Sunday, February 1, 2026 (4th Sunday after Epiphany)
Readings: Micah 6:1–8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18–31; Matthew 5:1–12

Reflection
The Beatitudes overturn everything the world tells us about success, strength, and blessing. Micah names a life rooted not in power but in justice, mercy, and humility, while Psalm 15 grounds faithfulness in everyday integrity. Paul reminds us that God’s wisdom often appears foolish to systems obsessed with dominance and achievement. Jesus declares blessed those who are poor in spirit, grieving, meek, and hungry for justice—those most often overlooked or pushed aside. In God’s strange and beautiful kingdom, the strangers, the vulnerable, and the faithful are at the center.

Question for Contemplation
Who might Jesus be calling blessed that the world tends to ignore or dismiss?

Prayer
God of the upside-down kingdom, reshape my values to reflect Your mercy and justice. Teach me to see blessing where the world sees weakness.

Intention for the Day
Affirm, protect, or stand alongside someone who is overlooked or marginalized, even in a small but tangible way.

Monday, February 2, 2026
Readings: Psalm 37:1–17; Ruth 1:1–18; Philemon 1–25

Reflection
God’s blessing often unfolds through loyalty and quiet faithfulness rather than power or control. Ruth chooses solidarity over security, binding her future to Naomi’s in an act of courageous love. Psalm 37 calls for trust and patience rather than envy or fear. In Philemon, Paul urges a reimagining of relationships shaped by grace rather than hierarchy. In God’s kingdom, faithfulness to one another becomes a powerful witness.

Question for Contemplation
Where might God be inviting you to choose faithfulness over self-protection?

Prayer
God of steadfast love, give me courage to remain faithful when easier paths tempt me away.

Intention for the Day
Show loyalty or solidarity with someone who feels alone or vulnerable.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Readings: Psalm 37:1–17; Ruth 2:1–16; James 5:1–6

Reflection
God’s justice is revealed through generosity and restraint in a world shaped by exploitation. Ruth is protected and provided for through kindness and shared responsibility, while James warns against wealth built on the suffering of others. Psalm 37 reminds us that God sees injustice and calls for trust rather than resentment. God’s blessing rests with those who choose compassion over accumulation.

Question for Contemplation
How might your use of resources reflect God’s care for those on the margins?

Prayer
God of justice, help me hold what I have with open hands and a generous heart.

Intention for the Day
Practice generosity today—through sharing, advocating, or simplifying for the sake of others.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Readings: Psalm 37:1–17; Ruth 3:1–13; 4:13–22; Luke 6:17–26

Reflection
God’s blessing emerges through courage, dignity, and trust in uncertain circumstances. Ruth’s story moves from vulnerability to belonging, while Jesus names blessings and warnings that challenge comfortable assumptions about wealth and security. Psalm 37 anchors hope in God’s faithfulness rather than immediate reward. In God’s kingdom, those who risk love and justice participate in redemption that extends far beyond themselves.

Question for Contemplation
What assumptions about blessing or success might God be inviting you to rethink?

Prayer
God of surprising blessing, help me trust Your ways even when they challenge my expectations.

Intention for the Day
Notice where God might be inviting you to value faithfulness over comfort.

Thursday, February 5, 2026
Readings: Psalm 112:1–9; Deuteronomy 4:1–14; 1 John 5:1–5

Reflection
Faithfulness shapes lives marked by joy, courage, and generosity. Psalm 112 describes those who fear the Lord as people who share freely and stand firm without fear. Deuteronomy calls the people to live faithfully as a witness to the world, while 1 John reminds us that love and obedience flow from trust in God. God’s blessing takes shape through lives aligned with love and truth.

Question for Contemplation
How might your daily choices reflect trust in God rather than fear of loss?

Prayer
God of wisdom, guide my life so that love and faith shape all I do.

Intention for the Day
Let one decision today be guided by trust in God rather than anxiety or self-interest.

Friday, February 6, 2026
Readings: Psalm 112:1–9; Isaiah 29:1–12; James 3:13–18

Reflection
God values humility and wisdom rooted in peace, not appearance or control. Isaiah warns against spiritual blindness, while James contrasts self-centered ambition with wisdom marked by gentleness and mercy. Psalm 112 reminds us that those who live generously and uprightly become a source of light. True faith is revealed not in words alone, but in lives shaped by humility and compassion.

Question for Contemplation
Where might God be calling you to choose gentleness over defensiveness or pride?

Prayer
God of true wisdom, soften my heart and shape my actions with humility and peace.

Intention for the Day
Respond to a challenging moment today with gentleness rather than reaction.

Saturday, February 7, 2026
Readings: Psalm 112:1–9; Isaiah 29:13–16; Mark 7:1–8

Reflection
God sees beyond outward appearances to the posture of the heart. Isaiah and Jesus both challenge religious practices that honor God with words while neglecting justice and love. Psalm 112 reminds us that true devotion bears fruit in generosity and righteousness. Blessed are the strangers when faith moves from performance to transformation.

Question for Contemplation
Where might your faith need to move from habit to heartfelt commitment?

Prayer
God who searches the heart, draw me into deeper faithfulness rooted in love and justice.

Intention for the Day
Practice one act of genuine devotion today that aligns your faith with compassion or justice.