5-Day Devo (Based on 1.18.26 Sermon)

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the January 18, 2026 Sermon.

Reading: Isaiah 7:1-9

Devotional: King Ahaz faced terrifying threats from neighboring armies, and his heart shook with fear. God offered him assurance, yet Ahaz had to choose: Would he trust God's promise or seek security elsewhere? You face similar crossroads daily. Financial pressures, health concerns, relational conflicts—each presents an opportunity to either surrender to anxiety or anchor yourself in God's faithfulness. Fear whispers that you must control everything, but faith reminds you that God holds everything. Today, identify one area where fear has been ruling your heart. Acknowledge it honestly before God, then choose to believe that He is present, powerful, and working on your behalf even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

Reflection Question: What specific fear is God inviting you to surrender to Him today?

Reading: Isaiah 8:5-10; Psalm 103:1-13

Devotional: The gentle waters of Shiloah represented God's quiet, faithful provision for Jerusalem. Yet Judah rejected this steady supply, seeking something more impressive. How often do we do the same? We overlook God's daily mercies—health, relationships, provision, His Word—because they seem ordinary. We chase after what appears more powerful or prestigious, forgetting that God's "small" gifts sustain our very lives. The Father's compassion toward you is as constant as those flowing waters. He removes your sins as far as east is from west. He provides exactly what you need, even when it doesn't look like what you wanted. Today, practice gratitude for the "gentle waters" in your life—the seemingly small ways God shows up faithfully.

Reflection Question: What "small" provision from God have you been taking for granted?

Reading: Isaiah 8:11-22; Colossians 2:1-7

Devotional: In fearful times, we become vulnerable to lies, conspiracies, and voices that amplify our anxiety. Isaiah warned God's people not to call conspiracy everything others called conspiracy, but instead to fear the Lord alone. This warning rings powerfully today. Social media, news cycles, and even well-meaning friends can flood us with fear-driven narratives. But in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He is your Wonderful Counselor, offering truth that anchors your soul. Evaluate what voices you're allowing into your mind and heart. Are they leading you toward fear or faith? Root yourself deeply in Scripture, letting God's Word be your filter for every message you encounter. Truth sets you free from fear's prison.

Reflection Question: What voices do you need to turn down so you can hear God's wisdom more clearly?

Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7; Zephaniah 3:14-17

Devotional: The Messiah is called Mighty God—a warrior distinguished in battle. This isn't a distant deity uninvolved in your struggles. Jesus is the Mighty One in your midst who saves, who fights for you while you remain still. When you face battles that seem too great—illness, injustice, spiritual warfare, overwhelming circumstances—remember that your Savior is mighty. He rejoices over you with gladness and quiets you with His love. You don't fight alone, and victory doesn't depend on your strength. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to you. Today, identify one battle you've been fighting in your own strength. Invite the Mighty God to fight for you, and watch how He moves when you trust Him.

Reflection Question: Where do you need to stop fighting and let the Mighty God battle on your behalf?

Reading: John 16:33; Philippians 4:4-7

Devotional: Jesus is the Prince of Peace, yet He promised we would have tribulation in this world. How do we reconcile these truths? Christ offers not the absence of trouble, but His presence in the midst of it. His peace guards your heart and mind even when circumstances remain chaotic. This supernatural peace surpasses human understanding—it doesn't make logical sense to others, yet it sustains you through the storm. The pathway to this peace is prayer with thanksgiving. Instead of anxiously rehearsing your fears, bring everything to God with gratitude for His faithfulness. He hears you. He cares. He has overcome the world. Whatever you're facing today, you can have peace not because everything is resolved, but because the Prince of Peace lives in you.

Reflection Question: Will you exchange your anxiety for God's peace through prayer and thanksgiving today?

Closing Thought: Throughout this week, you've been invited to examine what rules your heart—fear or faith. The same God who promised deliverance to ancient Judah has sent Jesus, your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. He is trustworthy. His plan is unfolding even when you cannot see it. Choose faith. Choose Jesus. He is enough.

This 5-Day Devotional was generated with the help of AI, and is based off of Pastor Dillon's January 18, 2026 Sermon: Fear or Faith.