Woodland Church

09/07/2026

Woodland Rooted Devotional
Week of September 7–11, 2026
Weekly Theme: Faithful in Every Season

God calls us to honor Him through our work, remain faithful in our responsibilities, rest in His presence, and trust Him with the results.

Monday, September 7, 2026 — Labor Day

Focus: Our Work Matters to God

Scripture: Colossians 3:23

NIV: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

NKJV: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”

KJV: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

Meaning

Labor Day recognizes the contributions of workers, but Scripture reminds us that our work has a purpose greater than recognition or a paycheck. Whether we work in a school, hospital, office, factory, field, church, or home, we can honor God through our attitude and effort. No honest work is unimportant when it is done faithfully and for God’s glory. Today is also a reminder that while our work matters, God never intended for work to consume us. He gives us permission to rest, reflect, and be renewed.

Application

Approach your responsibilities as an opportunity to serve God and others. Give thanks today for the ability to work, for those whose labor blesses your life, and for the rest God provides. Whatever work God has placed before you, do it faithfully and with a willing heart.

Quote

“The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.” — Jonas Salk

Well-Wish

May your Labor Day be filled with gratitude for meaningful work, appreciation for those who serve, and the renewing rest that comes from God.

09/06/2026

Worship Service 9/6/26 “Even Here God Is With Me: “What Do I Have To Fear “ | Pastor Tim Jenkins

09/05/2026

This might be the most correct statement that I have ever heard! I miss my coaching career!

This is the holy grail of why we coach youth sports!

09/04/2026

Friday, September 4, 2026
Today’s Focus: Keep the Conversation Going
A Little Morning Humor

Some people can talk without ceasing—and apparently Paul knew a few of them because he decided to put that ability to spiritual use!

Instead of talking to everybody else about everything, maybe we should spend a little more time talking to God.

Scripture — 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)

“Pray without ceasing.”

Who Is Speaking?

The Apostle Paul is giving practical instructions to the Christians in Thessalonica about living faithfully every day.

Expanded Meaning

“Pray without ceasing” doesn't mean spending twenty-four hours a day on our knees. It means developing a life of continual communication with God.

Prayer doesn't have to happen only at church.

You can pray driving to work.

You can pray walking down a hallway.

You can pray before making a decision.

You can pray while sitting beside someone who's hurting.

You can whisper, “Lord, help me,” and that's a prayer.

God desires more than an occasional appointment with us. He wants an ongoing relationship with us.

Application

Practice short prayers throughout the day.

“Lord, guide me.”

“Lord, give me patience.”

“Lord, help them.”

“Lord, thank You.”

“Lord, give me wisdom.”

Make prayer less of an event and more of a lifestyle.

Thought for Today

“Prayer is simply talking to God like a friend.”
— Billy Graham

Well-Wish

As you finish this week, may prayer become more than something you do—may it become part of who you are. Whatever this weekend brings, keep the conversation with God going. Have a wonderful and blessed weekend!

09/03/2026

Thursday, September 3, 2026
Today’s Focus: Stay Watchful and Thankful
A Little Morning Humor

Have you noticed we're really good at noticing what's wrong? The air conditioner can work perfectly for ten years, but let it quit for ten minutes and suddenly that's all anybody can talk about!

Maybe we need to become just as good at noticing God's blessings.

Scripture — Colossians 4:2 (KJV)

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”

Who Is Speaking?

The Apostle Paul is writing to believers in Colossae, encouraging them to remain devoted to prayer.

Expanded Meaning

Paul connects three things: persistence, awareness, and gratitude.

Continue praying.

Stay watchful.

Remain thankful.

Sometimes we're so focused on what we're asking God to do that we overlook what He has already done.

Watchfulness means looking for God's activity around us. Thanksgiving means remembering His past faithfulness even while we're waiting for today's answer.

Persistent prayer shouldn't make us increasingly frustrated. It should make us increasingly aware of God's presence.

Application

Today, don't only bring God your requests.

Bring Him your gratitude.

Before asking God for something new, name three things He has already done for which you're thankful.

You may discover that remembering yesterday's faithfulness gives you greater confidence for today's prayer.

Thought for Today

“We would worry less if we praised more.”
— Harry Ironside

Well-Wish

May your Thursday be filled with eyes that recognize God's goodness and a heart that remembers His faithfulness. Keep praying—but don't forget to keep thanking Him too.

09/02/2026

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Today’s Focus: Pray Through the Pressure

A Little Morning Humor

Some mornings we wake up ready to conquer the world. Other mornings, we're just proud that we found matching shoes! Thankfully, God doesn't require us to have everything together before we come to Him.

Scripture — Romans 12:12 (KJV)

“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.”

Who Is Speaking?

The Apostle Paul is writing to Christians in Rome and describing what a faithful Christian life should look like.

