Let's Study Together:
From the Pulpit of West End Baptist Church —
A 5-Day Devotional.
A 5-Day Devotional.
One Thing You Lack
Day 1: The Danger of Almost Following Christ
Reading: Mark 10:17-22
Devotional: The rich young ruler came so close to Jesus, yet walked away empty. He had religion, morality, and sincerity, but lacked surrender. Today, many sit in church pews, sing hymns, and know Scripture, yet never truly follow Christ. Proximity to Jesus is not the same as possessing salvation. This young man's tragedy was not his wealth, but his unwillingness to make Christ his Master. As you reflect today, ask yourself: Have I truly surrendered to Christ, or am I just religiously close to Him? Don't settle for almost saved. The difference between almost and completely is the difference between heaven and hell.
Day 2: When Good Enough Isn't Enough
Reading: Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:8-9
Devotional: The rich young ruler kept all the commandments from his youth. He was morally upright, disciplined, and religious. Yet Jesus said he still lacked one thing. Our best righteousness apart from Christ is nothing but filthy rags before a holy God. We cannot live clean enough to earn salvation. We cannot accumulate enough good works to purchase heaven. Salvation is not a transaction but a transformation. It comes through grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Stop trying to earn what God freely offers. Your resume of religious activity means nothing without Christ. Today, acknowledge that your goodness cannot save you—only His grace can.
Day 3: Love That Tells the Truth
Reading: Proverbs 27:6; John 14:6
Devotional: Jesus looked at the rich young ruler and loved him enough to tell him the truth. Real love does not flatter or deceive; it speaks truth even when uncomfortable. Jesus did not say, "You're doing great; keep it up." He identified the one thing standing between this man and eternal life. God loves you too much to let you remain comfortable in your sin. His conviction is not condemnation but compassion. He reveals what must be surrendered so you can fully receive Him. If the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart about something you are holding back, do not resist. His truth is motivated by love, and His correction leads to life.
Day 4: The Cost of Discipleship
Reading: Luke 9:23-25; Philippians 3:7-8
Devotional: Jesus told the rich young ruler to take up his cross and follow Him. Following Christ requires surrender, not just sentiment. It demands we relinquish control of our lives and make Him Lord over every area. Peter left his nets. Matthew abandoned his tax booth. Paul counted everything as loss for Christ. What is Christ asking you to surrender? An addiction? A relationship? Your pride? Your plans? The question is not whether you can afford to follow Jesus, but whether you can afford not to. What you gain in Christ far exceeds anything you surrender. Today, identify what you are clinging to and lay it at His feet.
Day 5: Today Is the Day of Salvation
Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:2; Romans 10:9-10
Devotional: The rich young ruler walked away sad, choosing temporary possessions over eternal life. We do not know if he ever returned to Jesus. Today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow is not promised. If you have been putting off surrendering to Christ, waiting for a more convenient time, that time is now. Salvation is not about perfecting yourself first; it is about coming to Christ just as you are. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved. Do not let another day pass living without the assurance of eternal life. Make today your day of decision.
Day 1: The Danger of Almost Following Christ
Reading: Mark 10:17-22
Devotional: The rich young ruler came so close to Jesus, yet walked away empty. He had religion, morality, and sincerity, but lacked surrender. Today, many sit in church pews, sing hymns, and know Scripture, yet never truly follow Christ. Proximity to Jesus is not the same as possessing salvation. This young man's tragedy was not his wealth, but his unwillingness to make Christ his Master. As you reflect today, ask yourself: Have I truly surrendered to Christ, or am I just religiously close to Him? Don't settle for almost saved. The difference between almost and completely is the difference between heaven and hell.
Day 2: When Good Enough Isn't Enough
Reading: Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:8-9
Devotional: The rich young ruler kept all the commandments from his youth. He was morally upright, disciplined, and religious. Yet Jesus said he still lacked one thing. Our best righteousness apart from Christ is nothing but filthy rags before a holy God. We cannot live clean enough to earn salvation. We cannot accumulate enough good works to purchase heaven. Salvation is not a transaction but a transformation. It comes through grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Stop trying to earn what God freely offers. Your resume of religious activity means nothing without Christ. Today, acknowledge that your goodness cannot save you—only His grace can.
Day 3: Love That Tells the Truth
Reading: Proverbs 27:6; John 14:6
Devotional: Jesus looked at the rich young ruler and loved him enough to tell him the truth. Real love does not flatter or deceive; it speaks truth even when uncomfortable. Jesus did not say, "You're doing great; keep it up." He identified the one thing standing between this man and eternal life. God loves you too much to let you remain comfortable in your sin. His conviction is not condemnation but compassion. He reveals what must be surrendered so you can fully receive Him. If the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart about something you are holding back, do not resist. His truth is motivated by love, and His correction leads to life.
Day 4: The Cost of Discipleship
Reading: Luke 9:23-25; Philippians 3:7-8
Devotional: Jesus told the rich young ruler to take up his cross and follow Him. Following Christ requires surrender, not just sentiment. It demands we relinquish control of our lives and make Him Lord over every area. Peter left his nets. Matthew abandoned his tax booth. Paul counted everything as loss for Christ. What is Christ asking you to surrender? An addiction? A relationship? Your pride? Your plans? The question is not whether you can afford to follow Jesus, but whether you can afford not to. What you gain in Christ far exceeds anything you surrender. Today, identify what you are clinging to and lay it at His feet.
Day 5: Today Is the Day of Salvation
Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:2; Romans 10:9-10
Devotional: The rich young ruler walked away sad, choosing temporary possessions over eternal life. We do not know if he ever returned to Jesus. Today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow is not promised. If you have been putting off surrendering to Christ, waiting for a more convenient time, that time is now. Salvation is not about perfecting yourself first; it is about coming to Christ just as you are. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved. Do not let another day pass living without the assurance of eternal life. Make today your day of decision.