Devo from Sunday, November 23rd:
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the transcription:
Day 1: Choosing What Is Right
Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-17
Devotional: "All things are permissible, but not all things are profitable." Today's reading challenges us to examine our choices during difficult times. When faced with persecution or hardship, we have options—we can retaliate, grow bitter, or respond with Christ-like character. Peter reminds us that suffering for doing good is better than suffering for doing wrong. This isn't about legalism; it's about wisdom. Like choosing quality meat over cheap alternatives, we must choose responses that honor God even when they cost us more. Your exhale—your response to trials—should always honor God. When you're "hangry" with life's circumstances, will you choose what is right or what feels satisfying in the moment? True blessing comes through obedience, not comfort.
Reflection: What trial are you facing today? How can you choose the "profitable" response rather than the "permissible" one?
Day 2: The Price of Redemption
Reading: 1 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 1:7-10
Devotional: Creation was the work of God's fingers, but redemption was the work of His arm—costly, bloody, intentional. Like a restored classic car that once sat rusting in a field, we were beyond hope until Someone with vision saw our potential. Jesus didn't die for us because we deserved it; He died because He loved us. This wasn't a casual decision—it was a deliberate purchase at the highest price imaginable. When we grasp the magnitude of our redemption, sin loses its appeal. We begin to ask, "How could I dishonor such a sacrifice?" Your life may feel like that abandoned car, worthless and forgotten, but Jesus saw you and said, "I can restore that." He already has.
Reflection: Spend time thanking Jesus specifically for your redemption. How does understanding this costly love change how you view your current struggles?
Day 3: Victory Already Won
Reading: Colossians 2:13-15; Revelation 1:17-18
Devotional: After His resurrection, Jesus descended to proclaim His victory to the very demons who had corrupted humanity since Noah's time. He didn't need to argue or defend—His presence alone declared triumph. This truth transforms everything: we don't fight FOR victory; we fight FROM victory. Every demon, every fear, every sin pattern has already been defeated. Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades. That addiction you're battling? He's bigger. That fear that paralyzes you? He's conquered it. That generational curse? It has no power over the resurrected King. You're not hoping for victory someday—you're claiming victory that's already been secured. Stand in that truth today. Whatever you're facing is already under His feet.
Reflection: What specific battle are you fighting? How does knowing Christ has already won change your approach to it?
Day 4: The Baptism of New Beginnings
Reading: 1 Peter 3:20-21; Romans 6:3-11
Devotional: Just as Noah's family passed through the flood waters into a new world, baptism symbolizes our complete break with the old life. Eight people survived that ancient judgment, emerging into a cleansed world. Through Christ, you've passed through your own flood—the old you drowned, and the new you emerged. This isn't about removing physical dirt; it's about appealing to God with a clean conscience. You are not who you were. The guilt, shame, and bondage of your past went down into that watery grave. What came up is a new creation, alive in Christ. When the enemy whispers reminders of your past, remember: that person is dead. You've been changed by the power of God. Live like it.
Reflection: What aspects of your "old self" do you need to remember are dead and buried? How can you live more fully in your new identity today?
Day 5: Suffering is Temporary, Glory is Forever
Reading: 1 Peter 3:22; Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Devotional: Jesus now sits at the right hand of God, with all angels, authorities, and powers subjected to Him. Your suffering, no matter how intense, is temporary. Like Evan enduring Marine boot camp, the trial is hell—but you wouldn't trade what you're becoming through it. Suffering strips away selfishness, builds character, and teaches us the power of community. It's not pointless pain; it's purposeful refinement. Christ rules over every trial you face. He's not absent or indifferent—He's present and working. Your goal isn't to escape suffering but to show Jesus through it. When others see you in the fire, they should see Him in you. The best truly is yet to come. Hold on. Fight from victory. Your temporary suffering is producing eternal glory.
Reflection: How is your current trial making you stronger? Who needs to see Jesus through your response to suffering today?
