“And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” - John 10:4
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the voices around you? Social media, friends, family, teachers, and the world all seem to have something to say about who you should be and what you should do. But with so much noise, how do we know which voice to follow?
Jesus tells us that His sheep know His voice and follow Him. But recognizing His voice isn’t always easy. Just like on a show like The Voice, where judges listen carefully to choose the best singers, we must learn to listen carefully for Jesus’ voice amidst all the distractions in our lives.
So how can we recognize the voice of our Shepherd, Jesus?

1. His Voice is Personal – Jesus knows you by name. He speaks to your heart in a way that is specific to you. He understands your struggles, your dreams, and your fears. Psalm 139:1-3 reminds us that God knows everything about us. His voice is not distant—it’s close and personal.
2. His Voice Aligns with Scripture – God will never tell you something that goes against His Word. If you hear something that contradicts the Bible, it’s not from Him. II Timothy 3:16 tells us that Scripture is the ultimate truth, guiding us in the right direction.
3. His Voice is Gentle but Firm – Jesus doesn’t force or manipulate. His voice brings peace and clarity, not confusion or fear. When Elijah sought God, He spoke in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). That’s how Jesus speaks to us—calmly, but with authority.
4. His Voice Brings Peace – God’s voice doesn’t create anxiety or chaos. Even when He challenges us to step out in faith, His voice is filled with peace. Philippians 4:7 says that His peace “passeth all understanding.”
5. His Voice is Best Heard in Intimacy – The more time we spend with Jesus—through prayer, worship, and reading His Word—the more we will recognize His voice. Just like sheep know their shepherd by spending time with him, we learn to recognize Jesus’ voice when we stay close to Him.

Are you listening for the Shepherd’s voice? Take time today to quiet the noise and tune in to Jesus. He’s speaking—will you follow?

-Tom Bragdon


This devotion came from a summary of the Morning Worship Sermon on 03/09/25, to watch the Full Sermon on this topic, simply follow the link below.


Disclaimer:
This devotion was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure the content aligns with biblical principles and spiritual values, readers are encouraged to consult scripture and seek personal guidance for their faith journey.

Have you ever felt like life just doesn’t make sense? Like everything is a tangled mess, and you don’t know why things happen the way they do? If so, you’re not alone. The people of Israel felt the same way when they were taken captive in Babylon. They were confused, frustrated, and full of questions. But God had a message for them—and it’s the same message He has for you today.
In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Another way to say it is, "a hope and a future." Even when the Israelites were stuck in a place they didn’t want to be, God had a plan for them. He wasn’t making things up as He went along—He had already prepared their path.
God’s Plan is Bigger Than We Can See
Think about your life. Can you explain exactly how you got to this moment? Probably not! Life is full of choices, twists, and turns. Sometimes it feels like a mess—like the back of a tapestry with threads going in every direction. But if you could see the front, you’d realize that every thread has a purpose. The problem is, we can’t see the finished picture yet.
That’s why the Bible says, "The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38). We don’t always understand what God is doing, but we can trust that He sees the whole picture and is leading us in the right direction.
You Were Made for This Journey
Have you ever said, "I’m just not made for this!"? Maybe life feels too hard, or a situation seems too much to handle. But the truth is, God made you specifically for the path you’re on. He didn’t create you and then figure out what to do with you—He designed you on purpose, for a purpose!
Think of a runner. A racecourse isn’t built to match the runner’s abilities; the runner trains to match the course. In the same way, God created you to face the path He’s set before you. Nothing surprises Him. He knows every twist and turn, every obstacle, and every challenge. And He’s walking with you every step of the way.
God’s Thoughts Are Always Toward You
Psalm 40:5 says, "Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." God isn’t just thinking about you—His thoughts are directed toward you. He’s constantly planning for your good, even when you can’t see it.
Even in the toughest moments, God hasn’t abandoned you. He’s right beside you, just like He was with Jonah when he ran, David when he messed up, and Peter when he denied Jesus. God knew they would make mistakes, but He never left them. He stood with them through it all, guiding them back to His plan.
Hope for the Future
Life isn’t always easy. Jesus even said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). The world will bring struggles, pain, and challenges—but Jesus has already won the victory.
Whatever course you’re on, you were made for it. You’re not alone. And you have everything you need to find hope for the future.
Paul put it this way in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." That’s the goal—to keep the faith, trusting that one day, when we see the other side of the tapestry, we’ll understand just how perfectly God wove our lives together.
So no matter where you are right now, remember: God has a plan, He is in control, and His thoughts are always toward you. Trust Him, and keep moving forward!


