September 14 – 19, 2026

7 days ago

3 min read

FIRST things FIRST...Daily Formation

Monday: James 4:8 - Hebrews 10:19-25

Sometimes we make our relationship with God harder than it needs to be. We think we have to get our lives together before we can come to God. But James simply says, “Draw near to God.” God wants us to come to Him just as we are. There are a lot of things that can get in the way of our relationship with God. Sometimes we get so caught up in everything going on around us that we don't spend much time with God. But God hasn't gone anywhere.

Prayer: Lord, help me to draw closer to You.

Tuesday: Romans 15:13 - Hebrews 10:19-25

There are times when it is easy to have hope. Things are going well, life seems to be falling into place, and we can see where things are headed. Then there are other times when hope is harder to find. That's when we need to remember where our hope comes from. Our hope comes from God. That doesn't mean everything will always turn out the way we want it to. It doesn't mean we won't have difficult days. It means that even when things are difficult, we don't have to face them alone. God is still with us.

Prayer: God, when life gets difficult, help me remember that my hope is in You.

Wednesday: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Hebrews 10:19-25

You never really know what someone else is going through. Someone can walk into church with a smile on their face and still be having a really hard week. That's why encouragement matters. Paul tells us to encourage one another and build each other up. Sometimes encouragement doesn't have to be complicated. A phone call can do it. A text can do it. Sitting beside someone and asking how they are doing can do it. Even something as simple as saying, “I'm glad you're here,” can make a difference. We all need encouragement from time to time. So pay attention to the people around you. Maybe God has put someone in your path today who simply needs to know that somebody cares.

Prayer: Lord, help me to notice the people around me.

Thursday: Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 - Hebrews 10:19-25

We live in a world that tells us we should be able to handle everything on our own. But the truth is, we can't. There are going to be times when we need somebody else. There are also going to be times when somebody else needs us. Sometimes we are the ones who need help. Other times, we are the ones who are able to help. Don't be afraid to let people help you when you need it. And don't be too busy to help someone else when you see that they are struggling. None of us were meant to walk through life alone.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the people You have placed in my life.

Friday: Acts 2:42 - Hebrews 10:19-25

The early Christians didn't try to do everything by themselves. They did life together. I think that's something we can easily lose sight of today. It's easy to come to church, sit in our usual spot, say hello to a few people, and then go home. But church is supposed to be more. We need each other. Being part of the church means more than having our name on a membership list. It means being involved in the lives of other people.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving us one another.

Saturday: Matthew 5:14–16 - Hebrews 10:19-25

Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world. But what does it really mean? It means that the way we live should show other people something about Jesus. We don't always have to have the right words. Sometimes our actions say more than anything we could say. There is plenty of darkness in the world. People are dealing with loneliness, fear, anger, and hopelessness. As Christians, we have something different to offer.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to let Your light shine through the way I live.