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Day 1: Knowing Your Soil

Devotional Have you ever wondered why some gardens flourish while others struggle, even when planted with the same seeds? The secret lies in understanding the soil. A wise gardener studies the ground before planting, knowing that different conditions require different approaches. The same principle applies to our spiritual influence in the communities where God has placed us. While the gospel message remains unchanging – the good news of Jesus Christ – how it takes root varies dramatically depending on the ‘soil’ of each neighborhood, workplace, or social circle. Consider your own community for a moment. What makes it unique? What are the hopes, fears, and daily rhythms of the people around you? Just as Jesus sent His disciples to specific towns with specific instructions, He has strategically placed you exactly where you are for a purpose. Too often, we assume we understand our communities without truly investigating. We might live next to someone for years without knowing their story, their struggles, or their dreams. But kingdom influence begins with genuine understanding, not assumptions. When we take time to truly know our ‘soil’ – the people and culture around us – we position ourselves to see how God wants to work through us. We begin to notice the natural opportunities He’s already creating for meaningful conversations and authentic relationships. This week, let’s commit to becoming students of our communities. Not to judge or fix, but to understand and love well. Because you can’t really influence a community you don’t understand, and God has placed you exactly where you are for such a time as this.

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.”‘ – Luke 10:1-2

Reflection Question

What specific aspects of your immediate community – your neighborhood, workplace, or social circles – do you realize you don’t fully understand, and what would it look like to become a genuine student of the people God has placed around you?

Quote You can’t really influence a community you don’t understand.

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to truly see and understand the community You’ve placed me in. Help me move beyond assumptions and surface-level interactions to genuinely know the people around me. Give me wisdom to be a student of my ‘soil’ so I can better serve Your purposes where I am. Amen.

Day 2: Transformed Perspective

Devotional In our information-saturated world, it’s easy to form opinions about our communities based on news headlines, social media posts, or cultural stereotypes. But what if our perspective has been shaped more by external voices than by God’s heart for the people around us? Every day, we’re bombarded with messages about different groups of people, different neighborhoods, different lifestyles. These cultural narratives can unconsciously influence how we see our neighbors before we even meet them. We might drive through certain areas with preconceived notions or interact with colleagues through the lens of political or social assumptions. But God calls us to something different. He invites us to see our communities through His eyes – with compassion, hope, and genuine love. This requires intentionally filtering our perspectives through Scripture and prayer rather than allowing culture to form our worldview. When we spend time with God, asking Him to show us His heart for our neighbors, something beautiful happens. We begin to see past the surface differences and cultural divides. We start noticing the shared human experiences – the longing for connection, the search for meaning, the need for hope. This transformed perspective doesn’t happen overnight. It requires developing the habit of bringing our observations and interactions before God, asking Him to correct our assumptions and expand our understanding. It means choosing to see people as image-bearers rather than stereotypes. As we allow God to transform our worldview, we become better positioned to love our communities authentically and recognize the opportunities He’s creating for meaningful influence.

Bible Verse

‘When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.’ – Matthew 9:36

Reflection Question

In what ways might cultural messages or media narratives have shaped your view of certain people or areas in your community, and how can you intentionally seek God’s perspective instead?

Quote Our worldview needs to be spiritually transformed, not culturally formed.

Prayer

Father, I confess that my perspective has sometimes been shaped more by culture than by Your heart. Transform my worldview through Your Word and Spirit. Help me see my community through Your eyes of compassion and love. Guard my heart from misinformation and prejudice, and give me Your heart for the people around me. Amen.

Day 3: Finding Your People of Peace

Devotional Have you ever noticed how some conversations flow naturally toward deeper topics while others feel forced or awkward? Jesus understood this dynamic perfectly when He instructed His disciples to look for ‘people of peace’ – those who were naturally receptive to their message and presence. In our desire to share God’s love, we might sometimes feel pressure to force spiritual conversations or push our influence where it’s not welcomed. But Jesus modeled a different approach. He taught His followers to discern receptivity and invest their energy where hearts were already being prepared by the Father. This doesn’t mean we only engage with people who think like us or share our beliefs. Rather, it means we learn to recognize when someone is genuinely open to deeper conversation, authentic relationship, or spiritual discussion. These might be the neighbor who always stops to chat, the coworker who asks thoughtful questions, or the friend who seems genuinely interested in your perspective. People of peace often reveal themselves through their curiosity, their willingness to engage in meaningful conversation, or their openness to help and friendship. They’re the ones who don’t immediately shut down when faith comes up naturally in conversation. When we focus our relational energy on these receptive individuals, we’re not being exclusive – we’re being strategic. We’re following Jesus’ model of investing deeply where God has already been working, trusting that these relationships can become bridges to reach others in our community. The key is learning to recognize receptivity rather than forcing influence where it’s not welcome.

