April 21st, 2026
by Matthew Spoon
by Matthew Spoon
5-Day Devotional: Living in the Light of Resurrection
Day 1: When Darkness Turns to Light
Reading: John 21:1-6
Devotional: The disciples fished all night in darkness and caught nothing. Their labor was fruitless until Jesus appeared with the morning light. How often do we toil in our own strength, working through the darkness of confusion or discouragement? John's gospel consistently contrasts darkness with light—not just physically, but spiritually. When we operate apart from Christ's presence and direction, we labor in vain. But when Jesus shows up, everything changes. The light of His presence transforms our fruitless efforts into abundant harvest. Today, ask yourself: Am I working in my own darkness, or am I waiting for Christ's light to guide my efforts? Surrender your plans to Him and watch how He multiplies your fruitfulness when you follow His direction.
Reflection question: What "darkness" am I working in that needs Christ's light?
Day 2: The Fire of Restoration
Reading: John 21:7-14
Devotional: Peter stood before the same kind of charcoal fire where he had denied Jesus three times. Yet this fire became the place of his restoration, not his condemnation. God has a beautiful way of redeeming our painful memories. The very setting of our failure can become the altar of our healing. Jesus didn't avoid the uncomfortable reminder; He used it intentionally. Your past mistakes can become the compost that enriches your future ministry. God wastes nothing—not even our failures. He invites us to breakfast, to fellowship, to intimacy despite our denials. Are you avoiding places or memories where you failed God? Perhaps He's calling you back there, not to shame you, but to restore you. Let the fire of your denial become the fire of your restoration.
Reflection question: What failure needs to become my place of restoration?
Day 3: The Question That Defines Us
Reading: John 21:15-17
Devotional: "Do you love me?" Jesus asked Peter three times, once for each denial. He didn't ask about Peter's doctrine, his performance, or his position. He asked about love. This is the defining question of the Christian life. Not how much we know, how well we serve, or how impressive our ministry appears, but simply: Do we love Jesus? Everything else flows from this central reality. The church at Ephesus did everything right but lost their first love—and Jesus rebuked them. Your love for Christ should be the fuel that powers your service, the motivation behind your obedience, the joy in your worship. Examine your heart today. Have you been going through religious motions without the fire of love? Return to your first love. Let everything you do flow from genuine affection for Jesus.
Reflection question: Can I honestly say I love Jesus above all else?
Day 4: More Than These
Reading: Mark 8:34-38; Matthew 6:19-21
Devotional: "Do you love me more than these?" Jesus asked Peter, possibly pointing to the boats, nets, and fish—the security of his old profession. What are the "these" in your life? Career success? Financial security? Comfort? Relationships? Reputation? Jesus doesn't demand we love nothing else; He asks to be loved supremely, above all else. Peter had momentarily returned to what was familiar and safe, but Jesus called him back to the uncomfortable adventure of following Him. Your supreme love determines your life's direction. Where your attention goes, your energy flows. What competes with Jesus for first place in your heart? Today, identify those "these" and consciously place Jesus above them. True freedom comes not from having nothing else, but from loving Jesus more than everything else.
Reflection Question: What "these" compete with Christ for supremacy in my heart?
Day 5: Recommissioned for Purpose
Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Devotional: After restoration came recommission: "Feed my sheep." Peter wasn't just forgiven; he was sent back into ministry. One bad chapter doesn't have to be the title of your book. God uses flawed people because there are no other kind. Every vessel He uses is weak and imperfect, yet fashioned by His grace for kingdom purposes. You are not disqualified by your failures. You are part of Christ's body, gifted and called for specific ministry. Perhaps you've stepped back from serving because of past mistakes or present inadequacy. Jesus is calling you today: Be recommissioned. Your weakness is the perfect canvas for His strength. Your past can inform your compassion. Your restoration story can bring hope to others. Don't let shame silence your calling. Let your love for Jesus fuel your return to purpose. Feed His sheep.
