Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the sermon "Lighting the Match" from 9/21/2025
Day 1: Faithfulness in Covenant
Reading: Genesis 2:18-25, Exodus 20:14
Devotional: God's design for marriage reflects His desire for faithful covenant relationships. Just as Adam and Eve were created to be united, God calls us to faithfulness in all our relationships - with Him and with others. The commandment against adultery goes beyond physical acts; it speaks to the heart of loyalty and commitment. Reflect on areas where you may have been unfaithful to God or others. How can you recommit to covenant faithfulness today?
Day 2: The Heart of the Law
Reading: Matthew 5:27-30, John 8:2-11
Devotional: Jesus expands our understanding of adultery to include lustful thoughts, showing that God is concerned with the condition of our hearts. Yet He also demonstrates tremendous grace, as seen in His interaction with the woman caught in adultery. Consider how you may have judged others or yourself harshly. How can you extend and receive God's grace in your life today?
Day 3: The Church as Christ's Bride
Reading: Ephesians 5:22-33, Revelation 19:6-9
Devotional: The metaphor of the Church as Christ's bride illustrates God's passionate love for His people. Our faithfulness to the Church - through prayer, presence, gifts, service, and witness - is an expression of our love for Christ. Examine your commitment to your local church. In what ways can you more fully live out your covenant as part of Christ's bride?
Day 4: Repentance and Restoration
Reading: Psalm 51, 2 Samuel 12:1-14
Devotional: David's story of adultery and murder, followed by genuine repentance, shows us that no sin is beyond God's forgiveness when we truly turn to Him. God desires a contrite heart more than outward perfection. Reflect on areas in your life that need repentance. How can you cultivate a heart that is quick to recognize sin and turn to God?
Day 5: Faithful Love in Action
Reading: Hosea 1-3, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Devotional: Hosea's faithful love for his unfaithful wife portrays God's enduring love for His people. This divine love is further described in 1 Corinthians 13. God calls us to embody this kind of steadfast love in all our relationships. Consider how you can demonstrate patient, kind, and enduring love to those around you, even when it's challenging. How might this reflect God's character to others?
Day 1: Faithfulness in Covenant
Reading: Genesis 2:18-25, Exodus 20:14
Devotional: God's design for marriage reflects His desire for faithful covenant relationships. Just as Adam and Eve were created to be united, God calls us to faithfulness in all our relationships - with Him and with others. The commandment against adultery goes beyond physical acts; it speaks to the heart of loyalty and commitment. Reflect on areas where you may have been unfaithful to God or others. How can you recommit to covenant faithfulness today?
Day 2: The Heart of the Law
Reading: Matthew 5:27-30, John 8:2-11
Devotional: Jesus expands our understanding of adultery to include lustful thoughts, showing that God is concerned with the condition of our hearts. Yet He also demonstrates tremendous grace, as seen in His interaction with the woman caught in adultery. Consider how you may have judged others or yourself harshly. How can you extend and receive God's grace in your life today?
Day 3: The Church as Christ's Bride
Reading: Ephesians 5:22-33, Revelation 19:6-9
Devotional: The metaphor of the Church as Christ's bride illustrates God's passionate love for His people. Our faithfulness to the Church - through prayer, presence, gifts, service, and witness - is an expression of our love for Christ. Examine your commitment to your local church. In what ways can you more fully live out your covenant as part of Christ's bride?
Day 4: Repentance and Restoration
Reading: Psalm 51, 2 Samuel 12:1-14
Devotional: David's story of adultery and murder, followed by genuine repentance, shows us that no sin is beyond God's forgiveness when we truly turn to Him. God desires a contrite heart more than outward perfection. Reflect on areas in your life that need repentance. How can you cultivate a heart that is quick to recognize sin and turn to God?
Day 5: Faithful Love in Action
Reading: Hosea 1-3, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Devotional: Hosea's faithful love for his unfaithful wife portrays God's enduring love for His people. This divine love is further described in 1 Corinthians 13. God calls us to embody this kind of steadfast love in all our relationships. Consider how you can demonstrate patient, kind, and enduring love to those around you, even when it's challenging. How might this reflect God's character to others?