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Day 1: From Empty to Overflowing

Devotional Have you ever felt empty, like you’re running on reserves? Just as the wine ran out at the wedding in Cana, we sometimes find ourselves depleted – spiritually, emotionally, or physically. But this is exactly where Jesus loves to work. He doesn’t just provide enough to get by; He provides abundantly. When faced with empty vessels, Jesus didn’t just fill them partially or adequately – He transformed them completely and provided the finest quality wine in abundance. This wasn’t just about solving a practical problem; it was about revealing His character and power to transform our lives completely.

Bible Verse

When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ – John 2:9-10

Reflection Question

What areas of your life feel empty right now, and how might Jesus want to fill them with His abundance?

Quote Jesus doesn’t just supply enough wine to save the groom’s reputation, to save them from a social blunder, he provides an overabundance.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you that you see our empty places and desire to fill them abundantly. Help us trust you with our areas of lack, believing that you can transform them into something beautiful. Fill us with your presence and power today. Amen.

Day 2: Beyond Religious Rituals

Devotional Religion often feels like a set of rules to follow, a checklist to complete. But Jesus came to offer something radically different. At the wedding in Cana, He deliberately chose the stone water jars used for religious washing to demonstrate His point. These vessels represented the old way of doing things – rigid traditions and ceremonial cleansing. By turning water into wine in these specific jars, Jesus wasn’t just performing a miracle; He was making a profound statement about His mission to transform our relationship with God from one of rules to one of grace.

Bible Verse

Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. – John 2:6

Reflection Question

What religious rituals or rules might be preventing you from experiencing the full joy of relationship with Jesus?

Quote Jesus didn’t come to bring religion. He came to bring revolution. He came to bring dramatic change.

Prayer

Father, help us move beyond empty religious practices to experience the fullness of relationship with you. Show us where we’re stuck in ritual and lead us into true transformation. Amen.

Day 3: From Shame to Honor

Devotional Running out of wine at a wedding in ancient times wasn’t just inconvenient – it was deeply shameful for the host family. Yet in this moment of potential social disaster, Jesus stepped in. He didn’t just solve the problem; He turned it into an opportunity for glory. This is what Jesus does – He takes our moments of shame and transforms them into occasions for honor. He doesn’t merely patch over our embarrassments; He completely transforms them into testimonies of His grace and power.

Bible Verse

Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come. – John 2:4

Reflection Question

What shame are you carrying that you need to surrender to Jesus for transformation?

Quote He came to replace shame with honor. He came to replace scarcity with abundance. And he came to replace rigid tradition with joy filled life giving grace.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you that you specialize in taking our shame and turning it into honor. Help us trust you with our deepest embarrassments and failures, believing that you can transform them. Amen.

Day 4: The Best is Yet to Come

Devotional At the wedding in Cana, Jesus saved the best wine for last – contrary to common practice. This wasn’t just about wine; it was a picture of how God works in our lives. While the world’s pleasures often start strong but fade quickly, Jesus offers joy that grows richer and deeper over time. His blessings don’t diminish; they increase. This miracle points to the ultimate feast in God’s kingdom, where joy will be complete and celebration eternal.

Bible Verse

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. – John 2:11

Reflection Question

How have you experienced God’s timing in your life, and what helps you trust that His best is yet to come?

Quote He’s the true master of the banquet, offering a joy that will never run out and a feast that will never end.

Prayer

Lord, help us trust your timing and believe that you’re always working for our good. Give us patience to wait for your best rather than settling for less. Amen.

Day 5: Living the Abundant Life

Devotional The miracle at Cana wasn’t just about providing wine – it was about revealing Jesus’s purpose to bring abundant life. This abundance isn’t measured in material wealth but in the richness of relationship with Him. Jesus demonstrated that He cares about every aspect of our lives, from the seemingly mundane to the deeply spiritual. He came to give us not just life, but life overflowing with purpose, joy, and meaning.

Bible Verse

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. – John 10:10

Reflection Question

What does living an abundant life in Christ mean to you, and how can you embrace it more fully today?

Quote Jesus is there to give us this amazing and abundant life. He came to take away our shame. He came to take away our embarrassment from our lives.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for offering us abundant life. Help us to live fully in the freedom and joy you provide, trusting you with every aspect of our lives. Amen.

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

Day 1: Finding Your True Identity

Devotional In a world that constantly pushes us to prove our worth through achievements, social media likes, or career success, there’s a profound truth that can set us free: our identity in Christ is a gift, not something we earn. Just like John the Baptist, who knew exactly who he was and wasn’t trying to be someone else, we too can find peace in embracing our God-given identity. When we understand that our worth comes from being loved by God rather than from our accomplishments, it changes everything. We no longer need to exhaust ourselves trying to measure up to impossible standards. Instead, we can rest in the knowledge that we are already fully loved and accepted by the One who matters most.

