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Woodland Church, 2695 Tram Road, Albertson, NC (2026)

10/22/2026

Woodland Rooted Devotional

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Today’s Focus: Loved Enough to Be Challenged

Good morning, Woodland family! Today’s passage reminds us that love sometimes challenges us. A good friend will tell you when you have spinach in your teeth—even if you were feeling confident about your smile!

Today’s Scripture — Mark 10:21–22

21 Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross.”
22 But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions. ebible.org

Who Is Speaking?

Jesus is speaking to a wealthy man who has asked about inheriting eternal life. Mark then describes the man’s sorrowful response.

Meaning of the Scripture

Before Jesus challenges the man, Mark tells us that Jesus loves him. The difficult instruction comes from love.
Jesus exposes the attachment that stands between this man and following Him. Selling his possessions would not purchase salvation; Jesus is calling him to release his rival source of security and become His disciple. The man leaves grieving because he cannot bring himself to let go.

Practical Application
Ask: What would be hardest for me to surrender if Jesus asked?
Consider possessions, status, comfort, pride, or the need to have the last word. Bring your answer honestly to Christ. Take one concrete step of obedience, trusting that His correction comes from love.

Thought for Today

“Come, follow me, taking up the cross.”
— Jesus Christ, Mark 10:21

A Wish for Your Day

May you experience Christ’s love today, including the courage and grace to respond when He challenges you.

Short Prayer
Jesus, thank You for loving me. Help me release whatever keeps me from following You. Amen.

10/21/2026

Woodland Rooted Devotional

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Today’s Focus: Lay Down the Weight

Good morning, Woodland family! We have reached the middle of the week. Some of us carry emotional baggage like an overpacked suitcase—we can barely close it, but we keep insisting we might need everything inside!

Today’s Scripture — Hebrews 12:1–2

1 Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ebible.org

Who Is Speaking?

The unnamed writer of Hebrews is encouraging believers to persevere in faith by looking to Jesus.

Meaning of the Scripture

Following the examples of faith in Hebrews 11, the writer pictures the Christian life as a race requiring endurance. Sin entangles us, and other weights can hinder our progress.
A weight might be a distraction, an unhealthy attachment, or a commitment that crowds out obedience. We lay these things aside while fixing our attention on Jesus, who endured the cross and brings faith to its intended completion.

Practical Application

Ask yourself: What am I carrying that is hindering my walk with Christ?
It may be resentment, the need for approval, a persistent sinful habit, or an overcrowded schedule. Choose one faithful response today: confess, seek support, begin forgiving, or make room for what God has called you to do.

Thought for Today

“Let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.”
— The writer of Hebrews, Hebrews 12:1–2

A Wish for Your Day

May your Wednesday bring fresh strength as you look to Jesus and take the next step with Him.

Short Prayer
Jesus, show me what I need to lay aside. Keep my eyes on You.
Amen.

10/20/2026

Woodland Rooted Devotional

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Today’s Focus: Loosen Your Grip on Control

Good morning, Woodland family! Today, let’s consider something many of us hold tightly: control. We sometimes hand God the steering wheel and then spend the whole trip giving Him directions!

Today’s Scripture — Proverbs 3:5–6

5 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart,
and don’t lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. ebible.org

Who Is Speaking?

The fatherly teacher in Proverbs, within the collection associated with Solomon, is instructing a son or learner in godly wisdom.

Meaning of the Scripture

Trusting God means depending on His wisdom rather than treating our understanding as the final authority. We still think carefully, plan responsibly, and seek wise counsel. But we bring our decisions under God’s direction.
This passage does not promise an easy road or an explanation for every turn. It calls us to acknowledge God throughout the journey and trust His guidance.

Practical Application

Name one situation you keep trying to control. Perhaps it involves your family, work, finances, or someone else’s choices.
Pray about it honestly. Identify the responsibility that belongs to you, take the next faithful step, and entrust the outcome to God.

Thought for Today

“Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding.”
— The teacher in Proverbs, Proverbs 3:5

A Wish for Your Day

May you find peace today as you faithfully do your part and trust God with what you cannot control.

Short Prayer

Lord, loosen my grip on control. Help me trust Your wisdom and follow Your direction. Amen.

10/19/2026

Welcome to the Woodland Rooted Devotional series for the week of October 19-23, 2026.

Weekly Theme: Open Hands, Undivided Hearts

Series: Nothing Else Matters

Preparing our hearts for Sunday, October 25: “What Are You Holding Onto?” — Mark 10:17–27

All Scripture quotations below are from the World English Bible (WEB).

Woodland Rooted Devotional

Monday, October 19, 2026

Today’s Focus: What Has Your Heart?

