Day 6 · January 6

A devotional for today

Today’s readings

• Old Testament: GENESIS 13:5-15:21
• New Testament: MATTHEW 5:27-48
• Psalm: PSALM 6:1-10
• Proverb: PROVERBS 1:29-33

Old Testament

Abram and Lot separate, Abram rescues Lot, and God seals his covenant with a solemn promise. The Lord alone passes between the pieces, showing that the covenant’s fulfillment rests finally on God’s faithfulness.

New Testament

Jesus presses beyond external rule-keeping to the heart, addressing lust, marriage, truthfulness, revenge, and love for enemies. Kingdom righteousness reflects the Father’s perfect love.

Psalm

Psalm 6 is a cry from weakness, suffering, and tears. David pleads for mercy and finds confidence that the Lord has heard his prayer.

Proverb

Those who reject wisdom ultimately eat the fruit of their own way, but those who listen dwell secure. Fools often build the very misery they later lament.

Discover

Jesus fulfills the covenant promise to Abram and shows what God’s holy love looks like in human flesh. In him, grace and truth meet without compromise.

Reflect

God’s promises are steady even when our hearts are not. Because he is faithful, he can call us into deeper holiness than rule-keeping ever reaches.

Fellowship

What stands out in God’s covenant-making with Abram?

Why does Jesus keep moving from actions to motives?

How does Psalm 6 give language for pain and repentance?

Where are you tempted to justify a sinful attitude because the outward behavior seems acceptable?

Prayer

Faithful Lord, thank you that your promises do not depend on my strength. Purify my heart and teach me to love like Jesus.

Live

Invite God to search your motives today, not just your actions, and repent where the heart is divided.