Category: Devotional

Gather and Grow

Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near” (NET).

There’s a rhythm to life that often changes with the seasons, especially as we approach the end of the year. Many of us find ourselves buried in commitments, holiday planning, and the general busyness that this time brings. It’s easy to deprioritize gathering with others or encouraging one another in the faith. Yet this is precisely when we need it most.

The author of Hebrews emphasizes two commands here: spur each other on and don’t neglect meeting together. Both are crucial for our spiritual growth. Spurring someone on implies intentionality—it’s not passive. It means urging others toward love and good works, encouraging them to grow in faith, and being a part of their journey. Similarly, the call to meet together isn’t just about attending church services or Bible studies; it’s about participating in the community of believers, being present, and sharing in one another’s burdens and joys.

Think about how God designed us. We aren’t meant to follow Him in isolation. The church is called the body of Christ for a reason—it’s made up of individuals who come together to form something stronger and more vibrant than any one part alone. When we meet together, we remind each other of God’s goodness, we hold each other accountable, and we become active participants in God’s work in the world.

This season, let’s make it a priority to lean into what it means to be part our Christian community, to be the voice of encouragement someone else may desperately need, and to let others encourage us in return. God speaks powerfully through His Word, but He also speaks through the fellowship of believers. Don’t let the distractions of life keep you from experiencing the blessings of gathering with His people.

Are You Listening?

In the past God spoke to our ancestors at many times and in many ways through the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us in a son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he created the world.—Hebrews 1:1-2 (NET)

God is not silent. From the beginning, He has revealed Himself in countless ways: through creation, through the prophets, and ultimately through Jesus Christ. The stars in the night sky declare His majesty, and every breath we take is evidence of His sustaining power. But His greatest revelation came through His Son, who stepped into our world to make God known and to reconcile us to Him. God continues to speak today, not sporadically, but continually. If we don’t see it, it’s not because God isn’t speaking—it’s because we’re not listening.

Consider how Jesus often said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” It’s a challenge, not just to hear words, but to truly listen, to pay attention, and to respond. The Word of God isn’t static. It’s living and active (Hebrews 4:12). When we engage with Scripture, we encounter the voice of God. When we pray, the Spirit intercedes and communicates with us. When we gather with other believers, God often speaks through them to encourage and challenge us. Even creation itself points to His character and heart. The heavens declare His glory, the skies proclaim His craftsmanship (Psalm 19:1), and the intricate balance of nature reflects His intentional design. Jesus Himself said that if people were silent, the stones would cry out (Luke 19:40). The question is not whether God is speaking; the question is whether we have ears to hear.

If God feels silent to you, consider whether it’s time to realign your heart and mind. Make time to study His Word, seek Him in prayer, and allow creation to remind you of His presence. The God who created the universe, who spoke through the prophets, and who gave His Son to us is still speaking today. Will you listen?

A Greater Priesthood

In Hebrews 7, the author pauses to unpack the story of Melchizedek, a mysterious figure from Genesis. At first glance, Melchizedek’s brief appearance as “king of Salem” and “priest of God Most High” might seem like a random historical footnote, but there’s so much more going on. The writer of Hebrews uses Melchizedek to show us something profound about Jesus and what His priesthood means for us.

Melchizedek is unique. He’s both a king and a priest—two roles that were strictly separate under the old covenant. Kings came from David’s family line, while priests descended from Aaron. But Melchizedek doesn’t fit into either category. He appears with no genealogy, no record of birth or death, and the author of Hebrews sees this as a picture of Jesus—eternal and unlike any other priest.

Here’s why this matters. In the Old Testament, priests acted as go-betweens, offering sacrifices to cover the people’s sins. But their work was temporary and incomplete. Sacrifices had to be made over and over because they could never fully deal with sin. Jesus, however, offers something better. His priesthood, like Melchizedek’s, doesn’t depend on human ancestry or temporary rules. It’s eternal. And instead of offering sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus gave Himself—once and for all—to make a way for us to be right with God forever.

The connection to Melchizedek isn’t just an interesting Bible trivia fact. It’s a reminder that Jesus’s priesthood was part of God’s plan all along. When Abraham, the father of faith, gave Melchizedek a tenth of his spoils and received his blessing, it pointed forward to something greater: a priesthood that’s not bound by human limitations. Jesus is that greater priest, and His work changes everything.

What does this mean for us? It means we have someone who represents us before God perfectly and eternally. It means we don’t need to rely on our own efforts to get right with God or wonder if we’ve done enough. Jesus’s sacrifice is enough. It’s finished. And because of Him, we can approach God with confidence, knowing we’re loved and forgiven.

