Devoted Church

SUNDAY RECAP // JAMES 4:1–10 ⚔️

“THREE BATTLES TO FIGHT”

“The Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground.”

This week we learned that the conflicts around us often reveal a deeper war within us. James reminds us that every believer faces three spiritual enemies:

⚔️ The Flesh Within Us – sinful desires that battle for control of our hearts.

🌎 The World Around Us – a culture that constantly pressures us to value what God does not.

🐍 The Devil Against Us – a real enemy who seeks to deceive us and draw us away from God.

The good news? God gives greater grace. (James 4:6)

Because of Jesus, we do not fight for victory—we fight from victory.

James’ Battle Plan:
✅ Submit to God
✅ Resist the Devil
✅ Draw Near to God
✅ Repent of Sin
✅ Humble Yourself

No matter how fierce the battle, God’s grace is greater than our flesh, stronger than the world, and more powerful than the schemes of the devil.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” — James 4:10

Yesterday, we continued our journey through James and explored the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom (James 3:13-18).

James reminds us that true wisdom isn’t measured by what we know or say, but by how we live.

🔹 Worldly wisdom is rooted in envy, selfish ambition, pride, and deception. It ultimately leads to disorder and conflict.

🔹 Godly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, gentle, teachable, merciful, sincere, and full of good fruit. It produces righteousness and peace.

The question isn’t whether you’re intelligent or successful. The question is: What kind of wisdom is directing your life?

As followers of Jesus, we’re called to reject the wisdom of this world and pursue the wisdom that comes from above.

“Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show…” — James 3:13

💧 Baptism Sunday is June 28!

Have you put your faith in Jesus but never taken the next step of baptism? Baptism is a public declaration of an inward transformation—a celebration of the new life God has given you through Christ.

If you’re ready to be baptized, your first step is to attend Foundations this Sunday at 12:30 PM. Foundations is designed to help you understand the basics of the Christian faith and prepare you for baptism. Lunch and childcare provided.

👉 Register today at wearedevotedchurch.com/baptism

We can’t wait to celebrate what God is doing in your life!

Sunday Recap | James 3:1–12

This Sunday, we continued our series through the Book of James by looking at the power of the tongue in James 3:1-12.

James reminds us that our words matter because they reveal our hearts, direct our lives, affect others, and were ultimately created to glorify God.

Key Takeaways:
✅ We are accountable for our tongues. One day we will give an account for the words we speak, especially those who teach God’s Word.

✅ Our tongues reveal our spiritual maturity. What comes out of our mouths is often a reflection of what is in our hearts.

✅ Our tongues direct our lives. Like a bit in a horse’s mouth or a rudder on a ship, our words have the power to influence the direction of our relationships and future.

✅ Our tongues affect others. A careless comment, harsh criticism, rumor, or gossip can spread like a wildfire, causing damage far beyond what we intended.

✅ Our tongues were created to glorify God. The same mouth that praises God should not be used to tear down people made in His image.

The good news of the gospel is that while all of us have failed with our words, Jesus never did. He lived a perfect life, died for our sins—including the sins of our speech—and through His Spirit gives us a new heart and the power to change.

Challenge: This week, ask God to guard your heart and your mouth. May our words be used to bring life, encouragement, healing, and grace to those around us.

“For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” — Matthew 12:34 (CSB)

☀️ June at Devoted Church 🌴

Summer is here, and we’ve got some incredible opportunities for you and your family to connect, grow, and celebrate together!

📱 Download the Devoted Church App to register for events, join groups, access daily devotions, and stay connected.

📅 June Events
👶 June 21 — Child Dedications
🎉 June 21 — Father’s Day at Devoted
📖 June 7 — Devoted 101
🏗️ June 7 — Foundations
💧 June 28 — Baptism Sunday

🕘 Sunday Gatherings | 9AM + 11AM
🔥 Devoted Youth | Wednesdays at 6:30PM

Whether you’re new to church, ready to take your next step in faith, or looking for a church family to grow with, there’s a place for you here.

Register today through the Devoted Church App or visit:
weardevotedchurch.com

🔥 MEN — THIS SATURDAY. 🔥

Breakfast. Brotherhood. Biblical Truth.

Join us for Men’s Breakfast at Devoted Church this Saturday at 8AM. Come hungry, bring somebody with you, and let’s grow stronger together as men of God.

No fluff. Just real community, encouragement, and truth that challenges us to lead well at home, at work, and in our walk with Jesus.

📍 Devoted Church
🗓 Saturday, May 30
⏰ 8:00AM

📲 Register on the App
Tag a guy who needs to be there. 💪

SUNDAY OF REST ☀️

This Sunday, May 24, we will not be having in-person or online gatherings at Devoted Church.

A few times throughout the year, we intentionally create space for our staff and volunteers to rest, recharge, and spend time with their families after faithfully serving week after week. We believe rest is healthy, biblical, and necessary.

We hope you enjoy Memorial Day weekend, make meaningful memories with family and friends, and take time to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. 🇺🇸

We can’t wait to gather together again the following Sunday at 9AM + 11AM!

🔥 MEN OF DEVOTED — THIS ONE’S FOR YOU.

We’ve got two powerful opportunities coming up for the men of Devoted Church to grow in faith, build brotherhood, and be challenged to lead well.

🥓 MEN’S BREAKFAST
📅 Saturday, May 30
⏰ 8AM
💵 $5

Start your morning with great food, real conversations, and biblical truth alongside other men pursuing Jesus together.

⚒️ MEN’S NIGHT: “RISE & BUILD”
📅 Sunday, June 14
⏰ 6PM–9PM
💵 $25

Join us for an unforgettable night featuring guest speaker Dr. Richard Bumpers, music from IAMBARABBAS, plus an afterparty with food, axe throwing, co****le, and more.

Men — God hasn’t called us to passivity. He’s called us to rise and build.

Register now: wearedevotedchurch.com/men

Yesterday, in James 2:1-13 we saw four reasons why favoritism has no place in the life of a believer:

• The Glory of Jesus — He alone is worthy of prominence.

• The Grace of God — God saves and values the people the world often overlooks.

• The Law of Love — We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves.

• The Judgment of God — One day we will give an account for how we treated people.