Use this devo as you are able, in whole or in part. Don’t feel compelled to read it all. Simply read and meditate upon whatever catches your attention. The goal is enjoying time with God through His Word and in prayer. Questions about the devotional elements?
What is “Epiphany”?
We know the word: a moment of piercing awareness, the sudden jolt of understanding. Imagine, then, that moment stretched out over a period of time. This is the season of Epiphany, a season celebrating the revelation of the Savior, the light of the world.
Epiphany begins on January 6 and is marked by several events and themes in the life of Jesus: the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the wedding feast at Cana (the beginning of Jesus’ ministry through signs and wonders). Each event unveils the fuller dimensions of the man we call Jesus. Epiphany calls us to live God’s mission, announcing the good news of Christ’s arrival to every culture and to those who live across the street.
Call to Prayer
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people . . . the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11, 13)
Prayer of Confession
Holy God, you promised the renewing presence of your Holy Spirit, and today I ask you to fill me again. Renew my life, deepen in me a humble repentance for my sins, and empower me to pursue a holy life. May your beauty in my life be obvious to all. Amen. (Prayer based on the Heidelberg Catechism, Question 70)
*Prayer borrowed from Philip Reinders’ Seeking God’s Face: Praying with the Bible through the Year
Reading Plan
This reading plan will help you to develop the habit of being in God’s Word each morning and evening. Come to this time with expectation. Expect God to reveal himself to you. Expect that he delights in you being there, even when you’ve wandered away. Growing a spiritual habit is a slow, patient process. So be kind to yourself as you grow!
Readings are hyperlinked. Simply hover over the passage or click Morning/Evening Reading (email version).
Morning Readings:
Pray Psalm 128 | Read Acts 14
- Praying the Psalms: Read slowly. Take note of words and phrases. Bring them before the Lord in prayer and personalize the passage as you pray.
- NT Context: The story of Jesus doesn’t end with Jesus. It continues in the lives of those who believe in him. The supernatural does not stop with Jesus. Acts makes it clear that these Christians Luke wrote about were no more spectators of Jesus than Jesus was a spectator of God—they are in on the action of God, God acting in them, God living in them. Which also means, of course, IN US. Meditate on the passage, noting a few words or a phrase that stood out. Take them to God in prayer.
Evening Readings:
Pray Psalm 129 | Read 1 Chronicles 21
- OT Context: “Sovereignty, God’s sovereignty, is one of the most difficult things for people of faith to live out in everyday routines…This story makes it clear that it was not God’s idea that the Hebrews have a king, but since they insisted, he let them have their way. But God never abdicated his sovereignty to any of the Hebrew kings; the idea was that they would represent his sovereignty, not that he would delegate his sovereignty to them. Reflect on the passage. Who was the original audience, and what was their situation? How is that relevant to you today?
Sermon Devo
Winter series is coming up soon in late January. In the meantime, we will have a special short series called, “Words to Live By” where the pastors and elders of Oak Pointe Milford will share the passages and words that Christ has been using to shape them.
So during this series, we’re going to take a short break from the daily sermon devo. If this portion of the devo is part of your regular rhythm, then what should you do instead?
Here’s one idea: Read along with our regular Old and New Testament readings and spend a few minutes after each reading simply dwelling in quietness before God. Think through what stood out to you, read the passages again, and then pray from those passages.
Evening Prayer of Examen
- Where did you move with or feel close to Jesus today?
- Where did you resist or feel far from Jesus today?
- Where is Jesus leading you tomorrow? Ask for joy as you follow him.
Benediction
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Rom. 8:15-16)
