March 30th Sermon & Devotionals
- Pastor Mark Porterfield
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Five-Day Bible Reading Plan and Devotional
Sermon Audio
Let Me Help You, God | Let It Be Week 4
Day 1: Abiding in the Vine
Reading: John 15:1-8
Devotional: Jesus uses the powerful metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate our relationship with Him. As we read this passage, let's reflect on what it truly means to "abide" in Christ. It's not about striving or producing fruit through our own efforts, but rather about remaining connected to the source of life. Today, consider how you can deepen your connection with Jesus. Are there areas of your life where you've been trying to bear fruit on your own strength? Take time to rest in His presence, allowing His life-giving power to flow through you. Remember, apart from Him, we can do nothing, but as we abide in Him, we will naturally produce the fruit of His Spirit.
Day 2: The Ministry of Prayer
Reading: Romans 8:26-28
Devotional: Prayer can sometimes feel burdensome, especially when we're faced with overwhelming needs or prolonged struggles. Today's passage reminds us that we're not alone in our prayers. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groans too deep for words when we don't know how to pray. This truth should bring us comfort and encourage us to persist in prayer, even when we feel inadequate. Reflect on a situation in your life where you've felt at a loss for words in prayer. Instead of becoming discouraged, invite the Holy Spirit to pray through you. Trust that God is working all things for good, even when we can't see or understand His ways.
Day 3: From "Help Me" to "Use Me"
Reading: Matthew 9:35-38
Devotional: Jesus' ministry was characterized by teaching, preaching, and healing. As His followers, we're called to continue this work. However, it's easy to fall into a pattern of only praying "Help me, God" prayers. While these are valid and important, today's passage challenges us to shift our perspective. Jesus looked at the crowds with compassion and instructed His disciples to pray for workers for the harvest. Consider how you might move from solely asking for help to offering yourself as an instrument in God's hands. What "fields" around you are ripe for harvest? How can you pray for and become part of the solution to the needs you see?
Day 4: Bearing One Another's Burdens
Reading: Galatians 6:1-5
Devotional: The practice of praying over a stone for someone else, as mentioned in the sermon, is a beautiful illustration of bearing one another's burdens. Paul encourages us to carry each other's burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ. This doesn't mean we take on responsibilities that aren't ours, but rather that we come alongside others in love and support. Today, identify someone whose burden you can help carry through prayer and practical action. As you pray for them, visualize giving their burden to Jesus, who ultimately bears the weight of our struggles. How might this practice transform your approach to intercessory prayer?
Day 5: God's Presence in Suffering
Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Devotional: Suffering is an inevitable part of life, but as believers, we have the assurance that God is with us in our pain. Paul speaks of the God of all comfort, who comforts us so that we can comfort others. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's comfort in a difficult situation. How did that experience equip you to minister to others? As we pray for those who are suffering, let's remember that our own experiences of God's comfort can become a source of hope and encouragement for others. Today, consider reaching out to someone who is going through a hard time, sharing the comfort you've received from God.
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