The Blue Bag Blessing: True Character When No One’s Watching | Philippians 2

The Blue Bag Blessing: True Character When No One’s Watching | Philippians 2

In this week’s devotional, we take a look at one of the most unexpected and powerful moments from the World Cup so far — not something that happened on the field, but what happened after the final whistle. 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.

The 10 Commandments Revisied (Week 1)

Greentree Christian Church Sermon - 6.14.26 Preacher - Justin Cook

Lego, Joshua, and the Book of Instruction | Joshua 1

Happy Friday! In this week’s devotion from Greentree Together, Ben Harris shares a fun and personal story about connecting with his daughters through Lego. 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!

God Looks at the Heart

Sunday Sermon 6.7.26 Preacher - Chris Foster

For the One: Overcoming Doubt in Personal Evangelism | Matthew 28

In this week’s devotion, Brenden Pristach shares from a recent conference in Louisville, Kentucky themed “For the One.” He explores the heart of the Great Commission and our call to pursue specific people in our lives with the gospel — the same focus we had during our “Who’s Your One” series at Greentree. 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.