5-Day Devotional

Each week we post a 5-Day Devotional based off the previous Sunday's message.

Day 1: Vision and Identity

Devotional: Vision transforms our identity into action and outcomes. It answers the question, 'What do we want to see?' As God's people, our vision moves us from merely knowing who we are to actively living out our faith. This vision is incredibly important because it shapes our actions and the outcomes we seek. When we share a common vision, we move together like a team executing a play, united in purpose and direction. As a community, we are bound not by natural affinities but by our salvation through Jesus Christ. This unity transcends race, politics, and nationality, making us a unique and powerful force for God's kingdom. 'Vision answers the question, what do we want to see? It moves us from identity to action and outcome. It's incredibly, incredibly important.' Reflect on what vision God has given you for your life and how it aligns with the collective vision of your church community.

Bible Verse: 'Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that   the law, happy is he.' - Proverbs 29:18

Reflection Question: What vision has God given you for your life, and how does it align with the collective vision of your church community?

Quote: Vision answers the question, what do we want to see? It moves us from identity to action and outcome. It's incredibly, incredibly important.

Prayer: Lord, help me to see the vision You have for my life. Align my heart with Your purposes and the collective vision of our church. May we move together in unity and purpose, bringing glory to Your name. Amen.

Day 2: Unity in Diversity

Devotional: To be 'a people' means sharing fellowship, common allegiance, and direction. It means moving together like a team, united in purpose. What binds Christians together isn't natural affinity but our salvation through Jesus Christ. As D.A. Carson notes, the church consists of 'natural enemies' united by Christ, a revolutionary concept that transcends race, politics, and nationality. This unity in diversity is a powerful testimony to the world. It shows that our bond in Christ is stronger than any earthly division. We are called to love and support one another, reflecting the love of Christ to those around us. 'To be a people is to be a community. It means being in fellowship with others and then inviting others into that community as well. To be a people means having a common allegiance, vision, and motives. It means we're moving in the same direction.' Consider how you can contribute to the unity and fellowship of your church community.

Bible Verse: 'But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.' - 1 Peter 2:9

Reflection Question: How can you contribute to the unity and fellowship of your church community?

Quote: To be a people is to be a community. It means being in fellowship with others and then inviting others into that community as well. To be a people means having a common allegiance, vision, and motives. It means we're moving in the same direction.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for uniting us through Jesus Christ. Help me to contribute to the unity and fellowship of our church community. May we reflect Your love and grace to the world around us. Amen.

Day 3: Abiding in Christ

Devotional: Abiding in Christ means staying connected to Him as our source of identity and fruitfulness. This connection is both individual and corporate. When we find our identity in Him rather than elsewhere, our relationships improve, and we bear fruit for His kingdom. Jesus calls us to abide in Him, to remain in His love and His word. This abiding relationship transforms us and enables us to live out our faith in meaningful ways. It is through this connection that we find the strength and guidance to navigate life's challenges. 'To abide is both an individual and a corporate thing. We're trying to stay connected to Jesus so that we can produce fruit and be the people that he called us to be.' Reflect on how you can deepen your connection with Christ and abide in Him daily.

Bible Verse: 'Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.' - John 15:4

Reflection Question: How can you deepen your connection with Christ and abide in Him daily?

Quote: To abide is both an individual and a corporate thing. We're trying to stay connected to Jesus so that we can produce fruit and be the people that he called us to be.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to abide in You daily. Strengthen my connection with You and guide me to bear fruit for Your kingdom. May my life reflect Your love and grace. Amen.

Day 4: Faith in the Unknown

Devotional: Following Jesus requires faith to step into the unknown. Like Abraham, who 'went out even though he did not know where he was going,' we are called to trust God even when we don't have all the answers. Faith and doubt can coexist, and God often stretches our faith beyond our comfort to help us rely on His Spirit rather than our strength. This journey of faith is not always easy, but it is through these challenges that we grow and deepen our trust in God. He is faithful and will guide us every step of the way, even when the path is unclear. 'Faith is not the absoluteness. It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is about saying, I can't prove it, I can't say it with 100% certainty, but I'm going to trust even though I do have doubts.' Consider an area of your life where you need to step out in faith and trust God.

Bible Verse: 'By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.' - Hebrews 11:8

Reflection Question: What area of your life do you need to step out in faith and trust God?

Quote: Faith is not the absoluteness. It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is about saying, I can't prove it, I can't say it with 100% certainty, but I'm going to trust even though I do have doubts.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to trust You even when the path is unclear. Strengthen my faith and guide me as I step out in obedience to Your call. May I rely on Your Spirit and not my own strength. Amen.

Day 5: Inviting Jesus In

Devotional: Making room for Jesus means inviting Him in, not stifling His Spirit, and being open to His unexpected work. Jesus is at the door, knocking, and He wants to come in and transform our lives. He is the Lord of all, the God over all creation, and yet He waits for our invitation. Sometimes God's work in our lives doesn't make sense to us, but we are called to trust that He is working for our good. He provides enough light for our immediate steps, even if we can't see the entire journey. 'Jesus is saying, he's at the door, knocking. He's at the door asking if he can come in. He can come in. He's the Lord of all. He is the God over all creation. He is the one sustaining all things by his powerful word. And yet he knocks because he wants you to invite him in.' Reflect on how you can make room for Jesus in your life and invite Him into every area.

Bible Verse: 'Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.' - Revelation 3:20

Reflection Question: How can you make room for Jesus in your life and invite Him into every area?

Quote: Jesus is saying, he's at the door, knocking. He's at the door asking if he can come in. He can come in. He's the Lord of all. He is the God over all creation. He is the one sustaining all things by his powerful word. And yet he knocks because he wants you to invite him in.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I invite You into every area of my life. Help me to make room for You and be open to Your work, even when it doesn't make sense to me. Guide me and transform me by Your Spirit. Amen.