5 Day Devotional: Finding Favor

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on this past Sunday's sermon.

Day 1: Pursuing Personal Purity
Reading: Psalm 119:9-16
Devotional: As we begin this journey, let's reflect on Mary's example of personal purity. The psalmist asks, "How can a young person stay on the path of purity?" The answer lies in living according to God's Word. Today, consider areas in your life where you might be compromising purity - in thoughts, actions, or intentions. How can you actively pursue righteousness? Remember, purity isn't just about avoiding sin, but about wholeheartedly seeking God. Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance in storing up God's Word in your heart, that you might not sin against Him.

Day 2: Humility in God's Service
Reading: Luke 1:26-38
Devotional: Mary's response to Gabriel's announcement is a powerful example of humility and surrender. Despite the enormity of what was being asked of her, she simply said, "I am the Lord's servant." Today, reflect on areas in your life where God might be calling you to serve in ways that seem daunting or beyond your comfort zone. Are you willing to say, like Mary, "Let it be to me according to your word"? Ask God for the grace to surrender your plans and dreams to His greater purpose, trusting that His ways are higher than our ways.

Day 3: Exalting the Eternal
Reading: Luke 1:46-55
Devotional: Mary's Magnificat is a beautiful song of praise, exalting God's eternal nature and faithfulness. In a world that often focuses on the temporary, how can we cultivate a perspective that values the eternal? Today, take time to write your own song of praise, focusing on God's unchanging character and the eternal blessings He provides. How does fixing your eyes on eternity change your approach to daily challenges? Ask God to help you see your life and circumstances through the lens of His eternal purposes.

Day 4: God's Favor and Our Response
Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
Devotional: Mary was called "highly favored," but Paul reminds us that all believers are recipients of God's extraordinary favor through Christ. We are saved by grace, not by our own efforts. How does this truth impact your view of yourself and others? Reflect on the "good works" God has prepared for you to do. How can you respond to God's favor by serving others and sharing His love? Thank God for His unmerited favor and ask for opportunities to extend that grace to those around you.

Day 5: Trusting God in Uncertainty
Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6
Devotional: Mary's journey was filled with uncertainty, yet she trusted God's plan. These verses in Proverbs encourage us to trust in the Lord rather than our own understanding. What areas of uncertainty are you facing right now? How can you practically demonstrate trust in God's guidance? Consider writing down your concerns and then symbolically offering them to God. Pray for the strength to acknowledge Him in all your ways, trusting that He will make your paths straight, even when the road ahead seems unclear.