5-Day Devo
Sermon by Pastor Nate Widener
Day 1: The Gift of Faith
Reading: Romans 10:5-17
Devotional: Today's reading reminds us that faith is not something we acquire on our own, but a gift from God. As Romans 10:17 states, "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." Reflect on how God has worked in your life to nurture your faith. Have you ever felt pressure to "earn" your faith or God's favor? Remember that just as you didn't choose to be born physically, you didn't choose to be born again spiritually - it's all God's gracious work. Thank Him for the gift of faith and for speaking His Word into your life. Today, approach God with gratitude rather than guilt, knowing that He has already made you His child through Christ.
Day 2: The Narrow Door
Reading: Luke 13:22-30
Devotional: Jesus speaks of entering through the narrow door, which can seem daunting. But remember, this narrow door isn't about perfectly following rules - it's Jesus Himself. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Today, reflect on what it means to enter through Christ. Are you trying to squeeze through on your own merits, or are you resting in Jesus' finished work? Thank God that salvation doesn't depend on your perfection, but on Christ's. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you trust more fully in Jesus as your only way to the Father.
Day 3: God's Unfailing Love
Reading: Psalm 103:1-14
Devotional: This Psalm beautifully depicts God's love and forgiveness. Verse 12 says He removes our sins "as far as the east is from the west." Meditate on the vastness of God's forgiveness. No matter what you've done, God's love in Christ is greater. His forgiveness is complete. Are you holding onto guilt that God has already forgiven? Today, practice "forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead" (Philippians 3:13). Thank God for His boundless love and ask Him to help you live in the freedom of His forgiveness.
Day 4: A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving
Reading: Psalm 50:7-15
Devotional: God doesn't need our sacrifices or good works - He desires our gratitude and trust. This Psalm reminds us that true worship isn't about what we can do for God, but about recognizing what He has done for us. Today, focus on offering God a "sacrifice of thanksgiving." Make a list of things you're grateful for, big and small. How does shifting your focus to thankfulness change your perspective on challenges you're facing? Ask God to cultivate a heart of gratitude in you, transforming your "have to" into a "want to" in serving Him.
Day 5: Rest in Christ's Finished Work
Reading: Matthew 11:28-30
Devotional: Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. This rest isn't just physical, but a deep spiritual rest in knowing that Christ has done everything necessary for our salvation. Reflect on areas where you might be striving in your own strength rather than resting in Christ's finished work. Are you carrying burdens of guilt, shame, or the need to prove yourself? Today, practice "casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Thank Jesus for His light and easy yoke, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you walk in the freedom and rest that Christ provides.
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