Devotional

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-12.

We often misunderstand love. We are good to those we love, so we misinterpret the goodness as love, and the response to the goodness, the warm, fuzzy feelings are also misinterpreted as love. That is merely the kindness part of love. Love is also patient, like we love a difficult child. Love keeps its composure no matter what obstacles come up. Love also disciplines because it does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love hangs in there no matter what.

Love is the foundation of how we learn and grow. Love is what brings us and holds us together. There will come a time when faith is manifested in truth fully revealed, and hope will manifest in dwelling with God forever. Love is not affected by time, but lasts into eternity. God is love. And the most amazing thing is God loves you and me.

Prayer

We see dimly. We feel dimly. We love dimly. Lord, we long for the day when we will see you face to face and our sight will be fully restored. We long for the day when we will linger in your embrace and feel fully. We long for the day when we will look on all of creation and love as deeply as you have designed us to love. For today, we lean on you, Holy Spirit, on your sight, and soul, and strength – to love out of your perfection where we are lacking.

Scripture Memorization

1 Corinthians 13:12-13 “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: Flood Waters by Josh Garrels

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs

Devotional

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:7-14

The apostle Paul knew that his relationship with Christ was worth more than anything in this world. He understood that anything gained on earth will just interfere with heavenly things. He concluded that what we gain in this world is a loss when it comes to Christ. Paul would rather give up everything he’s attained rather than risk losing Christ. For he’d rather be found in the righteousness of Christ than his own righteousness. It’s a righteousness that covers our imperfections based on the mere truth that we have put our faith in Christ.

If we are to be more like Christ, we need to get to know Him. Our gratitude for who He is and what He has done for us motivates us to pursue Him with passion. Our pursuit of Jesus, to get to know Him intimately, may even exceed our lifetime. Just as Paul confessed that he hasn’t got a hold of this yet, we also have not attained such a feat either. However, in the process, we should heed Paul’s advice. We should not look back to what has been, and we should strive to move forward as God has called us heavenward. This is our higher calling.

Prayer

Jesus, there is no higher calling than to sit at your feet and listen to your Word. It is through the Word that I am made; I am formed and molded into your image. It was your method from the beginning, it continues to be your plan for me today, and it is your intent for generations to come. There is no higher calling than to be discipled by you. At your feet I learn. At your feet I am shaped. At your feet I find rest. May my comings and goings each day begin and end at your feet until that day when I am called heavenward and will forever be in your presence.

Scripture Memorization

Philippians 3:13b-14 “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: Called Me Higher by All Sons and Daughters

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs

Devotional

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27

The metaphors used in Jesus’ words are brilliant. Just about everybody understands that a house would stand if the foundation is solid compared to ground that moves as the winds blow. So the same can be said about our lives as we navigate the harsh seasons of storms, strong winds, and waves. Those who practice the words of Jesus will be able to navigate the accusations and excuses of the world in our lives. Those who do not put them into practice have nothing firm to stand on, and will sink, bend, and come crashing down.

Why does this matter? Because His words are truth, the way God designed us to navigate this cursed world. We can stand firm because His words teach how to live life, how to do relationships, to build a strong family and community. Aligning your beliefs with the truth of God is wisdom. The alternative is to try and navigate life on your own understanding  where unrealistic expectations give birth to confusion, and lies begin to shift the foundation that moves beneath you. Become doers of the word. It’s a life changer.

Prayer

Jesus, you told us that if we love you, we will follow your commands. Your commands are firm, resolute, yet simple: love God and love others. But love is not merely an emotion; it is an action. And so our love is not complete without the evidence of action. We need your knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in order to genuinely love others in thought, word, and deed. Empower us with your Holy Spirit that we may live as you live and love as you love. Build beneath us a firm foundation that all our actions may be grounded in your truth.

Scripture Memorization

Matthew 16:18 “On this rock I will build my church and the power of death shall not prevail against it.”

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: Cornerstone by Toby Mac ft. Zach Williams

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs

Devotional

“Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. He said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. ‘Come here,’ he said, ‘and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!’ David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.  All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.’ As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.” 1 Samuel 17:40-50

Goliath was no pushover. His presence on the battlefield made the Israelites cower in fear. Being over 9 feet tall, he had the physique to back up his threats. This worried the king, along with David’s older brothers, each looking for excuses not to fight him. David was the only one who was not intimidated by this Philistine. Although David had defended his sheep from bears and lions, it was not in his abilities that he was confident. It was his faith in the God of angel armies. David was defending God’s honor against the enemy that mocked Him and His people.

There will be seasons in your life that you will have to fight to defend those you love. It may not be a battle to the death, but you will stand up for what is right. It may not be resolved right away, for everything happens in God’s time, not ours. There may be extended periods of suffering. Have faith in the God of angel armies, for He has gone before us, and He has won the victory. No matter the circumstance, do not let your faith waver. God has never let me down, neither will He let you down. God will fight for you, and He will win.

