Devotionals

Day 1: Dressing Ourselves in Christ

Reading: Romans 13:11-14

As we begin this journey of spiritual growth, Paul's words remind us of the urgency of our faith. Just as we dress ourselves each morning, we are called to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" daily. This isn't about external appearances, but about allowing Christ's character to shape our thoughts, actions, and interactions.

Today, reflect on what it means to be "dressed in Christ." How might your day look different if you consciously put on Christ's love, patience, and compassion? Consider one specific way you can embody Christ's character today, whether it's showing unexpected kindness to a stranger or extending grace to someone who has wronged you.

Day 2: The Debt of Love

Reading: Romans 13:8-10

Love is at the core of our faith journey. Paul tells us that love fulfills the law, emphasizing its supreme importance. As we consider our spiritual growth over the next five years, love must be our foundation and guiding principle.

Reflect on your "debt of love" to others. Are there relationships where you've been withholding love? Areas of your life where love hasn't been your motivating factor? Ask God to expand your capacity to love, even in challenging situations. Consider one practical way you can express Christ-like love today, perhaps by reaching out to someone you've neglected or serving someone in need without expecting anything in return.

Day 3: Redeeming the Time

Reading: Ephesians 5:15-17

Time is a precious gift, yet it's easy to let it slip away unnoticed. Paul's exhortation to make the most of every opportunity challenges us to live with intentionality.

As you envision the next five years of your life, what opportunities for spiritual growth and service do you see? How can you be more deliberate in using your time for God's purposes? Today, take a few moments to evaluate how you spend your time. Identify one area where you can make a change to prioritize your spiritual growth or service to others. Remember, small, consistent steps over time lead to significant transformation.

Day 4: Growing in Faith

Reading: Hebrews 11:1-6

Faith is the bedrock of our relationship with God, and like any relationship, it requires nurturing to grow. The heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11 didn't achieve greatness overnight; their faith was built through a lifetime of trusting God.

As you look ahead to the next five years, how do you want your faith to grow? What steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God? Today, identify one area of your life where you struggle to trust God fully. Commit this area to prayer, asking God to increase your faith. Consider keeping a "faith journal" to document how God works in this area over time.

Day 5:  Hope in Times of Change

Reading: Romans 8:18-25

Change is inevitable, but as believers, we face it with hope. Paul reminds us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

As you contemplate the changes the next five years might bring, anchor yourself in the hope of God's promises. What fears or anxieties do you have about the future? How can the hope of God's ultimate redemption provide comfort and strength? Today, write down one specific hope you have for your spiritual journey over the next five years. Pray over this hope, asking God to guide you and strengthen you as you pursue it. Remember, our hope in Christ is not just for the distant future, but a present reality that can transform how we live each day.