his rest, or am I still struggling in my own strength to find peace with God?” Lord, thank you for the gift of true rest through faith in Jesus. Amen.

Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden. . . .” But Naboth replied, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” — 1 Kings 21:2- 3 When God gave Israel the land he had promised them, each clan received a tract of land as their inheritance. God also made clear that this inheritance was to remain in each family throughout the generations. When times were hard, some families in debt had to sell their land, but in those cases the sale was never meant to be permanent. (See Leviticus 25; Joshua 13-21.) However, King Ahab of Israel was wicked and did not want to live in line with God’s way. Near the king’s palace was a vineyard owned by a man named Naboth. Ahab offered to buy the land from Naboth, but Naboth refused to sell because God had said the land should remain in the family to whom it was given. That made Ahab angry, so, with the help of his wife, Jezebel, he came up with a plan. They plotted to have Naboth put to death by having him accused of cursing both God and the king. Ahab then stole the dead man’s land. As the king of Israel, Ahab was responsible to be a representative of God, the true King. But this abuse of justice was intolerable, and Ahab and Jezebel would pay a heavy price. (See 1 Kings 21:17-29; 2 Kings 9:30-37.) Perhaps our blood boils as we read of Ahab and Jezebel’s actions, but are we outraged when we see injustice today? Father, thank you for being a God of justice. Make us a people of justice too! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

“Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. . . .” — Isaiah 1:16-17 Justice is an important attribute of God. Justice lies at the heart of God’s character. Because God is just, justice is a hallmark of his kingdom. In the Old Testament, God’s people Israel were meant to serve as a physical, earthly representation of God’s kingdom that would one day fill the whole earth. As a result, we find countless calls for Israel to be a just nation because God is just. Judges were to rule impartially. Neighbors were to treat each other justly. Foreigners were to be treated justly and fairly always (Exodus 22:21; Deuteronomy 24:17-18). But Israel failed again and again to exercise justice. That brought God’s discipline on them, and he sent them into exile. However, leading up to and during their exile, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah to urge the people to change their ways. Isaiah also delivered songs of hope and praise describing what the kingdom would look like if the children of God would truly embrace justice in the land. (See Isaiah 2:1-5; 4:2-6; 9:2-7; 11:1-12:6.) The God of the kingdom of heaven is the same God who led Old Testament Israel. His name remains synonymous with justice. And as citizens of God’s kingdom, we too are called not only to act justly but also to love justice. We bow before you, Lord and King, to praise you for your justice. Empower us by your Spirit to truly love justice and to live by doing justice in this world. Amen.

Since . . . you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above. . . . — Colossians 3:1 In my work as a campus minister I spend a lot of time with international students. Each year hundreds of students come to our community college from around the world. While some of these students simply come for a Canadian education, many have their hearts set on obtaining Canadian citizenship. The cost for most students is high. Many leave family and friends behind—in some cases for years. And along with having a rigorous academic schedule, many of these students work two or even three part-time jobs. Tired and hungry, they press on, for their hearts are set on graduation, work permits, permanent residency, and eventually citizenship! To set one's heart on something means to desire it more than anything else, regardless of the costs. At the center of setting our hearts “on things above” is desiring a relationship with the triune God and knowing his friendship and favor. Counting ourselves as citizens of God’s kingdom moves us to live God’s way rather than by the way of the world. And dreaming of the day when we will see Jesus face to face and be able to live in perfect joy for eternity—that is what God calls us to set our hearts on. Heavenly Father, may our hearts burn with a desire to know you better and love you deeper. Claim our deepest affections and cause an ever-deepening homesickness within us until the day you bring us into your kingdom in all its glory. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. — Colossians 3:2 Being born again to live in the kingdom of God calls for a dramatic shift in our thought patterns. God comes to us and says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” But we may wonder, “If we ignore earthly things that need to be taken care of, won’t our lives just become more chaotic? Is God really telling us to quit focusing on the day-to-day matters all around us?” Setting our minds “on things above” has to do with leaving our old sinful lives behind so that we can put on the new life we are called to live in Christ. Instead of living in “immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed,” we are called to show “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,” and more. We are to live as the people of God’s kingdom. This means we regularly spend time with God, reading and studying the Bible, praying, worshiping, enjoying fellowship with other believers, learning from Christian thinkers and artists, and more. In this way our earthly lives become increasingly focused on the greater purposes and good that God has in store for us while we live for him in this world. If, however, we spend each day immersed in our old, selfish ways and in the false promises of the world, we will find ourselves drifting away from the full life God wants for us. Jesus, draw our minds to focus on living for you. Starve out our sinful earthly desires, and bring us to flourish as joy-filled citizens of your eternal kingdom. Amen.