Good morning, Woodland family! Welcome to a new week as we grow together in God’s Word. Have you ever carried every grocery bag in one trip, only to discover you had no free hand to open the door? Sometimes our hearts are just as crowded as our hands!

Today’s Scripture — Matthew 6:19–21

19 “Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ebible.org

Who Is Speaking?

Jesus is teaching His disciples, with the crowds listening, during the Sermon on the Mount.

Meaning of the Scripture

Jesus teaches that earthly possessions cannot provide lasting security. What we treasure receives our attention, affection, and devotion. His words invite us to examine whether our priorities reflect a heart devoted to God.
Having possessions is not the same as being controlled by them. The question is: Do we use what we have to serve God, or has what we have begun to direct our lives?

Practical Application

Look at how you spend your time, money, and energy. What do those choices reveal about your priorities? Today, make one intentional investment in something with lasting value: encourage someone, help a neighbor, give generously, or spend unhurried time with God.

Thought for Today

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

A Wish for Your Day

May your Monday be filled with opportunities to treasure what lasts and notice the people God places in your path.

Short Prayer

Father, help me treasure You above everything else. Guide my priorities today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

10/15/2026

Woodland Rooted Devotional

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Weekly Theme: The Importance of Nothing

Nothing This World Offers Can Replace Jesus

Today's Devotional

We live in a world that measures success by what we have, what we accomplish, and how others see us. We spend much of our lives working to gain more, achieve more, and become more.
But Jesus asks a powerful question: What good is gaining everything if, in the process, we lose what matters most?
There is nothing wrong with working hard, achieving goals, or enjoying God's blessings. The danger comes when those things become more important than our relationship with Him.
You can have a full bank account and an empty heart. You can have a successful career and still lack peace. You can possess everything the world considers valuable and still miss the greatest treasure of all.
The truth is simple: Everything without Jesus amounts to nothing of eternal value.

Focal Scripture — Mark 8:36 (KJV)

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

Who Is Speaking?

Jesus Christ is speaking to His disciples and the crowd. He is teaching them that following Him is more valuable than anything this world can offer.
Meaning of the Scripture
Jesus reminds us that worldly success, wealth, recognition, and possessions mean nothing if we lose sight of what matters eternally. Everything we gain in this world is temporary, but our relationship with Christ has eternal significance.

Life Application

Take a moment today to examine your priorities. Are you spending more time pursuing the things of this world than strengthening your relationship with Christ?
Ask yourself: If everything I worked so hard to gain disappeared tomorrow, would Jesus still be enough?

Thought for Today

“Success without Christ may fill your hands, but it can never satisfy your soul.”
— Woodland Rooted Devotional

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive us when we place worldly possessions, accomplishments, and recognition above You. Help us remember that nothing this world offers can compare to the gift of knowing Jesus Christ. Teach us to seek what is eternal rather than becoming consumed by what is temporary. May our lives reflect that You are our greatest treasure. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Closing Encouragement

The greatest treasure you will ever possess is not something you can buy, earn, or achieve. It is the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Remember today: You may not have everything this world offers, but when you have Jesus, you have what matters most.

10/14/2026

Woodland Rooted Devotional

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

(Nothing to Prove, Everything to Surrender)

Weekly Theme: The Importance of Nothing

Good morning, Woodland family! Have you ever been carrying something so heavy that you knew you needed help, but you were too stubborn to ask? Sometimes we do that physically, but more often, we do it spiritually.
We carry worries about our families, concerns about our finances, problems at work, difficult relationships, and uncertainty about tomorrow. And instead of giving those burdens to God, we convince ourselves that we can figure everything out. We tell ourselves, "I've got this."
But what happens when we don't? Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us that we are not called to understand everything. We are called to trust the One who does.
There is a difference between being responsible and believing we must control everything. Faith is not having complete control of the journey. Faith is trusting the One who knows the destination.

Focal Scripture — Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV)

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Who Is Speaking?
These words appear in the book of Proverbs, traditionally associated with King Solomon, who was known for the wisdom God had given him. In Proverbs 3, the writer speaks as a father instructing his son in the importance of wisdom, obedience, and trusting God. He encourages the reader to recognize that human understanding is limited and that true wisdom begins with acknowledging God's authority and direction.

Meaning of the Scripture

These verses teach us to place our complete trust in God rather than relying entirely on our own knowledge or judgment.
To trust God with all our hearts means to depend upon His wisdom, even when we do not fully understand our circumstances.
Acknowledging God in all our ways means including Him in our decisions, priorities, relationships, and daily responsibilities.
The promise that God will direct our paths does not mean life will always be easy. It means that those who trust and follow Him can depend upon His faithful guidance.

