Watch Message Here: Heaven Meets Earth Week 4
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the message.
Day 1: Leading Your Family to His Presence
Reading: Luke 2:41-42; Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Devotional: Mary and Joseph prioritized taking Jesus to the temple, making the journey to Jerusalem an annual commitment despite the difficulty. This wasn't convenience—it was conviction. Today, consider what you're communicating to your family about God's house. Are you leading them to encounter Him regularly, or has church become optional? What our children see as optional, they will eventually view as useless. The journey may be inconvenient, the morning may be early, and you may be tired—but so is everyone else who shows up. Your faithfulness in leading your family to worship speaks volumes about what you truly treasure. Make it a priority to gather with God's people, not out of obligation, but out of recognition that this is where life and encouragement flow.
Day 2: Returning to Where You Left Him
Reading: Luke 2:43-45; Luke 15:11-24
Devotional: When Mary and Joseph couldn't find Jesus, they immediately returned to Jerusalem—back to where they last saw Him. How often do we wander from God's presence, only to search everywhere except where we left Him? Here's the beautiful truth: Jesus is right where you left Him. He hasn't moved. He isn't hiding or running from you. Like the father of the prodigal son, He stands with arms wide open, waiting for your return. If you've drifted—through busyness, discouragement, or deliberate choices—don't waste another moment searching in the wrong places. Return to the place of worship, to the Word, to prayer. Three days of hopelessness can end in an instant when you turn back toward Him. He's not there to condemn you but to restore you.
Day 3: Being About the Father's Business
Reading: Luke 2:46-49; Matthew 28:18-20
Devotional: Jesus' first recorded words reveal His mission: "I must be about my Father's business." At only twelve years old, He understood His purpose. Yet many of us spend years asking, "What is God's will for my life?" We overcomplicate it. God's will is simple: glorify Him and make disciples. Stop waiting for signs written in the clouds. Ask yourself: Does this glorify God? Does this advance His kingdom? If yes, step out in faith. God doesn't need your abilities, eloquence, or charisma—He needs your obedience. When He opens a door and it aligns with His mission, walk through it. Trust that if it's not meant to be, He'll close it. Being about the Father's business means acting on what you already know, not waiting for what you wish you knew.
Day 4: Treasuring God in Your Heart
Reading: Luke 2:50-51; Psalm 119:9-16
Devotional: Mary didn't understand everything Jesus said, but she treasured His words in her heart. The Greek word means to keep carefully and continually—like protecting a precious heirloom. Are you treasuring God's Word this way? Life will bring situations you don't understand: loss, disappointment, confusion. In those moments, treasure what you know about God's character and promises. Keep His Word close, protect it, meditate on it. Mary's faith didn't depend on complete understanding; it rested on Who God is. When circumstances shake you, remember Peter's response to Jesus: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." Nobody else offers what God offers. Treasure Him above explanation, above comfort, above understanding. Hold fast to His promises when nothing else makes sense.
Day 5: Increasing in Wisdom and Favor
Reading: Luke 2:52; James 1:5-8; Proverbs 3:5-6
Devotional: Jesus increased in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. This wasn't automatic—it was intentional growth. How do we grow likewise? Lead your family to worship. Surround yourself with believers who sharpen you. Be about God's business without overcomplicating His will. Treasure His Word when you don't understand. Submit to godly authority. The Christian life isn't about perfection; it's about direction. You'll feel inadequate, discouraged, and defeated at times—we all do. But when you show up, when you gather with God's people, when you step out in obedience despite your fears, God fills in what you lack. He doesn't need your strength; He needs your yes. Today, commit to one area of growth. Where is God calling you to increase? Answer Him with obedience, and watch Him do what only He can do.
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the message.
Day 1: Leading Your Family to His Presence
Reading: Luke 2:41-42; Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Devotional: Mary and Joseph prioritized taking Jesus to the temple, making the journey to Jerusalem an annual commitment despite the difficulty. This wasn't convenience—it was conviction. Today, consider what you're communicating to your family about God's house. Are you leading them to encounter Him regularly, or has church become optional? What our children see as optional, they will eventually view as useless. The journey may be inconvenient, the morning may be early, and you may be tired—but so is everyone else who shows up. Your faithfulness in leading your family to worship speaks volumes about what you truly treasure. Make it a priority to gather with God's people, not out of obligation, but out of recognition that this is where life and encouragement flow.
Day 2: Returning to Where You Left Him
Reading: Luke 2:43-45; Luke 15:11-24
Devotional: When Mary and Joseph couldn't find Jesus, they immediately returned to Jerusalem—back to where they last saw Him. How often do we wander from God's presence, only to search everywhere except where we left Him? Here's the beautiful truth: Jesus is right where you left Him. He hasn't moved. He isn't hiding or running from you. Like the father of the prodigal son, He stands with arms wide open, waiting for your return. If you've drifted—through busyness, discouragement, or deliberate choices—don't waste another moment searching in the wrong places. Return to the place of worship, to the Word, to prayer. Three days of hopelessness can end in an instant when you turn back toward Him. He's not there to condemn you but to restore you.
Day 3: Being About the Father's Business
Reading: Luke 2:46-49; Matthew 28:18-20
Devotional: Jesus' first recorded words reveal His mission: "I must be about my Father's business." At only twelve years old, He understood His purpose. Yet many of us spend years asking, "What is God's will for my life?" We overcomplicate it. God's will is simple: glorify Him and make disciples. Stop waiting for signs written in the clouds. Ask yourself: Does this glorify God? Does this advance His kingdom? If yes, step out in faith. God doesn't need your abilities, eloquence, or charisma—He needs your obedience. When He opens a door and it aligns with His mission, walk through it. Trust that if it's not meant to be, He'll close it. Being about the Father's business means acting on what you already know, not waiting for what you wish you knew.
Day 4: Treasuring God in Your Heart
Reading: Luke 2:50-51; Psalm 119:9-16
Devotional: Mary didn't understand everything Jesus said, but she treasured His words in her heart. The Greek word means to keep carefully and continually—like protecting a precious heirloom. Are you treasuring God's Word this way? Life will bring situations you don't understand: loss, disappointment, confusion. In those moments, treasure what you know about God's character and promises. Keep His Word close, protect it, meditate on it. Mary's faith didn't depend on complete understanding; it rested on Who God is. When circumstances shake you, remember Peter's response to Jesus: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." Nobody else offers what God offers. Treasure Him above explanation, above comfort, above understanding. Hold fast to His promises when nothing else makes sense.
Day 5: Increasing in Wisdom and Favor
Reading: Luke 2:52; James 1:5-8; Proverbs 3:5-6
Devotional: Jesus increased in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. This wasn't automatic—it was intentional growth. How do we grow likewise? Lead your family to worship. Surround yourself with believers who sharpen you. Be about God's business without overcomplicating His will. Treasure His Word when you don't understand. Submit to godly authority. The Christian life isn't about perfection; it's about direction. You'll feel inadequate, discouraged, and defeated at times—we all do. But when you show up, when you gather with God's people, when you step out in obedience despite your fears, God fills in what you lack. He doesn't need your strength; He needs your yes. Today, commit to one area of growth. Where is God calling you to increase? Answer Him with obedience, and watch Him do what only He can do.
