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What Will You Bring to the King

Introduction to the 555 Devotion: "What Will You Bring to the King?"

Recently, we talked about the Magi from Matthew 2:1-12 who traveled a long way to see baby Jesus. They brought Him special gifts because they knew He was a very important baby. This 555 Devotion is about digging into that story a bit more and seeing what it means for us.
The Magi's Journey
These wise men or Magi, set out on a big adventure, following a bright star in the sky, believing it would lead them to a new king. Their journey shows us what it means to really believe and go all in for something you feel is important.
The Gifts They Brought
When they met Jesus, they gave Him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each of these gifts had a special meaning:
  • Gold because Jesus was a king,
  • Frankincense because He was God,
  • Myrrh because it was used for someone who was going to do something very important – even die.
They brought these gifts to show respect and to honor Jesus.
Thinking About Our Own Lives
Just like the Magi, we all have our own paths to follow. What do we bring to Jesus? How do we show Him He's important in our lives?
This devotion will help you look at these questions through reading the Bible, thinking deeply, writing down your thoughts, and praying. Each day will focus on different ways we can learn from the Magi's visit to Jesus.

How to Use the 555 Devotion
  • Scripture (5 minutes): Read the Bible passage for the day. Think about what it's saying to you.
  • Reflection and Journaling (5 minutes): Think about the day’s topic and jot down whatever comes to mind.
  • Prayer (5 minutes): Talk to God using the prayer prompts. Share what's on your heart.
This isn't just about knowing the story of the Magi. It’s about finding ways to bring our best to Jesus, just like they did. Let's start this journey together and see where it leads us.

Day 1: Recognizing God's Signs
Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-3 — "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn."
Reflection: Just as the Magi recognized the star as a sign of Christ's birth, think about the signs God has placed in your life to draw you closer to Him.
Journal Prompt: What are some moments or signs in your life that have signaled a significant spiritual insight or turn?
Prayer Prompts:
  • Thank God for His guidance and the signs He provides.
  • Ask God to open your eyes to see His workings in your life more clearly.
  • Pray for discernment to understand His signs without confusion.

Day 2: The Heart's Journey to God
Scripture: Psalm 84:5-7 — "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion."
Reflection: Reflect on your own spiritual journey as a pilgrimage. How has the journey strengthened your faith?
Journal Prompt: Describe a time when your faith was tested on this journey, and how you found strength in God.
Prayer Prompts:
  • Pray for endurance and joy on your spiritual journey.
  • Ask for God's strength in times of weakness and doubt.
  • Seek His presence on your pilgrimage, asking Him to make your path clear.

Day 3: Gifts Fit for a King
Scripture: Romans 12:1 — "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Reflection: Consider the gifts you bring to God. Are they worthy of the King?
Journal Prompt: Reflect on what it means to offer yourself as a living sacrifice. How can you live out this calling daily?
Prayer Prompts:
  • Offer your day and activities to God as acts of worship.
  • Ask for a heart willing to sacrifice personal comfort for God’s glory.
  • Commit specific areas of your life to God anew, seeking His power to sustain your offering.

Day 4: Responding to God's Call
Scripture: Hebrews 11:8 — "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."
Reflection: Like Abraham and the Magi, how do you respond to God’s call, even when the path is unclear?
Journal Prompt: Write about a time you responded to God’s call without knowing the outcome.
Prayer Prompts:
  • Pray for faith to follow God's leading without hesitation.
  • Ask for peace and confidence to overcome the fear of the unknown.
  • Seek guidance on a specific decision or direction you are currently considering.

Day 5: Worship as a Way of Life
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:29 — "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."
Reflection: Worship is not just about songs and prayers; it's a lifestyle of giving God glory. How can you live a life of worship every day?
Journal Prompt: Identify practical ways you can integrate worship into your daily routines.
Prayer Prompts:
  • Commit each day to God as an act of worship.
  • Ask for opportunities to glorify God in your everyday activities.
  • Pray for the awareness to recognize and seize opportunities to demonstrate God’s love to others.

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