5-Day Devotional: When God Says Go
Based upon Sunday's sermon
Day 1: The Belt of Truth - Standing Firm in God's Word
Reading: Ephesians 6:10-14; John 17:17
Devotional:
Truth is the foundation that holds everything together in our spiritual lives. Just as a soldier's belt secured all pieces of armor, God's truth anchors us when life threatens to unravel. Without truth, our witness falls apart. We cannot simply speak truth on Sundays while living differently Monday through Saturday. People watch how we treat our spouse, respond to waitresses, and handle adversity. When we saturate ourselves in Scripture and live authentically, our lives become unshakeable testimonies. The devil's lies cannot penetrate when we're wrapped in biblical truth. Today, ask yourself: Does my life reflect the truth I claim to believe? Am I living with integrity in every area, or am I compartmentalizing my faith?
Application: Identify one area where your actions don't align with your stated beliefs. Commit to closing that gap this week through prayer and intentional choices.
Day 2: The Breastplate of Righteousness - Protecting Your Witness
Reading: Ephesians 6:14b; Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 5:16
Devotional:
The breastplate protected a soldier's vital organs—the heart, lungs, everything essential for life. Righteousness protects our spiritual vitality and our witness to the world. When we live with integrity, displaying the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—our character becomes impenetrable to Satan's accusations. People may disagree with our beliefs, but they cannot argue with a life genuinely transformed by Christ. Your righteous living speaks louder than any sermon you could preach. The way you handle conflict, show kindness to difficult people, and remain faithful in small things creates a testimony that penetrates even the hardest hearts. Righteousness isn't self-righteousness; it's Christ living through you.
Application: Choose one fruit of the Spirit to focus on this week. Ask God to develop it more fully in your life, especially in challenging relationships.
Day 3: The Gospel Shoes - Standing on Solid Ground
Reading: Ephesians 6:15; Romans 1:16; Isaiah 52:7
Devotional:
Ancient soldiers wore spiked sandals that gave them traction and stability in battle. They could stand firm without being pushed back. The gospel provides that same confidence for believers. When you know that the God who spoke the universe into existence holds you in His hand, nothing can knock you off your feet. The gospel isn't just good news you share; it's the foundation you stand on. You don't have to fear rejection, opposition, or spiritual warfare because the battle is already won. Jesus defeated death itself. With gospel-shoes firmly strapped on, you can march forward knowing that no ground will be lost, no truth will fail, and no power can overcome what God has established. Your confidence isn't in your ability but in His victory.
Application: Write down three gospel truths that give you confidence. Memorize them and speak them aloud when you face fear or opposition.
Day 4: The Shield of Faith - Extinguishing Every Attack
Reading: Ephesians 6:16; Hebrews 11:1, 6; 1 Peter 5:8-9
Devotional:
Roman soldiers soaked their wooden shields in water so that flaming arrows would be extinguished on contact. Our faith must be saturated in the living water of Jesus Christ. When we immerse ourselves in His presence through prayer, worship, and Scripture, our faith becomes impenetrable. Satan launches accusations, doubts, temptations, and fears like flaming arrows, hoping something will stick and burn. But faith soaked in Jesus extinguishes every attack. "You're not good enough"—extinguished by grace. "God has abandoned you"—extinguished by His promises. "This sin is too great"—extinguished by the cross. The more time you spend with Jesus, the more saturated your shield becomes. Don't just read about living water; drink deeply from it daily.
Application: Spend extended time in God's presence today—no agenda, just soaking in His love. Let worship music, Scripture, or silence saturate your soul.
Day 5: The Sword and Prayer - Taking Ground for the Kingdom
Reading: Ephesians 6:17-18; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Devotional:
Every other piece of armor is defensive, but the sword is offensive—it takes ground. God's Word cuts through lies, exposes truth, and pierces the hardest hearts. Even Jesus used Scripture to defeat Satan's temptations. But a sword without communication is useless. Prayer keeps you connected to your Commander, ensuring you know where to strike and when to advance. In 2026, God is calling you to go—to make disciples, share your testimony, and advance His kingdom. But you cannot do this without staying in constant communication with Him. Pray at all times. Listen for His direction. He'll show you who needs you, what to say, and where to go. The combination of God's Word and persistent prayer makes you unstoppable in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Application: Commit to praying throughout your day this week—morning, lunch, evening, and spontaneously. Ask God to show you specific people who need the gospel, and be ready to act when He speaks.