It also challenges us to move beyond a rule-based faith. The old covenant—with its rituals and sacrifices—pointed toward Jesus. Now that He’s come, we’re invited into something far better: a relationship with the living God. Jesus’s priesthood means we’re not just forgiven; we’re also brought near to God, adopted into His family, and given hope that lasts forever.

The story of Melchizedek reminds us that God’s plan has always been bigger than we can imagine. It’s a plan that brings freedom, forgiveness, and peace. Let’s rest in that truth today and live with the confidence that Jesus has done it all.

Tell Me What I Want, What I Really, Really Want

For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things.
—2 Timothy 4:3 (NET)

We live in an era saturated with options. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find someone who’s willing to deliver it. And this isn’t just true of entertainment or politics—it’s deeply ingrained in the spiritual landscape as well. Paul warned that the day would come when people would stop tolerating sound teaching and instead choose voices that aligned with their preferences. That day is now.

Look around at the world of Christian teaching today. The Prosperity Gospel tells us we deserve wealth and health, avoiding Jesus’ call to take up our cross and follow Him. Progressive movements twist Scripture to align with cultural trends, diluting or outright denying doctrines like sin and repentance. Celebrity pastors are often more concerned with followers on social media than faithful discipleship, trading the depth of the Gospel for catchy soundbites. It’s easy to see why these messages are attractive—they’re comfortable. They don’t demand much of us. They make Christianity feel more like a club and less like a covenant.

But what about the hard truths? What about the narrow path Jesus talked about? God’s Word isn’t a self-help book or a feel-good anthem. It’s sharper than any two-edged sword, exposing and cutting away the sin that keeps us from Him. When we surround ourselves with teachers who only tell us what we want to hear, we’re not pursuing God. We’re chasing after idols made in our own image.

This isn’t just a problem “out there” with false teachers. It’s a problem in our own hearts. Paul points to the core issue—desire. We like to hear what makes us comfortable, what makes us feel good about ourselves. But if we’re honest, the messages we seek often reveal where we’ve placed our hope. If you find yourself gravitating toward a teaching that conveniently avoids sacrifice, self-denial, or accountability, it might be time to ask: am I following God’s truth, or just my own preferences?

Faithfulness to God’s Word requires effort. It requires humility to hear what we might not want to hear and courage to obey it. The Gospel isn’t about being comfortable; it’s about being conformed to the image of Christ. That’s a hard road, but it’s the only road that leads to life.

Don’t settle for what feels good. Pursue what is true. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Let the Word challenge you, shape you, and draw you closer to the One who is Truth itself.

How Do You See?

“To the pure, all things are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted.” (Titus 1:15, NET)

We often think that the world around us determines how we see things. If life is good, we feel good. If life is bad, we feel bad. But Paul reminds Titus of a deeper truth—everything we experience is filtered through the lens of our own hearts and worldview. What we see and how we interpret it reflects who we are.

To the pure, Paul says, all things are pure. This isn’t naivety; it’s the result of a heart transformed by Christ. A pure heart views the world through the lens of grace, love, and trust in God. It seeks the good. It extends charity. It assumes the best intentions and sees opportunities for redemption, even in brokenness.

But to the corrupt, nothing is pure. Why? Because a corrupt heart projects its own intentions outward. Someone who lives in dishonesty assumes others are lying too. A bitter person sees only offense. A lustful heart objectifies. An unbelieving mind interprets everything as meaningless. In other words, our perception of the world becomes a mirror reflecting what’s already in us.

Jesus said something similar: “For the mouth speaks from what fills the heart” (Matthew 12:34). What’s in us comes out—not just in our words, but in how we see and interact with everything. If we’re holding onto sin, anger, or doubt, we’ll project that onto people, situations, and even God. But if we’re holding fast to Christ, we’ll see the world differently.

This truth calls us to examine our hearts. If cynicism, suspicion, or negativity seem to dominate your thoughts, ask: What am I filtering life through? Is my heart shaped by the purity of God’s truth, or am I projecting my brokenness onto the world?

The beauty of the Gospel is that Christ doesn’t leave us trapped in corruption. He transforms our hearts, renews our minds, and purifies our conscience. When we walk in that transformation, we begin to see life for what it really is: a place where God is working, redeeming, and calling us to reflect His goodness.

Today, consider your lens. Are you interpreting life through the purity of Christ, or through the corruption of your own brokenness? Surrender your heart to Him and let Him renew how you see—because the condition of your heart determines the clarity of your vision.

