Stirred, Not Settled

Sluggishness feels safe—but Jesus calls you back into the fellowship of faith.

Kevin Sutherland
July 10, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

Daily Devotional

The Spiritual Sluggard

There’s a subtle temptation to retreat.
To pull back. To quiet quit your calling.
Not because you’ve given up—but because you’re tired.
Disappointed. Overwhelmed by the messiness of people and ministry.

But hear the Word today—don’t forsake the gathering.
Don’t isolate your soul in the name of peace.
Spiritual growth isn’t found in retreat; it’s found in remembering.

Spiritual sluggards seek refuge in routine—quiet time, prayer, personal study—
not realizing these are meant to provoke us back into connection, not escape.

Kingdom Discipleship: A Word from Pastor Kevin

Sons and daughters, hear me—
Your spirituality doesn’t show up when everything is peaceful.
It shows up when you're tired and tested—when you’re tempted to isolate.

It’s easy to sound spiritual alone.
But the test of your maturity is how you show up when there’s tension, injustice, or ingratitude.

Don’t let comfort keep you from community.
Let your faith provoke someone else today. Stir them. Call them higher.
The body of Christ needs you present—not just peaceful.

❝

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

July 10, 2025

Today’s Prayer

Lord,
Forgive me for choosing comfort over connection.
Break the habit of spiritual retreat in me.
Let my devotion provoke others—not just insulate me.
Keep me faithful to your people and your presence.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Have you been using spiritual practices to retreat instead of re-engage?
Who around you needs to be stirred up today toward love and good works?
What’s one way you can show up boldly in community this week?