5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the Sunday Message from January 11, 2026:
Day 1: The Foundation of Faith
Reading: John 3:16-17; Ephesians 3:17-19
Our faith journey begins not with our effort, but with God's unshakable love. Like a tree needs deep roots to withstand storms, we need to be rooted in Christ's love to navigate life's challenges. God's love isn't temporary or conditional—it's eternal and unchanging. When everything else in life proves unreliable, His love remains constant. Today, reflect on this truth: God loved you enough to send Jesus before you ever knew Him. That's the foundation upon which your entire spiritual life is built. Let this reality sink deep into your heart. Ask yourself: Am I building my life on temporary things, or am I rooted in God's eternal love? Take time today to thank God for His steadfast love that never fails.
Day 2: Learning to Listen
Reading: John 10:10-16; 1 Samuel 3:1-10
God is still speaking, but are we listening? There's a significant difference between hearing and listening. We hear many voices throughout our day—media, opinions, worries—but whose voice are we truly listening to? Jesus said His sheep know His voice. This knowing comes through relationship, through spending time with the Shepherd. Just as Samuel learned to recognize God's voice with practice, we too must cultivate our ability to discern when God speaks. God speaks through Scripture, through godly authority, through wise counsel, through the Holy Spirit's gentle nudging, and through circumstances. Today, commit to quieting the noise around you. Spend intentional time in God's Word and prayer. Ask Him to help you recognize His voice more clearly.
Day 3: Walking with the Wise
Reading: Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 10:24-25
We become like those we spend time with. God designed us for community, not isolation. Throughout Scripture, we see the importance of gathering with other believers who can encourage, challenge, and sharpen us. When making important decisions, we need godly people who care more about our future than our feelings—people who will speak truth even when it's difficult to hear. These are the companions who help us stay on the right path. Consider your closest relationships today. Are you surrounding yourself with people who draw you closer to God or pull you away? Seek out those who walk in wisdom and godliness. Be intentional about building relationships with believers who will pray with you, speak truth to you, and point you toward Christ when you're struggling to hear His voice.
Day 4: Authority and Submission
Reading: Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 5:21-33
Authority can be a difficult concept in our independent culture, yet God established authority for our good. Whether it's governmental law, pastoral leadership, parental guidance, or marital partnership, God speaks through these structures when they align with His Word. The key is mutual submission—recognizing that all human authority must itself be under God's ultimate authority. When we submit to godly authority, we position ourselves to hear God's voice more clearly. This doesn't mean blind obedience to anything contrary to Scripture, but humble recognition that God often guides us through the people He's placed in our lives. Today, examine your attitude toward authority. Are you resistant or receptive? Pray for those in authority over you, and ask God to help you honor Him through proper submission.
Day 5: Responding with Obedience
Reading: James 1:22-25; Luke 11:28
Knowing God's voice means nothing if we don't respond with obedience. We can hear God speak through His Word, through godly counsel, through the Spirit's prompting—but if we don't act on what we hear, we deceive ourselves. True faith always produces action. Jesus said those who hear God's Word and put it into practice are blessed. Obedience isn't always easy; in fact, following God's will often requires courage and sacrifice. But when we do the general things God asks—praying, reading Scripture, fellowshipping with believers—we'll know the specific things He wants us to do. Today, ask yourself: What has God been prompting me to do that I've been avoiding? What step of obedience is He calling me to take? Don't just be a hearer—be a doer. Take that step today, trusting that God equips those He calls.
Day 1: The Foundation of Faith
Reading: John 3:16-17; Ephesians 3:17-19
Our faith journey begins not with our effort, but with God's unshakable love. Like a tree needs deep roots to withstand storms, we need to be rooted in Christ's love to navigate life's challenges. God's love isn't temporary or conditional—it's eternal and unchanging. When everything else in life proves unreliable, His love remains constant. Today, reflect on this truth: God loved you enough to send Jesus before you ever knew Him. That's the foundation upon which your entire spiritual life is built. Let this reality sink deep into your heart. Ask yourself: Am I building my life on temporary things, or am I rooted in God's eternal love? Take time today to thank God for His steadfast love that never fails.
Day 2: Learning to Listen
Reading: John 10:10-16; 1 Samuel 3:1-10
God is still speaking, but are we listening? There's a significant difference between hearing and listening. We hear many voices throughout our day—media, opinions, worries—but whose voice are we truly listening to? Jesus said His sheep know His voice. This knowing comes through relationship, through spending time with the Shepherd. Just as Samuel learned to recognize God's voice with practice, we too must cultivate our ability to discern when God speaks. God speaks through Scripture, through godly authority, through wise counsel, through the Holy Spirit's gentle nudging, and through circumstances. Today, commit to quieting the noise around you. Spend intentional time in God's Word and prayer. Ask Him to help you recognize His voice more clearly.
Day 3: Walking with the Wise
Reading: Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 10:24-25
We become like those we spend time with. God designed us for community, not isolation. Throughout Scripture, we see the importance of gathering with other believers who can encourage, challenge, and sharpen us. When making important decisions, we need godly people who care more about our future than our feelings—people who will speak truth even when it's difficult to hear. These are the companions who help us stay on the right path. Consider your closest relationships today. Are you surrounding yourself with people who draw you closer to God or pull you away? Seek out those who walk in wisdom and godliness. Be intentional about building relationships with believers who will pray with you, speak truth to you, and point you toward Christ when you're struggling to hear His voice.
Day 4: Authority and Submission
Reading: Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 5:21-33
Authority can be a difficult concept in our independent culture, yet God established authority for our good. Whether it's governmental law, pastoral leadership, parental guidance, or marital partnership, God speaks through these structures when they align with His Word. The key is mutual submission—recognizing that all human authority must itself be under God's ultimate authority. When we submit to godly authority, we position ourselves to hear God's voice more clearly. This doesn't mean blind obedience to anything contrary to Scripture, but humble recognition that God often guides us through the people He's placed in our lives. Today, examine your attitude toward authority. Are you resistant or receptive? Pray for those in authority over you, and ask God to help you honor Him through proper submission.
Day 5: Responding with Obedience
Reading: James 1:22-25; Luke 11:28
Knowing God's voice means nothing if we don't respond with obedience. We can hear God speak through His Word, through godly counsel, through the Spirit's prompting—but if we don't act on what we hear, we deceive ourselves. True faith always produces action. Jesus said those who hear God's Word and put it into practice are blessed. Obedience isn't always easy; in fact, following God's will often requires courage and sacrifice. But when we do the general things God asks—praying, reading Scripture, fellowshipping with believers—we'll know the specific things He wants us to do. Today, ask yourself: What has God been prompting me to do that I've been avoiding? What step of obedience is He calling me to take? Don't just be a hearer—be a doer. Take that step today, trusting that God equips those He calls.