Devotionals
Pour Out
“As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” — 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NLT)
On October 4, 2023, my mom passed away in her Kentucky home after three years of being on dialysis. On the heels of what became her last trip to the Philippines, I cherish the two weeks that I got to spend with her, sharing memories that will always be just for us. In this video devotional, I share the charge I gave in her eulogy based on her life of pouring out for others.
Lies Women Are Told
“For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged.” — 1 Corinthians 14:31 (NRSV)
If you've been following along with my work for the past year or so, you know that I am studying Women and Theology at Northern Seminary. I've spent countless hours studying Scripture, reading commentaries, and researching the time and culture of the early Church and Jewish law. In this time, God has revealed so many things that I was falsely taught—even with good, God-honoring intentions—about a woman's calling to ministry or leadership and a woman's role as a wife.
Reviving Discipleship
“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.” — Hosea 6:6 (NLT)
The mission of Jesus was always about people, not programs. Those who know me personally know that I am deeply passionate about discipleship. It’s so much more than a class you might take. Being a student of and following Jesus is a way of life. It infiltrates the very fabric of your soul.
Spiritual Gifts & Love
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” — 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1 (NLT)
Have you ever read Scripture and kind of glazed over it because you didn't really know what it was talking about, or it felt too fluffy to understand? The beginning of 1 Corinthians 13 has had that effect on some. Why are we talking about clanging cymbals, and what is the correlation to love? Questions that need answers, Paul!
Priorities: A Lesson from Jesus
“He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.’" —Matthew 15:24 (NRSV)
Most of us have a difficult time keeping our priorities in check. As a result, our attention is divided, our hearts grow weary and what’s most important takes a backseat to the urgent demands. In this devotional, I share a few lessons that Jesus teaches us on priorities and the reason I believe He was able to accomplish the work He did during His earthly life.
Whatever It Takes
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.” — Psalm 34:7 (ESV)
So, about that time that I went up a mountain in Colorado to retreat with Jesus and almost died…
Choosing Hope
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.” – Proverbs 13:12 (NLT)
Sometimes choosing hope is hard. In this short devotional, Pastor Shala shares some of her challenges with hope and how reflecting on the Word of God meets her where she’s at.
Counsel Well
How do you handle unsolicited and bad advice? It can be pretty irritating and insulting. In this message, Pastor Shala dives into Job 8:1-7, where Job’s well-intentioned friend, Bildad decides it’s his turn to offer his advice.