Prayer

Lord, I face days where the battle seems too great for me. Life’s pressures and problems loom high above me and glare down at me in insult. The world’s standards dictate my demise. By any logical outlook, I do not stand a chance, all odds are against me. But You, O Lord, tower above it all. From your mighty perch you command heavenly armies to fight at my side. You surround me and hem me in your protection. I am not alone on this battlefield. You are with me. You are for me. And You will fight the battle.

Scripture Memorization

Deuteronomy 20:4 “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: Phil Wickham – Battle Belongs

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs

Devotional

“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’” Deuteronomy 31:7-8

When the LORD goes before you in those days, it usually meant that the battle will be won by Him. The Israelites learned the hard way not to go into a battle where the LORD is not with them. Their disobedience cost them their initial entry into the promised land, and they wandered the desert for 40 years. Now Moses is handing off the torch to lead the people over to Joshua. Joshua trusted the LORD from the beginning, and He obeyed the LORD.

When the LORD goes before us, He prepares the way to accomplish His kingdom works through us. Yes, the way is already set. He has predestined us for success for His kingdom cause. The path will not change, as long as we are obedient to His call. We cannot experience predestination itself because we live through time, and we are not omniscient like the LORD. But He can be trusted. Focus on the times He got us through our life’s toughest moments. He has a track record of successes that got us to where we are now, and He will continue to pull us through. So there is no need to fear life, for God is trustworthy.

Prayer

Lord, I feel the anticipation of newness all around. A crossing draws close, a river of promises fulfilled. As with all things new, I fear the unknown. There will be new trials, new victories, new joys. I am anxious of being outside of what I know – what is comfortable. And I know that the vision you have is more than a mere thought or idea; when you envision a thing it is real, it is near. Holy Spirit, be by my side as the Comforter and Companion that you are. Lead my every step and surround me with your confidence and boldness to advance, relying on your presence and promises and not my own ability and desires.

Scripture Memorization

Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: Here As In Heaven by Elevation Worship

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs

Devotional

“So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish?Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless. A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 2:17-26

This life is meaningless, a sad but true statement from a man who had everything. All of his pursuits ended in vain. He can take nothing of what he had built up over his lifetime with him when he passes away. His concern was justified as Solomon’s son was the recipient of the fruit of the toil, and it resulted in the fall of Israel. Our typical life consists of working for someone laboring 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year, saving up for a 2 week vacation, and we repeat the process over and over. We attempt to catch pleasure in the toil because treasures on earth eventually get passed on to someone else. If a person has no relationship with God, this is as good as it gets.

A life with Jesus, however, allows to multiply pleasure and accomplishment by serving Him for His Kingdom cause. Not only will you invest in relationships, you will experience the hand of God in your life. You build up character along with memories that can be taken with you into heaven. Labor and toil is but a foundation of maintaining life. We are promised things in heaven that no one can imagine. That is the assurance God has gifted us with when we accepted His invitation to spend eternity with Him. How blessed it is to know Jesus. It kind of makes you want to share this free gift with others, eh?

Prayer

Jesus, your words echo deep in my heart, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” As I ponder their meaning, I am filled with despair at the idea of ever living a life apart from you. You give all things meaning and purpose. Without you, all things truly are meaningless. Holy Spirit, remain in me as I remain in you and empower me to share a purpose-filled life with all who cross my path. May they encounter you in me.

Scripture Memorization

 1 Peter 1:24-25 “For, ‘All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you.”

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: Meaningless – Jonathan and Emily Martin

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs

Devotional

“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

The believers in Thessalonica grew quickly in faith and it spread to neighboring provinces. They overcame their suffering with the hope of Christ Jesus, and they lived according to what they have been taught. They imitated the apostles who lived among them and became models for other believers to follow. There is something inspiring about being imitators of Jesus’ church. Just like being discipled individually, we will inherit godly character. Modeling is an essential human learning trait. Children often imitate their parents to learn and grow. It is a part of God’s design for us.

There are people in our lives that we admire, and we are encouraged to imitate them so we can inherit their character. We all model people around us, both good and bad. So why not intentionally seek those who model Christ? Similarly, we strive to become a good role model. Someone will be watching us. We do not want to become an excuse for someone to justify poor behavior. We want to accomplish God’s will. We were chosen to be His beloved followers. We don’t have to be perfect. God’s standard for us is to do the best we can in all circumstances. He will take care of the rest.

Prayer

Lord, I long to be like you. I desire to have your character, the fruit of your Spirit within me. Just as fruit mature off one another, may I grow in grace and knowledge because of those who surround me and model Christ-likeness. May I also be a model to others of your goodness. And together may we all grow to the fullness of the image of Christ.