Our old self was crucified with him so that . . . we should no longer be slaves to sin. . . . — Romans 6:6 Obtaining my Canadian citizenship was easy—well, for me, at least. (It took more effort on my mother’s part!) Being born in Canada qualified me for Canadian citizenship. However, becoming a citizen in the kingdom of heaven is more complicated. To be a citizen in God’s kingdom, we must die and be born again. In Romans 6 and in other passages, the apostle Paul speaks of being crucified with Christ, dying with Christ, being buried with Christ, and rising with Christ. Jesus teaches that unless we are born again, we will not see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). As Paul explains in Ephesians, we are “to put off [our] old self”—our old sinful nature—and “to be made new . . . to put on the new self, created to be like God in righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Dying and being born again calls for a radical change in how we think and act. But this is not a transformation we can manage on our own. As Paul puts it, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). God gives us new life through the Spirit, putting the old sinful nature to death. And even before that, the Spirit of God moves us to recognize our sin and our need for new life. So we pray in repentance and ask God for forgiveness, trusting in his power to save us through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit, put to death every part of our sinful nature, and bring us to live all of life for the glory of God. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

“The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. . . . It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.” — Daniel 2:44 Long before Jesus came, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon an amazing, puzzling dream. Deeply troubled by it, the king called on his advisers to tell him both the dream and its meaning! With trembling voices they lamented that the king was asking the impossible (Daniel 2:1-11). Daniel agreed that mere humans could not meet the king’s demand. But Daniel explained that “there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” And Daniel explained that God had revealed the king’s dream and its meaning to him in a vision (see Daniel 2:17-19). Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar that he had dreamt of an amazing statue that was destroyed by “a rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands.” The great statue represented the kingdoms of this world, which rise and fall. But the rock represented the coming kingdom of God and Jesus Christ—and this kingdom would grow to fill the whole earth. The Bible teaches that God calls all of us to believe in him and become a part of his kingdom. By trusting in Jesus, God’s Son, as our Savior, we can have life to the full. So each of us faces a choice: Will I pledge my life to an earthly kingdom or to the kingdom of God? The way we respond makes all the difference in life. Sovereign Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to give us full life in your kingdom. May we live for you each day. Amen.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Where can I go and meet with God? — Psalm 42:1-2 Our relationship with God is a journey of seeking and drawing near to him. Like a deer longing for water, our souls thirst for God’s presence, yearning to meet with the living God. We grow deeper in our relationship with God through intentional pursuit. We carve out moments in our day to seek the Lord in prayer, worship, and meditation on his Word. As we spend time in God’s presence, we are transformed by his love and truth. The more we know God, the more we are conformed to his likeness and character. We are gradually “transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). The desire to know God intimately is nurtured through obedience and surrender. We yield our lives to him, allowing his Spirit to lead and guide us into deeper communion. In our pursuit of God, we discover that he delights in revealing himself to us. As we draw near to God, he draws near to us, filling our hearts with joy and peace. Eternal God, my soul yearns for your presence. Guide me to seek you with all my being. Draw me close in prayer and teach me from your Word. Transform me with your love and truth. I long to know you more and to live for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. . . . — Psalm 46:1-2 Life is filled with unexpected twists and turns, but in the midst of uncertainty we can find refuge in God’s unwavering presence. He is our rock and strength, our help in times of trouble. When life throws us curveballs, we remember that God is still sovereign. He is in control, working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). In God’s hands, even the most chaotic situations find purpose and meaning. In times of trouble, we turn to God in prayer, seeking his guidance and wisdom. He provides the peace that surpasses all our understanding, calming our fears and steadying our hearts. Though the storms of life may rage, we anchor our hope in the Lord our Creator, who faithfully protects our souls. Our destiny is secure in him. God’s promises are sure, and his love for us is unfailing. As we trust in the sovereign Lord of heaven and earth and all that is in them (Psalm 24:1), we walk with confidence, knowing that nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:39). Mighty God, when we face life’s unexpected twists and turns, we find refuge in your presence. Help us to trust in your sovereignty and promises. Fill us with peace, knowing that you will guide us through every storm. May we stand firm in faith, knowing that you are in control. