5-Day Devo (Based on 1.4.26 Sermon)
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the January 4, 2026 Sermon.
Day 1: The God Who Sees Our Rebellion
Reading: Isaiah 1:2-9
Devotional: God begins His message through Isaiah with heartbreaking honesty: "I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me." Like a loving parent watching their child walk away, God sees every act of rebellion, yet His first response isn't rage—it's grief. The people had everything they needed, yet they turned away. Today, examine your own heart. Where have you turned from God's provision to pursue your own way? The beauty of this passage is that God doesn't abandon His children even in their rebellion. He pursues them with truth because He loves them too much to let them destroy themselves. Confession begins with honest acknowledgment of where we've wandered.
Devotional: God begins His message through Isaiah with heartbreaking honesty: "I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me." Like a loving parent watching their child walk away, God sees every act of rebellion, yet His first response isn't rage—it's grief. The people had everything they needed, yet they turned away. Today, examine your own heart. Where have you turned from God's provision to pursue your own way? The beauty of this passage is that God doesn't abandon His children even in their rebellion. He pursues them with truth because He loves them too much to let them destroy themselves. Confession begins with honest acknowledgment of where we've wandered.
Day 2: When Religion Becomes Routine
Reading: Isaiah 1:10-17
Devotional: God declares something shocking: "Stop bringing meaningless offerings!" The people were attending worship, bringing sacrifices, and observing religious festivals—yet God called it detestable. Why? Because their Sunday devotion disconnected from Monday behavior becomes hypocrisy. They prayed for neighbors while preying on them in business. They lifted holy hands while crushing the vulnerable. God desires authentic transformation, not religious performance. Today, ask yourself: Is my faith merely a Sunday routine, or does it transform how I treat others throughout the week? God isn't impressed with our religious activities when our hearts remain unchanged. He calls us to "seek justice, defend the oppressed." True worship always flows into compassionate action toward others.
Devotional: God declares something shocking: "Stop bringing meaningless offerings!" The people were attending worship, bringing sacrifices, and observing religious festivals—yet God called it detestable. Why? Because their Sunday devotion disconnected from Monday behavior becomes hypocrisy. They prayed for neighbors while preying on them in business. They lifted holy hands while crushing the vulnerable. God desires authentic transformation, not religious performance. Today, ask yourself: Is my faith merely a Sunday routine, or does it transform how I treat others throughout the week? God isn't impressed with our religious activities when our hearts remain unchanged. He calls us to "seek justice, defend the oppressed." True worship always flows into compassionate action toward others.
Day 3: Scarlet Sins Made White as Snow
Reading: Isaiah 1:18-20
Devotional: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." This is one of Scripture's most beautiful invitations. God doesn't minimize sin's stain—He acknowledges it's deep, dark, and permanent by human standards. Yet He promises complete cleansing. No sin is too deep, no rebellion too long, no shame too dark for God's redemptive power. The condition? "If you are willing and obedient." God offers renewal, but we must turn toward Him. Perhaps you're carrying guilt from past mistakes, believing you've gone too far. Today, hear God's invitation: "Come now, let us settle the matter." Bring your scarlet stains to the only One who can make them white as snow. Restoration begins with one honest step toward Him.
Devotional: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." This is one of Scripture's most beautiful invitations. God doesn't minimize sin's stain—He acknowledges it's deep, dark, and permanent by human standards. Yet He promises complete cleansing. No sin is too deep, no rebellion too long, no shame too dark for God's redemptive power. The condition? "If you are willing and obedient." God offers renewal, but we must turn toward Him. Perhaps you're carrying guilt from past mistakes, believing you've gone too far. Today, hear God's invitation: "Come now, let us settle the matter." Bring your scarlet stains to the only One who can make them white as snow. Restoration begins with one honest step toward Him.
Day 4: The Refining Fire of Discipline
Reading: Isaiah 1:24-28
Devotional: God promises to "thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities." Like a metalworker heating precious metal to remove impurities, God sometimes allows heat in our lives—not to destroy us, but to refine us. Discipline isn't evidence of God's abandonment; it's proof of His commitment to our transformation. The dross must be removed for the gold to shine. When you face difficult seasons, consider: Is God using this to remove something that hinders my relationship with Him? His goal is always restoration—to make us into "the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City." The refining process is uncomfortable, but the result is beautiful. Trust that God's discipline flows from His love, designed to restore you to intimacy with Him.
Devotional: God promises to "thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities." Like a metalworker heating precious metal to remove impurities, God sometimes allows heat in our lives—not to destroy us, but to refine us. Discipline isn't evidence of God's abandonment; it's proof of His commitment to our transformation. The dross must be removed for the gold to shine. When you face difficult seasons, consider: Is God using this to remove something that hinders my relationship with Him? His goal is always restoration—to make us into "the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City." The refining process is uncomfortable, but the result is beautiful. Trust that God's discipline flows from His love, designed to restore you to intimacy with Him.
Day 5: More Than Resolutions—We Need a Redeemer
Reading: Isaiah 40:28-31
Devotional: Human resolutions fail because we lack the power to sustain them. We make commitments with sincere intentions, but our strength runs out. Isaiah offers something better than self-powered promises: "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Notice it doesn't say "those who try harder" or "those who make better plans." Renewal comes from waiting on—trusting in, depending on—the Lord. He doesn't just inspire change; He sustains it. He doesn't demand commitment and leave you alone; He empowers you through it. As you step into this new year, release your grip on self-sufficient resolutions. Instead, surrender to the God of renewal who promises to carry you through, not just call you forward. True transformation isn't about turning over a new leaf—it's about receiving a new heart from the One who makes all things new.
Devotional: Human resolutions fail because we lack the power to sustain them. We make commitments with sincere intentions, but our strength runs out. Isaiah offers something better than self-powered promises: "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Notice it doesn't say "those who try harder" or "those who make better plans." Renewal comes from waiting on—trusting in, depending on—the Lord. He doesn't just inspire change; He sustains it. He doesn't demand commitment and leave you alone; He empowers you through it. As you step into this new year, release your grip on self-sufficient resolutions. Instead, surrender to the God of renewal who promises to carry you through, not just call you forward. True transformation isn't about turning over a new leaf—it's about receiving a new heart from the One who makes all things new.
This 5-Day Devotional was generated with the help of AI, and is based off of Pastor Brian's January 4, 2026 Sermon: Penalty and Promise.
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