5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the Sunday Message from August 17, 2025:
Day 1: Walking Worthy of Our Calling
Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6
Paul urges us to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." This calling isn't just for pastors or missionaries, but for every believer in their everyday life. Reflect on how you can live out your faith with humility, gentleness, and patience. How can you bear with others in love, even when it's challenging? Remember, unity in the body of Christ is a gift we're called to maintain. Today, consider one way you can actively promote unity in your relationships or church community.
Day 2: Equipped for Service
Reading: Ephesians 4:11-13
God has given various roles within the church to equip believers for works of service. This equipping isn't just about gaining knowledge, but about growing in maturity and becoming more like Christ. Think about the spiritual gifts you've been given. How are you using them to serve others and build up the body of Christ? Ask God to show you areas where you need to grow and mature in your faith. Consider seeking out a mentor or joining a small group to help you in this journey of spiritual growth.
Day 3: Speaking Truth in Love
Reading: Ephesians 4:14-16
As we mature in faith, we're called to speak the truth in love. This balance of truth and love is crucial for maintaining unity and fostering growth in the church. Reflect on your interactions with others. Are you prone to speaking truth without love, or showing love without speaking truth? Ask God for wisdom to discern how to communicate in a way that builds others up and reflects Christ's character. Today, practice speaking words of encouragement and truth to someone in your life.
Day 4: The Infinite Love of God
Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19
Paul prays that we may grasp "how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." This love surpasses knowledge and fills us with the fullness of God. Spend time meditating on God's infinite love for you. How does knowing you are deeply loved by God change how you view yourself and others? Ask God to help you experience His love more fully and to let it overflow into your relationships with others. Consider ways you can demonstrate God's love to someone who might be feeling unloved or forgotten.
Day 5: From Death to Life
Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
This passage reminds us of the dramatic transformation that occurs when we put our faith in Christ – from being dead in our sins to being made alive with Christ. Reflect on your own journey of faith. How has God's grace changed your life? Remember that you are God's workmanship, created for good works that He prepared in advance. Ask God to reveal the good works He has prepared for you today. Look for opportunities to be His hands and feet in the world, knowing that it's by grace you have been saved, through faith.
Day 1: Walking Worthy of Our Calling
Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6
Paul urges us to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." This calling isn't just for pastors or missionaries, but for every believer in their everyday life. Reflect on how you can live out your faith with humility, gentleness, and patience. How can you bear with others in love, even when it's challenging? Remember, unity in the body of Christ is a gift we're called to maintain. Today, consider one way you can actively promote unity in your relationships or church community.
Day 2: Equipped for Service
Reading: Ephesians 4:11-13
God has given various roles within the church to equip believers for works of service. This equipping isn't just about gaining knowledge, but about growing in maturity and becoming more like Christ. Think about the spiritual gifts you've been given. How are you using them to serve others and build up the body of Christ? Ask God to show you areas where you need to grow and mature in your faith. Consider seeking out a mentor or joining a small group to help you in this journey of spiritual growth.
Day 3: Speaking Truth in Love
Reading: Ephesians 4:14-16
As we mature in faith, we're called to speak the truth in love. This balance of truth and love is crucial for maintaining unity and fostering growth in the church. Reflect on your interactions with others. Are you prone to speaking truth without love, or showing love without speaking truth? Ask God for wisdom to discern how to communicate in a way that builds others up and reflects Christ's character. Today, practice speaking words of encouragement and truth to someone in your life.
Day 4: The Infinite Love of God
Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19
Paul prays that we may grasp "how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." This love surpasses knowledge and fills us with the fullness of God. Spend time meditating on God's infinite love for you. How does knowing you are deeply loved by God change how you view yourself and others? Ask God to help you experience His love more fully and to let it overflow into your relationships with others. Consider ways you can demonstrate God's love to someone who might be feeling unloved or forgotten.
Day 5: From Death to Life
Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
This passage reminds us of the dramatic transformation that occurs when we put our faith in Christ – from being dead in our sins to being made alive with Christ. Reflect on your own journey of faith. How has God's grace changed your life? Remember that you are God's workmanship, created for good works that He prepared in advance. Ask God to reveal the good works He has prepared for you today. Look for opportunities to be His hands and feet in the world, knowing that it's by grace you have been saved, through faith.