Blog

Day 1: The Old Self Must Die

Devotional We all struggle with wanting to be the center of our own story. It’s human nature to view life through the lens of ‘how does this affect me?’ But God calls us to a radical transformation—one where we’re no longer the main character. In Galatians, Paul makes a profound statement about identity that challenges our natural inclinations. He declares that he has been crucified with Christ, meaning his old self-centered nature has died. This isn’t just poetic language. It’s a spiritual reality that we’re invited to embrace daily. The old self—the one that demands attention, insists on its own way, and places personal comfort above all else—must be put to death. This death isn’t a one-time event but a daily choice to surrender our self-importance at the foot of the cross. When we first come to Christ, we begin this journey of transformation. But the old self doesn’t go quietly. It resurfaces in moments of stress, conflict, or decision-making. The question becomes: will we yield to our old nature or embrace our new identity in Christ?

Bible Verse

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

Reflection Question

In what specific situations this week have you noticed your ‘old self’ trying to take center stage? How might those situations have looked different if you had approached them from your identity in Christ?

Quote “Every day, he’s saying, so that you can experience life as the new I that you were created to be. You have to lose that old life. You have to trust in the Lord and what he’s done and move into the new I. But it’s not easy. It’s easy to talk about, but it’s much harder to live out because it’s a daily battle.”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me enough to die for me. Help me recognize when my old self is trying to take control. Give me the courage to die to myself daily so that you might live more fully through me. Amen.

Day 2: The Daily Battle

Devotional The Christian life isn’t a smooth, upward trajectory of spiritual growth. It’s more like a daily wrestling match with our old nature. Even Paul, who wrote so eloquently about being crucified with Christ, acknowledged this ongoing struggle. Each morning when we wake up, our old self is ready to assert its dominance. It whispers that we deserve better treatment, that our opinions matter most, and that our comfort should be prioritized. These thoughts can feel so natural that we don’t even recognize them as contrary to our new identity in Christ. Jesus didn’t mince words about this reality. He told His followers that discipleship requires daily cross-bearing—a continual dying to self. The beautiful paradox is that in losing our self-centered life, we discover true life. When we surrender our need to be at the center, we find freedom and purpose beyond anything our old self could imagine. This battle isn’t fought through willpower alone. It’s won through moment-by-moment surrender, acknowledging our weakness and leaning into Christ’s strength.

Bible Verse

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Whoever wants to save their life will lose it. But whatever loses their life for me will find it.” – Matthew 16:24-25

Reflection Question

What is one area of your life where you find it most difficult to ‘deny yourself’? What might it look like to take up your cross in that specific situation today?

Quote “I think, honestly, every morning you’re going to battle with the old I. At least I still do. The old I pops up. My center of the story issues are there. It’s like it’s about me. How does it impact me? What about me? And there’s no life to be found there.”

Prayer

Father, I confess that I often try to preserve my old self rather than embracing the cross. Help me to see that true life is found in surrender. Give me courage to deny myself today, knowing that what I gain in You is far greater than what I lose. Amen.

Day 3: Yielding to the Spirit

Devotional Many of us secretly wish Christianity came with a simple rulebook. Just tell us exactly what to do in every situation, and we’ll do it! But God offers something far better—and admittedly more challenging—than a list of regulations. He gives us His Spirit to guide us from within. The Christian life isn’t primarily about rule-following; it’s about relationship. When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts. This indwelling Spirit becomes our guide, counselor, and power source for transformation. Rather than consulting a manual of dos and don’ts, we learn to yield to His gentle promptings. Yielding means surrendering control. It means pausing before we react, taking a spiritual breath, and asking, “Spirit, how would you have me respond?” This practice doesn’t come naturally. Our old self prefers the certainty of rules to the vulnerability of relationship. But as we practice yielding, we discover a freedom and wisdom that no rulebook could provide. The Spirit’s guidance is perfectly tailored to each unique situation we face. Where rules are rigid, the Spirit is responsive. Where regulations can become burdensome, the Spirit brings life.

Bible Verse

“You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.” – Romans 8:9a

Reflection Question

Can you identify a recent situation where you responded automatically from your old nature? If you had paused to yield to the Spirit, how might your response have been different?

Quote “We have to yield to Holy Spirit so that we can walk life out is the new I.”

