Today Daily Devotional

“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.