This Reading Plan spans 21 days, inviting us to dive into scripture, gain fresh insights, and ponder what true devotion means.
Embracing total devotion means building a closer relationship with God, growing to be more like Christ, and living out His plans for us every day. It's about making a consistent effort, letting go of our own desires, and seeking a deeper connection with God through our actions and service.
Days 1-7: Recognizing the Conflict
Days 8-14: Embracing the Spirit's Guidance
Days 15-21: Living a Life of Devotion
Day 1: Introduction to Total Devotion
Scripture Reading: Galatians 2
Key Verse: Galatians 2:20: “I have 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."
Insight: Total devotion involves a deep and unwavering commitment to walk faithfully with God, as exemplified by Paul. It is a daily surrender of our will, desires, and ambitions to align with God's purposes and plans for our lives.
Reflection & Prayer: Consider your relationship with God. How can you cultivate a deeper walk with Him and align your life more closely with His will?
Key Verse: Galatians 2:20: “I have 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."
Insight: Total devotion involves a deep and unwavering commitment to walk faithfully with God, as exemplified by Paul. It is a daily surrender of our will, desires, and ambitions to align with God's purposes and plans for our lives.
Reflection & Prayer: Consider your relationship with God. How can you cultivate a deeper walk with Him and align your life more closely with His will?
Day 2: Reflecting on the Past Year
Scripture Reading: Philippians 3
Key Verse: Philippians 3:13-14 - "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead."
Insight: Reflecting on the past year allows us to acknowledge God's faithfulness, recognize areas of growth, and seek His guidance for the future. It is an opportunity to express gratitude for His blessings and commit our plans and aspirations to Him.
Reflection & Prayer: Spend time in prayer, seeking God's wisdom and direction for the year ahead. How can you align your goals and aspirations with His will?
Key Verse: Philippians 3:13-14 - "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead."
Insight: Reflecting on the past year allows us to acknowledge God's faithfulness, recognize areas of growth, and seek His guidance for the future. It is an opportunity to express gratitude for His blessings and commit our plans and aspirations to Him.
Reflection & Prayer: Spend time in prayer, seeking God's wisdom and direction for the year ahead. How can you align your goals and aspirations with His will?
Day 3: Understanding Self-Denial
Scripture Reading: Luke 9
Key Verse: Luke 9:23 - "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."
Insight: Self-denial is a foundational principle of discipleship, requiring us to surrender our selfish desires, ambitions, and comforts to follow Christ wholeheartedly. It involves prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousness above our personal preferences and conveniences.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on areas in your life where self-denial is necessary. How can you cultivate a spirit of surrender and obedience to God?
Key Verse: Luke 9:23 - "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."
Insight: Self-denial is a foundational principle of discipleship, requiring us to surrender our selfish desires, ambitions, and comforts to follow Christ wholeheartedly. It involves prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousness above our personal preferences and conveniences.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on areas in your life where self-denial is necessary. How can you cultivate a spirit of surrender and obedience to God?
Day 4: The Meaning of Devotion
Scripture Reading: Romans 12
Key Verse: Romans 12:1 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Insight: Devotion is a lifestyle of worship and obedience, characterized by offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God. It is a response to God's mercy and grace, expressing our gratitude, reverence, and love for Him in every aspect of our lives.
Reflection & Prayer: Consider how you can offer your life as a living sacrifice to God. What practical steps can you take to align your thoughts, words, and actions with His will?
Key Verse: Romans 12:1 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Insight: Devotion is a lifestyle of worship and obedience, characterized by offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God. It is a response to God's mercy and grace, expressing our gratitude, reverence, and love for Him in every aspect of our lives.
Reflection & Prayer: Consider how you can offer your life as a living sacrifice to God. What practical steps can you take to align your thoughts, words, and actions with His will?
Day 5: Devotion in Relationships
Scripture: Ephesians 5
Key Verse: Ephesians 5:21 - "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Insight: Devotion in relationships involves submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ, prioritizing love, respect, and unity. It is expressed through sacrificial love, mutual edification, and a commitment to building healthy and harmonious relationships.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. How can you demonstrate devotion and honor Christ in your interactions and attitudes?
Key Verse: Ephesians 5:21 - "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Insight: Devotion in relationships involves submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ, prioritizing love, respect, and unity. It is expressed through sacrificial love, mutual edification, and a commitment to building healthy and harmonious relationships.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. How can you demonstrate devotion and honor Christ in your interactions and attitudes?
Day 6: The Cost of Discipleship
Scripture Reading: Luke 14
Key Verse: Luke 14:27 - "And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."
Insight: Discipleship comes with a cost, requiring us to carry our cross daily, deny ourselves, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. It involves embracing sacrifice, enduring hardships, and remaining steadfast in our commitment to Christ, regardless of the challenges we face.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on the sacrifices Jesus made for you. How can you better embrace the cost of discipleship and follow His example in your daily life?