-Tom Bragdon

This devotion came from a summary of the Morning Worship Sermon on 02/23/25, to watch the Full Sermon on this topic, simply follow the link below.


Disclaimer:
This devotion was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure the content aligns with biblical principles and spiritual values, readers are encouraged to consult scripture and seek personal guidance for their faith journey.

Worship is more than a Sunday routine; it’s a way to show God honor and respect. In Malachi 1, the Israelites had lost sight of this. Instead of giving God their best, they offered worthless sacrifices—blind lambs, moldy bread—things they wouldn’t even give a governor!
God called them out, not because He needed their sacrifices, but because their worship had become empty. They went through the motions without true love or reverence.
Have you ever found yourself in a spiritual rut? Maybe you go to church, sing the songs, and listen to the sermon, but your heart isn’t in it. Worship is not about checking a box; it’s about giving God your best—your attention, gratitude, and devotion.
The Psalms remind us:
"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised" (Psalm 96:3-4).
Worship should be intentional. It’s lifting up God so others see His goodness. It’s thanking Him for salvation, His blessings, and His love.
Here’s how you can cultivate true worship:

• Pray for your church services—for the music, the sermon, and for God to teach you something new.
• Pray for your church family—that God would bless, guide, and strengthen them.
• Remember why you’re there—not out of duty, but to glorify God.

Worship isn’t just what we do in church; it’s a lifestyle of honoring God with our whole hearts. Don’t settle for routine—offer God the best of your time, attention, and praise.

-Hernan Hernandez III
This devotion came from a summary of the Morning Worship Sermon on 02/23/25, to watch the Full Sermon on this topic, simply follow the link below.


Disclaimer:
This devotion was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure the content aligns with biblical principles and spiritual values, readers are encouraged to consult scripture and seek personal guidance for their faith journey.

Philippians 1:1-6
Have you ever felt like you’re not where you should be in your faith? Maybe you’ve doubted if God is really working in your life. If so, you’re not alone. Many believers struggle with feelings of inadequacy, but Philippians 1:6 gives us a promise to hold onto: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
This verse reminds us that God is not finished with us yet. He is constantly working in our hearts, shaping us into the people He created us to be. No matter how far we have to go, we can trust that He will complete His work in us.
1. You Are a Servant and a Saint
In Philippians 1:1, Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ. He doesn’t boast about his position or accomplishments—he simply identifies as a servant. This is a great reminder that our purpose is to serve God and others with humility. At the same time, Paul calls believers saints, meaning we are set apart for God’s purposes. You don’t have to be perfect to be a saint—you simply need to belong to Jesus.
2. You Are Positioned for a Purpose
You are exactly where God wants you to be. Your job, your school, your family—none of it is by accident. Just as Paul was placed in Philippi to spread the gospel, you are positioned to make an impact in your community. Ask God how He wants to use you where you are today.
3. You Have Been Given Grace and Peace
Paul greets the Philippians with “grace and peace” (v.2). Grace is God’s undeserved favor, and peace is the result of being in a right relationship with Him. When life feels overwhelming, remember that God’s grace is sufficient and His peace is available to you.
4. You Can Have Joy in Jesus
Paul was writing from prison, yet his letter is filled with joy. Why? Because his joy wasn’t based on circumstances—it was based on Jesus. When you focus on Christ rather than your problems, you will find joy even in difficult times.
5. You Are a Partner in the Gospel
In verse 5, Paul thanks the Philippians for their partnership in sharing the gospel. As believers, we are called to work together to spread God’s love. Whether through prayer, encouragement, or action, we each have a role to play in God’s kingdom.
6. You Are a Work in Progress
Philippians 1:6 assures us that God will complete the work He started in us. We are all in process, and spiritual growth takes time. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks—God is still working in you. Just like a construction project, we may not look finished, but God is shaping us into something beautiful.
Final Thought
Imagine a construction sign that says, "End of construction. Thanks for your patience." That’s how our lives will be when we stand before Jesus—completely transformed. Until then, trust that God is still working. Keep growing, keep serving, and keep believing that He will finish what He started in you.

