Daily Devotions

Today’s Scripture: “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13, ESV  

Theme: We should be concerned with loving people rather than appearing self-righteous. 

Today’s Scripture: “And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’” Matthew 9:10-11, ESV 

Theme: Befriend those who are not like you so that you might show God’s love and have an opportunity to share the Gospel. 

Today’s Scripture: “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed him.” Matthew 9:9, ESV 

Theme: We should not judge and decide who needs to meet Jesus, but like Him, include outsiders. 

Today’s Scripture: “And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.” Luke 2:51 

Theme: Jesus responded in an unexpected way: with obedience, gentleness and humility, even when His parents misunderstood, blamed, and questioned Him. 

Today's Scripture: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7, ESV  

Theme: Kings and royalty are usually expected to arrive in luxury; Jesus shattered the stereotypes from the beginning.