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 in the Year of the Lord's Favor
Day 1: The Gift That Changes Everything
Reading: Isaiah 61:1-3
Devotional:
God's greatest gift isn't wrapped in paper or tied with ribbon—it's wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah who would bring good news to the poor and freedom to the captives. This wasn't just physical liberation, but spiritual freedom from sin's bondage. Today, consider the unused "gift cards" in your life—blessings God has given that remain unclaimed. Have you fully received God's offer of salvation? Or are you leaving the most valuable gift sitting on a shelf? The year of the Lord's favor has begun, and the door of grace stands wide open. Don't let another day pass without stepping fully into the pool of God's amazing grace.
Reflection Question: What keeps you from fully embracing God's gift of grace in your daily life?
Day 2: Grace Upon Grace
Reading: Luke 4:16-21; Hebrews 13:8
Devotional:
When Jesus stood in the synagogue and declared, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing," He announced the beginning of an extraordinary era—the age of grace. But here's the beautiful truth: God's grace doesn't stop at conversion. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same grace that saved you is the same grace that restores you when you stumble. You don't jump in and out of God's favor; you swim in it throughout your entire life. When you fail, when you sin, when you stray—the pool of grace remains. Confession and repentance don't earn you grace; they position you to receive what's already freely offered. Today, remember that you're living in the midst of God's favor right now.
Reflection Question: How does knowing God's grace is continual, not conditional, change how you approach Him after failure?
Day 3: Beauty for Ashes
Reading: Isaiah 61:1-7
Devotional:
God specializes in divine exchanges. He trades beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for despair. Israel heard these promises during their darkest hour—facing exile, destruction, and devastation. Yet God promised restoration. Perhaps you're in your own dark season today, feeling like the lowest of lows. Friend, the same God who promised Israel redemption offers you the same hope. He doesn't just patch up your brokenness; He completely transforms it. Where you see ruins, He sees reconstruction. Where you feel shame, He offers a double portion of blessing. The Messiah came not just to save perfect people, but to rescue broken ones. Your current ashes are the raw material for God's beautiful work. Let Him make the exchange today.
Reflection Question: What "ashes" in your life do you need to surrender to God in exchange for His beauty?
Day 4: The Day and the Year
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; 2 Peter 3:10-13
Devotional:
Scripture speaks of two distinct times: the year of the Lord's favor and the day of the Lord's vengeance.
We currently live in the year—the extended season of grace where salvation's door remains open. But the day is coming—a specific moment when Christ returns and judgment arrives. Jesus intentionally stopped reading Isaiah 61 before mentioning vengeance because that day hadn't yet come. It still hasn't. This is both comforting and urgent. Comforting because grace is still available. Urgent because the day will come when the opportunity closes. This isn't meant to frighten but to motivate. Today is the day of salvation. Today the gift is offered. Today you can choose.
Don't assume you'll have tomorrow to make the most important decision of your life.
Reflection Question: If today were the day of the Lord's return, would you be ready? What needs to change in your life?
Day 5: Cashing In Your Gift Card
Reading: Luke 2:8-14; Romans 6:23
Devotional:
Americans have billions of dollars in unused gift cards sitting in drawers and wallets. But there's an infinitely more valuable gift that too many leave unclaimed—the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. You don't have to earn it. You can't pay for it. You don't need to impress God to receive it. You simply come as you are, admit your need, and accept what Jesus did on the cross. The gift has already been purchased with His blood. The transaction is complete. All that remains is for you to receive it. Don't pass the manger and miss the gift God sent. Don't let religious pride, past failures, or future fears keep you from the greatest treasure ever offered. The year of the Lord's favor is now. The gift is yours. Will you take it?
Reflection Question: Have you personally received God's gift of salvation? If so, who in your life needs to hear about this gift today?
Closing Prayer: Father, thank You for opening the door of grace through Jesus Christ. Help us not to leave Your precious gift unclaimed. Give us faith to receive Your salvation, courage to walk in Your grace daily, and boldness to share this good news with others. We live in the year of Your favor—may we never take it for granted. In Jesus' name, Amen.