Walking in wisdom: two paths 6/15/25
Bible Passages
Key verses of the week are marked by an *
devotional thought
Every morning, we're met with a quiet but profound decision: Which path will I walk today? The path of righteousness isn't about being perfect or religious—it's about walking with Jesus. Proverbs 4:18 tells us this path shines brighter with each step, not because of who we are, but because of who walks beside us.
But the other path—the one cloaked in shadows—often looks easier, even appealing. It rarely shows us where it's leading until it's too late. Sin is deceptive. It makes promises it can’t keep and hides the price it demands. Still, Jesus stands at every crossroads, offering light, hope, and a way back, even when we've wandered.
Righteousness begins at the cross. It doesn’t come from trying harder but from trusting deeper. You don't need to be impressive—you just need to be willing. The world may offer shortcuts, but only one path leads to life. Today, choose to follow the One who gave everything to walk with you.
But the other path—the one cloaked in shadows—often looks easier, even appealing. It rarely shows us where it's leading until it's too late. Sin is deceptive. It makes promises it can’t keep and hides the price it demands. Still, Jesus stands at every crossroads, offering light, hope, and a way back, even when we've wandered.
Righteousness begins at the cross. It doesn’t come from trying harder but from trusting deeper. You don't need to be impressive—you just need to be willing. The world may offer shortcuts, but only one path leads to life. Today, choose to follow the One who gave everything to walk with you.
Daily devotional
Day 1: Two Paths, One Choice
Every day, we face countless decisions. What to wear, what to eat, how to spend our time. But beneath all these choices lies one fundamental decision that shapes everything else - which path will we walk? There are only two options: the path of righteousness that leads to life, or the path of darkness that leads to destruction. This isn't about being perfect; it's about the direction we're choosing to walk. Just like a compass pointing north, our lives need to be oriented toward Jesus. The beautiful truth is that walking the right path isn't about our own strength or religious performance. It's about receiving God's grace through Jesus Christ and allowing Him to guide our steps.
Bible Verse
'Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.' - Matthew 7:13-14
Reflection Question
When you think about the major decisions in your life, which path are they leading you down - the path of righteousness or the path of darkness?
Quote
You can't walk both paths. You can't straddle the line. Other preachers say that if you're on the fence with God, the enemy owns the fence.
Prayer
Lord, thank you that you've made the path clear through Jesus. Help me to choose Your path today and every day. Give me wisdom to recognize the choices that lead to life. Amen.
Bible Verse
'Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.' - Matthew 7:13-14
Reflection Question
When you think about the major decisions in your life, which path are they leading you down - the path of righteousness or the path of darkness?
Quote
You can't walk both paths. You can't straddle the line. Other preachers say that if you're on the fence with God, the enemy owns the fence.
Prayer
Lord, thank you that you've made the path clear through Jesus. Help me to choose Your path today and every day. Give me wisdom to recognize the choices that lead to life. Amen.
Day 2: Grace-Given Righteousness
Many of us have grown up thinking righteousness is something we achieve through hard work, perfect church attendance, or flawless behavior. But that's not what Scripture teaches. Righteousness is a gift from God, given freely through Jesus Christ. We don't earn it - we receive it. This truth should bring immense relief to our weary souls. You don't have to have it all together. You don't have to be perfect. God's grace doesn't just cover your past mistakes; it transforms your present and rewrites your future. When we understand this, it changes everything about how we approach our relationship with God.
Bible Verse
'God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.' - 2 Corinthians 5:21
Reflection Question
How does understanding righteousness as a gift rather than something earned change your perspective on your relationship with God?
Quote
Righteousness, it does not come from effort, religion or appearance. That is proved in many different ways in the Bible. It's not the person who's got it all together. You can take a breather.
Prayer
Father, thank you for the gift of righteousness through Jesus. Help me to fully embrace this truth and live in the freedom it brings. Let me rest in your grace today. Amen. is where the description goes.
Bible Verse
'God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.' - 2 Corinthians 5:21
Reflection Question
How does understanding righteousness as a gift rather than something earned change your perspective on your relationship with God?
Quote
Righteousness, it does not come from effort, religion or appearance. That is proved in many different ways in the Bible. It's not the person who's got it all together. You can take a breather.
Prayer
Father, thank you for the gift of righteousness through Jesus. Help me to fully embrace this truth and live in the freedom it brings. Let me rest in your grace today. Amen. is where the description goes.
Day 3: The Deceptive Nature of Sin
Sin rarely appears as threatening as it truly is. Like a beautifully wrapped package with a dangerous surprise inside, sin often comes to us with a smile, promising pleasure but concealing pain. It whispers sweet promises but never reveals the chains waiting in the shadows. Understanding this deceptive nature of sin is crucial for our spiritual journey. When we recognize sin's true character, we're better equipped to resist its initial appeal and choose God's path instead. Remember, what seems attractive in the moment often leads to consequences we never intended to face.
Bible Verse
'For there is no one righteous, not even one.' - Romans 3:10
Reflection Question
What are some ways sin has appeared attractive in your life, only to reveal its true nature later?