All Kinds of Evil

“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, in reaching for it, have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.” (1 Timothy 6:10, NET)

Paul’s words to Timothy cut straight to the heart of humanity’s struggles. Money itself isn’t the problem; it’s the love of money that brings ruin. When we long for riches, we’re making a dangerous confession: that we are not content with what God has provided. This greed exposes the idolatry of our hearts, where money becomes the means to satisfy our base desires. It’s no wonder Paul says this love is the root of all kinds of evil—it fuels selfishness, envy, dishonesty, and exploitation.

At its core, the love of money is a rejection of God’s sufficiency. When we fixate on wealth, we declare, “What You’ve given me isn’t enough.” This pursuit blinds us to the eternal treasure God offers. It’s like drinking salt water to quench thirst—it only leaves us more parched, chasing satisfaction that money can never deliver.

Consider this: money enables. It gives us the means to live out whatever desires dominate our hearts. If those desires are rooted in greed, pride, or lust for power, money becomes the fuel for destruction. But if our hearts are captivated by Christ, even wealth becomes a tool for His kingdom—serving others, meeting needs, and spreading the Gospel.

Paul’s warning isn’t theoretical. He points to those who’ve strayed from the faith, pierced through by their cravings. These aren’t hypothetical risks—they’re the stories of people who traded God’s eternal riches for temporary gain and paid the price.

The antidote to greed is found a few verses later: “Godliness combined with contentment brings great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). True contentment doesn’t come from having more; it comes from trusting fully in the sufficiency of God. It’s living in gratitude for His provision and believing that He truly is enough.

Today, ask yourself: What does your heart long for? Are you seeking riches, status, or possessions as a source of fulfillment? Or are you resting in the security of God’s provision? Let’s remember that wealth isn’t the problem—it’s the place we give it in our hearts. Pursue God with all you have, and He will be your treasure, satisfying every need in ways money never can.

Spiritual Adultery

James doesn’t pull any punches. When he calls out his audience for their divided loyalties, he labels it plainly: “Adulterers!” (James 4:4). This isn’t a gentle nudge toward improvement; it’s a wake-up call. Why such strong language? Because spiritual adultery isn’t a minor slip. It’s a betrayal of covenant love, a heart chasing after other gods while claiming to belong to the one true God.

James ties this adultery to friendship with the world, which he describes as enmity with God. This isn’t about living on earth or enjoying its good gifts; it’s about adopting the world’s values—self-promotion, greed, pride, and the rejection of God’s authority. To align ourselves with these things is to declare allegiance to a system actively opposed to God.

A friend of mine used to talk about the homeless and drug-addicted people living in Vancouver’s downtown east side. She would say (to paraphrase), “These people didn’t wake up one day and decide to get addicted to drugs or live in a box in the alley. It was one choice. One compromise. One bad decision that led to another and another and another, and slowly but insidiously sin took over their lives. That’s why we need to plant our feet carefully with each step we take.” This sobering reality illustrates how small compromises can spiral into devastating consequences, drawing our hearts further from the One who made us for Himself.

The good news is that God doesn’t leave us in our unfaithfulness. James reminds us in the very next verses that God gives greater grace (James 4:6). The solution isn’t despair but repentance. Humility brings us back into alignment with God, confessing our divided hearts and choosing once again to walk in step with Him.

Jesus calls us to undivided love: “No one can serve two masters. You will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). The question is, where does your loyalty lie? Are you cultivating intimacy with Christ, or are you flirting with the world?

True joy comes from wholehearted devotion. God is jealous for your love, not because He needs it, but because He knows that only in Him will you find life. Turn to Him today. The grace that calls you back is the grace that will sustain you.

Want God’s Help? Get Serious

James 1:2-8
“My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.” (NET)

The idea of joy in trials may seem counterintuitive. When life feels heavy and confusing, joy is often the last emotion that comes naturally. Yet, James tells us to “consider it nothing but joy.” Why? Because trials test our faith, building endurance. And this endurance isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving, becoming “perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.” These moments refine us, shaping us into people who reflect God’s character.

But what happens when we don’t know how to navigate these challenges? James says we should ask God for wisdom—boldly and without hesitation. God isn’t stingy with His guidance, nor does He reprimand us for seeking Him. He delights in giving wisdom. The problem often lies on our end: we approach God half-heartedly, hedging our bets instead of trusting Him fully.

This brings to mind an experience from high school that taught me a hard but valuable lesson. I was failing my Chemistry 12 class—utterly lost and struggling. Desperate, I went to my teacher, Mr. Farrell, and asked if he could help me. Without mincing words, he looked me in the eye and said, “I don’t waste my time on students who don’t care.” I felt crushed. But I also knew he was right—I hadn’t been putting in the effort.

