5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the Sunday Message from August 3, 2025:
Day 1: From Death to Life in Christ
Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
Paul's powerful words remind us of our former state - dead in our transgressions and sins. Yet, the beautiful truth is that God, in His rich mercy and great love, made us alive with Christ. Reflect on your own journey from spiritual death to life. How has God's grace transformed you? Remember, you are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Today, consider how you can live out this purpose. What good work has God prepared in advance for you to do? Embrace your identity as God's masterpiece and let His love motivate your actions.
Day 2: Breaking Down Walls of Hostility
Reading: Ephesians 2:11-18
The dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles symbolizes all the barriers that separate humanity. Christ's sacrificial work on the cross demolished these walls, creating one new humanity. In your own life, what walls of hostility exist between you and others? Perhaps there are cultural, social, or personal barriers. How can you, empowered by Christ's peace, work to break down these walls? Pray for God's wisdom in fostering unity and reconciliation in your relationships and community.
Day 3: A Dwelling Place for God
Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22
Paul paints a beautiful picture of believers as fellow citizens and members of God's household, being built together into a dwelling place for God. Meditate on what it means to be part of this spiritual building. How does your life contribute to this divine dwelling? Consider areas where you might need to align more closely with God's blueprint. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you become a more fitting dwelling place for His presence, both individually and as part of the larger body of believers.
Day 4: The Surpassing Love of Christ
Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19
Paul prays for the Ephesians to grasp the vast dimensions of Christ's love - a love that surpasses knowledge. Today, take time to reflect on the breadth, length, height, and depth of God's love for you. How has this love been evident in your life? In what areas do you struggle to accept or understand God's love? Ask God to strengthen your inner being through His Spirit, so you may be rooted and grounded in love, experiencing its fullness in every aspect of your life.
Day 5: From Far to Near
Reading: Luke 15:1-7
Jesus' parable of the lost sheep beautifully illustrates God's heart for those who are far from Him. Reflect on your own journey - were you once far from God? How did He draw you near? If you feel close to God now, how can you help others move closer to Jesus? If you feel distant, take heart in knowing that Jesus actively seeks those who are far off. What step can you take today to move nearer to Him? Pray for those in your life who are far from God, asking for opportunities to show them His love and draw them closer to Him.
Day 1: From Death to Life in Christ
Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
Paul's powerful words remind us of our former state - dead in our transgressions and sins. Yet, the beautiful truth is that God, in His rich mercy and great love, made us alive with Christ. Reflect on your own journey from spiritual death to life. How has God's grace transformed you? Remember, you are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Today, consider how you can live out this purpose. What good work has God prepared in advance for you to do? Embrace your identity as God's masterpiece and let His love motivate your actions.
Day 2: Breaking Down Walls of Hostility
Reading: Ephesians 2:11-18
The dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles symbolizes all the barriers that separate humanity. Christ's sacrificial work on the cross demolished these walls, creating one new humanity. In your own life, what walls of hostility exist between you and others? Perhaps there are cultural, social, or personal barriers. How can you, empowered by Christ's peace, work to break down these walls? Pray for God's wisdom in fostering unity and reconciliation in your relationships and community.
Day 3: A Dwelling Place for God
Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22
Paul paints a beautiful picture of believers as fellow citizens and members of God's household, being built together into a dwelling place for God. Meditate on what it means to be part of this spiritual building. How does your life contribute to this divine dwelling? Consider areas where you might need to align more closely with God's blueprint. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you become a more fitting dwelling place for His presence, both individually and as part of the larger body of believers.
Day 4: The Surpassing Love of Christ
Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19
Paul prays for the Ephesians to grasp the vast dimensions of Christ's love - a love that surpasses knowledge. Today, take time to reflect on the breadth, length, height, and depth of God's love for you. How has this love been evident in your life? In what areas do you struggle to accept or understand God's love? Ask God to strengthen your inner being through His Spirit, so you may be rooted and grounded in love, experiencing its fullness in every aspect of your life.
Day 5: From Far to Near
Reading: Luke 15:1-7
Jesus' parable of the lost sheep beautifully illustrates God's heart for those who are far from Him. Reflect on your own journey - were you once far from God? How did He draw you near? If you feel close to God now, how can you help others move closer to Jesus? If you feel distant, take heart in knowing that Jesus actively seeks those who are far off. What step can you take today to move nearer to Him? Pray for those in your life who are far from God, asking for opportunities to show them His love and draw them closer to Him.