Preacher - Chris Foster

God instructed the priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant into the river, and when they did, the waters parted. Joshua then commanded the people to take 12 stones from the middle of the riverbed — one for each tribe — to build a memorial. These stones would serve as a lasting reminder for future generations of God’s faithfulness.

Just like the Israelites had physical stones of remembrance, we all have moments in our lives that remind us of God’s goodness — whether at church camp, during a powerful worship experience, through meaningful conversations, or even through simple objects like the rubber ducks that represent our friend Gajan.

This message encourages us to remember and share the stories of God’s faithfulness in both the good times and the difficult seasons.

This Week’s Challenge:

Take time this week to reflect on your own “stones of remembrance.” What moments, places, or people remind you of God’s faithfulness? Share one of those stories with someone this week.

Thank you for praying for our students and leaders as we wrap up this week and travel home safely.

Jesus’ experience in the wilderness closely mirrors Israel’s time in the wilderness. Where Israel grumbled about food, tested God, and eventually worshiped idols, Jesus resisted each of those same temptations. He succeeded where Israel failed.

Luke’s account adds another layer. Right before telling the story of Jesus in the wilderness, Luke gives Jesus’ genealogy all the way back to Adam. In contrast to Adam, who failed in the abundance of the Garden, Jesus stood strong in the emptiness of the wilderness. He succeeded where Adam failed.

This is significant because it shows us that Jesus is not only Israel’s Messiah — He is humanity’s Messiah. He is the better representative. He succeeded where we have all fallen short.

The beautiful truth is this: Our standing before God is not based on how well we perform. It’s based on how well Jesus performed. And He was perfect.

This week, take comfort in the fact that you follow a Savior who is better than you — and who stands in your place.

This Week’s Challenge:

Reflect on areas where you feel like you’ve fallen short. Instead of striving harder in your own strength, thank Jesus for succeeding where you couldn’t. Let His perfect record become your confidence.

Preacher - Chris Foster

After Japan’s match against the Netherlands, Japanese fans stayed behind and quietly cleaned up not only their own trash, but everyone else’s as well. This tradition, sometimes called the “Blue Bag Blessing,” has gone viral because it reflects something deeper than good manners. It’s a quiet expression of respect and responsibility for the spaces we share.

This simple act became a powerful picture of a spiritual truth: true character is often revealed not in our public victories, but in the quiet, unseen moments when no one else is watching.

Drawing from Philippians 2, we’re reminded of the example of Jesus, who didn’t cling to His status but humbled Himself and served others — even when it cost Him everything. True Christ-like character isn’t just about the big wins or the moments when people are cheering. It’s found in the thankless, behind-the-scenes acts of love and service.

This week, we’re challenged to carry our own “blue bag of blessing” — to look for quiet ways to serve others and leave the spaces around us a little better than we found them.

This Week’s Challenge: Look for one opportunity each day to serve someone quietly — without recognition or applause. Whether it’s cleaning up a mess you didn’t make, helping someone without being asked, or simply leaving a space better than you found it, let your actions reflect the humble, servant-hearted love of Jesus.

We hope this encourages you to live with quiet faithfulness this week.

Preacher - Justin Cook

What began with a horse stable set for his daughter Harley seven years ago has grown into something much bigger. As his girls moved from tea parties, Barbies, and makeup sessions into their preteen years, Lego became a new way to bond. A trip to the Lego store in St. Louis and the purchase of a Dark Knight Batmobile set in 2021 kicked off a whole new season of building Lego cities together.

Ben is quick to admit he doesn’t have the same natural creativity his kids do. They can look at a big pile of Lego and build almost anything. He needs the instruction manual. Those detailed booklets show exactly which pieces to use and where they go so the whole creation comes together step by step. Without the manual, it’s just a pile of bricks.

This everyday experience became a powerful picture of the Christian life. In Joshua chapter 1, God prepares Joshua to lead after Moses with very clear instructions. God tells him to study the Book of Instruction continually, meditate on it day and night, and be careful to obey everything in it. Only then will he prosper and succeed. The same God who was with Moses promises to be with Joshua — and the same promise is true for us.

Just like the Lego manual helps everything fit together and guides the build to completion, God’s Word is our instruction manual for life. It shows us how everything fits, reminds us of God’s faithfulness, and gives us the courage we need when we face our own giants and walls.

This Week’s Challenge:

• Commit to spending time in God’s Word every day (whether that’s a physical Bible, a Bible app, or listening to solid teaching).
• If you’re not sure where to start or how to build the habit, reach out to us. We’d love to point you toward some great places in the Old or New Testament to begin.

God’s Word doesn’t promise that life will be perfect, but it does promise that He will be with us wherever we go. Pick up the instruction manual He has given us and keep building.

We hope this encourages you this week!

Preacher - Chris Foster

Brenden speaks honestly about his own struggles with personal evangelism. While he’s comfortable preaching and teaching to large groups, he often feels doubt and fear in one-on-one conversations. Through Matthew 28, he highlights a powerful truth: When Jesus gave the Great Commission, the disciples worshiped Him, but some doubted — yet Jesus still sent them out.

This message is a strong reminder that we don’t have to have all the answers or perfect faith before we obey. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will teach us, remind us, and guide us in those moments.

Key Scripture:

• Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission)
• John 14:25-27 (The Holy Spirit as our Advocate)

This Week’s Challenge:

• If you don’t have a “one,” pray and ask God to clearly show you who that person is in your life.
• If you already have a “one,” set a daily recurring reminder on your phone that says: “Pray for [Name]”

Brenden also invites anyone wrestling with big questions or doubts to reach out — he would love to walk with you through those conversations.

You are not alone in this mission. The Holy Spirit is with you.

Preachers - Justin Cook and Chris Foster

In today’s devotion, we look at 1 Corinthians 12 and the powerful picture of the Church as one body made up of many parts. All of us — no matter where we are in the world — are baptized by the same Spirit.

This message comes out of last summer’s trip to Argentina and the ongoing missions our youth group supports each month. We’re reminded that God’s family reaches far beyond Greentree — from partners in India, Kenya, Cambodia, Haiti, and across the United States, to the important work happening right here in our local community. God has placed every part exactly where He wants it.

This week’s challenge: • Open the Greentree app or website and pray for a different missions organization each day • Learn about what they’re doing and lift them up in prayer • Look around at the people God has placed in your daily life (family, coworkers, neighbors) and ask how He wants to use your gifts to be an example of Christ right where you are

You are an important part of the Body of Christ. Your role matters — whether it’s big or small, visible or behind the scenes.

Wherever you’re listening today, our prayer is that this devotion encourages you, challenges you, and reminds you that you’re not walking alone.

New devotions drop every Friday.

Preacher- Chris Foster

Standing at the graveside, he gained a fresh understanding of John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

God didn’t just send Jesus to die for us — He willingly chose to feel the full weight of death and loss so we would never have to walk through it alone. This short devotional brings comfort and hope, especially during seasons of remembrance and sorrow.

Whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one this Memorial Day or simply reflecting on God’s great love, may this message draw you closer to the One who understands your pain and has already defeated it.

📍 Rolla, Missouri ✝️ New devotional every week

Scripture: John 3:16

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Preacher - Justin Cook

Preacher - Brenden Pristach

Preacher - Chris Foster

Justin Cook - Preacher