The Christian Citizen: 5 Day Devotional

Day 1: Living Faithfully in a Complex World
In today's world, the lines between faith and politics often blur, making it challenging for Christians to navigate. Jeremiah 29:4-7 teaches us to live faithfully and influence the culture around us, even when it is at odds with our beliefs. We are called to be salt and light, engaging actively with the world while maintaining our distinct Christian identity. This means living and working in a way that shows faithfulness to God and demonstrates the differences between our God and the world's gods. As we go about our daily lives, let's remember that our actions and decisions should reflect our commitment to Christ.

Bible Verse: Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:4-7

Reflection Question: How can you live faithfully and influence the culture around you while maintaining your distinct Christian identity?

Sermon Quote: "God fully expects his people to live and work in a way that shows faithfulness to God and shows the world around them the differences between our God and the world's God."  -Pastor Phil Steiger

Prayer: Lord, help me to live faithfully in this complex world. Guide my actions and decisions so that they reflect my commitment to You. Give me the courage to influence the culture around me while maintaining my distinct Christian identity. Amen.

Day 2: The Role of the Church
The church is called to be a pillar of truth, standing firm on biblical principles. In a world where the culture is often at odds with Christian values, the church must remain steadfast. This means not only teaching and upholding biblical truths but also actively engaging with the world around us. We are called to be salt and light, influencing society positively. This involves participating in the political process, raising our children in the fear of the Lord, and praying for our city and its leaders. By doing so, we can help shape a society that reflects God's values.

Bible Verse: You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 5:13-16

Reflection Question: In what ways can you and your church stand firm on biblical principles while engaging with the world around you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help our church to be a pillar of truth in this world. Give us the strength to stand firm on biblical principles and the wisdom to engage with the world around us in a way that reflects Your love and truth. Amen.

Day 3: Raising Godly Children
Raising children in today's world can be challenging, especially when the culture around us often promotes values that are contrary to biblical teachings. As parents, we are called to raise our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. This means teaching them biblical truths, modeling godly behavior, and protecting them from harmful influences. If we fail to do this, the world will be happy to shape their values and beliefs. Let's commit to being intentional in how we raise our children, ensuring that they grow up with a strong foundation in Christ.

Bible Verse: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. - Matthew 6:33

Reflection Question: What steps can you take to ensure that your children are raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord?

Prayer: Lord, give me the wisdom and strength to raise my children in the fear and admonition of You. Help me to teach them Your truths, model godly behavior, and protect them from harmful influences. May they grow up with a strong foundation in Christ. Amen.

Day 4: Engaging in the Political Process
As Christians, we are called to engage in the political process as a way to influence society positively. Voting is one of the ways we can do this. When we vote according to the word of God, we can help shape policies and leaders that reflect biblical values. It's important to remember that our first and ultimate loyalty is to Jesus Christ and His kingdom. While politics can be divisive, we must approach it with a heart of love and a desire to see God's will done on earth as it is in heaven.

Bible Verse: I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. - 1 Timothy 3:15

Reflection Question: How can you engage in the political process in a way that reflects your loyalty to Jesus Christ and His kingdom?

Sermon Quote: "If evangelical Christians vote according to the word of God, and we do so in significant numbers, things could radically change." -Pastor Phil Steiger

Prayer: Heavenly Father, guide me as I engage in the political process. Help me to vote according to Your word and to influence society positively. May my actions reflect my loyalty to Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Amen.

Day 5: The Power of the Gospel
The greatest message we can carry into our world is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a society that is often divided and at odds with Christian values, the gospel has the power to bring true transformation. Our nation needs a revival of Jesus Christ. As we live out our faith and share the gospel with others, we can help bring about this revival. Let's commit to being bold in our witness, sharing the love and truth of Jesus with those around us. The gospel is the ultimate solution to the challenges we face in our world today.

Bible Verse: Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. - Mark 9:42

Reflection Question: How can you be bold in your witness and share the gospel with those around you?

Sermon Quote: "The greatest message we can carry into our world is the gospel of Jesus Christ." -Pastor Phil Steiger

Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to be bold in my witness. Help me to share the love and truth of Jesus with those around me. May the gospel bring true transformation to our society. Amen.