Life Application

What situation are you trying to control today?
Maybe it's a family concern, a financial burden, a difficult decision, or something about the future.
Spend a few moments in prayer and surrender that situation to God. Then take the next responsible step, trusting Him with what remains beyond your control.

Thought for Today

“You don't have to know every answer when you trust the God who does.”
— Woodland Rooted Devotional

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, I confess that I often try to handle life's challenges through my own strength. Sometimes I allow worry and fear to replace my trust in You. Today, I surrender the burdens I have been carrying. Help me follow Your direction, even when I cannot see the entire path ahead. Give me wisdom for the decisions I must make and peace concerning the things I cannot control. In Jesus' name, amen.

Closing Encouragement

Woodland family, God never asked you to carry the weight of the world. He asks you to trust the One who holds the world in His hands.
Have a blessed Wednesday, and stay rooted in Christ!

10/13/2026

Woodland Rooted Devotional

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 (Nothing Lasting Without Jesus)

Weekly Theme: The Importance of Nothing

Good morning, Woodland family! Most of us take pride in being able to handle things ourselves. We work hard, make decisions, solve problems, and do our best to take care of the people who depend on us. And there's certainly nothing wrong with being responsible and hardworking. But sometimes our greatest strength can become our greatest spiritual weakness when we begin believing we don't need anyone's help, including God's.

Focal Scripture — John 15:5 (KJV)

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Who Is Speaking?

Jesus Christ is speaking directly to His disciples during His final evening with them before His crucifixion. In John 15, Jesus uses the illustration of a vine and its branches to teach His followers the importance of remaining spiritually connected to Him.
He is preparing His disciples for the challenges ahead and reminding them that their ability to live fruitful Christian lives depends entirely upon their relationship with Him.

Meaning of the Scripture

Jesus identifies Himself as the true source of spiritual life and His followers as branches that depend upon Him.
Just as a branch cannot produce fruit when disconnected from the vine, believers cannot produce lasting spiritual fruit apart from Christ. The word abide means to remain, continue, or dwell. Jesus is teaching that a fruitful Christian life requires an ongoing relationship with Him through faith, obedience, prayer, and dependence. His statement, "Without me ye can do nothing," refers to our inability to produce the spiritual fruit God desires apart from Christ.

Life Application

Before beginning your responsibilities today, spend a few moments with God.
Ask yourself: Am I simply staying busy doing things for Jesus, or am I intentionally spending time with Jesus?
Make prayer and Scripture part of your daily routine rather than something you turn to only when life becomes difficult.

Thought for Today

“Being busy for Jesus is not the same as being connected to Jesus.”
— Woodland Rooted Devotional

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the source of my strength, hope, and spiritual life. Forgive me for the times I have tried to live independently of You. Help me understand that lasting fruit comes from remaining connected to You. Draw me closer through prayer, Your Word, and obedience. May my life reflect Your love and produce fruit that brings glory to Your name. Amen.

Closing Encouragement

Woodland family, a branch cannot survive without the vine, and our spiritual lives cannot flourish without Jesus.
Stay connected to the One who gives you life.
Have a wonderful Tuesday, and stay rooted in Christ!

10/12/2026

Woodland Rooted Devotional

Monday, October 12, 2026 (Nothing Is Owed to Me)

Weekly Theme: The Importance of Nothing

Good morning, Woodland family! Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "After everything I've done, I deserve better than this"? Maybe you've worked hard, helped someone, sacrificed your time, or done everything you believed was right, only to feel disappointed when things didn't turn out the way you expected. If we're not careful, that disappointment can develop into an attitude of entitlement. Entitlement is the belief that we deserve certain privileges, rewards, or treatment simply because of who we are or what we've done. And the truth is, entitlement can quietly creep into our relationship with God.

Life Application

Today, pay attention to your attitude when something doesn't go your way. Instead of asking, "Why didn't I get what I deserved?" ask, "What has God already given me that I didn't earn?"
Take a moment to thank Him for three blessings you've received.

Focal Scripture — Philippians 2:3 (KJV)

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Who Is Speaking?

The Apostle Paul is writing to the Christians in Philippi. He is encouraging believers to live in unity, demonstrate humility, and put the needs of others ahead of selfish ambitions. Paul wants the church to understand that following Jesus means developing an attitude of service rather than expecting recognition or special treatment.

