Daily Devotional

Hebrews 13:15

15 “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”

Praise the Lord Grace Church! It’s amazing to think we've made it through 39 days of lent devotionals as a church. I’m sure these past six weeks have truly been a spiritual journey filled with a lot of stretching as we sought to be new wineskins together. As we finish our lent devotionals, the author of today’s passage is encouraging us to always do one thing. And that is to continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God. The key word to emphasize here is the word continually, which in Greek literally means forever, always. Today’s passage is a reminder to us, as a praising church, that we are called to praise God through every season of life. It is a reminder that we are called to offer up our praises; not just on Sundays or during church events like Lent season, but to offer up praises of thanksgiving to God at all times. At the same time, regardless of the season we might find ourselves in, whether highs or lows, we are called to continually pour out our praises. And one way we can do this, according to our passage, is through the fruit of our lips that acknowledge his name. In other words, the author tells us to vocally express our praises of thanksgiving to God by acknowledging who God is and what He has done in our lives. In doing so, our worship will never cease because it is founded upon who God is and not the circumstances we face in life. Remember, it is through Him, being Jesus, we offer up our praises! Let’s reflect on the new life we have in Jesus and offer up songs of praise all throughout the day as we prepare ourselves for Easter Sunday!

Weekly Application

As part of a praising church, make it a priority to offer your genuine praise and worship to God every day of this week. Be intentional in finding ways to express your gratitude and adoration towards God, whether it’s through singing, praying, or sharing your testimony of His goodness. As you do this, may there be high expectation that the atmosphere to praise will draw you closer to God and lift up the people around you. This week, challenge yourself to praise God in at least one new way each day. It could be as simple as thanking Him for the beauty of nature, or as bold as sharing your faith with someone who doesn’t know Him yet. Let us become a praising church that brings hope to the world around us and a glory to God above.

Daily Devotional

Psalm 150:1-6

1 “Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens!
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
    praise him according to his excellent greatness!

3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
    praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
    praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;
    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!”

What better way to conclude our last week of lent as a praising church with the final chapter in the Book of Psalms. This final chapter uses the word praise 13 times in six verses to emphasize one thing. Worship. The psalmist through this psalm tells us of the different reasons and ways we can praise the Lord. First, we can praise the Lord everywhere! We praise Him in His sanctuary when we gather together as a church, but we also praise Him wherever we may be under His mighty heavens. Second, we praise God because of the redemptive work He has done through His Son and the beautiful sanctifying work He continues to do in all of us to make us more like Jesus. Third, we praise God in various ways! Whether through the gentle sound of a harp or the loud sounding cymbal. At the same time we can use our voices, prayers, and lives to praise the Lord. Lastly, we praise God with every breath we breathe, which is a gift from God! Therefore we ought to join all of creation in praising and worshiping the Lord! Spend today rejoicing and worshiping God for the millions of reasons He is worthy of our praise!

Weekly Application

As part of a praising church, make it a priority to offer your genuine praise and worship to God every day of this week. Be intentional in finding ways to express your gratitude and adoration towards God, whether it’s through singing, praying, or sharing your testimony of His goodness. As you do this, may there be high expectation that the atmosphere to praise will draw you closer to God and lift up the people around you. This week, challenge yourself to praise God in at least one new way each day. It could be as simple as thanking Him for the beauty of nature, or as bold as sharing your faith with someone who doesn’t know Him yet. Let us become a praising church that brings hope to the world around us and a glory to God above.

Daily Devotional

Habakkuk 3:17-19

17 “Though the fig tree should not blossom,
    nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
    and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
    and there be no herd in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
19 God, the Lord, is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the deer's;
    he makes me tread on my high places.
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.”

There is always a reason to praise God. The prophet Habakkuk thinks of a hypothetical scenario in which all food and livestock are no more. And yet, he will rejoice and take joy in God. We can (and should) praise God for physical things such as food, careers, and even families. But the main reason why we praise him is him. Having no sources of food is only a fraction of the destruction that God revealed to Habakkuk, the destruction that will soon come to God’s own people. Yet, Habakkuk praises God. He trusts in what God will do. Let us also praise God with joy for he remains the same good God. The path we are currently on may be dark and rigid, but God will always be our strength. He always remains by our side. If you cannot find a reason to praise him, just look at him. He himself is the reason why praise is a thing. So even when life is grim, we have every reason to praise the God of our salvation. Let us bring joy into our lives by praising him!