-Tom Bragdon

This devotion came from a summary of the Morning Worship Sermon on 02/16/25, to watch the Full Sermon on this topic, simply follow the link below.


Disclaimer:
This devotion was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure the content aligns with biblical principles and spiritual values, readers are encouraged to consult scripture and seek personal guidance for their faith journey.

Have you ever felt like life is just too much? Between school, sports, church, and family, it can seem like there’s no time to breathe. Maybe you’ve wished for a break—a quiet cabin in the woods or a beach far away from the stress. But that’s not how life works, right? Sometimes, it feels like there’s no way to make things simpler.
But is this what God wants for us? Not exactly.
Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Life is tough, and challenges are guaranteed. But we don’t have to make things harder than they need to be. Sometimes, our stress comes from our own choices.
God’s plan for us is actually pretty simple. He makes it clear in Deuteronomy 30:11-20. He doesn’t hide His will from us or make it complicated. He gives us two choices: life and blessing or death and cursing. And just in case we’re unsure, He tells us exactly what to pick: “Choose life!” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
So, how do we choose life? Here’s the simple plan:

1. Love God. (Deuteronomy 30:16) A relationship with God isn’t just about following rules. It’s about love. He wants us to be close to Him and know Him deeply.
2. Live in His Way. We don’t have to wander through life guessing what to do. God has already given us direction through His Word. Following Him leads to peace and purpose.
3. Lean on His Word. The Bible is our guide. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” When we trust His Word, we avoid unnecessary complications.

God’s plan isn’t confusing or impossible. It’s not about checking off religious boxes; it’s about walking with Him daily. If life feels overwhelming, take a step back and ask yourself: Am I making this harder than it needs to be? Choose life. Choose blessing. Choose Him.
Because honestly? It ain’t that complicated!

-Tom Bragdon

This devotion came from a summary of the Morning Worship Sermon on 02/10/25, to watch the Full Sermon on this topic, simply follow the link below.


Disclaimer:
This devotion was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure the content aligns with biblical principles and spiritual values, readers are encouraged to consult scripture and seek personal guidance for their faith journey.

Trust isn’t something that happens overnight—it’s a journey that grows through relationship. Think about a baby crying when placed in the arms of a stranger. That baby hasn’t learned to trust the stranger because it hasn’t built a relationship with them. Trust is learned.
It’s the same with God. Just because we don’t fully trust Him yet doesn’t mean He’s untrustworthy. It means we haven’t spent enough time in relationship with Him to know His character and faithfulness. Psalm 31:1 says, “In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.” David, the writer of this psalm, faced incredible hardships. Yet, in the midst of his struggles, he chose to trust God.
Why is it so hard to trust God? Often, we place our trust in people or things—relationships, money, jobs, or even governments. But everything in this world will fail us eventually. God, however, will not. His character is unchanging, His promises are true, and His love is steadfast.
Imagine you’re on a sinking ship, and the captain tells you to get into a lifeboat. The lifeboat is your refuge—it’s the only way to be saved. Faith in the captain’s words moves you to act, but it’s the lifeboat itself that saves you. In the same way, trusting God isn’t about having all the answers or perfect faith; it’s about relying on Him, the only One who can save and sustain you.
Today, take a step toward trusting God. Spend time in His Word, talk to Him in prayer, and reflect on His faithfulness in your life. Trust grows as you get to know Him. Remember, God is your rock and fortress, a safe place in every storm. Will you trust Him today?

-Tom Bragdon

This devotion came from a summary of the Morning Worship Sermon on 01/19/25, to watch the Full Sermon on this topic, simply follow the link below.


Disclaimer:
This devotion was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure the content aligns with biblical principles and spiritual values, readers are encouraged to consult scripture and seek personal guidance for their faith journey.