Prayer

Holy Spirit, forgive me for the times I’ve ignored Your guidance and relied on my own understanding. Help me to recognize Your voice and yield to Your direction. Teach me to pause before reacting so that Christ might live through me. Amen.

Day 4: Taking a Spiritual Breath

Devotional In moments of stress, conflict, or decision-making, our first reactions typically come from our old self. That initial surge of defensiveness, pride, or self-protection rises up before we even realize what’s happening. This is where the practice of “taking a spiritual breath” becomes essential. Just as physical breathing is automatic yet can be controlled with intention, our spiritual responses can move from automatic reactions to intentional actions. When faced with a triggering situation, we can learn to pause—to take that spiritual breath—before responding. In that pause, we create space for the Holy Spirit to guide us. We can ask ourselves: “Is what I’m about to say or do coming from my old self or my new identity in Christ? Is this response yielded to the Spirit?” This practice doesn’t mean we’ll always get it right. Sometimes we’ll take that breath too late, after the old self has already spoken. But with practice, that pause becomes more natural, and our ability to respond from our new identity strengthens. The beauty of this approach is that it works in any situation—from major life decisions to everyday interactions. The Spirit’s wisdom is available for all of life’s complexities.

Bible Verse

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

Reflection Question

What practical reminder could you create for yourself (a physical object, phone alert, etc.) to help you remember to “take a spiritual breath” before responding in challenging situations?

Quote “We just have to take a beat. We just got to catch a breath of Holy Spirit. I love that he’s breath because I think if and then what am I supposed to do?”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of Your Spirit who guides me. Help me develop the habit of pausing before I react so that You can live through me. May my responses increasingly reflect Your character rather than my old nature. Amen.

Day 5: The One-Day Challenge

Devotional Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It occurs through consistent, intentional practice of yielding to the Spirit. While we can’t expect perfection, we can take meaningful steps toward living from our new identity in Christ. Here’s a practical challenge: Choose one day this week—not your most difficult day, but one where you have some margin—and commit to living that entire day fully yielded to the Holy Spirit. From the moment you wake up, consciously surrender your thoughts, words, and actions to Christ’s leadership. Throughout this day, practice taking that spiritual breath before responding to situations. Ask yourself: “Is this the old me or the new me speaking? Am I yielding to the Spirit right now?” You’ll likely stumble at points during the day. When that happens, don’t condemn yourself. Simply acknowledge it, receive God’s grace, and recommit to yielding. Each moment is a fresh opportunity to surrender. This one-day experiment can become a powerful catalyst for ongoing transformation. As you experience the freedom and life that comes from yielding to the Spirit, you’ll find yourself wanting more of it. What begins as a one-day challenge can gradually become your new normal.

Bible Verse

“I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” – Galatians 2:21

Reflection Question

What specific situations do you anticipate facing on your “one-day challenge” that might be particularly difficult to approach from your new identity? How can you prepare now to yield to the Spirit in those moments?

Quote “Pick a day this week, one day. And don’t pick your hardest day this week. Sort of think about what day might be the best day to do a challenge for you this week and pick that day and do your very best to live that day fully yielded to Holy Spirit.”

Prayer

Holy Spirit, I invite You to lead me completely during my one-day challenge. Help me recognize when my old self tries to take control, and give me the courage to yield to You instead. Thank You for Your patience as I learn to live from my new identity in Christ. 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 Divine Plan

Devotional Have you ever marveled at how intricately planned your favorite movie or book is? Every detail matters, every scene has purpose. Yet even the greatest human stories pale in comparison to God’s redemption story. From the very beginning, God had a perfect plan to rescue humanity. This wasn’t a last-minute solution or a reactive measure – it was His loving intention from the start. When sin entered the world, God already knew how He would make things right. His plan wasn’t just good – it was perfect, purposeful, and personal. This should bring us incredible comfort. Our salvation isn’t based on chance or human wisdom, but on God’s careful, loving design that has been in motion since before time began.

Bible Verse

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

Reflection Question

How does knowing that your salvation was part of God’s intentional plan from the beginning change how you view your relationship with Him?

Quote The good news is the plan of God. It wasn’t just some sort of random event. It was a plan.

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your perfect plan of salvation. Help me rest in the knowledge that You have always had my best interests at heart. Let this truth deepen my trust in You. Amen.

