Shared Image
Shared Image, Shared Calling, Shared Ministry: 5-day Devotional
Sunday January 18, 2026
See full sermon here.
Day 1: From the Beginning - Partnership by Design
Reading: Genesis 1:26-28; 2:18-24
Devotional: In the very beginning, God revealed His heart for humanity. When He said, "Let us make man in our image," He was inviting us into the beautiful mystery of the Trinity—a community of equals working in perfect unity. Woman wasn't created from man's head to rule over him, nor from his feet to be trampled, but from his side to stand alongside him. The word "helper" (ezer) is the same word used to describe God Himself—a protector, deliverer, and salvation. Today, reflect on how you view partnership in your relationships, church, and community. Are you fostering mutuality or hierarchy? God's design has always been shoulder-to-shoulder, not one above the other.
Day 2: The Prophetic Promise - Spirit Poured Out on All
Reading: Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:1-21
Devotional: Centuries before Pentecost, God declared through Joel that a revolutionary day was coming—a day when His Spirit would fall on all flesh without distinction. Sons and daughters would prophesy. Young and old would receive visions and dreams. Even servants would be empowered. This wasn't poetry; it was prophecy. When the Spirit descended at Pentecost, He fell on everyone in that upper room—120 believers, men and women together. The result? Three thousand souls saved in one day. The Spirit doesn't discriminate based on gender, age, or social status. He empowers whom He calls. Today, ask yourself: Am I limiting what God can do through someone because of my own biases? The same Spirit who empowered the early church is still moving today.
Day 3: Women in Ministry - Biblical Consistency
Reading: Judges 4:4-10; Romans 16:1-7; Luke 8:1-3
Devotional: Throughout Scripture, women weren't exceptions to ministry—they were essential participants. Deborah led an entire nation as judge and prophet. Priscilla taught the eloquent Apollos more accurately about the Way. Junia was commended as outstanding among the apostles. Mary Magdalene became the first evangelist of the resurrection. These weren't anomalies; they were the norm in God's kingdom. When we read the whole story of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, we see God consistently calling and empowering women alongside men. The question isn't whether women can lead, teach, or prophesy—Scripture clearly shows they did. The question is: Will we honor what God has already established? Today, consider how you can celebrate and support the Spirit-empowered ministry of all believers around you.
Day 4: Understanding Context - Reading Scripture Faithfully
Reading: 1 Timothy 2:8-15; Acts 19:23-41
Devotional: Reading Scripture faithfully means understanding why it was written, to whom, and in what context. When Paul wrote to Timothy in Ephesus, he was addressing specific problems in a specific church. Ephesus was home to the temple of Artemis, where goddess worship taught that women were spiritually superior and the source of all life. New converts were bringing these false teachings into the church. Paul's instruction for women to "learn quietly" wasn't prohibition—it was invitation. In a culture where women were rarely educated, Paul commanded they be taught before they could teach. He wasn't establishing eternal hierarchy; he was correcting temporary chaos. When we read the Bible through its original context, we honor God's Word more faithfully than when we impose our assumptions. Today, commit to studying Scripture more deeply, asking not just "what does it say?" but "what did it mean then, and how does it apply now?"
Day 5: Reflecting the Trinity - Called to Unity
Reading: John 17:20-26; Ephesians 4:1-16
Devotional: Jesus prayed that we would be one, just as He and the Father are one. The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—exists in perfect unity, co-equal, co-eternal, and co-existent. No hierarchy, only holy partnership. When God created humanity in "our image," He stamped this Trinitarian pattern onto us. Male and female, distinct yet equal, called to reflect divine community. The body of Christ functions best when every member—regardless of gender—operates in their gifting. When we silence voices God has anointed, we diminish the fullness of His image in our midst. When we work together in mutuality, honoring each person's calling, we become a living picture of the Trinity's love. Today, examine your heart: Are you celebrating the diversity of gifts in your church? Are you encouraging others to step into their calling? May we be a people who stand side by side, reflecting God's heart for partnership from the beginning to the end.
As you conclude this devotional journey, remember: The gospel frees, it never restricts. It liberates, it never enslaves. It empowers, it never limits. May you walk in the fullness of your calling, celebrating the callings of those around you, for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.