Closing Reflection:
You are equipped. You are called. You are ready. The foundation is built—now let's make Jesus known. Go into your workplace, your neighborhood, your family, and your community carrying the full armor of God. Prior proper planning prevents poor performance, and God has already prepared you for this mission. The Great Commission isn't optional; it's your calling. And remember: the God who holds you in His hand is mightier than anything that could ever come against you.
Reflection Questions for the Week:
How does the concept of 'prior proper planning' apply to your spiritual life, and what tools are you carrying daily to be prepared for opportunities to share the gospel?
In what ways might you be unintentionally pushing people away from the gospel by not living the truth you speak, and how can you align your actions with your words?
When faced with someone who seems unreachable or hardened to the gospel, how does understanding that 'the word can pierce even the toughest hearts' change your approach to sharing Christ with them?
What does it mean practically to be 'in constant communication' with God through prayer, and how might your ministry opportunities increase if you maintained this connection throughout your day?
How does viewing yourself as a shepherd in your workplace, home, and community shift your understanding of your calling as a Christian beyond Sunday mornings?
The sermon emphasizes that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. How does this perspective change the way you view difficult people or situations in your life?
What parts of the armor of God do you find yourself neglecting most often, and what specific steps can you take this week to ensure you are fully equipped?
How can sharing your personal testimony of what God has done in your life be more powerful than any theological argument, and who in your life needs to hear your story?
The Great Commission calls us to go to 'all nations and all people' without bias. Who are the people you have mentally excluded from being worthy of the gospel, and how can you overcome that barrier?
What does it look like for Bell Rive Church to prioritize making Jesus known over making the church known, and how can you personally contribute to filling heaven rather than just filling pews?
Reading: Ephesians 6:10-14; John 17:17
Devotional:
Truth is the foundation that holds everything together in our spiritual lives. Just as a soldier's belt secured all pieces of armor, God's truth anchors us when life threatens to unravel. Without truth, our witness falls apart. We cannot simply speak truth on Sundays while living differently Monday through Saturday. People watch how we treat our spouse, respond to waitresses, and handle adversity. When we saturate ourselves in Scripture and live authentically, our lives become unshakeable testimonies. The devil's lies cannot penetrate when we're wrapped in biblical truth. Today, ask yourself: Does my life reflect the truth I claim to believe? Am I living with integrity in every area, or am I compartmentalizing my faith?
Application: Identify one area where your actions don't align with your stated beliefs. Commit to closing that gap this week through prayer and intentional choices.
Day 2: The Breastplate of Righteousness - Protecting Your Witness
Reading: Ephesians 6:14b; Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 5:16
Devotional:
The breastplate protected a soldier's vital organs—the heart, lungs, everything essential for life. Righteousness protects our spiritual vitality and our witness to the world. When we live with integrity, displaying the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—our character becomes impenetrable to Satan's accusations. People may disagree with our beliefs, but they cannot argue with a life genuinely transformed by Christ. Your righteous living speaks louder than any sermon you could preach. The way you handle conflict, show kindness to difficult people, and remain faithful in small things creates a testimony that penetrates even the hardest hearts. Righteousness isn't self-righteousness; it's Christ living through you.
Application: Choose one fruit of the Spirit to focus on this week. Ask God to develop it more fully in your life, especially in challenging relationships.