Day 2: Divine Accomplishment, Not Human Achievement

Devotional We often fall into the trap of thinking we need to earn God’s love or somehow contribute to our salvation. But the beauty of the gospel is that it’s entirely God’s work. When we couldn’t reach Him, He reached down to us. When we couldn’t save ourselves, He provided the way. This truth liberates us from the exhausting cycle of trying to be ‘good enough.’ Our role isn’t to achieve salvation but to receive it with grateful hearts. God has done all the heavy lifting – He sent His Son, provided the sacrifice, and offers us new life. Our part is simply to say ‘yes’ to His amazing gift.

Bible Verse

“He canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us. He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” – Colossians 2:13-14

Reflection Question

In what areas of your spiritual life are you still trying to earn what God has freely given?

Quote The gospel is a divine accomplishment. God does it because we can’t.

Prayer

Lord, help me to stop striving and start receiving. Thank You that Your work is complete and perfect. Let me rest in Your finished work today. Amen.

Day 3: Complete Forgiveness

Devotional Imagine carrying a heavy backpack filled with rocks – each representing past mistakes, regrets, and sins. Now imagine someone taking that backpack off your shoulders, throwing it into the deepest ocean, never to be seen again. That’s what God’s forgiveness is like. Through Jesus’s sacrifice, He dealt with ALL our sins – past, present, and future. This complete forgiveness isn’t meant to make us feel guilty, but to free us for relationship with God. When we truly grasp this truth, it transforms how we live. We no longer serve God out of obligation or fear, but out of love and gratitude.

Bible Verse

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” – Romans 8:1-2

Reflection Question

How might your daily life look different if you truly believed you were completely forgiven?

Quote He dealt with all of your sins, all the ones you have done, all the ones you will do. Everything has been done against you, all that mess. It all gets taken care of in the cross.

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your complete forgiveness. Help me live in the freedom of knowing I am fully forgiven and deeply loved. Amen.

Day 4: Becoming God’s Child

Devotional Being a Christian isn’t just about following rules or attending church – it’s about becoming part of God’s family. When we accept Jesus, we’re not just forgiven; we’re adopted. We become children of God with all the privileges and intimacy that comes with that relationship. This means we can approach God not as distant subjects, but as beloved children. We have direct access to our heavenly Father, who delights in us and wants us to enjoy His presence. This relationship transforms everything about how we live and interact with God.

Bible Verse

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12

Reflection Question

What would change in your prayer life if you truly saw yourself as God’s beloved child rather than just a follower?

Quote I think so many people who’ve made a decision to follow Jesus get all wrapped up in trying to perform well enough to make it work somehow that they don’t really enjoy God the way they should. He wants you to enjoy him.

Prayer

Abba Father, thank You for making me Your child. Help me to live in the confidence and joy of being Your beloved. Let me experience the depth of Your fatherly love today. Amen.

Day 5: Living in Response

Devotional When we truly understand what Jesus has done for us, it naturally changes how we live. Not because we have to, but because we want to. The Holy Spirit living within us transforms our desires and empowers us to live differently. This isn’t about following rules or meeting expectations – it’s about responding to love with love. When we say yes to Jesus, we begin a journey of becoming more like Him, not through our own effort, but through His work in us. Our lives become a grateful response to His amazing grace.

Bible Verse

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” – Romans 5:11

Reflection Question

How has your relationship with Jesus changed your desires and actions in practical ways?

Quote You say yes to Jesus, you won’t want to live like that anymore. Because when you say yes to Jesus, your life will be changed and impacted. Holy Spirit will live in you.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, continue to transform me from the inside out. Help me live in response to Your love, not out of obligation but out of joy. Amen.

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

Day 1: Living Between Two Ages

Devotional We live in the present age while belonging to God’s coming kingdom. This creates a unique tension in our lives – but it’s a tension that God designed for our good. Just like a guitar string needs the right tension to produce beautiful music, this spiritual tension in our lives can produce something beautiful when we understand its purpose. We’re citizens of heaven living as ambassadors on earth. While we experience the broken reality of this present age, we also carry within us the hope and power of God’s perfect kingdom that is coming.

Bible Verse

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Ephesians 1:21

Reflection Question

In what specific ways do you experience the tension between living in this world while belonging to God’s kingdom? How does this awareness impact your daily choices?

