"HE IS" - Week 1 Bible Reading Plan
7-Day Devotional Formed and Shaped
“God’s goal isn’t behavior modification—it’s heart transformation that produces visible fruit.”
DAY 1 Formed With Direction
Scripture: Matthew 5:1–12; Galatians 5:22–23
Most of us want to grow spiritually—but rarely stop to ask what we’re growing into. Jesus and Paul give us clarity.
Jesus describes the inner posture of a formed life. Paul shows the outer evidence of that life. Together, they remind us: Spiritual formation isn’t accidental. God has a direction in mind. You are not being shaped into a better version of yourself. You are being formed into someone who looks like Jesus.
Reflection
Reflection
- How do you usually measure “spiritual growth”?
- What if God is more focused on who you’re becoming than what you’re accomplishing?
DAY 2 — Poverty of Spirit: Learning Dependence
Scripture: Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit…” This isn’t about lacking confidence—it’s about recognizing dependence.
Spiritual maturity doesn’t mean needing God less. It means finally admitting how much you’ve always needed Him. Poverty of spirit is the quiet freedom of saying: “I don’t have to fix myself anymore.” That posture becomes the soil where humility grows—and where the Spirit begins His deepest work.
Reflection
Scripture: Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit…” This isn’t about lacking confidence—it’s about recognizing dependence.
Spiritual maturity doesn’t mean needing God less. It means finally admitting how much you’ve always needed Him. Poverty of spirit is the quiet freedom of saying: “I don’t have to fix myself anymore.” That posture becomes the soil where humility grows—and where the Spirit begins His deepest work.
Reflection
- Where are you still trying to be self-sufficient?
- What would it look like to stop pretending you’re fine?
DAY 3 — Meekness & Mercy: Strength Shaped by Love
Scripture: Matthew 5:5, 7
Meekness is strength under control. Mercy is grace in motion. Formed people don’t need to dominate conversations, win every argument, or keep score. They’re secure enough to be gentle—and strong enough to be kind. When mercy becomes our reflex, people feel safe around us. And safety is often the doorway to transformation.
Reflection
Scripture: Matthew 5:5, 7
Meekness is strength under control. Mercy is grace in motion. Formed people don’t need to dominate conversations, win every argument, or keep score. They’re secure enough to be gentle—and strong enough to be kind. When mercy becomes our reflex, people feel safe around us. And safety is often the doorway to transformation.
Reflection
- How do you usually respond when you feel misunderstood or challenged?
- Is mercy your instinct—or your exception?
DAY 4 — Hunger & Purity: What You Want Is Shaping You
Scripture: Matthew 5:6, 8
“What you crave reveals what is forming you. Jesus doesn’t shame desire—He redirects it. Purity of heart isn’t perfection. It’s undivided desire. A formed life slowly begins to want what God wants—not out of obligation, but appetite. Over time, the question shifts from “What am I allowed to do?” to “What actually satisfies?”
Reflection
Scripture: Matthew 5:6, 8
“What you crave reveals what is forming you. Jesus doesn’t shame desire—He redirects it. Purity of heart isn’t perfection. It’s undivided desire. A formed life slowly begins to want what God wants—not out of obligation, but appetite. Over time, the question shifts from “What am I allowed to do?” to “What actually satisfies?”
Reflection
- What desires currently get the most of your attention?
- Where might God be inviting you to want something deeper?
DAY 5 — Peacemaking & Perseverance: Staying Faithful Under Pressure
Scripture: Matthew 5:9–12
Peacemakers don’t avoid tension—they move toward it with truth and love. And perseverance reminds us that faithfulness sometimes costs something. Formation doesn’t remove pressure. It teaches us how to stand steady within it. God is forming people who don’t quit when obedience gets uncomfortable.
Reflection
Scripture: Matthew 5:9–12
Peacemakers don’t avoid tension—they move toward it with truth and love. And perseverance reminds us that faithfulness sometimes costs something. Formation doesn’t remove pressure. It teaches us how to stand steady within it. God is forming people who don’t quit when obedience gets uncomfortable.
Reflection
- Where are you tempted to disengage instead of stay faithful?
- What pressure might God be using to deepen your trust?
DAY 6 — Fruit That Grows, Not Fruit You Force
Scripture: Galatians 5:22–23
Paul doesn’t say produce fruit. He says fruit grows. Fruit is evidence—not effort. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control— these aren’t achieved by trying harder, but by staying rooted longer. If the fruit feels thin, the solution isn’t pressure. It’s deeper formation.
Reflection
Scripture: Galatians 5:22–23
Paul doesn’t say produce fruit. He says fruit grows. Fruit is evidence—not effort. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control— these aren’t achieved by trying harder, but by staying rooted longer. If the fruit feels thin, the solution isn’t pressure. It’s deeper formation.
Reflection
- Which fruit feels most visible in your life right now?
- Which one feels underdeveloped?
DAY 7 — Fruit Inspection: Who Am I Becoming?
Scripture: Matthew 7:17–18
You don’t inspect fruit by yelling at the tree. You tend the roots. You nourish the soil. You give it time. Spiritual formation asks a better question than, “Am I doing enough?” It asks, “Who am I becoming?” God’s work in you is not rushed righteousness. It’s deep, lasting transformation.
Reflection
Scripture: Matthew 7:17–18
You don’t inspect fruit by yelling at the tree. You tend the roots. You nourish the soil. You give it time. Spiritual formation asks a better question than, “Am I doing enough?” It asks, “Who am I becoming?” God’s work in you is not rushed righteousness. It’s deep, lasting transformation.
Reflection
- Over the past season, what kind of person are you becoming?
- Where do you sense God inviting you to trust His slow work?