Bible Verse

‘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.’ – Luke 10:5-6

Reflection Question

Who in your current relationships shows signs of being a ‘person of peace’ – someone who seems genuinely receptive to deeper conversations and authentic friendship – and how might God want you to invest more intentionally in those relationships?

Quote Don’t force influence. Look for people that are receptive to it.

Prayer

Jesus, give me wisdom to recognize the people of peace You’ve placed in my path. Help me discern receptivity rather than forcing conversations or relationships. Show me where You’re already working in hearts around me, and give me courage to invest deeply in those relationships. Amen.

Day 4: Stepping Into Local Pain

Devotional Every community carries wounds. Behind the everyday routines and pleasant facades, people are wrestling with loneliness, anxiety, broken relationships, financial stress, and spiritual confusion. The question isn’t whether pain exists in your community – it’s whether you’re positioned to see it and respond with Christ’s love. When we truly understand our communities, we begin to notice the specific struggles that define our neighbors’ experiences. Maybe it’s the single mom juggling multiple jobs, the elderly man who rarely has visitors, the teenager struggling with identity, or the family facing financial hardship. God doesn’t call us to fix every problem or heal every wound. But He does invite us to step into local pain with the same compassion Jesus showed – through presence, prayer, practical service, and genuine care. Sometimes the most powerful ministry happens not through grand gestures but through simple acts of noticing and caring. This might look like offering to help with groceries, listening without judgment, providing a meal during a difficult time, or simply being consistently present in someone’s life. It’s about showing up with the love of Christ in tangible ways that meet people exactly where they are. When we engage local pain with compassion, we create space for the gospel to take root naturally. People begin to see God’s love demonstrated through our actions, opening doors for deeper conversations about hope, healing, and the source of our compassion. The goal isn’t to become overwhelmed by every need, but to prayerfully discern where God is calling you to step in with His love.

Bible Verse

‘Heal the sick who are there and tell them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.”‘ – Luke 10:9

Reflection Question

What specific pain or struggle have you noticed in your immediate community, and what would it look like to step into that situation with compassion, presence, or practical service this week?

Quote Every community has wounds, they deal with loneliness or addictions or family breakdowns or anxiety or financial pressures or spiritual confusion.

Prayer

Compassionate Father, open my eyes to see the pain and struggles in my community that I might have overlooked. Give me Your heart of compassion and show me practical ways to step into local hurt with Your love. Help me be Your hands and feet to those who are hurting around me. Amen.

Day 5: Seeing More, Not Doing More

Devotional In our achievement-oriented culture, it’s natural to think that greater kingdom influence requires doing more activities, starting new programs, or increasing our level of busyness. But what if the secret to deeper community impact isn’t about adding more to our schedules, but about seeing more clearly what God is already doing around us? Jesus lived with incredible intentionality, yet He never seemed rushed or overwhelmed. He had a remarkable ability to notice what the Father was doing and join Him in it. This same principle applies to our community influence – it’s less about creating opportunities and more about recognizing the ones God has already prepared. When we slow down enough to truly see our communities, we begin to notice divine appointments we might have missed. The conversation that naturally turns toward deeper topics, the neighbor who mentions a struggle, the coworker who asks an unexpected question about faith – these are often God-orchestrated moments waiting for our attention. This shift from doing more to seeing more actually requires great intentionality. It means choosing to be present in conversations rather than distracted. It means asking God to open our eyes to His activity around us. It means being willing to adjust our plans when He highlights an opportunity we hadn’t noticed. As we develop this habit of spiritual awareness, we discover that God has been working in our communities all along. Our role isn’t to manufacture influence but to recognize where He’s already moving and join Him there. This approach leads to more authentic relationships, more natural conversations about faith, and ultimately, more sustainable kingdom impact right where we are.

Bible Verse

‘I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.’ – 1 Corinthians 9:22

Reflection Question

What opportunities for kingdom influence might you be missing simply because you’re too busy or distracted to notice what God is already doing in the relationships and situations around you?

Quote It’s not about doing more. It’s really about seeing more.