Scripture Memorization

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: Chosen – Matthew West

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs

Devotional

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

What treasures are we storing and where? Treasure is not something we apply to necessities, but something in excess of our needs. We may save up for a hobby, a vacation, or upgrade our car or house. We may even invest long and hard hours to achieve these goals. However, things of this world are temporary. You cannot take them with you when you die. The very things we hold onto will be passed on to someone else and so on until the very things themselves perish. If we invest a lot of time and effort into things of this world, the return you may get will also be temporary.

Jesus says store up treasures in heaven, where no one can touch it. Invest in relationships, love God and love others. Develop godly character. Unlike treasures on earth, we can take these into heaven with us. We don’t know what these heavenly treasures are, but we know it has to be good coming from the Father of Light. Remember we are citizens of heaven. It doesn’t make sense if we focus on temporary satisfactions that will ultimately disappear. Friendship with the world means enmity with God. We know where our hearts should be. They should be with Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, I confess. I often feel entitled to my treasure, to the gifts you give from above. I do not stop to consider their source and to whom I should express my gratitude. It is You, Lord. And I deserve none of what you give, yet you give freely and without reservation. And so I return to you what you have endowed on me in full recognition of your benevolence and in gratitude of your unlimited grace in my life. Freely I have received and freely I give. May the desires of my heart align with your kingdom mission and may I take the greatest of delights in You.

Scripture Memorization

Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: Graves Into Gardens – Brandon Lake

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs

Devotional

“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.” Mark 1:16-18

Jesus called, and his disciples followed. Mark’s emphasis of this account was the immediate responses of the first four disciples. However, if you follow the accounts in the other gospels, you will get a bigger perspective. They didn’t jump in blind. By the time Jesus called on them, they had a good idea who Jesus was. They had found the Messiah, and they were committed to following Him. Discipleship in Jesus’ day was not just about learning the master’s trade or profession, but it was to become like them. They knew they would do life with Him for the next few years.

When we are beckoned by Jesus’ call for the first time, like the disciples, we have an idea who Jesus is. Back in 1991, when Jesus revealed Himself to me, I remember I had no hesitation. I only had gratitude and a warm presence entering down my spine. Your experience may be different, but the call is real. Jesus will call us many times during our journey to become more like Him. It will likely span our lifetime until we enter His glory. There may be times when we hesitate, or even let it go for a few days. But I am confident that ultimately, we will heed His call because we belong to Him. Jesus is the Christ, and we are committed to following Him.

Prayer

Jesus, you have placed a call on my life. I have heard your voice, the words that continue to echo in my heart, “Come, follow me.” Out of a deep yearning for purpose and direction, my heart seeks to follow after you. In obedience, your promise is made manifest, “I will send you out to fish for people.” Preserve the purity of my heart to singularly follow you and serve no other. Grant me the promise of your fruitfulness and harvest. As I cast my net out in obedience to your command, fill it with others to whom you have issued the same call, “Come, follow me.”

Scripture Memorization

Mark 1:17-18 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: Oceans by Hillsong United

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs

Devotional

“Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. May the mountains bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness. May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor. May he endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations. May he be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. In his days may the righteous flourish and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.” Psalm 72:1-7

A prayer from king David to his son Solomon, hopeful that he will rule with God’s righteousness. King Solomon is known for asking God for wisdom above any other gift God offered, and he was granted wisdom. However, wisdom in the hands of man may have gone to his head, as Solomon eventually broke all that was expected of a king described in the book of Deuteronomy. Had he stuck to ruling Israel with God’s righteousness, perhaps things may have turned out different. From there, the kingdom of Israel split into two, the northern kingdom of Israel, and the southern kingdom of Judah which kept the lineage of king David.

We are but one of many generations that have suffered as a nation through poor leadership. Yet God promises that He would save His people. We only need but keep our faith, even to the point of death. That is what Jesus has done for us, and after suffering, He ascended into Glory. His blessings will be greater than our sufferings. What God has prepared for us will be unimaginable. We must continue to rely on the LORD, to seek His kingdom and His righteousness. Regardless of our nation’s leadership, we are God’s children. We will live righteous lives and we will worship Him into eternity.

Prayer

Most High God, you are ruler above all rulers. All authority and power belong to you. You give and you take away according to your plans. Remind us of this truth when we despair, when things don’t go our way. Remind us that you are in control of all things. We are grateful that you are a God who is not deaf to our cries, that you hear and that your heart is moved by our petitions. And so we continue to pray in our limited knowledge, knowing that at the end of the day, your will prevails, and that your kingdom is the only kingdom that will endure to the end. It is your kingdom for which we truly long and to which all others pale in comparison.

Scripture Memorization

1 Timothy 2:1-4 “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: So Will I (100 Billion X) by Benjamin William Hastings

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs