A Confident Relationship
A 3-Day Devotional From Pastor Bill’s Sermon — October 18, 2026
Day 1: Preserving the Sacred Flame
READ
1 Thessalonians 5:19–24
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
DEVO
In our daily walk with God, it is remarkably easy to let the subtle noise of the world quiet the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Scripture reminds us not to extinguish the flame of God's Spirit within us. When God speaks—whether through a quiet impression in our heart, a clear prompt to extend grace, or the steady truth of Scripture—we face a quiet decision: will we nurture that spark or douse it with indifference? Guarding our spiritual life requires intentionality, cultivating a heart that remains responsive, yields quickly, and treats every word from God with deep reverence.
Living with an unquenched Spirit means actively evaluating the influences we allow into our minds and daily routines. God calls us to exercise thoughtful discernment, holding firmly to whatever aligns with His goodness while walking away from every shadow of evil. Yet, as we strive to live faithfully, we are not left to rely on our own human stamina. The God of peace Himself takes up the work of transforming us from the inside out. Our active cooperation with His Spirit is held securely within His sovereign faithfulness, assuring us that the One who began this good work in our lives will faithfully carry it through to completion.
APPLICATION
What is one practical area in your daily routine where you feel the Holy Spirit prompting you to make a shift, and how can you yield to His direction today?
Day 2: Anchored in Unshakable Purpose
READ
1 Thessalonians 1:2–7
2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
DEVO
A thriving life of faith leaves an undeniable imprint on the world around us. True spiritual vitality is never passive; it expresses itself dynamically through a work born of faith, a labor fueled by love, and an enduring steadfastness rooted in hope. When the Gospel takes root in a person's heart, it does not arrive merely as abstract doctrine or mere spoken words. It comes with transformative power, accompanied by the presence of the Holy Spirit and a profound inner conviction that shapes every decision and relationship.
Even when navigating seasons of difficulty or pressure, the joy of the Holy Spirit enables believers to stand firm and shine brightly. As we anchor our identity in God's choosing and love, our lives naturally become a living witness that encourages others. Living faithfully in the mundane and challenging moments of life allows our example to inspire those around us, proving that true peace and assurance are found not in comfortable circumstances, but in the enduring presence of Christ.
APPLICATION
How does knowing you are deeply loved and chosen by God alter the way you handle current trials or responsibilities at work or at home?
Day 3: Bold Assurance at His Coming
READ
1 John 4:16–19
16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us.
DEVO
At the center of a mature walk with God is a resting confidence born of His perfect love. Too often, believers live under a cloud of spiritual anxiety, unsure of where they stand or fearing future judgment. Yet, God's intent for His children is not a life constrained by apprehension, but one marked by profound rest and assurance. When we dwell in His love, remaining intimately connected to Christ day by day, our relationship with God matures beyond fear into bold, unshakeable trust.
This holy confidence is not based on self-righteousness or human performance, but on our union with Jesus Himself. Because we reflect His life in this world, we can look forward to the future—and His eventual return—with anticipation rather than dread. His perfect love drives out the anxiety of falling short, freeing us to serve Him joyfully. As we rest in the truth that He first loved us, our hearts find quiet stability, knowing our lives are securely held in His eternal grace.
APPLICATION
In what ways can you lean into God's perfect love today to replace feelings of spiritual anxiety or fear with quiet confidence in Him?