“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.” – Psalm 37:1-2
Have you ever found yourself looking at someone else’s life and thinking, “Why do they have it so good while I struggle?” It’s a question most of us have wrestled with, even as believers. I remember learning a hymn as a kid called “Farther Along.” Back then, I didn’t fully appreciate its message. But now, I see the truth in its words: we may not understand everything now, but one day, we will.
It’s easy to look at people who don’t follow God and wonder why their lives seem easier or more prosperous. We might think, “Why is God blessing them and not me?” But Psalm 37 reminds us that their success is temporary—it’s like green grass that withers in the heat of summer. Instead of focusing on what others have, David calls us to trust in the Lord and “do good” (Psalm 37:3).
When we delight in God, He reshapes our hearts. The things we desire become less about material gain and more about His kingdom—loving others, growing in faith, and living a life that glorifies Him. God doesn’t promise to give us everything we want, but He does promise to meet our deepest needs and transform us from the inside out.
So, as you start this new year, ask yourself: Am I focused on keeping up with the world, or am I seeking God’s will for my life?
Instead of counting someone else’s blessings, trust in God’s timing. Cheer up, live in the sunshine, and know that farther along, we’ll understand the fullness of His plans.

-Hernan Hernandez III


This devotion came from a summary of the Morning Worship Sermon on 01/12/25, to watch the Full Sermon on this topic, simply follow the link below.


Disclaimer:
This devotion was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure the content aligns with biblical principles and spiritual values, readers are encouraged to consult scripture and seek personal guidance for their faith journey.

Have you ever felt like giving up? Maybe life feels heavy, and you wonder if there’s any point in holding on to hope. The Bible is full of stories that remind us hope is never wasted, even when things seem impossible.
Take the story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-29). For twelve long years, she suffered. She spent all she had on doctors, only to get worse. Can you imagine her feelings of alienation, powerlessness, and doom? Yet, she didn’t let hopelessness win. Instead, she believed that if she could just touch Jesus’ garment, she would be healed. And she was right. Her faith stopped Jesus in His tracks. Her hope and belief brought her healing.
When life feels overwhelming, do you press toward Jesus or turn away? 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Faith means trusting God even when you can’t see the solution. It means holding onto His promises when the world tells you to let go.
Hope isn’t always easy. Just ask the blind men in Matthew 20:29-33. They cried out to Jesus for mercy, even as the crowd tried to silence them. Their boldness and persistence showed their faith, and Jesus responded by restoring their sight. What voices in your life try to drown out your hope? Doubt, pain, and fear can feel deafening, but God’s voice is louder when we choose to listen.
Like Gideon in Judges 6, we might struggle to believe God sees us and our struggles. But God calls us to rise up, trust Him, and let Him work through us. Gideon’s obedience brought freedom not just for himself but for his people.
Hope isn’t passive. It’s a fight—a decision to trust God daily. When you choose hope, you inspire others to believe too. Let’s embrace hope that believes, persists, and hears God’s voice. Because with Him, there’s always a reason to hope.

-Tom Bragdon



This devotion came from a summary of the Morning Worship Sermon on 01/05/25, to watch the Full Sermon on this topic, simply follow the link below.


Disclaimer:
This devotion was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure the content aligns with biblical principles and spiritual values, readers are encouraged to consult scripture and seek personal guidance for their faith journey.

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” – Hebrews 6:19
Do you ever feel like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh? He’s that gloomy donkey who’s always expecting rain or a forgotten birthday. Sometimes, life can feel like that for us too—filled with disappointment or struggle. But God has something far better in store: hope.

Paul reminds us in Romans 8:18 that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” In other words, no matter how tough things get now, God has a beautiful plan for our future. We’re waiting for something incredible—His promises to come true.

So, what is hope? It’s not just wishing for the best. Hope is trusting that God is working, even when we can’t see it. It’s like an anchor that keeps us steady in life’s storms.
Think of Abraham. He was 100 years old and still waiting for a child, but he chose to believe God could do the impossible. Or Hannah, who prayed through her heartbreak and trusted God with her deepest desires. They faced challenges, but they didn’t lose hope because they knew God was faithful.

Life might feel uncertain—your prayers unanswered or your heart heavy—but Jesus encourages us in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Hope isn’t about ignoring life’s problems; it’s about facing them with faith. Keep praying. Keep believing. Trust that God’s timing is perfect.

Let hope guide you today, and remember, the best is yet to come!

-Tom Bragdon

This devotion came from a summary of the Morning Worship Sermon on 12/29/24, to watch the Full Sermon on this topic, simply follow the link below.


