"I've Been Thinking" - Week 3 Bible Reading Plan
7-Day Devotional Theme: Whatever is Right
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
What Is Right - From the Greek: dikaios — just, righteous, fair, aligned with God’s justice
Day 1 – God Defines What Is Right
Scripture: Psalm 146:7–9
Devotional Thought: Justice flows from God’s heart. He defends the oppressed, feeds the hungry, and lifts up the downtrodden. Our sense of “what is right” must begin not with culture or opinion but with His character. A judge in Kenya once became famous for refusing bribes in a system plagued by corruption. His stand for fairness cost him promotions, but it earned him deep respect. Like him, when we anchor our sense of right in God’s justice, we stand firm even when pressured.
Reflection Question: Where do I need to align my view of justice with God’s?
Day 2 – Walking Humbly, Acting Justly
Scripture: Micah 6:8
Devotional Thought: God doesn’t require complicated rituals to please Him—He desires justice, mercy, and humility. Justice is not just legal decisions; it’s daily fairness, generosity, and integrity. A teacher noticed her students teasing a child with a speech impediment. She stopped class and said, “We’re going to honor one another’s strengths instead of tearing down weaknesses.” Her correction changed the classroom culture. Justice often starts small—in classrooms, workplaces, or homes.
Reflection Question: Where in my daily life do I need to act more fairly and generously?
Day 3 – Justice for the Marginalized
Scripture: Zechariah 7:9–10
Devotional Thought: God’s justice bends toward the marginalized—the widow, orphan, foreigner, and poor. He calls us to not only avoid oppression but to actively lift up those on the margins. During a harsh winter, a small church in Chicago opened its doors for the homeless to sleep in their sanctuary. One woman said, “I’ve passed this building for years but never knew it would welcome me.” God’s justice makes the invisible visible.
Reflection Question: Who around me might feel invisible or overlooked?
Day 4 – Speaking Up for the Voiceless
Scripture: Proverbs 31:8–9
Devotional Thought: Justice is not silent—it speaks for those who cannot. Sometimes doing what is right means standing up, even when it’s unpopular. In the 1800s, William Wilberforce used his position in British Parliament to tirelessly advocate against the slave trade. For decades, he spoke up for those who had no voice, and his efforts eventually helped end slavery in England. Doing what’s right often requires long obedience.
Reflection Question: Where might I need courage to speak up for others?
Day 5 – Jesus, the Just One
Scripture: Luke 4:18
Devotional Thought: Jesus declared His mission was to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the oppressed, and healing to the broken. Justice was not a side issue—it was central to His ministry. When a woman was caught in adultery, religious leaders wanted to stone her. Jesus instead protected her, challenged her accusers, and offered her a new life. He didn’t ignore sin, but He upheld both justice and mercy. His example shows us how to be both truthful and compassionate.
Reflection Question: How can I model both truth and compassion like Jesus did?
Day 6 – Empowered for Justice
Scripture: Isaiah 58:10–11
Devotional Thought: Justice-seeking can feel overwhelming. But God promises His strength as we feed the hungry and care for the hurting. It’s not all on us, and it’s not all on God—it’s a Spirit-empowered partnership. A missionary couple in South America began feeding children one meal a day. At first, it was just 10 kids. Soon it became 100. Years later, their community built a permanent feeding center. They couldn’t do everything, but by doing something, God multiplied their impact.
Reflection Question: Do I lean more toward “It’s all up to me” or “It’s all up to God”?
Day 7 – Thinking Right, Living Right
Scripture: Philippians 4:8
Devotional Thought: Paul reminds us to dwell on what is right—not as a mental exercise but as a way to shape our actions. What fills our minds directs our steps. Justice begins in thought and flows into life. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” His dream for equality was not just spoken—it was lived through marches, sermons, and sacrifice. He modeled what happens when thoughts of justice become movements of action.
Reflection Question: What “just thoughts” need to shape my actions this week?