Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide from the sermon on 8/24 - New Beginnings.
Day 1: Returning to God's Love
Reading: Hosea 14:1-4
Devotional: God's call for us to return to Him echoes throughout Scripture, but perhaps nowhere as poignantly as in Hosea. Just as Israel was urged to return to the Lord, we too are invited daily to turn back to God's unfailing love. Reflect on areas in your life where you may have drifted from God. What "iniquities" or stumbling blocks are hindering your relationship with Him? Remember, God promises to "heal your backsliding" and "love you freely." Today, take a moment to confess any areas of disobedience and receive God's healing love anew.
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Day 2: The Power of True Repentance
Reading: Acts 26:15-20
Devotional: True repentance goes beyond mere words; it involves a complete change of direction in our lives. Paul's testimony reminds us that repentance should be accompanied by "deeds consistent with repentance." Consider your own journey of faith. Are there areas where you've acknowledged sin but haven't fully turned away from it? Ask God to reveal any inconsistencies between your professed faith and your actions. Commit to taking one practical step today that demonstrates your commitment to living out your repentance.
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Day 3: Pursuing Holiness in All Areas
Reading: 1 Peter 1:13-16
Devotional: God calls us to be holy in all our conduct, reflecting His own holy nature. This pursuit of holiness isn't about perfection, but about progressive transformation into Christ's likeness. Examine your life – are there "gray areas" where you've become complacent about sin? Remember, holiness isn't just about avoiding obvious wrongs, but actively pursuing righteousness in every aspect of life. Today, choose one area of your life (thoughts, speech, actions) and intentionally seek to align it more closely with God's standard of holiness.
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Day 4: Finding Hope in New Beginnings
Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Devotional: In Christ, we are new creations – the old has gone, the new has come! This promise of new beginnings is at the heart of the gospel. No matter your past failures or current struggles, God offers you a fresh start today. Reflect on the areas of your life where you feel stuck or defeated. How might embracing your identity as a new creation in Christ change your perspective on these challenges? Ask God to help you see yourself and your circumstances through His eyes of hope and possibility.
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Day 5: Experiencing God's Presence in Every Season Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Isaiah 43:18-19
Devotional: Life is full of changing seasons, but God's presence remains constant. He promises to be like the dew – a daily, refreshing presence in our lives. As you reflect on the current season of your life, where do you see God at work? Even in difficult times, He is "doing a new thing." Take time to quiet your heart and become aware of God's presence with you right now. Thank Him for His faithfulness in every season, and ask for eyes to see the new things He is bringing forth in your life and in the world around you.
Day 1: Returning to God's Love
Reading: Hosea 14:1-4
Devotional: God's call for us to return to Him echoes throughout Scripture, but perhaps nowhere as poignantly as in Hosea. Just as Israel was urged to return to the Lord, we too are invited daily to turn back to God's unfailing love. Reflect on areas in your life where you may have drifted from God. What "iniquities" or stumbling blocks are hindering your relationship with Him? Remember, God promises to "heal your backsliding" and "love you freely." Today, take a moment to confess any areas of disobedience and receive God's healing love anew.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 2: The Power of True Repentance
Reading: Acts 26:15-20
Devotional: True repentance goes beyond mere words; it involves a complete change of direction in our lives. Paul's testimony reminds us that repentance should be accompanied by "deeds consistent with repentance." Consider your own journey of faith. Are there areas where you've acknowledged sin but haven't fully turned away from it? Ask God to reveal any inconsistencies between your professed faith and your actions. Commit to taking one practical step today that demonstrates your commitment to living out your repentance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 3: Pursuing Holiness in All Areas
Reading: 1 Peter 1:13-16
Devotional: God calls us to be holy in all our conduct, reflecting His own holy nature. This pursuit of holiness isn't about perfection, but about progressive transformation into Christ's likeness. Examine your life – are there "gray areas" where you've become complacent about sin? Remember, holiness isn't just about avoiding obvious wrongs, but actively pursuing righteousness in every aspect of life. Today, choose one area of your life (thoughts, speech, actions) and intentionally seek to align it more closely with God's standard of holiness.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 4: Finding Hope in New Beginnings
Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Devotional: In Christ, we are new creations – the old has gone, the new has come! This promise of new beginnings is at the heart of the gospel. No matter your past failures or current struggles, God offers you a fresh start today. Reflect on the areas of your life where you feel stuck or defeated. How might embracing your identity as a new creation in Christ change your perspective on these challenges? Ask God to help you see yourself and your circumstances through His eyes of hope and possibility.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 5: Experiencing God's Presence in Every Season Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Isaiah 43:18-19
Devotional: Life is full of changing seasons, but God's presence remains constant. He promises to be like the dew – a daily, refreshing presence in our lives. As you reflect on the current season of your life, where do you see God at work? Even in difficult times, He is "doing a new thing." Take time to quiet your heart and become aware of God's presence with you right now. Thank Him for His faithfulness in every season, and ask for eyes to see the new things He is bringing forth in your life and in the world around you.
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