The Bridge Week 1 Devotional
Day 1: Glimpses of Glory
Have you ever had a moment when something ordinary suddenly became extraordinary? Maybe it was watching a sunset that took your breath away, or experiencing a profound sense of God's presence during worship. These moments give us a taste of what Peter, James, and John experienced on that mountaintop with Jesus. Just as Jesus' appearance was transformed before them, revealing His divine nature, God continues to give us glimpses of His glory today. These moments aren't meant to be mere spiritual experiences - they're invitations to see Jesus more clearly and know Him more deeply. When we truly see Jesus for who He is, it changes everything about how we view our lives and our purpose.
Bible Verse
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. - Luke 9:28-29
Reflection Question
When was the last time you experienced a moment where you saw Jesus in a new or clearer way? How did that experience impact your faith?
Quote
The transfiguration of Jesus. It's a moment when Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in a way that they had never seen him before. A moment when the veil between heaven and earth seemed to part ways, revealing the glory of Christ.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, open our eyes to see You more clearly. Help us recognize the moments when You reveal Your glory to us, and give us hearts ready to be transformed by these encounters. Amen.
Day 2: Beyond Comfort Zones
Devotional
Growth rarely happens in our comfort zones. Just as the disciples had to climb a mountain to witness Jesus' transfiguration, our spiritual journey often requires us to step beyond what feels safe and familiar. Sometimes we want to stay where we are, like Peter suggesting building shelters on the mountaintop. But faith calls us to movement - to follow Jesus wherever He leads, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. The journey might be challenging, but it's in these moments of stepping out that we often experience God's presence most powerfully.
Bible Verse
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. - Psalm 119:105
Reflection Question
What is one area where God might be calling you to step out of your comfort zone? What's holding you back?
Quote
Faith isn't about staying where we find ourselves comfortable. It's about stepping forward.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give us courage to step beyond our comfort zones when You call us. Help us trust You more than our own sense of security. Guide our steps as we follow You. Amen.
Day 3: The Journey Through the Valley
Devotional
Mountain-top experiences are wonderful, but they're not where most of life happens. Just as Jesus and His disciples had to descend the mountain, we too must learn to carry our encounters with God into our daily lives. The glory we witness in our highest moments is meant to sustain us through our lowest valleys. These revelations of Jesus' nature aren't meant to be kept to ourselves but should transform how we live and interact with others in our everyday world. The true test of our spiritual experiences isn't what happens on the mountain, but how they change our lives in the valley.
Bible Verse
And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. - Luke 9:36
Reflection Question
How can you take what God has shown you in your 'mountain-top moments' and apply it to your daily life in the valley?
Quote
The disciples were not meant to stay on the mountaintop. They were meant to take what they had seen and carry it into the valley below.
Prayer
Lord, help us carry Your presence from our highest moments into our daily lives. May the glimpses of Your glory sustain us through every valley. Transform how we live and love others. Amen.
Day 4: Listening to His Voice
Devotional
In a world full of competing voices and opinions, God's command on the mountain remains clear: "Listen to Jesus." Not to our own wisdom, not to popular opinion, not even to religious traditions - but to Jesus. This simple yet profound instruction cuts through the noise and confusion of our daily lives. When we truly listen to Jesus, we begin to see life through His eyes, understand His heart, and align our priorities with His purposes. His voice brings clarity, direction, and transformation.
Bible Verse
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. - Psalm 119:11
Reflection Question
What practical steps can you take to better listen to Jesus' voice above all other voices in your life?
Quote
He didn't say listen to Moses. He didn't say listen to Elijah. He said, listen to Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, help us tune our hearts to Your voice. Cut through the noise of our busy lives and help us hear You clearly. Give us wisdom to follow Your guidance faithfully. Amen.
Day 5: Transformed to Transform
Devotional
When we truly encounter Jesus, we can't remain the same. Just as the disciples couldn't unsee Jesus' glory after the transfiguration, our encounters with Him should permanently change how we see and live. But this transformation isn't just for our own benefit - it's meant to impact others. Our changed lives should reflect His glory to those around us, inviting them to experience Jesus for themselves. As we journey through life, each encounter with Jesus should make us more like Him, more effective in His mission, and more capable of showing others His love.
Bible Verse
I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. - Psalm 119:15
Reflection Question
How has your encounter with Jesus changed not only your life but also how you interact with and serve others?
Quote
Just as the disciples couldn't unsee Jesus' glory after that moment, once we see him clearly, lives are forever changed.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, continue to transform us by Your presence. Help us reflect Your glory to others and live in ways that draw people to You. Use our changed lives to impact our world for Your kingdom. Amen.