Expanded Meaning

Paul gives us three powerful instructions: rejoice, endure, and pray.

Notice that he doesn't promise Christians a life without trouble. Instead, he tells us how to live when trouble comes.

Our hope gives us something to rejoice about. Our faith gives us strength to endure difficult seasons. And prayer keeps us connected to the One who carries us through them.

Prayer isn't our emergency exit when everything else fails. It should be our constant connection to God.

The harder the season becomes, the more important it is that we stay close to Him.

Application

When pressure comes today, pay attention to your first response.

Do you worry?

Complain?

Try to fix everything yourself?

Or do you pray?

Develop the habit of turning everyday concerns into everyday conversations with God.

Before you panic—pray.

Thought for Today

“Anything is a blessing which makes us pray.”
— Charles Spurgeon

Well-Wish

May God give you patience for today's difficulties, hope for tomorrow, and the wisdom to bring everything in between to Him in prayer. Have a blessed Wednesday!

09/01/2026

🌳 Woodland Rooted Devotional
September 1–4, 2026

Weekly Theme: Perseverance in Prayer

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Today’s Focus: Don’t Stop Praying

A Little Morning Humor

Have you ever sent someone a text and then checked your phone every thirty seconds, wondering why they haven't answered? We aren't very good at waiting! Thankfully, when it comes to prayer, God never leaves us on “read.”

Scripture — Luke 18:1 (KJV)

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”

Who Is Speaking?

Luke records the words and teaching of Jesus Christ as Jesus prepares His disciples for the parable of the persistent widow.

Expanded Meaning

Jesus knew there would be times when His followers would pray and seemingly see nothing happening. That's why He connected persistent prayer with not losing heart.

Prayer isn't simply about getting an immediate answer from God. Prayer keeps us connected to God while we wait for His answer. Sometimes God changes the situation. Sometimes He changes us. Sometimes He opens a door, and sometimes He gives us the strength to stand faithfully in front of a closed one.

The command is simple: keep praying and don't give up.

Silence from heaven does not mean absence from heaven. God can be working in ways we cannot yet see.

Application

Is there something you've been praying about for a long time? A child? A marriage? A health concern? A financial need? Someone's salvation? A decision?

Don't allow the length of the wait to determine the strength of your faith.

Pray again today.

You never know what God may already be doing on the other side of your prayer.

Thought for Today

“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.”
— Oswald Chambers

Well-Wish

May your Tuesday be filled with renewed hope. Whatever you've been carrying to God, carry it to Him one more time today. Keep praying, keep believing, and don't lose heart.

08/31/2026

Woodland Rooted Devotional
Monday, August 31, 2026

Weekly Theme: All In: Living on Mission
Today’s Focus: Empowered to Be a Witness

God has not called us merely to gather inside the Church. He sends us into our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities to share the hope of Jesus through our words and actions.

Focal Scripture

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.”
—Acts 1:8, KJV

Who Is Speaking?

Jesus is speaking to His disciples shortly before His ascension. He promises that the Holy Spirit will empower them to carry the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

Meaning and Message

The mission of the Church does not depend upon human strength alone. The Holy Spirit gives believers the courage, wisdom, and power needed to represent Christ. Being a witness means telling others about Jesus and living in a way that demonstrates His transforming grace.

Application

Your mission field begins wherever God has placed you. Look for opportunities to share your testimony, invite someone to church, offer prayer, or demonstrate Christ’s love through service.

Quote of the Day

“You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read.”
—John MacArthur

Today’s Well Wish

May you enter this new week empowered by the Holy Spirit, prepared to serve, and ready to make Christ known wherever God leads you.

08/30/2026

Worship Service 8/30/26 | Pastor Tim Jenkins

08/28/2026

Woodland Rooted Devotional
Friday, August 28, 2026

Weekly Theme: All In: Serving Together
Today’s Focus: Do Not Grow Weary

Serving God can become difficult when progress seems slow or our efforts appear unsuccessful. Scripture encourages us not to quit because God is working even when we cannot yet see the results.

Focal Scripture

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
—Galatians 6:9, KJV

Who Is Speaking?

The Apostle Paul is encouraging the churches in Galatia to remain faithful in doing what is right and serving others.

Meaning and Message

Faithful service requires perseverance. We may plant seeds today that will not produce visible results for some time. God determines the harvest and its timing. Our responsibility is to remain obedient, trust His process, and continue doing good without becoming discouraged.

Application

If you are tired or disappointed, bring those feelings to God. Allow Him to renew your strength, and remember that your faithfulness may be making a greater difference than you realize.

Quote of the Day

“Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.”
—Samuel Johnson

Today’s Well Wish

May God renew your strength, deepen your faith, and remind you that a harvest awaits those who refuse to give up.