For the Lord’s Sake | 1 Peter 2:13-25 | 5 Devotions on Following Jesus When It’s Hard
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

For the Lord’s Sake | 1 Peter 2:13-25 | 5 Devotions on Following Jesus When It’s Hard

What does it mean to follow in the steps of Jesus when life is unfair, authority is imperfect, and submission feels costly? In 1 Peter 2:13–25, we’re given a vision of Christian living that’s deeply counter-cultural—one marked by respect, endurance, and trust in God’s sovereign care. These five short devotions are meant to help you reflect on what it means to live as a gospel-shaped person in a watching world. Each day includes a Scripture passage, a brief reflection, and a prayer to guide you as you seek to follow Christ—the One who suffered for you, and the One who walks with you.

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Living Stones, Lasting Glory | 1 Peter 2:1–12 | 5 Devotions on Identity, Holiness, and Witness
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Living Stones, Lasting Glory | 1 Peter 2:1–12 | 5 Devotions on Identity, Holiness, and Witness

What does it mean to be built together in Christ? In 1 Peter 2:1–12, we’re given a powerful picture of what God is doing through His people—shaping us like living stones into a spiritual house, rooted in Christ, and called to proclaim His marvelous light.

These five short devotions will help you reflect on your identity in Christ, the holiness we’re called to pursue, and the witness our lives offer in a watching world. Whether used individually or with others, may they encourage you to stand firm on the cornerstone and live for His glory.

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Set Apart | 1 Peter 1:13–25 | 5 Devotions on Living as God’s Holy People
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Set Apart | 1 Peter 1:13–25 | 5 Devotions on Living as God’s Holy People

These five devotions are drawn from our sermon on 1 Peter 1:13–25 in the Living Hope series. In this passage, Peter calls believers to a life marked by holiness, reverent fear, and sincere love—grounded in the unshakable hope we have in Christ. Each day’s reflection includes a short Scripture reading, a brief meditation, and a prayer to help you live as one of God’s set-apart people. Use these devotions personally or with your family as you walk in the hope of the gospel.

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Last Days & Living Hope | Acts 2:1-21 | 5 Devotions on Boldness, Clarity, and Gospel Fire
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Last Days & Living Hope | Acts 2:1-21 | 5 Devotions on Boldness, Clarity, and Gospel Fire

The fire of Pentecost wasn’t just a moment in history—it was the launch of a mission that continues today. In Acts 2:1–21, we see the Holy Spirit come in power to equip ordinary people with extraordinary boldness, clarity, and purpose. This five-day devotional series invites you to reflect on what that means for your life right now. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of the Spirit’s work or simply need renewed courage to live and speak for Christ, these devotions will help fan the flame of gospel fire in your heart.

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Lifted to Reign | Psalm 110 & Acts 1 | 5 Devotions on Christ’s Ascension and Our Calling
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Lifted to Reign | Psalm 110 & Acts 1 | 5 Devotions on Christ’s Ascension and Our Calling

The Ascension of Jesus is often treated as a footnote to the resurrection, but Scripture presents it as a powerful turning point in redemptive history. Jesus wasn’t just lifted from the earth—He was enthroned in heaven, reigning at the right hand of the Father. From His exalted position, He sends His Spirit, empowers His people, and advances His kingdom to the ends of the earth.

These five short devotions are designed to help you reflect on the ongoing significance of the Ascension. Each day will draw from a different passage of Scripture to explore what it means to live under the reign of Christ and to step boldly into the mission He has given us.

Let your heart be lifted as you remember: Christ is not absent—He is reigning.

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From Ruins to Rejoicing | Revelation 19:1–10 | 5 Devotions on Christ’s Victory and Our Hope
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

From Ruins to Rejoicing | Revelation 19:1–10 | 5 Devotions on Christ’s Victory and Our Hope

These five devotions flow from Pastor Mark Groen’s sermon on Revelation 19:1–10, From Ruins to Rejoicing. In this powerful vision, heaven celebrates the justice of God, the victory of Christ, and the joy of the redeemed Bride. Each day’s devotion invites you to reflect on a different aspect of this passage—from God’s righteous judgment to the beauty of our invitation to the Lamb’s eternal feast. Whether used for personal reflection or family worship, these brief readings will help you live in joyful anticipation of what Christ has already secured for you.

