Hey family let’s take a look of the how we can experience Joy in Obedience, like Katie Davis Majors did in following Gods call to Uganda. 

“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” -Philippians 2:12–13

Katie Davis Majors never imagined she’d be the mother of 13 children by age 23. But a short-term mission trip to Uganda changed everything. She felt God tugging on her heart to stay, to serve, and to pour her life out. Her obedience was costly—she left comfort, family, and predictability. Yet her testimony is marked by joy. As she writes in her book Kisses from Katie: “People say I’m sacrificing so much, but I feel like I’m the one being blessed.”

Obedience often leads us out of what’s easy and into what’s eternal. It’s not always glamorous, but it is always fruitful. God works in us so He can work through us.

Is there an area where God is nudging you toward obedience? What step can you take today to trust Him more deeply? Let’s pray tougher that God would give us the courage to follow him with reckless abandon. Father, give me faith to obey You fully. Even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain, let me trust that You are working through me for Your good purpose. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

And remember Jesus loves you and So do I.

Pastor Will 

Today’s devotional is focused on the mindset of Christ. We are focusing on Mr. Roger’s as we see how he lived this out.

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage… he made himself nothing… taking the very nature of a servant…”-  Philippians 2:5–8

Fred Rogers was a television personality, yes, but more than that, he was a quiet servant of Christ. As an ordained minister, he saw his show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, as a way to minister to children with gentleness, truth, and love.

He didn’t use his platform for fame. He used it to slow down, to make space for hard conversations, and to remind every child: “You are loved just the way you are.” That’s the mindset of Christ. Humble. Gentle. Present. Fred Rogers chose a servant’s posture in a world full of noise. He mirrored Jesus, who emptied Himself not by accident but by choice. Joy was found in laying down status and picking up grace.

Where is God calling you to serve with humility and intentionality? How can you use your influence—big or small—to point others to Christ? Let’s pray together, Jesus, help me to have Your mindset. I surrender pride, status, and selfishness. Make me a quiet force for good, and fill me with joy as I serve.

Always remember Jesus loves you and so do I.

Pastor Will 

Today’s devotional look at the life of Mother Teresa again as she highlights the Joy in Valuing Others. 

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3–4

Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” She lived out Philippians 2:3–4 with her hands, heart, and life. In the slums of Calcutta, she bathed the sick, fed the hungry, and held the dying—not for recognition, but for love.

Her joy was undeniable. It didn’t come from applause, but from purpose. She saw Jesus in the eyes of the poor and valued their lives as precious. Her legacy reminds us that joy is not found in being first, but in lifting others up.

Humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself. It means thinking of yourself less. When we truly value others, joy follows. It disarms pride, heals division, and creates space for God’s presence to shine.

Who around you needs to be seen and valued today? How can you put their interests ahead of your own? Let’s pray Lord, give me the eyes to see others as You see them. Help me live with humility and love, finding joy not in being served, but in serving.

And remember Jesus Loves you and so do I.

Pastor Will 

We are in our new series through the book of Philippians on “Joy” I hope this week we can dig into this weeks sermon a little bit deeper, and consider a few points I may have left on the table. If you didn’t get a chance to see it visit our YouTube channel and catch it. So here we go! 

The Call to Humble Service

“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2:1–2

Joy in the Christian life doesn’t begin with what we do for others—it begins with what Christ has done for us. Paul reminds the Philippians and is, that if we have received anything from our relationship with Christ, any encouragement, love, comfort, fellowship, that we are called to express that through unity and humility.

As pastor Aaron reminded us last week Joy is not just the pursuit of a singular moment,  often we treat joy as a solo pursuit. But here, Paul paints a picture of joy that is corporate. It’s found in the family of God living in unity, putting one another first. Joy increases when we decrease in selfish ambition and increase in mutual love.

When we choose to see others not as competition but as companions, we reflect the love of Christ. It begins not with grand gestures, but with listening better, loving deeper, and living more graciously.

Ask your self:

Have you experienced encouragement, love, or fellowship from Christ or His people? How can you pass that on today in your relationships?

Lets pray together, Jesus, thank You for the comfort and love I have in You. Make me an instrument of that love to others. Let me pursue unity with humility and reflect the joy of Your heart. In your name we pray, amen.

And always remember Jesus Loves you and So do I 

Pastor Will 

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.”

Devotion:

People are deeper than they seem. What you see on the outside—a bad attitude, weird outfit, awkward personality, maybe even a mistake they made—usually isn’t the full story. There’s always something underneath. Hurt. Fear. Insecurity. Or even a story you haven’t heard yet.

This verse reminds us: people are deep waters. But most of us settle for surface-level judgment.

