Weekly Encouragement from
Sunday's Sermon
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on Sunday's Sermon.
# 5-Day Devotional: Living While We Wait
Day 1: Approaching God with Confidence
**Reading:** Hebrews 10:19-22
**Devotional:**
Before Christ, only the high priest could enter God's presence once a year. Today, through Jesus' sacrifice, the curtain has been torn and we have direct access to the Father. This isn't casual access—it's confident access. We don't approach timidly, wondering if we're acceptable. We come boldly, knowing Christ's blood has made us clean. Our hearts have been "sprinkled" and our consciences cleared. As you pray today, remember: you're not interrupting God or bothering Him. You're His beloved child with a standing invitation into His presence. Approach Him with shoulders back and chin up—not in pride, but in the humble confidence of one who knows they're fully accepted through Christ alone.
Day 2: Anchored in Living Hope
**Reading:** 1 Peter 1:3-9
**Devotional:**
Life's uncertainties can leave us feeling adrift, but God's promises are our anchor. Peter describes our hope as "living"—not wishful thinking, but confident expectation rooted in Christ's resurrection. God has kept every promise He's ever made: to Abraham, Moses, David, Mary, and the disciples. He will keep His promises to you. When circumstances contradict what God has spoken, hold unswervingly to hope. The same God who raised Jesus from the dead is faithful to complete what He's started in your life. Today, identify one promise from Scripture that speaks to your current situation. Write it down. Memorize it. Let it become the anchor that steadies your soul when storms arise.
Day 3: The Power of Gathering Together
**Reading:** Hebrews 10:24-25
**Devotional:**
We live in an increasingly isolated culture, but God designed us for community. The writer of Hebrews warns against neglecting gathering together—not as religious obligation, but as spiritual necessity. When we physically come together, something happens that can't be replicated digitally. We see faces, hear voices, share burdens, and experience God's presence collectively. Martin Luther called corporate worship as necessary as prayer itself. If you've drifted from regular fellowship, ask yourself why. What fear, hurt, or distraction has kept you isolated? The early church "devoted themselves" to meeting together because they understood what we often forget: we need each other. Your presence matters. Your absence is felt. As Christ's return draws nearer, gather more, not less.
Day 4: Spurring One Another Forward
**Reading:** Proverbs 27:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14
**Devotional:**
The Greek word for "spur" means to come alongside and sharpen—like iron sharpening iron. We're called to provoke one another toward love and good works, gently nudging each other forward in the journey. This requires intentionality. Who in your life needs encouragement today? Who has drifted and needs a loving invitation back? Perhaps you're the one who needs spurring—don't let pride keep you from receiving it. True Christian community involves both giving and receiving accountability, challenge, and encouragement. We're not meant to passively wait for Christ's return; we're called to actively pursue kingdom work together. Today, reach out to someone. Send that text. Make that call. Be the spur that helps someone keep moving forward.
Day 5: The Journey Matters
**Reading:** Philippians 3:12-16
**Devotional:**
Our culture obsesses over destinations—point A to point B as quickly as possible. But God cares deeply about the journey. Between salvation and heaven lies a lifetime of experiencing His presence, growing in faith, and becoming who He created us to be. Paul writes of "pressing on" and "straining toward" the goal—active, ongoing pursuit. We don't just wait passively for Christ's return; we actively walk with Him daily. Every sunrise is an opportunity to know Him more. Every challenge is a chance to trust Him deeper. Every relationship is sacred ground for His love to flow through us. Don't rush through life checking boxes. Slow down. Look for God in the ordinary moments. He's portable now—His Spirit dwells within you. What will you discover about Him today on your journey?
Day 1: Approaching God with Confidence
**Reading:** Hebrews 10:19-22
**Devotional:**
Before Christ, only the high priest could enter God's presence once a year. Today, through Jesus' sacrifice, the curtain has been torn and we have direct access to the Father. This isn't casual access—it's confident access. We don't approach timidly, wondering if we're acceptable. We come boldly, knowing Christ's blood has made us clean. Our hearts have been "sprinkled" and our consciences cleared. As you pray today, remember: you're not interrupting God or bothering Him. You're His beloved child with a standing invitation into His presence. Approach Him with shoulders back and chin up—not in pride, but in the humble confidence of one who knows they're fully accepted through Christ alone.
Day 2: Anchored in Living Hope
**Reading:** 1 Peter 1:3-9
**Devotional:**
Life's uncertainties can leave us feeling adrift, but God's promises are our anchor. Peter describes our hope as "living"—not wishful thinking, but confident expectation rooted in Christ's resurrection. God has kept every promise He's ever made: to Abraham, Moses, David, Mary, and the disciples. He will keep His promises to you. When circumstances contradict what God has spoken, hold unswervingly to hope. The same God who raised Jesus from the dead is faithful to complete what He's started in your life. Today, identify one promise from Scripture that speaks to your current situation. Write it down. Memorize it. Let it become the anchor that steadies your soul when storms arise.
Day 3: The Power of Gathering Together
**Reading:** Hebrews 10:24-25
**Devotional:**
We live in an increasingly isolated culture, but God designed us for community. The writer of Hebrews warns against neglecting gathering together—not as religious obligation, but as spiritual necessity. When we physically come together, something happens that can't be replicated digitally. We see faces, hear voices, share burdens, and experience God's presence collectively. Martin Luther called corporate worship as necessary as prayer itself. If you've drifted from regular fellowship, ask yourself why. What fear, hurt, or distraction has kept you isolated? The early church "devoted themselves" to meeting together because they understood what we often forget: we need each other. Your presence matters. Your absence is felt. As Christ's return draws nearer, gather more, not less.
Day 4: Spurring One Another Forward
**Reading:** Proverbs 27:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14
**Devotional:**
The Greek word for "spur" means to come alongside and sharpen—like iron sharpening iron. We're called to provoke one another toward love and good works, gently nudging each other forward in the journey. This requires intentionality. Who in your life needs encouragement today? Who has drifted and needs a loving invitation back? Perhaps you're the one who needs spurring—don't let pride keep you from receiving it. True Christian community involves both giving and receiving accountability, challenge, and encouragement. We're not meant to passively wait for Christ's return; we're called to actively pursue kingdom work together. Today, reach out to someone. Send that text. Make that call. Be the spur that helps someone keep moving forward.
Day 5: The Journey Matters
**Reading:** Philippians 3:12-16
**Devotional:**
Our culture obsesses over destinations—point A to point B as quickly as possible. But God cares deeply about the journey. Between salvation and heaven lies a lifetime of experiencing His presence, growing in faith, and becoming who He created us to be. Paul writes of "pressing on" and "straining toward" the goal—active, ongoing pursuit. We don't just wait passively for Christ's return; we actively walk with Him daily. Every sunrise is an opportunity to know Him more. Every challenge is a chance to trust Him deeper. Every relationship is sacred ground for His love to flow through us. Don't rush through life checking boxes. Slow down. Look for God in the ordinary moments. He's portable now—His Spirit dwells within you. What will you discover about Him today on your journey?