Key Verse: Luke 14:27 - "And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."
Insight: Discipleship comes with a cost, requiring us to carry our cross daily, deny ourselves, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. It involves embracing sacrifice, enduring hardships, and remaining steadfast in our commitment to Christ, regardless of the challenges we face.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on the sacrifices Jesus made for you. How can you better embrace the cost of discipleship and follow His example in your daily life?
Day 7: The Cross as an Example
Scripture Reading: John 19
Key Verse: John 19:17-18 - "Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull..."
Insight: Jesus' journey to the cross serves as a profound example of devotion, obedience, and sacrificial love. It inspires us to live lives of humility, service, and selflessness, reflecting His character and fulfilling His purposes on earth.
Reflection & Prayer: Consider Jesus' journey to the cross. How does His example inspire you to live a life of devotion and obedience to God?
Key Verse: John 19:17-18 - "Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull..."
Insight: Jesus' journey to the cross serves as a profound example of devotion, obedience, and sacrificial love. It inspires us to live lives of humility, service, and selflessness, reflecting His character and fulfilling His purposes on earth.
Reflection & Prayer: Consider Jesus' journey to the cross. How does His example inspire you to live a life of devotion and obedience to God?
Day 8: The Instrument of Crucifying Sin
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5
Key Verse: Galatians 5:24 - "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
Insight: Crucifying sin involves actively resisting and overcoming sinful desires, attitudes, and behaviors through the power of the Holy Spirit. It requires a commitment to holiness, repentance, and dependence on God's grace to transform our hearts and lives.
Reflection & Prayer: In what ways can you crucify your sinful desires and live a life that honors God? Seek God's strength and guidance to overcome temptation and grow in holiness.
Key Verse: Galatians 5:24 - "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
Insight: Crucifying sin involves actively resisting and overcoming sinful desires, attitudes, and behaviors through the power of the Holy Spirit. It requires a commitment to holiness, repentance, and dependence on God's grace to transform our hearts and lives.
Reflection & Prayer: In what ways can you crucify your sinful desires and live a life that honors God? Seek God's strength and guidance to overcome temptation and grow in holiness.
Day 9: Hard Obedience
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 15
Key Verse: 1 Samuel 15:22 - "To obey is better than sacrifice."
Insight: Hard obedience involves obeying God's word, even when it is challenging or unpopular. It requires courage, perseverance, and a willingness to trust God's wisdom and goodness, knowing that His ways are higher than ours.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on areas in your life where obedience to God's word is challenging. How can you overcome these challenges and align your heart with God's will?
Key Verse: 1 Samuel 15:22 - "To obey is better than sacrifice."
Insight: Hard obedience involves obeying God's word, even when it is challenging or unpopular. It requires courage, perseverance, and a willingness to trust God's wisdom and goodness, knowing that His ways are higher than ours.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on areas in your life where obedience to God's word is challenging. How can you overcome these challenges and align your heart with God's will?
Day 10: Willingness to Endure Persecution
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5
Key Verse: Matthew 5:11-12 - "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
Insight: Enduring persecution for the sake of the gospel requires spiritual strength, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to Christ. It involves trusting God's sovereignty, finding joy in suffering, and relying on His grace to sustain us through trials and tribulations.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on the possibility of enduring persecution for your faith. How can you prepare yourself spiritually and emotionally to stand firm in the face of opposition?
Key Verse: Matthew 5:11-12 - "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
Insight: Enduring persecution for the sake of the gospel requires spiritual strength, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to Christ. It involves trusting God's sovereignty, finding joy in suffering, and relying on His grace to sustain us through trials and tribulations.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on the possibility of enduring persecution for your faith. How can you prepare yourself spiritually and emotionally to stand firm in the face of opposition?
Day 11: Making Intercession
Scripture Reading: Romans 8
Key Verse: Romans 8:34 - "Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."
Insight: Intercession involves praying on behalf of others, especially those who have persecuted us or opposed the gospel. It is a powerful expression of love, compassion, and unity in the body of Christ, reflecting God's heart for reconciliation and redemption.
Reflection & Prayer: Spend time in prayer, interceding for those who have persecuted you or opposed the gospel. Ask God to soften their hearts, grant them understanding, and draw them into relationship with Him.
Key Verse: Romans 8:34 - "Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."
Insight: Intercession involves praying on behalf of others, especially those who have persecuted us or opposed the gospel. It is a powerful expression of love, compassion, and unity in the body of Christ, reflecting God's heart for reconciliation and redemption.
Reflection & Prayer: Spend time in prayer, interceding for those who have persecuted you or opposed the gospel. Ask God to soften their hearts, grant them understanding, and draw them into relationship with Him.
