OUR DAILY BREAD 21 JULY 2026, TUESDAY ODB READING MESSAGE
Walking Like Jesus
Leslie Koh
BIBLE IN A YEAR
Psalms 29:1-30:12; Acts 23:1-15
KEY VERSE: Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people. [ Amos 7:8 ]
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Amos 7:1-9
INSIGHT FOR TODAY
Observing how the writers of the Bible arranged their material aids us in our understanding of Scripture. In Amos 1-6, the prophet’s messages are prefaced with “this is what the Lord says” (see 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 13) or some other call to “hear” what God has to say (see 3:1; 4:1). In Amos 7, there’s a noticeable shift from “words” spoken by God Himself to “visions” God “showed” the prophet (v. 1). This pattern continues for the remainder of the book (see 8:1; 9:1). The visions of chapter 7 include a plumbline used to see if a wall was straight (vv. 7-8). It represented a standard for correctness. The standard for correct living for believers in Jesus is Christ Himself. The apostle John says, “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:6 esv).
Read Our Daily Bread 21 July 2026 – MESSAGE
Ben had bought pirated computer software for years, simply because it was cheaper. Even though it was illegal and broke copyright laws, he didn’t feel that it was morally wrong. After all, everyone did it, and why should he buy expensive original software? Who would check?
After hearing a talk on daily examples of living by God’s standards, however, Ben, a new believer growing in the faith, began to wonder, What does it mean to do the right thing?
Ben decided to replace all his software with original versions. It cost a lot more, but, as he explained to his friends, “God knows. And He calls us to do what’s right, right?”
In Amos 7, God reminded the Israelites that His standards were impartial and absolute and applied to all, including His favoured nation. His laws and moral standards were like “a plumb line” (v. 8)—a weighted line used by builders to ensure structural integrity by showing if a wall wasn’t being built perfectly straight.
While He may extend mercy, God can’t compromise His justice—which is why He sent His Son Jesus to die in our place as payment for our sin. The Bible shows us whether we’re walking in His way or not. By His grace, God helps those who believe in Jesus to live in a way that pleases Him and brings honour to Him—to do what’s right.
REFLECT & PRAY
What aspects of our lives can we apply God’s plumb line to? What would “living rightly” look like in your life?
Dear Father, You’ve called me to be holy like Your Son, Jesus. Please teach and help me to honour You in all things great and small.
Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread devotional for today audio our daily bread booklet.