Prayer

Lord, slow me down enough to see what You’re already doing in my community. Help me recognize the divine appointments and opportunities You’ve prepared. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear where You’re working, so I can join You rather than trying to create my own agenda. Make me more aware of Your presence and activity around me. 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 Lens That Changes Everything

Devotional Have you ever put on someone else’s prescription glasses? Everything becomes blurry and distorted because the lens wasn’t made for your eyes. In the same way, the lens through which we view life – our worldview – determines whether we see clearly or live in confusion. Your worldview is like a pair of glasses that you wear every day. It shapes how you interpret God, yourself, your relationships, and what truly matters. It influences every decision you make and determines what you believe the good life really looks like. The question isn’t whether you have a worldview – everyone does. The question is: where did yours come from? Many of us have inherited our worldview without even realizing it. We’ve picked up pieces from our culture, social media, past hurts, family traditions, and yes, sometimes from Scripture too. But here’s the challenge: if we’re not intentional about forming our worldview, we end up with a mixed-up lens that distorts our vision of God’s truth. Think about the last major decision you made. What influenced that choice? Was it fear of what others might think? Cultural expectations? Or was it rooted in what God says is true and good? When our worldview is aligned with Jesus, everything begins to find its proper place. But when it’s shaped by other influences, we end up trying to force puzzle pieces where they were never meant to go. Today is an invitation to examine the lens you’re wearing. God wants to give you His prescription glasses – a biblical worldview that brings clarity, purpose, and peace to every area of your life.

Bible Verse

‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.’ – Genesis 1:1

Reflection Question

What sources have most influenced how you view God, yourself, and others – and are those sources leading you toward or away from biblical truth?

Quote A worldview is simply the lens through which you sort of interpret everything in the world around you. It’s how you interpret God. It’s how you interpret yourself, how you interpret people you’re in relationship with, how you decide what matters and what doesn’t matter, how we decide what the good life really is.

Prayer

God, help me recognize the lens I’ve been wearing and give me the courage to exchange it for Your perfect vision. Show me where my worldview needs Your truth to bring clarity and alignment with Your heart.

Day 2: The Battle for Your Mind

Devotional Every morning when you wake up, there’s a battle happening for your mind. It’s not a battle you can see, but it’s real and it’s intense. The enemy knows that if he can shape how you think, he can influence how you live. Paul understood this battle when he wrote to the Romans about not conforming to the pattern of this world. This pattern isn’t neutral – it’s actively pulling us in a specific direction. It pulls us toward fear instead of faith, anger instead of love, self-focus instead of God-focus, and spiritual compromise instead of biblical conviction. Every day, you’re bombarded with messages that want to shape your worldview. Social media algorithms feed you content designed to trigger emotional responses. News outlets present information through particular lenses. Entertainment subtly communicates values about relationships, success, and meaning. Even well-meaning friends and family can influence you toward cultural thinking rather than biblical thinking. But here’s the hope: God offers transformation through the renewing of your mind. This isn’t a one-time event but a daily choice to let Scripture shape your thoughts rather than culture. When your mind is renewed by God’s truth, you begin to discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect according to His will. The transformation Paul describes isn’t just about changing your behavior – it’s about changing how you see. When you see clearly through God’s eyes, right actions naturally follow. This is why kingdom influence doesn’t start with doing; it starts with seeing. Today, choose to let God win the battle for your mind.

Bible Verse

‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.’ – Romans 12:2

Reflection Question

What specific patterns of this world do you find yourself most tempted to conform to, and how can you actively choose God’s transforming truth instead?

Quote See the pattern of this world. You need to see that it’s always pulling us. And the enemy is behind the pattern of the world. And it’s pulling us towards fear, it’s pulling us towards anger, it’s pulling us towards self focus, towards spiritual compromise.

Prayer

Lord, I recognize there’s a battle for my mind every day. Help me to be intentional about what I allow to influence my thinking. Transform me by Your truth and give me discernment to recognize and resist the patterns of this world.

