July 9th, 2025
by Matthew Spoon
by Matthew Spoon
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from this week's sermon and blog post:
Day 1: God's Persistent Love
Reading: Jonah 1:1-17
Devotional: Just as God pursued Jonah despite his disobedience, He pursues us with relentless love. Jonah's attempt to flee from God's presence reminds us that we can never truly escape God's watchful eye or loving care. Even in our moments of rebellion, God is working to bring us back to Him. Reflect on times when you've felt distant from God. How did He draw you back? Consider how God's persistent love has manifested in your life, even during difficult times. Today, thank God for His unfailing love and ask for the strength to respond to His call with obedience.
Day 2: Faith in the Depths
Reading: Jonah 2:1-10
Devotional: Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish demonstrates that no circumstance is too dire for faith. Even in what seemed like certain death, Jonah turned to God in prayer. This serves as a powerful reminder that God hears us in our darkest moments. When have you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges? How did your faith sustain you? Today, practice crying out to God in both good times and bad. Remember that salvation belongs to the Lord, and He can deliver us from any situation. Ask God to strengthen your faith, especially when facing difficulties.
Day 3: The Power of Second Chances
Reading: Jonah 3:1-10
Devotional: "The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time" - what a beautiful picture of God's grace! Despite Jonah's initial disobedience, God gave him another opportunity to fulfill his calling. This reminds us that it's never too late to answer God's call or to start anew in our walk with Him. Reflect on areas in your life where you may need a fresh start. How can you embrace the second chances God offers? Today, thank God for His endless grace and ask for the courage to step out in faith, even if you've faltered before.
Day 4: God's Presence in Suffering
Reading: Psalm 139:7-12
Devotional: The story of Jonah reminds us that even in our lowest moments - like being in the belly of a fish - God is present. This Psalm beautifully articulates the omnipresence of God, assuring us that there's nowhere we can go where God is not. In times of suffering or isolation, it's easy to feel abandoned. But God promises to be with us always. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a difficult situation. How did this change your perspective? Today, practice being aware of God's presence in every moment, both in joy and in sorrow.
Day 5: Answering God's Call
Reading: Matthew 28:16-20
Devotional: Unlike Jonah's initial reluctance, Jesus calls us to go willingly and make disciples of all nations. This Great Commission echoes God's call to Jonah, reminding us that we all have a role in sharing God's love with others. Consider what unique gifts and experiences God has given you. How might He be calling you to use these to serve others and spread His message? Today, pray for clarity in understanding your calling and for the courage to say "yes" to God's plans for your life, even when they seem challenging or unexpected.
Day 1: God's Persistent Love
Reading: Jonah 1:1-17
Devotional: Just as God pursued Jonah despite his disobedience, He pursues us with relentless love. Jonah's attempt to flee from God's presence reminds us that we can never truly escape God's watchful eye or loving care. Even in our moments of rebellion, God is working to bring us back to Him. Reflect on times when you've felt distant from God. How did He draw you back? Consider how God's persistent love has manifested in your life, even during difficult times. Today, thank God for His unfailing love and ask for the strength to respond to His call with obedience.
Day 2: Faith in the Depths
Reading: Jonah 2:1-10
Devotional: Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish demonstrates that no circumstance is too dire for faith. Even in what seemed like certain death, Jonah turned to God in prayer. This serves as a powerful reminder that God hears us in our darkest moments. When have you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges? How did your faith sustain you? Today, practice crying out to God in both good times and bad. Remember that salvation belongs to the Lord, and He can deliver us from any situation. Ask God to strengthen your faith, especially when facing difficulties.
Day 3: The Power of Second Chances
Reading: Jonah 3:1-10
Devotional: "The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time" - what a beautiful picture of God's grace! Despite Jonah's initial disobedience, God gave him another opportunity to fulfill his calling. This reminds us that it's never too late to answer God's call or to start anew in our walk with Him. Reflect on areas in your life where you may need a fresh start. How can you embrace the second chances God offers? Today, thank God for His endless grace and ask for the courage to step out in faith, even if you've faltered before.
Day 4: God's Presence in Suffering
Reading: Psalm 139:7-12
Devotional: The story of Jonah reminds us that even in our lowest moments - like being in the belly of a fish - God is present. This Psalm beautifully articulates the omnipresence of God, assuring us that there's nowhere we can go where God is not. In times of suffering or isolation, it's easy to feel abandoned. But God promises to be with us always. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a difficult situation. How did this change your perspective? Today, practice being aware of God's presence in every moment, both in joy and in sorrow.
Day 5: Answering God's Call
Reading: Matthew 28:16-20
Devotional: Unlike Jonah's initial reluctance, Jesus calls us to go willingly and make disciples of all nations. This Great Commission echoes God's call to Jonah, reminding us that we all have a role in sharing God's love with others. Consider what unique gifts and experiences God has given you. How might He be calling you to use these to serve others and spread His message? Today, pray for clarity in understanding your calling and for the courage to say "yes" to God's plans for your life, even when they seem challenging or unexpected.
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