Weekly Application

As part of a praising church, make it a priority to offer your genuine praise and worship to God every day of this week. Be intentional in finding ways to express your gratitude and adoration towards God, whether it’s through singing, praying, or sharing your testimony of His goodness. As you do this, may there be high expectation that the atmosphere to praise will draw you closer to God and lift up the people around you. This week, challenge yourself to praise God in at least one new way each day. It could be as simple as thanking Him for the beauty of nature, or as bold as sharing your faith with someone who doesn’t know Him yet. Let us become a praising church that brings hope to the world around us and a glory to God above.

Daily Devotional

Revelation 4:8-11

8 “And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
    who was and is and is to come!”

9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
    to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
    and by your will they existed and were created.””

Can you imagine the heavenly scene that John saw in his vision? The creatures as well as the twenty-four elders declare the holiness of God and fall down before Him in a constant praise of adoration and reverence. It is a beautiful picture of worship that transcends time and an inspiring model for our own worship. We too can offer a worship to God that goes beyond just our special occasions and Sunday services by cultivating a heart of worship every day. When we consciously reflect on the amazing love that God has shown us through Christ, our hearts will respond with a joyous praise that proclaims the goodness of God. Pray for a heart of humility and thanksgiving, that a genuine worship may abound throughout this day.

Weekly Application

As part of a praising church, make it a priority to offer your genuine praise and worship to God every day of this week. Be intentional in finding ways to express your gratitude and adoration towards God, whether it’s through singing, praying, or sharing your testimony of His goodness. As you do this, may there be high expectation that the atmosphere to praise will draw you closer to God and lift up the people around you. This week, challenge yourself to praise God in at least one new way each day. It could be as simple as thanking Him for the beauty of nature, or as bold as sharing your faith with someone who doesn’t know Him yet. Let us become a praising church that brings hope to the world around us and a glory to God above.

Daily Devotional

1 Chronicles 16:23-25

Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
    Tell of his salvation from day to day.
24 Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!
25 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and he is to be feared above all gods.

Today’s passage is the joyful song that David and the Israelites sang to the Lord when they brought the ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. The ark represented the presence of God, and it was a constant reminder to Israel of all the wondrous works of the living God. David instructs the people to sing and proclaim the Lord’s salvation, appointing both musicians and singers to praise and worship. This praise however is not only to be declared within the nation of Israel, but “among the nations” and “among all peoples”. Take a moment to reflect on your own praise and worship. How can your worship be a reflection of the presence of God in your life and a proclamation of the things that He has done? And how can you be a powerful witness to those around you today? As you meditate on this message, ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of God’s majesty, and to give you a heart that can respond in praise. May God be delighted with our worship as we strive to become a praising church this week.

Weekly Application

As part of a praising church, make it a priority to offer your genuine praise and worship to God every day of this week. Be intentional in finding ways to express your gratitude and adoration towards God, whether it’s through singing, praying, or sharing your testimony of His goodness. As you do this, may there be high expectation that the atmosphere to praise will draw you closer to God and lift up the people around you. This week, challenge yourself to praise God in at least one new way each day. It could be as simple as thanking Him for the beauty of nature, or as bold as sharing your faith with someone who doesn’t know Him yet. Let us become a praising church that brings hope to the world around us and a glory to God above.

Daily Devotional

Psalm 103:1-5

1 “Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and all that is within me,
    bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
    who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.”

“Bless the LORD, O my soul.” David, the one who wrote this psalm, urges himself to praise God by saying those words. He wants to shake off the spiritual dryness and sluggishness that he feels toward God. It is as if he is telling himself, “What am I waiting for? How could I not praise him? How could I not lift up my hands to the God who loves me?” Praise is one of the sure ways to reignite your heart for God. And so, as if he is forcing himself to do so, David devotes every fiber in his body and soul to praise God. How does he wrestle with this lack of desire to praise God? He deliberately thinks about who God is and what he has done.
That is what praise is about. Praise involves conscious consideration of God’s character and actions. And we are to praise him, even, or rather, especially when we lack the desire because he is still the same awesome God. He deserves our praise. So, praise him with all of your heart. Plunge yourself into the depths of God’s wonderful truth and think about who he is and what he has done for you. Think about his amazing love for you. Think about how he took your place on the cross. Think about how he will return to bring you into his everlasting kingdom. “Bless the LORD, O my soul!”

