June 23rd, 2025
by Matthew Spoon
by Matthew Spoon
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the theme from this week's sermon and blog post:
Day 1: Pursuing God's Purpose
Reading: Jonah 1:1-3, Romans 8:28-30
Devotional: Just as God had a specific purpose for Jonah, He has a purpose for each of us. Sometimes, like Jonah, we may run from God's call, fearing the challenges it might bring. But God's purposes are always for our good and His glory. Today, reflect on areas in your life where you might be resisting God's leading. Are there "Ninevehs" in your life - places or people God is calling you to reach? Remember, God's persistence in pursuing Jonah shows His relentless love for us and His desire to use us in His divine plan. Pray for the courage to say "yes" to God's purpose for your life, trusting that He will equip you for whatever He calls you to do.
Day 2: God's Persistent Love
Reading: Luke 15:1-7, 1 John 4:7-21
Devotional: The story of Jonah vividly illustrates God's persistent love, not just for Jonah but for the people of Nineveh as well. Like the shepherd seeking the lost sheep, God pursues us with relentless love. Even when we run, God doesn't give up on us. Today, meditate on God's persistent love in your own life. How has God pursued you in times when you've strayed? How can you reflect this persistent love to others, especially those who seem far from God? Remember, we love because He first loved us. Let God's persistent love flow through you to touch the lives of those around you.
Day 3: Salvation Through Sacrifice
Reading: John 3:16-17, Romans 5:6-11
Devotional: The sailors throwing Jonah overboard to calm the storm foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our salvation. Just as Jonah's sacrifice saved the sailors, Jesus' sacrifice saves us from the storm of God's wrath against sin. Unlike human efforts to "lighten the ship" of our lives, true salvation comes only through faith in Christ's sacrifice. Today, reflect on the depth of God's love demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice. How does this impact your daily life? How can you live in a way that demonstrates gratitude for this incredible gift of salvation? Let the reality of Christ's sacrifice motivate you to live fully for Him.
Day 4: Awakening from Spiritual Slumber
Reading: Ephesians 5:8-20, Romans 13:11-14
Devotional: Jonah's deep sleep during the storm is a powerful metaphor for spiritual slumber. In our comfortable lives, it's easy to become spiritually drowsy, unaware of the storms raging around us or the consequences of our disobedience. God often uses circumstances to wake us up, just as He used the storm and the pagan sailors to awaken Jonah. Today, ask God to show you areas where you might be spiritually asleep. Are there aspects of your faith that have become routine or areas of obedience you've been neglecting? Pray for a renewed spiritual alertness and commitment to living fully awake to God's presence and purpose in your life.
Day 5: God's Provision in Unexpected Places
Reading: Isaiah 55:8-11, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Devotional: God's preparation of a great fish to swallow Jonah demonstrates His incredible foresight and provision, even in the most unlikely circumstances. Often, what we perceive as punishment or misfortune can be God's means of redirecting us and providing for our ultimate good. Like Paul's thorn in the flesh, our challenges can become the very means by which God's power is perfected in our weakness. Today, consider the "great fish" moments in your life - times when God's provision came in unexpected or even unwelcome forms. How have difficulties or setbacks ultimately served God's purpose in your life? Pray for eyes to see God's provision in all circumstances and the faith to trust His plan, even when it doesn't match your expectations.
Day 1: Pursuing God's Purpose
Reading: Jonah 1:1-3, Romans 8:28-30
Devotional: Just as God had a specific purpose for Jonah, He has a purpose for each of us. Sometimes, like Jonah, we may run from God's call, fearing the challenges it might bring. But God's purposes are always for our good and His glory. Today, reflect on areas in your life where you might be resisting God's leading. Are there "Ninevehs" in your life - places or people God is calling you to reach? Remember, God's persistence in pursuing Jonah shows His relentless love for us and His desire to use us in His divine plan. Pray for the courage to say "yes" to God's purpose for your life, trusting that He will equip you for whatever He calls you to do.
Day 2: God's Persistent Love
Reading: Luke 15:1-7, 1 John 4:7-21
Devotional: The story of Jonah vividly illustrates God's persistent love, not just for Jonah but for the people of Nineveh as well. Like the shepherd seeking the lost sheep, God pursues us with relentless love. Even when we run, God doesn't give up on us. Today, meditate on God's persistent love in your own life. How has God pursued you in times when you've strayed? How can you reflect this persistent love to others, especially those who seem far from God? Remember, we love because He first loved us. Let God's persistent love flow through you to touch the lives of those around you.
Day 3: Salvation Through Sacrifice
Reading: John 3:16-17, Romans 5:6-11
Devotional: The sailors throwing Jonah overboard to calm the storm foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our salvation. Just as Jonah's sacrifice saved the sailors, Jesus' sacrifice saves us from the storm of God's wrath against sin. Unlike human efforts to "lighten the ship" of our lives, true salvation comes only through faith in Christ's sacrifice. Today, reflect on the depth of God's love demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice. How does this impact your daily life? How can you live in a way that demonstrates gratitude for this incredible gift of salvation? Let the reality of Christ's sacrifice motivate you to live fully for Him.
Day 4: Awakening from Spiritual Slumber
Reading: Ephesians 5:8-20, Romans 13:11-14
Devotional: Jonah's deep sleep during the storm is a powerful metaphor for spiritual slumber. In our comfortable lives, it's easy to become spiritually drowsy, unaware of the storms raging around us or the consequences of our disobedience. God often uses circumstances to wake us up, just as He used the storm and the pagan sailors to awaken Jonah. Today, ask God to show you areas where you might be spiritually asleep. Are there aspects of your faith that have become routine or areas of obedience you've been neglecting? Pray for a renewed spiritual alertness and commitment to living fully awake to God's presence and purpose in your life.
Day 5: God's Provision in Unexpected Places
Reading: Isaiah 55:8-11, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Devotional: God's preparation of a great fish to swallow Jonah demonstrates His incredible foresight and provision, even in the most unlikely circumstances. Often, what we perceive as punishment or misfortune can be God's means of redirecting us and providing for our ultimate good. Like Paul's thorn in the flesh, our challenges can become the very means by which God's power is perfected in our weakness. Today, consider the "great fish" moments in your life - times when God's provision came in unexpected or even unwelcome forms. How have difficulties or setbacks ultimately served God's purpose in your life? Pray for eyes to see God's provision in all circumstances and the faith to trust His plan, even when it doesn't match your expectations.
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