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Day 1: Growing Beyond Spiritual Infancy

Devotional

Have you ever watched a toddler throw a tantrum over a toy that another child is playing with? The scene is both heartbreaking and revealing – the child genuinely believes that happiness depends on having that specific thing. Paul saw something similar happening in the Corinthian church. These believers loved Jesus and had experienced His salvation, yet they were acting like spiritual toddlers, creating divisions over their favorite teachers. Spiritual maturity isn’t about how long you’ve been a Christian or how much Bible knowledge you possess. It’s about allowing the gospel to transform not just your eternal destiny, but your daily relationships. The Corinthians had been saved by grace, but they hadn’t yet learned to live by grace with one another. When we’re spiritually immature, we tend to make everything about us – our preferences, our comfort, our way of doing things. We create invisible camps and judge others who don’t fit our mold. But God has something far better in mind. He wants us to grow up into the fullness of Christ, where our relationships reflect His love rather than our insecurities. The beautiful truth is that spiritual growth is possible. Just as a child eventually learns to share and consider others, we can learn to live by the Spirit rather than by worldly patterns. It takes time, intention, and trust, but the transformation is real and lasting.

Bible Verse

‘Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ.’ – 1 Corinthians 3:1

Reflection Question

In what areas of your life are you still acting like a spiritual infant, making decisions based on personal preference rather than what honors Christ and builds up others?

Quote

The gospel had saved them, but it hadn’t yet fully formed their relationships.

Prayer

Jesus, help me recognize where I’m still living by worldly patterns instead of by Your Spirit. Give me the humility to grow beyond spiritual infancy and the wisdom to build relationships that reflect Your love. Amen.

Day 2: Building on the Right Foundation

Devotional

Every construction project begins with a foundation. You can have the most beautiful architectural plans, the finest materials, and skilled craftsmen, but if the foundation is weak, the entire structure will eventually crumble. Paul reminds us that in our spiritual lives, there’s only one foundation that will last: Jesus Christ. The Corinthians were trying to build their community on the wrong foundations – personal preferences, favorite teachers, and human wisdom. These might seem like good things, but they’re not strong enough to support the weight of authentic Christian community. Only Christ can bear that load. What’s fascinating is that Paul doesn’t condemn the building materials themselves. Gold, silver, and precious stones represent the patient work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Wood, hay, and straw represent our human efforts to create something impressive quickly. Both might look good initially, but only one will survive the test of time and trial. When we build our relationships, our decisions, and our priorities on Christ, we’re investing in something eternal. We’re not just creating temporary structures that look good on the surface; we’re participating in God’s kingdom work that will last forever. The question isn’t whether we’re building – we all are. The question is what we’re building with and whether it will stand.

Bible Verse

‘For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ – 1 Corinthians 3:11

Reflection Question

What ‘building materials’ are you using in your relationships and decisions – are they the lasting materials of Christ’s love and truth, or the temporary materials of human preference and convenience?

Quote

We actually reveal what we believe by how we build in our own lives on this foundation of Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, help me build my life on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. Show me where I’ve been using temporary materials and give me wisdom to invest in what will last for eternity. Amen.

Day 3: You Are God’s Sacred Space

Devotional

Imagine walking into the most beautiful cathedral you’ve ever seen. The light streams through stained glass windows, creating a kaleidoscope of colors on ancient stone walls. There’s a sense of reverence, of holiness, of being in a place where heaven touches earth. Now here’s the stunning truth: Paul tells us that we are that sacred space. From the very beginning, God’s heart has been to dwell with His people. In Eden, He walked with Adam and Eve. In the wilderness, He lived among the Israelites in the tabernacle. In Jerusalem, His presence filled the temple. But now, through Christ, something even more amazing has happened – God’s Spirit lives within us, both individually and as a community. This changes everything about how we see ourselves and others. When you’re struggling with self-worth, remember: you are God’s temple. When you’re tempted to tear down someone else with your words, remember: they are God’s temple too. When divisions threaten to split your church or family, remember: together, you are the place where God chooses to dwell. This isn’t just a nice metaphor – it’s a transformative reality. You carry the presence of the living God wherever you go. Your relationships, your conversations, your daily interactions are all opportunities for others to encounter the divine. What an incredible privilege and responsibility!