If you carry the heart of Jesus, you’re called to go deeper. To ask, “What’s really going on in their heart?” instead of, “Why are they like that?” It’s easier to judge than it is to understand. But love takes effort. Compassion takes curiosity.

Eva’s heart is this: God took time to create you—and He took just as much time to create them. We’re all different on purpose. We all need grace. And Jesus never walked past someone without seeing their heart.

So don’t just be another opinion in someone’s life. Be a mirror of Jesus—gentle, truthful, and deeply kind. Because you might be the first person who ever truly saw them.

Reflection question:

Reflection Question: Where in your life do you need to stop drawing lines and start building bridges?

It’s easy to look at someone else and point out what’s wrong. What’s harder? Looking in the mirror and remembering that we’re not perfect either.

Emma nailed it—words matter. Once you speak them, you can’t take them back. They can either build someone up or tear them down. And Caroline reminded us of something huge: you are made in the image of God—and so is the person next to you. Even with their flaws. Even with yours.

When you judge others harshly, you’re holding them to a standard you can’t even meet yourself. But God? He doesn’t treat you that way. He sees your “imperfections” and calls them beautiful. He doesn’t love some future version of you. He loves you—right here, right now.

So before you speak, pause. Remember the grace you’ve been shown. And extend it to others. Because judging doesn’t make you holy. But loving like Jesus does.

Reflection Question:

Who have you judged lately that you need to start seeing through God’s eyes instead? How can you choose mercy over criticism today?

Emma & Caroline (8th graders and youth students at Advent)

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Matthew 7:1–2 (NIV)

Day 2 at Lutherock! Our 8th grade girls decided to examine Matthew 7:1-2 this week. For the next 4 days we will be hearing what perspective each of our amazing girls have on this truth! 

Jesus isn’t saying that all judgment is wrong. Discernment is essential to the Christian life. What He is warning against is a spirit of self-righteousness—a critical attitude that looks down on others without examining one’s own heart.

In God’s kingdom, the standard isn’t comparison—it’s Christ. And that changes everything. Because the cross levels the playing field. All of us are sinners saved by grace. None of us earned our seat at the table. So when we judge others harshly, forgetting that grace, we’re stepping into a role only God is fit to hold.

Jesus reminds us that the same measure we use—whether mercy or condemnation—will be used for us. That’s not just about future judgment. It’s about the spiritual posture we carry now. The proud heart stays distant from God. But the humble heart receives mercy, and extends it to others.

So before you look down, look in. And then look up. See others the way Jesus saw you—broken, beloved, and worth dying for.

Reflection question:

Do I measure people by their flaws or by the grace I’ve received?

– Addy (8th grader and youth group student at Advent)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (NIV)

What’s up everyone! This week I am at Lutherock and I had some time to teach and equip students to write a devotional. Here is one of our youth students who is a 8th grader named Mark. I hope it inspires you as it did me!

Growing up, my dad would always train me in baseball. After school, we’d head out to practice—hitting, throwing, conditioning. He’d be right there, patient and steady, helping me get better every day. There were times I got frustrated. I’d be tired or discouraged, wondering why we had to work so hard.

But looking back, I see something different now. My dad wasn’t being hard on me—he believed in me. He saw potential and wanted to help me grow into it. At the time, I didn’t fully understand it. But now I know: his love showed up in the way he stayed by my side and didn’t let me give up.

That’s exactly how God works.

Just like my dad trained me on the field, God trains us through life. It’s not always easy. In fact, it’s often feels exhausting. But it’s not pointless. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God is always working for the good of those who love Him. Not just in the wins—but in the losses, the late nights, and the moments we feel like giving up.

Joseph knew that too. Betrayed by his brothers, thrown in a pit, sold as a slave—and yet years later, he looked back and said, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.” (Genesis 50:20). He realized God never left him. Even in pain, God was planning purpose.

So if you’re in a season where you’re tired, discouraged, or feel like quitting—remember this: your Father sees the big picture. He’s not punishing you. He’s preparing you.

Reflection Question:

When was a time you wanted to give up, but God used it for something good in your life?

You may not understand the why right now—but trust the Father who always sees the end from the beginning. He’s still training you. And it’s all for your good.

– Mark Pezone (8th grader at Advent School)

Bible Verse:
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Devotional:
An unoffendable life shines brightly in a dark and angry world. People notice when someone responds to offense with calmness, grace, and forgiveness. They are drawn to a life that is free from bitterness and outrage. As Brant Hansen describes, choosing to be unoffendable is one of the most powerful testimonies we can offer to the watching world.

When we stop demanding our “rights,” stop keeping score, and start loving unconditionally, we reflect the very heart of Christ. The world doesn’t need more outrage, it needs more grace. Today, let’s ask God to help us become beacons of His light: humble, forgiving, and radically unoffendable.