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. . . .” — Isaiah 42:6 Changes and transitions can bring uncertainty and stress, but they also present new opportunities for growth and transformation. In times of change, we can find comfort and assurance in recognizing that God is leading us, making a way even in the most challenging circumstances. As we step into new seasons, we can trust that God is leading us on a path of purpose and fulfillment. Like a stream in the wasteland, God provides us with refreshment and direction in situations that are unfamiliar and may even be threatening (Isaiah 35). Though changes in our lives may feel overwhelming —especially if they are forced on us—we have the promise that God is with us every step of the way. God equips us with the strength and wisdom we need to face the future with confidence. In times of transition, let’s surrender our plans and desires to God, seeking his will and guidance. As we embrace new beginnings, we can move forward in faith, knowing that God is our constant companion and the author of our story. Faithful God, in times of change help us to trust in you for guidance and provision. Open our eyes to new things that you are doing in our lives. Help us to embrace change with courage and faith, knowing you are always with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. — Philippians 2:3-4 As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace a servant attitude, putting the needs of others before our own. This humility echoes the very heart of Jesus, who came not “to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). In a world that often exalts self-promotion and personal gain, we stand apart by valuing others above ourselves. We seek to meet the needs of people around us, extending kindness, empathy, and compassion. A servant attitude begins with a heart transformed by God’s love. As we live in God’s presence, we learn to lay down our ambitions and egos, making room for selflessness and sacrificial love. We act with grace and love toward others, just as God has done for us. In every interaction, let’s consider the interests of others, seeking opportunities to serve in both big and small ways. May we be known not by our accomplishments but by our love and by our servant hearts that follow the example of Jesus. Spirit of God, mold my heart in humility and love to imitate the Lord Jesus. Help me to value others above myself and to serve selflessly. May I reflect Christ’s love for the benefit of others in this world each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. . . . — Colossians 3:23 Work is not merely a means of earning a living; it is an opportunity to serve God with excellence. Whether it’s in our job or career, our studies, or our daily chores and tasks, we can bring glory to God by working with diligence and wholeheartedness. Our attitude toward work reflects our devotion to Christ. When we view our labor as an offering to the Lord, even mundane tasks take on significance. Every effort made with love and dedication is an act of worship. God calls us to work for him and not for human approval. We find our ultimate reward in him. Knowing that God sees and values our efforts, we serve with joy and a sense of purpose. May our work ethic be characterized by integrity and humility. Whether we are enjoying success or facing challenges, we can keep our eyes fixed on the One we serve, knowing that our labor is not in vain. And as we go about our work each day as working for the Lord, we become a reflection of God’s love and a light in this world. Lord, I offer my work and all I do as worship to you. Help me to serve diligently and with integrity. May my labor bring you glory and reflect your love to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. — Psalm 89:8 Uncertainty can leave us feeling vulnerable and afraid. But in the midst of life’s unknowns, we have a trustworthy anchor: God’s unwavering presence and faithfulness. When we are faced with uncertainty, we remember that God is in control. God is faithful, and his plans for us are good. We can trust the Lord to strengthen and help us, upholding us with his righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). In the face of uncertainty and the unknown, we find comfort in the reliability of God’s character and faithfulness. God is our refuge and strength, always present to help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). With the Lord by our side, we need never fear the future. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of [his] throne; love and faithfulness” surround him. When we face uncertain times, let’s lean on God’s promises. We can draw near to God in prayer, seeking his guidance and wisdom. In the Lord’s embrace, we can find the assurance that he is leading us on a path of purpose and fulfillment. Almighty God, in times of uncertainty, I trust your faithfulness, power, and love. Help me to lean on your promises, finding refuge in your presence. Guide me on a path of right living for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. — Psalm 34:18 Grieving is a natural response to loss and sorrow. In the midst of our pain we find comfort and peace in the assurance that God is near to the brokenhearted. When we experience loss, we turn to God in prayer, pouring out our hearts before him. He understands our pain, and in his tender compassion the Lord offers comfort and peace. Grieving is a process that requires time and grace. We allow ourselves to mourn, knowing that God wipes every tear and holds us close to his heart. In times of sorrow, we can draw strength from fond memories of the ones we have lost. Their legacy lives on through the impact they have had in our lives, and we can thank God for the ways he has blessed us through them. As we walk through grief, we find hope in the resurrection and eternal life promised in Christ, our Savior. Trusting in all of God’s promises, we hold on to the assurance that our loved ones who have passed away are safe in his loving arms. Compassionate God, in our grief may we find comfort in you. Draw near and hold us close as we mourn. Thank you for all of your promises. Thank you for understanding our pain and our tears. Help us to find hope in the resurrection and eternal life you have made possible for us in Jesus. Amen.

