5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the Sunday Message from January 4, 2026:
Day 1: Eternal Life Begins Now
Reading: John 17:1-5
Jesus' prayer reveals a profound truth: eternal life isn't just a future destination—it's a present reality that begins the moment we enter relationship with God. Notice how Jesus defines eternal life: "that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." This isn't academic knowledge or religious information; it's intimate, personal knowing. Today, eternal life is available to you—not someday, but right now. Your relationship with God doesn't wait until heaven; it starts today. Ask yourself: Am I treating my faith as something I'm waiting for, or as a living relationship I'm actively experiencing? The transformation Jesus offers begins in this moment, not at some distant point. Your eternal life has already started.
Day 2: From Believing to Trusting
Reading: Psalm 37:3-7
There's a world of difference between believing facts about God and actually trusting Him with your life. Belief happens in your head; trust transforms your heart. David writes, "Trust in the LORD and do good... Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him." This is relational language, not academic. You can believe God exists while never really depending on Him for anything. True faith moves beyond intellectual agreement to radical dependence. Today, identify one area where you believe God is capable but haven't actually trusted Him. Is it your finances? A relationship? Your future? Trusting God means releasing control and walking forward in faith, even when you can't see the outcome. That's where belief becomes transformational trust.
Day 3: A Man After God's Own Heart
Reading: 1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22; Psalm 27:4
David wasn't called "a man after God's own heart" because he was perfect—his life was marked by significant failures. What set David apart was his relentless pursuit of knowing God personally. In Psalm 27, he reveals his deepest desire: "One thing I ask... that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD." David's greatest accomplishments weren't military victories; they were moments of intimate communion with God. His heart constantly turned toward the Lord in worship, confession, and dependence. What defines your spiritual life—your accomplishments or your intimacy with God? Today, follow David's example: make knowing God your primary pursuit, not just doing things for Him.
Day 4: Walking with God Daily
Reading: Genesis 5:21-24; Micah 6:8
Enoch's legacy is captured in one remarkable phrase: "Enoch walked faithfully with God." Not occasionally. Not when convenient. Not just on Sundays. Daily, consistently, faithfully. Walking with God implies movement, companionship, conversation, and direction. It's not a one-time decision but a daily commitment. Micah reminds us what God requires: "to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Walking humbly means recognizing we need His presence every step. Consistency, not perfection, deepens relationship. Today, consider: Are you walking with God or just visiting Him occasionally? Establish one simple daily practice—morning prayer, Scripture reading, evening gratitude—that keeps you walking in step with Him throughout your day.
Day 5: Our Hearts Find Rest in Him
Reading: Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 62:1-2
Augustine wrote, "Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you." We chase comfort, success, relationships, and achievements, hoping they'll satisfy. But Jesus offers something different: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." True rest isn't found in circumstances or possessions—it's found in a Person. The Psalmist declares, "Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him." When we try to find life apart from knowing God, we remain perpetually restless, always searching. But when we root ourselves in relationship with Him, our souls finally settle. Today, bring your restlessness to Jesus. Stop striving for what only He can provide. Let your pursuit of knowing Him become the source of your deepest satisfaction and peace.
Day 1: Eternal Life Begins Now
Reading: John 17:1-5
Jesus' prayer reveals a profound truth: eternal life isn't just a future destination—it's a present reality that begins the moment we enter relationship with God. Notice how Jesus defines eternal life: "that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." This isn't academic knowledge or religious information; it's intimate, personal knowing. Today, eternal life is available to you—not someday, but right now. Your relationship with God doesn't wait until heaven; it starts today. Ask yourself: Am I treating my faith as something I'm waiting for, or as a living relationship I'm actively experiencing? The transformation Jesus offers begins in this moment, not at some distant point. Your eternal life has already started.
Day 2: From Believing to Trusting
Reading: Psalm 37:3-7
There's a world of difference between believing facts about God and actually trusting Him with your life. Belief happens in your head; trust transforms your heart. David writes, "Trust in the LORD and do good... Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him." This is relational language, not academic. You can believe God exists while never really depending on Him for anything. True faith moves beyond intellectual agreement to radical dependence. Today, identify one area where you believe God is capable but haven't actually trusted Him. Is it your finances? A relationship? Your future? Trusting God means releasing control and walking forward in faith, even when you can't see the outcome. That's where belief becomes transformational trust.
Day 3: A Man After God's Own Heart
Reading: 1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22; Psalm 27:4
David wasn't called "a man after God's own heart" because he was perfect—his life was marked by significant failures. What set David apart was his relentless pursuit of knowing God personally. In Psalm 27, he reveals his deepest desire: "One thing I ask... that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD." David's greatest accomplishments weren't military victories; they were moments of intimate communion with God. His heart constantly turned toward the Lord in worship, confession, and dependence. What defines your spiritual life—your accomplishments or your intimacy with God? Today, follow David's example: make knowing God your primary pursuit, not just doing things for Him.
Day 4: Walking with God Daily
Reading: Genesis 5:21-24; Micah 6:8
Enoch's legacy is captured in one remarkable phrase: "Enoch walked faithfully with God." Not occasionally. Not when convenient. Not just on Sundays. Daily, consistently, faithfully. Walking with God implies movement, companionship, conversation, and direction. It's not a one-time decision but a daily commitment. Micah reminds us what God requires: "to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Walking humbly means recognizing we need His presence every step. Consistency, not perfection, deepens relationship. Today, consider: Are you walking with God or just visiting Him occasionally? Establish one simple daily practice—morning prayer, Scripture reading, evening gratitude—that keeps you walking in step with Him throughout your day.
Day 5: Our Hearts Find Rest in Him
Reading: Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 62:1-2
Augustine wrote, "Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you." We chase comfort, success, relationships, and achievements, hoping they'll satisfy. But Jesus offers something different: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." True rest isn't found in circumstances or possessions—it's found in a Person. The Psalmist declares, "Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him." When we try to find life apart from knowing God, we remain perpetually restless, always searching. But when we root ourselves in relationship with Him, our souls finally settle. Today, bring your restlessness to Jesus. Stop striving for what only He can provide. Let your pursuit of knowing Him become the source of your deepest satisfaction and peace.