For the week of June 15, 2026

Core Church Los Angeles – 5-Day Devotional Guide
Title: A Kindred Love

Day 1: The Heart of a Servant
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:1-8

Devotional:
Jesus demonstrated the ultimate example of servanthood by humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross. Paul calls us to embrace this same mindset—to become bond-servants by our own free will, not seeking recognition or reward from others. True servanthood flows from a pure heart that desires only to please the Lord. When we die to our personal wants and desires, we discover the freedom found in serving Christ wholeheartedly. Examine your motives. The Lord sees every act done in secret, and He will reward faithful service in eternity.


Reflection Question: 
Are you serving to receive applause from people, or are you offering your life as a drink offering that rises as vapor to God’s throne?

Prayer:
Take time today to pray that the body of Christ would have hearts that genuinely seek Christ’s interests over our own. Pray that we would take on His heart and grace as we share the good news with others.

Day 2: Kindred Spirits in Christ
Scripture Readings: Philippians 2:19-24

Devotional:
Paul’s relationship with Timothy exemplifies what it means to have a kindred spirit—someone who shares the same passion, burden, and vision for God’s kingdom. Timothy was genuinely concerned for the welfare of others, not seeking his own interests but those of Christ Jesus. In a world where self-promotion dominates, God calls us to find and cultivate relationships with like-minded believers who will sharpen us and hold us accountable. These are friends who will speak truth in love, even when it’s difficult to hear.


Reflection Questions:
Consider your closest relationships: Do they draw you closer to Christ? Are you bonded together for the common goal of advancing the Gospel?

Prayer:
Today, take time to pray for God to surround you with kindred spirits who will journey with you in faith. Proverbs 27:17 states “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Day 3: Sacrificial Love in Action
Scripture Readings: Philippians 2:25-30

Devotional:
Epaphroditus risked his life to serve Paul and complete the mission entrusted to him by the Philippian church. His name means “lovely,” and he truly lived up to it through sacrificial love. Even when sickness brought him to death’s door, he remained burdened not for himself but for those who might worry about him. This is the mark of a balanced believer—one who demonstrates faith through action, carries burdens for God’s work, and finds blessing in giving rather than receiving. Epaphroditus reminds us that faithful service often requires personal sacrifice and perseverance through trials.


Reflection Question:
Who in your life demonstrates selfless love? How can you follow their example today by serving someone sacrificially, expecting nothing in return?

Prayer:
Take time today to pray that the body of Christ would be given the strength to serve sacrificially without seeking recognition. The Lord sees the work that is being done for His glory, even when no one else does.

Day 4: Faithful Wounds of a Friend
Scripture Readings: Proverbs 27:5-6, 17

Devotional:
True friendship in Christ sometimes requires speaking hard truths in love. Proverbs tells us that faithful are the wounds of a friend, while an enemy multiplies kisses. Those with whom we share a kindred love must be willing to encourage us toward holiness, even when it’s uncomfortable. Iron sharpens iron, and genuine Christian community involves mutual accountability and correction. This doesn’t mean being harsh or judgmental, but rather speaking truth with compassion, always pointing each other back to Jesus. Timothy’s relationship with Paul included this dynamic—Paul mentored him, corrected him, and challenged him to walk worthy of his calling.


Reflection Question:
Do you have someone in your life who loves you enough to tell you what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear? Are you that kind of friend to others?
If not, find someone in the church who can be that mentor to you, as Paul was to Timothy.

Prayer:
Take time today to pray that the Lord would deeper kindred relationships within the church family, so that we would all encourage each other to pursue righteousness and have accountability.

Day 5: Living for Eternal Rewards
Scripture Readings: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

Devotional:
As believers, we are saved by grace alone, but how we live matters for eternity. Paul reminds us that we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, where our works will be tested by fire. What we’ve done for the Lord with pure motives will result in eternal rewards; what we’ve done for human recognition will burn away. This isn’t about earning salvation—that’s impossible—but about living with an eternal perspective. Every act of service, every sacrifice, every moment of obedience done as unto the Lord has lasting significance. Like Paul’s desire to be poured out as a drink offering, our lives should rise as fragrant offerings to God’s throne. Choose to invest in what lasts forever.


Reflection Question:
Evaluate your motivations: Are you building with gold, silver, and precious stones, or with wood, hay, and stubble?

Prayer:
Take time today to pray that the body of Christ would be blessed with the grace to die to self and live for Christ. Let our lives be poured out before the Lord as a pleasing fragrant offering.


I pray you have enjoyed this week’s 5-day devotional. Consider forwarding this to a family member or loved one.   See you next week!! — Pastor Steve Wilburn