Bible Verse

“The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.” – Mark 1:1

Reflection Question

What areas of your life do you find yourself trying to prove your worth, and how might embracing your identity in Christ change that?

Quote Our identity in Christ is received, not achieved.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to fully embrace the identity You’ve given me. Free me from the need to prove my worth through achievements and help me rest in Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 2: Loved Before Time

Devotional Have you ever wondered when God’s love for you began? Many of us might think it started when we first believed in Him or when we did something good. But the amazing truth is that God’s love for us existed before we took our first breath. Before we accomplished anything, before we made any mistakes, before we even knew Him – He already loved us completely. This unconditional love isn’t based on what we do or don’t do; it’s simply who He is and how He sees us. Understanding this truth helps us approach each day not trying to earn God’s love, but living from a place of already being loved.

Bible Verse

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” – Genesis 1:1-2

Reflection Question

How would your daily life be different if you truly believed that God loved you completely before you ever did anything to deserve it?

Quote Before anybody else in time ever saw the beauty of your potential, Jesus saw it, and he already loved you. You haven’t done a thing yet, and he just loved you.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for loving me before I even existed. Help me to live today from a place of being loved rather than trying to earn Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 3: A Voice of Hope

Devotional Just as John the Baptist was a voice crying in the wilderness, we too have the opportunity to be voices of hope in our world. In a time when anxiety, depression, and hopelessness seem to be at an all-time high, our voices matter more than ever. We don’t need to have all the answers or be perfect examples – we simply need to point others to Jesus, just as John did. When we share our own stories of how God has worked in our lives, we become beacons of hope to those around us. Every conversation, every act of kindness, every word of encouragement can be an opportunity to show others the hope we’ve found in Christ.

Bible Verse

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'” – Isaiah 40:3

Reflection Question

In what specific ways could you be a voice of hope to the people in your life this week?

Quote I want to be a voice that tells people that there’s hope in Jesus. I want to be a voice that tells people that they’re loved extravagantly by one who came and lived and died for them and lives again and wants to be in relationship with them forever.

Prayer

Dear God, use me as a voice of hope in my corner of the world. Give me courage to share Your love with others and wisdom to know how to do it well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 4: The Power of Presence

Devotional In our busy, fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound invitation Jesus extends to us daily – to simply spend time with Him. We often complicate our relationship with God, thinking we need to do something spectacular or achieve certain spiritual milestones. But Jesus just wants to be with us. Like a close friend who enjoys our company, He delights in our presence. Whether it’s during our morning coffee, our commute to work, or before we go to bed, Jesus is always ready to spend time with us. These moments of connection aren’t about checking boxes or following religious routines; they’re about building a genuine relationship with Someone who loves us deeply.

Bible Verse

“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” – John 1:29

Reflection Question

What practical steps can you take to create more space in your daily routine for simply being with Jesus?

Quote Jesus just loves you to spend time with us. He’s gone to such lengths to build this relationship with us.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for wanting to spend time with me. Help me prioritize our relationship and find joy in simply being in Your presence. In Your name, Amen.

Day 5: Living with Eternal Perspective

Devotional When we truly grasp that our relationship with Jesus isn’t just about this life but extends into eternity, it changes how we view everything. Our current circumstances, whether challenging or pleasant, are no longer the whole story. Like John the Baptist, who lived with clear purpose despite difficult conditions, we too can live with confidence knowing our eternal life has already begun. This perspective doesn’t minimize our current struggles, but it does put them in proper context. We can face each day with hope, knowing that our story extends far beyond what we can see right now. This eternal perspective gives us courage to live boldly for Christ, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Him.

Bible Verse

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” – Matthew 11:11

Reflection Question

How might viewing your current situation through an eternal perspective change the way you respond to it?

Quote When you come to know Jesus, your eternal life has begun.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to live with an eternal perspective today. Let this hope shape my attitudes, decisions, and interactions with others. In Jesus’ name, 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 Word Who Was There

Devotional From the very beginning, Jesus was there. Before time began, before the mountains were formed, before the first star lit up the sky – Jesus existed in perfect unity with God the Father. He wasn’t just present; He was actively involved in creating everything we see and know. This profound truth helps us understand that our faith isn’t built on a mere historical figure, but on the eternal God who chose to enter His own creation. When we grasp this reality, it changes how we see everything around us. Every sunrise, every heartbeat, every moment exists because of Him. This eternal Word is the foundation of our faith and the author of our story.