Sunday January 18, 2026
See full sermon here.
Day 1: From the Beginning - Partnership by Design
Reading: Genesis 1:26-28; 2:18-24
Devotional: In the very beginning, God revealed His heart for humanity. When He said, "Let us make man in our image," He was inviting us into the beautiful mystery of the Trinity—a community of equals working in perfect unity. Woman wasn't created from man's head to rule over him, nor from his feet to be trampled, but from his side to stand alongside him. The word "helper" (ezer) is the same word used to describe God Himself—a protector, deliverer, and salvation. Today, reflect on how you view partnership in your relationships, church, and community. Are you fostering mutuality or hierarchy? God's design has always been shoulder-to-shoulder, not one above the other.
Day 2: The Prophetic Promise - Spirit Poured Out on All
Reading: Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:1-21
Devotional: Centuries before Pentecost, God declared through Joel that a revolutionary day was coming—a day when His Spirit would fall on all flesh without distinction. Sons and daughters would prophesy. Young and old would receive visions and dreams. Even servants would be empowered. This wasn't poetry; it was prophecy. When the Spirit descended at Pentecost, He fell on everyone in that upper room—120 believers, men and women together. The result? Three thousand souls saved in one day. The Spirit doesn't discriminate based on gender, age, or social status. He empowers whom He calls. Today, ask yourself: Am I limiting what God can do through someone because of my own biases? The same Spirit who empowered the early church is still moving today.
Day 3: Women in Ministry - Biblical Consistency
Reading: Judges 4:4-10; Romans 16:1-7; Luke 8:1-3
Devotional: Throughout Scripture, women weren't exceptions to ministry—they were essential participants. Deborah led an entire nation as judge and prophet. Priscilla taught the eloquent Apollos more accurately about the Way. Junia was commended as outstanding among the apostles. Mary Magdalene became the first evangelist of the resurrection. These weren't anomalies; they were the norm in God's kingdom. When we read the whole story of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, we see God consistently calling and empowering women alongside men. The question isn't whether women can lead, teach, or prophesy—Scripture clearly shows they did. The question is: Will we honor what God has already established? Today, consider how you can celebrate and support the Spirit-empowered ministry of all believers around you.
Day 4: Understanding Context - Reading Scripture Faithfully
Reading: 1 Timothy 2:8-15; Acts 19:23-41
Devotional: Reading Scripture faithfully means understanding why it was written, to whom, and in what context. When Paul wrote to Timothy in Ephesus, he was addressing specific problems in a specific church. Ephesus was home to the temple of Artemis, where goddess worship taught that women were spiritually superior and the source of all life. New converts were bringing these false teachings into the church. Paul's instruction for women to "learn quietly" wasn't prohibition—it was invitation. In a culture where women were rarely educated, Paul commanded they be taught before they could teach. He wasn't establishing eternal hierarchy; he was correcting temporary chaos. When we read the Bible through its original context, we honor God's Word more faithfully than when we impose our assumptions. Today, commit to studying Scripture more deeply, asking not just "what does it say?" but "what did it mean then, and how does it apply now?"
Day 5: Reflecting the Trinity - Called to Unity
Reading: John 17:20-26; Ephesians 4:1-16
Devotional: Jesus prayed that we would be one, just as He and the Father are one. The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—exists in perfect unity, co-equal, co-eternal, and co-existent. No hierarchy, only holy partnership. When God created humanity in "our image," He stamped this Trinitarian pattern onto us. Male and female, distinct yet equal, called to reflect divine community. The body of Christ functions best when every member—regardless of gender—operates in their gifting. When we silence voices God has anointed, we diminish the fullness of His image in our midst. When we work together in mutuality, honoring each person's calling, we become a living picture of the Trinity's love. Today, examine your heart: Are you celebrating the diversity of gifts in your church? Are you encouraging others to step into their calling? May we be a people who stand side by side, reflecting God's heart for partnership from the beginning to the end.
As you conclude this devotional journey, remember: The gospel frees, it never restricts. It liberates, it never enslaves. It empowers, it never limits. May you walk in the fullness of your calling, celebrating the callings of those around you, for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.
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