Weekly Application

As part of a praising church, make it a priority to offer your genuine praise and worship to God every day of this week. Be intentional in finding ways to express your gratitude and adoration towards God, whether it’s through singing, praying, or sharing your testimony of His goodness. As you do this, may there be high expectation that the atmosphere to praise will draw you closer to God and lift up the people around you. This week, challenge yourself to praise God in at least one new way each day. It could be as simple as thanking Him for the beauty of nature, or as bold as sharing your faith with someone who doesn’t know Him yet. Let us become a praising church that brings hope to the world around us and a glory to God above.

Daily Devotional

James 3:17-18

17 “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

How has your week of becoming a peacemaking church been? We’ve been challenged and reminded this week to build up Christ-honoring relationships - trusting in God to equip and encourage us. Today’s passage gives us one last piece of advice which is to seek the wisdom that comes from heaven above. James tells us that this is a wisdom that is pure, and it is a wisdom that produces peace in our hearts. This kind of peace is not just the absence of stress, but a product of our secure relationship with Christ. When we reflect Christ to others in love this way, James says that we are sowing a peace that will reap a “harvest of righteousness”. This is a reminder that our efforts towards peacemaking have long-term impacts from God’s perspective. The relationships that we build up are not just temporary fixes but rather seeds that will grow and bear fruit to the glory of Christ. Ask God for the wisdom from heaven today as you once again think about the relationships in your life. As we sow in peace and submit to one another in love, trust that God will bring a harvest of righteousness in your life and in the lives of those around you.

Weekly Application

Peacemaking is more than just clearing out conflicts in our relationships. It seeks to build up relationships and have them thrive. Think of the relationships that you want to see deepen and grow. Then, think of ways you can serve them. They can be as small as sending a kind text message, helping out with house chores, or buying a meal. Also, pray for them, lifting them up to God that he may bless them. Let’s build up our relationships and be a peacemaking church.

Daily Devotional

Genesis 13:5-9

5“And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, 6 so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, 7 and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.

8 Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.”

In today’s passage, there is an important lesson we can learn about peacemaking through the way Abraham approached this particular conflict with his family. The Bible tells us that after Abraham left Egypt and settled back into the land of Canaan, an argument arose between his herdsmen and the herdsmen of his nephew, Lot. The problem was their families had become so prosperous (especially with livestock), that the land they were living on could no longer support them living together. So faced with this conflict, Abraham made the suggestion that they should move apart to give space for their flocks to grow. But what Abraham does next to pursue and keep the peace went beyond expectation because he let Lot choose which land he wanted to take first. Through this action, we see the 2 qualities of peacemaking, humility and self-sacrifice come to life. Because of his status as the head of the household, Abraham had every right to make his own decision on how to resolve the situation at hand. At the same time, he didn’t have to consult with Lot and could have very easily chosen the portion of land that would have benefited his needs first. However, we see that Abraham didn’t use this title for his advantage. Instead, he humbly suggested Lot choose which part of the land he wanted, and without quarreling, he accepted the other part of the land as his own. Abraham shows us in pursuing peace, he was wiling to humble himself and sacrifice greatly because Lot wasn’t his enemy, He wasn’t someone he had to defeat in order to have a better outcome because his sacrifice led to maintaining the peace. Sometimes in our conflicts it is necessary for us to make sacrifices to keep the peace.

Weekly Application

Peacemaking is more than just clearing out conflicts in our relationships. It seeks to build up relationships and have them thrive. Think of the relationships that you want to see deepen and grow. Then, think of ways you can serve them. They can be as small as sending a kind text message, helping out with house chores, or buying a meal. Also, pray for them, lifting them up to God that he may bless them. Let’s build up our relationships and be a peacemaking church.

Daily Devotional

Genesis 50:15-21

15 “When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: 17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”

One of the greatest emotional pains is probably betrayal. And the closer the person is to you, the greater the pain of betrayal. That is exactly what happened to Joseph. Because of his brothers’ jealousy, that Joseph was loved more by their father, they forcefully sold him to a slave merchant. Joseph was torn apart from his family for good and faced even more severe trials and injustice in Egypt.