Bible Verse

‘Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?’ – 1 Corinthians 3:16

Reflection Question

How would your interactions with others change today if you truly believed that both you and they are sacred spaces where God’s Spirit dwells?

Quote

God just doesn’t want saved individuals. He really wants a formed community.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, help me live with the awareness that You dwell within me and within every believer I encounter. May my life be a place where others can experience Your presence and love. Amen.

Day 4: Everything Is Already Yours

Devotional

Have you ever felt like you were missing out? Like others had something you needed but couldn’t have? This feeling of scarcity drives so much of our anxiety, competition, and division. We compare ourselves to others, compete for limited resources, and create conflicts over things that ultimately don’t matter. But Paul offers us a radically different perspective. In one of the most liberating passages in Scripture, Paul reminds the Corinthians that everything already belongs to them – not because they’ve earned it, but because they belong to Christ. Paul, Apollos, Cephas, the world, life, death, the present, the future – all of it is theirs. There’s no need to fight over scraps when you’ve inherited the entire kingdom. This isn’t about material prosperity or getting everything you want. It’s about recognizing that in Christ, you have access to everything you truly need. You don’t have to grasp and compete because you’re already rich beyond measure. You don’t have to tear others down to build yourself up because your identity and security are found in Christ alone. When we truly believe this, it transforms our relationships. We stop seeing others as threats and start seeing them as fellow heirs. We stop hoarding and start sharing. We stop competing and start collaborating. The kingdom of God isn’t scarce – it’s abundant, and there’s more than enough for everyone.

Bible Verse

‘All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.’ – 1 Corinthians 3:21-23

Reflection Question

Where in your life are you still living as if the kingdom is scarce rather than abundant, and how might believing that ‘all things are yours in Christ’ change your perspective?

Quote

You’re living as if somehow the kingdom is scarce, but Christ says it’s abundant.

Prayer

Jesus, help me live with the confidence that everything I truly need is already mine in You. Free me from the anxiety of scarcity and help me live with the generosity that comes from abundance. Amen.

Day 5: Love More Than You Label

Devotional

In our world of social media profiles, political affiliations, and endless categories, we’ve become experts at labeling. We quickly sort people into groups: liberal or conservative, young or old, us or them. While some distinctions can be helpful, our tendency to label often becomes a barrier to the very love Christ calls us to show. The Corinthians were doing the same thing – creating labels based on their favorite teachers and using those labels to create division. But Paul challenges them (and us) to move beyond labeling to loving. When we truly understand that Christ is enough, something beautiful happens: we stop grasping for position and start growing in grace. We stop competing for recognition and start collaborating for the kingdom. Love doesn’t ignore differences, but it doesn’t let differences define relationships either. Love sees beyond the surface labels to the person God created and loves. Love builds bridges instead of walls. Love seeks to understand rather than to categorize. This is where kingdom influence really begins to flourish – not when we have the right labels or the perfect theology, but when we love more than we label. When people experience genuine love from us, they get a glimpse of the heart of God. And that’s what changes everything. As you go into this week, look for opportunities to love beyond labels. See people as God sees them – beloved children worthy of grace, respect, and kindness. This is how we build the kind of community that reflects Christ’s heart to a watching world.

Bible Verse

‘What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.’ – 1 Corinthians 3:5

Reflection Question

Who in your life have you been labeling rather than loving, and what would it look like to see them through Christ’s eyes instead?

Quote

I encouraged us all to love more than we label.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve chosen to label rather than love. Help me see others as You see them and love them as You love them. May my life be a reflection of Your heart to everyone I encounter. Amen.

Join us at Keys Vineyard Church in person or online or connect with our Bible Institute for more sermons, courses, etc.

