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: The God of Second Chances
Reading: Jonah 3:1-10
Devotional: God's mercy knows no bounds. Just as He gave Jonah a second chance to fulfill his calling, God offers us renewed opportunities to align with His will. Reflect on times when you've felt you've missed God's call or strayed from His path. Remember that God's purposes for you are not thwarted by your mistakes. His grace is sufficient, and His plans for you remain. Today, open your heart to hear God's voice anew. What might He be calling you to do? How can you step into His purpose with renewed faith and obedience?
Day 2: The Power of God's Word
Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13, Romans 1:16-17
Devotional: Jonah's simple message to Nineveh demonstrates the inherent power of God's Word. It doesn't require eloquence or elaborate presentation to change hearts - just faithful delivery. Consider how you might be complicating your witness for Christ. Are you hesitant to share your faith because you feel inadequate? Remember, it's not about your abilities, but about the power of the message itself. Today, pray for opportunities to simply and boldly share God's truth with others, trusting in its transformative power.
Day 3: No One is Beyond God's Reach
Reading: Luke 19:1-10
Devotional: The surprising repentance of Nineveh reminds us that no one is too far gone for God's saving grace. Like Zacchaeus, even those society deems as "sinners" can experience radical transformation through an encounter with God. Reflect on your own prejudices. Are there people or groups you've written off as unreachable? Ask God to give you His heart for the lost and the courage to extend His love to those you might have overlooked.
Day 4: The Path of Humility
Reading: James 4:6-10
Devotional: The king of Nineveh's response - descending from his throne to sit in ashes - exemplifies the humility required for true repentance. Pride is often the greatest barrier between us and God. Examine your heart today. In what areas of your life are you clinging to self-sufficiency or self-righteousness? How might God be calling you to humble yourself before Him? Remember, it is in our weakness that His strength is perfected.
Day 5: God's Heart for Salvation
Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-9, Ezekiel 33:11
Devotional: God's response to Nineveh's repentance reveals His deepest desire - not for judgment, but for redemption. He is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." This truth should fill us with hope and gratitude. It should also shape how we view others. Do you share God's heart for the lost? Spend time in prayer today, asking God to align your desires with His. Pray by name for those in your life who don't yet know Christ, and ask God for wisdom in how to demonstrate His love and share the hope of salvation with them.
Day 1: The God of Second Chances
Reading: Jonah 3:1-10
Devotional: God's mercy knows no bounds. Just as He gave Jonah a second chance to fulfill his calling, God offers us renewed opportunities to align with His will. Reflect on times when you've felt you've missed God's call or strayed from His path. Remember that God's purposes for you are not thwarted by your mistakes. His grace is sufficient, and His plans for you remain. Today, open your heart to hear God's voice anew. What might He be calling you to do? How can you step into His purpose with renewed faith and obedience?
Day 2: The Power of God's Word
Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13, Romans 1:16-17
Devotional: Jonah's simple message to Nineveh demonstrates the inherent power of God's Word. It doesn't require eloquence or elaborate presentation to change hearts - just faithful delivery. Consider how you might be complicating your witness for Christ. Are you hesitant to share your faith because you feel inadequate? Remember, it's not about your abilities, but about the power of the message itself. Today, pray for opportunities to simply and boldly share God's truth with others, trusting in its transformative power.
Day 3: No One is Beyond God's Reach
Reading: Luke 19:1-10
Devotional: The surprising repentance of Nineveh reminds us that no one is too far gone for God's saving grace. Like Zacchaeus, even those society deems as "sinners" can experience radical transformation through an encounter with God. Reflect on your own prejudices. Are there people or groups you've written off as unreachable? Ask God to give you His heart for the lost and the courage to extend His love to those you might have overlooked.
Day 4: The Path of Humility
Reading: James 4:6-10
Devotional: The king of Nineveh's response - descending from his throne to sit in ashes - exemplifies the humility required for true repentance. Pride is often the greatest barrier between us and God. Examine your heart today. In what areas of your life are you clinging to self-sufficiency or self-righteousness? How might God be calling you to humble yourself before Him? Remember, it is in our weakness that His strength is perfected.
Day 5: God's Heart for Salvation
Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-9, Ezekiel 33:11
Devotional: God's response to Nineveh's repentance reveals His deepest desire - not for judgment, but for redemption. He is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." This truth should fill us with hope and gratitude. It should also shape how we view others. Do you share God's heart for the lost? Spend time in prayer today, asking God to align your desires with His. Pray by name for those in your life who don't yet know Christ, and ask God for wisdom in how to demonstrate His love and share the hope of salvation with them.
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