March 16th Sermon & Devotionals
- Pastor Mark Porterfield
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
Five-Day Bible Reading Plan and Devotional
Sermon Audio
Just Keep Talking to Jesus | Let It Be Week 2
Day 1: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Devotional: Paul's exhortation to "pray without ceasing" isn't about maintaining a constant verbal dialogue with God, but rather cultivating a heart that's always open to communication with Him. Like a loving marriage where partners stay connected even in silence, our relationship with God thrives on consistent, open-hearted communion. Today, reflect on how you can maintain an attitude of prayer throughout your day. Are there moments when you typically forget God's presence? How might you invite Him into those times?
Day 2: God's Relational Love
Reading: Genesis 2:18-25
Devotional: From the very beginning, God designed us for relationship—both with Him and with each other. The first marriage between Adam and Eve serves as a powerful metaphor for God's desire for intimacy with us. Unlike the transactional relationships often seen in ancient religions, our God seeks a deep, personal connection. Consider how you view your relationship with God. Do you see it as transactional or relational? How might shifting your perspective change the way you approach prayer and worship?
Day 3: The Eternal Wedding Feast
Reading: Revelation 19:6-9
Devotional: The Bible begins with a marriage in Eden and culminates with the marriage supper of the Lamb. This beautiful imagery illustrates God's ultimate desire for eternal, intimate communion with His people. Our earthly practices of prayer and worship are preparation for this eternal celebration. As you pray today, imagine yourself as part of this heavenly feast. How does this eternal perspective change the way you approach your daily spiritual practices? How might it inspire you to "never stop praying" as Paul encouraged?
Day 4: Enduring Faith in Trials
Reading: James 1:2-4
Devotional: The sermon touched on the importance of maintaining communication with God even when we're angry or frustrated with Him. James encourages us to view trials as opportunities for growth in faith. When facing difficulties, our instinct might be to turn away from God, but these are precisely the moments when we need to lean into our relationship with Him. Think about a current challenge in your life. How might you approach it as an opportunity to deepen your faith rather than a reason to doubt?
Day 5: A Life of Constant Praise
Reading: Psalm 34:1-3
Devotional: "I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." Psalm 34 encourages us to maintain a heart of constant prayer and praise. Just as Paul urged the Thessalonians to "never stop praying," the psalmist reflects a life centered on continual communion with God. This isn't merely about speaking God's praises in moments of joy but finding ways to stay connected to Him in every circumstance. Reflect on how a posture of praise can transform your interactions and moments throughout the day. How might constant prayer and praise enable you to "taste and see" God's goodness more fully in your everyday life? Seek to keep His praise on your lips, inviting Him into all areas of your life.
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