Bible Verse

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him, all things were made. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. – John 1:1-3

Reflection Question

How does knowing that Jesus was present and active in creation change your perspective on His involvement in your daily life?

Quote The Logos isn’t an impersonal force. The Logos is Jesus.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being there from the beginning. Help me to see Your hand in all of creation and to recognize Your presence in my daily life. Open my eyes to understand more deeply who You are and who I am in You. Amen.

Day 2: Light in the Darkness

Devotional In a world that often feels overwhelmed by darkness, we have an unshakeable hope: the light of Jesus cannot be overcome. No matter how deep the darkness seems, His light continues to shine. This isn’t just poetic language – it’s a promise that has proven true throughout history. When we feel surrounded by shadows of doubt, fear, or uncertainty, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus’ light is still shining, still breaking through, still transforming lives. His light isn’t just illuminating; it’s inviting. He calls us to step out of the shadows and into His marvelous light.

Bible Verse

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:5

Reflection Question

Where in your life do you need to let Christ’s light shine more brightly, and what might be holding you back from stepping fully into that light?

Quote Even though the world is crazy and there’s all this busyness going on, you know, busy things and distractions and bad stuff, because it’s a fallen World, broken planet. But you’re in the story in a way where you get to see him moving and doing amazing things because he is all the time.

Prayer

Father, thank You that Your light is stronger than any darkness. Help me to walk confidently in Your light today and to reflect it to others. Remove any shadows of doubt or fear that hold me back from fully experiencing Your presence. Amen.

Day 3: The Word Became One of Us

Devotional The most amazing part of our faith is that God didn’t stay distant – He came near. The eternal Word became flesh and lived among us. This wasn’t a brief visit or a temporary arrangement; Jesus fully embraced our humanity while maintaining His divinity. He experienced our joys and sorrows, our celebrations and struggles. He knows what it means to be human because He became human. This incredible truth means we have a Savior who truly understands us, who knows our weaknesses, and who still loves us completely.

Bible Verse

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We’ve seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:14

Reflection Question

How does knowing that Jesus fully experienced human life change the way you approach Him with your struggles and celebrations?

Quote Jesus comes, and as he fulfills Scripture, he’s loving people. He reaches out to the broken and the outcast and those he don’t care about. He comes as a servant, and he comes bearing and filled with truth and grace and mercy and love.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for becoming one of us. Thank You for understanding our human experience firsthand. Help me to draw near to You, knowing that You understand everything I face. Amen.

Day 4: Living in His Story

Devotional God’s story isn’t just a historical account – it’s a living narrative that continues today, and you’re invited to be part of it. Too often, we live ‘story adjacent,’ hovering on the edges of what God is doing rather than diving fully into His narrative. But real life, abundant life, is found when we step fully into God’s story. When we say yes to Jesus, we become part of something bigger than ourselves. We’re not just observers; we’re participants in God’s ongoing work of redemption and restoration.

Bible Verse

For my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:10-11

Reflection Question

In what ways have you been living ‘story adjacent’ rather than fully embracing your role in God’s ongoing story?

Quote We’re invited into his story which is amazing. And we’ve said yes, but we end up sort of living a little, not a judgment, but story adjacent. That’s exactly how like we’re in, but it’s kind of adjacent to it. And that life is found all the way in and that God wants you all the way in his story because that’s where life is.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for inviting me into Your story. Help me to move from the edges into the center of what You’re doing. Give me courage to fully embrace the role You’ve given me in Your ongoing work. Amen.

Day 5: Pressing Into His Word

Devotional One of the most powerful ways we connect with God’s story is through His Word. The Bible isn’t just an ancient text; it’s alive and active, capable of transforming our lives when we engage with it deeply. Sometimes, reading Scripture can feel challenging or distant, but that’s often when breakthrough is just around the corner. When we press through these difficulties, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us, we discover fresh insights and deeper connections with God. His Word becomes not just something we read, but something we live.

Bible Verse

See, I am sending my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. – Malachi 3:1

Reflection Question

What specific steps can you take this week to make Bible reading a more meaningful and consistent part of your daily life?

Quote The Bible is one of those things that we have that we need to press into. And my hope would be that what happens is that Bible reading becomes this major part of your life, something that you look forward to.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, thank You for making God’s Word come alive in my heart. Help me to press through any obstacles that keep me from engaging with Scripture. Give me fresh enthusiasm and understanding as I read Your Word. Amen.

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