Devotional: The Spiritual Life Check-up

 Day 2 – Two Hearts in the Temple

Scripture:

“God, I thank You that I am not like other men…” – Luke 18:11

Reflection:

The Pharisee prayed with confidence but no contrition. His words were filled with comparison, not confession. The tax collector, meanwhile, came broken and repentant. He stood at a distance, unwilling even to look up, and cried out for mercy. Jesus makes it clear: God responds not to pride but to humility. He draws near to the contrite in heart.

Application:

Reflect on your prayers this week. Do they sound more like the Pharisee’s or the tax collector’s? Practice humility by confessing your need for God’s mercy before asking for anything else.

Prayer:

Merciful God, forgive me for the times I’ve trusted in my goodness instead of Your grace. Teach me to pray with honesty and humility. Help me approach You with a contrite heart. Amen.

Devotional: The Spiritual life Check-up

 Day 1 – The Need for a Spiritual Check-Up

Scripture:

“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.” – Luke 18:10

Reflection:

We all need regular check-ups—physically and spiritually. Like the Navy’s Physical Health Assessment, a spiritual check-up helps us evaluate our readiness and growth. It’s easy to assume we’re fine because we’re doing religious things. But Jesus’ parable reminds us that true fitness isn’t measured by comparison to others, but by our closeness to God. The Pharisee thought he was strong; the tax collector knew he was weak. Only one left justified and right with God..

Application:

Take time today to assess your spiritual condition. Are you relying on spiritual habits without a heart connection? Are you comparing your growth to others instead of Christ? Ask God to show you where you need renewal.

Prayer:

Lord, search my heart. Reveal areas of pride or complacency. Teach me to measure myself by Your truth, not by others. Renew my desire to grow in grace and humility. Amen.

Devotional: The Things that Matter

 Day 5 – The Things That Matter

Scripture:

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.” — Proverbs 11:30

Reflection:

Life is a vapor. In light of eternity, only a few things truly matter—knowing Christ, sharing His gospel, making disciples, and living with integrity. Paul and Timothy’s story reminds us that the gospel is always meant to multiply.

When we focus on the things that matter, our priorities shift. We begin to invest in eternal things—souls, truth, and love. Whether in a church, workplace, or family, you are God’s witness in this generation.

Application:

• Take inventory of your priorities—do they reflect eternal values?

• Commit to sharing Christ with one person this week.

• Re-center your life around knowing, loving, and serving Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to live for what truly matters. Let my life bear fruit that lasts for eternity. Give me courage to share Your gospel and disciple others faithfully. May my heart, words, and actions point always to You. Amen.

Devotional: The Things that Matter

 Day 4 – Finishing the Race

Scripture:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Reflection:

As Paul sat in a Roman prison awaiting execution, he didn’t speak of regret but of fulfillment. He had lived his life poured out for Christ. His legacy was not comfort, but faithfulness.

Finishing the race well is not about speed—it’s about endurance. It’s about staying faithful when others quit, holding to truth when the world drifts, and keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus. We run not for earthly crowns, but for an eternal reward.

Application:

• Reflect: Are you living with eternity in mind?

• Ask God for endurance to stay faithful in your calling.

• Encourage another believer who may be weary in the race.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, give me strength to finish my race with endurance and joy. Keep me faithful to the calling You’ve placed on my life. May I one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Amen.

Devotional: The Things that Matter

 Day 3 – The Charge to Preach and Live the Word

Scripture:

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” — 2 Timothy 4:2

Reflection:

Paul’s charge to Timothy goes beyond the pulpit—it’s a command to every believer. We are all called to share the good news of Jesus in every circumstance. The gospel is not to be stored—it is to be shared.

Preaching is more than words—it’s a lifestyle. Our actions, integrity, and compassion preach Christ every day. When others see our faith in motion, they witness the transforming power of the gospel.

Application:

• Look for one opportunity today to speak encouragement or truth into someone’s life.

• Live your faith visibly—through patience, integrity, and grace.

• Ask God to give you boldness to share your story and His story (Gospel)

Prayer:

Lord, help me to proclaim Your Word with courage and compassion. Let my life reflect Your truth even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular. Use me to draw others closer to You. Amen.