5 Day Devotional
Below is a 5 Day Devotional based off our current series and sermon, this updated weekly on Monday.
5-Day Devotional: Fixing Your Eyes on Jesus
Day 1: The Singular Focus
Reading: Colossians 3:1-4; Psalm 27:1-4
Devotional: David's prayer in Psalm 27 echoes through the centuries: "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after." In a world demanding our attention from every direction, this singular focus seems almost impossible. Yet Paul reinforces this call: "Set your minds on things above, where Christ is." Notice the intentionality required—this isn't passive daydreaming but active directing of our thoughts, affections, and outlook. Like a camera that can only focus clearly on one depth at a time, spiritual clarity comes when Christ becomes central. What currently competes for first place in your heart? Today, identify one distraction that blurs your vision of Christ and consciously redirect your focus toward Him.
Reflection Question: What "one thing" are you truly seeking after in this season of your life?
Day 2: The Spirit's Illuminating Work
Reading: John 14:16-27; John 16:13-14
Devotional: Jesus promised something remarkable: the Holy Spirit would not leave us as orphans but would guide us into all truth. Notice the Spirit's specific role—He doesn't draw attention to Himself but illuminates Jesus. The Greek word hodēgēsei means "to lead along a path," suggesting the Spirit doesn't merely inform us but actively guides our journey toward Christ. This is Pentecost's deepest meaning: God dwelling within us, making Jesus clearer with each step. The Spirit is not an occasional visitor but a permanent resident, teaching us, reminding us, and bringing Christ into sharper focus. Without the Spirit's work, we stumble in darkness; with Him, we see Jesus as He truly is—our wisdom, our Word, our very life.
Reflection Question: How have you experienced the Holy Spirit making Jesus clearer to you recently?
Day 3: Treasure Determines Trajectory
Reading: Matthew 6:19-24; Philippians 3:7-11
Devotional: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Jesus didn't say your heart determines your treasure—He reversed it. What we treasure shapes the direction of our lives. Paul understood this profoundly when he counted everything as loss compared to knowing Christ. The hymn prays, "Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise"—not because these things are inherently evil, but because they're insufficient treasures. They cannot satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. Christianity isn't primarily about behavior modification or sin avoidance; it's about treasure replacement. When Christ becomes our supreme treasure, everything else finds its proper place. What you consistently give your attention to reveals what you truly treasure.
Reflection Question: If someone examined your calendar and bank account, what would they conclude you treasure most?
Day 4: Formation Through Focus
Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18; Romans 12:1-2
Devotional: Paul reveals a transformative truth: "We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another." Transformation isn't primarily about trying harder but looking longer. The Greek word phroneō (set your minds) implies directing your entire mental and emotional outlook toward something. This is formation through focus—you become like what you give your attention to. Whatever consistently fills your vision eventually forms your heart. This is why spiritual disciplines matter: they're not religious obligations but focusing practices that keep Christ central. Prayer, Scripture, worship, community—these aren't additions to the Christian life; they're the means by which we behold Christ and are transformed by His glory.
Reflection Question: What daily practices help you "behold the glory of the Lord"?
Day 5: The Indwelling Christ
Reading: John 14:23; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27
Devotional: The gospel's greatest gift isn't merely forgiveness—it's Jesus Himself. "Christ in you, the hope of glory." The Holy Spirit doesn't pass through as a temporary guest; He makes His home within believers. This is the mystery Paul proclaimed: God dwelling with His people, not in a distant temple but in redeemed hearts. The hymn captures this intimacy: "Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one." This isn't mystical language divorced from reality; it's the practical power of Pentecost. Jesus rules and reigns not from a distance but from within, shaping desires, leading decisions, transforming lives. Whatever you face today—blessing or burden, clarity or confusion—you don't face it alone. The King of Glory dwells within you. Let this truth anchor your soul.
Reflection Question: How does knowing Christ dwells within you change how you approach today's challenges?
Weekly Challenge:
This week, pray the hymn "Be Thou My Vision" each morning, asking God to make Christ your singular focus. Keep a journal noting moments when your attention drifted and how you redirected your focus back to Jesus.