Reflection question: How is God calling me to feed His sheep with my unique gifts?
Day 1: When Darkness Turns to Light
Reading: John 21:1-6
Devotional: The disciples fished all night in darkness and caught nothing. Their labor was fruitless until Jesus appeared with the morning light. How often do we toil in our own strength, working through the darkness of confusion or discouragement? John's gospel consistently contrasts darkness with light—not just physically, but spiritually. When we operate apart from Christ's presence and direction, we labor in vain. But when Jesus shows up, everything changes. The light of His presence transforms our fruitless efforts into abundant harvest. Today, ask yourself: Am I working in my own darkness, or am I waiting for Christ's light to guide my efforts? Surrender your plans to Him and watch how He multiplies your fruitfulness when you follow His direction.
Reflection question: What "darkness" am I working in that needs Christ's light?
Day 2: The Fire of Restoration
Reading: John 21:7-14
Devotional: Peter stood before the same kind of charcoal fire where he had denied Jesus three times. Yet this fire became the place of his restoration, not his condemnation. God has a beautiful way of redeeming our painful memories. The very setting of our failure can become the altar of our healing. Jesus didn't avoid the uncomfortable reminder; He used it intentionally. Your past mistakes can become the compost that enriches your future ministry. God wastes nothing—not even our failures. He invites us to breakfast, to fellowship, to intimacy despite our denials. Are you avoiding places or memories where you failed God? Perhaps He's calling you back there, not to shame you, but to restore you. Let the fire of your denial become the fire of your restoration.
Reflection question: What failure needs to become my place of restoration?
Day 3: The Question That Defines Us
Reading: John 21:15-17
Devotional: "Do you love me?" Jesus asked Peter three times, once for each denial. He didn't ask about Peter's doctrine, his performance, or his position. He asked about love. This is the defining question of the Christian life. Not how much we know, how well we serve, or how impressive our ministry appears, but simply: Do we love Jesus? Everything else flows from this central reality. The church at Ephesus did everything right but lost their first love—and Jesus rebuked them. Your love for Christ should be the fuel that powers your service, the motivation behind your obedience, the joy in your worship. Examine your heart today. Have you been going through religious motions without the fire of love? Return to your first love. Let everything you do flow from genuine affection for Jesus.
Reflection question: Can I honestly say I love Jesus above all else?
Day 4: More Than These
Reading: Mark 8:34-38; Matthew 6:19-21
Devotional: "Do you love me more than these?" Jesus asked Peter, possibly pointing to the boats, nets, and fish—the security of his old profession. What are the "these" in your life? Career success? Financial security? Comfort? Relationships? Reputation? Jesus doesn't demand we love nothing else; He asks to be loved supremely, above all else. Peter had momentarily returned to what was familiar and safe, but Jesus called him back to the uncomfortable adventure of following Him. Your supreme love determines your life's direction. Where your attention goes, your energy flows. What competes with Jesus for first place in your heart? Today, identify those "these" and consciously place Jesus above them. True freedom comes not from having nothing else, but from loving Jesus more than everything else.
Reflection Question: What "these" compete with Christ for supremacy in my heart?
Day 5: Recommissioned for Purpose
Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Devotional: After restoration came recommission: "Feed my sheep." Peter wasn't just forgiven; he was sent back into ministry. One bad chapter doesn't have to be the title of your book. God uses flawed people because there are no other kind. Every vessel He uses is weak and imperfect, yet fashioned by His grace for kingdom purposes. You are not disqualified by your failures. You are part of Christ's body, gifted and called for specific ministry. Perhaps you've stepped back from serving because of past mistakes or present inadequacy. Jesus is calling you today: Be recommissioned. Your weakness is the perfect canvas for His strength. Your past can inform your compassion. Your restoration story can bring hope to others. Don't let shame silence your calling. Let your love for Jesus fuel your return to purpose. Feed His sheep.
Reflection question: How is God calling me to feed His sheep with my unique gifts?
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