Day 1: When Good Replaces Best

Devotional

Have you ever noticed how the most dangerous distractions aren’t always the obviously bad things? Sometimes it’s the good things that slowly edge out the best thing in our lives. We can become so busy with church activities, spiritual programs, and even following inspiring leaders that we lose sight of our primary focus: Jesus Christ. This isn’t a new problem. The Corinthian church was full of passionate, gifted believers who loved God. They weren’t terrible people doing terrible things. But somewhere along the way, they began organizing their spiritual lives around human leaders instead of Christ. They had Paul’s group, Apollos’ group, and Cephas’ group—each claiming their leader was superior. The subtle shift from Christ-centered to leader-centered living happens more easily than we think. We start following a particular pastor, author, or spiritual influencer so closely that their voice becomes louder than Jesus’ voice in our lives. We begin to define ourselves by which conference we attend, which books we read, or which spiritual personality we admire most. But here’s the beautiful truth: Jesus never intended for us to find our identity in anyone but Him. Leaders are gifts to help us grow, teach us, and challenge us—but they were never meant to carry the weight of our spiritual identity. Only Christ can bear that weight. Today, take a moment to examine your spiritual center. What voices are you listening to most? What activities are consuming your spiritual energy? Are good things slowly replacing the best thing in your relationship with God?

Bible Verse

‘I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.’ – 1 Corinthians 1:10

Reflection Question

What good things in your spiritual life might be slowly replacing your primary focus on Jesus Christ?

Quote

What happens when something good slowly replaces the best thing?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me recognize when good things begin to replace You as the best thing in my life. Give me wisdom to keep You at the center of my spiritual journey, and help me value the gifts You’ve given without making them more important than You. Amen.

Day 2: The Danger of Divided Loyalty

Devotional

Imagine a family where each child claims a different parent as their favorite, creating competing camps within the same household. The love is still there, but the unity is fractured. This was exactly what was happening in the Corinthian church, and it’s a pattern we see repeated today. Paul confronted this division head-on with a piercing question: “Is Christ divided?” The obvious answer is no—Christ cannot be divided, split up, or parceled out among different groups. Yet when we organize our spiritual lives around human leaders instead of Jesus, we effectively try to divide what God has made whole. The Corinthians weren’t following false teachers or embracing heretical doctrines. Paul, Apollos, and Cephas were all faithful servants of God. The problem wasn’t the leaders themselves—it was the misplaced loyalty that created unnecessary divisions among believers who should have been united. This same dynamic plays out in churches today. We create camps around pastors, denominations, theological positions, or ministry styles. We start identifying more with our preferred leader or group than with Christ Himself. Before we know it, we’re more passionate about defending “our team” than we are about following Jesus. But Christ calls us to something better. He calls us to a unity that transcends human personalities and preferences. When our primary allegiance is to Jesus, we can appreciate different leaders and their unique gifts without letting those preferences divide us from other believers.

Bible Verse

‘One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”‘ – 1 Corinthians 1:12

Reflection Question

In what ways might you be creating or contributing to divisions in your church or Christian community based on preferences for certain leaders or styles?

Quote

Division in the church usually starts with misplaced focus.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the times I’ve allowed my preferences for certain leaders or styles to create division with other believers. Help me to appreciate the gifts You’ve given to different people while keeping my ultimate loyalty focused on Jesus alone. Amen.

Day 3: United by the Cross

Devotional

There’s something powerful about standing at the foot of a cross. All pretense falls away. All boasting stops. All sense of superiority crumbles. The cross has a way of leveling the ground beneath our feet and reminding us of what really matters. Paul understood this when he reminded the Corinthians that Christ didn’t send him to baptize but to preach the gospel—and not with eloquent words that might overshadow the cross. The cross isn’t just a symbol; it’s the great equalizer that reveals three life-changing truths about every believer. First, we’re all rescued the same way. Whether you’re a new believer or have walked with Jesus for decades, whether you’re a pastor or sit in the back pew, we all came to God through the same door: the cross of Jesus Christ. No one gets a special entrance or VIP treatment. Second, none of us have earned our place. The ground at the foot of the cross is level because no one stands there based on merit, achievement, or spiritual superiority. We’re all there by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Third, the cross keeps us humble and together. When we remember that we’re all equally in need of grace and equally recipients of God’s love, it becomes much harder to look down on other believers or create divisions based on secondary issues. The cross doesn’t just save us—it shapes how we relate to one another. It reminds us that our unity isn’t based on agreeing about everything, but on sharing the same Savior who died for us all.

Bible Verse

‘For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ – 1 Corinthians 3:11

Reflection Question

How does remembering your own need for grace at the cross change the way you view and treat other believers who may be different from you?

Quote

The cross levels the ground.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for the cross that saves me and unites me with believers everywhere. Help me never forget that I stand at the foot of Your cross not because I deserve it, but because of Your amazing grace. Let this truth keep me humble and loving toward others. Amen.