Day 3: The Gospel Shoes - Standing on Solid Ground
Reading: Ephesians 6:15; Romans 1:16; Isaiah 52:7
Devotional:
Ancient soldiers wore spiked sandals that gave them traction and stability in battle. They could stand firm without being pushed back. The gospel provides that same confidence for believers. When you know that the God who spoke the universe into existence holds you in His hand, nothing can knock you off your feet. The gospel isn't just good news you share; it's the foundation you stand on. You don't have to fear rejection, opposition, or spiritual warfare because the battle is already won. Jesus defeated death itself. With gospel-shoes firmly strapped on, you can march forward knowing that no ground will be lost, no truth will fail, and no power can overcome what God has established. Your confidence isn't in your ability but in His victory.
Application: Write down three gospel truths that give you confidence. Memorize them and speak them aloud when you face fear or opposition.
Day 4: The Shield of Faith - Extinguishing Every Attack
Reading: Ephesians 6:16; Hebrews 11:1, 6; 1 Peter 5:8-9
Devotional:
Roman soldiers soaked their wooden shields in water so that flaming arrows would be extinguished on contact. Our faith must be saturated in the living water of Jesus Christ. When we immerse ourselves in His presence through prayer, worship, and Scripture, our faith becomes impenetrable. Satan launches accusations, doubts, temptations, and fears like flaming arrows, hoping something will stick and burn. But faith soaked in Jesus extinguishes every attack. "You're not good enough"—extinguished by grace. "God has abandoned you"—extinguished by His promises. "This sin is too great"—extinguished by the cross. The more time you spend with Jesus, the more saturated your shield becomes. Don't just read about living water; drink deeply from it daily.
Application: Spend extended time in God's presence today—no agenda, just soaking in His love. Let worship music, Scripture, or silence saturate your soul.
Day 5: The Sword and Prayer - Taking Ground for the Kingdom
Reading: Ephesians 6:17-18; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Devotional:
Every other piece of armor is defensive, but the sword is offensive—it takes ground. God's Word cuts through lies, exposes truth, and pierces the hardest hearts. Even Jesus used Scripture to defeat Satan's temptations. But a sword without communication is useless. Prayer keeps you connected to your Commander, ensuring you know where to strike and when to advance. In 2026, God is calling you to go—to make disciples, share your testimony, and advance His kingdom. But you cannot do this without staying in constant communication with Him. Pray at all times. Listen for His direction. He'll show you who needs you, what to say, and where to go. The combination of God's Word and persistent prayer makes you unstoppable in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Application: Commit to praying throughout your day this week—morning, lunch, evening, and spontaneously. Ask God to show you specific people who need the gospel, and be ready to act when He speaks.
Closing Reflection:
You are equipped. You are called. You are ready. The foundation is built—now let's make Jesus known. Go into your workplace, your neighborhood, your family, and your community carrying the full armor of God. Prior proper planning prevents poor performance, and God has already prepared you for this mission. The Great Commission isn't optional; it's your calling. And remember: the God who holds you in His hand is mightier than anything that could ever come against you.
Reflection Questions for the Week:
How does the concept of 'prior proper planning' apply to your spiritual life, and what tools are you carrying daily to be prepared for opportunities to share the gospel?
In what ways might you be unintentionally pushing people away from the gospel by not living the truth you speak, and how can you align your actions with your words?
When faced with someone who seems unreachable or hardened to the gospel, how does understanding that 'the word can pierce even the toughest hearts' change your approach to sharing Christ with them?
What does it mean practically to be 'in constant communication' with God through prayer, and how might your ministry opportunities increase if you maintained this connection throughout your day?
How does viewing yourself as a shepherd in your workplace, home, and community shift your understanding of your calling as a Christian beyond Sunday mornings?
The sermon emphasizes that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. How does this perspective change the way you view difficult people or situations in your life?
What parts of the armor of God do you find yourself neglecting most often, and what specific steps can you take this week to ensure you are fully equipped?
How can sharing your personal testimony of what God has done in your life be more powerful than any theological argument, and who in your life needs to hear your story?
The Great Commission calls us to go to 'all nations and all people' without bias. Who are the people you have mentally excluded from being worthy of the gospel, and how can you overcome that barrier?
What does it look like for Bell Rive Church to prioritize making Jesus known over making the church known, and how can you personally contribute to filling heaven rather than just filling pews?