MONDAY: TIME WITH GOD
KEY PASSAGE
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest”
DEVOTIONAL
In this scripture, the twelve disciples had just returned from being sent out by Jesus to preach, drive out demons, and heal the sick. They returned to Jesus full of excitement in all they had seen God do through them. They were filled with joy, but they were also exhausted and in need of rest and nourishment. It is in this moment that Jesus extends a gentle invitation: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place.” They go with Him, but soon encounter a large crowd waiting for ministry. There was still more to be done.
Maybe this resonates with you today. There always seems to be more to do - more places to go, more people to see, more things to check off, and more goals to accomplish. It can feel endless, and you are tired. This is the pace at which many people live today: hurried, anxious, and worn out by a constant state of doing.
Yet Jesus extends the same invitation to you that He offered the disciples: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” There may be many important things to do, but the most important thing is to begin by being alone with Jesus. When we prioritize time with Him - at the start of our day and in the moments throughout it - we find the rest and nourishment that our mind, body, and spirit so desperately needs.
CHALLENGE
Today, before you do anything else, simply be with Jesus. Choose to start your day from a place of rest and nourishment. The invitation is for you - right now. Spend a few moments resting with Jesus, and then go.
Try setting a timer on your phone for five minutes and simply pray “Lord, here I am,” or “God, help me rest in You today.”
TUESDAY: UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTURE
KEY PASSAGE
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
DEVOTIONAL
How silly would it be to drive toward a new destination with a map and GPS, yet refuse to use either one? Often, this is how we treat the Word of God as we navigate through life.
Scripture tells us that the Bible is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16) and “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12). It is God’s very Word, written for us. Through Scripture, God guides us, reveals who He is, and teaches us how to follow Him. Scripture equips us as believers and lights our path.
Maybe today you feel a bit lost, or you’re seeking God’s wisdom for a situation or decision. The good news is that God is eager for us to know Him. He has given us His Word so that we can hear from Him every single day. There is always something to learn and understand when we open our Bible, and the Holy Spirit helps us understand what we read.
If we are honest, reading the Bible can feel intimidating. We ask questions like, “Where do I start?” or “How do I begin?” Those are great questions. The most important thing to remember is this: the best way to read the Bible is to simply read it. A great place to start is in the Gospel of John. Remember, God wants you to know Him. As you open your Bible today, ask God to help you understand His Word and to know Him more deeply. Before long, you will experience Scripture as a lamp for your feet and a light for your path.
CHALLENGE
Try the SOAP Bible Study Method using John 3:16-17.
SCRIPTURE
Write out the Scripture or note the verses you are reading.
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
OBSERVE
Make an observation about what you are reading. Who is speaking? Where are they? What words or phrases are repeated? What themes stick out to you?
In these verses, the Apostle John records a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Jesus is explaining what it means to be “born again.” The theme of God’s love stands out to me, how God the Father’s love for the world moved Him to send His Son to save and redeem it.
APPLY
Ask how this passage applies to your life. What does it teach you about God? What promises or commands are present?
These verses explain to us the Gospel. Through faith in Jesus, we receive eternal life. We see the promise here that if we truly believe, we will truly receive the gift of salvation. This gift is offered to everyone - the whole world.
PRAY
Let your prayer be guided by what the Lord has shown you. Ask Him to speak personally to you. Ask the Lord to convict your heart and for His Word to bear fruit in your life and relationships.
WEDNESDAY: THE WORD OF GOD
KEY PASSAGE
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword…”
DEVOTIONAL
The Bible isn’t just a historical record or a collection of advice - it is alive and powerful. God’s Word pierces our hearts, challenges our habits, and refines our thoughts. Yet, many of us only skim the surface by rushing through Scripture without allowing God’s Word to take root in our lives. Or, we may choose not to read it at all, missing the opportunity to hear God’s voice for ourselves through His Word.
Today, choose to anchor yourself in Scripture. What has been made available to us is not just ink on a page, but a powerful encounter with God’s presence - working in and through His Word.
CHALLENGE
Take a moment to reflect on your current state of mind. Are you feeling anxious? Tired? Guilty?
Find a verse that speaks to that specific feeling today. Feel free to use Google!
Write it on a sticky note and place it somewhere you’ll see it often - on a mirror, desk, or phone.
Each time you notice it, pause and reflect on what the verse says and what it means to you in that moment.
THURSDAY: PRAY CONTINUALLY
KEY PASSAGE
“pray continually,”
DEVOTIONAL
In 1 Thessalonians, Paul writes to encourage the believers in Thessalonica, praising their faith and urging them to continue their good work. He also reminds them of what to focus on as Christ-followers who are eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus. One key point that Paul emphasizes as he closes his letter is a reminder to “pray continually” (or “pray without ceasing,” as some translations say).
What does this mean for us today? Like the Thessalonian believers, we also wait expectantly for the return of Jesus. This means we should adopt a posture of continual prayer. However, this does not mean God wants us to go to our prayer closet and never leave. While the quiet space of prayer is very needed and important, to pray without ceasing involves staying consciously aware of God throughout the day. It is about acknowledging Him in every moment.
For example, we can lift up prayers of thanks and gratitude while we drive. We can express our worries or concerns to Him before walking into a stressful situation. We can ask for strength and wisdom in moments of anxiety. We can pray for loved ones when they come to mind during lunch. These are all ways we can “pray continually” throughout our day.
CHALLENGE
Today, before you go about your day and handle your responsibilities, ask God to help you remain aware of His presence throughout the day. Practice praying continually by simply acknowledging Him in small ways. You can do this by lifting up someone’s name to God when they come to mind, or by saying “Thank you” to Him when something makes you smile. We can pray continually, because He is always with us.
If prayer seems difficult for you, consider using the acronym PRAY to help you get started:
PRAISE
Focus on who God is. Tell Him how great and awesome He is, and express love and appreciation for His attributes (Holy, Awesome, Mighty, Merciful, etc.).
REPENT
Ask God for forgiveness. Is there something you’ve thought, said, or done that you recognize as sinfull? Bring it to God in repentance, asking for forgiveness, and asking for His help to change.
ASK
What is going on in your life? What do you need? God wants to hear from you. Bring your needs to Him - be specific!
YIELD
Surrender your will to God. Acknowledge that His plans and ways are truly better than yours, and say “Yes and Amen” to His will. Trust Him with His plans for you.
FRIDAY: PRAYER & PETITION
KEY PASSAGE
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
DEVOTIONAL
Paul’s encouragement to “pray in every situation” can often feel like one of the hardest things to do. However, what we must realize is that prayer is not a last resort, but a weapon to use as our first response. What might be preventing you from praying in every situation? Four things that could deter us from praying are:
1. Distraction - Our attention is pulled away from God.
2. Priority - We allow tasks, plans, and responsibilities to take priority over prayer.
3. Discipline - We fail to regularly practice prayer.
4. Doubt - We believe something other than the truth about God and His response to our prayers.
CHALLENGE
Begin today by assessing and addressing each of these four deterrents of prayer.
Eliminate distraction by putting your phone away.
Make prayer a priority by placing it before any other task you must do today.
Commit to discipline by dedicating at least ten minutes to prayer.
Pray with faith by bringing God your deepest concerns, your wildest dreams, and your greatest challenges.