The Altar: God has spoken

Day 1: The God Who Speaks Reading: Hebrews 1:1-4

Devotional: In a world full of noise, God's voice stands out with clarity and purpose. He has spoken definitively through His Son, Jesus Christ. Today, reflect on how God is speaking to you through His Word. Are you listening? Take time to sit in silence, away from distractions, and open your heart to hear God's voice. Remember, He's not just sending a message; He is the message. How might your life change if you truly believed that God is actively speaking to you through Christ and His Word?

Prayer: Lord, open my ears to hear Your voice clearly. Help me to recognize Jesus as Your ultimate Word to me. Amen.

Day 2: The Altar of Surrender Reading: Romans 12:1-2

Devotional: The concept of the altar isn't just an Old Testament relic; it's a powerful metaphor for our daily lives as Christians. Just as the burnt offering was completely consumed, God calls us to offer our whole selves to Him. What areas of your life are you holding back from God? Your career? Your relationships? Your dreams? Today, visualize laying these aspects of your life on God's altar. Remember, partial obedience is still disobedience. What would it look like to live as a "living sacrifice," holy and pleasing to God?

Prayer: Father, I offer my whole self to You today. Show me the areas where I'm holding back, and give me the courage to surrender fully. Amen.

Day 3: The Perfect Sacrifice Reading: Hebrews 10:1-14

Devotional: In the Old Testament, sacrifices were continual because they were imperfect. But Jesus' sacrifice was once for all - perfect and complete. Today, meditate on the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. Do you truly believe that His work on the cross was enough to cover all your sins - past, present, and future? How might this truth change the way you approach God? Instead of trying to earn God's favor, how can you rest in the finished work of Christ today?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your perfect sacrifice. Help me to live in the freedom and confidence that comes from knowing Your work is complete. Amen.

Day 4: Living Altars Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-10

Devotional: Peter describes believers as "living stones," being built into a spiritual house. In essence, we are called to be living altars - places where God's presence dwells and where worship happens continually. How can you make your life a place of constant worship? It's not just about singing songs, but about how you treat others, how you work, how you love. What one change can you make today to transform an ordinary part of your life into an act of worship?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, make me aware of Your presence in every moment. Help me to turn my whole life into an act of worship. Amen.

Day 5: The Invitation to Come Reading: Matthew 11:28-30

Devotional: Jesus' invitation is always open: "Come to me." This is the heart of the altar call - not just a one-time event, but a daily returning to Christ. What burdens are you carrying today? Stress? Anxiety? Guilt? Hear Jesus inviting you to bring these to Him. The altar is not just a place of sacrifice, but a place of exchange - our burdens for His peace, our weakness for His strength. How can you practically "come to Jesus" today? Maybe it's through prayer, worship, or serving others in His name.

Prayer: Jesus, I come to You today with all my burdens. Thank You for Your open invitation. Help me to find rest in You. Amen.

This Bible reading plan and devotional guide aims to deepen the reader's understanding of key themes from the sermon, encouraging personal reflection and practical application of these spiritual truths in daily life.