The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:7 In a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil, the peace of God offers us solace and tranquility. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. To experience the peace of God, we surrender our anxieties and worries to him in prayer. We present our requests with thanksgiving, knowing that God cares deeply for us. In God’s presence we find comfort, assurance, and a quiet confidence that he is in control. The peace of God is not dependent on our circumstances but on our trust in him. It is a supernatural peace that defies logic and goes beyond human understanding. As we focus on the Lord and on his great mercy, care, and faithfulness to us, we find peace that transcends the chaos around us. In every situation, let’s turn to God, seeking his peace. May we cultivate a heart of gratitude, knowing that God is our source of strength and security. As we abide in him, his peace will guard our hearts and minds, enabling us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and confidence. Lord, fill us with your peace that “transcends all understanding.” Guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Help us to focus on you and to cultivate a heart of gratitude. In your presence may we find tranquility and strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. — Proverbs 14:29 Anger is a powerful emotion that, if left unchecked, can lead to hurtful words and actions. As followers of Christ, we are called to deal with anger in a way that honors God and promotes reconciliation. When anger rises within us, we pause and take a moment to reflect. We invite the Holy Spirit to help us respond with gentleness, self-control, and understanding. Rather than allowing anger to control us, we yield to the transforming power of God’s grace. Cultivating a spirit of gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and self-control involves seeking to understand the root causes of our anger and addressing them with wisdom and discernment. We practice empathy and compassion, considering the perspectives and feelings of others. And in humility we apologize where necessary and seek reconciliation. God’s Word teaches us to be slow to anger and quick to listen (James 1:19). We find strength in prayer, inviting God to heal our hearts and fill us with his love. As we cultivate a spirit of peace and forgiveness, we become vessels of God’s grace, bringing restoration to our relationships. Loving Father, grant us gentleness and self-control when anger rises within us. Fill us with wisdom and understanding. Guide us to listen, empathize, and seek reconciliation. May your love, reflected in our actions, bring healing and restoration. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. — Romans 12:18 Conflict is an inevitable part of life, but as followers of Christ we are called to pursue peace and reconciliation. In the midst of conflict we have the opportunity to demonstrate God’s love and bring healing to broken relationships. When facing conflict, we begin by examining our own hearts and seeking humility. We strive to understand the perspectives of others and to respond with kindness, empathy, and forgiveness. Our goal is not to win arguments but to build bridges and restore relationships. The process of reconciliation requires patience, grace, and a willingness to listen. We invite God to work in us and through us, enabling us to extend forgiveness and to seek restoration. As we yield to the Lord’s guidance, he empowers us to respond with love and wisdom. In dealing with conflict, we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions. We pray for the strength to lay down our pride, extend forgiveness, and pursue peace. Through our peacemaking efforts, we reflect the character of Christ and become agents of his reconciliation in a broken world. Prince of Peace, in situations of conflict, help us to seek your wisdom. May we respond with love, kindness, and forgiveness. Grant us humility for reconciliation, and give us the strength to pursue peace. Bring healing and restoration, Lord. Amen.

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. — Proverbs 16:9 Discerning God’s will calls for seeking God’s wisdom and aligning our hearts with his purposes. As we desire to make choices that honor the Lord, we can trust that he will guide our steps and direct our paths. To discern God’s will, we must seek his wisdom through prayer and by meditating on his Word. We invite God into the decision-making process, surrendering our desires and plans and opening our hearts to his leading. God speaks to us through his Spirit, through the godly counsel of others, and through circumstances that align with his Word. As we grow in our relationship with God, we become more attuned to his voice and more aware of what aligns with his will. In times of decision making, let’s surrender our own understanding and submit to God’s perfect plan. May we rely on God’s wisdom rather than our own limited perspective. As we trust in the Lord, we can have confidence that he will guide us along the way that leads to fulfillment and joy. Wise and loving God, we seek your wisdom to discern your will. Help us to hear your voice. Give us courage to follow your leading. May your will prevail in every aspect of our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.