And now, when Joseph, by the grace and providence of God, has risen to a powerful position in Egypt, forgives his brothers for doing such evil. How can he forgive his brothers who committed something so unspeakable? Joseph is able to forgive because he acknowledges that God ultimately works his care in all things, even through evil. In Joseph’s case, Joseph helped Egypt prepare for a famine while other nations suffered. And going even farther beyond than letting go of past wrongs, Joseph says that he himself will provide for his brothers. Though his brothers should be the ones to serve Joseph, he repays evil, not only with forgiveness, but also with practical affection.

Let us also acknowledge that God is always sovereign, even when those around us hurt us. He is able and will use such times to bring something good. And let us go the extra mile when forgiving others by serving them, for that is what our Jesus did. Not only did Jesus forgive, but he gave us access to his presence and a membership to his eternal kingdom and continues to minister to us through the Holy Spirit. So let us go and be like Christ, forgiving and serving one another.

Weekly Application

Peacemaking is more than just clearing out conflicts in our relationships. It seeks to build up relationships and have them thrive. Think of the relationships that you want to see deepen and grow. Then, think of ways you can serve them. They can be as small as sending a kind text message, helping out with house chores, or buying a meal. Also, pray for them, lifting them up to God that he may bless them. Let’s build up our relationships and be a peacemaking church.

Daily Devotional

Ephesians 4:1-6

1 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

We learned on Sunday that peacemaking is more than just clearing out conflicts but also seeking to build up Christ-honoring relationships. Apostle Paul reminds us in today’s passage that living in a manner worthy of our calling includes making peace. To be humble, gentle, patient, and to bear one another in love. First comes humility - to be willing to put aside our own desires for the sake of others and to seek their good. Humility then creates opportunities to practice gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. Furthermore, peacemaking is rooted in the unity that we have in Christ. It is because we are one body, with one Spirit and one Lord that we have reason to strengthen our relationships and serve one another in love. As you reflect on the passage today, ask yourself how you can better serve and love those around you. Pray that God will give you the strength and wisdom to be a peacemaker in this world; to build bridges where there is division and be the light in the darkness.

Weekly Application

Peacemaking is more than just clearing out conflicts in our relationships. It seeks to build up relationships and have them thrive. Think of the relationships that you want to see deepen and grow. Then, think of ways you can serve them. They can be as small as sending a kind text message, helping out with house chores, or buying a meal. Also, pray for them, lifting them up to God that he may bless them. Let’s build up our relationships and be a peacemaking church.

Daily Devotional

Romans 12:16

16 “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”

In today’s passage, the Apostle Paul says in order for us to be a peacemaking church, we need to learn how to live in harmony with one another. The only problem is, all of us know this is harder said than done because there are so many things that can divide the church. From the songs we sing during worship, the food served at lunch, the pastors and life group leaders, the people we serve with, and many times the people we are serving. Should I go on? You see, there are plenty of reasons the devil can use to divide the church and Apostle Paul surely knows this as he planted more than 10 churches himself. This is why he instructed the Church in Rome specifically (a church he did not plant), that they too need to make sure they are living in harmony. Then Paul gives the how. He says it can be done through humility. It is when the church body as a community chooses to lay down their individual pride that the church can live in harmony. The reason is due to the nature of pride. Pride is what leads to selfish, self-seeking, and self-promoting tendencies that centers itself on the individual rather than the collective. It places the focus all around one person making it very difficult to love, serve, and even show empathy to those around you. And when everyone is focused on themselves it doesn’t add to the church, it only takes away from the power of a church that is united. Therefore, Paul says do not be proud or conceited, but rather be willing to put yourself in a lower position than those around you. Be willing to humble yourself the same way Jesus did when He came to this earth not in the form of power and might, but as a meekly servant. It was through Christ’s humility and love that touched the hearts and lives of the people He ministered to. Therefore, as disciples of Jesus, who have been called to follow Christ’s example of being a peacemaker. Let us humble ourselves to think of ways we can serve and love those around us first.

Weekly Application

Peacemaking is more than just clearing out conflicts in our relationships. It seeks to build up relationships and have them thrive. Think of the relationships that you want to see deepen and grow. Then, think of ways you can serve them. They can be as small as sending a kind text message, helping out with house chores, or buying a meal. Also, pray for them, lifting them up to God that he may bless them. Let’s build up our relationships and be a peacemaking church.