Quote Christians exist in a unique tension between two realities – the present evil age and the coming age of God’s perfect kingdom. Since the Fall, Satan has held authority over this present evil age, but through Christ’s death and resurrection, the power of the future kingdom has already begun breaking into our world.

Prayer

Father, thank you that while we live in this present age, we belong to Your kingdom. Help us embrace this tension rather than fight against it. Give us wisdom to live as Your representatives while we await the fullness of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 2: The Spirit’s Guarantee

Devotional Think about putting a deposit down on a house – it’s a promise of what’s to come. In an infinitely more meaningful way, God has given us His Holy Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing our future inheritance. This isn’t just a nice theological concept – it’s a living reality! The Spirit within us is actively working, transforming us day by day. While we might not be perfect yet, we’re not who we used to be. Each small victory over sin, each moment of choosing love over anger, each act of forgiveness – these are signs of the Spirit’s work in us.

Bible Verse

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” – Ephesians 1:13-14

Reflection Question

What evidence of the Holy Spirit’s transforming work have you seen in your life over the past year? How does this encourage you about God’s ongoing work in your life?

Quote We have Holy Spirit who’s in us, and he leads us and he guides us and he teaches and he nurtures. He’s a paraclete. He comes alongside to help. And we need to be aware that he’s doing that because that’s what he’s doing.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, thank you for being the guarantee of our inheritance in Christ. Continue Your transforming work in us, making us more like Jesus each day. Help us to recognize and celebrate the changes You’re producing in our lives. Amen.

Day 3: Embracing the Tension

Devotional Sometimes we try to resolve every tension in our lives, but not all tension is bad. Think of a suspension bridge – it stands strong because of carefully balanced tension. Similarly, the tension we feel as believers between the ‘now’ and ‘not yet’ of God’s kingdom isn’t something to eliminate – it’s something to embrace. This tension keeps us both grounded in our present reality and hopeful for our future glory. It reminds us that while we’re not home yet, we’re definitely on our way!

Bible Verse

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

Reflection Question

How might viewing spiritual tension as positive rather than negative change your perspective on the challenges you face in your faith journey?

Quote The solution to the tension is that there is no solution to the tension. And what you have to do with the tension is embrace it. And that somehow in that, and embracing that tension becomes the reality that that’s where life really is. That for the child of God, tension a wonderful thing.

Prayer

Lord, help us embrace the tension of living between two worlds. Thank You that this tension serves Your purpose in our lives. Give us grace to live faithfully in this present age while keeping our eyes fixed on Your coming kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 4: Living with Holy Longing

Devotional Have you ever felt a deep longing for something more, even when life seems good? That’s not a sign something’s wrong – it’s a sign something’s right! As believers, we’re meant to feel a holy discontent with this present world. We’ve tasted the goodness of God’s kingdom, and nothing less will fully satisfy. This longing isn’t meant to make us miserable, but to keep us moving forward, anticipating the perfect fulfillment that awaits us in God’s presence.

Bible Verse

“I tell you the truth, Jesus replied, no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.” – Mark 10:29-30

Reflection Question

What spiritual longings do you experience? How can these longings serve as reminders of your true citizenship in God’s kingdom?

Quote At some point the realization was, is that longing was just for what’s coming. And nothing is going to satisfy this side of that happening. It’s just part of the gig.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that our longings point us toward our true home with You. Help us not to be discouraged by these feelings, but to let them fuel our hope and anticipation of Your coming kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 5: Kingdom Power for Today

Devotional While we await the fullness of God’s kingdom, we’re not left powerless in the present. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, the power of the future kingdom has already broken into our world! We can experience genuine tastes of God’s kingdom power now – in transformed relationships, in victory over sin, in supernatural peace amid chaos. Every act of forgiveness, every choice to love, every moment of joy in God’s presence is a preview of the coming kingdom.

Bible Verse

“But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” – Galatians 1:1-5

Reflection Question

Where have you seen evidence of God’s kingdom power breaking into your daily life? How can you more intentionally live in this kingdom power?

Quote The age to come is future, but because of Jesus inauguration, how he inaugurated the kingdom at the cross, we can now taste the powers of the age to come.

Prayer

King Jesus, thank You for bringing Your kingdom power into our present reality. Help us to live as kingdom people today, demonstrating Your love, power, and presence to a watching world. May Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

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