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Day 1: The Kingdom Within

Devotional When we think of a kingdom, we often picture castles, crowns, and geographical boundaries. However, God’s kingdom operates differently. It’s not marked by physical borders or grand palaces, but by His active presence and authority in our lives. This kingdom was set in motion when Jesus walked among us, and continues to expand through those who follow Him. Just as a seed grows silently beneath the soil before bursting forth with new life, God’s kingdom grows in and through us, often in ways we can’t immediately see.

Bible Verse

‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.’ – 1 Peter 2:9

Reflection Question

In what specific ways have you seen God’s kingdom authority manifesting in your daily life this past week?

Quote The kingdom of God is the rule and the reign of God. The kingdom of God isn’t a place, it’s the rule and reign of God. The kingdom of God, it was inaugurated when Jesus came the first time.

Prayer

Father, help me recognize Your kingdom’s presence in my life today. Open my eyes to see where You are working and give me the courage to participate in Your kingdom purposes. Amen.

Day 2: Living in the Now and Not Yet

Devotional Have you ever experienced the anticipation of waiting for something wonderful? That’s similar to our current spiritual reality. We live in an extraordinary time – a period where we can experience God’s presence through His Spirit, while still awaiting the fullness of His kingdom. This creates a beautiful tension that shapes our daily walk. We’re like travelers with one foot in our earthly journey and another in our heavenly citizenship. This unique position gives us both the privilege of experiencing God’s power now and the hope of something even greater to come.

Bible Verse

‘Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?’ – 1 Corinthians 6:19

Reflection Question

How does understanding this ‘now and not yet’ tension change the way you view your current circumstances?

Quote We live in this tension, this kingdom tension, this time in between of Jesus first arrival and when Jesus comes back. We live in this time period called the now and the not yet.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your presence with me today. Help me live faithfully in this present moment while holding onto the hope of Your future promises. Amen.

Day 3: God’s Portable Presence

Devotional Imagine being entrusted with carrying something incredibly precious. That’s exactly what God has done with us! As believers, we don’t just attend church – we are the church. Wherever we go, we carry God’s presence with us. Whether we’re at work, school, the grocery store, or home, we represent God’s presence in that space. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about being available and willing to let God work through us in everyday moments.

Bible Verse

‘For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.’ – 2 Corinthians 5:21

Reflection Question

How might your daily interactions change if you consistently remembered that you carry God’s presence wherever you go?

Quote As Christians, when we follow Jesus, when we have Holy Spirit in us, the local church, corporately, that’s us, right? People individually, that’s you and me as we follow Jesus. We are the portable presence of God.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, thank You for making Your home in me. Help me be more aware of Your presence and let Your light shine through me today. Amen.

Day 4: Your Divine Purpose

Devotional Sometimes we can feel lost in the crowd, wondering if we really matter in God’s grand plan. The beautiful truth is that every single person in God’s family has a unique and vital purpose. Your presence in this world isn’t an accident – you’re here for a specific reason. God has equipped you with particular gifts, experiences, and relationships that position you perfectly for His mission. This mission is beautifully simple yet profound: to help bring one more person into relationship with their heavenly Father.

Bible Verse

‘And they sang a new song, saying: “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”‘ – Revelation 5:9

Reflection Question

What unique qualities and experiences has God given you that could help draw others to Him?

Quote Everyone in the church has a purpose. You have a purpose. You have a mission. You have a reason to be here. Every single one of us does. Our mission is one more. That’s to bring one more lost child back to dad.

Prayer

Father, thank You for creating me with purpose. Show me how to use my unique gifts to draw others closer to You. Give me courage to fulfill the mission You’ve given me. Amen.

Day 5: Shining Your Light

Devotional Light has one simple yet powerful purpose – to illuminate darkness. As believers, we’re called to be light in a world that often feels dark. This isn’t about drawing attention to ourselves, but rather pointing others to the source of our light – Jesus. When we live authentically, serve others, and share God’s love, we naturally shine. Even in difficult times, our perseverance and faith can illuminate the path for others seeking hope.

Bible Verse

‘You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.’ – Matthew 5:13-16

Reflection Question

In what specific ways can you let your light shine brighter in your current circumstances?

Quote Let your light shine so that others can know how good the Lord is. That’s our call as royal priests. That’s how we live as new creation people in this time of the now and the not yet.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for being the true Light. Help me reflect Your light clearly to those around me, especially in challenging times. Use my life to draw others to Your goodness. Amen.