Day 4: Listening for the Quiet Voice

Devotional

We live in an incredibly noisy world. Social media notifications ping constantly. News cycles demand our attention 24/7. Podcasts, videos, and voices compete for our mental space. Everyone seems to be shouting, telling us who to trust, who to follow, who to fear, and who to oppose. In all this noise, it’s easy to miss the voice that matters most. Jesus doesn’t shout. He doesn’t compete with the loudest voices or demand attention through dramatic displays. His voice is quiet and steady, requiring us to intentionally tune in and listen. But in our fast-paced, reactive culture, listening has become a lost art. The challenge isn’t that Jesus isn’t speaking—it’s that we’ve become so accustomed to loud, immediate voices that we struggle to hear His gentle whisper. We’re more likely to react to the latest controversy than to reflect on what Jesus might be saying to our hearts. We’re quicker to defend our positions than to listen for His wisdom. This is where spiritual disciplines become crucial. Prayer, Scripture reading, and quiet reflection aren’t just religious activities—they’re ways of tuning our hearts to hear Jesus’ voice above all the noise. They help us develop the spiritual sensitivity to recognize His leading and wisdom. When we learn to listen for Jesus’ quiet voice, something beautiful happens. We become less reactive and more reflective. We’re slower to judge and quicker to love. We find ourselves shaped more by His character than by the loudest voices around us. The question isn’t whether Jesus is speaking—it’s whether we’re creating space to listen.

Bible Verse

‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.’ – Hebrews 12:2

Reflection Question

What specific practices can you implement this week to create more space for listening to Jesus’ quiet voice above all the noise in your life?

Quote

It’s easy, unintentionally, often to let those voices shape us more than the quiet, steady voice of Jesus. Because you have to listen for Jesus.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, in a world full of loud voices competing for my attention, help me develop the discipline and sensitivity to hear Your quiet, steady voice. Teach me to listen more than I defend, to reflect more than I react. Shape my heart by Your words, not the world’s noise. Amen.

Day 5: Love More Than Label

Devotional

There’s something almost irresistible about labels. They make life simpler, help us categorize people quickly, and give us a sense of control in a complex world. But labels can also become dangerous weapons that destroy relationships and divide communities. When we label someone as “liberal” or “conservative,” “traditional” or “progressive,” “insider” or “outsider,” something subtle but significant happens. Once we’ve attached that label, we feel permission to dismiss them entirely. We no longer have to engage with their heart, listen to their story, or see their potential. The label becomes a wall that separates us from truly loving them. But Jesus never operated this way. He saw through every label that people carried—tax collector, prostitute, Pharisee, zealot—and looked straight to their heart and potential. He never got hung up on the categories that society used to define people. Instead, He saw what they could become in God’s kingdom. This is the challenge for us as followers of Christ: to love more than we label. It means choosing to see people as God sees them rather than through the lens of political affiliations, social positions, or past mistakes. It means engaging with their humanity before we engage with their opinions. Unity doesn’t require agreement on everything, but it does require humility centered on Jesus. When we approach others with the same grace that Jesus showed us, we create space for real relationship and genuine influence. We become people who build bridges instead of walls, who see potential instead of problems. The world already knows how to divide. The church is meant to show a better way—the way of love that transcends labels and transforms hearts.

Bible Verse

‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.’ – Philippians 2:3-4

Reflection Question

What labels do you tend to place on people that prevent you from truly seeing and loving them as Jesus does?

Quote

Listen more than you defend. Reflect more than you react. Love more than you label.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the times I’ve used labels to dismiss or distance myself from others. Help me see people through Your eyes—not as categories to be managed, but as individuals to be loved. Give me the grace to love more than I label and to build bridges instead of walls. Amen.

Join us at Keys Vineyard Church in person or online or connect with our Bible Institute for more sermons, courses, etc.

