April 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: Awakening from Lukewarmness
Reading: Revelation 3:14-22
Devotional: The church in Laodicea thought they had it all, but Jesus saw their true spiritual condition. How often do we fall into this trap, believing we're spiritually rich when we're actually poor? Today, ask God to open your spiritual eyes. Are there areas in your life where you've become lukewarm? Where have you relied on worldly comforts instead of Christ's riches? Pray for a renewed passion and zeal for Jesus. Remember, He stands at the door of your heart, knocking. Will you invite Him in for intimate fellowship today?
Day 2: The Refiner's Fire
Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Devotional: Just as gold is refined by fire, our faith is refined through trials. The Laodicean church was urged to buy "gold refined in the fire" from Christ. This speaks to a faith that has been tested and purified. Reflect on the challenges you're facing right now. How might God be using these to strengthen your faith? Instead of running from difficulties, embrace them as opportunities for spiritual growth. Ask God for the strength to persevere and for eyes to see His work in your life, even in the midst of struggle.
Day 3: Clothed in Christ's Righteousness
Reading: Isaiah 61:10-11 and Galatians 3:26-27
Devotional: The Laodiceans prided themselves on their fine clothes, but Jesus offered them "white garments" - His own righteousness. We can never earn our way to God through our own goodness. Today, meditate on the beautiful truth that in Christ, you are clothed in His perfect righteousness. How does this change your view of yourself? How might it impact how you approach God in prayer? Thank Jesus for this incredible gift and ask Him to help you live in a way that reflects His righteousness to others.
Day 4: Seeing with Spiritual Eyes
Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23
Devotional: Jesus offered the Laodiceans "eye salve" to cure their spiritual blindness. Paul's prayer for the Ephesians echoes this, asking God to give them spiritual insight. Today, pray for God to open the eyes of your heart. Where in your life do you need greater spiritual discernment? Ask God to help you see your circumstances, your relationships, and the world around you from His perspective. Pray for wisdom to recognize His work in your life and for courage to respond obediently to what He reveals.
Day 5: Dining with Jesus
Reading: John 15:1-11
Devotional: Jesus promises to come in and dine with anyone who opens the door to Him. This image speaks of close, intimate fellowship. In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to describe this deep connection. How connected do you feel to Jesus right now? Are you abiding in Him, drawing your strength and sustenance from His presence? Today, intentionally "dine" with Jesus. Spend extra time in prayer, not just talking, but listening. Meditate on His Word. Ask Him to fill you with His joy and to make you fruitful for His kingdom.
Day 1: Awakening from Lukewarmness
Reading: Revelation 3:14-22
Devotional: The church in Laodicea thought they had it all, but Jesus saw their true spiritual condition. How often do we fall into this trap, believing we're spiritually rich when we're actually poor? Today, ask God to open your spiritual eyes. Are there areas in your life where you've become lukewarm? Where have you relied on worldly comforts instead of Christ's riches? Pray for a renewed passion and zeal for Jesus. Remember, He stands at the door of your heart, knocking. Will you invite Him in for intimate fellowship today?
Day 2: The Refiner's Fire
Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Devotional: Just as gold is refined by fire, our faith is refined through trials. The Laodicean church was urged to buy "gold refined in the fire" from Christ. This speaks to a faith that has been tested and purified. Reflect on the challenges you're facing right now. How might God be using these to strengthen your faith? Instead of running from difficulties, embrace them as opportunities for spiritual growth. Ask God for the strength to persevere and for eyes to see His work in your life, even in the midst of struggle.
Day 3: Clothed in Christ's Righteousness
Reading: Isaiah 61:10-11 and Galatians 3:26-27
Devotional: The Laodiceans prided themselves on their fine clothes, but Jesus offered them "white garments" - His own righteousness. We can never earn our way to God through our own goodness. Today, meditate on the beautiful truth that in Christ, you are clothed in His perfect righteousness. How does this change your view of yourself? How might it impact how you approach God in prayer? Thank Jesus for this incredible gift and ask Him to help you live in a way that reflects His righteousness to others.
Day 4: Seeing with Spiritual Eyes
Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23
Devotional: Jesus offered the Laodiceans "eye salve" to cure their spiritual blindness. Paul's prayer for the Ephesians echoes this, asking God to give them spiritual insight. Today, pray for God to open the eyes of your heart. Where in your life do you need greater spiritual discernment? Ask God to help you see your circumstances, your relationships, and the world around you from His perspective. Pray for wisdom to recognize His work in your life and for courage to respond obediently to what He reveals.
Day 5: Dining with Jesus
Reading: John 15:1-11
Devotional: Jesus promises to come in and dine with anyone who opens the door to Him. This image speaks of close, intimate fellowship. In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to describe this deep connection. How connected do you feel to Jesus right now? Are you abiding in Him, drawing your strength and sustenance from His presence? Today, intentionally "dine" with Jesus. Spend extra time in prayer, not just talking, but listening. Meditate on His Word. Ask Him to fill you with His joy and to make you fruitful for His kingdom.
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