Day 1: The Singular Focus
Reading: Colossians 3:1-4; Psalm 27:1-4
Devotional: David's prayer in Psalm 27 echoes through the centuries: "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after." In a world demanding our attention from every direction, this singular focus seems almost impossible. Yet Paul reinforces this call: "Set your minds on things above, where Christ is." Notice the intentionality required—this isn't passive daydreaming but active directing of our thoughts, affections, and outlook. Like a camera that can only focus clearly on one depth at a time, spiritual clarity comes when Christ becomes central. What currently competes for first place in your heart? Today, identify one distraction that blurs your vision of Christ and consciously redirect your focus toward Him.
Reflection Question: What "one thing" are you truly seeking after in this season of your life?
Day 2: The Spirit's Illuminating Work
Reading: John 14:16-27; John 16:13-14
Devotional: Jesus promised something remarkable: the Holy Spirit would not leave us as orphans but would guide us into all truth. Notice the Spirit's specific role—He doesn't draw attention to Himself but illuminates Jesus. The Greek word hodēgēsei means "to lead along a path," suggesting the Spirit doesn't merely inform us but actively guides our journey toward Christ. This is Pentecost's deepest meaning: God dwelling within us, making Jesus clearer with each step. The Spirit is not an occasional visitor but a permanent resident, teaching us, reminding us, and bringing Christ into sharper focus. Without the Spirit's work, we stumble in darkness; with Him, we see Jesus as He truly is—our wisdom, our Word, our very life.
Reflection Question: How have you experienced the Holy Spirit making Jesus clearer to you recently?
Day 3: Treasure Determines Trajectory
Reading: Matthew 6:19-24; Philippians 3:7-11
Devotional: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Jesus didn't say your heart determines your treasure—He reversed it. What we treasure shapes the direction of our lives. Paul understood this profoundly when he counted everything as loss compared to knowing Christ. The hymn prays, "Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise"—not because these things are inherently evil, but because they're insufficient treasures. They cannot satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. Christianity isn't primarily about behavior modification or sin avoidance; it's about treasure replacement. When Christ becomes our supreme treasure, everything else finds its proper place. What you consistently give your attention to reveals what you truly treasure.
Reflection Question: If someone examined your calendar and bank account, what would they conclude you treasure most?
Day 4: Formation Through Focus
Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18; Romans 12:1-2
Devotional: Paul reveals a transformative truth: "We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another." Transformation isn't primarily about trying harder but looking longer. The Greek word phroneō (set your minds) implies directing your entire mental and emotional outlook toward something. This is formation through focus—you become like what you give your attention to. Whatever consistently fills your vision eventually forms your heart. This is why spiritual disciplines matter: they're not religious obligations but focusing practices that keep Christ central. Prayer, Scripture, worship, community—these aren't additions to the Christian life; they're the means by which we behold Christ and are transformed by His glory.
Reflection Question: What daily practices help you "behold the glory of the Lord"?
Day 5: The Indwelling Christ
Reading: John 14:23; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27
Devotional: The gospel's greatest gift isn't merely forgiveness—it's Jesus Himself. "Christ in you, the hope of glory." The Holy Spirit doesn't pass through as a temporary guest; He makes His home within believers. This is the mystery Paul proclaimed: God dwelling with His people, not in a distant temple but in redeemed hearts. The hymn captures this intimacy: "Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one." This isn't mystical language divorced from reality; it's the practical power of Pentecost. Jesus rules and reigns not from a distance but from within, shaping desires, leading decisions, transforming lives. Whatever you face today—blessing or burden, clarity or confusion—you don't face it alone. The King of Glory dwells within you. Let this truth anchor your soul.
Reflection Question: How does knowing Christ dwells within you change how you approach today's challenges?
Weekly Challenge:
This week, pray the hymn "Be Thou My Vision" each morning, asking God to make Christ your singular focus. Keep a journal noting moments when your attention drifted and how you redirected your focus back to Jesus.