Day 1: The Power Source That Changes Everything

Devotional In a world obsessed with influence, we often find ourselves reaching for the wrong tools. We think louder voices, bigger platforms, or more persuasive arguments will help us make a difference. But what if the very foundation of our influence is completely backwards from what the world teaches? The cross stands as God’s radical alternative to worldly power. While culture celebrates strength, self-promotion, and dominance, Jesus chose weakness, humility, and sacrifice. This isn’t just a nice theological concept—it’s the actual power source for anyone who wants to make a lasting impact for God’s kingdom. Think about it: the cross looked like the ultimate failure to everyone watching. Yet it became the most powerful moment in human history. This same upside-down power is available to us today, but only when we intentionally anchor ourselves to Christ crucified rather than our own abilities or strategies. The beautiful truth is that God doesn’t need our perfection to use us powerfully. He doesn’t require us to have it all together before we can influence others. In fact, He often works most clearly through our weaknesses and broken places. When we stop trying to impress people with our strength and instead point them to the cross, something supernatural happens. This week, we’re going to explore what it means to live with kingdom influence—influence that flows from the cross rather than from worldly methods. It starts with recognizing that true power has never been about us. It’s always been about Jesus.

Bible Verse

‘For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.’ – 1 Corinthians 1:18-21

Reflection Question

What worldly tools or methods have you been tempted to use to gain influence, and how might anchoring yourself in the cross change your approach?

Quote Kingdom influence doesn’t begin with a Strategy. Kingdom influence begins with Christ and Christ crucified.

Prayer

Jesus, help me to see that true influence doesn’t come from my own strength or strategies, but from Your cross. Anchor my heart in Your radical love and sacrifice, and teach me to trust in Your power rather than my own abilities. Amen.

Day 2: Strength in the Broken Places

Devotional We live in a culture that tells us to hide our weaknesses and showcase only our strengths. Social media feeds are carefully curated to present perfect lives, successful careers, and flawless relationships. But what if God’s kingdom operates on completely different principles? The cross reveals something revolutionary: God’s power is actually perfected in human weakness. This isn’t just a comforting thought for difficult times—it’s the fundamental way God chooses to work in the world. He doesn’t wait for us to get our act together before using us. Instead, He specializes in using broken, imperfect people to accomplish His purposes. This truth should both humble and encourage us. It humbles us because it reminds us that we’re not the source of power in our own lives. We can’t manufacture kingdom influence through our own efforts or abilities. But it also encourages us because it means God can use us exactly as we are, weaknesses and all. When we try to influence others from a place of supposed strength, we often end up relying on manipulation, pressure, or performance. But when we embrace our weakness and point people to Jesus, something authentic and powerful happens. People are drawn to genuine vulnerability because it reflects the heart of the gospel. The cross is the great equalizer. It removes all our boasting and pretending, requiring us to approach others with humility. This isn’t weakness—it’s the strongest position we can take because it aligns us with how God actually works in the world.

Bible Verse

‘But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.’ – 2 Corinthians 12:9

Reflection Question

How has God used your weaknesses or broken places to impact others, and what would change if you stopped trying to hide these areas?

Quote God’s power is perfected in human weakness.

Prayer

Lord, thank You that You don’t need my perfection to use me powerfully. Help me to embrace my weaknesses as places where Your strength can shine through. Give me the courage to be authentic and vulnerable, trusting that Your power is made perfect in my weakness. Amen.

Day 3: Redefining Success God’s Way

Devotional Success in our world is measured by numbers: followers, income, square footage, achievements. We’re constantly comparing ourselves to others and feeling pressure to build bigger platforms and gain more visibility. But what if God defines success completely differently? While the world celebrates those who control people and command attention, God celebrates faithfulness and surrender. Sometimes the most influential thing you can do is quietly follow Jesus when no one is watching. The kingdom of God operates on principles that often look foolish to the world but are actually the source of true power. This doesn’t mean God is against success or growth. Rather, it means He’s more interested in the condition of our hearts than the size of our platforms. He values obedience over outcomes, character over charisma, and faithfulness over fame. When we align our definition of success with God’s, we find freedom from the exhausting pressure to constantly perform and promote ourselves. Think about the people who have most influenced your faith. Chances are, they weren’t necessarily the most famous or visible people. They were probably ordinary believers who loved Jesus authentically and served others faithfully. They understood that kingdom influence isn’t about building a personal brand—it’s about pointing people to the cross. When we stop chasing worldly success and start pursuing faithfulness, something beautiful happens. We become free to love people without agenda, to serve without expecting recognition, and to follow Jesus simply because He’s worthy of our devotion.

