My dad, grandparents and I made an impromptu trip to the bay area aftering hearing that my uncle had a minor accident while cooking that required stitches. On the way back, we met up with a guy who was selling some camera equipment via a listing on craigslist. The price was good, so I bought the lot.

It included another canon 20D and two lenses. I'm not planning on keeping any of the items. Instead, I'm going to test out the camera and lenses for a while, compare them to mine, and sell off everything to recoup the money (and probably make a little profit since I got such a good deal).

Devotion time questions:

Micah 6

How might an honest Israelite have answered God’s charge in v. 3?

An honest Israelite would acknowledge that the Lord hadn't burdened them, but instead only required that they "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly" with him.

Reflect on the fact that often Christians, like the Israelites, thank God for their salvation, but find God’s commands burdensome. What is the source of such a response?

Pride. We think we know right and wrong better than God, and we sometimes can't see past conventional and cultural wisdom regarding the rules and guidelines God has set for our lives.

What is revealed about God’s heart toward the Israelites even in the midst of His pressing charges against them?

God does not simply accuse the Israelites of their wrongdoing, but also reminds them of all the loving acts that God had done for them in the past.

What are some things that threaten to make my gratitude toward the blessings of God in my life to grow dim? How can I guard my mind and heart against this?

The mindset that good things and successes happen directly as a result of my own actions and efforts causes the need for God to be less apparent. I can guard myself against such a mindset by always remembering that God is behind all things and thanking him for them.

What was deeply skewed about the Israelites’ perception of what God is pleased by?

The Israelites were outwardly praising God and offering him animals, oil, and material things, but inwardly they were corrupting and sinning against God. They incorrectly believed that they pleased God by the "fruits of their body" without addressing the "sin of their souls."

Notice, again, that God is sensitive to economic and social injustice, and is concerned about the merchant’s “bag of false weights.” What valuable reminder does this provide regarding God’s heart toward even small daily deceit and ethical compromise I engage in?

We need to be godly in our daily practices no matter how small or big the dealing may be.