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July 9, 2026

Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet

Bruce Reyes-Chow   |   Read Psalm 119:109 , Read Genesis 25:19-34

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Lectionary Week
July 6–12, 2026
Scripture Overview

Psalm 119 will serve for us as a pathway of insight into the intertwined and multiple truths that can be revealed when one text is seen through the lens of another. Through a verse of the psalm each day, we’ll explore the failures and successes represented in the other scriptures. In Genesis, Jacob should feed his brother out of care and concern, but he takes advantage of the situation and robs Esau of his birthright. Paul in Romans contrasts the life of the flesh and the life in the Spirit. Without the power of God, we are doomed to repeat our mistakes in the flesh, but the Spirit sets us free. Jesus reminds us in Matthew that the effectiveness of the gospel is not based on our efforts. We sow the seed, but we cannot control whether it takes root.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Psalm 119:105-112. How do you listen and look for how God may be revealing the path that God yearns for you to follow?
Read Genesis 25:19-34. How might you resist the pull to take advantage of another’s desperation (people you know or people with whom you share no adjacency) for your own benefit?
Read Romans 8:1-11. In a world constantly competing for your imagination, intelligence, and integrity, when have you embraced and navigated the divine call to faith that has been gifted to you?
Read Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23. Knowing that none of us thrives or “succeeds” one hundred percent of the time, when has your life and faith felt like each of the seeds in this parable?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Psalm 119:109

109 Though my life is constantly in danger, I won’t forget your Instruction.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Genesis 25:19-34

19 These are the descendants of Isaac, Abraham’s son. Abraham became the father of Isaac. 20 Isaac was 40 years old when he married Rebekah the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean and the sister of Laban the Aramean, from Paddan-aram. 21 Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, since she was unable to have children. The LORD was moved by his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. 22 But the boys pushed against each other inside of her, and she said, “If this is what it’s like, why did it happen to me?” So she went to ask the LORD. 23 And the LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb; two different peoples will emerge from your body. One people will be stronger than the other; the older will serve the younger.” 24 When she reached the end of her pregnancy, she discovered that she had twins. 25 The first came out red all over, clothed with hair, and she named him Esau. 26 Immediately afterward, his brother came out gripping Esau’s heel, and she named him Jacob. Isaac was 60 years old when they were born. 27 When the young men grew up, Esau became an outdoorsman who knew how to hunt, and Jacob became a quiet man who stayed at home. 28 Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 Once when Jacob was boiling stew, Esau came in from the field hungry 30 and said to Jacob, “I’m starving! Let me devour some of this red stuff.” That’s why his name is Edom. 31 Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright today.” 32 Esau said, “Since I’m going to die anyway, what good is my birthright to me?” 33 Jacob said, “Give me your word today.” And he did. He sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 So Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew. He ate, drank, got up, and left, showing just how little he thought of his birthright.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

When our kids were young, one of our favorite family activities was going to the animal shelter. We’d walk through the rows of crates for an hour or two, talking with the animals and petting them and playing with them when staff allowed it. Our children, now young adults, have...

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Pray a breath prayer. As you inhale, pray, “God, you reveal your path.” As you exhale, pray, “I will follow with courage.”


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