Daily Devotional

Philippians 2:1-11

1 “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The path to glory is humility. When Jesus came to Earth, he did not come to demand worship (though he could have) but came to serve and give his life on the cross. Though he himself was in need, Jesus thought of us and our needs. We needed a ransom for our sins, and he met that need by humbling himself to die on the cross. Therefore, because of that humility, the name of Jesus is exalted as the greatest name, the name above all other names.

So if we have found encouragement in Christ, if we believe in his name that saves, then let us also walk that path of humility. We can do this by considering others more significant than ourselves. We all have needs, but let us also remember the needs of others and pray for them. That is simply the life of a Christian, not putting ourselves first, but putting others before us. Then, we will soon join Christ in all of the wonderful rays of his glory.

Weekly Application

Peacemaking is more than just clearing out conflicts in our relationships. It seeks to build up relationships and have them thrive. Think of the relationships that you want to see deepen and grow. Then, think of ways you can serve them. They can be as small as sending a kind text message, helping out with house chores, or buying a meal. Also, pray for them, lifting them up to God that he may bless them. Let’s build up our relationships and be a peacemaking church.

Daily Devotional

Romans 12:4-5

4 “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

It’s clear that partnership is an essential part of God’s plan for His church. We see people coming together all the way from building the ark and rebuilding the temple, to the early church, where believers partnered to share the gospel and care for one another. We all have different gifts, talents, and personalities, but together we make up one body in Christ. Think about your own life and the ways in which you contribute to the church. What gifts has God given you that can be used to build up and encourage others? And how can you partner with others at Grace Church to fulfill God’s purposes? Let us ask God to show us ways to better serve one another and may our unity bring glory to God who has called us to His great work.

Weekly Application

As part of God’s church, we are called to be a unified body, partnering with one another to grow in our relationship with God and to fulfill His purposes. Although there is strength in our differences, we must remember that we are all different parts of the same body, each with our own unique gifts and callings. Start this week by asking God to give you a heart of unity and compassion. Then, reach out to three others throughout the week to listen, encourage, and pray for them. As you do, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of pride, selfishness, or unforgiveness that may hinder your relationship with others. Let us prioritize building up one another and be intentional about growing together in our walk with Christ this week.

Daily Devotional

Acts 2:42-47

42 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Because of our culture in America that values individualism it is easy for us to apply this same principle to our faith. However, when we take a look at the early church we see that this was not the case. In today's passage we get a beautiful picture of what the early church was like. The author, Luke, recorded the activities of the church immediately after hearing the Gospel and receiving the Holy Spirit. We see the early believers were marked by their devotion to fellowship as Luke tells us they were hungry to learn about God’s Word, they were committed to meet together to break bread, worship, and pray. They were filled with awe together, witnessing the power of God move in and through them. They also were committed to supporting one another especially those who were in need. Essentially, we see the early believers being united to become one family and body. This is the kind of church God wants Grace Church to mirror and reflect to the world. A church that is united together for the things of God and for each other. And as we see in the passage when this took place, God added to their number day by day because the kind of fellowship the church is meant to experience together is something that is not like any other partnership we can experience outside of the church. It’s a community that truly reflects the fellowship that our Triune God experiences as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Let’s find ways to devote ourselves to true Biblical fellowship with other believers so we can taste a glimpse of what heaven will be like here on earth.

Weekly Application

As part of God’s church, we are called to be a unified body, partnering with one another to grow in our relationship with God and to fulfill His purposes. Although there is strength in our differences, we must remember that we are all different parts of the same body, each with our own unique gifts and callings. Start this week by asking God to give you a heart of unity and compassion. Then, reach out to three others throughout the week to listen, encourage, and pray for them. As you do, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of pride, selfishness, or unforgiveness that may hinder your relationship with others. Let us prioritize building up one another and be intentional about growing together in our walk with Christ this week.

Daily Devotional

Ephesians 4:15-16

15 “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

There is no such thing as a “solo Christian.” If you believe in Christ, then you are naturally part of the church. Paul uses the human body to illustrate this concept. Just like how the human body does not function as parts separated from one another, the church is one, unified body. Every part is connected. And so together, and not individually, we are to grow up and become more like Jesus. Only when each part is working is this possible. This, therefore, involves a partnership. We are each individual members of the church, but by partnering with one another, we grow into Jesus. And we do not seek our own individual spiritual growth but the growth of the church as a whole. That is why this is always done in love. So let us work together in love, supporting one another, so that we can all grow together.

