{
  "Date":"01-17",
  "Day Number":"17",
  "Date Title":" January 17, 2026",
  "Scripture Reference":"Psalm 15:1-2",
  "Scripture Excerpt":"Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. ",
  "Devotion Text":"The lessons of purity and holiness are simple: tell the truth, speak no gossip, honor the righteous, keep your word, be generous with others, and accept no bribes. These simple commandments address the way we relate to our fellow man. Yet who among us has not broken these simple guidelines and does not need to repent?\n\nGod is so merciful, even with the likes of us. Despite all Jacob\u2019s transgressions, when he relinquished his foreign gods, the Lord met him and was merciful to him (Genesis 35:2, 9). Jesus told the Pharisees, \u201cI want you to be merciful; I don\u2019t want your sacrifices\u201d (Matthew 12:7). He reminded them of the value of one human being. Because Jesus is compassionate, He \u201cwill not crush those who are weak, or quench the smallest hope, until he brings full justice with his final victory\u201d (v. 20).\n\nLike Jacob, we all \u201cfall short of God\u2019s glorious standard\u201d (Romans 3:23), and God patiently works with us to restore us into His presence. If sin has knocked you off God\u2019s holy hill, get up, repent, and climb it again. You will find a merciful Lord at the top, greeting you with open arms!"
}