Day 23 · January 23
A devotional for today
Today’s readings
- Old Testament: GENESIS 46:1-47:31
- New Testament: MATTHEW 15:1-28
- Psalm: PSALM 19:1-14
- Proverb: PROVERBS 4:14-19
Old Testament
Jacob descends to Egypt under God’s reassurance, Joseph settles the family in Goshen, and wisdom guides Egypt through famine. God’s covenant people sojourn in a foreign land, yet his promise travels with them.
New Testament
Jesus confronts traditions that bypass the heart and then commends the persistent faith of a Canaanite woman. External religion is exposed while humble faith is welcomed.
Psalm
Psalm 19 celebrates both general revelation in creation and special revelation in God’s perfect law. The God who speaks through the skies also speaks through Scripture to restore the soul.
Proverb
Do not walk in the path of the wicked or envy their way. The road you admire shapes the life you become.
Discover
Jesus is the true revelation of God, greater than creation’s witness and the law’s testimony. He also gathers outsiders by faith, showing that God’s mercy reaches beyond every boundary.
Reflect
God is present in foreign places, quiet seasons, and diIicult provisions. What he asks is not polished religion but a clean heart and persevering trust. Fellowship Questions
Why is God’s reassurance to Jacob before Egypt important?
What does Jesus expose about tradition and the heart?
How does Psalm 19 shape your view of Scripture?
What path are you most tempted to envy?
Prayer
Speaking God, cleanse my heart and give me the humble faith that keeps coming to Jesus. Let your Word restore my soul.
Live
Read Scripture slowly today and ask not only, “What does it say?” but also, “What is it exposing in my heart?”