Day 12: Unwillingness to Compromise the Truth
Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4
Key Verse: 2 Timothy 4:3-4 - "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine..."
Insight: Standing firm in our faith and resisting the pressures of the world to compromise the truth requires courage, conviction, and a steadfast commitment to God's word. It involves discerning false teachings, guarding our hearts and minds, and remaining anchored in the truth of Scripture.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on the importance of standing firm in your faith and resisting compromise. How can you cultivate discernment, courage, and a commitment to truth in your daily life?
Key Verse: 2 Timothy 4:3-4 - "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine..."
Insight: Standing firm in our faith and resisting the pressures of the world to compromise the truth requires courage, conviction, and a steadfast commitment to God's word. It involves discerning false teachings, guarding our hearts and minds, and remaining anchored in the truth of Scripture.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on the importance of standing firm in your faith and resisting compromise. How can you cultivate discernment, courage, and a commitment to truth in your daily life?
Day 13: The Finishing of Your Sanctification
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12
Key Verse: Hebrews 12:14 - "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Insight: The process of sanctification involves God's work in our lives to conform us to the image of Christ, refining our character, and purifying our hearts. It is a lifelong journey of growth, transformation, and becoming more like Him in love, holiness, and obedience.
Reflection & Prayer: In what ways is God refining you and making you more like Him? Embrace the process of sanctification, surrendering to God's work in your life and trusting Him to complete the good work He has begun in you.
Key Verse: Hebrews 12:14 - "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Insight: The process of sanctification involves God's work in our lives to conform us to the image of Christ, refining our character, and purifying our hearts. It is a lifelong journey of growth, transformation, and becoming more like Him in love, holiness, and obedience.
Reflection & Prayer: In what ways is God refining you and making you more like Him? Embrace the process of sanctification, surrendering to God's work in your life and trusting Him to complete the good work He has begun in you.
Day 14: God's Way to New Life
Scripture Reading: Romans 6
Key Verse: Romans 6:4 - "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Insight: The power of the resurrection brings new life, freedom, and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a testament to God's victory over sin, death, and the grave, offering hope, redemption, and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on the transformative power of the resurrection in your life. How has your faith in Jesus Christ brought new life, hope, and freedom?
Key Verse: Romans 6:4 - "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Insight: The power of the resurrection brings new life, freedom, and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a testament to God's victory over sin, death, and the grave, offering hope, redemption, and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on the transformative power of the resurrection in your life. How has your faith in Jesus Christ brought new life, hope, and freedom?
Day 15: The Call to Total Devotion
Scripture Reading: Joshua 24
Key Verse: Joshua 24:15 - "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
Insight: The call to total devotion involves a wholehearted commitment to serve the Lord, prioritize His kingdom, and live a life that glorifies Him in every aspect. It is a declaration of allegiance, surrender, and dedication to fulfilling God's purposes and pursuing His will above all else.
Reflection & Prayer: Declare your commitment to serving the Lord and ask Him to help you live a life of total devotion. Seek His strength, guidance, and empowerment to align your life with His purposes and plans.
Key Verse: Joshua 24:15 - "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
Insight: The call to total devotion involves a wholehearted commitment to serve the Lord, prioritize His kingdom, and live a life that glorifies Him in every aspect. It is a declaration of allegiance, surrender, and dedication to fulfilling God's purposes and pursuing His will above all else.
Reflection & Prayer: Declare your commitment to serving the Lord and ask Him to help you live a life of total devotion. Seek His strength, guidance, and empowerment to align your life with His purposes and plans.
Day 16: The Reward of Devotion
Scripture Reading: Revelation 2
Key Verse: Revelation 2:10 - "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown."
Insight: The reward of devotion is the promise of eternal life, joy, and the victor's crown awaiting those who remain faithful to God. It is a testament to His faithfulness, goodness, and the eternal blessings He bestows upon His children who persevere in faith, love, and obedience.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on the eternal rewards that await those who remain faithful to God. Allow the promise of His eternal blessings to inspire and motivate you to persevere in devotion, service, and obedience to Him.
Key Verse: Revelation 2:10 - "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown."
Insight: The reward of devotion is the promise of eternal life, joy, and the victor's crown awaiting those who remain faithful to God. It is a testament to His faithfulness, goodness, and the eternal blessings He bestows upon His children who persevere in faith, love, and obedience.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on the eternal rewards that await those who remain faithful to God. Allow the promise of His eternal blessings to inspire and motivate you to persevere in devotion, service, and obedience to Him.
Day 17: The Challenge of Devotion
Scripture Reading: James 1
Key Verse: James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
Insight: The challenge of devotion involves putting God's word into action, living out our faith, and demonstrating His love in practical ways. It requires a willingness to step out in faith, embrace opportunities for growth, and overcome obstacles and hindrances that may hinder our walk with God.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on the challenges you face in living a life of devotion. How can you overcome obstacles, grow in faith, and embrace opportunities to serve and glorify God in your daily life?
