Day 9 · January 9

A devotional for today

Today’s readings

• Old Testament: GENESIS 20:1-22:24
• New Testament: MATTHEW 7:15-29
• Psalm: PSALM 9:1-12
• Proverb: PROVERBS 2:16-22

Old Testament

God protects Sarah from Abimelech, gives Abraham and Sarah Isaac in fulfillment of promise, and then tests Abraham by commanding him to offer the son he loves. At the crucial moment God provides a substitute, revealing both Abraham’s faith and God’s provision.

New Testament

Jesus warns that false prophets are known by their fruit and that lives built on his words will stand. The Sermon on the Mount ends with authority that astonishes the crowds.

Psalm

David praises God for justice, protection, and remembrance of the oppressed. The Lord is a refuge for those who know his name.

Proverb

Wisdom delivers from seductive paths that lead away from covenant faithfulness and into ruin. God’s way preserves both purity and peace.

Discover

On Mount Moriah God spares Abraham’s son and provides another sacrifice, pointing ahead to the Father who will not spare his own Son. Jesus is the true Lamb God provides.

Reflect

Faith is proven not only in what we sing but in what we surrender. God’s tests are never cruel; they uncover whether we trust his character above his gifts. Fellowship Questions

What does the offering of Isaac teach about faith and surrender?

How can you discern true fruit from religious appearance?

What comfort do you find in Psalm 9’s picture of God?

Where are you most tempted to build on sand rather than on Christ’s words?

Prayer

Provider God, teach me to trust you more than the blessings you place in my hands. Build my life on the rock of Christ’s words.

Live

Name one gift from God that you are clinging to too tightly, and release it back to him in prayer.