Day 3: God at the Center Changes Everything

Devotional Imagine trying to put together a 1,000-piece puzzle without the picture on the box. You’d have pieces scattered everywhere with no clear sense of how they fit together. That’s what life feels like when God isn’t at the center of our worldview – everything seems disconnected and confusing. A biblical worldview starts with one foundational truth: God is creator and King. This isn’t just a nice theological statement; it’s the organizing principle that makes sense of everything else. When God is at the center, every other piece of life finds its proper place. Think about the major areas of your life – your relationships, career, finances, dreams, struggles, and daily decisions. When God is at the center, these aren’t separate compartments competing for your attention. Instead, they become different expressions of your relationship with Him. Your work becomes a way to serve Him and others. Your relationships become opportunities to reflect His love. Your struggles become places where His strength is made perfect. But when something else sits at the center – whether it’s your career, relationships, comfort, or even your own understanding – everything begins to get distorted. You end up trying to make other things carry weight they were never designed to bear. You look to your job for identity, to people for security, or to circumstances for peace. The beautiful truth is that when God is at the center, you don’t have to carry the weight of being your own king. You can rest in His sovereignty, trust in His goodness, and find your identity in His love. Every puzzle piece of your life can find its place in His perfect design. Today, consider what’s been at the center of your worldview and invite God to take His rightful place.

Bible Verse

‘1The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;’ – Psalm 24:1

Reflection Question

What areas of your life feel chaotic or disconnected, and how might placing God at the center bring order and purpose to those areas?

Quote A biblical worldview then starts with God at the center. God is creator and King.

Prayer

Father, I want You at the center of my worldview and my life. Help me to see how every piece of my life fits into Your perfect design. Remove anything that I’ve placed at the center instead of You, and help me find rest in Your sovereignty.

Day 4: Seeing People Through God’s Eyes

Devotional One of the most challenging aspects of developing a biblical worldview is learning to see people the way God sees them. It’s easy to love people who are like us, who agree with us, who treat us well. But what about the difficult people? The ones who hurt us? The ones whose beliefs or lifestyles we strongly disagree with? Here’s a truth that might stretch you: every person you encounter today – including the ones who frustrate you, disappoint you, or even oppose you – is created in the image of God and is the object of His redeeming love. This doesn’t mean we agree with everyone’s choices or that all behaviors are acceptable. But it does mean that every person has inherent dignity and worth because they bear God’s image. When we see people through God’s eyes, it transforms how we speak to them, how we listen to them, and how we treat them. Instead of writing people off or seeing them as enemies, we begin to see them as people God loves and wants to reach. This perspective doesn’t make us weak or compromise our convictions; it makes us more like Jesus. Jesus had strong convictions about truth and righteousness, yet He was known for His love and compassion toward all people. He could speak truth in love because He saw people through His Father’s eyes. He understood that lasting influence comes not from winning arguments but from winning hearts. If you want to influence others for God’s kingdom, you must first learn to see them as He does. This might mean extending grace to someone who doesn’t deserve it, listening to understand rather than to respond, or choosing love when your flesh wants to choose judgment. Today, ask God to give you His eyes to see the people in your life – especially the difficult ones.

Bible Verse

‘So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’ – 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

Reflection Question

Who in your life do you struggle to see through God’s eyes, and what would change in your relationship with them if you truly viewed them as someone created in God’s image and loved by Him?

Quote Every person, including the ones we disagree with, pause for a moment, just let that think in, is created in the image of God. And they’re the object of his redeeming love.

Prayer

Jesus, give me Your eyes to see people the way You see them. Help me to remember that every person I encounter is created in Your image and loved by You. Transform my heart so that I can love others with Your love, even when it’s difficult.

Day 5: Daily Choices, Eternal Impact

Devotional Your worldview isn’t something you develop once and then forget about. It’s being shaped every single day by the choices you make about what you read, watch, listen to, fear, desire, and believe. The question isn’t whether your worldview is being formed – it’s who or what is doing the forming. In our digital age, many believers are being discipled more by news outlets and social media than by Scripture. We spend hours scrolling through feeds that shape our emotions, opinions, and perspectives, but only minutes in God’s Word. We allow cultural voices to have more influence over our thinking than the voice of our Creator. This isn’t about becoming isolated from the world or avoiding all media. It’s about being intentional. It’s about recognizing that every input into your mind is either moving you toward a biblical worldview or away from it. Every article you read, every show you watch, every conversation you have is either reinforcing God’s truth in your heart or diluting it. Jesus calls us to step out of cultural formation and step into spiritual transformation. This requires daily choices to prioritize Scripture, to filter everything through God’s truth, and to ask Him for wisdom and discernment. Start each day with this simple prayer: “Jesus, help me see like You see.” Let this be the foundation for every decision, every encounter, every response throughout your day. When you begin with God’s perspective, everything else falls into place. Remember, kingdom influence doesn’t start with doing – it starts with seeing. When you see clearly through God’s eyes, your influence for His kingdom becomes natural and powerful. The world needs believers who think biblically and live accordingly. Today, make the choice to let Scripture shape your worldview rather than culture.

