Spiritual Reset
Dr. Kenneth Sullivan Jr. on September 7, 2025
Here's a 5-day morning Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the sermon:
Day 1: Returning to God
1 Samuel 7:2-6
Just as the Israelites "lamented after the Lord" and were called to return to Him, we too are invited to examine our hearts and return to God. Sometimes we drift away, distracted by the cares of this world or seduced by false idols. Today, reflect on areas of your life where you may have drifted from God. What "foreign gods" or distractions have taken priority over your relationship with Him? Remember, God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms when we turn to Him in sincere repentance. Take time to pray, asking God to reveal any areas where you need to realign your heart with His will.
Day 2: The Power of Corporate Worship
Psalm 95:1-7
The Israelites gathered at Mizpah to worship and seek God together. There is unique power in corporate worship - when God's people come together to praise Him and hear His word. Reflect on your own commitment to gathering with other believers. How has corporate worship strengthened your faith? If you've been neglecting this aspect of your spiritual life, consider recommitting to regular church attendance or finding a small group to join. Remember, as Hebrews 10:25 encourages us, we should not give up meeting together. In times of difficulty, the support and encouragement of fellow believers can be a lifeline.
Day 3: Sacrifice and Obedience
Romans 12:1-2
Samuel called the Israelites to make sacrifices as part of their return to God. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, God still calls us to offer ourselves as "living sacrifices." This involves surrendering our will to God's will and being obedient to His leading. What areas of your life are you holding back from God? Are there things He's asking you to do that you've been resisting? Today, pray for the courage to fully surrender to God, trusting that His plans for you are good. Consider making a specific commitment to obey God in an area where you've been struggling.
Day 4: God's Faithfulness in Battle
Ephesians 6:10-18
When the Philistines attacked, God fought for Israel. Similarly, we face spiritual battles, but we don't fight alone. God is faithful to defend and empower us when we turn to Him. The passage in Ephesians reminds us of the spiritual armor God provides. Which piece of this armor do you most need to "put on" today? Perhaps it's the shield of faith to deflect doubts, or the sword of the Spirit to combat lies with truth. Remember, our battles are ultimately won through prayer and reliance on God's strength, not our own. Take time to pray for God's protection and power in whatever challenges you're facing.
Day 5: Restoration and New Beginnings
Joel 2:25-27
After Israel's repentance and return, God restored what they had lost. Our God is a God of restoration and new beginnings. No matter how far we've strayed or how much we feel we've lost, God can restore and renew. The "reset button" is always available to us through Christ. Reflect on areas of your life where you need God's restoration. It might be a relationship, a dream that seems lost, or a sense of purpose you've misplaced. Pray for God's restoring work in these areas, trusting in His promise to make all things new. As you close this devotional series, commit to continually "resetting" your focus on God, making Him the priority in all aspects of your life.
Day 1: Returning to God
1 Samuel 7:2-6
Just as the Israelites "lamented after the Lord" and were called to return to Him, we too are invited to examine our hearts and return to God. Sometimes we drift away, distracted by the cares of this world or seduced by false idols. Today, reflect on areas of your life where you may have drifted from God. What "foreign gods" or distractions have taken priority over your relationship with Him? Remember, God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms when we turn to Him in sincere repentance. Take time to pray, asking God to reveal any areas where you need to realign your heart with His will.
Day 2: The Power of Corporate Worship
Psalm 95:1-7
The Israelites gathered at Mizpah to worship and seek God together. There is unique power in corporate worship - when God's people come together to praise Him and hear His word. Reflect on your own commitment to gathering with other believers. How has corporate worship strengthened your faith? If you've been neglecting this aspect of your spiritual life, consider recommitting to regular church attendance or finding a small group to join. Remember, as Hebrews 10:25 encourages us, we should not give up meeting together. In times of difficulty, the support and encouragement of fellow believers can be a lifeline.
Day 3: Sacrifice and Obedience
Romans 12:1-2
Samuel called the Israelites to make sacrifices as part of their return to God. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, God still calls us to offer ourselves as "living sacrifices." This involves surrendering our will to God's will and being obedient to His leading. What areas of your life are you holding back from God? Are there things He's asking you to do that you've been resisting? Today, pray for the courage to fully surrender to God, trusting that His plans for you are good. Consider making a specific commitment to obey God in an area where you've been struggling.
Day 4: God's Faithfulness in Battle
Ephesians 6:10-18
When the Philistines attacked, God fought for Israel. Similarly, we face spiritual battles, but we don't fight alone. God is faithful to defend and empower us when we turn to Him. The passage in Ephesians reminds us of the spiritual armor God provides. Which piece of this armor do you most need to "put on" today? Perhaps it's the shield of faith to deflect doubts, or the sword of the Spirit to combat lies with truth. Remember, our battles are ultimately won through prayer and reliance on God's strength, not our own. Take time to pray for God's protection and power in whatever challenges you're facing.
Day 5: Restoration and New Beginnings
Joel 2:25-27
After Israel's repentance and return, God restored what they had lost. Our God is a God of restoration and new beginnings. No matter how far we've strayed or how much we feel we've lost, God can restore and renew. The "reset button" is always available to us through Christ. Reflect on areas of your life where you need God's restoration. It might be a relationship, a dream that seems lost, or a sense of purpose you've misplaced. Pray for God's restoring work in these areas, trusting in His promise to make all things new. As you close this devotional series, commit to continually "resetting" your focus on God, making Him the priority in all aspects of your life.
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