DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
NOVEMBER 7, 2026
READ: Micah 6 (Focus vs. 6-9)
MEMORY VERSE
“What does the Lord require of you?” Micah 6:8
BACKGROUND
You’ve probably seen the signs: No Shirt. No Shoes. No Service. Or if expressed in the positive: Shirt and Shoes Required. Such signs came to widespread prominence in the West in opposition to the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
Business owners were looking for ways to keep long-haired and often shoeless hippies out of their establishments. They were (usually) willing to serve anyone, but there were two absolutes to get in the door: shirt and shoes—required attire.
The words from Micah 6 are well-known: “Act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (v. 8). Much has been written and preached on these points.
Yet there’s a tendency to skip past a crucial word that precedes those phrases, a word that sets the tone for all that follows: “What does the Lord require of you?” (v. 8).
If you’re serious about living a Christ-honoring life, this is what is essential. Sacrifices may seem impressive, but that’s not what God requires. If there’s no justice, no mercy, and no humility, then God says, “That’s no good.”
This doesn’t mean that the reason God accepts us is based on what we do. He accepts us out of His great love. But it has everything to do with how we live if we’re serious about pleasing Him. We serve and honor Him when we do what He requires.
John Blase
INSIGHT
Micah, whose name means “Who is like Yahweh?” was a contemporary of prophets Isaiah and Hosea. He prophesied to the nations of Israel and Judah, who were guilty of covenantal unfaithfulness—idolatry, corruption, injustice, exploitation, and oppression of the poor.
Micah prophesied judgment and punishment (1:6; 3:12) but also promised redemption and restoration (2:12-13; 4:1-8; 5:2-15; 7:7-20).
To encourage repentance with the hope of averting impending judgment, Micah asked “the Lord” on behalf of His people how they might do what was right and honor Him (6:6-8).
The prophet warned that God isn’t pleased with our external piety and lavish sacrifices while we, at the same, time neglect the weightier issues of justice, mercy, compassion, and humility (v. 8).
Other prophets dispensed the same exhortation: “Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:16-17 nlt; see Zechariah 7:9-10). We honor God when we “act justly . . . love mercy and . . . walk humbly” (Micah 6:8).
K.T. Sim
APPLICATION
When you hear the word required, what thoughts or emotions come to mind? How have you read Micah 6:8—as suggestions for better living or as required?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Sacrifices may seem impressive, but that’s not what God requires. If there’s no justice, no mercy, and no humility, then God says, “That’s no good.” …We serve and honor Him when we do what He requires.”
PR’s TAKE
“God isn’t pleased with our external piety and lavish sacrifices while we, at the same time, neglect the weightier issues of justice, mercy, compassion, and humility.” Prophet Micah
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free…” Luke 4:18
“Pure and genuine “religion” in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” James 1:27
PRAYER
“Generous Father, please help me wisely share what You’ve
PRAYER
“Dear Father, I know what’s required. Please give me the courage to do it.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME” Morris Chapman
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
I have come to spread the good news
Preaching deliverance to the captives
Healing to them that are bruised
I stand to proclaim liberty
Freedom to those who are bound
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
And His Spirit is moving right now
The Lord has anointed me
To preach good tidings to you
To bind up the brokenhearted
And cover them with the good news
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
I have come to spread the good news
Preaching deliverance to the captives
Healing to them that are bruised
I stand to proclaim liberty
And freedom to those who are bound
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
And His Spirit is moving right now
He has come to bring spiritual life
And more abundantly
So if you’re a captive in spirit
I proclaim liberty
His power is present
To heal the sick and the lame
He’s calling sinners to repentance
Just believe it and receive in His name
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
I have come to spread the good news
Preaching deliverance to the captives
Healing to them that are bruised
I stand to proclaim liberty
And freedom to those who are bound…
I said the Spirit of the Lord is upon me
And His Spirit is moving right now
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
And His Spirit is moving right now