Bible Verse

‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.’ – Romans 12:2

Reflection Question

What specific daily habits or inputs in your life are shaping your worldview toward culture rather than Scripture, and what practical steps can you take to prioritize God’s truth in those areas?

Quote The question that I really want you to sit with this week is, where is my worldview being formed? Is it scripture or is it culture?

Prayer

Lord, I want my worldview to be shaped by Your truth, not by the culture around me. Help me to be intentional about what influences my mind and heart. Give me wisdom to discern truth from deception and the discipline to prioritize Your Word in my daily life.

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

Day 1: Who You Are Comes First

Devotional Have you ever noticed how our culture is obsessed with building a personal brand? Social media feeds are filled with people trying to showcase their achievements, influence, and impact. But what if I told you that God’s kingdom operates on a completely different principle? In God’s economy, who you are always comes before what you do. Your identity in Christ isn’t something you earn through good works or build through impressive accomplishments. It’s a gift that God has already given you. Before you ever thought about making an impact for the kingdom, God was already thinking about who He created you to be. This truth should bring incredible relief to your soul. You don’t have to hustle for God’s approval or prove your worth through endless activity. You don’t have to build an impressive resume to catch His attention. Your value isn’t tied to your productivity or your influence metrics. Instead, God invites you to rest in the beautiful reality that your identity is secure in Him. When you truly grasp this, everything changes. Your service flows from love, not obligation. Your ministry comes from overflow, not emptiness. Your influence becomes authentic because it’s rooted in who you are, not what you’re trying to prove. Today, take a moment to pause the striving. Stop trying to become someone and start embracing who you already are in Christ. Let this truth settle deep into your heart: you are loved, you are valued, and you are chosen – not because of what you’ve done, but because of who God is.

Bible Verse

‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’ – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Reflection Question

In what areas of your life are you still trying to earn God’s love or approval instead of resting in your identity as His beloved child?

Quote Identity comes before impact. Character comes before calling. Formation comes before influence.

Prayer

Father, help me to stop striving and start resting in who You say I am. Teach me that my identity comes before my impact, and that You love me not for what I do, but for who I am in Christ. Amen.

Day 2: Chosen Before Time Began

Devotional Imagine discovering that someone had been planning a surprise party for you for months, carefully considering every detail because they love you so much. Now multiply that feeling by infinity, and you’ll begin to understand the heart of God toward you. Before the first star was hung in the sky, before the mountains were formed, before time itself began, God was thinking about you. He wasn’t sitting in heaven wondering if you’d be worth choosing. He wasn’t waiting to see how your life would turn out before deciding whether to love you. No, His choice was made in eternity past, rooted in nothing but His perfect love and grace. This isn’t just a nice theological concept – it’s a life-changing reality. You are not an accident, a mistake, or an afterthought. You are not chosen because you’re perfect, talented, or have it all together. You’re chosen because God is love, and love chooses. When you truly understand this, it changes how you see yourself and how you approach each day. You’re not trying to become chosen – you already are. You’re not working to earn God’s favor – you already have it. You’re not hoping that maybe, if you’re good enough, God might use you – He already has plans for you that were set in motion before you took your first breath. This divine choosing isn’t just about your eternal destiny; it’s about your daily identity. When you wake up tomorrow morning, you wake up as someone who was specifically chosen by the Creator of the universe. Let that truth transform how you see yourself and step into your day.

Bible Verse

‘For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.’ – Ephesians 1:4

Reflection Question

How does knowing that God chose you before the creation of the world change the way you view your current circumstances and challenges?

Quote God had a plan for you. Before the world was created, God had a plan for you.

Prayer

God, thank You for choosing me before time began. Help me to live each day with the confidence that comes from knowing I am Your chosen child, loved not because of my performance but because of Your grace. Amen.

Day 3: Fighting Identity Theft

Devotional Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in our world today. Criminals steal personal information to assume someone else’s identity for financial gain. But there’s an even more devastating form of identity theft happening in the spiritual realm, and the enemy is the master thief. Every day, the enemy whispers lies about who you are. He tells you that you’re not good enough, not smart enough, not spiritual enough. He reminds you of your past failures and convinces you that they define your future. He points to your weaknesses and suggests that God couldn’t possibly use someone like you. But here’s what you need to know: the enemy is a liar, and he’s trying to steal something infinitely more valuable than your credit score – he’s trying to steal your abundant life in Christ. When you don’t know who you are in Christ, you become vulnerable to these lies. But when you’re grounded in your true identity, you can recognize the enemy’s voice and reject his false labels. You are not defined by your mistakes, your struggles, or your limitations. You are defined by God’s love, grace, and choosing. The truth is, you are a new creation in Christ. The old you – with all its shame, guilt, and condemnation – is gone. The new you is here, complete with all the love, acceptance, and purpose that comes from being God’s child. Today, I want to encourage you to push back against every lie the enemy whispers. When he says you’re worthless, remind him that you’re chosen. When he says you’re a failure, remind him that you’re a new creation. When he says God can’t use you, remind him that God already is.

