January 13th, 2026
by Matthew Spoon
by Matthew Spoon
5-Day Devotional: Awake to Your Purpose
Day 1: Wake Up to the Time
Reading: Romans 13:11-14
Devotional: Time is fleeting, and our salvation draws nearer each day. Paul urges believers to recognize the spiritual season we're in—the last days before Christ's return. Like the children of Issacar who understood their times, we must discern this moment in history. Are you spiritually awake or hitting the snooze button on your faith? This new season is your opportunity to assess where you've invested your time and treasure. Stop passing time and start making an eternal impact. Jesus could return at any moment. Don't let Him find you spiritually asleep. Today, commit to waking up to God's purposes, reading His Word, and living intentionally for His kingdom.
Reflection: What areas of your spiritual life have been in "snooze mode"? What specific step will you take today to wake up?
Day 2: Cast Off the Works of Darkness
Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14
Devotional: Light and darkness cannot coexist. As children of light, we're called to cast off the works of darkness—revelry, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and strife. These aren't just outward behaviors; they represent living for fleshly appetites rather than spiritual purpose. The most miserable people chase temporary pleasures down a path that leads to emptiness. Examine your heart: Are you harboring bitterness toward someone? Is there a sin you've made provision for by bringing "swimming trunks" when you know you shouldn't swim? This is your moment to get cleaned up. Confess those hidden sins, seek an accountability partner, and remove every provision you've made for the flesh. Walk as a child of light.
Reflection: What "work of darkness" do you need to cast off today? Who can you ask to hold you accountable?
Day 3: Put On the Armor of Light
Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18
Devotional: There's a spiritual battle raging, and you need to be dressed for it. Paul calls us to put on the full armor of God—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. But notice: this armor is called "armor of light." We're not just defending against darkness; we're actively advancing God's kingdom with His light. The shield of faith quenches the enemy's attacks. The sword of the Spirit—God's Word—is your offensive weapon. Gospel shoes keep you moving forward in mission. Are you dressed for battle or wandering through life unprepared? Get dressed up spiritually. Daily put on Christ, making Him Lord over every area of your life.
Reflection: Which piece of spiritual armor do you most need to strengthen today? How will you "put it on"?
Day 4: Make Jesus Lord
Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Devotional: "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ" means more than wearing a Christian label—it means making Him Lord of your life. Not just Savior, but Lord. What truly rules your life? Your desires? Your comfort? Your reputation? If someone examined your schedule, your spending, and your conversations, would they conclude that Jesus is your Lord? Lordship requires surrender—dying to self-will and living for His purposes. It means making plans for holiness rather than provisions for the flesh. Every morning, declare: "Jesus is my Lord today." Then live accordingly. Let every decision, conversation, and moment reflect His rule in your life. This is what it means to be dressed in Christ.
Reflection: In what area of your life have you been holding back from Jesus' lordship? Will you surrender it today?
Day 5: Witness While You Can
Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Devotional: Heaven will be glorious, but there's one thing we can do now that we won't be able to do there—share the gospel with the lost. We're living in the last moments of the last days. Christ's return is imminent. The night is far spent; the day is at hand. This urgency should compel us to witness boldly. Are you looking for opportunities to tell others about Jesus? Does your life reflect Him to a watching world? Don't let this year pass with a cold love for souls. As you wake up spiritually, get cleaned up from sin, and get dressed in Christ's armor, step into your calling as an ambassador for Christ. Someone's eternity may depend on your willingness to speak.
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus? Will you commit to sharing the gospel with them this week?
Closing Challenge: This year, don't be a spiritual couch potato waiting for Jesus' return. Wake up, clean up, and dress up. Live with eternity in view, making every moment count for His kingdom. The time is now.
Day 1: Wake Up to the Time
Reading: Romans 13:11-14
Devotional: Time is fleeting, and our salvation draws nearer each day. Paul urges believers to recognize the spiritual season we're in—the last days before Christ's return. Like the children of Issacar who understood their times, we must discern this moment in history. Are you spiritually awake or hitting the snooze button on your faith? This new season is your opportunity to assess where you've invested your time and treasure. Stop passing time and start making an eternal impact. Jesus could return at any moment. Don't let Him find you spiritually asleep. Today, commit to waking up to God's purposes, reading His Word, and living intentionally for His kingdom.
Reflection: What areas of your spiritual life have been in "snooze mode"? What specific step will you take today to wake up?
Day 2: Cast Off the Works of Darkness
Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14
Devotional: Light and darkness cannot coexist. As children of light, we're called to cast off the works of darkness—revelry, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and strife. These aren't just outward behaviors; they represent living for fleshly appetites rather than spiritual purpose. The most miserable people chase temporary pleasures down a path that leads to emptiness. Examine your heart: Are you harboring bitterness toward someone? Is there a sin you've made provision for by bringing "swimming trunks" when you know you shouldn't swim? This is your moment to get cleaned up. Confess those hidden sins, seek an accountability partner, and remove every provision you've made for the flesh. Walk as a child of light.
Reflection: What "work of darkness" do you need to cast off today? Who can you ask to hold you accountable?
Day 3: Put On the Armor of Light
Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18
Devotional: There's a spiritual battle raging, and you need to be dressed for it. Paul calls us to put on the full armor of God—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. But notice: this armor is called "armor of light." We're not just defending against darkness; we're actively advancing God's kingdom with His light. The shield of faith quenches the enemy's attacks. The sword of the Spirit—God's Word—is your offensive weapon. Gospel shoes keep you moving forward in mission. Are you dressed for battle or wandering through life unprepared? Get dressed up spiritually. Daily put on Christ, making Him Lord over every area of your life.
Reflection: Which piece of spiritual armor do you most need to strengthen today? How will you "put it on"?
Day 4: Make Jesus Lord
Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Devotional: "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ" means more than wearing a Christian label—it means making Him Lord of your life. Not just Savior, but Lord. What truly rules your life? Your desires? Your comfort? Your reputation? If someone examined your schedule, your spending, and your conversations, would they conclude that Jesus is your Lord? Lordship requires surrender—dying to self-will and living for His purposes. It means making plans for holiness rather than provisions for the flesh. Every morning, declare: "Jesus is my Lord today." Then live accordingly. Let every decision, conversation, and moment reflect His rule in your life. This is what it means to be dressed in Christ.
Reflection: In what area of your life have you been holding back from Jesus' lordship? Will you surrender it today?
Day 5: Witness While You Can
Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Devotional: Heaven will be glorious, but there's one thing we can do now that we won't be able to do there—share the gospel with the lost. We're living in the last moments of the last days. Christ's return is imminent. The night is far spent; the day is at hand. This urgency should compel us to witness boldly. Are you looking for opportunities to tell others about Jesus? Does your life reflect Him to a watching world? Don't let this year pass with a cold love for souls. As you wake up spiritually, get cleaned up from sin, and get dressed in Christ's armor, step into your calling as an ambassador for Christ. Someone's eternity may depend on your willingness to speak.
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus? Will you commit to sharing the gospel with them this week?
Closing Challenge: This year, don't be a spiritual couch potato waiting for Jesus' return. Wake up, clean up, and dress up. Live with eternity in view, making every moment count for His kingdom. The time is now.
No Comments