Disclaimer:
This devotion was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure the content aligns with biblical principles and spiritual values, readers are encouraged to consult scripture and seek personal guidance for their faith journey.

An Extraordinary Love for Ordinary People
In John 4, Jesus takes a path most Jews avoided—through Samaria. Why? He needed to meet someone—a Samaritan woman drawing water alone at Jacob’s well. She was ordinary: marginalized, broken, and cast aside by her own community. Yet Jesus chose her for a divine encounter.
Jesus did not avoid her, though society deemed her “unclean.” Instead, He lovingly offered her “living water”—eternal life through Him. Jesus revealed her past of failed relationships, not to shame her, but to offer hope and redemption. When she realized He was the Messiah, she ran back to the city shouting, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did!” (John 4:29). The first evangelist was an ordinary, overlooked woman transformed by extraordinary love.
Throughout Scripture, God continually chooses ordinary people. He appeared to shepherds—farmers on the night shift—to announce Jesus’ birth. He empowered David, a young shepherd, to defeat Goliath. He chose Peter, a fisherman, to lead the early church. God didn’t choose kings or scholars; He picked ordinary people willing to trust Him.
Today, you might feel inadequate—too flawed, too “ordinary” to be used by God. But remember Moses’ doubts? God assured him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? … I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” (Exodus 4:11-12). God knows your weaknesses, and He chose you anyway.
Friend, Jesus meets you at your “well”—in your brokenness and ordinary life—and offers living water. He calls you to share His extraordinary love with others, just like the woman at the well. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to come, drink, and say, “Come and see!”
God’s extraordinary love transforms ordinary people for His extraordinary purpose.
Because he has an extraordinary love for ordinary people.

-Hernan Hernandez III

This devotion came from a summary of the Morning Worship Sermon on 12/15/24, to watch the Full Sermon on this topic, simply follow the link below.

https://leaguevillebc.com/media/xvkbcsr/sunday-morning-worship-12-15

Disclaimer:
This devotion was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure the content aligns with biblical principles and spiritual values, readers are encouraged to consult scripture and seek personal guidance for their faith journey.

Good morning. I hope you all have a blessed week.
Matthew Henry commentary on Ephesians 2:19-22
Verses 19-22 The church is compared to a city, and every converted sinner is free of it. It is also compared to a house, and every converted sinner is one of the family; a servant, and a child in God's house. The church is also compared to a building, founded on the doctrine of Christ; delivered by the prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New. God dwells in all believers now; they become the temple of God through the working of the blessed Spirit. Let us then ask if our hopes are fixed on Christ, according to the doctrine of his word? Have we devoted ourselves as holy temples to God through him? Are we habitations of God by the Spirit, are we spiritually-minded, and do we bring forth the fruits of the Spirit? Let us take heed not to grieve the holy Comforter. Let us desire his gracious presence, and his influences upon our hearts. Let us seek to discharge the duties allotted to us, to the glory of God.

-Adam Adair 04/15/24

Matthew Henry commentary:  John 19:31-37 A trial was made whether Jesus was dead. He died in less time than persons crucified commonly did. It showed that he had laid down his life of himself. The spear broke up the very fountains of life; no human body could survive such a wound. But its being so solemnly attested, shows there was something peculiar in it. The blood and water that flowed out, signified those two great benefits which all believers partake of through Christ, justification and sanctification; blood for atonement, water for purification. They both flow from the pierced side of our Redeemer. To Christ crucified we owe merit for our justification, and Spirit and grace for our sanctification. Let this silence the fears of weak Christians, and encourage their hopes; there came both water and blood out of Jesus' pierced side, both to justify and sanctify them. The Scripture was fulfilled, in Pilate's not allowing his legs to be broken, Ps. 34:20 . There was a type of this in the paschal lamb, Ex. 12:46 . May we ever look to Him, whom, by our sins, we have ignorantly and heedlessly pierced, nay, sometimes against convictions and mercies; and who shed from his wounded side both water and blood, that we might be justified and sanctified in his name.

-Adam Adair 01/29/24

May your day be blessed. It’s hard not to be cynical in this old world but in Christ we have the victory.
2 Corinthians 4:16Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.