Bible Verse

‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!’ – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Reflection Question

What lies about your identity have you been believing, and how can you replace them with the truth of who God says you are?

Quote Do you know who you are in Christ? Because if you don’t know who you are, the enemy will happily tell you who you’re not.

Prayer

Lord, help me to recognize the enemy’s lies and stand firm in the truth of my identity in You. Give me strength to push back against every false label and rest in who You say I am. Amen.

Day 4: Called to Bear Lasting Fruit

Devotional Have you ever planted a garden only to watch it wither and die? It’s frustrating to invest time and energy into something that doesn’t last. But what if I told you that God has called you to bear fruit that will not only grow but remain and have lasting impact? As someone chosen by God, you’re not called to a life of spiritual mediocrity or unproductiveness. You’re called to bear fruit – real, substantial, lasting fruit that makes a difference in this world. But here’s the beautiful part: this fruit doesn’t come from striving or trying harder. It flows naturally from your identity in Christ. When you understand that you’re already loved and chosen, you stop trying to prove yourself and start living from the overflow of God’s love in your life. This is where authentic influence begins – not from what you build or achieve, but from who you are in Christ. The fruit God wants to produce through your life isn’t just about big, visible ministry or impressive accomplishments. It’s about the love you show to your family, the kindness you extend to strangers, the integrity you maintain in your work, and the hope you offer to those who are hurting. This fruit has substance because it’s rooted in your relationship with Christ. It remains because it’s built on the solid foundation of God’s love, not on the shifting sands of human effort or approval. Today, instead of asking “What can I do for God?” try asking “Who is God calling me to be?” When you get your identity right, the fruit will follow naturally. You don’t have to manufacture influence – it will flow from the authentic life you live as God’s chosen child.

Bible Verse

‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.’ – John 15:16

Reflection Question

What kind of lasting fruit is God wanting to produce through your life, and how does your identity in Christ enable this fruitfulness?

Quote You are chosen by God to go and bear fruit and bear fruit that remains, that has substance, and that’s every area of your life.

Prayer

Father, thank You for choosing me to bear fruit that lasts. Help me to live from my identity in You so that authentic influence flows naturally from who I am, not from what I’m trying to achieve. Amen.

Day 5: Influence That Flows Naturally

Devotional We live in a world obsessed with building influence. People spend countless hours crafting the perfect social media posts, networking at events, and strategizing how to expand their platform. But what if the most powerful influence doesn’t come from what you build, but from who you already are? When you truly understand your identity in Christ, something beautiful happens. You stop striving for influence and start living authentically. You stop trying to impress people and start loving them. You stop building a brand and start building relationships. This is the secret of kingdom influence: it flows naturally from kingdom identity. When you know you’re loved by God, you can love others freely. When you know you’re chosen by God, you can choose to serve without expecting anything in return. When you know you’re secure in God, you can take risks for His kingdom without fear. The world’s approach to influence is exhausting because it’s based on performance and perception. But God’s approach is refreshing because it’s based on relationship and authenticity. You don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not or achieve something you haven’t. You simply need to be who God has already made you to be. As you walk in your true identity, influence becomes something that just flows out of you. People are drawn to authenticity. They’re attracted to genuine love. They’re inspired by someone who knows who they are and lives confidently in that identity. Today, stop striving for influence and start resting in your identity. Let the King influence you first, and then watch as His love, grace, and truth flow through you to touch the lives of others. This is how the kingdom advances – not through human effort, but through divine love expressed through ordinary people who know who they are in Christ.

Bible Verse

‘This is my command: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ – John 15:12-13

Reflection Question

How might your relationships and influence change if you stopped trying to impress others and simply loved them as Christ has loved you?

Quote If you want to influence the world for the kingdom, this is important. You must first allow the King to influence you.

Prayer

Lord, help me to stop striving for influence and start resting in my identity. Let Your love flow through me naturally as I walk confidently in who You’ve made me to be. Use me to touch others’ lives through authentic relationship. Amen.

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