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

Day 1: Walking with the Unrecognized Savior

Devotional Have you ever felt alone on your journey, especially during times of disappointment? Two disciples walked a long road to Emmaus, their hearts heavy with grief, unaware that Jesus Himself walked beside them. Sometimes in our deepest moments of despair, we too might miss Jesus’ presence in our lives. Yet He is there, walking alongside us, even when our eyes fail to recognize Him. Just as He did with these disciples, Jesus meets us in our pain and confusion, ready to bring understanding and hope. He doesn’t rush to reveal Himself but patiently walks with us, listening to our struggles and doubts.

Bible Verse

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. – Luke 24:13

Reflection Question

When was the last time you felt alone in your journey, and looking back now, can you recognize ways Jesus might have been present with you even though you didn’t realize it at the time?

Quote He’s not too busy to hang out with you and he’ll stop the big parties and come just to be with you.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see You walking beside me, especially in moments when I feel most alone. Help me recognize Your presence in my daily journey. Thank You for Your patience with me when I struggle to see You. Amen.

Day 2: The Power of Divine Suffering

Devotional We often associate power with strength, victory, and glory. Yet God’s greatest display of power came through what appeared to be weakness – the cross. This seeming contradiction reveals a profound truth about God’s nature. His power operates differently than our human understanding of power. Through Christ’s suffering, He demonstrated the ultimate strength of sacrificial love. The cross wasn’t a defeat but rather the most powerful victory ever achieved. When we face our own suffering, we can find comfort knowing that God understands pain intimately and uses it for His glory.

Bible Verse

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ – Matthew 26:26

Reflection Question

How has your understanding of God’s power changed when you consider that His greatest display of strength came through suffering?

Quote The cross was divine power at its ultimate. And it’s in that suffering that glory was revealed.

Prayer

Father, help me understand the power of Your love displayed through suffering. Transform my perspective on difficulties in my life, showing me how You can use them for Your glory. Amen.

Day 3: From Fall to Restoration

Devotional The story of humanity includes both tragedy and triumph. It began with a simple act of disobedience in a garden, leading to separation from God. But God’s response to our fall wasn’t final condemnation – it was a rescue mission. Through Jesus, God initiated a beautiful restoration plan. Where the first humans grasped for equality with God, Jesus willingly laid down His divine privileges. Where they chose disobedience, He chose perfect submission. This divine reversal shows us God’s heart – He doesn’t abandon us in our failures but works to restore us to Himself.

Bible Verse

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. – Genesis 3:6

Reflection Question

In what areas of your life do you see God working to restore what was broken, and how does this reflect His character of redemption?

Quote The way that we fell into sin is he’s doing the exact opposite to restore us back to life.

Prayer

Gracious God, thank You for Your work of restoration in my life. Help me to trust Your redemptive process, even when I can’t see the full picture. Amen.

Day 4: Fully God, Fully Present

Devotional Sometimes we might think we’re not important enough for God’s attention, especially when we’re struggling. Yet the resurrection story shows us something remarkable – on the very day Jesus conquered death, He made time to walk seven miles with two discouraged disciples. This wasn’t a quick hello; it was an afternoon of personal attention. The God who created the universe cares about our individual stories, our doubts, and our disappointments. He doesn’t view our struggles as insignificant, but rather as opportunities to reveal Himself more fully to us.

Bible Verse

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. – Luke 23:31

Reflection Question

What does it mean to you personally that Jesus, even on resurrection day, took time to walk with and encourage individual disciples?

Quote Jesus is going to spend the afternoon of Resurrection day with Cleopas and his wife because their hope is shot. And I often think to myself, resurrection day probably pretty busy day if you think about it for Jesus, wouldn’t you think? I mean, he’s just defeating sin and death forever. That’s how much he loves you, that nothing is more important than you.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for caring about my personal journey. Help me to trust that I am never too small for Your attention and that You are always present in my life. Amen.

Day 5: Victory Through the Cross

Devotional The cross represents both the depths of human suffering and the heights of divine love. What appeared to be defeat became the greatest victory in history. Through Christ’s sacrifice, every tear, every pain, and every loss finds its answer. His suffering wasn’t just about enduring pain – it was about transforming it into triumph. When we face our own crosses, we can remember that suffering isn’t the end of the story. Just as Jesus turned the cross into a throne, He can turn our moments of greatest difficulty into testimonies of His glory.

Bible Verse

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. – 1 Corinthians 15:3

Reflection Question

How does seeing the cross as both a place of suffering and victory change your perspective on the challenges you face?