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From Prosperity to Ashes | Revelation 18 | 5 Devotions on God’s Justice and Our Hope
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

From Prosperity to Ashes | Revelation 18 | 5 Devotions on God’s Justice and Our Hope

When we read Revelation 18, we encounter a sobering picture of judgment, loss, and divine justice. Jerusalem—once proud, adorned, and spiritually privileged—becomes Babylon in her unfaithfulness. Her fall is sudden, total, and irreversible. But in this heavy chapter, God speaks a word not just of judgment, but of invitation: “Come out of her, my people.”

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The Fall of the Unfaithful City | Revelation 17 | 5 Devotions on False Security and Faithful Trust
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Fall of the Unfaithful City | Revelation 17 | 5 Devotions on False Security and Faithful Trust

Where do we place our trust? That’s the haunting question behind Revelation 17. In this chapter, we’re shown a vivid and unsettling picture of Jerusalem’s fall—not just as a city, but as a people who exchanged covenant faithfulness for worldly power. What looked secure from the outside was, in reality, collapsing from within.

These five devotional readings will help us reflect more deeply on the themes of false security, compromise, God’s sovereignty, and the sure victory of the Lamb. Each day points us away from self-reliance and toward the one place our hope is truly secure: Jesus Christ, the Lamb who conquers.

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Heaven Sings, Judgment Falls | Revelation 15:1-8 | 5 Devotions on Living in Light of God’s Justice
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Heaven Sings, Judgment Falls | Revelation 15:1-8 | 5 Devotions on Living in Light of God’s Justice

Revelation 15 gives us a glimpse into the heavenly courtroom where justice, mercy, and holiness meet. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded that God’s justice is sure, His mercy is rich, and His people are called to respond with grateful worship.

These five devotionals will help you meditate on the justice of God, the mercy of Christ, and how we are called to live lives of gratitude and praise.

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What Will You Do with the Empty Tomb? | Mark 16:1-8 | 5 Devotions on the Resurrection
Mark Groen Mark Groen

What Will You Do with the Empty Tomb? | Mark 16:1-8 | 5 Devotions on the Resurrection

Mark 16:1–8 ends not with rejoicing, but with trembling and silence. Yet in that abrupt ending, we find a powerful invitation—a question that presses into every heart: How will you respond to the resurrection of Jesus? This five-day devotional series builds on the message from Resurrection Sunday and invites you to reflect more deeply on the victory of Christ and the urgency of the gospel.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 46: Luke 23:50-56 – Waiting, Uncertainty, and the Fulfillment of God’s Plan
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 46: Luke 23:50-56 – Waiting, Uncertainty, and the Fulfillment of God’s Plan

In Luke 23:50-56, we see the care and reverence shown for Jesus’ body following His crucifixion. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the council who had not consented to their decision, steps forward to honor Jesus. Though Joseph was a respected figure, his actions demonstrate both courage and faith as he publicly associates with Jesus in His death, risking his reputation and position.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 41: Luke 21:1-38 – Faithfulness in Trials and the Certainty of Christ’s Coming
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 41: Luke 21:1-38 – Faithfulness in Trials and the Certainty of Christ’s Coming

In Luke 21, Jesus provides profound lessons on sacrificial giving, the coming judgment, and the need for vigilance as we await His return. The passage emphasizes trust in God and faithfulness in uncertain times.

The widow’s offering demonstrates the heart of true generosity. Unlike the rich who give from their abundance, the widow gives all she has, trusting God to provide. This act of faith challenges us to consider whether our giving reflects a reliance on God or merely a surplus of resources.

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The Road to Redemption | Day 40: Luke 20:19-47 – Honor God, Trust in the Resurrection, and Live with Integrity
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

The Road to Redemption | Day 40: Luke 20:19-47 – Honor God, Trust in the Resurrection, and Live with Integrity

In the reading today, Jesus continues to face challenges from the religious leaders, yet He masterfully exposes their hypocrisy and teaches about God’s kingdom, authority, and the priorities of true discipleship.

The Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus’ response, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” reveals His wisdom and authority. This teaches that while believers are called to honor earthly authorities, their ultimate allegiance belongs to God, whose image they bear.

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