5 Day Devo

Day 1: The Voice That Matters

Reading: Matthew 17:1-8

Devotional: In a world filled with competing voices (news feeds, podcasts, opinions, and endless noise) the Father cuts through it all with one clear command: "This is my Son. Listen to Him." Notice that God doesn't give us a complicated system or philosophy. He gives us a Person. When you feel overwhelmed by conflicting messages about how to live, what to believe, or who you should be, return to this simple truth: Jesus is the point of it all. Today, find a quiet moment. Step away from the noise. Open Scripture and listen. Faith isn't about hearing every voice; it's about hearing the right Voice. What distractions keep you from truly listening to Jesus?

Day 2: When We Don't Want to Listen

Reading: Luke 9:23-27

Devotional: We love Jesus when He comforts us, but what about when He confronts us? When Christ speaks about taking up our cross, dying to self, or addressing our sin we grow defensive. We hear the sounds but stop receiving the word. This is the human condition: selective listening. But here's the grace: even when we resist, Jesus doesn't abandon us. He continues to speak truth because He loves us too much to leave us unchanged. The command to "listen to Him" isn't just about obedience; it's about transformation. Where in your life are you resisting Jesus' words? Ask the Spirit to soften your heart to receive what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.

Day 3: Rise and Do Not Be Afraid

Reading: Isaiah 41:8-10

Devotional: After the disciples witnessed Christ's glory on the mountain, they fell on their faces in terror. Jesus' response? "Rise, and do not be afraid." This is the pattern of grace: God reveals His holiness, we recognize our unworthiness, and then He lifts us up. God is not the angry judge you fear Him to be. He is the Father who sent His Son not to condemn you but to save you. Whatever burden you carry today, hear Jesus speaking to you: "Rise. Do not be afraid." You are not defined by your worst moment or your deepest fear. You are defined by His love. What fear has kept you on your face? Receive Christ's invitation to rise.

Day 4: The Descent Before the Ascent

Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

Devotional: The Transfiguration showed Jesus in glory, but that wasn't the end of the story. Jesus came down from the mountain and continued His journey, all the way to the cross, into the grave, and down to the depths of hell itself. Why? To meet you where you are. Christ descended into your sin, your pain, your death so that you would never face them alone. And then came the ascent: resurrection, victory, eternal life. Your darkest valley is not the end. Because Jesus descended and rose again, you too will rise. Whatever darkness you're walking through today, remember: Christ has already been there, and He's bringing you through to the other side. How does knowing Christ descended into death change your perspective on your current struggles?

Day 5: You Are Doing What Heaven Commands

Reading: Romans 10:14-17

Devotional: You may not feel like a faithful follower. You may struggle with doubt, wrestle with parts of the faith, or know you fall short of God's commands. But here's the beautiful truth: by being here, by opening Scripture, by listening to Christ's word, you are doing exactly what the Father commanded. "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." Your presence in God's word is not nothing; it is everything. It is the work of God in you. You don't have to climb a mountain to find God. He has come down to you in His Son, in His word, in the bread and wine. You belong to Him: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Rest in this: listening to Jesus is itself the gift of faith at work in your life.