Quote
Sin. It doesn't usually start scary. In fact, sin is usually smiling at us, trying to entice us and grasp us, to come closer and to attract us. That's what sin does. It never shows you the chains that are hidden behind the prop, does it?
Prayer
God, give me discernment to see through sin's deception. Help me recognize and resist its false promises, choosing instead to walk in Your truth. Amen. the description goes.
Bible Verse
'For there is no one righteous, not even one.' - Romans 3:10
Reflection Question
What are some ways sin has appeared attractive in your life, only to reveal its true nature later?
Quote
Sin. It doesn't usually start scary. In fact, sin is usually smiling at us, trying to entice us and grasp us, to come closer and to attract us. That's what sin does. It never shows you the chains that are hidden behind the prop, does it?
Prayer
God, give me discernment to see through sin's deception. Help me recognize and resist its false promises, choosing instead to walk in Your truth. Amen. the description goes.
Day 4: Walking with Jesus
There's something remarkable about spending time with Jesus. In Acts, when people observed Peter and John - ordinary, unschooled men - they were amazed by their courage and wisdom. The secret? These men had been with Jesus. The same is true for us today. As we walk with Jesus, His character gradually shapes ours. Like the morning sun that grows brighter until full day, our lives should increasingly reflect His light. This transformation isn't instant, but it's inevitable when we stay close to Him. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Bible Verse
'When they saw the courage of Peter and John and they realized they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished. And they took note that these men had been with Jesus.' - Acts 4:13
Reflection Question
What changes have you noticed in your life as you've spent time with Jesus?
Quote
It's not about perfection. It's about progress. And just like dawn becomes daylight in your life, your life should be modeling Jesus more and more.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for walking with me and transforming me. Help me to spend more time in Your presence and become more like You each day. Amen.
Bible Verse
'When they saw the courage of Peter and John and they realized they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished. And they took note that these men had been with Jesus.' - Acts 4:13
Reflection Question
What changes have you noticed in your life as you've spent time with Jesus?
Quote
It's not about perfection. It's about progress. And just like dawn becomes daylight in your life, your life should be modeling Jesus more and more.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for walking with me and transforming me. Help me to spend more time in Your presence and become more like You each day. Amen.
Day 5: The Pursuing God
One of the most beautiful truths about God is that He doesn't wait for us to find Him - He actively pursues us. Even when we're walking the wrong path, He comes looking for us. Like a shepherd leaving the ninety-nine sheep to find the one that's lost, Jesus meets us wherever we are. This is incredible hope for everyone, whether they're far from God or just feeling distant. No path is too dark, no distance too far for His pursuing love. Today is the day to stop running and let yourself be found by the God who never stops pursuing you.
Bible Verse
'You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.' - Psalm 16:11
Reflection Question
How have you experienced God's pursuing love in your own life?
Quote
Jesus is on your path with you. Even though you're not on his path. He's on the path with you, and he's pursuing you. He leaves the 99 for the 1 he turns over the furniture for the one he's looking for.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for never giving up on me. Help me to recognize Your pursuit and respond to Your love. Thank you for meeting me right where I am. Amen.
Bible Verse
'You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.' - Psalm 16:11
Reflection Question
How have you experienced God's pursuing love in your own life?
Quote
Jesus is on your path with you. Even though you're not on his path. He's on the path with you, and he's pursuing you. He leaves the 99 for the 1 he turns over the furniture for the one he's looking for.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for never giving up on me. Help me to recognize Your pursuit and respond to Your love. Thank you for meeting me right where I am. Amen.
Action Step
This week, whenever you face a decision or temptation, consciously ask yourself 'Which path am I choosing?' Make a commitment to immediately reject anything that would lead you away from God's path, no matter how attractive it might appear.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for showing us the true path that leads to life. Help us to stay firmly on Your path and resist the temptations that would lead us astray. Give us wisdom to recognize deception and courage to choose You daily. Use us to help others fine and follow Your path to righteousness.
In Your name we pray,
Amen.
Thank You for showing us the true path that leads to life. Help us to stay firmly on Your path and resist the temptations that would lead us astray. Give us wisdom to recognize deception and courage to choose You daily. Use us to help others fine and follow Your path to righteousness.
In Your name we pray,
Amen.
Bible App Plans
The Narrow Path
5 Days – WaterBrook Multnomah
Explores the tension of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:13–14 about choosing the narrow way that leads to life.
5 Days – WaterBrook Multnomah
Explores the tension of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:13–14 about choosing the narrow way that leads to life.
Pulse Check: Aligning Our Path to God’s Plans
7 Days – The Rooted Life
Takes you on a journey to pursue God’s plan for your life—exploring what questions to ask, how to gain insight and direction, and the truths uncovered in His Word that will ultimately lead you closer to Him.
7 Days – The Rooted Life
Takes you on a journey to pursue God’s plan for your life—exploring what questions to ask, how to gain insight and direction, and the truths uncovered in His Word that will ultimately lead you closer to Him.
Stand Firm (Youth Plan)
8 Days – Dreaming The Impossible
Addresses making faithful choices and holding strong under pressure.
8 Days – Dreaming The Impossible
Addresses making faithful choices and holding strong under pressure.