Sunday, January 11, 2026 (Baptism of the Lord)
Readings: Isaiah 42:1–9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34–43; Matthew 3:13–17

Reflection
At the river, Jesus is claimed before He acts, loved before He proves anything. Isaiah names a servant who brings justice gently, not by crushing the weak but by lifting them up. Psalm 29 proclaims God’s powerful voice, yet at Jesus’ baptism that voice speaks not judgment but belonging. In Acts, Peter realizes that this grace is wider than he imagined, offered without favoritism. Claimed by Light, we are invited to ground our lives not in performance or power, but in belovedness—and to extend that same grace to those the world overlooks or excludes.

Question for Contemplation
What would change if you truly lived today from the truth that you are God’s beloved?

Prayer
Beloved-claiming God, help me rest in the identity You have given me. Let Your love shape how I see myself and how I treat others.

Intention for the Day
Make one choice today that reflects confidence in your belovedness rather than fear, comparison, or self-doubt.

Monday, January 12, 2026
Readings: Psalm 89:5–37; Genesis 35:1–15; Acts 10:44–48

Reflection
God claims people and communities in moments of renewal and surprise. Jacob is renamed and blessed not because he is flawless, but because God remains faithful to covenant promises. Psalm 89 celebrates a steadfast love that endures despite human failure. In Acts, the Spirit falls on those once considered outsiders, revealing that God’s grace cannot be contained or controlled. Claimed by Light, we are reminded that belonging comes from God’s initiative, not human approval.

Question for Contemplation
Where might God be affirming your belonging in a way that surprises you?

Prayer
Faithful God, help me trust Your enduring love and recognize the ways You claim and bless beyond my expectations.

Intention for the Day
Affirm someone today who may feel unseen or uncertain of their place.

Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Readings: Psalm 89:5–37; Jeremiah 1:4–10; Acts 8:4–13

Reflection
God’s call often comes before we feel ready. Jeremiah is claimed and commissioned even in his fear and self-doubt, while the Gospel spreads in unexpected places through ordinary believers. Psalm 89 anchors this calling in God’s faithful love, not human strength. Being claimed by Light means trusting that God equips those God calls, even when the task feels daunting.

Question for Contemplation
What calling might you be resisting because you feel unprepared or unqualified?

Prayer
Calling God, remind me that You know me deeply and walk with me into what You ask of me.

Intention for the Day
Take one small step toward a responsibility or calling you have been hesitant to embrace.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Readings: Psalm 89:5–37; Isaiah 51:1–16; Matthew 12:15–21

Reflection
God’s justice unfolds quietly and persistently. Isaiah calls the people to remember the Source of their life and hope, while Matthew portrays Jesus as the servant who brings justice gently, without shouting or breaking bruised reeds. Psalm 89 reminds us that God’s love remains steady through every season. Claimed by Light, we are invited to participate in justice shaped by compassion rather than force.

Question for Contemplation
How might you reflect God’s gentle justice in a tense or broken situation?

Prayer
God of enduring love, shape my actions so they bring healing and hope rather than harm or fear.

Intention for the Day
Respond to a conflict or challenge today with patience, kindness, or restraint.

Thursday, January 15, 2026
Readings: Psalm 40:1–11; Isaiah 22:15–25; Galatians 1:6–12

Reflection
God’s call is rooted in faithfulness, not self-promotion. Isaiah warns against misplaced trust in status and power, while Paul challenges distortions of the Gospel shaped by human agendas. Psalm 40 declares that delighting in God’s will is the truest offering. Claimed by Light, we are invited to examine where our loyalties lie and to anchor our lives in God’s liberating truth.

Question for Contemplation
What voices or influences might be pulling you away from the heart of the Gospel?

Prayer
God of truth, steady my heart in Your way when other voices compete for my trust.

Intention for the Day
Let one decision today be guided by faithfulness rather than convenience or approval.

Friday, January 16, 2026
Readings: Psalm 40:1–11; Genesis 27:30–38; Acts 1:1–5

Reflection
Human brokenness does not undo God’s purposes. Esau’s grief reveals the deep wounds caused by deception, while Acts opens with a promise that God’s Spirit will still come, empowering what is ahead. Psalm 40 reminds us that God hears our cries and brings us into new life. Claimed by Light, we are invited to trust that God can work healing even amid regret and loss.

Question for Contemplation
Where do you long for healing or renewal in the midst of disappointment?

Prayer
God of restoration, meet me in places of loss and lead me toward hope and new beginnings.

Intention for the Day
Offer grace—to yourself or someone else—where there has been hurt or regret.

Saturday, January 17, 2026
Readings: Psalm 40:1–11; 1 Kings 19:19–21; Luke 5:1–11

Reflection
God’s call disrupts ordinary life and opens new paths. Elisha and the fishermen leave familiar routines to follow a greater purpose, trusting God’s abundance rather than their own security. Psalm 40 celebrates a life reshaped by trust and gratitude. Claimed by Light, we are invited to let go of what no longer gives life so we can follow where God leads.

Question for Contemplation
What might God be asking you to release in order to follow more fully?

Prayer
Calling God, give me courage to trust You with my future and to follow where You lead.

Intention for the Day
Let go of one habit, fear, or attachment that may be keeping you from deeper trust.