The next day, I went back and asked what it would take to show him I cared. He mentioned after-school tutoring sessions he held every Tuesday and Thursday and told me to attend if I was serious. I went to every session for three weeks straight. After the sixth session, he said, “Okay, looks like you’re ready to put the work in. How can I help?” From that moment, he invested in my progress, and I went from a dismal 12% to a respectable 68% by the end of the semester.

The turning point wasn’t just about my grades—it was about my commitment. Once I showed I was serious, Mr. Farrell’s guidance became invaluable.

This is similar to our relationship with God. He is always willing and ready to help, but we must approach Him in faith, fully committed. Half-hearted attempts don’t yield the wisdom or strength we need. Faith, as James says, must be unwavering—rooted in trust that God will do what He promises.

So, how are you approaching God today? Are you hesitating, holding back, or doubting His goodness? Or are you seeking Him wholeheartedly, ready to follow wherever He leads? God doesn’t ask for perfection; He asks for faith—a trust that opens the door to His abundant provision.

Trials will come, but God’s wisdom and strength are more than enough to carry us through. Let’s commit fully to the process, trusting that He is making us “perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.”

IN, Not FOR

Philippians 2:15 says, “Do everything without complaining” and verse 17 adds, “I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.”

We are called to be joyful in all circumstances. But we are a fickle people and too often we turn into the freed Israelites in the desert — whining constantly. Finding things to grumble and complain about. Yeah we’re free, but the food is terrible! That’s why a two-week trip took 40 years! I’m reminded of this classic episode of The Ren & Stimpy Show entitled “Stimpy’s Invention”. In this particular episode Stimpy — the loveable simpleton — creates a ‘happy helmet’ that forces his pal Ren — the irritable schemer — to always be happy. Well, as the episode unfolds Ren manages to eventually destroy and free himself from the helmet and is boiling with rage. Then, from out of nowhere, he breaks out into a beaming smile and declares that he LOVES being angry and thanks his pal Stimpy for show him that. This outrageous scenario (like most comedy) is especially hilarious because it shines a mirror on us…

WE love being angry.

It is our default position. In fact, if you walked past and angry person and a deliriously happy person would be more likely to give the happy one a side-eye ‘what’s wrong with HIM’ look! But we should live lives marked by love. Lives marked by joy. Lives that demonstrate the hope that is within us. Lives which demonstrate that hope SO loudly that it causes people to ask us ‘why’. Do we do that?

Moreover, what do we do when our situation is trying or difficult or exhausting or overwhelming? How do we be joyful for that?? But here’s the thing; I don’t think we need to be joyful FOR all circumstances, we need to be joyful IN all circumstances. The situation we find ourselves in might be terrible, even unbearable. But our joy is in our hope and our hope is not in this world. Our hope is in Jesus. The Jesus who has overcome the world. The Jesus who is causing all things to work together for the good of those who love Him.

Sometimes those valleys are the consequences of sin’s corruption in a fallen world. Sometimes the valleys are caused by poor choices we’ve made. Sometimes the valleys are God showing us something we need to learn. But no matter WHY we are there, it’s important to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. We WILL emerge from the valley eventually. Either here on earth, or on the other side in glory. And THAT is what we are joyful for. The eternal promise.

That’s why we can be joyful IN all circumstances, even if we are not joyful FOR all circumstances.

Status Update

The book of Philemon is more than just a short letter—it’s a window into the radical redefinition of relationships that the Gospel brings. Onesimus, once a slave and a fugitive, is now described as a “beloved brother” in Christ. Imagine how shocking this must have been in a world that defined people by their status, wealth, or social position.

Paul’s appeal to Philemon isn’t grounded in authority or obligation but in love. He invites Philemon to see Onesimus not through the lens of societal hierarchy but through the eyes of Christ. This status update—from slave to brother—demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel, which dismantles human divisions and unites us as one family in Christ.

But the letter doesn’t stop there. Paul steps in as an intercessor, offering to absorb any debt Onesimus owes. This act mirrors Christ’s work on the cross, taking our sins upon Himself and restoring our relationship with God. It’s a reminder of the grace we’ve been given and a call to extend that same grace to others.

So, how does this apply to us today?

We live in a world that constantly categorizes people: by their job, income, political views, or past mistakes. Like Philemon, we are called to update our perspective. In Christ, no one is “less than.” Are there people you’ve written off because of their past? Relationships you’ve allowed to remain broken? Paul’s letter challenges us to see others as God sees them—worthy of love, forgiveness, and restoration.

Let this be your status update: forgiven, redeemed, and called to reconcile with others.