Weekly Application

As part of God’s church, we are called to be a unified body, partnering with one another to grow in our relationship with God and to fulfill His purposes. Although there is strength in our differences, we must remember that we are all different parts of the same body, each with our own unique gifts and callings. Start this week by asking God to give you a heart of unity and compassion. Then, reach out to three others throughout the week to listen, encourage, and pray for them. As you do, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of pride, selfishness, or unforgiveness that may hinder your relationship with others. Let us prioritize building up one another and be intentional about growing together in our walk with Christ this week.

Daily Devotional

Colossians 3:12-14

12 “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Today’s passage calls us to work together in unity towards God’s purposes, and it reminds us that love is the foundation of it all. When we approach others with love and compassion, we demonstrate the love of Christ that has been revealed to us. To be fair, conflicts can and will arise within any community and relationship, even in the church. It’s in those moments that we must ask ourselves: how do we respond? Do we respond in love, or do we let anger and pride take over? As a partnering church, we must prioritize love in all that we do. This means clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, even in the midst of conflict. Prioritize love and unity today by bearing the burdens of those around you and extending forgiveness, just as the Lord has forgiven you. Let us strive to be a church that demonstrates the love of Christ by partnering with one another and working together towards God’s kingdom.

Weekly Application

As part of God’s church, we are called to be a unified body, partnering with one another to grow in our relationship with God and to fulfill His purposes. Although there is strength in our differences, we must remember that we are all different parts of the same body, each with our own unique gifts and callings. Start this week by asking God to give you a heart of unity and compassion. Then, reach out to three others throughout the week to listen, encourage, and pray for them. As you do, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of pride, selfishness, or unforgiveness that may hinder your relationship with others. Let us prioritize building up one another and be intentional about growing together in our walk with Christ this week.

Daily Devotional

Hebrews 10:24-25

24 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Today’s passage comes from the book of Hebrews, which was originally written as a letter to Christians who were facing great suffering and persecution for their faith. Many Christians at the time were being tempted to return to Judaism from their families. Some were being thrown into prisons, while others were publicly humiliated and had their property stolen. It was a difficult time to be a Christian and as a result some had left the faith and returned back to Judaism to escape hardship.In response to this, the author of Hebrews urged Christians to remain steadfast in Jesus by meeting together with a purpose. The writer told them to meet together and do 3 things: Stir each other up in love, stir each other up to do good works, and encourage each other. Essentially it is the body of Christ i.e. the church’s job to minister to one another to keep enduring and running the race of faith. The author then says the church needs “to meet together… all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” The “Day” meaning the Day of Judgment. Grace Church, let us be a body of Christ who has an even greater urgency to meet together as we are all the more closer to the Day of Judgment in comparison to Hebrew’s original audience. Let’s find ways to meet with each other and stir up their love for God and for others. Let’s find ways to stir up their love to do good works by serving the body of Christ. Finally, let’s find ways to encourage each other to hold fast to their faith as we go through stretching in this season of lent.

Weekly Application

As part of God’s church, we are called to be a unified body, partnering with one another to grow in our relationship with God and to fulfill His purposes. Although there is strength in our differences, we must remember that we are all different parts of the same body, each with our own unique gifts and callings. Start this week by asking God to give you a heart of unity and compassion. Then, reach out to three others throughout the week to listen, encourage, and pray for them. As you do, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of pride, selfishness, or unforgiveness that may hinder your relationship with others. Let us prioritize building up one another and be intentional about growing together in our walk with Christ this week.

Daily Devotional

Acts 20:35

35 “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Many of us know apostle Paul’s sufferings, that while he preached the gospel in various places and helped edify local churches, he faced immense hardships and opposition. And yet, as he shares in Acts 20, he held nothing back. Instead, he served with all of his heart, despite the suffering. And now he charges the elders of the Ephesian church (and us) to do the same, to follow his example. Paul exhorts them to work hard, exerting themselves as they serve. One of the main reasons why we work hard at our jobs is to support our families, even if the job is difficult. We should serve the church with that same heart. We serve for the benefit of others and not for ourselves. We help the “weak,” anyone who is need of anything. We must help the one who needs emotional support, the one who needs prayer, the one who needs company, and even the one who has nothing to offer back. And as we serve, we must always remember that Jesus himself said that it is “more blessed to give than to receive.” So let us serve the church and help those in need.

