Teaching Devotional

Weekly Devotional

Need help studying the Bible? Don’t know where to start or what to study next?
Join us right here every week for a weekly devotional based off of Sunday’s teaching.
Every week we’ll update this content so you can jump deeper into God’s Word.

MONDAY:

Blood, Testimony, and Unclogged Sewers

Solomon stared at sewage divers climbing from filth, their smiles masking humiliation. Oppressors refused them water to wash. The king declared it better never to be born than endure such evil. But Revelation 12:11 thunders: believers conquer Satan by Christ’s blood and fearless testimony. The sewer diver’s grin mirrors martyrs who stood bbetween victims and violence. Evil flees when ordinary people say “no” with their lives. [42:54]

Jesus didn’t send angels to stop oppression—He sent you. Your workplace, family, and neighborhood have hidden sewers: gossip that poisons reputations, neglect that starves souls, systems that crush the weak. You carry resurrection power to interrupt hell’s agenda. Where have you tolerated evil by silence?

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
(Revelation 12:11, NIV)

Prayer: Ask Jesus for courage to confront one specific injustice you’ve ignored.
Challenge: Text someone affected by oppression today: “How can I support you?”

TUESDAY:

Fifty Thousand and Smiling

Solomon watched laborers grind themselves to dust, not for need but envy. Researchers confirmed it: most prefer earning less if it means outshining neighbors. Romans 12:15 dismantles this rot—rejoice when others thrive. The sewer diver’s joy amid filth shames our petty comparisons. Envy dies when we feast on others’ blessings. [54:22]

Jesus celebrated Zacchaeus’ conversion while Pharisees scowled. His joy multiplied as others flourished. What if your friend’s promotion became your praise session? What if their answered prayer fueled your gratitude? Whose success have you secretly resented?

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
(Romans 12:15, NIV)

Prayer: Thank God for three specific blessings in someone else’s life.
Challenge: Call a friend who recently had good news—celebrate them for 5 minutes.

WEDNESDAY:

Threefold Cord in a Lonely World

The workaholic died rich and friendless. Solomon countered: two laborers finish faster, warm each other in storms, and fight better as a team. Modern studies agree—loneliness kills like smoking. Yet we trade game nights for overtime, forgetting Adam’s garden loneliness. [59:26]

Jesus sent disciples in pairs. His inner circle shared meals, miracles, and Gethsemane’s anguish. Who sees your unvarnished struggles? Who hears your midnight fears? When did you last prioritize presence over productivity?

“Two are better than one…A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NIV)

Prayer: Confess one relationship you’ve neglected for work or comfort.
Challenge: Invite someone to coffee this week—no phones, just stories.

THURSDAY:

Gray Hair and Listening Ears

A once-poor prisoner became king but died a fool. Solomon warned: age guarantees nothing without humility. James 1:5 offers the fix—ask God for wisdom daily. The sewer diver’s resilience came from unseen strength; our power flows from kneeling. [17:23]

Jesus listened to the Father constantly, even at Lazarus’ tomb. How often do you charge ahead without consulting Heaven? What decision have you made this week without praying first?

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God…and it will be given to you.”
(James 1:5, NIV)

Prayer: Write down one decision you’re facing—ask God for wisdom aloud.
Challenge: Read Proverbs 1:1-7 and underline every call to listen.

FRIDAY:

Bread, Cup, and the Third Strand

Communion cups remind us: evil exists, but Christ’s blood outlasts it. The sewer diver’s story ends with baptismal hope—filth washed clean, shame replaced with family. Jesus is the third strand in every fraying rope, the answer when oppression whispers “quit.” [26:30]

Peter told Jesus, “You have the words of eternal life.” What dead-end path have you been walking? How might His broken body redirect you today?

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
(John 6:68, NIV)

Prayer: Hold a piece of bread—ask Jesus to break any envy or apathy in you.
Challenge: Share communion with a friend tonight—read John 6:53-58 together.

TEACHING DETAILS:

DATE: April 26, 2026

SCRIPTURE: Ecclesiastes 4:1-16

SPEAKER: Matt Heverly