August 27th, 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 Boundless Mercy
Reading: Jonah 4:1-11
Devotional: As we read about Jonah's anger at God's mercy toward Nineveh, we're confronted with our own attitudes toward those we deem undeserving of grace. God's question to Jonah echoes to us: "Is it right for you to be angry?" Consider the vastness of God's mercy - a mercy that reached you when you were yet His enemy. How might your perspective change if you viewed others through the lens of God's compassion? Today, pray for someone you struggle to love, asking God to help you see them as He does.
Day 2: Finding Joy in God's Will
Reading: Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 2:12-13
Devotional: Jonah found temporary joy in a plant rather than in fulfilling God's mission. How often do we place our happiness in fleeting comforts instead of in God's eternal purposes? Paul encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, aligning our will with God's. Reflect on areas where your desires may conflict with God's will. Ask the Holy Spirit to work in you, creating a heart that delights in God's plans, even when they lead to discomfort or challenge.
Day 3: God's Sovereignty in Our Circumstances
Reading: Proverbs 16:9, Romans 8:28-30
Devotional: Throughout Jonah's story, we see God orchestrating circumstances - from storms to plants to worms - to teach and guide. Our lives, too, are filled with God-ordained moments, both big and small. Consider recent events in your life. How might God be using these to shape you or speak to you? Trust that even in confusion or hardship, God is working all things for the good of those who love Him. Ask for eyes to see His hand in the ordinary moments of your day.
Day 4: The Call to Love Our Enemies
Reading: Matthew 5:43-48, Luke 6:27-36
Devotional: Jonah's resentment toward Nineveh challenges us to examine our own hearts. Jesus calls us to a radical love that extends even to our enemies. This love isn't based on the worthiness of the recipient but on the character of God. Who do you struggle to love? What steps can you take today to show kindness to someone who has hurt you or opposes you? Remember, we love because Christ first loved us when we were still sinners.
Day 5: Embracing God's Mission of Mercy
Reading: 2 Peter 3:9, Matthew 28:18-20
Devotional: God's heart for Nineveh reveals His desire that all should come to repentance. As believers, we're called to participate in this mission of mercy. Like Jonah, we may sometimes feel reluctant or ill-equipped. Yet God can use us as vessels of His grace, even in our imperfection. Reflect on opportunities you have to share God's love with others. How can you be more intentional about showing and telling of God's mercy? Pray for courage and compassion to fulfill the Great Commission in your daily life.
Day 1: God's Boundless Mercy
Reading: Jonah 4:1-11
Devotional: As we read about Jonah's anger at God's mercy toward Nineveh, we're confronted with our own attitudes toward those we deem undeserving of grace. God's question to Jonah echoes to us: "Is it right for you to be angry?" Consider the vastness of God's mercy - a mercy that reached you when you were yet His enemy. How might your perspective change if you viewed others through the lens of God's compassion? Today, pray for someone you struggle to love, asking God to help you see them as He does.
Day 2: Finding Joy in God's Will
Reading: Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 2:12-13
Devotional: Jonah found temporary joy in a plant rather than in fulfilling God's mission. How often do we place our happiness in fleeting comforts instead of in God's eternal purposes? Paul encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, aligning our will with God's. Reflect on areas where your desires may conflict with God's will. Ask the Holy Spirit to work in you, creating a heart that delights in God's plans, even when they lead to discomfort or challenge.
Day 3: God's Sovereignty in Our Circumstances
Reading: Proverbs 16:9, Romans 8:28-30
Devotional: Throughout Jonah's story, we see God orchestrating circumstances - from storms to plants to worms - to teach and guide. Our lives, too, are filled with God-ordained moments, both big and small. Consider recent events in your life. How might God be using these to shape you or speak to you? Trust that even in confusion or hardship, God is working all things for the good of those who love Him. Ask for eyes to see His hand in the ordinary moments of your day.
Day 4: The Call to Love Our Enemies
Reading: Matthew 5:43-48, Luke 6:27-36
Devotional: Jonah's resentment toward Nineveh challenges us to examine our own hearts. Jesus calls us to a radical love that extends even to our enemies. This love isn't based on the worthiness of the recipient but on the character of God. Who do you struggle to love? What steps can you take today to show kindness to someone who has hurt you or opposes you? Remember, we love because Christ first loved us when we were still sinners.
Day 5: Embracing God's Mission of Mercy
Reading: 2 Peter 3:9, Matthew 28:18-20
Devotional: God's heart for Nineveh reveals His desire that all should come to repentance. As believers, we're called to participate in this mission of mercy. Like Jonah, we may sometimes feel reluctant or ill-equipped. Yet God can use us as vessels of His grace, even in our imperfection. Reflect on opportunities you have to share God's love with others. How can you be more intentional about showing and telling of God's mercy? Pray for courage and compassion to fulfill the Great Commission in your daily life.
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