Weekly Application

As part of God’s church, we are called to be a unified body, partnering with one another to grow in our relationship with God and to fulfill His purposes. Although there is strength in our differences, we must remember that we are all different parts of the same body, each with our own unique gifts and callings. Start this week by asking God to give you a heart of unity and compassion. Then, reach out to three others throughout the week to listen, encourage, and pray for them. As you do, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of pride, selfishness, or unforgiveness that may hinder your relationship with others. Let us prioritize building up one another and be intentional about growing together in our walk with Christ this week.

Daily Devotional

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

5 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

The Israelites often included this passage in the beginning of their prayers as a confession of their faith. To us, it is a reminder that our love for God should not be limited to “church”, but should be a love that permeates every area of our lives. Think about the last time you were passionate about something. Wasn’t it natural for that passion or interest to spread to other areas of your life? When we are fixated on something, we draw the attention of others to it and even plan our lives around it. In the same way, when we are passionate about God and His kingdom, it becomes evident in the way we live our lives. Our words begin to center around God, our actions highlight Christ, and our attitude attracts others to experience it for themselves. Looking back at this week, we have been challenged to be intentional about our desire for God. Let us continue to be purposeful in our decisions each day that our lives may be a witnessing of His love and grace for us, and that our passion would transform the lives of those around us.

Weekly Application

Being part of a passionate church is to have a burning desire to live for Christ and to seek His kingdom first. You can do this by taking intentional steps to prioritize your relationship with Jesus. God desires to kindle your heart and renew your mind so begin each day by asking God to give you a hunger for His Word and a zeal for prayer. As you go through the day, keep your eyes fixed on Christ by being intentional about everything that you do. There may be areas of your life that need to be repurposed to reflect the love and glory of our Lord Jesus. Walking with God in this way will prevent you from becoming lukewarm in your devotion and it will cultivate a passion for Christ that will transform your heart and mind.

Daily Devotional

Matthew 6:24

24“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

In today’s passage, Jesus teaches us an important principle concerning the heart. In the same way a servant can’t serve two masters; our hearts can only choose to obey one master at a time. The reason is, there will be a time when both masters gives the servant or heart a command where only one master can be obeyed. And as a result, Jesus says either the servant will hate the first master and love the second master, or the servant will be devoted to the second master and despise the first master. But one thing is made clear here, the servant or heart cannot serve, love, and be devoted to two masters. With this in mind, Jesus then tells us “You cannot serve God and wealth (money or possessions).” Therefore, Jesus is calling for us to make a choice. Stop spending your life miserably trying to please two masters as it is impossible, but decide today who or what will be the master that has control over your life? If you choose God, then we need to arrange our lives in such a way that reflects a heart that loves and is devoted to Him. We need to make Him our passion and seek the great reward of pleasing Him as Lord. We need to lay aside all distractions, temptations and concerns from this world that tries to be your master. In other words, eliminate the competition that dampens your passion for Jesus and tries to lure your heart Him. If you feel your passion and love for God has grown cold, than it is time to identify who is Lord over your heart. Is Jesus Lord over your life or is there something else that is captivating and leading your heart at this moment? If we want to be a church that is passionate for Jesus, then each of us needs to make a daily choice. We need to choose one master and leave the other behind because as Jesus stated before you can’t follow both. To conclude today’s devotional consider this quote by missionary Hudson Taylor “Christ is either Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all.”

Weekly Application

Being part of a passionate church is to have a burning desire to live for Christ and to seek His kingdom first. You can do this by taking intentional steps to prioritize your relationship with Jesus. God desires to kindle your heart and renew your mind so begin each day by asking God to give you a hunger for His Word and a zeal for prayer. As you go through the day, keep your eyes fixed on Christ by being intentional about everything that you do. There may be areas of your life that need to be repurposed to reflect the love and glory of our Lord Jesus. Walking with God in this way will prevent you from becoming lukewarm in your devotion and it will cultivate a passion for Christ that will transform your heart and mind.