Day 1: Answering the Call
Reading: Genesis 12:1-9

Devotional: Abraham's journey of faith began with a simple yet profound call from God: "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you" (Genesis 12:1). Like Abraham, we too are called to step out in faith, leaving behind the familiar and comfortable. Reflect on areas in your life where God might be calling you to "go" - perhaps to a new ministry, a challenging conversation, or a deeper level of commitment in your faith. What hesitations or fears are holding you back? Remember that God's call comes with a promise: "I will bless you" (Genesis 12:2). Today, ask God for the courage to say yes to His call, trusting in His guidance and provision.

Day 2: Separating from the World
Reading: Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Devotional: The sermon emphasized our call to be "separate and apart" from the world's influences. Paul echoes this in Romans, urging us not to conform to the world's patterns. This separation isn't about physical isolation, but about a transformed mind and heart aligned with God's will. Consider areas where you might be too comfortable with the world's values. Are there habits, relationships, or thought patterns that are pulling you away from God? Pray for discernment to recognize these influences and for strength to pursue holiness. Remember, being set apart doesn't mean being superior - it's about living as a witness to God's transforming love in a broken world.

Day 3: The Weight of the Cross
Reading: Luke 9:23-26, Matthew 16:24-26

Devotional: Jesus' call to "take up your cross daily" is a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship. The sermon asked, "Has your cross been heavy lately? Have you felt its weight?" Carrying our cross means dying to self-interest and fully embracing God's will, even when it's difficult or unpopular. Reflect on what your "cross" looks like in this season of life. Is it a challenging relationship? A call to serve in a difficult area? A struggle against a persistent sin? Whatever it is, remember that Jesus promises His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Pray for the strength to embrace your cross, knowing that as you lose your life for Christ's sake, you truly find it.

Day 4: The Danger of Looking Back
Reading: Luke 17:28-33, Philippians 3:12-14

Devotional: The story of Lot's wife serves as a powerful warning against half-hearted commitment to God. Jesus tells us to "Remember Lot's wife" - she was physically leaving Sodom but her heart was still attached to it. Are there "Sodoms" in your life - past sins, worldly attachments, or comfortable compromises - that you're reluctant to fully leave behind? Paul encourages us to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. Today, ask God to reveal any areas where you might be "looking back" instead of pressing forward in faith. Commit to fixing your eyes fully on Jesus and the future He has for you.

Day 5: Building on the Rock
Reading: Matthew 7:24-27, James 1:22-25

Devotional: Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount with the parable of the wise and foolish builders. The key difference is not in hearing the words, but in putting them into practice. This echoes James' exhortation to be doers of the word, not just hearers. Reflect on your approach to Scripture and sermons - are you actively seeking to apply God's truth to your life? Choose one specific teaching from God's Word that you've heard recently. How can you put it into practice today? Remember, it's in the doing that our faith is strengthened and our lives are transformed. As you face life's storms, take comfort in knowing that a life built on obedience to Christ stands firm.

How might we be like Lot's wife in our own lives, holding onto things we should let go of? What are some specific examples of 'looking back' that we struggle with?

The sermon mentions the importance of self-examination. How can we cultivate a habit of honest self-reflection without falling into self-condemnation?

What does it mean to be 'in the world but not of it' in today's society? How can we maintain our Christian identity while still engaging with the culture around us?

The pastor mentions losing friends after becoming a Christian. How can we balance being set apart as believers while still showing Christ's love to non-believers?

How do we reconcile Jesus' statement that His yoke is easy and His burden is light with the call to take up our cross and follow Him?

The sermon discusses the consequences of Lot's choices on his family. How can our decisions and compromises today impact our loved ones and future generations?

What does it mean to have a level of commitment where we're 'willing to give up all for Christ'? How might this look in our daily lives?

The pastor warns about being comfortable in the world. How can we assess whether we've become too comfortable and lost our distinctive Christian witness?

How can we cultivate a sense of urgency about our spiritual lives and relationship with God, knowing that our time is limited?

The sermon ends with a call to be 'closer to God' and to improve. What practical steps can we take to deepen our relationship with God and grow in our faith?

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some relevant verses for the main themes discussed:

Explicitly Mentioned:
1. Luke 17:32 - "Remember Lot's wife."
2. Luke 17:26-35 - The passage about the days of Noah and Lot, and people being taken or left behind
3. Genesis 19:15-26 - The story of Lot and his wife fleeing Sodom
4. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the patterns of this world..."
5. 2 Peter 2:20-22 - Warnings about returning to sin after knowing Christ
6. Matthew 7:21-27 - The parable of the wise and foolish builders

Alluded to or Implied:
1. Genesis 12:1-3 - God's call to Abraham
2. John 15:18-19 - "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."
3. Matthew 11:30 - "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
4. Matthew 16:24 - "Take up your cross and follow me."
5. 2 Corinthians 6:14 - "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers."
6. Matthew 5:13 - "You are the salt of the earth."

Relevant Verses for Main Themes:
1. On self-examination:
   - 2 Corinthians 13:5 - "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith..."
   - Lamentations 3:40 - "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord."

2. On being separate from the world:
   - 1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation..."
   - James 4:4 - "Don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?"

3. On commitment to Christ:
   - Luke 9:62 - "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
   - Philippians 3:13-14 - "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..."

4. On being prepared for Christ's return:
   - Matthew 24:42 - "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."
   - 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 - "For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night..."

These references cover the main scriptural points and themes discussed in the sermon.