Meaning of the Scripture

Paul teaches that our actions should not be motivated by selfish ambition, pride, or the desire to receive recognition. Instead, Christians should demonstrate humility by treating others with genuine respect and considering their needs.
This verse challenges the attitude of entitlement because it reminds us that the Christian life is not about what we believe others owe us. It is about how faithfully we reflect the character of Jesus Christ.
Today's Devotional

Thought for Today
“Gratitude reminds us that God's blessings are gifts to appreciate, not rewards to demand.”
— Woodland Rooted Devotional

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have allowed pride or entitlement to influence my attitude. Help me recognize that everything good in my life comes from Your grace. Teach me to live with humility, appreciate the blessings I already have, and serve others without expecting something in return. Give me a grateful heart that honors You in every circumstance. In Jesus' name, amen.

Closing Encouragement

Woodland family, we may not be entitled to God's blessings, but through His grace, we have received more than we could ever deserve.
Have a blessed Monday, and remember to stay rooted in Christ!

10/09/2026

Woodland Rooted Devotional

Friday, October 9, 2026

Don't Let Fear Stop You

Good morning, Woodland family! We've made it to Friday! And after some weeks, just making it to Friday feels like a spiritual gift all by itself! As we close this week's devotionals, let's bring everything together with one question: What has fear been keeping you from doing?

Daily Focus:

Faith sees the obstacle honestly and trusts God above it.

Focal Scripture — Numbers 14:8–9, KJV

“If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us… Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land… the LORD is with us: fear them not.”

Speaker:

Joshua and Caleb are speaking to Israel after the people become afraid because of the report brought back by the spies.

Meaning:

Twelve spies entered the same land. They saw the same fruit. They saw the same cities. They saw the same walls. They saw the same giants. But they came back with two completely different conclusions. Ten essentially said: “We can't.” Joshua and Caleb said: “God can.” The difference wasn't eyesight. The difference was where they placed their confidence. Joshua and Caleb never claimed the obstacles weren't real. They simply refused to allow the obstacles to become greater than God's promise. Their confidence wasn't: “We are strong enough.” Their confidence was: “The LORD is with us.” And that's where faith begins. Faith doesn't say: “Nothing bad can happen.” Faith says: “Whatever happens, God will still be God, and I will trust Him.”

Life Application:

Think about the fear that has been following you lately. What has it been telling you? You can't. You're not ready. You'll fail. It's too difficult. What if something goes wrong? Now ask another question: What has God said? Don't let fear make a permanent decision about something God is still working on. Tell God honestly what frightens you. Then ask: “Lord, what does obedience look like for me today?” You don't need enough courage for the entire journey. You need enough faith for the next step.

Christian Quote:

“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.”
— Elisabeth Elliot

Prayer:

Father, I give You the fears I've been carrying. Help me see my obstacles honestly without allowing them to become greater than You in my heart. Give me faith to trust You and courage to take the next step. Amen.

Woodland family, as you head into the weekend, remember this:

The walls may be real.
The giants may be real.
The fear may be real.
But so is our God.

Don't let fear stop you from going where God is leading you. Have a blessed Friday and a wonderful weekend, Woodland family, and stay deeply rooted in Christ!

10/08/2026

Woodland Rooted Devotional

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Courage Doesn't Mean You're Not Afraid

Good morning, Woodland family! Sometimes we think courageous people never get nervous. That's probably because we've never watched somebody try to kill a spider while standing three feet away with a broom! Being afraid doesn't automatically make you weak. What matters is what you do when fear shows up.

Daily Focus:

Courage means obeying God even when fear is present.

Focal Scripture — Esther 4:16, KJV

“…and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”

Speaker:

Esther is responding to Mordecai after realizing she may have been placed in her position to help save her people.

Meaning:

Esther faced genuine danger. Going before the king without being summoned could cost her life. She didn't pretend the danger wasn't real. She didn't say: “I'm not scared of anything!” Instead, she asked the people to fast for her. She prepared herself. She sought spiritual support. And then she made a decision: She went. That's courage. Courage isn't always walking forward without trembling. Sometimes courage is walking forward while you're trembling. Faith doesn't always remove fear before obedience. Sometimes God asks us to obey while we're still working through the fear. Esther couldn't control what the king would do. But she could decide whether she would take the step God had placed before her.

Life Application:

Maybe you've been waiting until you feel completely confident before doing what you know you need to do. You may be waiting a long time. Instead, pray. Seek wise counsel. Ask others to pray with you. Then take the faithful step that belongs to you. You don't have to control the outcome. You simply need to be faithful with your next step.

Christian Quote:

“Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”
— Commonly attributed Christian saying

Prayer:

Lord, give me courage to obey You even when I feel afraid. Help me stop waiting for perfect confidence and start trusting You with my next step. Amen.

May your Thursday be filled with quiet courage—the kind that trusts God enough to move even when your knees are shaking. Have a wonderful day, Woodland family, and stay deeply rooted in Christ!

Woodland Church

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