Daily Devotional
9/8/2025-9/12/2025
Here is this week's daily devotional based on Pastor Josh's sermon covering Genesis 19. If you haven't heard the sermon yet, you can find it below.
Day 1: Choosing God's Kingdom Over False Edens
Reading: Genesis 13:5-13, Matthew 6:19-21
Devotional: As we reflect on Lot's choice to settle near Sodom, we're reminded of the allure of worldly pleasures and prosperity. Like Lot, we often face decisions between what appears beneficial in the short term and what aligns with God's will. Jesus teaches us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Today, consider areas in your life where you might be choosing "false Edens" over God's kingdom. Are there compromises you're making for the sake of comfort or status? Pray for discernment to recognize these areas and for the courage to choose God's ways, even when they seem less appealing by worldly standards.
Day 2: Standing Firm in a Corrupt World
Reading: 2 Peter 2:4-9, Romans 12:1-2
Devotional: Lot's story reminds us of the challenges of living righteously in a corrupt environment. While God rescued Lot, we see the toll that living in Sodom took on him and his family. Peter uses this example to encourage believers that God knows how to rescue the godly from trials. As followers of Christ, we're called to be in the world but not of it. Reflect on how you can be a light in dark places without being corrupted. How can you renew your mind daily to resist conforming to the world's patterns? Ask God for strength to stand firm in your faith, even when surrounded by ungodliness.
Day 3: The Dangers of Compromise
Reading: James 4:4-10, 1 John 2:15-17
Devotional: Lot's gradual compromise led to devastating consequences for his family. James warns us that friendship with the world is enmity with God. This doesn't mean we isolate ourselves, but rather that we guard our hearts against adopting worldly values and priorities. Consider areas where you might be tempted to compromise your faith for acceptance or gain. How can you draw near to God today? Confess any areas where you've allowed worldly influences to shape your thinking or behavior, and ask for God's grace to realign your heart with His will.
Day 4: God's Judgment and Mercy
Reading: Genesis 18:16-33, 2 Peter 3:8-9
Devotional: Abraham's intercession for Sodom reveals both God's justice and His mercy. While God's judgment on sin is certain, He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish. This tension between God's holiness and His love finds its ultimate expression in Jesus Christ, who bore God's judgment on our behalf. Reflect on how God's mercy has been evident in your life. How does the reality of God's coming judgment motivate you to share His love with others? Pray for those in your life who don't know Christ, asking God to use you as an instrument of His mercy.
Day 5: Looking Forward, Not Back
Reading: Luke 17:28-33, Philippians 3:12-14
Devotional: Jesus uses the example of Lot's wife to warn against clinging to the past when God calls us forward. Like Lot's family being urged to flee without looking back, we too are called to press on toward the goal of our heavenly calling. Are there past sins, relationships, or worldly attachments that you're struggling to leave behind? Paul encourages us to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. Today, commit to fixing your eyes on Jesus and the future He has for you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you release anything holding you back from fully following Christ.
Reading: Genesis 13:5-13, Matthew 6:19-21
Devotional: As we reflect on Lot's choice to settle near Sodom, we're reminded of the allure of worldly pleasures and prosperity. Like Lot, we often face decisions between what appears beneficial in the short term and what aligns with God's will. Jesus teaches us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Today, consider areas in your life where you might be choosing "false Edens" over God's kingdom. Are there compromises you're making for the sake of comfort or status? Pray for discernment to recognize these areas and for the courage to choose God's ways, even when they seem less appealing by worldly standards.
Day 2: Standing Firm in a Corrupt World
Reading: 2 Peter 2:4-9, Romans 12:1-2
Devotional: Lot's story reminds us of the challenges of living righteously in a corrupt environment. While God rescued Lot, we see the toll that living in Sodom took on him and his family. Peter uses this example to encourage believers that God knows how to rescue the godly from trials. As followers of Christ, we're called to be in the world but not of it. Reflect on how you can be a light in dark places without being corrupted. How can you renew your mind daily to resist conforming to the world's patterns? Ask God for strength to stand firm in your faith, even when surrounded by ungodliness.
Day 3: The Dangers of Compromise
Reading: James 4:4-10, 1 John 2:15-17
Devotional: Lot's gradual compromise led to devastating consequences for his family. James warns us that friendship with the world is enmity with God. This doesn't mean we isolate ourselves, but rather that we guard our hearts against adopting worldly values and priorities. Consider areas where you might be tempted to compromise your faith for acceptance or gain. How can you draw near to God today? Confess any areas where you've allowed worldly influences to shape your thinking or behavior, and ask for God's grace to realign your heart with His will.
Day 4: God's Judgment and Mercy
Reading: Genesis 18:16-33, 2 Peter 3:8-9
Devotional: Abraham's intercession for Sodom reveals both God's justice and His mercy. While God's judgment on sin is certain, He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish. This tension between God's holiness and His love finds its ultimate expression in Jesus Christ, who bore God's judgment on our behalf. Reflect on how God's mercy has been evident in your life. How does the reality of God's coming judgment motivate you to share His love with others? Pray for those in your life who don't know Christ, asking God to use you as an instrument of His mercy.
Day 5: Looking Forward, Not Back
Reading: Luke 17:28-33, Philippians 3:12-14
Devotional: Jesus uses the example of Lot's wife to warn against clinging to the past when God calls us forward. Like Lot's family being urged to flee without looking back, we too are called to press on toward the goal of our heavenly calling. Are there past sins, relationships, or worldly attachments that you're struggling to leave behind? Paul encourages us to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. Today, commit to fixing your eyes on Jesus and the future He has for you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you release anything holding you back from fully following Christ.