Day 1: Choosing What Is Right
Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-17
Devotional: "All things are permissible, but not all things are profitable." Today's reading challenges us to examine our choices during difficult times. When faced with persecution or hardship, we have options—we can retaliate, grow bitter, or respond with Christ-like character. Peter reminds us that suffering for doing good is better than suffering for doing wrong. This isn't about legalism; it's about wisdom. Like choosing quality meat over cheap alternatives, we must choose responses that honor God even when they cost us more. Your exhale—your response to trials—should always honor God. When you're "hangry" with life's circumstances, will you choose what is right or what feels satisfying in the moment? True blessing comes through obedience, not comfort.
Reflection: What trial are you facing today? How can you choose the "profitable" response rather than the "permissible" one?
Day 2: The Price of Redemption
Reading: 1 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 1:7-10
Devotional: Creation was the work of God's fingers, but redemption was the work of His arm—costly, bloody, intentional. Like a restored classic car that once sat rusting in a field, we were beyond hope until Someone with vision saw our potential. Jesus didn't die for us because we deserved it; He died because He loved us. This wasn't a casual decision—it was a deliberate purchase at the highest price imaginable. When we grasp the magnitude of our redemption, sin loses its appeal. We begin to ask, "How could I dishonor such a sacrifice?" Your life may feel like that abandoned car, worthless and forgotten, but Jesus saw you and said, "I can restore that." He already has.
Reflection: Spend time thanking Jesus specifically for your redemption. How does understanding this costly love change how you view your current struggles?
Day 3: Victory Already Won
Reading: Colossians 2:13-15; Revelation 1:17-18
Devotional: After His resurrection, Jesus descended to proclaim His victory to the very demons who had corrupted humanity since Noah's time. He didn't need to argue or defend—His presence alone declared triumph. This truth transforms everything: we don't fight FOR victory; we fight FROM victory. Every demon, every fear, every sin pattern has already been defeated. Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades. That addiction you're battling? He's bigger. That fear that paralyzes you? He's conquered it. That generational curse? It has no power over the resurrected King. You're not hoping for victory someday—you're claiming victory that's already been secured. Stand in that truth today. Whatever you're facing is already under His feet.
Reflection: What specific battle are you fighting? How does knowing Christ has already won change your approach to it?
Day 4: The Baptism of New Beginnings
Reading: 1 Peter 3:20-21; Romans 6:3-11
Devotional: Just as Noah's family passed through the flood waters into a new world, baptism symbolizes our complete break with the old life. Eight people survived that ancient judgment, emerging into a cleansed world. Through Christ, you've passed through your own flood—the old you drowned, and the new you emerged. This isn't about removing physical dirt; it's about appealing to God with a clean conscience. You are not who you were. The guilt, shame, and bondage of your past went down into that watery grave. What came up is a new creation, alive in Christ. When the enemy whispers reminders of your past, remember: that person is dead. You've been changed by the power of God. Live like it.
Reflection: What aspects of your "old self" do you need to remember are dead and buried? How can you live more fully in your new identity today?
Day 5: Suffering is Temporary, Glory is Forever
Reading: 1 Peter 3:22; Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Devotional: Jesus now sits at the right hand of God, with all angels, authorities, and powers subjected to Him. Your suffering, no matter how intense, is temporary. Like Evan enduring Marine boot camp, the trial is hell—but you wouldn't trade what you're becoming through it. Suffering strips away selfishness, builds character, and teaches us the power of community. It's not pointless pain; it's purposeful refinement. Christ rules over every trial you face. He's not absent or indifferent—He's present and working. Your goal isn't to escape suffering but to show Jesus through it. When others see you in the fire, they should see Him in you. The best truly is yet to come. Hold on. Fight from victory. Your temporary suffering is producing eternal glory.
Reflection: How is your current trial making you stronger? Who needs to see Jesus through your response to suffering today?