Quote Jesus throne. It wasn’t just a golden seat. It was a wooden cross. They’re all tied together.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for transforming the cross from an instrument of death into a symbol of victory. Help me trust that You can bring triumph out of my trials. 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 Problem We All Face

Devotional Have you ever felt like something was missing in your life? Like there’s an emptiness that nothing seems to fill? You’re not alone. We all experience this feeling because we were created for a relationship with God, but something stands in the way – sin. It’s like a wall that separates us from the very One we were made to know. No amount of success, relationships, or achievements can bridge this gap. This universal human condition affects everyone, regardless of background or status. But understanding this problem is the first step toward finding its solution.

Bible Verse

‘Your iniquities have separated you from God. Your sins have hidden his face from you so that he will not hear.’ – Isaiah 59:2

Reflection Question

What things have you tried to fill the emptiness in your life with, and how have those attempts worked out?

Quote There’s something in us that’s created with this God shaped emptiness. And unless you ask him to fill it, you’ll try and fill it with all sorts of other things that never work and will keep you wondering.

Prayer

Dear God, help me recognize the ways I’ve tried to fill the emptiness in my life without You. Give me the courage to acknowledge my need for You and the wisdom to see that You alone can satisfy my deepest longings. Amen.

Day 2: The Perfect Solution

Devotional Imagine someone paying a debt you could never repay. That’s exactly what Jesus did for us. He didn’t just sympathize with our condition from a distance – He entered into our world, lived among us, and took extraordinary measures to bridge the gap between us and God. His life wasn’t taken from Him; He willingly gave it. This wasn’t just any sacrifice; it was the perfect sacrifice – the only one that could truly solve our separation from God. Jesus, being both fully God and fully human, was uniquely qualified to be our bridge back to God.

Bible Verse

‘For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body, but made alive in the spirit.’ – 1 Corinthians 15:3

Reflection Question

How does knowing that Jesus willingly chose to die for you personally affect how you view His sacrifice?

Quote Jesus came fully God, fully man. He lived the perfect life that we couldn’t always from the right tree, willingly went to the cross on our behalf, where he took on our sin and then he used it to defeat death.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for willingly taking my place and paying the price for my sins. Help me grasp the magnitude of Your sacrifice and live in gratitude for Your amazing love. Amen.

Day 3: The Power of the Resurrection

Devotional The empty tomb changed everything. Without the resurrection, Christianity would be meaningless – just another philosophy or moral code. But Jesus didn’t stay dead. His resurrection proves His power over death and validates every claim He made. This isn’t just ancient history; it’s a living reality that continues to transform lives today. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us, offering new life and hope beyond our circumstances.

Bible Verse

‘If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile. You’re still in your sins. Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are, of all people, most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead.’ – 1 Corinthians 15:17

Reflection Question

In what areas of your life do you need to experience the resurrection power of Jesus?

Quote Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here. He has risen.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the power of the resurrection. Help me to live in the reality of this power daily, trusting You to bring life to every dead situation in my life. Amen.

Day 4: Living the New Life

Devotional When we embrace Christ’s death and resurrection, something remarkable happens – we begin to live a new kind of life. It’s not about trying harder to be good; it’s about allowing Christ to live through us. This new life isn’t just about following rules or religious practices; it’s about a genuine relationship with the living God. We don’t lose our identity; rather, we find our true selves in Him. This transformation isn’t instant, but it’s real and ongoing.

Bible Verse

I’ve 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 would it look like in your daily life to allow Christ to live through you?

Quote The Son of man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again.

Prayer

Lord, help me surrender control and allow You to live through me. Transform my thoughts, actions, and desires to reflect Your life in me. Amen.

Day 5: Sharing the Hope

Devotional The resurrection story doesn’t end with us. When we experience this transforming power, we naturally want to share it with others. Every person we meet is searching for the same thing – whether they realize it or not. We have the privilege of pointing them to the only One who can truly satisfy their deepest longings. Our changed lives become living testimonies to the reality of the resurrection, offering hope to a world in need.

Bible Verse

‘If you declare with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it’s with your heart that you believe and are justified.’ – Romans 10:9-10

Reflection Question

Who in your life needs to hear about the hope you’ve found in Jesus, and how can you share it with them?

Quote I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even though they die. And whoever lives by believing in Me will never die.

Prayer

Dear God, give me courage and wisdom to share the hope I’ve found in You with others. Use my life as a testimony to Your resurrection power. Amen.

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