Day 4: When Good Things Become God ThingsReading: Philippians 3:4-11Devotional: Paul had an impressive spiritual resume—circumcised, zealous, blameless according to the law. Yet he counted it all as rubbish compared to knowing Christ. Our legalism often hides behind genuinely good things: being a devoted parent, serving faithfully at church, studying theology deeply. These aren't bad, but when we ...  Read More

Day 3: The Lord of the SabbathReading: Hebrews 4:1-11Devotional: The Sabbath was always meant to point beyond itself to ultimate rest in God. Physical rest one day per week pictured the eternal rest available to God's people—ceasing from our own works and trusting completely in His. Jesus declares Himself "Lord of the Sabbath" because He is the fulfillment of what Sabbath represented. In Christ, w...  Read More

Day 2: Mercy Over SacrificeReading: Hosea 6:1-6Devotional: "I desire mercy, not sacrifice"—words Jesus quoted twice to religious people who missed God's heart. God has never been impressed with external religious activity divorced from genuine relationship. The Pharisees offered sacrifices while harboring hatred. They kept Sabbath while lacking compassion. We can attend church, serve in ministries...  Read More

Day 1: The Burden of Rule-KeepingReading: Matthew 12:1-8Devotional: The Pharisees had turned God's gift of rest into an oppressive burden. They measured holiness by their ability to keep countless rules, missing the heart of God entirely. We often do the same—creating spiritual checklists that leave us exhausted or prideful. God never intended religion to crush us under impossible standards or inf...  Read More

Day 5: The King Who Submitted So You Could ReignReading: Philippians 2:5-11; 2 Corinthians 5:21Devotional: The greatest paradox of Christmas leads to the cross: the King submitted to death so His subjects could have life. Jesus surrendered everything so you could gain everything. He endured mockery so you could receive praise. He wore thorns so you could wear a crown. He experienced God's forsaken...  Read More

Day 4: Two Kings Cannot RuleReading: Matthew 6:19-24; Luke 9:23-25Devotional: You cannot serve two masters. You and Jesus cannot both sit on the throne of your life. Many of us live as functional kings, orchestrating our kingdoms according to our preferences while giving Jesus Sunday morning acknowledgment. We sacrifice others' needs for our dreams. We arrange family, career, and church around our...  Read More

Day 3: The Paradox of ParadiseReading: Luke 23:33-46; John 18:36Devotional: As Jesus hung dying, mockers questioned His kingship. Yet one thief saw clearly: Jesus possessed a kingdom beyond this world. His request was simple—"remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus' response reveals the heart of the gospel: "Today you will be with me in Paradise." Notice Jesus didn't promise wealth, he...  Read More

Day 2: Glory Returns and Joy ArrivesReading: Luke 2:8-20; Psalm 16:11Devotional: For 400 years, Israel had lived without the visible glory of God. Then, on an ordinary hillside, glory burst forth to humble shepherds. The angel's message was clear: "I bring you good news of great joy." Notice the connection—where God's glory appears, joy follows. The Psalmist knew this truth: "In your presence ther...  Read More

Day 1: The Ancient Wisdom of the Coming KingReading: Micah 5:1-5; Psalm 18:30Devotional: Bethlehem, an insignificant town, became the birthplace of the eternal King. God delights in taking what the world overlooks and accomplishing His greatest works. The Messiah's "coming forth is from ancient days"—His wisdom predates creation itself. When we struggle to submit areas of our lives to Christ, we r...  Read More

Day 5: Fighting Sin Through Beholding GloryReading: 1 Peter 1:13-16; 2 Corinthians 3:18Devotional: How do we fight indwelling sin? Peter says, "Prepare your minds for action" and then surprisingly adds, "set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you." The battle strategy is beholding Jesus. When you gaze upon His glory, temporary pleasures lose their appeal. Your heart was made to t...  Read More

Day 4: Light Overcomes DarknessReading: John 1:1-14Devotional: The eternal Word through whom all things were made became flesh and dwelt among us. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. Here's the glorious promise: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Jesus entered our dark world full of grace and truth, and the darkness couldn't extinguish Him. S...  Read More

Day 3: Named for SalvationReading: Matthew 1:18-25Devotional: "You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Names in Scripture reveal purpose, and Jesus means "Yahweh saves." But notice what He saves us from—not merely difficult circumstances, but our sins themselves. Our real enemy isn't external opposition but internal rebellion. Sin's inertia always pulls us away...  Read More