Bible Verse

‘Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.’ – 1 Corinthians 1:22-25

Reflection Question

In what areas of your life are you measuring success by worldly standards rather than God’s standards of faithfulness and surrender?

Quote The world defines success by visibility, by building a platform, by having followers, by controlling people. God defines success differently. God defines success by faithfulness. God defines success by surrender.

Prayer

Father, help me to redefine success according to Your kingdom values. Free me from the pressure to build my own platform and instead help me to be faithful in whatever sphere of influence You’ve given me. May my life point others to You rather than to myself. Amen.

Day 4: Lambs Among Wolves

Devotional Jesus had an unusual strategy for changing the world. Instead of sending His followers out with weapons, wealth, or worldly wisdom, He sent them as lambs among wolves. This seems like a recipe for disaster, doesn’t it? Yet this was intentional—Jesus wanted them to depend entirely on God’s power rather than human resources. This lamb-among-wolves approach reveals something profound about kingdom influence. It’s not about being aggressive, manipulative, or overpowering. It’s about carrying the gentle strength of Jesus into hostile environments, trusting that God’s power will work through our vulnerability and dependence on Him. When we try to influence others through force, anger, or manipulation, we’re operating like wolves among wolves. We’re using the world’s tools and shouldn’t be surprised when we get worldly results. But when we approach people with the humble confidence of lambs—gentle yet unafraid—we create space for God to work in ways that surprise everyone. This doesn’t mean being passive or weak. Lambs have a quiet strength that comes from knowing they’re protected by the Good Shepherd. They don’t need to prove themselves or fight for position because their security comes from their relationship with Jesus, not from their ability to dominate others. The beautiful paradox is that this lamb-like approach often proves more influential than aggressive tactics. People are drawn to authentic love, genuine humility, and quiet confidence. When we stop trying to win arguments and start trying to win hearts, God can do things through us that we never imagined possible.

Bible Verse

‘After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.”‘ – Luke 10:1-9

Reflection Question

How can you approach the ‘wolves’ in your life with lamb-like gentleness while still maintaining the confidence that comes from knowing Jesus?

Quote Kingdom influence starts with this humble confidence. We’re lambs going out amongst wolves. Because all the power, it’s not in us. Where’s the power? It’s in the cross. It’s all in Jesus.

Prayer

Jesus, give me the humble confidence to go out as a lamb among wolves. Help me to trust in Your protection and power rather than my own ability to defend myself. Teach me to influence others through love and gentleness rather than force or manipulation. Amen.

Day 5: Daily Surrender, Lasting Impact

Devotional The cross isn’t just the doorway into salvation—it’s the ongoing shape of the Christian life. This means that kingdom influence requires daily surrender, not just a one-time decision. Every day, we must choose to return to the cross and allow it to shape how we speak, respond, and engage with others. Without this daily anchoring in the cross, our influence slowly drifts toward worldly methods. We start relying on persuasion instead of prayer, anger instead of love, platforms instead of presence. Even with sincere intentions, we can find ourselves doing all the right activities while being connected to the wrong power source. The cross carries a cost—it requires us to die to our own agendas, pride, and desire for control. But this is also where we find true power. When we live surrendered to Jesus, we see the world more clearly and understand our communities more deeply. We become conduits of God’s love rather than promoters of our own interests. This daily surrender transforms everything. It changes how we respond when someone disagrees with us. It shapes how we treat people who can’t do anything for us. It influences how we handle success and failure, praise and criticism. The cross becomes the lens through which we view every relationship and every opportunity to influence others. As we conclude this week, remember that you cannot advance a crucified kingdom with an uncrucified life. The power has never been in us—it’s in the cross. When we embrace this truth daily, God can use even someone as imperfect as us to do something beautiful for His kingdom.

Bible Verse

‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ – John 15:13

Reflection Question

What specific areas of your life need to be more shaped by the cross, and what would daily surrender look like in those areas?

Quote You cannot advance a crucified kingdom with uncrucified lives.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the cross and the power it represents. Help me to return to it daily, allowing it to shape every aspect of my life. Give me the courage to surrender my own agenda and trust in Your power working through me. Use my life to point others to You. Amen.

Join us at Keys Vineyard Church in person or online or connect with our Bible Institute for more sermons, courses, etc.