Devotions: Fear Not
Day 1: The Call to Fear Not
Reading: Luke 12:1-7
Devotional: In today’s reading, we witness Jesus cautioning His disciples against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, emphasizing that true faith must be inwardly sincere, not just outwardly showy. As we consider our own walk with the Lord, let’s reflect on where our deepest fears lie. Are we more concerned with human opinion or with living in a way that is pleasing to God?
Prayer Focus: Pray for the courage to live authentically in your faith, prioritizing God’s approval over man’s.
Day 2: Valuing Divine Approval
Reading: Luke 12:8-12
Devotional: Jesus encourages us to acknowledge Him before others, promising the Holy Spirit’s guidance in times of trial. This affirmation of faith may invite scrutiny or even rejection from the world, but it also brings us into closer communion with the Father. Consider the areas of your life where you might be seeking human approval over divine. How can we shift our focus to seek God’s applause alone?
Prayer Focus: Ask God for the strength to witness boldly and to value His approval above all else.
Day 3: The Perils of Hypocrisy
Reading: Matthew 23:1-12
Devotional: As Jesus speaks woe to the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, we are reminded that God calls us to humility and genuine service. Reflect on your own life: Are there ways in which you might be living hypocritically, focusing on outward appearances rather than on heart transformation?
Prayer Focus: Pray for the Lord to reveal areas of hypocrisy in your life and for the humility to repent and change.
Day 4: Conviction and Assurance
Reading: Psalm 139:23-24; 2 Corinthians 7:10
Devotional: The Psalmist invites God to search his heart, a courageous act of vulnerability that leads to true repentance. The apostle Paul distinguishes between godly sorrow that leads to salvation and worldly sorrow that brings death. Reflect on the Holy Spirit’s role in convicting us of sin while assuring us of God’s deep love and forgiveness.
Prayer Focus: Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict you of sin in a way that leads to life-changing repentance and assurance of God’s love.
Day 5: Motivation for Holiness
Reading: 1 Peter 1:13-16
Devotional: Peter calls us to be holy in all our conduct, inspired by God, who is holy. This pursuit of holiness isn’t about earning God’s love, but responding to it. Reflect on how the love and sacrifice of Christ can motivate you to pursue a life that reflects His holiness.
Prayer Focus: Pray for a desire to pursue holiness as a response to the divine love you’ve received, and for the strength to live out this calling daily.
As you journey through this five-day reading plan, let the Sermon’s themes of living with faith over fear, seeking divine approval, and the pursuit of holiness guide you into a deeper relationship with God. May you find strength in the conviction of your faith and be emboldened to live courageously for Christ.
