April 13th Sermon & Devotionals

Five-Day Bible Reading Plan and Devotional

Sermon Audio

Shaking Fist or Open Hand? | Let It Be Week 6

🎧: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MX2rdHn1UbfNZhj07ht2X?si=A10g_ZCYT8iNqbi4syS5xg

Day 1: Bringing Everything to God in Prayer

Reading: Philippians 4:6-7

Devotional: The hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" reminds us of the privilege of bringing everything to God in prayer. Today's passage echoes this sentiment, encouraging us not to be anxious but to present all our requests to God. Reflect on areas of your life where you hesitate to approach God. Are there joys, sorrows, or even frustrations you've been holding back? Remember, God invites us to bring everything to Him. As you pray today, consciously open every part of your heart to God, trusting that His peace will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Day 2: Confronting Anger and Frustration with God

Reading: Numbers 11:10-15

Devotional: Moses' raw honesty with God in today's passage is striking. He doesn't hide his frustration but brings it directly to the Lord. This teaches us that God can handle our anger and disappointment. He'd rather we yell at Him than walk away from Him. Consider a situation in your life causing you frustration or anger, especially if it's directed at God. Take time today to express these feelings to Him in prayer, following Moses' example. Trust that God is big enough to receive your emotions and loving enough to respond with grace.

Day 3: God's Faithfulness in Our Struggles

Reading: Lamentations 3:22-26

Devotional: Even in the midst of describing great suffering, the writer of Lamentations pauses to declare God's faithfulness. This reminds us that God's character remains constant, even when our circumstances are difficult. Reflect on a challenging situation in your life. How have you seen God's faithfulness, even in small ways? Today, practice looking for signs of God's new mercies. Write down three ways you see His faithfulness, no matter how small. Let this exercise renew your hope in the Lord.

Day 4: Transformation Through Trials

Reading: Romans 5:3-5

Devotional: God can use our frustrations and setbacks for good, even when we can't see it in the moment. Paul echoes this in today's passage, showing how suffering can produce perseverance, character, and hope. Think about a past difficulty that God has used to shape you. How did it change your character or perspective? Now consider a current struggle. Ask God to help you see it through the lens of potential growth and transformation. Pray for the strength to persevere, trusting that God is at work even in the challenges.

Day 5: The Power of Persistent Prayer

Reading: Luke 18:1-8

Devotional: Jesus tells this parable to encourage us to pray persistently and not give up. Bring everything to God in prayer, even your frustrations and repeated requests. Reflect on an area of your life where you've been tempted to give up praying. What would it look like to approach God with renewed persistence in this area? Persistent prayer is not about wearing God down, but about aligning our hearts with His and demonstrating our trust in Him. Today, commit to praying for this situation with fresh faith and perseverance, trusting in God's goodness and timing.