Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based this past Sunday sermon.
Day 1: Finding Rest for Your Soul
Reading: Matthew 11:28-30
Devotional: Jesus invites us to come to Him when we're weary and burdened. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become overwhelmed and exhausted, not just physically, but spiritually. Today, reflect on what burdens you're carrying. Are you trying to handle everything on your own? Remember that Jesus offers a different way - His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Take time to intentionally "come to Jesus" today, laying your burdens at His feet. How might your day look different if you allowed Jesus to carry your burdens with you?
Day 2: Sabbath Rest
Reading: Exodus 20:8-11
Devotional: God established the Sabbath as a day of rest, not just for physical recuperation, but for spiritual renewal. In today's culture, we often struggle to truly rest, filling our "days off" with more tasks and responsibilities. Consider how you approach rest. Are you making time to care for your soul? Reflect on ways you can incorporate true Sabbath rest into your life - perhaps by setting aside time for prayer, enjoying nature, or simply being still in God's presence. How might regular soul rest transform your relationship with God and others?
Day 3: Peace in the Midst of Storms
Reading: Mark 4:35-41
Devotional: Life often feels like a stormy sea, with challenges and anxieties threatening to overwhelm us. Yet Jesus demonstrates His power over the storms, both literal and figurative. When the disciples were terrified, Jesus was peacefully asleep in the boat. What "storms" are you facing in your life right now? How might Jesus be calling you to trust Him more deeply in these situations? Take time to visualize Jesus speaking peace over your circumstances, and ask for the faith to trust His control, even when things seem chaotic.
Day 4: Walking in Rhythm with Jesus
Reading: John 15:1-8
Devotional: Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to illustrate our need to remain connected to Him. When we're "yoked" with Jesus, we learn to move at His pace and draw strength from His presence. Reflect on your daily rhythms. Are you trying to produce fruit on your own, or are you allowing Jesus' life to flow through you? Consider practical ways you can "abide" in Christ throughout your day - perhaps through brief prayer pauses, memorizing Scripture, or consciously inviting Jesus into your activities.
Day 5: Resting in God's Love
Reading: Romans 8:31-39
Devotional: At the core of our restlessness is often a deep-seated fear that we're not enough or that we're somehow separated from God's love. Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus. Take time to meditate on the vastness and permanence of God's love for you. How might truly believing and resting in this love change the way you approach your daily life, your work, and your relationships? Ask God to help you internalize His unconditional love, allowing it to be the foundation from which you live and work.
Day 1: Finding Rest for Your Soul
Reading: Matthew 11:28-30
Devotional: Jesus invites us to come to Him when we're weary and burdened. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become overwhelmed and exhausted, not just physically, but spiritually. Today, reflect on what burdens you're carrying. Are you trying to handle everything on your own? Remember that Jesus offers a different way - His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Take time to intentionally "come to Jesus" today, laying your burdens at His feet. How might your day look different if you allowed Jesus to carry your burdens with you?
Day 2: Sabbath Rest
Reading: Exodus 20:8-11
Devotional: God established the Sabbath as a day of rest, not just for physical recuperation, but for spiritual renewal. In today's culture, we often struggle to truly rest, filling our "days off" with more tasks and responsibilities. Consider how you approach rest. Are you making time to care for your soul? Reflect on ways you can incorporate true Sabbath rest into your life - perhaps by setting aside time for prayer, enjoying nature, or simply being still in God's presence. How might regular soul rest transform your relationship with God and others?
Day 3: Peace in the Midst of Storms
Reading: Mark 4:35-41
Devotional: Life often feels like a stormy sea, with challenges and anxieties threatening to overwhelm us. Yet Jesus demonstrates His power over the storms, both literal and figurative. When the disciples were terrified, Jesus was peacefully asleep in the boat. What "storms" are you facing in your life right now? How might Jesus be calling you to trust Him more deeply in these situations? Take time to visualize Jesus speaking peace over your circumstances, and ask for the faith to trust His control, even when things seem chaotic.
Day 4: Walking in Rhythm with Jesus
Reading: John 15:1-8
Devotional: Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to illustrate our need to remain connected to Him. When we're "yoked" with Jesus, we learn to move at His pace and draw strength from His presence. Reflect on your daily rhythms. Are you trying to produce fruit on your own, or are you allowing Jesus' life to flow through you? Consider practical ways you can "abide" in Christ throughout your day - perhaps through brief prayer pauses, memorizing Scripture, or consciously inviting Jesus into your activities.
Day 5: Resting in God's Love
Reading: Romans 8:31-39
Devotional: At the core of our restlessness is often a deep-seated fear that we're not enough or that we're somehow separated from God's love. Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus. Take time to meditate on the vastness and permanence of God's love for you. How might truly believing and resting in this love change the way you approach your daily life, your work, and your relationships? Ask God to help you internalize His unconditional love, allowing it to be the foundation from which you live and work.