Burning with the Right Fire
Burning with the Right Fire
Speaker: Pastor Caleb Culver
Date: September 21, 2025
Pastor Caleb Culver shares a fresh look at the story of Jonah, a man who wrestled with anger, comfort, and compassion. Just like Jonah, we all face moments where we’d rather protect our own preferences than extend grace to others. This message invites us to step past fear and frustration and choose mercy that changes lives.
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on this sermon:
Day 1: God's Boundless Compassion
Reading: Jonah 4:1–11
Devotional: As we read about Jonah's anger and God's response, we're confronted with the vastness of God's compassion. Unlike Jonah, who struggled to extend mercy beyond his own people, God's love knows no bounds. Reflect on times when you've found it difficult to show compassion to those different from you. How might God be calling you to expand your heart? Remember, God's compassion for Nineveh wasn't based on their worthiness, but on His own character. Today, ask God to give you His eyes to see others, especially those you might consider "enemies" or undeserving of grace.
Day 2: From Empathy to Action
Reading: Luke 10:25–37
Devotional: Yesterday, we saw how God's compassion leads to action. Today's parable illustrates this perfectly. The priest and Levite likely felt empathy for the beaten man, but only the Samaritan took action. In our world of social media activism, it's easy to feel we've done our part by simply acknowledging an issue. But God calls us to more. What situation in your life or community requires more than just empathy? How can you move beyond feeling to concrete action? Remember, Christ didn't just empathize with our fallen state—He came down and sacrificed everything to save us.
Day 3: Embracing God's Heart for the Lost
Reading: Luke 15:1–32
Devotional: These parables paint a vivid picture of God's heart for the lost. Like the shepherd leaving the 99, the woman searching diligently, and the father watching eagerly, God passionately pursues those who are far from Him. Often, like Jonah or the older brother in the prodigal son story, we can become comfortable in our "found" state and forget the urgency of reaching others. Today, ask God to reignite your passion for those who don't know Him. Who in your life needs to experience God's love? How can you be an instrument of His pursuing grace?
Day 4: Overcoming Fear with Love
Reading: 1 John 4:7–21
Devotional: Fear often holds us back from sharing God's love. We fear rejection, ridicule, or simply feeling uncomfortable. But John reminds us that perfect love casts out fear. This love isn't just a feeling, but a powerful force that compels us to action. Reflect on what fears might be holding you back from boldly sharing God's love. Remember, we love because He first loved us. Our ability to love others comes not from our own strength, but from the overflow of God's love in us. Today, ask God to fill you afresh with His love, allowing it to overflow to those around you.
Day 5: Transformed by Grace
Reading: Ephesians 2:1–10
Devotional: As we conclude this week, we're reminded of our own transformation story. Like the girl in the video who was saved from Satanism, we too were once dead in our sins. But God, rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. This grace isn't just for our own benefit—we are God's workmanship, created for good works. How has God's grace transformed your life? How can you use your story to encourage others? Today, take time to thank God for His saving grace, and ask Him to use your transformed life as a testament to His power and love.