Key Verse: James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
Insight: The challenge of devotion involves putting God's word into action, living out our faith, and demonstrating His love in practical ways. It requires a willingness to step out in faith, embrace opportunities for growth, and overcome obstacles and hindrances that may hinder our walk with God.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on the challenges you face in living a life of devotion. How can you overcome obstacles, grow in faith, and embrace opportunities to serve and glorify God in your daily life?
Day 18: A Life Transformed by Love
Scripture Reading: 1 John 4
Key Verse: 1 John 4:19 - "We love because he first loved us."
Insight: A life transformed by love is characterized by selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love for God and others. It reflects the heart of the Father, the love of Jesus, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit working in and through us to demonstrate God's love to the world.
Reflection & Prayer: Meditate on God's love for you and ask Him to fill you with His love for others. Pray for a heart that reflects His love, compassion, and kindness in every interaction and relationship.
Key Verse: 1 John 4:19 - "We love because he first loved us."
Insight: A life transformed by love is characterized by selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love for God and others. It reflects the heart of the Father, the love of Jesus, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit working in and through us to demonstrate God's love to the world.
Reflection & Prayer: Meditate on God's love for you and ask Him to fill you with His love for others. Pray for a heart that reflects His love, compassion, and kindness in every interaction and relationship.
Day 19: A Devoted Heart
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119
Key Verse: Psalm 119:10-11 - "I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands."
Insight: A devoted heart seeks God wholeheartedly, prioritizes His kingdom, and aligns its desires, affections, and aspirations with His will. It is characterized by passion, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of intimacy, obedience, and service to God.
Reflection & Prayer: Pray for a heart that is fully devoted to God and His Word. Ask Him to strengthen your commitment, deepen your intimacy with Him, and empower you to live a life that honors and glorifies Him in every way.
Key Verse: Psalm 119:10-11 - "I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands."
Insight: A devoted heart seeks God wholeheartedly, prioritizes His kingdom, and aligns its desires, affections, and aspirations with His will. It is characterized by passion, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of intimacy, obedience, and service to God.
Reflection & Prayer: Pray for a heart that is fully devoted to God and His Word. Ask Him to strengthen your commitment, deepen your intimacy with Him, and empower you to live a life that honors and glorifies Him in every way.
Day 20: The Power of Prayer in Devotion
Scripture Reading: James 5
Key Verse: James 5:16 - "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Insight: The power of prayer in devotion is the vital connection that enables us to communicate with God, seek His guidance, and experience His presence, provision, and power in our lives. It is a privilege, a weapon, and a lifeline that sustains, strengthens, and transforms us as we draw near to Him in faith and dependency.
Reflection & Prayer: Spend time in prayer, seeking God's guidance, wisdom, and strength to live a life of devotion. Cultivate a habit of prayer, prioritize communication with God, and trust Him to work mightily in and through you as you seek His face and align your heart with His will.
Key Verse: James 5:16 - "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Insight: The power of prayer in devotion is the vital connection that enables us to communicate with God, seek His guidance, and experience His presence, provision, and power in our lives. It is a privilege, a weapon, and a lifeline that sustains, strengthens, and transforms us as we draw near to Him in faith and dependency.
Reflection & Prayer: Spend time in prayer, seeking God's guidance, wisdom, and strength to live a life of devotion. Cultivate a habit of prayer, prioritize communication with God, and trust Him to work mightily in and through you as you seek His face and align your heart with His will.
Day 21: Conclusion - Living a Life of Total Devotion
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3
Key Verse: Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Insight: Living a life of total devotion is a lifelong journey of growing in relationship with God, becoming more like Christ, and fulfilling His purposes and plans for our lives. It is a daily commitment, a continuous surrender, and a relentless pursuit of intimacy, obedience, and service to the One who gave His all for us.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on the lessons learned throughout this devotional and commit to living a life of total devotion to God. Embrace His grace, rely on His strength, and trust Him to guide, empower, and fulfill His purposes in and through you as you walk with Him in love, obedience, and devotion each day.
Key Verse: Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Insight: Living a life of total devotion is a lifelong journey of growing in relationship with God, becoming more like Christ, and fulfilling His purposes and plans for our lives. It is a daily commitment, a continuous surrender, and a relentless pursuit of intimacy, obedience, and service to the One who gave His all for us.
Reflection & Prayer: Reflect on the lessons learned throughout this devotional and commit to living a life of total devotion to God. Embrace His grace, rely on His strength, and trust Him to guide, empower, and fulfill His purposes in and through you as you walk with Him in love, obedience, and devotion each day.