5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the Sunday Message from May 25, 2025:
Day 1: Abiding in the True Vine
Reading: John 15:1-11
Jesus uses the powerful metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate our relationship with Him. As we read this passage, let's reflect on what it truly means to "abide" in Christ. This isn't just about having a casual relationship with Jesus, but about being completely dependent on Him for our spiritual life and fruitfulness. Today, consider areas of your life where you might be trying to produce fruit on your own strength. How can you more fully connect to Jesus, the true vine, allowing His life to flow through you? Remember, our role is not to strive harder, but to draw closer to our source of life.
Day 2: Bearing Fruit of the Spirit
Reading: Galatians 5:16-26
Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, showing us two very different ways of living. As we examine this list, let's honestly assess our own lives. Which list more accurately describes our day-to-day behavior and attitudes? The beautiful truth is that as we stay connected to Christ, the Holy Spirit naturally produces His fruit in us. Today, focus on one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit you'd like to see grow in your life. Ask God to cultivate this fruit as you remain connected to Him, trusting His work in you rather than your own efforts.
D
ay 3: Known by Our Fruit
Reading: Matthew 7:15-23
Jesus teaches that we will recognize true followers by their fruit. This passage challenges us to look beyond mere appearances or words and examine the actual impact of our lives. Are we truly living out our faith in ways that reflect Christ's character? Today, consider how others might perceive your faith based on your actions and attitudes. Ask God to reveal any areas where you might be "Christian-ish" rather than authentically following Jesus. Pray for the courage to live a life that clearly demonstrates your connection to Christ.
Day 4: Dying to Self, Living for Christ
Reading: Galatians 2:20 and Romans 6:1-14
Paul speaks of being crucified with Christ and no longer living for ourselves. This radical concept is at the heart of true discipleship. It's not about trying harder to be good, but about surrendering our lives fully to Christ and allowing Him to live through us. Today, reflect on areas of your life where you're still holding onto control. What would it look like to more fully "die to self" in those areas? Ask God for the grace to let go and trust Him more deeply with every aspect of your life.
Day 5: Remaining Faithful, Bearing Much Fruit
Reading: John 15:12-17 and Colossians 1:9-14
Jesus calls us His friends and chooses us to bear lasting fruit. Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, living lives worthy of the Lord and bearing fruit in every good work. As we conclude this week's reflections, let's focus on the incredible privilege and responsibility we have as Christ's chosen friends. We're called not just to bear fruit, but to bear fruit that will last for eternity. Today, ask God to show you opportunities to bear lasting fruit in your relationships, work, and community. Commit to remaining faithful to Christ, trusting that as you abide in Him, He will produce eternal fruit through your life.
Day 1: Abiding in the True Vine
Reading: John 15:1-11
Jesus uses the powerful metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate our relationship with Him. As we read this passage, let's reflect on what it truly means to "abide" in Christ. This isn't just about having a casual relationship with Jesus, but about being completely dependent on Him for our spiritual life and fruitfulness. Today, consider areas of your life where you might be trying to produce fruit on your own strength. How can you more fully connect to Jesus, the true vine, allowing His life to flow through you? Remember, our role is not to strive harder, but to draw closer to our source of life.
Day 2: Bearing Fruit of the Spirit
Reading: Galatians 5:16-26
Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, showing us two very different ways of living. As we examine this list, let's honestly assess our own lives. Which list more accurately describes our day-to-day behavior and attitudes? The beautiful truth is that as we stay connected to Christ, the Holy Spirit naturally produces His fruit in us. Today, focus on one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit you'd like to see grow in your life. Ask God to cultivate this fruit as you remain connected to Him, trusting His work in you rather than your own efforts.
D
ay 3: Known by Our Fruit
Reading: Matthew 7:15-23
Jesus teaches that we will recognize true followers by their fruit. This passage challenges us to look beyond mere appearances or words and examine the actual impact of our lives. Are we truly living out our faith in ways that reflect Christ's character? Today, consider how others might perceive your faith based on your actions and attitudes. Ask God to reveal any areas where you might be "Christian-ish" rather than authentically following Jesus. Pray for the courage to live a life that clearly demonstrates your connection to Christ.
Day 4: Dying to Self, Living for Christ
Reading: Galatians 2:20 and Romans 6:1-14
Paul speaks of being crucified with Christ and no longer living for ourselves. This radical concept is at the heart of true discipleship. It's not about trying harder to be good, but about surrendering our lives fully to Christ and allowing Him to live through us. Today, reflect on areas of your life where you're still holding onto control. What would it look like to more fully "die to self" in those areas? Ask God for the grace to let go and trust Him more deeply with every aspect of your life.
Day 5: Remaining Faithful, Bearing Much Fruit
Reading: John 15:12-17 and Colossians 1:9-14
Jesus calls us His friends and chooses us to bear lasting fruit. Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, living lives worthy of the Lord and bearing fruit in every good work. As we conclude this week's reflections, let's focus on the incredible privilege and responsibility we have as Christ's chosen friends. We're called not just to bear fruit, but to bear fruit that will last for eternity. Today, ask God to show you opportunities to bear lasting fruit in your relationships, work, and community. Commit to remaining faithful to Christ, trusting that as you abide in Him, He will produce eternal fruit through your life.